Creating a meaningful worship environment during Lent helps guide congregations through this season of reflection, repentance, and spiritual renewal. Whether through simplified altar designs, symbolic visuals like ashes and thorns, or interactive prayer stations, church leaders can use their worship space to deepen the Lenten journey. Some churches embrace minimalist decor, removing floral arrangements and dimming lighting, while others incorporate intentional symbols like purple drapery, stones, or the cross. These visual changes not only enhance worship services but also prepare hearts for the joy of Easter. Explore creative ways to adorn (or unadorn) your sanctuary, altar, or sacred spacefor Lent in this post.

Discover the power of intentional gratitude with "Prompt: A Week of Gratitude Letters." This guided practice invites you to reflect on the blessings in your life and express appreciation through handwritten notes. Whether you're thanking a mentor, reconnecting with a friend, or acknowledging everyday kindness, these prompts will help you cultivate a heart of gratitude. Perfect for personal reflection, faith communities, or creative journaling, this simple yet meaningful practice can deepen your connections and bring joy to others. Join us in embracing the art of gratitude—one letter at a time.

As Lent draws near, it’s an opportunity to deepen our worship experience through both word and image. One powerful way to enhance the Lenten season is by incorporating art into worship services. Public domain art offers a wealth of visual resources—ranging from classical masterpieces to lesser-known gems—that can elevate our reflections on the themes of Lent. In this post, we’ll explore how to use public domain art in worship, particularly on bulletin covers or church screens. We’ll also highlight three impactful works of art that can inspire reflection, prayer, and contemplation during this sacred season.

As we embark on the season of Lent, it’s a time of reflection, renewal, and spiritual growth. But Lent is also an opportunity to engage with creativity in meaningful ways. Whether through journaling, sketching prayers, or creating simple Lenten crafts, these creative practices can deepen our connection to the season and to our faith. In this blog post, we’ll explore how incorporating creativity into your Lenten journey can enrich your reflection and bring a fresh perspective to prayer, repentance, and renewal. Let's discover the art of slowing down and creating space for God during this holy time.

As we approach Valentine's Day, it's easy to be swept up in the commercialized celebration of love. But true love, as illustrated in scripture, is much deeper and richer than what is often portrayed in the media. This post explores the power of storytelling, art, and faith to help us reconnect with love in its purest form—selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional. From parables in the Bible to the works of historical and contemporary artists, storytelling is a timeless way to express and reflect on love's transformative power. Together, we’ll explore how we can redefine love by embracing the biblical values of service, compassion, and grace, and learn how these virtues can shape our relationships and our lives—not just on Valentine's Day, but all year round.

As we embark on the sacred journey of Lent, art and symbolism can provide powerful ways to reflect, pray, and renew our spirits. Through visual imagery, we are invited to meditate on the themes of sacrifice, repentance, and hope. The cross, ashes, and desert landscapes are just a few symbols that can deepen our connection to this season of preparation. In this post, we explore how these powerful images invite reflection and prayer, guiding us closer to the heart of Lent and the renewal it brings.

The Celebration Stole Collection is designed to honor the joyful moments in ministry, offering a vibrant and meaningful way to mark special occasions in the life of the church. Whether for baptisms, weddings, or festive services, each stole is thoughtfully crafted with colors, symbols, and themes that speak to the heart of celebration. In this blog post, we'll explore the inspiration behind this collection and how these stoles can bring both beauty and significance to your ministry. Stay tuned for a closer look at each stole and the unique stories they tell.

Prepare your heart and your sanctuary for the sacred season of Lent with clergy stoles that embody the depth and symbolism of this time of reflection. From the somber hues of purple to the intricate imagery of crosses, thorns, and wilderness landscapes, these stoles not only enhance worship visually but also invite deeper contemplation of Christ’s journey to the cross. Discover how these meaningful designs can enrich your Lenten services and serve as a powerful reminder of God’s grace and redemption.

Uncover the beauty of slowing down with The Gift of Time: Creative Tips for Practicing Sabbath in the New Year. This post explores how setting aside intentional moments for rest and creativity can renew your spirit and provide a meaningful start to the year ahead.

In this reflective blog post, I share my decision to choose "create" as my guiding word for 2025, inspired by the belief that creativity is a divine gift from God, the ultimate Creator.

Through intentional acts of creativity—whether in the studio, relationships, or everyday life—we can reflect God’s love, beauty, and truth.

As we embark on this journey, may our imaginations flourish and our creations shine as reflections of God’s grace and glory in the world.

Discover the profound significance of Epiphany as we journey through the season of light and revelation. In this blog post, we explore the sacred symbols that illuminate the story of the Magi and their search for Christ, offering insights into how these timeless elements can inspire and enrich your faith. From the guiding star to the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, join us in uncovering the deeper meaning behind these symbols and how they connect to the ongoing journey of faith and discovery.

2024 Favorites: A Year of Creativity, Growth, and Joy

This year, I embraced habits and discoveries that enriched my life and creative journey. From binge-watching shows like Shrinking and Great British Baking Show to reading powerful novels like The Other Wes Moore and Go As a River, 2024 was filled with inspiration. I hit a milestone with 57 blog posts for Carrot Top Studio, experimented with daily digital drawings, and even found joy in simple routines like adding spinach to breakfast or pushups to my mornings. Join me in reflecting on the little joys that made this year unforgettable!

Did you know Christmas isn’t just a single day of celebration? In the Christian tradition, it’s the start of a 12-day journey rich with history, faith, and symbolism. From the birth of Christ on December 25th to the arrival of the Magi on Epiphany, these 12 days offer a profound opportunity for reflection, gratitude, and joy.

On the Carrot Top Studio blog, we explore the roots of this cherished tradition, the spiritual symbolism behind the "12 Days of Christmas" song, and creative ways to celebrate the season through acts of generosity and art. Join us as we dive into this timeless practice and discover how it aligns with our mission to inspire hope, peace, and joy through faith-filled artistry.

Celebrate the fullness of Christmas with Carrot Top Studio—where every season is an opportunity to reflect, connect, and create.

Explore the beauty and timelessness of public domain art this Christmas season! In our latest blog post, we dive into the many ways you can use these treasures to enrich your holiday celebrations, from worship visuals to personal projects like note cards and gift tags. With examples ranging from Baroque to Romanticism, public domain Christmas art offers something for every taste and style. Remember, while these artworks are free to use, always give proper attribution to honor the artist’s legacy. Read on for inspiration and ideas to bring the spirit of Christmas to life through art.

Discover the beauty and meaning behind white and gold stoles for the Christmas season in our latest blog post. Explore the symbols of light, purity, and joy that adorn worship spaces during this sacred time, including stars, nativity imagery, and candles. Learn how these colors reflect the spiritual significance of Christ's birth and bring a sense of hope and renewal to your holiday celebrations. Perfect for clergy and worship planners seeking inspiration for liturgical traditionsthis Christmas.

Find the Perfect 2024 Gift with Carrot Top Studio's Holiday Gift Guide 🎁

Searching for meaningful gifts that inspire joy and creativity? Our 2024 Carrot Top Studio Gift Guide is here to help! From handcrafted Advent and Christmas stoles for clergy to vibrant tea towels featuring pomegranates, gingerbread, and the Doxology, we have something special for everyone. Don’t miss our new Whispers of the Garden 2025 calendar, thoughtful pomegranate Christmas cards, and delightful book-lover stickers. Whether you're celebrating faith, creativity, or community, these gifts make the season extra memorable.

Explore our gift guide now and find the perfect present for every heart on your list! 🌟

In our latest blog post, we delve into the fascinating history of Johnny Appleseed, his mission of planting orchards, and the enduring faith that guided his journey. Learn about the heartfelt grace sung in his honor and my serendipitous encounter with the Johnny Appleseed bench in downtown Fort Wayne, Indiana. This tribute to his life serves as a reminder of the beauty in living simply, faithfully, and with purpose. Perfect for those who love history, faith, and discovering the stories behind American legends. 🌿

Read more on the Carrot Top Studio blog!

At Carrot Top Studio, gratitude is at the core of everything we create. This Thanksgiving, we reflect on the beauty of connection, creativity, and faith that inspires our work every day. From meaningful designs to the stories we share with our community, we celebrate the blessings of hope, peace, and joy. Join us in embracing the spirit of gratitude and find inspiration for your holiday season. Read more on our blog!

Advent invites us into a season of waiting, a journey of heart and spirit that goes beyond counting down to Christmas. Rooted in the powerful themes of hope, peace, joy, and love, Advent encourages us to pause and prepare for the coming of Christ. Through weekly candle-lighting and reflection, we are reminded that even in darkness, light and hope grow stronger. In this post, discover ways to deepen your Advent journey through prayer, scripture, and communal traditions. And as a special closing, enjoy a peaceful haiku crafted to capture the beauty of anticipation.

This Advent season, discover meaningful ways to prepare for Christmas with my selection of both new and favorite devotional resources. From Encountering Emmanuel by Heather Khym, which invites us to pause and experience God’s presence, to Light From Afar, an international Advent devotional by Upper Room Books, these resources offer fresh perspectives and global reflections. I’m also returning to cherished art devotionals like Biola University’s Advent Project and The Visual Commentary on Scripture from King’s College London. These selections blend art, scripture, and daily inspiration, creating a rich, reflective experience ideal for deepening your Advent journey. Explore these resources on the Carrot Top Studio blog to embrace the themes of hope, peace, and joy in meaningful, visual ways this season.