Hello, Smoky Wood family!
As the year draws to a close, I reflect on all the growth, support, and inspiration that have made this journey so meaningful. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each of you who has supported my work, whether by purchasing a piece, sharing kind words, or simply cheering me on from afar. Your encouragement has been the foundation of Smoky Wood Studios, and I could not have come this far without you.
Lessons from This Year:
This year has been a teacher in so many ways. Here are a few lessons that have stood out to me:
- Put yourself out there. It’s not always easy to step outside your comfort zone, but it’s where growth happens. Every time I’ve shared my art, even when it felt vulnerable, it has opened doors and deepened connections.
- Keep going; you’ll figure it out. The path isn’t always clear, but persistence pays off. Through trial and error, I’ve learned more about running a creative business than I could have imagined.
- Personal connections matter. Whether it’s chatting with you at a market or connecting over social media, these interactions bring so much joy and remind me why I create.
- Be consistent. Staying true to my art style and mission has helped me communicate my vision effectively. Consistency builds trust and allows my art to resonate deeply with others.
- Investing in yourself is powerful. From learning new techniques to growing personally, these investments have fueled my creativity and reinforced my belief in my work.
- My art conveys my mission. Knowing that my pieces embody my vision—helping others slow down, connect with nature, and find joy in the details is deeply fulfilling.
Looking Ahead: As I step into the new year, I’m thrilled to share some exciting plans for Smoky Wood Studios:
- Seasonal Surprise Boxes: Four times a year, I’ll release 25 curated surprise boxes, each filled with unique handmade creations to spark joy and wonder. I already started creating the March box and I am so excited about it!
- Focused Collections: I’ll create cohesive collections of 6 to 8 pieces at a time, allowing me to explore themes more deeply and offer more meaningful work. Let me know what you would like to see, just hit reply to this email.
- Selective Markets: I’ve learned the value of balance, so I’ll participate in one market or event per month to stay connected while maintaining focus on my art.
- More Tutorials and Patterns: Education and creativity go hand in hand. I’ll be offering more resources to help others explore the world of pyrography.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Your support has meant everything, and I can’t wait to see where the next chapter takes us.
Here’s to a new year filled with creativity, connection, and inspiration.
Cheers,
Petra
P.S. The otter, fox, and squirrel are available until Sunday before they head off to a Gallery, so this is your chance to get one of them.
