I'm an artist, surface pattern + fabric designer, author, mama, and online teacher in Portland, OR. I believe in the power of art-making as a tool for radical self-care. I help people feel a little bit brighter and a little bit less alone through the art and products I make, the words I write, and the classes I teach. Come join 18k+ people in my colorful, uplifting world!
Art retreat reflections + 4 creative events you might love
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Hi Reader, I returned home on Sunday from teaching at my friend Carrie Schmitt's Art Is Love retreat, and I've been easing my way back into my regular rhythm the past couple of days, trying to go slow even though my mind is starting to churn with all the familiar chatter about all the things I need to do or haven't done or aren't doing right and on and on. Hello, busy mind! According to Carrie, your mind can't think thoughts when you're humming, so maybe I'll try humming more...? I don't know if this is true, but it seems cool and like My teaching day was about following your intuition and we painted animal guides and messengers, which was super fun, and on the other days I got to enjoy being a retreat participant and working on art projects led by Carrie and our other teacher, Lori Siebert. I'm in love with my quirky and colorful wall goddess that I created on Lori's teaching day, and I need to find a good spot for her to hang! It's such a delight to spend dedicated, focused, and free time with other creative people. It's amazing how much art you can make when you remove all the distractions of regular everyday life! We're already talking about doing this retreat again next April, so I'll share more details about that down the road. OK, now I have a bunch of things to share with you. I'm honored to be a part of a lot of cool online art events happening right now, so here's a quick breakdown of all the current things, and you can click on the links and pick and choose based on your interests and whatever makes sense for you (or totally ignore them if you just can't sign up for another thing right now, haha). It's a busy time! Ready? OK, here we go. :) First up! WHAT: Art Bundle For Good Giveaway Art Bundle #9 is back! This bundle was available in November, and it's back by popular demand for an encore round. 3 random winners will be chosen. WHO IT'S FOR: People who love online art classes! WHEN: Giveaway ends tomorrow, April 30th. PRICE: FREE to enter WHERE: Enter the giveaway HERE. WHAT: The Variety Show Extended Replays WHO IT'S FOR: For anyone interested in surface pattern design (at any skill level) The live event featured: WHEN: *Last chance!* Tickets available until tomorrow, Wednesday April 30th PRICE: $47 WHERE: Learn more + purchase a ticket right here WHAT: Mastering Mixed Media Expo In the Mastering Mixed Media - Expo 2025 you'll:
WHO IT'S FOR: Anyone interested in learning more about mixed media art from a variety of different artists. WHEN: Starts Thursday, May 1st! Event runs May 1–14. PRICE: FREE during the 2 week event You can upgrade a VIP ticket for £59 (approximately USD$78) and get forever access to all the workshops + a lot of extra bonuses. WHERE: WHAT: Making Zen Online Retreat The mission of the retreat is to help you slow down and reconnect with your inner artist. I’ll be giving a workshop about making art without a plan and following your intuition! WHO IT'S FOR: Fabric lovers, textile artists, stitchers, doodlers, and anyone who wants to slow down, make things with their hands, and make more time for creativity. WHEN: May 26-30th PRICE: FREE WHERE: Register for free HERE OK, I think that's all for today! Most of the links above are affiliate links, which means if you choose to purchase or upgrade your free ticket to any of the events later, I’ll earn a small commission. Thank you for supporting my work and the magic I get to share, and thanks, as always, for being here and for reading my (often very long) emails! I hope you're having a wonderful day. :) LET'S BE FRIENDS ON IG!
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Jessica Swift.
I'm an artist, surface pattern + fabric designer, author, mama, and online teacher in Portland, OR. I believe in the power of art-making as a tool for radical self-care. I help people feel a little bit brighter and a little bit less alone through the art and products I make, the words I write, and the classes I teach. Come join 18k+ people in my colorful, uplifting world!
Hi Reader, Ever have one of those weeks where you feel like you're moving through molasses? You know spending some time being creative would help, but it feels like your inner artist just... wandered off without saying goodbye? Yep. Same here. I know I’ve been sharing quite a few offerings lately — and if your inbox is feeling full, I get it. But this one is really special, and I’d be so happy to have you join me. The Making Zen Online Retreat kicks off on May 26th, and it’s basically a big,...
Hi Reader, Happy Tuesday! How are you? Things here are full and busy, with work stuff and life stuff and kid stuff and all the things. I wrapped up Pattern Camp this past weekend (it was so fun!), the Variety Show with my friend Sarah the week before that, and next week I'm headed to St. Helens, OR to teach at my friend Carrie Schmitt's Art Is Love retreat. And this week I have some awesome new free events that I was invited to teach in that I get to start telling you about. So many good...
Hi Reader! I'm so excited to share that the next session of Pattern Camp is coming up next weekend, April 12-13th, and registration is now officially open! 🎉 Not only is registration open, but there's a special $247 earlybird registration price today and tomorrow. Yeehaw! The price will increase to $347 on Saturday, April 5th. Get all the course details right here! I fell in love with Adobe Illustrator nearly 2 decades ago, and it's my absolute favorite design program. Faaaaaavorite! I've...