Dancing in September!

by Barbi | Sep 5, 2023 | Let's Chat

Hello again. Wow, another summer is nearly done! (I can not bring myself to say end of summer until the official end of summer!) This is a very new time of year for me. There is no back to school for my family this year. I have been a career Mom so this represents a big, awesome change. It feels like Freedom! Equally feels very weird!

I tell my girls all the time, life is for exploring and nothing needs to be completely figured out rather it can be a progression. As they ponder their next steps I am too. I know exciting times are approaching for my studio and I. I am here for them! I am spending more time in the studio, taking time to think and breathe. Which is code for; I have been organizing the studio and have started to get back to a routine that includes daily creating. Of course, there are many kinds of lists being created too. I love a good list! I have to get things out of my head otherwise I find at this point in my life these thoughts will leave quickly. 😉

If you are in Back to School mode, I am wishing you and your family a peaceful transition. And sending a reminder to take some time for you too, don’t forget your care.

During the summer, I enjoyed a trip to New Brunswick to visit family. And I also made a point of relaxing too. The hotel’s beds were so comfy and I took advantage of it. No rushing out of the hotel for me on this trip. I also was a tourist and did some touristy things like visit the Saint John City Market. I purchased a photo collage of front doors of historic homes and buildings from Canvas Pictures, artist is John Baxter. Such a fun reminder of this trip especially because I do love architecture and have been known to take photos of doors myself.

I travelled with my awesome daughters. We enjoyed a week of gorgeous weather but not typical of Maritime weather. Hot, sunny is just not the norm there so I had mixed feelings about that. On previous trips it was nice to get cooled off. We did get a maritime welcome on the second day St. Martins. Plenty of rain and fog as we arrived by the afternoon it was sunny and warm again. St. Martins is a beautiful place. An old fishing village that still has an active harbour, a beautiful covered bridge and lovely shops throughout the village. I purchased another piece of art at Sandpipers, a colourful moose by artist, Hannah Hicks. The beach features caves and a large rocky shoreline with a couple of restaurants overlooking the beautiful ocean. Of course, we enjoyed a delicious meal complete with seafood chowder. Oh, Yum!

Right now, I am wishing for time to slow down, just a little, so I can fully savor the last moments of summer. As the days grow shorter, I am also looking ahead and preparing for my upcoming fall/winter events. It’s time to get my secret garden ready for the colder months. Often, there never seems to be enough time for all the things I wish to create, play, and explore. But I am determined nonetheless!

Red Raspberry Studios returns to the Red Trillium Studio Tour this Fall. It is being held during the weekend of October 14 to 15 with studios open from 10 am to 4pm. Please save the date, bring a friend or two, comment and share the tour’s social media posts. During the tour weekend you will explore West Carleton during a truly stunning time of the year. And while you visit artist’s studios, you see where and what they are creating. I would love to see you on the Tour!

You can keep up with News from the Studio by signing up for the newsletter below. Check out the event calendar and subscribe too.

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Time Flies. Make sure to have some Fun!

by Barbi | Feb 6, 2023 | Let's Chat

Wow, time flies! I hope your transition into this year has been a peaceful one. It is quite amazing to me that it is February! What have I been up to? I have been getting much needed rest and relaxation on my extended break. I have also been sitting in reflection with lots of inspiration coming my way. I even managed a quick getaway! Thanks hubby!

I was not away from my beloved studio too long during my break. I can never be away for long instead I have been enjoying creative play. During these sessions, it has been so nice to not have a mission or needed task. So freeing and energizing! Not a surprise. I have to remember to take my own advice and make time for creative play!

During my sessions of reflection and inspiration, many thoughts and ideas came to me. One hard truth is that my energy banks are in need of refueling and have been for a while. And some of last years announcements did not come to be. That is a-ok. Sometimes we find ourselves with no more room on our plate and we must put some things aside or even completely take them away. I hope you have been able to take some time to reflect, to see what can go, be added or be adjusted in your life. This practice can help to create some space and hopefully free up some energy. If you find some, may I suggest you use that energy for you! I am reminded of the “put the mask on yourself before another” safety instruction. In this theme, let’s get to a big news item!

You may notice Commissions are missing from the main menu. I have been thinking about this big change for some time. This was not an easy decision, it took me a long while as well as a great conversation with my oldest daughter. I am pausing commissions for 2023 and honestly not sure when they will return. I will reassess at the end of the year. I take my time with commissions and never want to rush my process. I do not typically lean into perfectionism but with commissions I very much want the receiver to LOVE their piece, so I tend to stress a lot. I just don’t have the energy reserves for that part of my process. I have so enjoyed creating each and every one of my commissions despite the self-inflicted pressure. I feel so very honoured that many of you have shared and trusted me with your amazing, inspiring, and emotional stories. So to all of my fabulous commission clients, Thank You so very much!!!

This needed change makes room for new things! Here is some of the fun I am thinking of!

More Greeting Cards and Art Prints designs are coming!
More product designs coming in my Art Merchandise line!
Upcoming Workshops with a Fun New Option! Details coming. Hint: If you are a newsletter subscriber you already know. 😉
Bascialy, Look for New product launches and refreshes!

Upcoming Events!!

Lets Create! Art Journal Sessions! (Previously via ConnecTV) These are moving to Red Raspberry Studios Facebook page. Last session was February 8th at 3:00 est. Here is the replay on Facebook.
Lets Celebrate Galentine’s Day! Join me via Zoom for a Love Note to You Session. This event is free! You won’t need fancy or specialized art supplies. But you will need some. See Details here.

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Be Whimsical. Be Sassy. Be You!

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The Holiday Season is Here!

by Barbi | Dec 6, 2022 | Holiday, Let's Chat, Products in the Shop

December first is when my family kicks it into Christmas! The outside lights likely have been on for a few nights already. Hubs would love to turn them on the day after Halloween. I like to keep it closer to December as it makes is more special for me. Maybe it’s all my time spent in retail during my youth but holiday music, the lights and stuff, just December for me. I love the Christmas spirit: the giving, the hope, the love, the cozy wintery evenings spent with my family … the stuff sometimes not as much. Which brings me to some holiday season thoughts…

As you go through these next few weeks remember true gifts are from the heart, which I think is time, especially in this day and age. Family and Friends really want to connect, to spend time together. Gifts are secondary and optional. Yes, of course, I would love for the Holiday shoppe to be empty at the end of December. And that my events are well attended. But the hustle and bustle should not take you or your bank account out. So hugs to you all. Make December and the Holiday season what you need them to be. And when and if you shop, please shop small and local.

This leads me to my website, decorated for the Holidays and with an updated Canada post option. Another shipping option, if you are in Ottawa is our local delivery service, Gopher it. An excellent service, Same Day and Regular are options that I have used often. And have saved me so much time when I have. Of course, studio pick up is another option. And you can always reach out if you want or need another shipping option or if you have any questions.

Whimsical gift-giving options for you!

My Newest Whimsical Holiday Lady celebrates Hanukkah! She appears on Mugs and Greeting Cards. I have created a Holiday character since 2018! So there is a whole series now. I just glanced over to see them arranged on their shelf and that brings me a lot of joy. A teachers gift, a gift for your bestie, stocking stuffers. I think this line is a perfect gift for many. 🙂
I just released my first 8×10 prints! I am excited to bring this option for art buying/collecting to you. Prints are a wonderful gift, easily shipped and easy to frame with ready made frames.
Original art – smalls, mediums and large! The functional and joyful cloud ladies are perfect gifts. I have a small inventory because this series is getting a total redesign there will not be any more until spring! Ladies in Red are gorgeous pieces each invoking feminine empowerment; youth, zen, joyful, sassy, independence, and flow. A few inky ones are also available.
I still have a few stunning brooches! I commissioned these stunning pieces from a local artisan, Kunda art. These beautiful brooches will complete with joy any holiday (or everyday) outfit!
Art Merchandise. What does this mean? These products are ones manufactured elsewhere and are printed with my designs. Fun items like notebooks, throw pillow cases and holiday stockings too. You must be aware of deadlines which are fast approaching. For Canada & USA, next deadline December 12 for Express Service only for small orders (1-5 items). For more details, see Art of Where’s Holiday Deadline Blog Post.
New Downloadable Colouring books!! I was inspired by a in studio shopper to make my “Let’s Colour” Colouring book available as a download. You will be able to purchase as a download, the book will then be sent to your inbox and then you can print it out. This is only for personal use, not for resale. Makes for a fun last minute holiday activity with your kiddos and family or for you to find some quiet zen time in the hustle and bustle. If you would like a hard copy, the Maker’s Hub in Winchester is the place to go. As of this posting, they have 6 copies, the very last copies.

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Be Whimsical. Be Sassy. Be You!

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Lets Create! with Barbi Defazio on ConnecTV

by Barbi | Jul 12, 2022 | Creativity, News from the Studio

Note: this event has been paused for now.

I have started a new endeavour where I hope to inspire you to take some time to be creative! I am hosting monthly shows on ConnecTV called “Lets Create! with Barbi Defazio”. ConnecTV is a local (Ottawa) grassroots live streaming platform. Their aim is “To connect people, places and things and have a higher quality of life!” That sounds great to me! I will be going Live every second Thursday of each month at 2:00pm est. on ConnecTV’s facebook page. You will see a post on their facebook page as well as mine where you can set a reminder a few days before each show. So make sure you are following me on Facebook here and give ConnecTV a follow too. I also have each episode listed on my event’s calendar on my website so you can subscribe there for reminders too.

The main topic I will be focusing on is Art Journaling. I find an art journal is a nice entry into exploring ones creativity and art supplies. They are not a large blank canvas that can be overwhelming to some, and no one has to see your pages so you don’t like it, don’t show it but I challenge you to keep it so you can see your growth along your creativity journey. Just like with a writing journal, your art journals can be for your eyes only but can be such a treasure to see how far you have come and grown. Oh yes, your art supplies needn’t be expensive or of professional quality to follow along with me or to explore on your own. I will focus on some ways that I have enjoyed creating and exploring in my art journals. Of which, many of the techniques and steps are easy to replicate. You will also see peeks into my own Art Journals. Of course, part of the fun of these shows is if you watch live, you can ask questions as I create and I can answer right away. Or leave a comment when you are watching a replay and I will answer there. Now and then I aim to feature an awesome local or Canadian business that I think you should know about as well.

My first episode features me in, first time doing this nervous energy. I did a bit of an introduction and then went off script in 2 seconds! Lol I played with watercolours, exploring what magic they create when we overdo the water part. It’s messy, swirling good fun and once dry creates beautiful backgrounds. If you dare, you can watch here.

In my second episode, I got right into it! Creating a page using a charcoal stick, washi tape, mod podge, gesso, acrylic paint, tissue paper scraps and bits that I saved from the recycle bin because reusing is awesome too. I am a collector of bits that catch my eye and of things I feel I can reuse. Which is really code for, I have bins of stuff! 😉 That stuff in those bins have made wonderful Art Journal pages as well as in my Salvage Flower series. Watch the episode here.

Once I am done, I allow the paint to cure/dry on the palette. Then I can

My Salvage Flower series is about reusing all that I can. Some of the magic is I can only create a Salvage Flower when I have acrylic skins available.

These are leftover paint peels and form the petals. I use acrylic paint for the most part in the studio which is basically plastic, so I try to be very mindful with its use. I purchase nearly exclusively Tri-Art paints because of their own reclaiming and reuse in their process and products. They are Canadian-made as well, right in Kingston about an hour from Ottawa. I use their cool non-stick pallet when I am painting. Once the paint cures, I can pull up all the leftover paint that would otherwise go to waste. It is so satisfying to peel the paint off the palette! And each is different; colours, accidental patterns and even doodle can make up a typical peel. This process means that no piece is the same as another.

I recently created a series of mini Salvage Flowers. They will be sold at Mint & Honey Tea and Gift Emporium located at Unit 120 – 150 Katimavik Road, Kanata On. I will update this blog post when they have been delivered. and are available for purchase.

Though I have mentioned and linked products. These are not affiliate links. I am just happily sharing the information for your ease if interested.

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Be Whimsical. Be Sassy. Be You!

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A much procrastinated blog post… And Announcements!

by Barbi | Mar 11, 2022 | Behind the Scenes, Creativity, Let's Chat, News from the Studio

*click on any flower for a free colouring page download.

I have been trying to collect my thoughts in a bigger way since the beginning of the year for my “Yay, It’s a New Year!”post. And honestly, it’s not been easy to do so. I think I have re-written this first paragraph at least 6 times. The story will be familiar to you, I am sure. 2022 started out hopeful for me. I am always energized when a new year begins. I love to dream and plan, take stock of the past years highlights and lessons and generally get ready to attack the year. I am ever positive and optimistic, admittedly that has been a challenge throughout these last couple of years. But I must keep it going as it’s the core me.

As our world currently churns, it can feel overwhelming. Many of us are coming out of this stage of the pandemic tired both mentally and physically, struggling in some way or some are happy to “get back to normal”. How ever you are feeling is valid. I encourage you to take time to recharge. It’s is something I need to keep at too so know sometimes that is easier said than done. I have listed a couple of things below that have been helping me and that I hope to give you some inspiration. If you are in need of support, please reach out to your community’s resources.

My goal has been to work on switching things up to help me to move into calm and inspiration. Below is my top 3. What are yours?

Road trip! Happily, we took a trip to New Brunswick to visit our families, it had been too long and was so nice to see them in person. A change of scenery can do the spirit good! Doesn’t have to be a big trip, be a tourist in the areas close by. I intend to visit my local gallery’s and museums very soon.
Get the body moving! We have 2 dogs that need and want at least a couple of walks per day, good for doggos and humans alike. The fresh air is a mood balancer for me and the exercise moves the mind as well as the body. I need to remind myself when I get busy or stressed how a simple walk outside does so much for me.
Creativity! You knew it would be on my list. 😉 Remember creativity comes in many forms! Decorating a cake, stylishly setting the supper table, colouring pages and much more. Of course, I always have ideas and would love to help you get creative! See below for exciting announcements!

What are your self-care, bucket filling go-to’s? Pick 1 and make time to do it.

Click here for a permission slip. ❤️

Next, I am introducing Let’s Create! These workshops/lessons will be virtual, in-studio, out in the community and some will be collaborations. I am excited to help you bring art making and creativity into your life. Art making is so good for the soul, helps to you to rest and helps you to connect with your inner self.

“Love Note to You” returns! This is an ode to Valentine’s Day and International Women’s Day. I was inspired by the idea that we really do need to love and take care of ourselves first then we have much to give the ones we hold dear. This will be a virtual event so you will gather you own supplies and join via Zoom from the comfort of your home. Summer in the secret garden session will arrive. Tickets will go live very soon!
Resin workshop. I am going to try this workshop one time in the spring and go from there if it works as a regular offering. There will only be up to 4 participants. This will be an in-studio workshop held over two weekends, 2 sessions; one 2 or 3 hours then other an hour or so. This will be an all supplies included workshop. Just bring yourself! I am settling on dates which will be announced soon.
“Let’s Create with Barbi Defazio” on ConnectTV. I am going to first focus on Art journalling. “We will have fun with a variety of materials, art supplies and enjoy some time to ourselves to create. Whether you currently have an art journal or not you can join in. Just bring the art supplies you have on hand and a nice cup of Tea! My show will air every second Thursday live on Facebook at 2:00. This new venture is from my friend Jenn Hayward and family. Programming features a wide range of topics and shows. You can watch live or the replay.

Big Announcement!

I am a vendor at The Maker’s Hub located at 515 Main Street, Winchester, ON, Canada. I am very excited about this new venue. The location is a beautiful, very well preserved heritage home in the heart of Winchester. I am honoured to have a wall in which to feature my pieces for sale. The selection will change as I have new pieces and new offerings.

Opening Day!

Day(s)

Hour(s)

Minute(s)

Second(s)

What is else happening in the studio!

I continue to enjoy providing my illustration services to entrepreneurs with many projects already booked this year. The support of this community fills my heart everyday.
Commissions and custom orders are open! though on a limited basis. I encourage you to reach out well in advance of any special occasions.
New work is coming! I am feeling spring’s energy and all the ideas I have swimming around in my head.
Red Trillium Studio Tour – Spring Addition is June 4th & 5th. So save the date! I would love to have you visit the studio. I am excited as this year I will be able to have some activities/demos during the tour.
As West Carleton Arts Society member, my pieces will continue to be exhibited through this wonderful organization’s exhibitions. Look for announcements and give them a follow on social media and support the amazing local artists that are members of this group.
I have so much more up my sleeves! 😉 Stay tuned!

A big Thank You for following along and if you are new here,

a big Welcome to the studio!

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Be Whimsical. Be Sassy. Be You!

Written by Barbi

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Whimsical gift-giving options for you!

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What are your self-care, bucket filling go-to’s? Pick 1 and make time to do it.

Big Announcement!

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