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.

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 

Bridging Worlds: Integrating Instagram and Embracing Longer Narratives

After a bit of reflection, I've decided to make a few changes around here, in my corner of creativity, and I couldn't be more thrilled to share them with you. 

Firstly, I've made the decision to bring a bit of my Instagram world into this blog space. Those captivating snapshots, the visual stories that have been living on my Instagram account, will now find a home here as well. I realized that while Instagram is fantastic for a quick scroll, my blog provides the canvas for a more immersive experience. So, expect to see a fusion of visuals and words, creating a richer tapestry of my adventures in the world of wool, photography, and all things beautiful.

Moreover, I've set an intention to write more—longer texts, deeper reflections, and meaningful narratives. I've always considered myself more of a visual person than a writer, but I believe there's a beautiful synergy between words and images. Do hope this blog will be the space where stories unfold, experiences are shared, and thoughts find expression.

I find myself wondering why I ever stopped adding content here. But dwelling on the past isn't as important as reigniting the present. So, let's embark on a journey of rediscovery. Together, let's revisit the creations, memories, and experiences that have unfolded over the years during my absence from this space.

To kick things off, let's start with "HI" from me, right here in my studio. I know, I know, in this self-portrait, there's a certain seriousness, a reflection of the time passed without being present here - perhaps a subtle trace of the longing that comes with the realization of the absence.

inspiring quote by muses.lt

DO WHAT YOU LOVE, LOVE WHAT YOU DO - this is my everyday inspiration. It stands as a guiding principle in my philosophy of life and being - a reminder to infuse passion into every endeavor, especially as I rekindle my connection with this blog, aiming to do what I love and, in turn, love what I do.

As we delve into this journey, I'll offer you a small glimpse into my studio, a sacred space where ideas come to life, and creativity finds its home. Would you like to see more of my creative space?

My Future Studio: Findings

A coin we found under the floor. Year 1878, Russian Empire. The most interesting thing is that it's date is absolutely the same as the date when the house was built.
As people say, it looks like a ritual for good luck. Maybe this lucky piece got put in during construction. Some like to do things like that everywhere.

One day in my life. From where I stand....

My Future Studio: So Near...

My future studio. Under construction... Under serious construction. Still lot's of work to do... But I am really very very happy. Old building (built in 1878), high ceiling (3.6 meters), finally, lots of space for my creative work!
If you ever happen to be in Kaunas - you are welcome in my place!

Attacus Atlas, Part II

So, they came to our house in February. Following the instruction we stored the pupae in the refrigerator until April. Then they were place in a special corner, we cared for a proper humidity and temperature. And waited. Waited. Waited... The spring ended. We still waited... The summer was almost gone, and finally, in the very end of August two of them came out. Finally!

So.... Here it is - a beautiful female. Though her wings have not spread enough, she is so impressive!
These wonderful creatures are so fragile... And so huge... And so beautiful! Even with broken wings. Don't you think so?

Attacus Atlas, Part I

Last Christmas my son wanted just one gift. And it was quite special. Attacus Atlas, the largest moths in the world. Just it! So... They came to our house only this year, in February. They looked just like this:

 

to be continued.... ;)

I'm Back

I've been here long ago... Alas. This spring was quite a difficult one. With lots of events, lots of work, etc. New theory course - algorithms, flowcharts, Matlab.. Really time consuming work. My grandmother died on the 17th of March. My father is in the hospital for a month waiting for the operation - his heart... Just not enough time, not enough strength, not enough capability for the creative part of my life.  But.. The life must go on. Always. So - I'm back.
 

Happy New Year!

Just wanted to thank you for being together and wish you warmth, happiness, love, coziness, unity, patience, joy, peace in your hearts, creativeness, and everything you need in your daily life. Be happy!