How did you get started with your art?

I got started painting in 2005. My husband spent 4 years fighting for disability through social security and in 2005 we finally obtained it. That meant a check for four years worth of disability. He wanted art supplies to keep him busy. I asked him if he minded if I got some watercolors because I was interested in learning them. He said to go for it. I ordered watercolors, paper, brushes and some books. I taught myself watercolors and four months later did my first fine art show. My style changed about ten years ago. (There’s a blog article on this on my website)

Do you have a favorite part of the maker process?

My favorite part of the process is watching the pigment in the water travel and mix with other colors.

We can definitely see some clear themes in your work, but where does your inspiration come from?

Nature inspires me to create. I enjoy painting animals and flowers, with a particular focus on endangered animals as well as sea life.

What’s a typical day like for you in the studio?

A typical day in the studio includes me getting up at 630-ish, working on a sketch or making a list for the day. At 7:20 I leave to take my boys to work/school, run any errands I need to and return home to work on the painting or to knock out my list of todos. Which could include augmented reality work for my paintings, or coloring book, inventory and ordering, or sublimating some of the merch I have.

Do you have a favorite piece you have created thus far?

My favorite item that I created is an animated augmented reality piece. A painting that comes to life with an animation after scanning a QR code.

Very Cool! What do you enjoy most about in-person events now that things are picking up again.

I missed talking to people the most at in person events.

Us too. What will you be bringing to Jackalope this September since you are driving out from California?!

I will be bringing some pretty cool original paintings to Olde Town Arvada as well as hand sublimated items like magnets, keychains, coffee mugs, puzzles, tumblers, coasters and stickers, greeting cards and of course Fine Art Prints. I will also be bringing Augmented Reality Art that has embedded videos and/or animations.

Anything special you’d like to share?

I do custom work both painting as well as augmented reality. So think about the wildest thing you’d like to see and let me create it!

Where to see more of Water + Ink Studios:

Website | www.waterplusink.com

Instagram | @waterplusink

Why do you create?

My mission is to bring healing energy into the world and to spread light, joy, and happiness to people through my art.

That is great- what inspires this creation process?

Metaphysical sciences really inspire me. I am very intrigued with the healing powers of color and organic materials such as rocks, crystals, and glass. I also am very inspired by geology! I wanted to be a geologist when I was in college but I could not pass the lab tests. I have realized all these years later, that the concepts of geology (strata and minerals) are at play with my compositions and material choices.

What is your favorite part of the maker process?

My favorite part of the maker process is allowing the hand/brain connection to work with my materials. As I'm not able to render into a drawing what I may see or feel from memories, dreams, or ideas, I "channel" while I'm working and am always delighted with the outcomes. It is very freeing to not have strict constraints on designs or ideas!

What’s a typical day like for you in the studio?

I like to spend 2 hours early in the morning before the family wakes up in my studio. I've always been a morning person and this early morning time sets me up for a balanced and happy day. I put on my full spectrum light for some light therapy and insert my earbuds to either listen to a guided meditation or music. I do work part time, so on the days I am in my home studio after my morning charge up and ensuring the family is sorted and ready for their day, I then spend several hours creating back in my space. I thoroughly enjoy looking around at my materials, thinking about designs and combinations, and bathing in the creative energy that my studio provides.

Do you have a favorite piece you have created thus far?

This is a rather difficult question to answer as I love everything I make. I will answer with the most meaningful piece, which is a sculpted mirror called "Dad's Amend." My dad is a mythological figure in my memory now, and while working through a 12 step-program for alcoholism, one of the most freeing and powerful amends I made was to my dad posthumously. He called me "Hummy" and I created this mirror with a hummingbird to honor that nickname. I worked through years of hurt, trauma, abandonment and was able to release decades of negative feelings and reached a state of forgiveness and peace.

What do you love most about Minnesota?

There is something very soothing about the farmlands, rivers, and lakes of my home state. I love driving along the bluffs along the Mississippi river and always look at the strata lines and the curves of the river. I admire the lines, colors, and textures of the landscapes here in Minnesota. I particularly love when I am visiting my parents and family in Winona, a lovely town on the Mississippi River. My favorite thing to do when home is to take a boat ride along the backwaters of the Mississippi and look for birds and sunning turtles on logs. It is these simple pleasures that fuel my creativity.

What do you enjoy most about in-person events?

I am new to the festival circuit! I have done two shows this year and won a "Festival Favorite" award in both shows. What I have really enjoyed is the happy energy that people have when visiting the shows. I give away "magic rocks" to booth visitors and the smiles that leave my tent are priceless.

What will you be bringing to Jackalope?

Oooh! I'll be bringing all sorts of magical and sparkly mirrors, healing pendants encased with gemstones, copper and gold, some garden art, and a big bowl of magic rocks.

Anything special you’d like to share?

I am super excited to be part of the inaugural Jackalope Art Fair in Minneapolis. We have such a great creative space in the Twin Cities and people really appreciate artists and festivals. I anticipate an amazing turn out and a super fun weekend - October is a favorite month of many Minnesotans, including myself. The location is fantastic and I know I'll attract more friends and family who may want a craft beer!

We can’t wait to see you in person this October 2nd & 3rd when Jackalope makes our debut in the Twin Cities!

Where to see more of Shelley Beaumont:

Website | www.Shelleybeaumonthealingmosaics.com

Instagram | @shelleybeaumontartist

A father is someone you look up to no matter how tall you grow.

-Unknown

As we get ready to celebrate Father’s Day, we want to share some of our top picks for dad from our Local Undercover site!

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Davis Wallet: CatellierMade makes handcrafted leather goods that are made to last. Get dad a new wallet, leather tray, or cord taco to help keep him organized on the go.

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Compass Cufflinks: Now that gatherings and events are beginning again, help dad with his style with these awesome cufflinks by Accessory Alchemy.

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Coffee Lover Gift Basket: For the man who loves a good cup of Joe, Redemption Road Coffee has the perfect gift basket. This set includes two one pound bags of coffee, a coffee scoop, a bar of coffee soap, and a coffee bag tote.

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Octo-Beer-Fest Tee: The perfect tee for a beer lover. Richer for Wondering celebrates animals on adventures with original illustrations on t-shirts and totes.

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You’re my Favorite Card: Made by Alissandra wants you to celebrate dad! Whether near or far send him a card sure to make him smile.

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Mother: One person who does the work of twenty, for free. Also known as superwoman. To celebrate who mom is to you, here are our top picks to help shine a light on mom.

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Cork Fabric Puzzle & Serving Tray: Not only is this an activity that you can both do together, but after completion, use the provided glue and this puzzle can now be enjoyed as a serving tray. Sumsaara utilizes cork in her eco-friendly, handcrafted pieces that mom will be sure to love.

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Relax & Repose Set- Shower Sprinkle Body Scrub Bundle: No reason why a shower can’t be peaceful and therapeutic thanks to Bonblissity, even if it is just for one minute. This bundle includes 3 body scrubs made with pure cane sugar and super fine salt to exfoliate, moisturize, and protect skin.

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Sea Lover Mismatched Earrings: How cute are these seashell and sea star earrings by Meissa Jewelry?! Including Cubic Zirconia and Mother of Pearl these are the perfect pair for any beach lover.

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Worlds Best Mom Card: Give your mom a custom mini map card by Granny Panty Designs. Simply pick any map to go on the front and include your own special message inside.

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Turquoise Bud Vase: Treat mom to some fresh blooms and pair them with this gorgeous bud vase by Betsey Carter Ceramics. The flowers may fade, but she will always be reminded of your love when she see’s this vase.

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As the temperatures rise and we embrace the new season, it is time for a spring refresh. Let’s spring forward into the changing of the seasons with these happy finds.

Poppies and Bee’s Watercolor Art Print: Changing out your artwork for the season is a quick and easy way to energize your space. These watercolor prints by Easy Sunday Club will bring a buzz of color to any space.

Spring Lip Balm: You made it through winter. Now give life and hydration back to your lips with Edith + Herbert. This floral and citrus scented lip balm will be your perfect travel companion.

Steampunk Bird Collector Necklace: The bird who dares to fall, is the bird who learns to fly. Flaunt your wings this season with this Steampunk necklace by Accessory Alchemy.

Easter Basket Bunny Pillow: Swapping out your throw pillows is another easy way to achieve a space refresh. We are loving this hand crocheted easter pillow from Melange Collection handmade in Armenia.

Floral Stationery Gift Set: Spread some warmth to your family and friends with this floral stationery gift set by Sherry Lou Studio. This set includes postcards, (1) print, sticker sheets, a greeting card and vinyl stickers.

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Sometimes you need a quick gift, or a little something as a pick me up. Here are our top 10 favorites all from our under $10 gift guide on our Local Undercover Virtual Marketplace.

Corgi Macaron Vinyl Sticker: What is better than a Corgi and a Macaron? Nothing… that is why this sticker by Artistique Loop is on one of our favorites.

Food Pun Swedish Dish Towels: Oh Kale Yes! Go eco-friendly and achieve a smile with these swedish dish towels by Corvidae.

Hand Sanitizer Spray: Having hand sanitizer on the ready is not something that will be going away anytime soon. We love this spray by Tolly’s Treatment’s that uses essential oils to combat germs.

Sand Dollar Necklace with Lava Stone and Clear Crystal : The lava stone has a calming and grounding energy and you can add your favorite essential oil to it since it is porous! Take us to the beach with the breeze in our hair and sea spray on our face.

Derma Facial Scrub: Rejuvenate your skin with The Balm Shop. Its grapeseed and poppy seed exfoliants help to remove dead skin cells, while green apple and beet root help to improve skin texture, boost hydration, brighten skin and combat acne.

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My Daily Zoo- A Drawing Activity Book: For all ages, this book is packed with 96 pages to inspire creativity.

Be Fearlessly Authentic Magnet: A good thing to to remind yourself every time you open the fridge thanks to Avant Card Studio.

Let’s Go Card: Who else is ready to hit the open road? This card by Granny Panty Designs can be mailed to a friend, or hang it up as a print to inspire your future adventures.

Beaded Earrings: Make a statement with these Maasai beaded earrings by Save the Rain. Plus your purchase will go directly to funding their Clean Water Projects in the rural villages of Tanzania.

Black Lava Sea Salt: Dress up any dish with this detoxifying sea salt by Hepp’s Salt. There is a chef inside all of us!

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Looking for eco-friendly supplies, or maybe just products that are made eco-friendly? We have both available in our Local Undercover Virtual Marketplace. Want an easier way to shop? Check out our Eco-Friendly gift guide; and to get you started, here are a few of our go to items:

Swedish Dish Towels: If you have not yet heard of Swedish dish towels, it is about time that you did! This gift set by Bespoke Provisions can be customized, and they replace up to 15 rolls of paper towels. How cool is that?!

Beeswax Food Wraps: Green Pear Organics has a huge variety of eco-friendly products. These BeesWraps are the easy answer to plastic-free food storage. They are reusable and washable. Plus, look how cute they are!

Rat in a Hat: This little guy made by Zazu Faure / Los Angeles, is made of repurposed cashmere and wool sweaters. Just think of all the adventures to be had!

Operation Game Creative Spark Journal: Not only does the front and back cover of this journal utilize an up-cycled Operation game, but the pages inside are all recycled as well. Ignite your creative spark with BeckyDesigns.

Coconut Scrubbers: Made from coconut husks, these scrub brushes are scratch resistant, naturally anti-bacterial, and long-lasting. Another Green Pear Organics product for the win!

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Whether you need something to occupy your time during the winter months, or want to learn a new hobby during quarantine; we have got you covered in our Local Undercover DIY Gift Guide. Here are our top crafty picks to keep you busy and your mind fresh!

Silk Bandana Scarf Dye Kit: This kit by Couleur de la vie includes everything you need to dye your own silk bandana using natural plant materials and steam.

DIY Circular Weaving Ecourse & Kit: Join Trudy Perry and learn how to create a circular wall hanging. Learn basic weaving skills and techniques. This is great for fiber newbies and crafty experts alike.

DIY Jewelry Kit: Sumsaara’s jewelry kit is perfect for both beginners and experienced jewelry makers. This kit has everything you need to create your own beautiful and unique cork earrings. 

Desert Landscape DIY Embroidery Kit: This beginner embroidery kit will bring a touch of warmth into your home with this beautiful desert landscape. MCreativeJ is the queen of embroidery kits!

Paper Toys: Need an activity to help occupy the kids? Little World of Beasts has created a paper toy digital download of 3 animals that are ready to be printed and assembled. Of course we love the Jackalope ;)

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One of our favorite things about Local Undercover and our Virtual Market platform is the increased accessibility of shopping small and supporting handmade artisans from the comfort of your home year round. The ability to feature and provide a place for artisans and makers from all over to sell their wares makes us so happy.

When we launched Local Undercover we wanted to continue to help spotlight black, indigenous and people of color who make up our handmade community. For this reason, we created a gift guide solely dedicated to these BIPOC artisans. Here are some of our favorite picks:

The Balm Shop: An indie-beauty company with a humanitarian heart who provides general and feminine hygiene supplies with their L.O.V.E Works project. Find clean and conscious skincare products including natural deodorant, facial steams, bath soaks, and more.

Save the Rain: A nonprofit who with your support, allows women in East Africa the good conscious and safety of never having to spend their days searching for water for their family’s survival. Shop handmade zipper pouches, jewelry, cotton blankets and much more all made with love from Tanzania.

Chris Ryan Design: An illustrator and photographer from Texas. We have shared his popular Star Wars illustrations before, but we are also in love with his architectural illustrations, including this one of the LAX theme building.

Mile High Urban Farming: Michele crafts all aspects of their resin planters from her home studio in Denver, Colorado. From the original sculpture, to creating silicone molds, then casting in resin entirely by hand. We love her geek chic vibe, and her dinosaur planters have become a fan favorite!

Sand + Sky Jewelry: Bringing coastal lifestyle jewelry nationwide. Another thing we love, this opal cubic zirconia evil eye necklace paired with their satellite heart necklace!

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In case you haven’t heard, our Jackalope Arts team has started a new endeavor called Local Undercover. Local Undercover is where small businesses from across the country can share their stories.

Now, not only can you read about these businesses, but you can now shop from them too! Shop small business with Local Undercover and not only will you be supporting our team, but also the 75+ handmade artisans from across the country that are on our site. Plus, receive free shipping on all orders nationwide.

To kick things off, we thought we would round out our top Valentine’s Day Gifting ideas for everyone on your list.

Wellness: Sometimes all you need is some good ole R&R. Do just that with this Love Box by Edith + Herbert. Featuring Heart Chakra Love Bath Tea, Body Love Oil, Spring inspired Lip Balm and energy tools including crystals.

For a Laugh: Made by Alissandra has the best cards to put a smile on your face, whether that person lives in the same house or across the country.

Just to Say I love You: Missing someone this Valentines Day? Send them a jar of hearts by Felty 995. These needle felted hearts bring cheerful greetings to you or someone special.

Beauty: This beauty trio by Morning Blossom Studio features a Lip Gloss, Mineral Powder, and Citrus Lavender Lip Balm. Perfect for someone who could use a touch of glam.

Dress up: Add a little something special to your Valentines Day outfit, even if outfit is just sweatpants. This red crystal heart wrap bracelet or necklace by Gogh Jewelry promotes self love. If you don't love yourself, you can not love others, said the Dalai Lama.

Need some more inspiration? Check out our entire Valentine’s Gift Guide: