Ravaryn Rises: A Fresh Start in a New Space!
Studio Update: Rebuilding, Reorganizing, and Reigniting the Spark
It’s been a little while since I last checked in here on the blog—and let’s be honest, a lot has happened. Between rebuilding after the fire, setting up shop again, and transforming my little creative haven into something that feels like me again, it’s been equal parts chaos and catharsis.
But I’m back, and so is this blog—with fresh energy, a mug of something warm or a tumbler of electrolytes and ice,, and graphite and ink stains on my fingers (as it should be).
Before diving back into full-time studio work, I spent a little time working at Joann's while it was closing. The paycheck helped me recoup some moving expenses, and honestly? Having early access to the clearance sales was a blessing in disguise. It allowed me to stock up on art supplies, organizers, and tools I’d lost—little things that helped stitch the studio back together again.
And of course, no update would be complete without mentioning the mini homestead- cats, a Great Dane, & chickens. Our original trio of feathers—tough little survivors from the journey—made the cross-country move with us, and they’ve adapted like champs. This season, we added eight new chicks to the flock (because apparently, I have no self-control when it comes to fluffy little velociraptors). Watching them grow from puffballs into curious, clucking personalities has been a joy. To give them a proper home, we started building a chicken coop from the ground up—equal parts fortress and farmhouse. It’s been a learning curve, and thanks to a family friend who was very kind in helping, that curve included learning new skills in carpentry and roofing. Guess who now knows how to shingle a roof!. There’s something deeply grounding about tending to animals and building a space with your own two hands. Plus, chicken TV? Still top-tier entertainment, but more on that later as well as stories from the mobile homestead - how to get cats, a Great Dane, and chickens from California to New York.
Welcome to Ravaryn: My Witchy Little Work Den
The biggest update? My RV studio—now officially named Ravaryn—is up and running! This space is my mobile stronghold of magic and making. With a little bit of magic, and a timely stop at Home Goods after Halloween decor just released, the RV that got us across the country is now my office! I was having a lot of trouble getting any traction while my creative space was literally a desk next to my bed. Don’t get me wrong, I am very thankful and grateful that we had a place we could go but I also was very used to having a workspace. With the trip done we had the RV just sitting in the driveway - voila! mobile office. Inside I have started to rebuild a creative studio able to handle the cacophony of noise in my witchy brain and organize the flow of ideas that in a manner that allows me to actually do them! A creative endeavor in itself, it has been a balance of creating a studio while still being able to tuck things away or take them out all together for any trips that pop up with the RV. Basically giving this vehicle a split personality and the ability to be what it needs to be in the moment.
Getting it all set up took time, patience and a little testing of the power output from the barn. But finally, it feels like something familiar.. A little strange, a little sacred, and entirely mine….well, while it’s parked anyway hahaha.
New Tools, New Tricks
As part of relief efforts, Etsy had grant money for those studios affected. I was able to receive one of those grants and used some of the funds in this recreation. I’ve upgraded some of my tools, including a fancy new laser printer and a shiny foil laminator—because why just print something when you can make it glisten like a dragon hoard? I’ve also been experimenting with black cardstock, gold foil, and rich, moody patterns. Think gothic glam meets forest witch.
It’s also been fun (and chaotic) getting my sticker workflow going—testing cuts, papers, designs, and finding that perfect blend between whimsy and witchcraft.
What I’m Working On
Dressed Up Duckies!
Etsy Link Below
Right now, I’m in the middle of a few different projects:
Expanding the Dressed-Up Duckies series (yes, they’re ridiculous, and yes, I love them)
Listing more designs on Etsy, Redbubble, and eventually here on my own site
Finalizing sticker bundles and prepping new printables
Laying groundwork for upcoming coloring books, including gothic nature themes and a witchy herbal series
Weekly Blog Day: Wednesdays are for Wandering Words
Starting now, I’ll be posting every Wednesday—blogging about art, process, inspiration, tools, the occasional rant, and whatever magic or mischief pops up during the week. Consider this your weekly dispatch from the land of Ravaryn.
So if you’ve missed me—hey, I missed you too. If you’re new here, welcome to the coven. And if you’re just here for the cats and stickers, well… same.
Stay tuned, stay weird, and I’ll see you next Wednesday.
