Hi Lilla,

I’ve had a growing obsession with succulents since I first set eyes on one. I thought I could be satisfied with a casual purchase at the local nursery or a quick photograph while out on a walk….. And then I went to Joshua Tree. To some, a beautiful park to go camping and rock climbing. To me, a vegetation wonderland. Cacti, algae, desert shrubs, wildflowers….h e a v e n.

I was in awe discovering the different varieties of cactus in this stunning terrain. It was one of those weekends that left me feeling renewed and inspired – and more than ever wanting to channel my adoration into art. I thought I’d share a photo diary of some of my favorite Joshua Tree moments, along with a new Desert Collection inspired by the dusty, washed out colors of the California desert.

I hope you enjoy!

Linda

Giant granite boulders are a surreal backdrop for all the various plant life, while what must be thousands of Joshua Trees dot the land as far as you can see.

In their own modest, quietly expressive way, cacti are at once spare yet full of personality . Fragile, yet durable. Each one unique in shape and proportion. The “leaves” almost will you to pull them apart and reconfigure them as if pieces of a puzzle (are you sensing my obsession……).

left photo by Jen Causey

Linda writes:

Hi Lilla,

I’m pleased to be taking part in Feliz, a 3 day celebration of handmade here in Austin Nov 2 – 4th. There will be 27 artists/makers both local and from around the country selling their wares at the beautiful Palm Door. It’s sure to be an inspired event of meeting, making and shopping. I can’t wait to get my hands dirty learning shibori dyeing techniques at one of Saturday’s workshops! Learn more about the event and it’s creators/participants at felizsale.com.”

Linda writes:

“Hi Everyone,
I was at Target a few days ago and I couldn’t have been more excited when I saw that the collection of folders + notebooks I did for them are out! It’s hard to believe it’s already time to think about back to school, but I hope that these vibrant supplies make it easier!”

Linda writes:

“Hi Everyone,
I had the incredible opportunity of doing the illustrations for the new Ivory branding. This was a dream job in so many ways. It’s been exciting to see the new packaging as it appears on the shelves. I wanted to share what I’ve seen so far. I love the bright new colors!”

Linda writes:

“Hi Everyone!

I wanted to share some photo’s of the ice sculptures I saw on my trip to Antartica years ago. I’ve been pining to travel and reflecting back on this epic adventure. Though it’s been some time since this trip, these images never cease to inspire me. I was in awe of these wondrous sculptures in all their forms. The light casting off the ice was luminous.
We were able to tour through mazes of these in our zodiacs and get up close enough to see all the dips and striations. Being detail-oriented in my work as an artist, I was enthralled by just how much was going on with these masses of ice. Floating nearby in our boats we could see the weather worn intricacies, seemingly chiseled away, and hear drops of water dripping into the ocean. I couldn’t get enough of these.”

Linda writes:

“Hi Lilla!

The Flower Pop notecards I did with teNeues are out! I’ve just received my copies + I couldn’t be more excited. As an admirer of their products for so many years, I’m thrilled to now find my work among their collection!!”

Wednesday: Jenn Ski’s Kitchen paper products pattern

Linda writes:

“Hi Everyone,

Renegade Craft fair Austin is coming up and I’ll have a booth this year!
It will be a great weekend to see all of the great art + wares being made by locals. I’m looking forward to it!!”

Linda writes:

“Hi Lilla,
I’ve always wanted to see my work in a Starbucks and now I can! For the month
of March my art is on display at a prime downtown location at 5th and Lamar. It’s
the month of South x Southwest here which makes it all the more exciting as traffic is flowing!!
I loved filling the space with my bright botanicals and created a large format one of
one of my favorites. ”

Linda writes:

Hi Lilla! I wanted to share an upcoming Etsy event here in Austin hosted by
West Elm. I was thrilled to be invited among other local etsy artists. It should
be lots of fun!

Linda Ketelhut writes:

“Hi Everyone,

I’ve been updating my etsy store and I’ve always loved
the graphic flower I used for my eco + modern happy collections,
so I thought I would try another variation on them with more
color.

I wanted to share them … because
they have their own vibe and are so cheerful!

Hope you’re enjoying a nice day!”

Friday: SPIN – A New Twist on Vintage Board Games