This week was about wrapping up a full month. Setting up a photo booth for professional documentation, looking back at how far my tufting practice has come, and slowly rebuilding the garden after the boars had their way with it. Plus, I accidentally shared the wrong image of Elevate last week, so here's a proper do over. Learning as I go!

I set up the photo booth to capture professional images of my work. Clean backgrounds, consistent lighting, the kind of documentation that galleries and exhibitions require. It’s a massive upgrade and essential infrastructure for being a working gallery artist. These images will live in portfolios, applications, and archives for years.

This photo is from six months ago, early in my journey with this vintage tufting tool from the 1970s. Looking back now, I can see how much has changed. My rhythm, confidence, patience, endurance and love for this tool has only deepened. It's rare to find a practice that feels so right.

This week has been filled with finishing touches. From photos, wood backing, pinning the edges, securing the back, and adding the mounting accessories to the back. The finishing work requires as much precision as the tufting itself.

Focus, finished and photographed. The end of the month is when pieces cross the finish line. My studio practice moves in these monthly rhythms. Building, experimenting, refining, and then this final week where everything comes together. Focus represents weeks of work, and now it's complete. March begins with a fresh frame.

Me holding Elevate, 25" x 32". I accidentally shared the wrong image last week, so here's the proper introduction! Oof, such a human moment. Learning as I go, even with the newsletter. This piece is cotton yarn + naturally-dyed upcycled textiles, which was part of Storied Ground at Kahilu Gallery.

Creamy cashew spiral pasta, a classic comfort food and a staple in our home. Rich, warming, deeply satisfying. The kind of meal that feels like a hug after a busy week. We make this on repeat, it never gets old.

The craft pouch I made with embroidered plumerias on quilted turmeric dyed fabric with a ZIPPER! I was so nervous to sew one in. I find zippers so intimidating, and I couldn't be happier with how it turned out. Stepping out of my creative comfort zone is always worth it.

Before: I was trying to find a photo of my rock raised beds after the boars came through. I found this one that does it justice but ur doggie steals the show. I cant even handle Banjo girl sunbathing on the smallest danger zone of our unfinished porch, shes too much!! She's living la vida loca!

After: Our garden is still building back up. I salvaged what I could from the boar destruction and added this beyond cute white raised bed. It's coming together, plant by plant. The resilience required for off grid gardening never stops teaching me patience.

Sweet Pea building fairy houses out of sticks, purple leaves, orange blooms, a bucket ‘pool’, and whatever else we could find. Watching her construct tiny worlds with such care, intention and imagination, is my absolute favorite. She’s a dream come true!

I am so excited for March, there’s so much coming up to share!

Love,

Coco