We LOVE research and learning as a way to get inspired and boost ideas and creativity!! So, Kenzie and I are going to be sharing the inspiration that we collect here in our second newsletter…. once a week!!!

Here’s how it works:

We provide the inspiration. You interpret it however you wish… any medium, any size. It is meant to inspire lettering and floral art combined together. But, you can:

• Just do the florals, just do the lettering, or combine them together.
• Use the provided quote for your piece or select your own.
• Use colors from one of the inspiration images or select your own favorites
• Create the floral art… as a still life in a vase, a single flower, a border, a pattern, a bouquet

Hope you will create with us and post your work at #wordsandwildflowers2024 and tag @lorisiebert.studio and @snippetsofwhimsy

Quote of the week…

“Life is very short, and there’s no time For fussing and fighting, my friend”

-The Beatles

Inspirational Artist of the week… Ulla Bodin

Ulla Birgitta Eson Bodin née Ericsson (1935–2009) was a Swedish textile artist who designed textiles for everything from interior furnishings to costumes for the stage. For over 30 years, she worked at Almedahls AB where she became head designer. As professor of the Swedish School of Textiles at the University of Borås, she helped to establish the international reputation of her department as well as Sweden’s association with smart textiles. Born in Gothenburg on 11 May 1935, Ulla Birgitta Eson Ericsson was the daughter of the architect Karl Harald Ericsson and Sara Katarina Rosina née Norling. She was brought up in Borås where her father worked. After studying pattern making at the School of Textiles, from 1955 to 1958, she studied textile art at the Gothenburg College of Art and Design (HDK Högskolan). In 1958, she married Gustaf Harald Bodin with whom she had three children: Johan, Sofia and Josefina.

Hand lettering Inspiration of the week… Teesha Moore

Teesha Moore is a mixed-media artist, creating visual journals, and a true entrepreneur. She created Zettiology, a line of rubber stamps and collage sheets featuring her work. In 2000 she hosted the first Artfest as we know it today, in Port Townsend, Washington. From that success, she has also organized Fiberfest and Journalfest. Teesha Moore is a well known Art Journal Guru. Her collages are colorful, bright and personal.She has developed her own special journaling style which consists of a few different elements that she repeats over and over again. Her style is recognized by her cool handwriting paired with collaged imagery.

Kenzie and I did a super fun FREE ZOOM class this week as a sneak peek to one of the techniques that will be shared next Oct. 17-24, 2025 at our Portugal retreat. You have probably noticed that we have been marketing our hearts out for this adventure as we KNOW it will be AMAZING!!

Here is what I’ve learned from teaching these creative retreats:

• It is WONDERFUL being with creative kindreds. We right away GET one another! At most of my retreats, the groups bond SO MUCH that they stay in touch long after the experience.
• I LOVE sharing techniques and materials and encouraging each person to bring out their own authentic style in what they create. We PROMISE to inspire and encourage you!! We LOVE teaching and sharing with creatives at ANY SKILL LEVEL. Last year, a woman attended my France retreat with her friend who had just retired from 30 years as an accountant. It was SO FUN to coax her along and see her totally surprise herself!!
• Sharing a room with someone is not a big deal. It’s like having a mini slumber party. You will most likely make a new and lasting friendship. I have shared a room before with folks I didn’t know… and I used to snore (pre c-pap.) I was nervous about it, but… I provide ear plugs and creative people tend to be kind. PLUS… you won’t be spending much time in your room!!!
• There is something MAGICAL about being in a gorgeous setting. It sparks so much inspiration. I will share how I use the beauty of what we see to inspire your work. Concentrated creative time like this leads to major aha moments.
• The memories created on a retreat like this are precious. I’ve had many former students say that the retreat was LIFE CHANGING!!

Guess what???

Kenzie and I are hosting a FREE class together tomorrow!!

I will be working on a floral collage based on the inspiration board that I’m sharing here. These images are focused on Portuguese tile work and folk art.

Kenzie will be sharing her process for handlettering. We will also share details and answer questions about our retreat to Portugal next Oct!!

Hope you can join us!!!

Meeting ID: 857 2334 9455
Passcode: 614941

We LOVE research and learning as a way to get inspired and boost ideas and creativity!! So, Kenzie and I are going to be sharing the inspiration that we collect here in our second newsletter…. once a week!!!

Here’s how it works:

We provide the inspiration. You interpret it however you wish… any medium, any size. It is meant to inspire lettering and floral art combined together. But, you can:

• Just do the florals, just do the lettering, or combine them together.
• Use the provided quote for your piece or select your own.
• Use colors from one of the inspiration images or select your own favorites
• Create the floral art… as a still life in a vase, a single flower, a border, a pattern, a bouquet

Hope you will create with us and post your work at #wordsandwildflowers2024 and tag @lorisiebert.studio and @snippetsofwhimsy

We will be checking and sharing some of our favorites. AND… there may be surprise guest judges and PRIZES!!!

Quote of the week…

‘Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.’ 

— Vincent Van Gogh

Inspirational Artist of the Week… Birger Kaipiainen

Birger Johannes Kaipiainen (1 July 1915 – 18 July 1988) was a Finnish ceramist and designer. He is one of the most successful and well-known ceramic artists in Finland.

Kaipiainen graduated from the School of Arts and Crafts (later known as the Aalto School of Arts of Helsinki.) After that he went to work for Finnish ceramics company Arabia in 1937, and later in 1954 for their Swedish sister company Rörstrand. Kaipiainen worked as a designer for Arabia over fifty years. As a child he was Kaipiainen suffered from Polio and was consequently unable to use a pottery wheel. It was said that his illness heightened his artistic sensitivity.

Kaipiainen was nicknamed “the king of decorators”, for his nostalgic, romantic and highly decorative ceramic designs, at a time when minimalism was the prevailing trend in Finnish ceramics. He is known for repeatedly using the same signature nature inspired motifs, such as violets and curlews. His most famous designs were made at the Arabia ceramics factory. For example, the Paratiisi (Paradise) series, designed in 1969, which is still in production. Paratiisi was one of the first silkscreen printed series made by Arabia. Another noted design by Kaipiainen, the Sunnuntai (Sunday) series designed in 1971 was brought back into production by the Arabia company in 2019.

Handlettering Inspiration of the week… Squeak

Squeak Carnwath (born 1947) is an American contemporary painter and arts educator. She is a professor emerita of art at the University of California, Berkeley. She has a studio in Oakland, California, where she has lived and worked since 1970.

Carnwath has a distinctive and recognizable style which combines diaristic and personal elements with universal or existential themes. Her paintings “combine text and images on abstract fields of color to express sociopolitical and spiritual concerns.”

We LOVE research and learning as a way to get inspired and boost ideas and creativity!! So, Kenzie and I are going to be sharing the inspiration that we collect here in our second newsletter…. once a week!!!

Here’s how it works:

We provide the inspiration. You interpret it however you wish… any medium, any size. It is meant to inspire lettering and floral art combined together. But, you can:

• Just do the florals, just do the lettering, or combine them together.
• Use the provided quote for your piece or select your own.
• Use colors from one of the inspiration images or select your own favorites
• Create the floral art… as a still life in a vase, a single flower, a border, a pattern, a bouquet

Hope you will create with us and post your work at #wordsandwildflowers2024 and tag @lorisiebert.studio and @snippetsofwhimsy

We will be checking and sharing some of our favorites. AND… there may be surprise guest judges and PRIZES!!!

Quote of the week…

“Creativity itself doesn’t care at all about results – the only thing it craves is the process. Learn to love the process and let whatever happens next happen.”

—Elizabeth Gilbert

Inspirational Artist of the week… Sarah Raphael Balme

Sarah Raphael Balme is a British artist who graduated from Chelsea College of Arts and gained degree in illustration. Her layered paintings tell a story never short of colour, form and texture. Balme’s work is inspired by nature and animals. From whimsical paintings of animals to deep portraits, her stunning paintings have been transformed onto ceramics, fabric, cushions and wallpaper. She grew up surrounded by artists, her mother was a painter and her dad wrote academic books. Her childhood was spent in a bohemian North London house that influenced her career as an artist.

Hand lettering Inspiration of the week… Cecil Beaton

Sir Cecil Walter Hardy Beaton CBE (14 January 1904 – 18 January 1980) was a British fashion, portrait and war photographer, diarist, painter, and interior designer, as well as costume designer and set designer for stage and screen. His accolades includes three Academy Awards and four Tony Awards.

Join Kenzie and I for a whimsical art retreat next October 17-24 2025 set against the stunning backdrop of southern Portugal.

Explore the beauty of florals and lettering through a mix of fun and playful techniques and creative challenges. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, you’ll walk away with a deeper connection to your craft, new skills in mixed media, and a portfolio filled with stunning florals and expressive lettering.

Throughout the retreat, you’ll dive into engaging mixed media techniques, using watercolor, acrylics, cut foam stamps, pens, and markers. Lori and Kenzie will hold daily classes, demonstrations, and hands-on practice sessions, where you may experiment with bold color palettes, playful textures, and fluid forms.

The first half of the week will be dedicated to exploring florals in depth. Learn various approaches to creating vibrant blooms and delicate abstract designs. As the week progresses, the focus shifts to lettering. Study techniques for crafting expressive, flowing letterforms that pair beautifully with your floral work. On the final morning, bring florals and lettering together in a harmonious composition and blend the skills developed into unique pieces. The retreat culminates in a mini-exhibition, where you’ll have the opportunity to share your work with fellow artists and celebrate your creative journey.

By the end of the week, you’ll leave with new techniques, a personal collection of floral and lettering creations, and memories of an unforgettable artistic adventure.

What’s included:

• Art classes, individual tuition, and demonstrations with artists Lori Siebert and Kenzie Elston
• 7 nights of accommodation at a Portuguese Quinta
• Exclusive use of the entire property with living quarters, art studio, 2.5 acres of botanical gardens, terraces, swimming pool, and common areas
• 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 7 dinners (all meals) carefully prepared by your private chef. All dietary requirements catered for, except life-threatening allergies
• Local wine during dinner service
• Snacks, coffee, tea, and infused water available throughout the day
• Sailing trip in a traditional boat to nearby grottoes
• Trip to the Lagos historic town with a walking tour and time for shopping, sketching, and a beach visit
• Private transportation for all planned activities
• Round-trip transfers from/to Faro Airport (FAO) at pre-arranged times
• Fully-staffed venue, experienced UpTrek host available throughout the week
• All local tourist taxes and fees
• Access to a private Facebook group with Lori Siebert, Kenzie Elston, and the other retreat participants four months before the retreat

Not included:

• Airfare
• Travel insurance
• Art materials—a list of art materials recommended by artists Lori Siebert and Kenzie Elston will be provided five months before the retreat
• Tips for staff (tipping is customary in Portugal)
• Other expenses guests might incur on their own