Watercolor is having a moment — one only has to witness Emily Lex Studio’s 276K followers to see what I mean. Emily’s work is clearly beyond delightful, but when it comes to watercolor, there are endless approaches to explore and experience. To truly develop one’s own style, wandering off the main path is essential.
Take Ellen Walsh of Ellen Walsh Designs. Hailing from Melbourne, Australia, Ellen has exhibited her ethereal wares stateside at *Noted I believe either two or three times. It was there I became first enchanted with her colorful work, although I haven’t yet had a chance to feature her either in Stationery Trends or here.
That all changed in January, when I received an email about Ellen’s Paint Club. This DIY subscription service brings with it a gorgeous mailing every month that is not only a marvelous activity, but an ongoing opportunity to develop one’s own skills as the medium is explored over time.
“I came up with the idea of Paint Club as I really wanted a way to connect with everyone beyond Instagram and screens, to feel like we were getting to do something together,” Ellen wrote me. “I hope it inspires the recipient to put aside a little creative ‘me’ time each month, and just enjoy the process of watercolor — a slow, mindful, creative few hours within our busy days.”
Sounds like heaven to this nerd! Of course I immediately wanted to post about it, but Ellen needed to figure out how to sell it here. I’m so glad to report that Ellen’s club is now officially available internationally!
The themes of the designs will vary every month and expect a surprise, from travel destinations to architecture, flowers and more. Also, this pretty mail is sent with actual stamps!
Tucked inside find:
— An A5 watercolor template, printed on 100% cotton watercolor paper
— A6 mini print of same template design, which is also a postcard! Use this as a reference for your painting.
— A surprise goodie
— A little letter from Ellen
That’s a lot of happy mail and DIY fun for $9/month (yes you read that correctly!). Your subscription will renew automatically, cancel any time after the first month (though why, really??). Get started here, and be sure to tell Ellen that The Paper Nerd sent you!
