Words and Wildflowers Creative Prompts – Issue 58
Posted on August 18, 2025
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…
“Instructions for living a life: Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it.”
—Mary Oliver
Inspirational artist of the week: Henry Darger
Henry Joseph Darger Jr. April 12, 1892 – April 13, 1973) was an American janitor and hospital worker who became known after his death for his immense body of outsider art—art by self-taught creators outside the mainstream art community.
Darger was raised by his disabled father in Chicago. Frequently in fights, he was put into a charity home as his father’s health declined, and in 1904 was sent to a children’s asylum. He began making escape attempts after his father’s death in 1908, and in 1910 was able to escape, walking much of the way to Chicago. As an adult he did menial jobs for several hospitals, interrupted by a brief stint in the U.S. Army during World War I. He spent much of his life in poverty and in later life was a recluse in his apartment. A devout Catholic, Darger attended Mass multiple times per day and collected religious memorabilia. Retiring in 1963 due to chronic pain, he was moved into a charity nursing home in late 1972, shortly before his death. During this move, his landlord Nathan Lerner discovered his artwork and writings, which he had kept secret over decades of work.
From around 1910 to 1930, Darger wrote the 15,145 page novel In The Realms of the Unreal, centered on a rebellion of child slaves on a fantastical planet. The Vivian Sisters, the seven princesses of Abbeiannia, fight on behalf of the Christian nations against the enslaving Glandelinians. Inspired by the American Civil War and martyrdom stories, it features gruesome descriptions of battles, many ending with the mass killing of rebel children. Between 1912 and 1925, Darger began producing accompanying collages, often only loosely correlated to the book. Later he made watercolors with traced or overpainted figures taken from magazines and children’s books. These grew more elaborate over time, with some of his largest works approaching 10 feet (3 m) in length. Little girls, often in combat, are a primary focus of his work; for unknown reasons, they are frequently depicted naked and exclusively with male genitalia. Other writings by Darger include a roughly 8,000-page unfinished sequel to In The Realms of the Unreal entitled Further Adventures of the Vivian Girls in Chicago, a decade-long daily weather journal, and The History of My Life—consisting of a 206 page autobiography followed by 4,600 pages detailing a fictional tornado named “Sweetie Pie”.
Darger’s work was unknown to others until after his death, leading to his association with the outsider art movement.
Hand lettering artist of the week: Edward Gorey
When Tom Fitzharris met Edward “Ted” Gorey in 1974, the two quickly struck up a friendship. Over the next year Gorey sent a total of fifty letters to Fitzharris. Every envelope Fitzharris received was illustrated by Gorey, and filled with surprises: typewritten letters with news and opinions from Gorey’s life, handwritten note cards with unexpected quotes, sketches, inside jokes, and a host of other joyous miscellany.
Words and Wildflowers Creative Prompts – Issue 56
Posted on August 4, 2025
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…
“Let us come alive to the splendor that is all around us and see the beauty in ordinary things.”
— Thomas Merton
Inspiring artist of the week: Petra Börner
Petra Börner (b. 1973) is an award-winning artist based in London, building her artistic universe with a signature line. Translating ideas into series, paired or mirrored artworks; repetition, movement and energy is ever-present in her practice.
Obsessed by exploring methods and materials in new contexts; intuitive work also transform into animation, prints, patterns and take sculptural form; all playful to the eye. Often inspired by natural themes, her Swedish roots ingrained in her intimate work.
With over twenty years of expertise collaborating with a world wide clientele, paired with a unique ability to successfully combine her signature line with tailored projects, she creates timeless, yet eye- catching design.
Hand lettering inspiration of the week: Allen Crawford
Allen Crawford is a graphic artist, naturalist, and author. He’s worked on a broad range of independent projects over the course of his career, including advertising campaigns, editorial illustrations, animations, videos, packaging, product design, logos, identity systems, typefaces, and books.
He and his wife Susan Crawford founded Plankton Art Company in 1996. They work independently in their own distinct styles, but they occasionally team up on larger projects. Their shared background in biology and conservation has enabled them to work with many prestigious science and education-based institutions. Their most notable joint project to date is their set of identification key illustrations for the American Museum of Natural History in New York. The 400 illustrations of corals, invertebrates, crustaceans, fish, and mammals have been on permanent display in the famous Milstein Hall of Ocean Life for over twenty years.
Allen is currently a part-time trail steward for the New Jersey Park Service and has recently received his wildland firefighter certification from the NJ Forest Fire Service. He is also a member of NJ Fish and Wildlife’s Venomous Snake Response Team.
Words and Wildflowers Creative Prompts – Issue 40
Posted on April 14, 2025
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…
“It is a serious thing just to be alive on this fresh morning in this broken world.”
-Mary Oliver
Inspirational Artist of the week…Johann-Jakob Hauswirth 1809-1871
Born in Saanenland, he died in poverty in Devant-de-l’Etivaz, at the entrance to the Pissot gorge. Very little is known about his life.
Where he lived between his youth, spent in the Simmental, and his adult life in Pays-d’Enhaut is not known. None of his documents have ever been found. The only traces of him are to be found in the archives of the commune of Château-d’Œx, which refused him a settlement permit in 1847.
From reported testimonies, we know that Hauswirth worked as a wood cutter and charcoal burner around Rougemont.
He hired out his services to various farms in the area.
When he had time of an evening, he would take out his scissors and start cutting paper. He would leave cuttings as a thank you for meals he was given.
These would be kept as bookmarks for the family Bible or psalter, the lace paper earned him one of his nicknames: The “Grand des Marques”. He was particularly tall for the time and often stood out as he had to stoop to enter the low-ceilinged chalets of the time, hence another of his nicknames: “Trébocons” as he was perpetually stooping forwards.
Hand lettering inspiration of the week: Jonny Hannah
Jonny’s work is a collection of paintings and drawings, screen prints and lino cuts, with a passion for 19th century type faces, and the written word in general. Whilst working he will be attired in correspondence shoes, perhaps a bow tie or French workwear and listening to Charlie Parker, The Skids or Jacques Tati.
The visual language and pastiche in Jonny’s work clearly represents his interests and this in turn has led to commissions that blur the lines of work and pleasure. Folk and folklore are often inspirational reference points in Jonny’s work, but in equal measure so is ‘urban folk’ a more modern 21st century representation of the beauty of modern life. Two of his largest projects to date have been in the North East of England – one for Museums Northumberland, and more recently for Hartlepool Borough Council. He has worked for other cultural institutions such as The British Library, English National Opera and The Royal Shakespeare Company. Jonny’s set of 8 stamps for The Royal Mail celebrate the curious customs of Great Britain. Jonny has worked editorially for international broadsheets and magazines, and created numerous book covers for fiction and non-fiction titles in the US and UK. The Yorkshire Sculpture Park exhibited a one man show of Jonny’s work, and the monograph ‘Greetings from Darktown’ has been published by Merrell.
Words and Wildflowers Creative Prompts – Issue 36
Posted on March 10, 2025
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…
“Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.” -Desmond Tutu
Inspirational Artist of the week: Norman Gilbert
Norman Gilbert (b.1926 Trinidad – d. 2019 Scotland) was one of those special artists who found a distinct immediately identifiable visual language. With it he describes a life and its embraces, quiet domestic afternoons seeped in a patchwork of pattern, colour and memories.
After studying at Glasgow School of Art, Norman Gilbert widely exhibited across the UK, with work held in numerous public and private collections. Having featured in The Times, Vogue and The Scotsman and the main subject of two BBC documentaries, he leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of a life in colour.
Hand lettering inspiration of the week: Lester Carey
Lester Carey was a New Orleans sign artist whose work has been found on churches, corner stores, neighborhood bars, and other commercial buildings around numerous neighborhoods of New Orleans for three decades.
Treat yourself with a life changing experience in 2025
Posted on January 3, 2025
Happy New Year!!!!
As we turn the page on our calendars and plan for this coming year… we would love for you to consider joining us for a conference that we have lovingly crafted to help get you focused and fearless!!! We have extended the discount for another month, too!!!
Use the code REBLOOM305 and get $300.00 off full price!!!
Live Courageously: Rebloom Conference FAQ’s
What should I expect to take away from this experience?
- a network of new contacts and friends to support you moving forward
- guidance for setting and achieving your goals
- inspiration for creating your community through social media and marketing
- more confidence to face fears and craft a more authentic life
- new ideas for how to live more creatively
Use DISCOUNT CODE : REBLOOM305 for savings of over $300.00!
What is included?
- Dynamic, empowering presentations by over 10 powerhouse speakers
- Creative sessions led by two whimsical and fun artists(for any skill level)
- An opening meet and greet cocktail party
- 2 delicious catered lunches
- A closing pizza party with a DJ
- A beautiful swag bag
- Cozy places on property to work, rest, or mingle through out the retreat
- Transportation to and from Madison to Richwood at assigned times and locations
- Soda, water, coffee, tea and snacks
- Food options for dietary restrictions
- Art supplies for the creative sessions
Where can I stay?
There are many great air bnb’s and hotels to book in Madison, Indiana… the MOST ADORABLE NEARBY TOWN. It is about 10 minutes from Richwood on the River. We will be running shuttles each day from specified pick up spots to Richwood each day. The full list can be found on the website.
How many people will be attending the conference?
We are planning for anywhere from 50-100 attendees. We are marketing to and focusing on women. We want this conference to be about supporting them in growth and transformation.
What is special about this event?
Cara, Colleen and myself have been planning this for well over a year. The Richwood on the River property is truly magical. The speakers were carefully hand picked for their dynamic messaging and expertise. We will make sure that you are well taken care of with beautiful inspiration for your mind, food for your body and creativity and fun for your soul.
Why should you attend?
This will be an investment in YOU. We guarantee that you will learn a lot, make new valuable connections and HAVE A BLAST!!!!
Use DISCOUNT CODE : REBLOOM305 for savings of over $300.00!
Words and Wildflowers Creative Prompts – Issue 27
Posted on December 30, 2024
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…
“Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.”
– Dalai Lama
Inspirational Artist of the week: Belinda Lyon
Belinda Lyon trained at a London art school and started her commercial career in advertising. Illustrators were in strong demand during the late 1950’s and early 1960’s and advertising was where many young graduates of the era started their careers. She started her commercial freelance career around 1965 with illustrations for short stories and books. Almost from the start of her career, her commissions were for books aimed at children and teenagers, featuring advice for young people, crafts, sewing and fashion. Some of the books and cut out dolls she illustrated in the first few years of her career are fantastic retro time capsules some 40+ years on.
Hand lettering inspiration of the week…Elizabeth Cobbold
In 1806 Elizabeth Cobbold (1767-1824) and her husband John Cobbold hosted their first St Valentine’s Day ball in Ipswich, Suffolk UK. Elizabeth made papercut St Valentine’s cards for unmarried guests. Each card she inscribed with an original verse. The event became a mainstay of the social calendar, continuing for 20 years. In 1814 a collection of Mrs Cobbold’s designs and verse were published as Cliff Valentines – Cliff being the name of her house in Ipswich, located by the Cliff Brewery, started in 1723 by Thomas Cobbold (1680–1752), and is believed to be the second oldest independent brewery in England. Each card was cut from a doubled piece of paper so that there were two copies of each. “At the end of the Ball, all the ones for girls were put in one hat and all the ones for boys were put in another. Each person drew out a picture and the boy and girl who drew the same picture were officially a St. Valentine’s couple, decided by fate.”
We are going to have the time of our lives!!! COME JOIN US!!!
Posted on November 29, 2024
Guess what????
We are offering a Holiday DISCOUNT CODE for the Live Courageously: REBLOOM Conference next May. We have been lovingly planning this event for over a year!!!
Use DISCOUNT CODE : REBLOOM305 for savings of over $300.00!
Live Courageously: Rebloom Conference FAQ’s
What should I expect to take away from this experience?
- a network of new contacts and friends to support you moving forward
- guidance for setting and achieving your goals
- inspiration for creating your community through social media and marketing
- more confidence to face fears and craft a more authentic life
- new ideas for how to live more creatively
Use DISCOUNT CODE : REBLOOM305 for savings of over $300.00!
What is included?
- Dynamic, empowering presentations by over 10 powerhouse speakers
- Creative sessions led by two whimsical and fun artists(for any skill level)
- An opening meet and greet cocktail party
- 2 delicious catered lunches
- A closing pizza party with a DJ
- A beautiful swag bag
- Cozy places on property to work, rest, or mingle through out the retreat
- Transportation to and from Madison to Richwood at assigned times and locations
- Soda, water, coffee, tea and snacks
- Food options for dietary restrictions
- Art supplies for the creative sessions
Where can I stay?
There are many great air bnb’s and hotels to book in Madison, Indiana… the MOST ADORABLE NEARBY TOWN. It is about 10 minutes from Richwood on the River. We will be running shuttles each day from specified pick up spots to Richwood each day. The full list can be found on the website.
How many people will be attending the conference?
We are planning for anywhere from 50-100 attendees. We are marketing to and focusing on women. We want this conference to be about supporting them in growth and transformation.
What is special about this event?
Cara, Colleen and myself have been planning this for well over a year. The Richwood on the River property is truly magical. The speakers were carefully hand picked for their dynamic messaging and expertise. We will make sure that you are well taken care of with beautiful inspiration for your mind, food for your body and creativity and fun for your soul.
Why should you attend?
This will be an investment in YOU. We guarantee that you will learn a lot, make new valuable connections and HAVE A BLAST!!!!
Use DISCOUNT CODE : REBLOOM305 for savings of over $300.00!
Lori Siebert & Co. 