good day, sunshine.

Sometimes I make things. www.samanthabutkus.weebly.com // www.etsy.com/shop/samanthaslittleshop Love always, Samantha Grace

[mantherpanther]

Starting at today’s Farmer’s Market, 15% of your purchase from my stand will be donated to The ALS Association. As many of you may know, my uncle was diagnosed with the unfortunate disease back in September, and with no cure, it can often leave myself and my loved ones feeling helpless as he progresses. This is one small way that I hope will make an impact- sharing my art with you, in turn giving to a cause that has affected my family that I love so dearly. As always, I thank you all for your big hearts and support! The market runs from 3-7pm, I hope to see you there!

[mantherpanther]

For Jeanne, remover of obstacles. • My first memorial felting is in honor of my dear friend, Jeanne, a beautiful woman that we lost from this life one year ago today at only 50 years old. Jeanne and I sparked a deeply rooted connection in January of last year while taking a printmaking course at NIU, sitting across from each other, and staying late together in the studio, sharing some of the most enlightening conversations that I have ever had. My personal growth in every aspect of my life knew no bounds within the seven short months of meeting her. I continue to grow as I reflect on her and our time, feeling her presence in new and surprising ways. I tucked away meaning in each wool roving of this piece, from the choice of an elephant, to the seven dots on her forehead, and beyond, and I know that she could look at this portrait and pick out every last one. • Here’s to you, Jeanne, may you have a glass of Wild Turkey Bourbon wherever you are, with some Stevie Nicks tunes filling the air. I love you, and you live on.

[mantherpanther]

It’s farmer’s market Tuesday, friends! Did you know that I take commission orders in person at these events? Also, this week’s Tuesday on the Town will feature various cars from the Sycamore Speedway as well as DeKalb County Mustang Crew. Come hang out with all of us from 3-7pm downtown! • • • A turtle has been on my felting to do list for months, so I was thrilled when I was commissioned to create one for a family dear to my heart. Check out all the colors of wool this old sport is rockin! 🐢 🌈 Hope to see some of your smiles today☺️

[mantherpanther]

I’ve been visiting my parents this past week, so you can absolutely bet that I have been taking full advantage of spreading my supplies out on my dad’s tool bench! Today was for messing around with some angles and curves in my glass cutting. I may have gotten carried away with curly wire detail, but really, we all deserve to get dressed up every now and then, right?🌲

[mantherpanther]

If anyone thought 1,000+ miles apart would keep us from coordinating on a holiday- that’s cute, but please think again. ❤️💙#longdistanceloveofmylife #notsoindependenceday #codependenceday

[mantherpanther]

When a right brain dominate lady works on a needle felting of a brain, this is the result 🧠 This funky take on the organ is hooped and ready for grabs at the farmer’s market tomorrow! We hope to see you return after our break last week💕

[mantherpanther]

For the first time in five years, I have not had to be glued to textbooks or portfolio pieces during every moment of free time, summer break included. During this transition period, I have been deep in self reflection on how I got here. Among the laundry list of attributes was being a barista at four different coffee shops to get me through (to my surprise, not just financially, but by building some of my most valued relationships). I sat down to paint on traditional watercolor paper for the first time in years (still love you, Yupo). Naturally, out came a portafilter wrapped in a coffee plant. Always remember and respect your roots🌿☕️🎨

[mantherpanther]

What’s better than spending the day surrounded by art and plants? Adding wood fired pizza to the mix👌🏻 Come see your local artists today at Blumen Gardens! We are here until 3pm, there will be a food truck, live music, and a variety of beautiful art filling the gardens, surely to make for a beautiful Sunday🌿💕

[mantherpanther]

Have you ever seen a more satisfied customer than Remy? Last week, 2/3 of my beloved Palm ladies visited me at the Farmer’s Market, and I just love how the arts bring everyone together. Come check out the market again today from 3-7pm by the movie theater in downtown Sycamore! Your dogs are not required, but are highly recommended guests💕

[mantherpanther]

Just two majestic giants, scaled down, but standing strong 💪🏼 I have been teaching myself how to create stained glass! Over the weekend, my dear friend and second cooperating teacher passed down her materials so that I could explore a medium that I’ve always dreamt of! Being a creature of habit, my first attempt had to be some Rockies, of course. I have many hours ahead of me advancing my craftsmanship (soldering is difficult!), but my heart could not be more full⛰💕

[mantherpanther]

My first week post-grad has been spent hanging with my plants and a bottomless coffee, finishing commissions, and getting some mini paintings ready for a revamp of my Etsy! Commissions are open, and if you see a little guy you like, I’ll happily set it aside for you. Happy Friday, everyone!🌿 • • SamanthasLittleShop.etsy.com🌲 • • • #etsyshop #etsysellersofinstagram #watercolor #yupopaper #artistsoninstagram #plantlady

[mantherpanther]

Today my kindergarten dreams became my adult reality: I officially became an art educator, with my Bachelor’s Degree in Art + Design Education, with an ESL Endorsement. Thank you to everyone who played a role in my growth through my journey, which surely will not end here. The future of the world is in our classrooms, and I promise you, it looks oh, so bright. (at NIU Commencement)

[mantherpanther]

“Plant your trees, watch them grow.” -Thorin Oakenshield🌳It’s been a minute since I’ve done a Felted Friday, as I have been busy with wrapping up student teaching and finishing my bachelor’s degree! With graduation being held tomorrow, a throwback to this little acorn and its message seemed all too fitting. Congratulations to all of the graduates near and far! Wherever you go, may you always grow. 💕🎓

[mantherpanther]

Deep in nostalgia and sentiment, I wish I could go back in time and tell this little five year old that her dream would come true. One week from today, I graduate from college with my bachelor’s degree in Art + Design Education with my ESL Endorsement, and it seems incredibly surreal. My grandparents were some patient first students, and I can’t wait to keep the love, education, and creation going with many more💛 (at Trails West Elementary School)

[mantherpanther]

May the 4th Be With You!💫 When you are an art teacher and this shirt exists, it’s May 4th, and you can’t wear clothes displaying weapons to school...you cover your Stormtrooper’s gun with a pizza patch. The amount of elementary school giggles today were priceless #maythe4thbewithyou

[mantherpanther]

Happy Earth Day, everyone! Remember to love your mother🌿I felted this little number from observation, in the little town of Evergreen last summer. We looked over the continental divide, and the wildflowers were in full bloom in the Rockies. How fortunate we are to be surrounded by such breathtaking natural wonders. May we be responsible with them today, and all days💕

[mantherpanther]

Somehow, it’s been 11 weeks since my best friend moved for her internship. I am missing her a little extra today, so here’s a throwback to the funniest thing we have ever done. At least we still get to sip on coffee together, right? I can’t wait to give you the biggest hug in 5 weeks, Amanda!💕