The Journey of The Felted Gnome: Celebrating Love and Adventure

Five years ago, I embarked on an unforgettable adventure to Norway, bringing along a special companion – the very first felted gnome I ever created. This little gnome joined me on a journey through breathtaking landscapes, towering mountains, and serene hikes, capturing the spirit of our travels.

My first handmade gnome

 

The Norwegian landscape, with its majestic mountains and tranquil natural beauty, provided the perfect backdrop for my gnome's debut. From rocky terrains to misty cliffs, each location added a unique charm to our journey. We hiked countless trails, each one offering a new perspective and a fresh sense of wonder.

Gnome's adventures in Scandinavia

Before this adventure, I crafted a pair of handfelted shoes specifically for the trip. These shoes proved to be incredibly comfortable for the short trails we explored and were perfect for resting in the evenings. They became an essential part of this journey, providing both comfort and a personal touch to my travel gear.

In love with hiking

This trip holds a special place in my heart, not only for the stunning nature we experienced but also because it marked our 20th wedding anniversary.

Our gnome became a symbol of our journey, a tiny guardian accompanying us through every step. It was a trip filled with wonderful memories, breathtaking views, and moments of pure bliss.

Us in Norway, our 20th anniversary - embracing the joy and love we’ve shared over the years

Now, as we prepare to return to Scandinavia to celebrate our 25th anniversary, I'm inspired to create a new gnome – a tiny, pocket-sized companion to join us on our new adventures. Just like our love and travels, these little creations evolve and grow, adding more magic to the journey.

Creating this new gnome feels like a fresh chapter in our ongoing story, a story that began 25 years ago and continues to unfold with each adventure we take. The anticipation of new experiences and the joy of revisiting cherished places fill our hearts with excitement.

Would you like to see where our next adventure takes us?

Looking forward to sharing more moments from our Scandinavian escapades.

Finding Joy in Greenery and Simple Everyday Life

In the heart of summer, nature bursts with vibrant green, inviting a slower pace. It’s a time when the days stretch out lazily before me, inviting to slow down and savor the beauty around. In this spirit of appreciation, I find inspiration in my own creations – the felted bowl adorned with delicate blooms and the tiny baby shoes, each crafted with love and care using the art of wet felting.

Guess you can agree with me that this photo encapsulates a moment of serene beauty, where nature and handmade artistry come together. The green bowl, reminiscent of mossy woodlands, cradles tiny white flowers, symbolizing purity and simplicity. Alongside, the baby shoes, each a shade of green, represent the gentle steps we take in life, especially in this season of growth and abundance.

Yes, I do love summer with this perfect time to embrace slow living. It's about being present and finding joy in the details, just like the slow process of wet felting. Happiness often comes from the smallest things – the scent of fresh flowers, a walk in the park, feeling the warmth of the sun on your skin, stargazing on a clear night, cooking a meal with fresh ingredients, taking a leisurely bike ride or simply enjoying the view from your window... 

Enjoy your summer!

The Serenity of Summer

Summer, summer, summer.... 

This season is a real tapestry of warmth and light with all the abundant beauty of nature.

 

For artists, writers, and creators, summer is a wellspring of inspiration. The colors, scents, and sounds of the season can spark creativity and lead to new projects. Whether through painting, photography, or crafting, the essence of summer can infuse the creations with warmth and vitality. And sometimes all you have to do is to see the serene beauty that surrounds us. Sometimes to rearrange what you see, to make something new out of it. There's a true beauty in simplicity. 

And all I want to say - embrace the season's offerings, find inspiration in nature's rhythms, and let the gentle hues of summer color your world.

P.S. can you guess what flower was used for this gentle grid in my photo?

Welcome Summer: First Steps into a Season of New Beginnings

As the first days of summer gently unfold, there's a sense of renewal and hope in the air. The world outside is awakening, with nature bursting into vibrant hues and delicate fragrances. In my studio, this transformation is mirrored by the creations that come to life under my hands.

the magic of summer and life

Lupines, with their soft, pastel blossoms, are among the first to greet the summer. Their delicate beauty and vibrant colors are a perfect reflection of the season's promise. Each bloom reaches toward the sun, embodying the energy and growth that summer brings.

Summer is a time for new beginnings, not just for nature but for us all. It invites us to slow down, to savor each moment, and to welcome the warmth and light that this season brings. The tiny shoes represent these first steps—small yet significant, marking the start of an incredible journey.

Let’s embrace this summer with open hearts, appreciating the simple pleasures and the joy of creation. Here’s to the first steps into a season filled with light, growth, and endless possibilities.

 

Embracing Summer's Nearness: Inspiration from My Studio Window

As I sit in my studio, the view from my window becomes a portal to a world where inspiration flows as freely as the summer breeze. The window, a simple yet profound frame, captures the essence of a season that is almost upon us. This view to the lush, green beauty of nature brings a sense of calm into my creative space. It is here, in this serene corner, that I work and dream, letting my thoughts drift on the gentle breeze that flows through the open panes.

The magic view from my studio window

The mantra for this (and every) summer should be simple: work less, live more. It’s a season that calls to be present, find joy in the moment, and connect with the world in a meaningful way. In my studio, the view from my window is a constant source of motivation, urging me to create, dream, and live fully.

Embrace the simplicity, savor the flavors, and take those long walks by the sea, as with summer approaching, it's the perfect time to indulge in life's simple pleasures. 

A bowl of cold beet soup, vibrant and fresh, captures the essence of the season. Imagine this: a breezy afternoon spent in your garden, a bowl of vibrant pink šaltibarščiai in hand, made from the freshest beets, cucumbers, and dill. The tang of kefir mingles with the earthy beets, creating a symphony of flavors that cools you down from the inside out. It's not just a meal but a celebration of the season.

Summer is the perfect time to immerse in the beauty of nature. Whether it’s a stroll through a sun-dappled forest, a picnic in a meadow, or simply sitting under a tree with a good book, nature has a way of rejuvenating our spirits and filling us with a sense of wonder. Stepping outside, the world becomes a canvas of wildflowers dancing in the breeze, their colors inspiring and renewing. It's so good to take the time to notice the small details: the intricate patterns on a leaf, the vibrant colors of a butterfly’s wings, and many things more... These moments of admiration truly helps to slow down, to appreciate the present, to be just here and now.

Long, leisurely walks by the sea, with the rhythmic waves and scattered pebbles, embody the spirit of summer, encouraging a slower, more mindful way of living. There’s for sure something profoundly soothing about walking along the coastline, where the rhythm of the waves matches the beat of the heart... It clears the mind, it lets go of stress (especially if this is a 40 - 50 km walk along the seaside).

These simple joys reminds to savor the freshness, beauty, and tranquility that summer brings.

 

Let this summer be a time of renewal, creativity, and inspiration. 

Work less, live more, and let the view from your window guide you to a season of endless possibilities.

The Joy of Creation: My Love for Diverse Art Forms

I am an artisan.
I am a creator.
I am a dreamer.

Every day, I immerse myself in the world of handmade artistry, exploring different mediums that ignite my passion and fuel my creativity. This is my boundless love for all the different forms of art I create. Whether it’s through the lens of a camera, the intricate design of jewelry, the tactile process of felting, or any other medium I explore, each form of art and craft brings its own unique joy and fulfillment.

The Beauty of Jewelry Making. Creating jewelry is another passion that brings me immense joy. There’s a unique satisfaction in transforming raw materials into wearable art. Take, for instance, the necklace pictured above - each component carefully selected and assembled to create a piece that is both elegant and meaningful. Jewelry making is a delicate dance between design and craftsmanship, where every piece becomes a personal statement.

The Comfort of Felting. Felting is a deeply meditative and rewarding craft. The process of turning soft wool into solid forms like slippers or intricate earrings (as the ones above) is both tactile and satisfying. Felting allows me to create items that are not only beautiful but also practical and cozy. Each piece is a testament to the patience and care that goes into handmade work.

A Celebration of All Things Handmade. What ties all these art forms together is the sheer joy of creation. Whether I’m behind the camera, at the jewelry bench, or working with wool, I am driven by the same passion and love for making. The variety of mediums keeps my creative spirit alive and thriving. Each day in the studio is a new adventure, an opportunity to learn, experiment, and express myself.

Sharing My Passion

Through my work, I aim to inspire others to appreciate the beauty and value of handmade art. This isn't just a hobby for me; it's my livelihood, my way of surviving, and my true life's passion. Each piece I create, whether it’s a photograph, a piece of jewelry, or a felted item, is crafted with the utmost care and dedication.
Making a living from my art means that every creation is infused with my heart and soul. It’s deeply fulfilling to see my work resonate with others, to know that a piece I crafted by hand can bring joy, comfort, or inspiration to someone else.
If you've ever been curious about the crafts I engage in - whether it's photography, jewelry making, or felting - I’d love to hear from you. Let's celebrate the joy and significance of handmade artistry together.
Thank you for being part of my journey and for supporting the craft that is both my passion and my livelihood. Stay tuned for more updates, tutorials, and insights into my creative process. 

vaidapetreikis.com 

The Enduring Charm of Felted Wool Acorns

My journey with felted wool acorns began a few years ago, and it has since grown into a profound element of my artistic expression. There is something truly magical about transforming the airy wisps of wool into dense, tactile little treasures that mimic the real thing so beautifully, yet display a playful hint of whimsy.

The process always starts with gathering acorn caps from the mighty oaks - each one a tiny, perfect vessel waiting to cradle the soft felted wool. Collected on nature walks, each cap is a tiny work of natural art, boasting its own unique ridges and textures. The choice to use real acorn caps in my designs roots my work in nature’s own artistry, providing an organic contrast to the vibrant or earth-toned wool fibers I use. Nature is surely a constant source of inspiration in my creative process, and sometimes the fallen acorns are so captivating that I find myself wanting to replicate it as closely as possible in felt (just have a look at the photo below and see!).

Sharing these creations on my blog and with the world is about more than displaying my work - it’s about connecting with others who share my love for handmade, eco-friendly art. Each felted acorn holds a story, a piece of time, and a breath of nature. They are tokens of patience and passion, meant to spread joy and inspire others in their own creative journeys.

I invite you to adopt one of these little gems into your home. They are reminders of the simple beauty that can be found in combining art with nature, and I hope they bring as much joy to you as they have to me.

Or maybe you would like to try your hand at this rewarding craft? If so, let me know if a tutorial on how to create these felted wool acorns would be of interest to you.