words of encouragement (a fun, quick project)

Although I said I’d planned a studio update for winter, I’ve been making small changes this summer. Painting furniture. Switching out my sewing table. Putting up shelves.

A glimpse into Anne Butera's Studio

My colorful bookshelf and sewing table make me happy each time I walk into the room and I love having shelves over my painting table. Everything seems so much more organized (at least until I mess it up again).

My studio is a joyful place. Part of the joy comes from the simple fact of it. My own space to work and play. But part of it is what I choose to keep there. My flying pigs. Bits of my art and art by other artists. Colorful furniture. Twinkle lights.

Flying pigs bring me joy in my studio

I think it’s important to surround yourself with things that make you happy. One of these days I’ll share another studio tour (after I clean up my messes).

But until then I thought I’d share a fun little project that’s bringing some joy to my space.

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Maybe it’s even too simple to call a project, but it took me long enough to get around to doing it. For some reason I was thinking I needed to get another Scrabble game. Every time I went thrifting I forgot to look at the games. To be honest, I can’t even remember the last time I played Scrabble (so long ago that there was still one of Holden’s hairs in the box. He’s been gone for almost 8 years).

painting by Leigh Anna Newell

painting by Leigh Anna Newell

So one day I pulled out the game and arranged all the letters in alphabetical order and started spelling out words and phrases. I’ve already changed them up a couple times.

I love it! And wish I’d done it sooner.

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If you have an unused Scrabble game in your home, go find it and start leaving messages for yourself (or your family). And if you decide you want to play a game or two, it’s easy enough to collect the trays and tiles to do it.