Keeping Sane During THE COVID-19 Quarantine

JUST DOING NOTHING

Now that we’re all feeling the effects of a larger pandemic crisis, we are having to rethink how we live our lives; both in the present as well as long term. I personally am lucky to have work for now, but as we move through this, I’m wondering if the economic crisis will have a delayed impact on my business.

As this quarantine begins to hit home, I’m reminded of how my community of artists as well as my fellow local businesses and friends pulled together during the flood of 2016 when my studio and business was affected in order to support each other.

I would also like to preface this is list with this…it is absolutely, 100%, perfectly acceptable to JUST DO NOTHING. This is not easy and sometimes all you need to do is rest and recharge. Spend some time with your pets or literally just stare at a wall. Whatever your mind and body need at the moment, take the time to give that to yourself. With that in mind, here are some tips and ideas to occupy your mind when you’re ready and to keep your sanity while staying safe at home.

Timmy knows what’s up.

1. Clean & reorganize your workspace (your whole home really) - I cleaned out my home office/craft room, and am going to tackle my studio next. It helps to be able to control your environment when you can’t control much else.

2. Work on some new samples

3. Renew my CEU for interior designers

4. Make and list notecards on my website

5. Promote and sell my artwork that I already have created- Use code CORONA right now to get 20% off of all of my art prints.

6. Make some new patterns for LS Home- fabric can be made and shipped safely!

7. Get home projects checked off your list - I have a “quarantine list” that includes the following:

• Finish a pie safe that I’m going to use for linen storage. I need to create new tin panels. I got replacement tin from this store and patterns are easy to find on Pinterest & Google.

• Try out a few art ideas I’ve been percolating on

• Get my lawnmower up and running

• Start my garden

• Spring is also a good time to go through clothes and donate what you no longer like or need, when donation centers reopen. For extra income, you can sell on FB marketplace or Craigslist and make sure you launder your clothing. Or you could do a clothing swap virtually with neighbors or friends.

Don’t judge my garden lol.

My pie safe before quarantine…

8. Focus on some virtual marketing to get through the *now*

• Set your website up for e-commerce: My mural e-book is a great resource for folks who have work but don’t want to be in clients’ homes or businesses.

• Look out for partnering opportunities with other businesses - think outside of the box.

• Try making some videos of my classes to enable folks to work from home

9. Support local business by ordering food, buying gift certificates to be used later. Postmates, Orderup, etc. are offering free local delivery with a no-contact delivery option at drop off. For my fellow business owners- Squarespace is now offering gift card options which normally are an add-on on their subscriptions.

10. Start a new podcast -

Business related:

• “Kate The Socialite”

• “A Well Designed Business”

• “Art for your Ear; The Jealous Curator”

  Personal enjoyment:

• “Revisionist History - Malcom Gladwell”

• ”The Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe”

11. LISTEN TO MUSIC! LOVING the Wood Brothers, Trampled by Turtles, Cicada Rhythm. Also, lots of musicians are out of work, tune in to Facebook Live concerts and consider supporting them via their Patreon account or making a donation through Venmo or PayPal. A friend who normally hosts open mic at a local bar is hosting a virtual open mic and offering spots for air time. She has set up a Venmo account for the bartender to be able to receive tips. This may be a good idea for other performance related artists or even visual artists.

12. Catch up on TV & Movies - What the heck is up with this Tiger series on Netflix?! I’ve been bingeing on “Call The Midwife” because its simple and feel-good.

13. Read a book - Anything Barbara Kingsolver, also “Better Off; Flipping the Switch on Technology” by Eric Brende, and definitely Brene Brown.

Homemade chili (secret ingredient is the chili powder bought in Hatch NM)

14. Cook - Lol I don’t cook, but I do LOVE some Freshly! I know cooking can bring others a lot of comfort and offers the opportunity to work with your hands, so why not try a new recipe?

15. Enjoy a cocktail or three - I’ve been sipping on my own personal “Quarantini” with Gin, Seltzer, Cranberry Kombucha, and a squeeze of lime. Light, refreshing, and low sugar!

Quarantini!

16. Take a virtual tour of a museum - You can tour the Guggenheim here or find a bunch of other resources on Google.

17. Foster a pet during quarantine - Small Miracles is doing fostering as well as other shelters in the area.

18. Schedule a virtual happy hour with friends - Skype & Facebook happy hours do SO MUCH for your sanity. Reach out to people you haven’t seen or spoken to in a while. It’s a great time to catch up.

19. Virtual trivia night - Charm City Trivia and Walsh Trivia are doing virtual team trivia. It’s cheap to sign up and your team members can be anywhere in the country.

20. Go for a walk - Maryland just instituted shelter in place, but you’re still allowed quick walks around the neighborhood by yourself or with members of your household.

21. Work out virtually - Our yoga teacher is doing FB live yoga on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

22. Volunteer to get supplies for the more vulnerable members of your community (if you are lower risk) - Check places liked Nextdoor or local Facebook groups to see if high-risk members of your community need help picking up supplies. You can do a no-contact dropoff and help reduce the risk of spreading.

23. Check out books from your library online - You can virtually check out books, magazines & movies with apps for most library systems if you already have a library card. Here’s a link to Baltimore County’s apps.

24. Learn a new skill by watching YouTube or joining a service such as MasterClass - It could be related to your profession or something you’ve been meaning to learn forever- like how to create a repeat pattern! Or how to fix my lawnmower.

25. Craft it up - Take a look at your Pinterest board and FINALLY do some of those awesome crafts you’ve been saving for years.

Stay safe, everyone. xo, Dee

Traveling to Inspire Creativity + My Trip To Cuba!

A goal that I set for myself after my divorce was to travel to one new place each year, either with a group, a friend, or solo. My first trip was to New Mexico as a “honeymoon” to myself to celebrate my new life. Since then, I’ve traveled to Marrakech, Chamonix, and now Havana! 

When I travel, my goal is to remain open-minded and try to go with the flow. If I have a rigid agenda I will miss things that inevitably pop up. It’s hard for me to do that since I’m such a planner, but some of my best moments have been when I’ve just let go and let things happen.

This is especially true when I travel solo. Being exposed and vulnerable enables you to be more receptive to trying new things. I can be a little intimidating but the rewards are so worth it.  

When I traveled to New Mexico, I met two local artists in Santa Fe and ended up spending the day and evening with them visiting one of his mentor’s art studio and home. The experience left a profound impression on me.

When I was returning from Chamonix I spent the day before exploring Geneva. As luck would have it I was touring an old cathedral and a good friend of mine walked around the corner! We ended up catching up and having a great dinner before we both returned separately to the states the following day.

Ultimately, I travel to expand my mind and creativity…which got me thinking. I should share tips that may help you to travel to inspire your own creativity!

TIP #1: STAY IN AN AIRBNB, VRBO, HOMEAWAY, ETC.

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Staying in an Airbnb, etc. allows you a lot more freedom to choose a neighborhood that you’re interested in. Often times, hotels aren’t available in every area. Airbnbs give you a chance to live like a local and potentially talk to your host about their recommendations for things to do in the area. Not to mention, you’re literally staying right next door to the locals!

When my best friend and I travelled to Havana, we stayed in an Airbnb.

This was for two reasons. One, we wanted to stay in the neighborhood where we would be exploring, and two, Americans are not allowed to patronize hotels because they are owned by the Cuban Government.

Our airbnb was so cool. It was billed as an artist’s flat and had a ton of paintings and artifacts. The building was built in 1918 and still had the original tile floor. We were able to walk to different areas of the city and our manager, Nestor, became sort of our tour guide. We hired him to take us on a walking tour of Old Havana (Havana Vieja) and a few day excursions. The best part was he had a car so we didn’t have to navigate using the local taxis. 

One thing that I would do differently when I return is to stay just outside of Havana Vieja in the neighborhood of Vinales. The old part of town is very noisy and can be a bit smelly due to the lack of emissions control.

TIP #2: DO YOUR RESEARCH & SET A FEW GOALS OR INTENTIONS BEFORE YOU GO

This will help with focus your trip.  For instance, say you’re interested in expanding your use of color and technique in your own work.  Use that to guide your experience.  Seek it out. Use it as a point of reflection.

When my friend and I decided to go to Cuba, our first goal was to find where the art was. That wasn’t hard due to the fact that some of our friends have already visited and could help us with recommendations.

In my personal artwork I am drawn to the decayed and old. My plan was to soak in the crumbling architecture and admire the vintage cars that Cubans still drive, taking as many photos as I could.

Before I left, I also tried to pinpoint a few galleries or museums that I could visit so that I could become familiar with the local art scene and perhaps meet a few artists that could suggest things that may not be on the beaten path.  

The beauty in the decay was breathtaking. One day while we were walking down the famous Obispo, I spotted a painting in the window of an artist gallery/studio that caught my eye. The artist painted the old cars of Cuba and I was instantly smitten. Even though he did not speak English, my terrible Spanish and sign language conveyed our mutual admiration for our chosen subject matter. 

The other goal I set for myself was to have the opportunity to play with a local band. It finally happened when we found a cafe and had some mojitos after a long day of walking. As we were about to leave, a group began setting up.

I spotted an upright bass and with the courage of the rum, I walked up and said in Spanish, “I play as well.” The young man handed me the bass and the guitarist began playing a song and I picked up on the chord progression, which turned out to be “Oye Como Va” by Santana! I laughed at the guitarist and we all had a good chuckle. During one of their songs they asked me to sit in while the bassist walked around the cafe for tips. It was one of the best experiences I’ve had.  

TIP # 3: DON’T JUST OBSERVE, IMMERSE

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On the flip side of goal-setting, don’t be afraid to experience it all.  Take public transportation. Talk to locals. Experience everything that the arts have to offer. 

Our first night we walked from our flat to the Hotel Inglaterra where a band was playing on the terrace. There were people dancing all around and we ended up befriending a few people that were there on holiday to learn salsa dancing. We garnered a few tips on what to do and where to go.

We also met up with a young woman named Chici who was recommended to us by another friend. She took us via taxi out to the neighborhood where she lived to experience her friend’s restaurant which did not disappoint.  

TIP #4: TALK TO THE LOCALS

To expand on the previous idea, talk to everyone!  Look for people who are master of their craft and ask them about their process.  Ask them where they get their inspiration.  Ask ask ask.

TIP #5: DOCUMENT EVERYTHING!

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Take two kinds of pictures.  Take all of the fun pictures that you would normally take on your trip to document the experience.  But also, take pictures focused on your goals & intentions that you set for yourself.  Create a separate folder devoted just inspiration.  Take close up pictures and a create a digital mood board.

Texture is what I’m usually drawn to so many of my pictures were focused on the beautiful decay that was all around Cuba. I left the trip feeling incredibly inspired!

TIP #6: REFLECT THROUGH WRITING

Even if you’re not much of a writer, try to document your trip daily through writing.  It’s a great way to reflect on your experience. It’s also a time capsule into your mindset at the time. 

When we began researching our trip to Cuba we learned that we would have to create an itinerary in order to document our visit (this is a requirement of the US Government). I kept the paper, not only because we are required to for seven years, but to also remember where we visited.

When I travel I usually bring a small notebook to jot down suggestions, ideas, and/or contact info. When I went to New Mexico, I would write down where I planned to go each day and made notes about the places and thoughts I had. 

TIP #7: BRING BACK PIECES OF YOUR TRIP

Have a tactile reminder of your time spent that you can put in the room where you create.  The more the better.  They don’t even need to be expensive souvenirs.  They can be something as simple as a beautiful menu!  Take back as many little trinkets as you can. 

I always save my plane tickets, receipts, maps, and notes in a small box. I label the outside so that if and when I want to go back and reminisce I can just grab it out of my closet. 

It’s funny, when I was in New Mexico I visited Georgia O’Keeffe’s house and studio in Abuiqiu and I noticed in a back closet shelves full of boxes labeled with the different places she had visited. I was inspired to do the same.

In Havana, we went to a house where the owner collects all kinds of things from art to furniture to trinkets, etc. When I walked in the door I immediately spotted an old license plate resting on a shelf. I knew it was meant for me and I brought it back home where it currently sits on my mantel. I thought it fitting since it ties in with my love of old cars and such.

I also wanted to buy a painting from a local artists but missed my opportunity when I came back the next day and he was closed! Lesson learned- always buy it, never wait.  

TIP #8: SEEK OUT OTHERS IN YOUR FIELD & TAKE A WORKSHOP OR CLASS

Learn from the locals and the masters of their field.   

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Though this trip wasn’t focused on a workshop, I have typically done a trip around a workshop. In New Mexico I took a three day retreat on Georgia O’Keeffee at the Ghost Ranch.

In Marrakech, I took a 10 day art and culture retreat with Melanie Royals.

In Chamonix was where the annual Salon was held by Pascal Amblard. I have toyed with the idea of going back to Cuba to create an artist retreat that would expose Americans to the Cuban culture. 

TIP #9: TAKE IN ALL OF THE ARTS & CULTURE, EVEN IF YOU THINK THEY’RE NOT DIRECTLY RELATED TO YOUR FIELD

Eat your way through the city.  Visit local markets.  Take a cooking class. See local musicians. Visit an art museum.  You never know where inspiration may come from.  The more experiences, the better. 

One of the days we dedicated to visiting a local farm that collects and preserves local flora. They have a program that allows elderly people without family to come for a meal and to help out. There is a restaurant attached that uses the local produce to create exquisite meals.  

On another day we drove out to Fusterlandia to visit the artist’s home and neighborhood.  

We also made sure to visit Fabrica De Arte Cubana, which is a community of artists including visual, musical, and dance, all in an old warehouse.  

TIP #10: WHEN YOU GET HOME, CREATE SOMETHING BASED ON YOUR TRIP

Create something to remind yourself of the trip. If you’re a painter, paint. If you’re a writer, write. Cook, etc.  A great way to kick start that experience is to take all of the inspirational photos you took, print out your favorites and create a mood board along with your trinkets that you brought home.  Put it in your office or studio and let it inspire you! 

I made a necklace using beach glass I collected from when we went to Playa. Whenever I wear it I’m reminded of the beautiful people and places of Cuba.

BONUS TIP - REVISIT THOSE FEELINGS OF INSPIRATION BY SEEKING OUT LOCAL EXPERIENCES BACK HOME TO REMIND YOU OVER YOUR TRIP.

Maybe there’s a restaurant or art exhibit in your town featuring artists from your trip. All of your experiences are now a part of you and your journey.

So that’s it! All of my tips for traveling to spark your own creativity. Cuba was really such a beautifully enriching experience that I could go on and on about. If you’re planning a trip message me for some more recommendations about things to see and do.

Happy Traveling!

Dee 

My Guide to Shopping Small + Local This Holiday Season!

My Journey into Small Business | A Local Gift Guide | 20% Lenehan Studios Sale | 2020 Workshop Ideas

Big Things OFTEN HAVE SMALL BEGINNINGS…

My involvement in the small business community started when I began decorative painting as a career almost 20 years ago while still teaching art.

I started painting murals for friends and began taking classes in plaster and other decorative finishes so that I could transition to being a full time artist. I always wanted to be a “real” artist but never really knew how to make money painting. Once I discovered the decorative art field, I was sold.

One of my first projects, my parents mantle, 2008.

In 2012, I moved my studio to main street in Ellicott City and the following fall I began an event called “ArtWalk” which highlighted the many art studios and galleries in historic Ellicott City. That morphed into the “Ellicott City Arts Coalition” and still exists today though I am no longer part of the group.

Side note, if you haven’t gone to Midnight Madness in Old Ellicott City, you must check it out this Friday!

My vision was to help fellow small creative entrepreneurs become more successful at marketing and selling their work, as well as create a community where we could establish public awareness of the arts in our town. Small business had officially become one of my passions.

Small business isn’t for the faint of heart

I love the idea of shopping “small” because you are supporting your friends, neighbors, and investing in your own community. We as small business owners are invested so deeply in what we do; with our hearts, minds, souls, and a lot of sweat and tears, (and some blood) into making our dream successful.

My experience during the 2016 flood really solidified the bond of the small community we have because we all came together to help each other through such a traumatic event.

The act of giving is worth more than the gift

Giving a gift, whether it’s an act of service, a token of love, or just a helping hand, can make the giver feel needed and appreciated. I love giving thoughtful gifts because it allows me to show the receiver that I know them and I listen to what they’ve said throughout our friendship.

A thoughtful gift, even an inexpensive one, can speak volumes about your love and attention for the other person. And the receiver will be flattered that you thought of them and will be touched by your kindness and generosity. 

I know that we don’t need more material things, so I like to give by doing something special, or perhaps giving tickets to an event for a memorable experience, or purchasing a class for someone who may not necessarily spend the money for it themselves.

MY SMALL BIZ / LOCAL GIFT GUIDE!

I’ve compiled a selection of some of my favorite small and local businesses and charities if you’re looking for a way to shop small this season. I’ve also included an exclusive Small Business Saturday sale - 20% off my online store Cyber Monday thru Friday, December 6th. Just use code SHOPSMALL at checkout!

Happy Gifting!

Domain By Laura Hodges

Visit: 710 Frederick Road Catonsville, MD 21228 // Shop: www.laurahodgesstudio.com // Instagram: @laurahodgesstudio  

Domain by Laura Hodges showcases handmade and fair trade items in her store in Catonsville. I even have a few pieces there myself. She represents several local artists and makers and is a great place to find something unique!

Kenyan Napkin Rings - Ivory

Wall Planter - Gray

Sugarfina Moscow Mule Bears

Ying & Yang Leather Earrings by Lenehan Studios

Urban Threads Home & Life

The Shops at Kenilworth 854 Kenilworth Drive Towson, MD 21204 // www.urbanthreadshome.com //Instagram: @urbanthreadshome

Urban Threads Home & Life is owned by my friend Jane O’Donoghue and she has some really fun gifts and home decor. You can see some pillows there made with my LS Home fabrics!

BMORE Pillows

Gratitude Glass Jars

Maryland Soy Candles

Life's A Party In Baltimore Cutting Board

Maria Louise High

marialouisehigh.bigcartel.com// Instagram @marialouisehigh

My friend Maria High makes really awesome jewelry, which you can purchase online!

Reef Earrings - Deep Kelp

Barnacle Ring I

Sand and Surf Pendant VII

Sand & Surf Stacking Ring, Gold

Mt. Royal Soaps

2740 A Huntingdon Ave. Baltimore, MD 21211 // mountroyalsoaps.com // Instagram: @mtroyalsoaps

They have a beautiful storefront in the Remington neighborhood in Baltimore. They believe in conscious formulations, sustainability sourced ingredients and creating products that are 100% palm free.

Natty Boh & Sandalwood Soap

Take A Hike Bug Balm

Matcha & Marshmallow Face Mask

Sandalwood Shaving Soap

Neat Nick Preserves

NeatNickPreserves.com // Instagram: @neatnickpreserves

Neat Nick makes DELICIOUS jellies, jams and preserves from high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. What’s more, they support both big and small community-based organizations here in Maryland. Love!

Hot Toddy Apple Butter

Creamsicle Jelly

Pineapple Hot Pepper Jelly

Rose Jelly

Charm City Craft Mafia’s “Holiday Heap”

Some great (more than 50!!) local makers can be found at Charm City Craft Mafia’s “Holiday Heap” on December 7th // 2640 Space 2640 Saint Paul Street Baltimore, MD 21218 9am-5pm

Forest Culture Design

FuzzyMug

Almanac Industries

Stone Spice Company

The Gift of Donation

If you have someone on your list who has it all, consider making a donation to a charity in their honor.

The Children’s Home in Catonsville

This upcoming year, I’m helping Laura Hodges redo the cafeteria at the Children’s Home in Catonsville. The Children’s Home provides residential and community services for young people and families who have experienced disruption in their lives.

This year, they’ve created a Holiday Giving Program in which you can give specific presents to the child and youth residents and help make the holiday season special for them! Click here for all of the details as well as the 2019 wish list.

Ronald McDonald House

My local chapter of the International Decorative Painting League is donating murals to the Ronald McDonald House, which provides a home-away-from-home for seriously ill children and their families. Ronald McDonald house offers a wide variety of giving options from donations to families with unexpected medical bills to dedications & honors donations. You can read all about the different donation options here.

A LENEHAN STUDIOS SALE!!

In honor of shopping small this holiday season, I’m running a site-wide sale for 20% off of everything. This Cyber Monday through December 6th, get 20% off using code SHOPLOCAL at checkout.

Shop Jewelry

Shop LS Home

Shop Art

Shop E-book

GIFTS OF EXPERIENCE

I’m looking for ideas for upcoming for upcoming workshops and I’d love to hear from all of you! Let me know below what you’d be interested in learning this January or February.

What classes would you be interested in for 2020?

Happy Holidays, everyone! I am so grateful for my small business community and for all of you!

-Dee