July2025
There’s something about summer that makes life feel a little lighter.
The routines slow down, the days stretch endlessly, and suddenly there’s this quiet permission to start fresh—to pick up new hobbies, chase small adventures, or simply enjoy old familiar things like popsicles melting too fast in the heat.
This month’s mini painting is exactly that—a sweet little ode to summer days gone by, painted in the form of those colorful, icy treats we all know and love. Maybe they remind you of running barefoot through the sprinklers, neighborhood pool days, or the sticky hands and sugar highs of childhood. For me, they’re a simple reminder to stay playful—to embrace the season for all its joy, color, and spontaneity.
New Seasons, New Projects
Speaking of playful—this summer I’ve been leaning into new projects of my own, especially with embroidery. If you’ve been following along, you might’ve seen the beach shirts, the embroidered totes, or the little beaded details popping up on denim lately. It started as a fun side experiment—a way to use my hands, try new stitches, and mix thread with texture—and it’s quietly become one of my favorite parts of my creative practice.
There’s something special about starting something without overthinking it. Summer gives us that window, doesn’t it? Less pressure, more curiosity. I picked up the embroidery needle again during one of those “let’s just see where this goes” moments, and it’s been exciting to watch it grow into its own little corner of my work.
It reminds me that beginnings don’t have to be big, bold declarations. Sometimes, they look like stitching a tiny sun onto a shirt. Or painting a popsicle on a sweltering afternoon just because it made me smile.
Chasing the Summer Feeling
July, in particular, feels like the heart of summer. The long weekends, the fireworks fading, the afternoons that practically demand iced drinks and shade—there’s this in-between energy that feels ripe for starting things. You don’t need grand resolutions or complicated plans. Sometimes it’s enough to just say yes to something new.
That could be a creative project, a road trip, a hobby you’ve been putting off, or even making space to rest a little more. I’m learning that those slow starts often turn into the most meaningful things, even if they begin as small as thread and fabric or paint and paper.
And let’s be honest, summer also comes with its own set of little mantras—the things we say to ourselves when the days are hot and full of possibility:
"It’s too nice out to stay inside."
"I deserve an iced coffee (again)."
"Sunscreen first, always."
"Why not start now?"
"One more swim won’t hurt."
"It’s never too late to try something new."
"Slow down, it’s summer."
"Treat yourself to something sweet."
"The to-do list can wait."
"Popsicles count as dinner, right?"
Those little reminders, as silly or simple as they seem, keep me grounded in the season. They’re what nudge me to try new projects, to let go of the pressure, and to embrace a little more fun.
Popsicles, Nostalgia, and Why We Keep Coming Back
The popsicle painting for this month’s mini is, at its core, about nostalgia—the kind that sneaks up on you when the heat shimmers off the pavement or you hear the faint jingle of an ice cream truck. It’s a little reminder to embrace the carefree energy of summer, even as adults with busy schedules.
It’s funny how something as simple as a popsicle can transport you. One bite and suddenly you’re back at a childhood birthday party, or riding bikes around the block, or dripping raspberry red down your chin in the backyard.
Summer has always been full of those sensory snapshots—sunscreen and sea breeze, watermelon slices, sandy towels, cicadas humming at dusk. That’s the feeling I wanted to capture this month, both in paint and in life.
Let’s Meet in Person — Pop-Up This Month!
If you’re local to Orlando, I’d love to share more of that summer energy with you in person. I’ll be popping up again at House on Lang on July 20, bringing some embroidered pieces, new art, and a few other surprises.
House on Lang has been such a fun, supportive space for artists, and the community vibe there always makes these events feel extra special. Whether you’re looking for something handmade, want to say hi, or just need an excuse to cool off inside for a bit, stop by! I’d love to see familiar faces and meet new ones.
A Gentle Nudge to Begin
If there’s something you’ve been thinking of starting—a project, a trip, a hobby, even just picking up a book—you don’t need a perfect plan. Let summer be your permission slip. The days are long, the expectations are low, and the timing? Honestly, it’s probably just right.
So here’s to sticky fingers, cool popsicles, embroidered details, and all the sweet, simple beginnings that can unfold when we give ourselves room to play.
Wishing you a colorful, creative July—