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.

In our latest blog post, "The Importance of Creative Rituals," we delve into the transformative power of creativity in enriching our spiritual lives. Discover how establishing creative rituals can enhance your personal and communal worship experiences, fostering deeper connections with faith and community. Learn practical tips for incorporating artistic expression into your daily routine and explore the significance of these rituals in promoting mindfulness and inspiration. At Carrot Top Studio, we believe that creativity nurtures the soul, making it essential for spiritual growth. Join us as we celebrate the beauty of creativity and its vital role in our spiritual journeys!

At Carrot Top Studio, we believe that every stole tells a unique story. For those who wish to add a personal touch to their liturgical garments, we offer blank stoles ready for your creative embellishment. Whether you're a seasoned artist or someone embarking on a new creative journey, our blank stoles provide the perfect canvas to express your faith, artistry, and individuality.

Since 2012, Carrot Top Studio has been honored to create the official stoles for the PCUSA General Assembly co-moderators. Each stole is a unique work of art, imbued with deep spiritual symbolism and thoughtful design. The stoles serve as visual reminders of the profound journey we embark upon in the Church, especially during Ordinary Time, which the green hue symbolizes.

Art museums are treasure troves of inspiration, history, and beauty, offering something for everyone. Whether you're a seasoned art enthusiast or visiting for the first time, this blog post explores some tips to help you make the most of your experience, no matter your age.

Ordinary Time, the season between the major liturgical events of the church calendar, provides a unique opportunity for creativity and reflection in worship. Unlike the more celebrated seasons of Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter, Ordinary Time is a period that encourages the exploration of diverse themes and symbols. Making visual connections in worship during this season can enhance the spiritual experience and keep the congregation engaged. In this blog post, we’ll explore a few creative ways to incorporate visual elements into worship during Ordinary Time.

In the delightful journey of Carrot Top Studio spanning two decades, there’s a delicious lesson we've learned: life's too short to pass up on opportunities, much like how one shouldn't skip a slice of carrot cake! As we celebrate our 20-year anniversary, let's reflect on the twists, turns, and sweet rewards that come from embracing change and seizing every chance that comes our way.

Welcome to a heartfelt guest post by a seasoned pastor, Simeon Harrar who recently witnessed his cherished clergy stole take on a new role in the hands of an eager student. As mentors, we often wonder about the reach and impact of our teachings. This unique story unveils the transformative journey of a simple stole from a symbol of ministry to an inspiring prop in a high school play. Discover how an unexpected twist in its use brought a fresh perspective on vocational calling and the timeless message of service and love.

As Pentecost approaches, we are drawn into a sacred season rich in symbols and spiritual depth. This blog post explores the pivotal feast in the Christian calendar that commemorates the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples, marking the birth of the Church and the empowerment of believers. Join us on a journey as we explore the profound symbols associated with Pentecost, each carrying layers of meaning and spiritual significance.

Welcome to Carrot Top Studio, where art and faith intertwine to create captivating narratives and timeless treasures. Join us on a virtual tour of our creative sanctuary, where every stroke of the brush and stitch of the needle is infused with passion, purpose, and a deep reverence for the sacred.

As Easter approaches, our hearts turn to themes of rebirth, renewal, and the promise of new life. In the tapestry of Easter stoles, one recurring motif stands out: the imagery of the gardener. Join us as we delve into the profound symbolism woven into these sacred garments, exploring how the gardener imagery encapsulates the essence of Easter's transformative message.

The labyrinth walking practice goes beyond the tangible to touch the essence of your spiritual exploration. This blog post explores the mindfulness benefits and the sacred journey of walking a labyrinth on foot or with your finger.

This Lenten season, consider embracing a holistic approach to nourishing your mind, body, and spirit. This blog post contains gentle self-care tips to help you connect with your faith during this sacred time.

At Carrot Top Studio, our core values are not just guiding principles—they are the heartbeat of our artistic endeavor. We embrace the transformative potential of art, celebrate diversity, purposefully adorn and inspire, connect through storytelling, and strive to empower minds and spark change. Learn more in this blog post.

In a world that often rushes past, leaving little time for heartfelt connections, there's a profound beauty in pausing to acknowledge and celebrate the boundless nature of love. Explore this theme in today’’s blog post by Jenny Gallo of Carrot Top Studio.

As we enter the sacred season of Lent, a hushed reverence settles over the church—a time of quiet introspection and spiritual depth. In this unique period, the power of visual connections in worship becomes a profound avenue for fostering quiet reflection. Read this blog post to be inspired for Lenten worship.

May this Christmas bring you joy, warmth, and moments of peace. Wishing you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with inspiration. Here's to continued success and shared accomplishments in the coming year.