Nicole's Art Club Visit & Artist Zine

When I was in high school I was very uninterested in academics. At some point I fell behind and I was not able to advocate or speak up for myself and my needs. So I leaned into the things I was good at - art. I would ditch my other classes to hide away in the art room. If I couldn’t get out of class I brought my art supplies to them, which was some times enjoyed but mostly seen as a distraction. I grew up in a small town (my class size was less than 90) and luckily, eventually I graduated. For me art has always been safety - a way to express myself and escape. It has been years since I was in high school but I can still recall how I felt during those years.

Over the summer of 2024 I acquired lots of old plaster slip casting molds, which I decided to give away. While we live in a capitalistic society and some of these molds have value I find it much more exciting to find other ways of distributing them like trading or donating. During that time I met a few of our local art teachers and started chatting about their classes. I was eventually asked to meet with our high school’s after school art club. The opportunity to speak with young artists was such an honor especially as I remembered my high school years. Knowing that are time was limited I put together a handout or zine to hopefully provide some inspiration or at least share some thoughts. I hope that regardless of if these students pursue an art career they will at least find something helpful along the way and know that I am rooting for them.

Since we’re sharing, below you can check out some of the pages I included in the zine. Feel free to leave a comment with something that has inspired or helped you along your creative path.

~ No Ai was used in the making of this. Please be conscious of the energy and environmental impacts that Ai has ~

Wild Bower Joins the Nest Artisan Sustainability Accelerator

We are incredibly honored to announce that Wild Bower has been selected to be part of the esteemed Nest Artisan Sustainability Accelerator for 2023. As a small, solo-female run business, this opportunity not only validates our efforts but also reinforces our commitment to becoming more eco-friendly. We are excited to embark on this transformative journey, and we hope to inspire others within the handmade community to join us in creating a greener, more sustainable future.

Sustainability is at the core of our business philosophy. We firmly believe that even the smallest actions can make a meaningful difference. From responsible sourcing of materials to waste reduction and ethical practices, Wild Bower takes immense pride in our commitment to sustainability. Being selected for the Nest Artisan Sustainability Accelerator is a significant milestone, offering us access to specialized programming that will support our growth and further enhance our eco-friendly practices.

While we are grateful for this opportunity, we also understand the importance of sharing our experiences and inspiring others. By fostering a culture of sustainability within the handmade community, we can collectively make a positive impact on our planet. Through our journey, we hope to encourage fellow artisans to embrace eco-friendly practices, responsibly source materials, and explore innovative ways to reduce their environmental footprint.

The road to a greener future is one we walk together. We are filled with enthusiasm and excitement as we continue on this sustainability path. We recognize that creating a more sustainable world requires collaboration and collective efforts. By supporting one another, sharing knowledge, and raising awareness, we can create a ripple effect of positive change that extends beyond our individual businesses.

Wild Bower's selection for the Nest Artisan Sustainability Accelerator is a testament to our dedication and passion for eco-friendly practices. We are grateful for this opportunity to grow, learn, and inspire others in the handmade community. Join us as we embark on this transformative journey towards a greener, more sustainable future. Together, we can make a meaningful difference and leave a positive legacy for generations to come.

Wild Bower Studio's Commitment to Sustainability: Creating Beautiful Products with a Conscience

Hey there! Did you know that at Wild Bower Studio, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do? We believe that we all have a responsibility to take care of the environment, and we're doing our part to make a difference.

More and more we’ve been using recycled and repurposed materials in our products. For example, we're currently developing lamps that will use handmade paper shades created from our paper waste. We’re also using broken pottery to create mosaic pieces. Not only are we reducing waste, but we're also giving new life to materials that would otherwise end up in the trash.

We're always on the lookout for ways to minimize our carbon footprint. We've switched to eco-friendly packaging and are brainstorming ways to reduce our plastic usage. Plus, we've implemented energy-saving practices in our studio to help reduce our energy consumption like solar energy and only using rain water. Did you know that on average we use between 5 - 10 gallons of water each month? For a medium that is notoriously known for it’s water usage we are proof that there are ways to reduce the amount of water used.

We know that sustainability is an ongoing process, and we're committed to continually improving our practices. We firmly believe that being sustainable is not only the right thing to do but also a smart choice for our future. By focusing on sustainable practices, we're not only reducing our impact on the environment, but we're also creating unique and meaningful products that resonate with our customers.

At Wild Bower Studio, we think that all businesses should make sustainability a priority. By integrating sustainable practices, companies can reduce their impact on the environment and even improve their bottom line. We're proud to be a part of the movement towards a more sustainable future, and we hope to inspire others to join us on this journey. Oh, and we promise to keep things light-hearted and fun along the way!

New Approach, Same Handmade Quality: Exciting Changes at Wild Bower Studio

Hey, it's me, Nicole, the artist and owner of Wild Bower Studio. I got some exciting news to share with y'all. So, listen up!

As a small biz owner, I always want to give my customers the best shopping experience when it comes to buying my handmade ceramics and art. But, y'all, I gotta be honest with ya. The last shop update wore me out big time. I made some stupid mistakes and was on the verge of a meltdown, and I knew I had to make some changes.

So, I decided to no longer have big shop updates, but instead, announce to our newsletter subscribers when new items hit the shop. This way, our newsletter subscribers will get the first dibs on the new stuff, and I can take my time with each piece. I tend to hold onto pieces and hoard them way longer than I need to, but I can't help it - each piece is like my own little baby.

I know this might be a surprise to some of y'all, but don't worry. We will still offer the same high-quality, handmade ceramics and art. And, of course, I will keep creating new and exciting pieces for y'all to enjoy. We will update our website regularly, and you can also follow us on social media to see what we're up to. You’ll get hint at new items on social media but announcements of them being available will only go to our subcribers.

I'm really excited about this new approach, and I hope y'all are too. I promise to keep communicating with y'all via our newsletter, and I will for sure throw in some exclusive offers too.

Thanks for sticking with us and supporting small businesses like mine. Y'all are the best, and I can't wait to share more of my creations with you soon!

37 things that I wish my younger self knew

I'm thrilled to celebrate my 37th birthday today! It's a special day that allows me to reflect on my life so far and the experiences that have shaped me into the person I am today. As I look back on the past 37 years, I'm grateful for all the lessons I've learned, the challenges I've overcome, and the achievements I've made. I'm excited about the future and the opportunities it holds, and I'm determined to make the most of the time I have left. I know that life can be unpredictable, but I'm ready to face it head-on with a positive outlook and a resilient spirit. So here's to another year of growth, adventure, and fulfillment!

1. Success is subjective! Figure out what success means to you and go for it - seriously. You don’t need to climb a ladder or make 6 figures to be successful. Success could be so many other things.

2. You are so much more capable than you think.

3. You are NOT defined by your mistakes, but by how you learn from them.

4. Always be true to yourself. Don't compromise your values or beliefs for anyone.

5. The people you surround yourself with can greatly influence your life. Choose wisely.

6. Don't take things personally. Not everything is about you. - As an only child, this one was hard

7. Invest your time with loved ones and cherish your relationships. We have limited time.

8. Your health is your wealth. You only have one body so take care of it and brush your teeth.

9. Don't compare yourself to others. Everyone has their own weird journey that no one really is prepared for and we’re all just kind of winging it until it works and if it doesn’t we pivot (like Ross on Friends)

10. Actually advocate for causes and issues that are important to you.

11. Learn to let go of things that no longer serve you. This includes people, habits, and possessions.

12. You don't have to have everything figured out at ANY age. Who sets the rules? You do!

13. Money can't buy happiness. Pursue fulfillment instead.

14. Donate that money that doesn’t buy you happiness to a nonprofit that supports the causes and issues that are important to you.

15. You don't have to be perfect. Embrace your flaws and imperfections - that’s what makes you, YOU! You are the only you and that’s pretty incredible.

16. Life is too short to hold grudges. You don’t need to forgive but don’t let them rule your mind.

17. Invest in yourself. Learn new skills and never stop growing.

18. Time is precious. Time is the most valuable commodity.

19. Set your boundaries and stick to them. Boundaries are self care!

20. Step outside your comfort zone. Do the thing that you’ve always wanted to. No one else’s opinion matters.

21. Failure is not the opposite of success. It’s a of the part of the journey.

22. ASK FOR HELP! It’s easy. Let’s practice.. you say “Hi, I need help.” how’d that feel? Weird? Try again until it feels normal and easy.

23. Don't let fear hold you back. Remember #2? Go read that.

24. The past is gone and cannot be undone no matter what sci-fi movies say. Though if you’re reading this and time travel is real just come get me. Anyways, until then Focus on the now and the future. It’s more fun!

25. You can't please everyone. Accept that as early on as you possibly can. Take that energy and focus on pleasing yourself.

26. Be kind to yourself. Treat yourself with the same kindness and compassion you give to others.

27. Learn about history and the world around you to gain a deeper understanding of the present.

28. Get educated, again. Read a diverse range of books, watch documentaries or listen to podcasts to learn about different topics.

29. Say no. Your time, energy and life are valuable. Saying no might feel weird but

30. You don’t need to tell everyone about your opinions. Be mindful of the words you speak. They can have a powerful impact on others.

31. Take time for self-reflection and introspection to develop self-awareness. You’ll be a better human for taking this time for yourself.

32. Focus on solutions, not problems. It’s easy to get stuck in the problems but he solutions are way more important.

33. Always be true to yourself, even if it means going against the norm. Normal is boring! There is so much out there to explore and enjoy.

34. Never stop learning. Don't be afraid to ask questions and unlearn bad information and habits.

35. LISTEN - Sometimes the best thing you can do is shut up and simply listen.

36. Give back to others. It's a fulfilling way to make a positive impact.

37. Accept that change is a part of life. Embrace it and adapt as necessary. You never know what will happen in 5 years even if you plan things down to the T.

38. Love yourself. You are worthy of love and respect especially from yourself. Say it with me “I LOVE myself. I love my flaws, my body, my mind….”

Preventing Burnout: Self-Care Tips for Artists and Business Owners

Weather Landscapes, 2023
Nicole Helen Brunner

Being an artist and owning a business can be a super rewarding and fulfilling experience, but it can also be equally stressful and draining. The pressure to constantly create, market, and sell your art can easily lead to burnout, which can have a seriously bad effect on your mental and physical health, as well as your creative output. I’ve lived it!

If you're feeling overwhelmed and burnt out, it's important to take steps to prioritize yourself. Here are some tips on how to take care of yourself when you're starting to feel burnt out as an artist and business owner:

Eat well, like for real

Taking care of your body is super important when it comes to preventing burnout. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean protein can help boost your energy levels, improve your mood, and keep you focused throughout the day. Take breaks and nourish yourself throughout the day. And don't you forget to take a break for lunch, even if it's just 15 minutes to eat something nourishing. Your body deserves it, hun.

These are some of my favorite recipes: Green Goddess Salad, White Bean Soup, Breakfast Tacos, Quinoa Kale Salad

Get enough sleep, like for real real

Getting enough restful sleep is essential for your mental and physical health, as well as your creative output. Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep per night, and try to establish a regular sleep schedule that you can stick to even on weekends. Consider winding down before bed by reading a book, taking a bath, or practicing relaxation techniques like meditation. You don't want to wake up feeling like a zombie, do ya?

Make art for yourself, not just for cash

It can be super easy to get caught up in the business side of being an artist, but it's important to remember why you started creating in the first place. Set aside some time each day or week to work on projects that are purely for your own enjoyment, without worrying about how much money they'll make. This can help reignite your passion for art and remind you of why you started this journey in the first place. Do it for the love of the art, ya know?

Take walks, like really take walks

Getting outside and moving your body can help boost your mood, reduce stress, and increase creativity. Take a break from your work and take a walk around your neighborhood or a nearby park. Take in the scenery, breathe fresh air, and let your mind wander. When you return to your work, you'll feel more refreshed and focused. There’s a reason I moved to the woods! Trust me, it works wonders

Stretch it out, baby

Stretching is a great way to take care of your body and prevent burnout as an artist and business owner. Long hours sitting in front of a computer or standing to work on art can cause stiffness and soreness in your muscles and joints, which can lead to fatigue and burnout. Incorporating stretching into your daily routine can help you stay flexible, reduce tension, and improve circulation. You can do simple stretches at your desk or workstation, or take a break and do a more comprehensive stretching routine.

So, there you have it, folks. These are just a few tips to help you take care of yourself when you're feeling burnt out as an artist and business owner. Remember, you gotta take care of yourself first, so you can create your best work and be happy doing it.

Feel free to add your own ways to deal with burnout below.