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.

In our latest blog post, A Year in Bloom: Introducing the Vibrant 2025 Carrot Top Studio Calendar, we’re unveiling a new year of color, nature, and inspiration! Featuring original, daily floral sketches brought to life with vibrant hues, this calendar invites you to experience the beauty of nature all year long. Inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s quote, “Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you,” each month brings a fresh, joyful reminder of the natural world’s beauty. Join us as we celebrate a year in bloom—perfect for brightening any space.

In our latest blog post, The Beauty of Symbolism: Why Pomegranates Are a Timeless Choice for Christmas Cards, we explore the rich meaning behind this ancient fruit as a Christmas motif. From representing life, abundance, and unity to its deep roots in art and faith, the pomegranate offers a fresh yet timeless way to celebrate the season. Perfect for adding a touch of symbolic beauty to holiday greetings, our new pomegranate-themed Christmas card is crafted to inspire connection and reflection. Discover why this beloved symbol makes such a meaningful choice for your holiday cards this year.

Discover the profound significance behind Advent stoles in our latest blog post, Advent Stoles: Visual Symbols of Hope, Peace, and Joy in Worship. These vibrant stoles serve as powerful symbols, reflecting the anticipation of hope, peace, and joy central to the Advent season and the celebration of Christmas. Whether you’re considering adding a stole to your church's worship attire or seeking a meaningful pastor appreciation gift, explore how these cherished visual elements can enhance the spirit and meaning of worship this season.

Discover the rich meanings behind Advent symbols used in Christian worship in our latest blog post. From the Advent wreath and nativity scene to the Jesse Tree and the colors of purple and blue, these symbols help deepen the connection to the themes of hope, peace, joy, and love during the Advent season. Explore how visual elements like stars, evergreens, and bells create a meaningful worship atmosphere as we prepare for the coming of Christ. Perfect for churches and individuals seeking to enrich their Advent worship experience. Written by Jenny Gallo at Carrot Top Studio.

Discover creative ideas for Advent visuals in worship in our latest blog post, "Advent Visuals in Worship: Beyond Clergy Stoles." From incorporating the liturgical colors of blue and purple to designing altar displays, banners, and seasonal décor, this guide explores ways to create meaningful visual connections during Advent. Perfect for churches looking to enhance their worship experience, whether they use traditional Advent stoles or other artistic elements to celebrate the season. Get inspired with unique and engaging ideas to bring the spirit of Advent to life through vibrant, faith-filled visuals.

Introducing the 2025 Carrot Top Studio Wall Calendar, inspired by a year of daily floral sketches and the vibrant beauty of nature. This stunning calendar features a colorful palette and showcases original flower illustrations, perfect for adding artistic inspiration to your space. Drawing from Frank Lloyd Wright's quote, "Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you," this calendar is a celebration of creativity and nature's timeless beauty. Ideal for art lovers, nature enthusiasts, and those seeking daily inspiration. Available now at Carrot Top Studio!

In our blog post, "The Spiritual Significance of Color in Clergy Stoles: A Guide to Liturgical Seasons," we explore the rich symbolism behind the colors used in clergy stoles throughout the church year. From the deep blues and purples of Advent to the vibrant reds of Pentecost, discover how these hues communicate profound spiritual messages and connect worshippers to the rhythm of the liturgical calendar. Perfect for clergy and congregations alike, this guide offers insight into the visual storytelling that enriches worship through sacred vestments.