top of page
Search

March 2026 | Taking Up Space

Learning to Take Up Space

March felt like a month of stepping forward before I felt completely ready...

I put together my gallery wall at High Country Artisans and started taking shifts there, which has been exciting but a little nerve racking as well... There’s something different about seeing your work under gallery lights instead of in your studio corner, especially when surrounded by a bunch of other amazing, local artists.


We went to Silverthorne First Friday in February which had a wonderful theme of a Wish Lantern Festival, and later in the month I was a vendor at the first ever Third Thursday  in Breckenridge. Both nights reminded me how much I love being part of a small and creative community. While a lot of people end up in Summit County because of the outdoor adventures it leads to, I always am impressed with the amount of art-forward gatherings it has to offer.


Somewhere in there, I released a new collection of earrings. In addition I finished and delivered a custom sticker for a friend who owns Columbine Ski & Sport (check them out they are amazing!). It was such a fun sticker to work on and I was so excited about the end product. It was especially meaningful that it was for a local business.



Winter Attempts, and Cinnamon Rolls

Stephen and I attempted to cross-country ski and fat bike the Mineral Belt Trail in Leadville — emphasis on attempted. Not enough snow for good skiing but Stephen was at least able to get some fun out of the day. This season has really not been one for snow! ....But we did get Otis the most adorable Melanzana, which honestly made the trip worthwhile.


February consisted of sick days, cozy games, and homemade cinnamon rolls. We participated in the Keystone wine and whiskey tasting for Valentine’s Day which was super fun and also celebrated a friend’s birthday with an escape room!


The Tea Towel Saga

And then there was the tea towel situation.

I landed an incredible wholesale order — 100 towels per month for the next few months. The kind of order that makes you sit back and think, okay… this is real. And immediately, the towels I had sourced became unavailable.


So I pivoted. Tested new suppliers. Compared weights and textures. My house briefly turned into a linen lab. Then, the DTF (Direct to Foil) transfers came back oversaturated. Like, aggressively bright in a way that didn’t feel like my work at all. I spent a week working with the print company to adjust colors and reprint so I could assemble them at home.


The corrected batch arrived three days before my shipping deadline and they looked GREAT. But when I opened the box… I had only received a third of my order. There were a few deep breaths. A few late nights, and an assembly line in my studio fueled by Gray's Anatomy. There was printing, pressing, trimming, folding, wrapping, and stacking. And somehow — I got everything out on time.


It was stressful and frustrating and also clarifying. I’m learning what it means to manufacture at a larger scale. I’m building systems. I’m figuring out how to solve problems when the stakes are higher than “oh well, I’ll restock next month.” It didn’t go smoothly. But it did get done. But here's to a more smooth and slightly less stressful approach in the following months!

The Little Art Club Progresses

In the middle of all that chaos, this month's Little Art Club was designed, created, and went out into the world. This month’s artwork leaned bold and floral — a little celebration fo the first day of spring coming up this month even while winter should still technically be here. The theme was to "Take Up Space", a reminder to exist in a space confidently, and not making yourself feel smaller to make other people feel more comfortable (within reason). Every member received a postcard print, coordinating vinyl sticker, a letter from me, and this month’s bonus: a bookmark.


SPOILER ALERT! March Little Art Club artwork reveal on the next slide!


Also, I’m trying something new...

You can now purchase Little Art Club as a limited subscription — one month, three months, six months, or a full year. It is such a great gift option.... Maybe something for your friend's birthday, mother's day, for someone going through something, or honestly, for yourself. There’s something about small, tangible mail that makes any day just a little brighter.

Little Art Club (Subscription)
From$12.00
Buy Now
Little Art Club (1 Time Purchase)
From$12.00
Buy Now

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Breck Create Third Thursdays
March 19, 2026, 5:00 – 8:00 PMBreckenridge
Check It Out!

March wasn’t tidy. It wasn’t perfectly planned. It was full of pivots and community and cinnamon rolls and manufacturing mishaps and showing up anyway.


And maybe that’s the point. If you’re here — reading along, supporting this little wandering art life of mine — thank you. I’m grateful for you. Happy first day of spring!!




 
 
 

February 2026 | Studio changes, Manufacturing Mishaps, and The Little Art Club

Life Lately

This past month has been a scramble between balancing my business, work at the library, and enjoying free time with friends! I've cultivated new friendships, enjoyed cross-country skiing and have suffered through a few days of downhill skiing with some game nights mixed between. I also cherished a lovely hut trip for a friend's birthday as well as attended Frisco's Eat Ski Be Merry event for the first time.


At home, we celebrated Otis’ first birthday (still can’t believe how big he's gotten, yet he is still so small!). I also welcomed a new e-bike into my life… which is currently waiting patiently for the snow to melt. Until then, I’ve been content watching Stephen fully enjoy his new fat bike, carving joy into snowy trails while I cheer from the sidelines.


Among the goods things in life, I also have been carrying a lot of sadness and anger around current events, especially as a Minnesotan, born and raised. I’m still figuring out what my voice sounds like in moments like this, and where—and how—I want to share it. For now, that processing shows up quietly: in conversations, calls with senators, in making things with my hands, and in trying to stay honest about what I’m feeling, even when I don’t yet have tidy words for it.


Studio Upgrades & Ongoing Projects

A lot is happening behind the scenes. I added a new heat press and a new printer to my home studio, which means I can now manufacture more of my own goods in‑house—prints, stickers, tea towels, and more. It’s been a season of learning curves: dialing in printer settings, experimenting with finishes, and realizing just how much nice paper matters.

One big milestone: I (almost) officially finished my Town of Dillon map. That project has lived as an ongoing file on my ipad for quite for a long time, so finally calling it done feels really, really good. Technically we are going through final revisions this week but I am excited to finally share it with you all!


The Little Art Club & Other New Offerings

Being able to make more of my own products has opened up a lot of freedom. I can try new ideas without committing to huge quantities, which means more variety and more room to wander creatively.

The Little Art Club, my snail mail stationary club, has quickly become the biggest and most meaningful new chapter of the year.


Little Art Club is a monthly envelope of original artwork and paper goods, made slowly and thoughtfully, and sent straight to your mailbox.

It’s rooted in my love of illustration and that nostalgic feeling of getting something joyful in the mail—something that isn’t a bill or an ad.


Right now, the club is small (like, very small), and that’s okay. It feels tender and a little scary to put this little club out there but I am hoping to push through this slow start. Especially during an unsettling time in many of our lives, I am hoping this little envelope of goods brings joy and something to look forward to for others.


If you’ve ever wanted a reason to pause, to collect something tactile, or to feel connected through art—even just once a month—this is for you. Supporting the club also supports me in continuing to make work this way. If you are interested in receiving a monthly art print/postcard, letter, sticker, and occasional other goods, please subscribe to this club and help me from going back to a 9-5 job:) You can cancel at anytime.


Alongside the club, I’ve also been releasing new sticker designs, tea towels, and experimenting with small-batch products like magnetic bookmarks, sticker sheets for stationery lovers, and beanies and baseball hats with the new tools I have in my office.


Little Art Club
From$12.00
Shop Now

Reading Great Blue Heron | Magnetic Bookmark
$6.00
Shop Now
Ski Chicks | Sticker Sheet
$5.00
Shop Now

Events & Community

I’m excited to be part of Third Thursdays, a new event series put on by Breck Create at the Riverwalk Center in Breckenridge. I’ll be participating throughout the series, and I can’t wait to see how it takes shape.


In addition, I’m also honored (and thrilled) to share that I was accepted into the High Country ARTisans Gallery in Silverthorne, CO. Being part of a local co-op alongside other talented makers feels like a really meaningful step this year.

Breck Create Third Thursdays
February 19, 2026, 5:00 – 8:00 PMBreckenridge
Check it Out!

Thanks for tuning in! I hope you enjoy my updates from Summit County, CO. As always, feel free to hit me up for wholesale inquiries, licensing deals, or commissions!




 
 
 

Reflecting on My First (Official) Year in Business

Starting this business has been equal parts exciting, challenging, and full of learning. While I’d been dabbling in local markets for a few years, this was the first year I stepped away from a full-time "real job" role to intentionally put my time and energy into growing this work. When I officially launched in May, I was carrying a mix of hope, nerves, and a lot of unanswered questions. As the year comes to a close, I wanted to take a step back and reflect on these first months.

Starting Strong: The Early Months


While I officially launched my business in May, the planning started while my husband and I were abroad on our four month adventure. The initial phase focused on setting up the essentials:


Rebranding

  • Business Name

    • Previously, the business name I did business as was called "Q is for Quirk". I never really loved this name but wanted to incorporate my last name...for obvious reasons. After many conversatinos with ChatGPT, my husband, and myself, I finally landed on Quirks of Art. I thought it was a fun pun, it incorporated my name, and it left space for my business to expand in different ways as opposed to focusing on one medium because if you know me, I can never just do one thing. Of course, right after I registered my business name from our hotel in Bali so I could start applying for market applications and a sales tax license, my husband lovingly pointed out that my business name could also be read as Quirks O Fart. I was mortified but have not learned to laugh at it. My husband always reminds me of the obvious truth that yes..... farts are funny.

  • Logo

    • Next, came the logo. I struggled with this one quite a bit. If you ahve been following me the past few years, you may know that what really got me started in markets was some watercolor illustrations I made of my backyard chickens up to their silly adventures. Chickens have continued to shine in my artwork even though Ive been expanding to some other topics. But in the end, I knew I needed to go with a chicken-centric logo which is why I ended up with my current logo.

Building a simple but effective website: This became the hub for information and contact. Its been a fun way to show off projects that I've been working on and an important way to connect with those that are not on social media. It has been fun to challenge myself with these blog posts, especially since writing is NOT a strong suit of mine.

Overcoming Challenges and Adapting

No business journey is without obstacles! Here are some hurdles I've overcome in the last few months, and some i'm still working on jumping over!


Pricing & suppliers: One of my biggest challenges this year was finding new suppliers and dialing in pricing. I needed prices that felt reasonable at markets, while also making sense for wholesale and staying profitable. There was a lot of tweaking and learning, but I feel much clearer on what works now.


Market setup (and the elements): Creating a market display that shows my work well and doesn’t take forever has been an ongoing process. Wind — and sometimes rain — has been its own special challenge, especially with lightweight products. I’ve learned not to cheap out on gear (RIP the dolly), and upgrading to a wagon was a total game changer. One day I’d love to not look like the most unorganized person at setup and actually appear like I know what I’m doing. Next year, I am VERY excited to dive into a new tent!


Which markets are worth it: I’ve been learning which markets are truly beneficial by looking at entry fees, sales, and how much time and energy each one requires. Not every market is a good fit, and figuring that out has helped me be more intentional. On the plus side, I've found out that I do a lot better at markets that are closer to home or in similar communities.


Wearing all the hats: Running this business means switching between creator, owner, marketer, salesperson, bookkeeper, and inventory manager. Balancing all of that alongside my part-time work as a substitute at the library has taken some adjustment, but I’m slowly finding my rhythm.


Selling myself & claiming the title: As an introvert, selling myself doesn’t come naturally. I’ve also struggled with calling myself an artist — when people ask what I do, I still tend to say “librarian” first, or sheepishly mention that I have an art business. Learning to talk about my work confidently, and to own that title, has been uncomfortable but important growth this year.

Celebrating Milestones and Wins

Despite the challenges, there were many moments worth celebrating:


Markets across Colorado: I participated in 20 markets this year, ranging from Boulder to Grand Lake to Glenwood Springs. They varied from quick four-hour days to full three-day events, each teaching me something new about pacing, setup, and stamina. Even when a market didn't go as well as I expected, I often still got something out of them. I met a lot of great vendors, learned some tricks of the trade, and even got future sales from people that I met at different events!


Retail growth: I added 7 new retail partners this year, starting with just 2 at the beginning of the year. Seeing my work in more physical spaces has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey. Most of my inquiry emails result in no response so when I do hear back from a retailer, it always makes for an exciting day! I have also learned to not take things quite as personally when someone tells me they are not interested.


Custom projects: I completed 13 commissioned projects, spanning everything from a hand-painted chicken coop sign to a National Parks map and a custom business directory for a town (launching in January). The variety has been both challenging and exciting.


Design wins: I won two design contests this year — one for the Blue River Watershed Group flyer and one for the Town of Silverthorne’s First Friday artwork, both coming soon.


Financial growth:I ended the year with a 53% profit margin, which feels like a huge win and a sign that the behind-the-scenes business decisions are starting to pay off.


Time & flexibility: Having a more flexible schedule has allowed me to spend more time with family, help take care of our puppy, and take more frequent trips with my husband and family — something I truly don’t take for granted.


Learning the business side: I learned more this year about business, taxes, and financial systems — things that used to completely confuse me. It’s still a work in progress, but it feels far less intimidating than it once did. Slightly embarrassing, but I finally now understand tax write-offs and WOW, what a difference that has made haha.

Planning for the Future

As the year ends, I am already thinking about the next steps:


Creative growth & reach:I’m hoping to take on more commissioned projects that broaden my reach, especially within my local community. This includes continuing to grow custom work and exploring licensing opportunities as a way to share my work more widely.


Strategy & streamlining: I’m working with a friend to build a strategic plan and take a closer look at which products performed best this year. Using that insight will help streamline future projects and focus my energy on what customers are most excited about.


Efficiency & flexibility: Becoming more efficient in how I run my business is a big priority, allowing me to lean further into a flexible schedule while still supporting steady, profitable growth.


Retail & sustainable growth: I plan to continue expanding into more retail stores, building strong partnerships and growing in a way that feels sustainable, intentional, and aligned with my values.

Final Thoughts on the First Year


Reflecting on these months, I see a journey full of hard work, learning, and small victories. Starting in May gave me a unique perspective on building a business from scratch and adapting quickly. I am excited to bring this business into the future because as we all know, everyday deserves a little QUIRKINESS!




 
 
 
bottom of page