Why I Don’t Sell on Etsy and Art Outside the Velvet Rope

I’ve had an Etsy shop since the early days—shop #1013. But I don’t sell there anymore. Here’s why platform choice matters as much as the work itself, and what it means to build direct relationships instead of marketplace presence.

How to Carve Foam Block Stamps: From Design to First Print

Every year I make handmade Christmas postcards, and this year I’m experimenting with foam block printing. It’s faster and more forgiving than linoleum carving, with results that embrace beautiful imperfection. I’m walking you through my complete process – from sketching a Christmas tree design directly onto foam, to carving it with simple tools, to that exciting moment of pulling the first test print. If you’re curious about printmaking but intimidated by traditional methods, foam blocks might be your entry point into making marks with your hands.