Happy Friday!

Thank you for stopping by on RESULTS day! Did you create characters this month?

Let’s begin with inspiration. Where did these shapes come from? Did they look familiar to you?

I collected each shape during a September trip to Milkwood Farm! You can learn about this magical creative retreat founded by author-illustrator, Sophie Blackall here.

Being at Milkwood felt rejuvinating. Each room was filled with inspiration, from the collection of sketchbooks in the dining room (featuring horses drawn by visitors) to the spunky kidpool-loving-ducks outside. I knew shapes for this activity would be easy to find during my stay.

So let’s take a look…

Top Left: Collection of artwork made by Sophie Blackall, Top Right: Painted duck on my room door, Bottom Left: View from the porch, Bottom Right, Painted petals by Sophie at the top of the staircase.

Here’s what that painted staircase petal looked like in context…

One of my favorite Milkwood experiences was noticing how every surface served as a home to something else. Each room brimmed with thoughtfulness and made the space feel extra cozy. Have you ever visited a place that felt that way to you?

This week I received activity sheets from my spectaculor character-creating team, Barb and her 9-old son, Evan! Thank you for sharing your designs with me, friends! Aren’t they amazing? I love how Evan created actual scenes around his characters! Notice how the 4th character is using the shape as monkey bars. How clever! He even added a few more climbing shapes to the right. It feels like a story is in the works!