Robyn's Recess

It's December, and if your calendar is anything like mine, you're running on sparkle and strong coffee!  ​This month's newsletter is an Abbreviated Holiday Edition—because your time is precious, and I want to save you a few minutes while still giving you a dose of inspiration. We've skipped the big tips and tricks section, but you'll still find my special holiday craft, an invitation to the next Saturday Morning Art Club, and a quick list of great gift ideas!

November always feels like a turning point, doesn't it? The air is crisp, the days are getting shorter, and there's a lovely invitation to slow down and embrace a cozy pace. As we start getting ready for the holiday season, I hope you can take a moment to savor the simple pleasures—a warm drink, a good book, and, of course, some dedicated creative time. This month, I'm excited to share some seasonal inspiration, a fantastic watercolor artist I've discovered, and a few little tricks to add texture to your paintings.

October is one of my favorite months. The air gets a bit crisper, the leaves start to change, and everywhere you look, there’s an opportunity for a fun new project, (plus it’s my birthday month). This month's newsletter is packed with all sorts of creative goodness to spark your imagination, from a cozy craft perfect for autumn to a peek at some big plans for the holiday season.

The summer might be over, but the good times don't have to end! Like The Happenings sang, we'll "See You in September." This month's Robyn's Recess is all about embracing the new season and all the fun it has to offer. We're trading in our swimsuits for sweaters and getting ready for autumn adventures. So let's dive into what's new for fall and make some great memories!

As we coast into August, I’m savoring the golden glow of summer—and bringing it into the studio! This month’s Robyn’s Recess is filled with sunshine, stitching, and sweet memories.  I’m also sharing a peek at an embroidered notecard straight from my craft table, plus a sun-drenched color-mixing trick you’ll want to try. You’ll see how that palette inspired one of my recent watercolor paintings, and I couldn’t resist including a little July postcard from our granddaughter’s summer visit.  Let’s dive in…

July has arrived with her long days, golden light, and a gentle nudge to slow down and savor the season ~ because it’s just stinkin’ hot, right?  In this issue, I’m sharing what’s been blooming both in my garden and on my craft table—from flower-filled gouache cutouts to keeping cut flowers fresh and a new birdhouse made with purpose and pattern.  Whether you’re gathering blooms from your yard, planting wildflowers for pollinators, or just making space for small creative moments, I hope something in this month’s issue sparks joy and inspiration. Let’s make art, make time, and make something beautiful together.

Welcome, June! The days are longer, the sun is shining, and there's a definite buzz of summer in the air. I’m embracing all the joy this month brings and can't wait to share some exciting updates, tips, and inspiration to help you make the most of your summer.

May has arrived in a swirl of sunshine, soft breezes, and that irresistible pull to get our hands messy—whether in the garden, the kitchen, or the studio. This month, I’ve been savoring simple joys: experimenting with herbs and handmade papers, playing with paint in fresh new ways, and yes… even asking ChatGPT to help me whip up a recipe for lobster ravioli with pantry ingredients (and it delivered!).

Spring has fully arrived, and with it, fresh inspiration! This month, I'm sharing some crafty birdhouses, an exciting technique for creating faux cyanotypes, my progress with the 100-day project, and a reminder to put out your hummingbird feeders as these tiny wonders return to Tennessee. Plus, I'm continuing to prepare for my Fields of Gold collection debut in May. Let’s dive in!

Hello, creative friends! March is the bridge between winter and spring—a time of renewal, fresh inspiration, and experimenting with new ideas. Let’s dive into what’s been happening in my world, along with some creative insights to spark your own artistic journey!

This is your monthly invitation to step away from the daily grind and dive into a world of playful creativity. Here, we’ll explore crafts, techniques, and inspirations that spark joy and offer a refreshing break.

Creativity isn’t about perfection; it’s about the process, the play, and the discoveries along the way. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or just looking to try something new, Robyn’s Recess is here to inspire and connect.