There has always been a part of me that needed to create things. Whether it was drawing, cooking, designing, or simply dreaming up ideas, creating has always felt like second nature, even necessary. I didn’t even realize that I was “blocked” as an artist until I suddenly had time and desire to create, but felt stopped. I wanted to make art, but all these voices in my head kept me procrastinating. I’ll read about that watercolor technique first. I’ll research that idea for that book. I’ll look up how to make art products. Oooh, new pens!
Bit by bit, the days passed and suddenly I realized: I want to make art, I have tons of ideas for making art, and I have still not yet made any art. In fact, I’m doing everything possible to avoid making art.
It was then that I admitted my creativity was blocked, and it was time to face why. Because if I could do that, then I had some hope of reclaiming it.
Between building businesses, parenting, managing ADHD, and two neurodivergent kids, and simply keeping up with the rhythm of everyday life, creating art just for art’s sake was put on the back burner long ago. I put my creativity in a jar—tightly sealed, like something I’d get back to “someday.”
The truth is I had also discounted the need for making art in my life that wasn’t tied to any monetary outcome. Long ago, I had eschewed the idea of becoming a “starving artist” and only allowed my art to provide an income, thus making graphic design the perfect fit. I don’t regret my profession; I still love it, but I did need to reestablish art as a priority and regain a regular art practice.
I found myself with the feeling of deep wistful longing when I’d see a maker or a craft fair, or hear an artists interview online. That should be me. I could do that. The art whispered somewhere inside me, begging me to let loose again.
It was time to let it out.
How I got “unblocked”
After I had my first child, I bought The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron on Kindle. It was that common scenario – a new Mom up at all hours, reading books or Googling things on my phone while breastfeeding. Looking back, this telling ebook purchase means I had known even 8 years ago that I was blocked in some way.
But the book sat unread on my phone – collecting digital dust – just like the ideas I had in my head of prints, paintings or stories. The program suggested in The Artist’s Way can be a bit overwhelming if you are not ready to dedicate some time and energy to it. I couldn’t get past the commitment of the Artist’s Morning Pages. I had done it for awhile, but between the daily exercise of pages, the weekly tasks, reading the chapter and then on top of that I was supposed to go on a solo “artist date” outing? (um, breastfeeding on demand doesn’t really jive with that)
I soon gave up and sank back into the early parenthood squishyland of diapers and witching hours. Soon, I went back to work, which left me with zero time (or energy) for any creativity that wasn’t tied to a paycheck. I’m sure many of you can relate. If you are currently struggling to balance parenthood and creative fulfillment, I don’t have any earth-shattering answers. I can only tell you that it does get better, that eventually they sleep through the night (mine didn’t until about 4 years in, and by then we had a second one and they STILL have sleep issues sometimes).
I know that sometime last year I was ready to try again. I felt the call of art stronger, and I had a few spare hours here and there, in the fringe times of the day. I started reading chapter one, and I listened to the audiobook each week and saved my precious time for the Morning Pages (which really are worth it!) and the weekly dates or tasks.
I started to write. I started to draw. I started to examine my creativity in a new way. I laughed, hard. I cried, hard. I quit drinking, and I had amazing dreams. My anxiety subsided, and my art started to come forth again.
Little by little, I felt myself “get unblocked.”
What I’m Creating Now
So why am I doing this art products thing when I am on and on about just finding my art for art’s sake again!? Because I’m still doing art for me, but I’m also really excited to share it.
I’m keeping this process no pressure in terms of “selling.” I’m just over here having fun, and using this art products business as a way to give myself a little incentive and a little bit of a push just to get the art OUT THERE.
I’m also showing original art at local places in my town, and considering getting my own studio space that is not inside my house. But I also know that this thing is still in it’s infancy, and I’m taking it one day at a time.
Pickle Jar Studios is all about Art Products, Magic, and ADHD Living
I’m thrilled (and slightly terrified) to say that I’m working on my first line of creative products! You’ll soon see the shop full of stickers, notebooks, t-shirts, mugs – all infused with the heart and soul of Pickle Jar Studios. These pieces will reflect everything I love: creativity, magic, seasonal living, and the joy of neurodivergence.
This is more than just a product launch – it’s a reclaiming. It’s about creating with intention, sharing what feels authentic, and building a brand that reflects the whole me.
Art as a Spell
For me, making art is magical. It’s a form of alchemy—turning feelings into form, turning thoughts into something you can hold. Every illustration, every product I make carries energy, emotion, and intention. It’s like spellwork with paint and pixels.
And I want you to have a little piece of that magic, too.
Join Me on This Journey
If you’ve ever buried your creativity… if you’ve ever missed a part of yourself… if you’re a fellow neurodivergent soul, a creative, a witchy heart—I see you.
This shop is for us.
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