Reflecting on my first public Tucson workshop at Arizona Poppy Shop

My first in person Tucson workshop was last Thursday at the wonderful Arizona Poppy Shop in Downtown Tucson. Photo by Rosie of Sonoran Rosie.

Teaching watercolors in person was one of my favorite pre-pandemic parts of my business in Washington, D.C. I had continued teaching virtually, which I still love (and offer for groups of all kinds), but there is something special about creating in person. And it’s extra special when the space is as lovely as Arizona Poppy.

A view of each student’s setup for the evening.

I customized my traditional watercolor flowers to complement the desert plant life used in Sonoran Rosie’s products and I had to include the eponymous Arizona poppy, of course!

Thank you so much for having me!

We decided to add a second date after receiving some inquiries after the class had sold out and we have 5 spots left for Friday’s class. You can sign up by clicking the “add to cart” button below.

Heidi Nielson's work, including OHEI Studio featured in This is Tucson

It really felt like a dream to be featured in This is Tucson. I spoke with reporter Elvia Verdugo earlier this month about my practice, the large role that art has played in my healing, including most recently from a miscarriage, and my love of Tucson.

She also highlighted some of my illustration and design work that I create for OHEI Studio.

Huge thank you to ThisisTucson.com ! What an amazing way to be welcomed back to the desert.

VIRTUAL Watercolor Floral DC Map Workshop 4/27 at Shop Made in DC

I’m excited to be offering a virtual watercolor floral class through Shop Made in DC on Tuesday, April 27th from 7-9pm.

In this virtual class, you'll learn how to paint loose florals and then use the techniques you learned to fill a D.C. map (pre-printed on watercolor paper for you) with your own unique bouquet. Your Kit will include: (1) a watercolor set, (2) 2 pre-printed maps on watercolor paper; (3) paintbrush; (4) frameable 5x7 sample design created by Heidi.

DATE: This class will be held on Tuesday, April 27th, 2021

PRICE: $50/person

TIME: 7-9PM

LOCAL DELIVERY: DMV participants only.

2/14/21: Outdoor Pop-up at 3 Stars Brewing Company

Tomorrow, February 14th, I’ll be popping up again at 3 Stars Brewing Company! I’ve re-stocked RBG candles, and will be debuting Leslie Knope candles, cards, and more just in time for Valentine’s Day, as well as bringing along a few fine art originals. Deets and reservation info below:

Sunday February 14th

Do You  need a gift or pick me up?

SUPPORT LOCAL

In our latest Local Vendor Popup, sure to fuel all your personal and giftable needs, we've got foods, pet treats,  vintage goods, crafts, art, baked goods, and an interactive stationary bike ride. 

Food by Saya Saltenas

Make your reservation before they're gone!

03:00 PM - 06:00 PM

Thrift Tips and More on my Finding Your Good Feature

I’ve been a huge fan of Carolyn (aka @petite_punk), the powerhouse behind DC Goodwill’s Finding Your Good initiative, for a while. So I was so excited when she asked me to chat about one of my favorite topics, thrifting, for their blog. Head on over to read some of my favorite thrift tips, finds, and upcycling wins!

January 23: my first pop-up for a year (socially distant and outdoors) at 3 Stars Brewery in Washington, D.C.

It’s been so long since I’ve done a pop-up that I hope I am not too rusty at interacting with folx IRL, but I am excited to be popping up at 3 Stars next weekend for an outdoor, socially distanced pop-up. Masks are required. I’ll bring extra sanitizer, RBG prayer candles (multiple sizes this time), prints (old and new), susty fringe face masks, and a few select fine art pieces. Hope to see a few of your masked faces there!

Details:

Saturday, 1/23/21

3-6pm

3 Stars Brewery

6400 Chillum Place NW, Washington, DC, DC 20012

a throwback to a “before times” pop-up and live painting sesh at Tiger Fork in Blagden Alley, D.C.

A Gift Guide for New Mama's

As a new mama, I know that I would have LOVED any and all of these when I had my baby. Even though my son is not a newborn anymore, I still would appreciate these beautiful gifts. (Especially the one line a day journal). Spoil a new mom and show her you support her in her new chapter! Most of the products come from small local DC shops. All of the links of where to buy these are listed below!

Card https://threelittles.co/collections/grown-ups/products/card-tiny-human

Matching shirt and onesie https://www.etsy.com/listing/724815921/breast-feeding-gift-matching-mom-and?epik=dj0yJnU9Q2tReklNUUpsR3paQlVVY1lCcWZ6OXh0azh2cWhHTHUmcD0wJm49b18xWUgzSmJHTm84eERUajlJMThTdyZ0PUFBQUFBRl9PeXNj

Olivia macaron https://oliviamacaron.com/collections/shop-all/products/favor-box

Brightening Face mask (very needed with those sleepless nights) https://skincando.com/shop/lux-beauty-products/pumpkin-enzyme-mask/

Caffeine free Energy drinks (also very needed while breastfeeding) https://amwy.me/ou3IZBPi1

Dinner kit https://www.hellofresh.com/menus/

One line a day memory journal https://bookshop.org/books/canvas-one-line-a-day-a-five-year-memory-book-yearly-memory-journal-and-diary-natural-canvas-cover/9781452174792?aid=457&listref=books-to-welcome-in-the-new-year-and-sustain-you-through-2021

Be still my soul print https://www.desert2district.com/shop/be-still-my-soul-print-in-rose-gold?category=D2D%20prints%20and%20stickers

A Gift Guide for Mothers

What would we do without our moms?! Here are some great gift bundle ideas to give to someone you love and cherish. My favorite gift is the state print because you can customize it to where they live now or where their children live. Most of the products are from local shops in DC. I added links to where to find each of these below! Happy gifting!

Motherhood Water bottle https://www.zazzle.com/motherhood_funny_quote_for_new_mother_stainless_steel_water_bottle-256748932472385947?rf=238943032443585306&tc=lyricalpinswaterbottles_3general3_020220&pm=&epik=dj0yJnU9WTcwM0JaTVJ3ZXUtaUlDa3VtOVQyenNUWlBubEVyWVAmcD0wJm49b01nZk1QTGhKd2gzYll5VWN1VlRmdyZ0PUFBQUFBRl9PdS13

Olivia macaron https://oliviamacaron.com/collections/shop-all/products/favor-box?variant=31576247118

Candle https://warmemberscandle.com/collections/candle-shop/products/home-for-the-holidays

Rings https://www.diamentjewelry.com/products/gemstone-split-ring-round

One line a day memory journal https://bookshop.org/books/canvas-one-line-a-day-a-five-year-memory-book-yearly-memory-journal-and-diary-natural-canvas-cover/9781452174792?aid=457&listref=books-to-welcome-in-the-new-year-and-sustain-you-through-2021

Bath salts https://www.milesofmoisture.com/product/rose-beautifying-bath-salts/

State sign https://www.desert2district.com/shop/hc82usvxwggvp7a4y9404ykm4qouw8?category=D2D%20prints%20and%20stickers

My first podcast appearance ever -- Studio 78 with Nache' Snow

Nervous about making my podcast debut (eek!), but Nache’ Snow made it so easy it just felt like talking creative businesses with a good friend. Here is the link to the episode (and you can also find it on your favorite podcast app). I have been making my way through the archives and I learn so much from every episode and am honored Nache' had me on. Would love to hear if you listen!⁠

Here's a short description from Nache' about what we cover in the episode: In this episode, Heidi discusses why she chose to be a lawyer by day and an artist during her “off” hours. We discuss how the 100 Day Project gave her momentum, the importance of being intentional with your business, and why setting clear goals are important. We also chat about how she’s been able to use her art to celebrate and support lawyers of color, to include partnering with others to support funds for future attorneys. Additionally, we discuss the impact of COVID on her business and how this mental health advocate took the time to slow down.⁠

🎤🎧 Studio 78 Podcast⁠

📷: headshot by the talented Elizabeth Moon.

⁠

The D2D Team

Hi there!👋 My name is Kendra. I love the sunshine, reading self-improvement books, and anything with sugar in it. I am blessed to have an incredible husband and 11-month-old son. We live in Rexburg, Idaho at the time but are counting down the days until we can move to the beach. 

I am all for entrepreneurs working to fulfill their dreams and I am excited for my sister, Heidi, to reach hers! I have loved helping out on the D2D team and am excited to continue to do so. I studied apparel design and entrepreneurship in college and loved {mostly} every minute of it. I enjoy sharing my talents with those I love and am excited about some future collaborations of these art forms. There are so many great things coming and I know that if you stay tuned, you’re going to love it. 

One fun perk of being Heidi’s sister is getting to have her personally design us things all of the time. I have absolutely loved everything she has created but as a sloth lover, my all-time favorite creation is this ADORABLE pillow she made me for my birthday. Learn from the wise, and live slow ️🦥

Summer State of Mind FLASH SALE

“Balcony Jungle Pt. 2”

This summer has flown by and has mostly been a “state of mind” since I have spent most of it on my balcony. But it was still a summer to remember and one that I am sure we will all remember. To wrap up the season I am hosting a FLASH SALE starting TODAY thru Sunday, 8/30 on some of my original water colors that I’ve painted over this summer. It has brought me a lot of joy over the COVID summer and I am excited to share them with you. BONUS!! The Summer State of Mind Flash Sale extends to my etsy shop prints as well!! Click on the link below and enter the code: SINCE2015 to get 15% off everything!

https://www.etsy.com/shop/desert2district?coupon=SINCE2015 

“Joe Hoed Beets”

Lettering for Mental Health Sale thru Sunday, 8/16

8x10 print - “Comparison is the Thief of Joy”

To celebrate World Calligraphy Day, I am hosting a sale in my Etsy shop thru Sunday, 8/16 of my three mental health lettering prints. Modern calligraphy and lettering have been such a source of joy and stress relief for me so I'm happy to celebrate this medium today. Prints are $8.40 each (no code needed).

 During this challenging time, I hope you are staying well, both mentally and physically. ⁠

8x10 print - “The world is a better place with you in it”

My sister the survivor

An illustration of me and my youngest sister circa 2009.

My youngest sister is here visiting me for her 21st birthday and I really can't believe how time has flown! We're 10 years apart so I've seen her grow from a tiny baby to a brave, resilient young woman. She has been through A LOT in the last few years and I'm proud of her for recently sharing her story and asking for the help she needs to be more independent and take care of her mental and physical health, including recovering from #ptsd after surviving sexual assault, by raising money for a #servicedog .

I love all my sisters more than words can say. If you are interested in supporting Liz on her journey of recovery too, you can find her Go Fund Me page here. If you are kind enough to donate or share, I’d love to send you a little art as a thank you. Just email or DM me a screenshot and your address and I’ll send you a little thank you.

An excerpt of her story:

I have to say, I was (and still am) very afraid to tell my story here. It seemed terrifying to tell everyone my diagnosis and be vulnerable about what happened, but I know there are good people out there who are willing to help. And to be honest, I really do need the help right now, so I'm willing to open up with all of you.

I have PTSD as a result of sexual assault that happened a little over a year ago. I won't go into too much detail, but it completely changed my life and ability to function in a way that my medical history hasn't before. I've had four surgeries for congenital bone malformation and dealt with chronic illness throughout my life and especially in high school which was incredibly difficult with wheelchair, mobility, and health struggles. Getting to school has always been very difficult for me and even now, I still have lots of limits on my physical abilities.

Sending love and healing vibes to you all.

Growth Requires Embracing Fear - Free Printable Lettering

The closer we get to the end of the year, the more I reflect on everything I’ve learned this year and all the learning and growing I still want to do before 2019 ends. With that in mind, this month’s printable celebrates growth by getting out of your comfort zone.

Download it here. For personal use only. Link expires in 30 days.

National Suicide Prevention Month: Free Printable Lettering

All month, mental health advocates, prevention organizations, survivors, allies, and community members unite to promote suicide prevention awareness. I’ve sadly lost too many loved ones to suicide and want to be part of the movement to give others hope and to try to take the stigma out of discussions of mental health. It’s something that I still really struggle to talk about, but it’s something that so many people struggle with and I know I’ve benefited so much from people who are brave enough to share their stories. I’m lucky I’ve had a lot of support, both from loved ones and by slowly learning to advocate for myself and others in the healthcare world, something that used to terrify me.

To help raise awareness this month and for anyone who needs a reminder, I’m making this print available as a free download. You can download it directly here or you can join my newsletter to get the link sent straight to your inbox. I send out monthly downloadable prints to subscribers and would love to have you as part of our community.

You are loved and you matter. The world is a better place with you in it.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support via phone or chat for people in distress, resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. Includes information on finding your local crisis center. Phone: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) Website: http://suicidepreventionlifeline.org

LOCAL II Drawing Night with The Lemon Collective on 2/27

TLC Drawing Night

2/27/19 at She Loves me

I’m so excited to be joining the amazing local girl gang behind The Lemon Collective for drawing night on February 27! This is literally a dream come true as I’ve been following their work since I moved to D.C. I hope you’ll join me in Holley’s beautiful new space on the 27th!

I’ll will guide the group through a series of plant still life arrangements at She Loves Me, a flower shop in Petworth, featuring a variety of fabrics, textures, and, of course, cacti. We'll start quickly, with 1 minute drawings to warm up, and then increase the time you have to sketch each arrangement as the night progresses.

Tickets: $10 

Sign up here!

NO DRAWING EXPERIENCE NECESSARY. This is a fun relaxed evening of casual drawing with people you might know, people you've just heard of, people you've stalked on instagram, and perfect strangers. IT'S GOING TO GREAT.

PLEASE NOTE THIS IS NOT A CLASS, PLEASE BYO DRAWING SUPPLIES

MURALS II Shaw Yoga Mural Timelapse

A timelapse of the mural I painted for Shaw Yoga in Washington, D.C. The design is original, designed by me in collaboration with the owners.

I’m finally back to the blog after a few months away and I’m excited to share the process for one of my biggest projects to date—my mural for Shaw Yoga!

Now, this timelapse video is definitely not perfect. I had a snafu with my iPad and the longest video of the first part of the mural was deleted, but it’s still really fun to see this come to life. It’s amazing how over 15 hours of work can be condensed into just 3 minutes!

A few huge thank yous to those who made this happen:

• To Parker and Liz of Shaw Yoga, thank you so much for this opportunity and for being the most wonderful collaborators! It was a joy to work on this with you both!

• To my very sweet husband (who makes several appearances in this video) for spotting me on the ladder, bringing me food, water, a million other things I forgot, and keeping me company late at night.

• My wonderful friend Raynie who came and took progress photos of me!

• All of you for following along as this project took shape! It has been especially amazing to see so many of you visiting the studio and taking photos with the mural.

I learned so much from this mural and am really hoping to paint more this year. If you have a project in mind, please hit me up! Rates start at $500 (varies based on complexity and size).

P.S. Tomorrow evening, Parker will be choosing the three winners of our joint giveaway. Follow along on Instagram to see if it’s you!

STYLE II Massanutten Long Weekend

Desert 2 District Design II Massanutten Packing List

It’s hard to believe after weeks of endless rain that we we spent a very sunny and warm weekend in Massanutten earlier this month. As much as I love boots, apples, and hot coffee, I’m a summer girl through and through. I’m already missing summer adventures, but at least I get to relive this one a little longer. 

About 2.5 hours from D.C., Massanutten is a small resort town near Shenandoah National Park. The nearest larger town is Harrisonburg, VA, the home of James Madison University. We decided to spend a relaxing long weekend there for my 30th birthday and it was the lovely, quiet weekend I’d been wanting. 

Thrifted top // skirt by Mimi Miller 

On our way in, we stopped at two wineries—White Oak Lavender Farm and CrossKeys. They each had totally different vibes, but we enjoyed the wine and experience at both. White Oak Lavender Farm would be a great place to go with kids. The grounds are large and they have animals kids would love to say hi to. CrossKeys was more sophisticated, with a beautiful pergola that would be wonderful on a cool day.

We clearly had fun wandering the grounds and wine tasting.

The next day, we spent most of the day at Shenandoah National Park. When our first hike got rained out, I painted a little sketch to pass the time. I always love spending time in national parks, rain or shine.  

After a day in the sun, we stopped in Harrisonburg for some dinner and beers. We loved the “smofu” at Lola​ Mo’s Deli and beers at Three Notch’d Brewing Co. We could have spent even more time in Harrisonburg and may try to make a fall trip happen.

Thrifted dress // shoes from ThredUp 

On our last day, I tried my hand at golfing. I have to admit, it was a bit painful because I’m so bad. But. I really enjoyed driving the golf cart so I still had a good time. And M had a lot of fun, so that’s what matters. 

We spent each evening cooking dinner together, sitting on the balcony, star-gazing and spending lots of time together. 

 It was a perfect way to end the summer and celebrate my last few days in my 20s

LOCAL II Shouk

This week’s D.C. illustration is one of my favorite fast casual spots in the city: Shouk!

Desert 2 District Design II Shouk Restaurant in Washington, D.C.

Shouk serves modern Israeli street food and all of it happens to be vegan. There are so many delicious items, but a few of my favorites are the cauliflower bowl, breakfast bowl (featuring an “omelet” made from chickpeas) and the chopped salad. The polenta fries are also delicious and unique. If you like spice, their Harissa sauce is a great addition to any of their dishes. 

The location I illustrated is their original, located on K Street NW, in between 6th and 7th. They also recently opened a location in Union Market. Let me know if you check them out!