At the Atelier: Slow Valentine Creating with Romantic Layers
Winter has a way of inviting us to slow down — to create with intention instead of urgency. Here in the studio, I’ve been embracing that quieter pace, letting pieces unfold naturally rather than rushing them toward a finish.
This season, my work has been guided by soft color, gathered texture, and the simple act of listening to what each piece needs next. The atelier feels calm, layered, and romantic — a space where inspiration leads instead of instructions.
What I’m Working On This Week
At the Maker’s Table right now are a mix of architectural details and Valentine surfaces, all in various stages of becoming.
One of the main pieces taking shape is a corbel that’s been built up slowly through layered paint, texture, and a gentle top coat of softened color. Hints of blush and warmth peek through the surface, with just enough age showing beneath to give it an old-world feel.
Each layer responds to the one before it — nothing forced, nothing rushed.
Alongside that, Valentine surfaces have been scattered across the table: scalloped hearts, gathered shapes, and pieces meant to be turned over in your hands and imagined into something personal. These are the kinds of projects I love most — the ones that evolve as you work with them.
The Atelier Perspective
I don’t believe every piece needs a plan from start to finish.
Some of the most meaningful work happens when you allow room for adjustment — when restraint becomes part of the process. Creating this way isn’t about copying a look or following steps. It’s about trusting your instincts, responding to what’s in front of you, and knowing when to stop.
This philosophy is at the heart of the atelier. It’s how I create, how I teach, and how I encourage other makers to approach their own work.
Valentine Creating: Now & Beyond
Romantic doesn’t have to mean temporary.
The Valentine pieces I’m working with this season are designed to be used now — and loved long after February has passed. Soft hearts, vintage-inspired details, and layered finishes can easily transition into spring and summer decor with a change of color, texture, or embellishment.
This is where tools like IOD transfers, paint layers, and decoupage papers shine. They allow you to reinterpret a surface again and again, building pieces that feel collected rather than themed.
Watch Along from the Studio
I’ve shared a new studio video that captures this slow Valentine creating — from my inspiration board to textured corbels and gathered surfaces on the table.
It’s a quiet, hands-on look at how I approach layered work and why I value process over perfection. If you enjoy calm, encouraging creative content, I invite you to watch along.
https://youtu.be/xAzwWHUQ5gg?si=nKNU-tfcuxrhcG5A
Shop the Studio
The studio shop is stocked with curated DIY supplies and handmade surfaces created in small batches to support slow, intentional making.
You’ll find:
Architectural surfaces designed for layering and finishing
IOD transfers, moulds, and paint inlays
Decoupage papers and creative materials chosen for versatility
Stencils - so many beautiful designs
Pentart and many supplies
From time to time, I also love including thoughtful studio extras with orders — small creative surprises tucked in as a thank-you to fellow makers.
Current details are always shared in the shop. Here is a current on for this time in January, 2026
Back to the Maker’s Table
Thank you for spending a few quiet moments here at the atelier.
I’ll continue sharing what’s unfolding in the studio — the work in progress, the ideas taking shape, and the creative rhythms guiding the season.
Whether you’re creating Valentine pieces or simply gathering inspiration, you’re always welcome at the Maker’s Table.
