Blog & Podcasts
Welcome to my Blooming Blog!
So, what's with the name... Blooming Blog?
Years ago, when I owned my retail art studio in NC called Art Blooms, I seemed to have stumbled upon the concept that has always been at my core; personally, artistically, and professionally... blooming.
As I grew within the role of small business owner, I realized that my life up until that point, had been a series of nutrient bursts to feed that entrepreneurial spirit.
I have always been an artist. I was never one of those people afraid to use that label because I was strong in my belief of what art truly is and who its for.
I believe in living with the openness of catching inspiration as it flows and that harnessing that energy into an entity of some sort that further radiates it out into the universe. In that regard, artists are conduits and their art just differs in the way it's demonstrated.
I believe art is for everyone. Regardless if you are a maker, teacher, or a collector, art surrounds us. It's in our homes, on our t-shirts, featured in car designs, and manipulated in graphic design.
With that in mind, I give you Blooming Blog, with the intention that after reading and engaging, it encourages you and nurtures you to bloom in your own way.
Blooming Blog
A Look into Life as an Artist & A Blossoming Human
By Rachelle Eason
May 14, 2025 Studio Expansion
May 14, 2025
Now that we confirmed the expansion into the space next door, I had to confirm the build-out. I got the floor plans from the property manager and confirmed that space did not have flooding issues. I have spent countless hours figuring out a layout so that our soon-to-be expanded space could fit three classrooms and a Resident Artist space.
We finally got to tour the space and found out the floor plans I had were not accurate. Changes had been made and walls were added since those floor plans were sketched. However, I had planned so many things down to the fit of fixtures and sinks, that I was able to think quickly on my toes and make adjustments in real time.
Yes, if you read between the lines, we agreed to expanding into the space sight unseen. Not a business practice I would recommend for others, but I have been in the other spaces in the plaza and was very confident as to what shape it was in. Also, our property manager, Joe Lorio, is the absolute best! He has taken really good care of us since the moment I met him, through the build-out of our current location, and any building related problems that have arisen since.
After knowing how much it was going to cost to convert the warehouse we were considering, the construction of expanding next door felt doable, still high, but doable. Once seeing the space, we were able to cut that cost down by keeping some of the walls up. The biggest surprise was that there were indications that plumbing was already done in a few places and we could adjust our floor plan to utilize those.
With the costs of construction looming and the expansion happening a full year earlier than we have planned, we know we need help to make this a reality.
Our tech guy who I call our Website Warrior is setting up a crowdfunding campaign to engage our members, our local community and national and international supporters of the arts, to be a part of this growth of ceramic arts in our area.
We are now on our way to expanding next door!
More Blog Posts ~ Written by Rachelle Eason
Yesterday marked 3 weeks since my brain surgery and I am in the phase of recovery when I have to remind myself to take real rest.
This quote by Jennifer Williamson has been coming to mind a lot.
What does real rest feel to you?
Our track record with growing a garden, is well, let’s say, inconsistent.😳😉 However, I am determined to start growing some of the plant elements I use in my Plant-Stained Paper, and, of course, have a great meadow for our little Willow to wonder about when she's older.
Rituals and Life Transitions in relationship to creativity and actually living our daily life can help navigate new and overwhelming waters.
Come along on a walk and chat with me as I wonder around Lake Hollingsworth.
So...What Do You Think?
Over 17000 sellers have put their Etsy shops on vacation mode this week in protest of rising seller's fees and other policies that have thrust artists into competitive disadvantage.
So, I had a problem and looked to clay to fix it. I needed to figure out this whole food approach to combating this disease and I knew how much time it takes to learn about a targeted nutrition approach.
Air-Dry Clay definitely gives an additional layer of art exploration and it feeds those of us craving tactile engagement.
Here’s a quick peak at the part where we made a “tree in the wind.” As you can see, all needs to still be painted.
I invite you to watch the video that is less than a minute. It’s not about my pictures, it’s about noticing the length of the photos as they flip through the slide show, each photo set pausing longer than the one before.
The second installment of The Lowdown on Pottery
There are three main types of clay and each have specific ways for making as well as unique characteristics in their finished state.
One of the biggest misnomers out there is the difference between the terms pottery and ceramics.
The truth of the matter is that ceramics is the umbrella term for fired clay.
What is it about holding a piece of pottery?
It something that transcends words for me sometimes…and I’ve been a potter for decades.
As an artist, I understand that in personal terms and creative terms. Recently I was hit with a brick wall, figuratively speaking of course.
In all of my gazillion experiences teaching, I think the best learning was fueled from the energy of those in the room.
Little scraps of paper in my night stand drawer are essential for me.
I have a gazillion art and writing ideas that float through me at any given moment and I have to catch them before they flow away.
In June of 1986, I graduated high school and drove this sweet ride!
I love flame! At least I love controlled flame in a creative artsy setting.
Two of my fabulous students last semester gifted me with a torch and I have been enjoying finishing up my Raku pieces with the added touch a torch flame brings.
Seven years ago, our life changed with a literal heartbeat… my husband’s.
Memories have been triggered in unexpected moments… sounds, movie scenes, and in visits with old friends.
Read previous blogs on
https://rachelleeason.medium.com/
Podcasts
Our Creative Well ~ Transcripts
Special Podcast Hosted by Ali Manning & Rachelle Eason
Our Creative Well
EP. 1 April 21, 2022
Life Transitions & Creativity
Hosts
Ali Manning & Rachelle Eason
Guests
Roben-Marie Smith &
Christina Pateros
Our Creative Well
EP. 2 May 5, 2022
Nutrition & Creativity
Hosts
Ali Manning & Rachelle Eason
Guest
Beth Bollinger
Our Creative Well
EP. 3 May 19, 2022
Sanctuary & Creativity
Hosts
Ali Manning & Rachelle Eason
Guests
TBA
More Blog Posts ~ Written by Rachelle Eason
In my last six months of AJ classes, I have learned more than I EVER learned in school! Not only have you given us the opportunity to learn art and journaling, but also culture, history, artistic techniques, etc., etc., etc. And because of your enthusiasm and powerful yet gentle method of teaching, I am able to learn, actually grasp!
-Gloria Hill ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
For several years I have been enjoying Rachelle’s special art! Her reuse of flowers and plants in her work gives it a fresh natural aspect and is also eco-friendly. From the varied stains in the pages, to the imaginative front covers, to the colorful threads used to bind the spines, you can easily see she puts her heart into her work. Meeting Rachelle and obtaining some of her art has brought me much happiness and tranquility.
-Gayle Forry ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If you desire the freshness of nature, but require that beauty to have longer life span than that of a fresh flower - Rachelle Eason journals are the perfect blend.
The most amazing flowers are magically transformed on to paper so that they can remain in your life or on your walls or desk. They transform paper into soothing piece of art that will pull you in.
You will be totally drawn to the journals but, understand that you will hesitate for a moment before you write the first word. Once you do, you will be hooked. Or…choose to frame a piece of this magical paper, and it will smooth your nerves for years to come. I say choose both.
-Marie Crofoot ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The first time I saw a Rachelle Eason plant-stained journal I was moved in a way that I can't explain. Their beauty touched me like no other art has. Since my first encounter with them I have purchased at least a dozen, and plan on purchasing many more. Every time I can't decide what to give someone as a gift and I want to make it extra special, I give a Rachelle Eason plant-stained journal. It's the perfect, hand-made gift of art. One of my friends burst into tears at the beauty of her journal.
She was moved just like I was. I have had the chance to meet Rachelle several times and her sweet spirit adds to the beauty of her journals. I know how much of her heart and soul has gone into them. They are more than journals. They can become pieces of art displayed in many unique ways in your home, photo albums or scrapbooks, or as I am currently using one, as a piece of beauty to bring calm to your soul. I love and appreciate the art of Rachelle Eason and hope and pray that others will be moved by it and see the beauty in life that it inspires.
-Susie Jones ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
About Rachelle Eason
Rachelle Eason has been an artist all her life. She is the owner of Marvelous Mud Pottery Studio in Lakeland, FL where she focuses on teaching adults in a progressive learning adventure in clay. She also produces own line of fabulously functional pottery.
Rachelle Eason is also the creator of Plant-Stained Paper... artistically designed with fresh flowers and leaves then boiled together for one-of-a kind designs.
Email: [email protected]
Copyright 2023-Rachelle L. Eason, LLC | All rights reserved
