“combine passion + purpose for a joyful life”
perfectly describes the first quarter of my 2024

The busyness of the year has me feeling so grateful and blessed. 

I am not sure how long since I’ve felt as “in the zone” as I do now. The flow of really good design projects and teaching opportunities is brilliant,
my desire to do more feels solid. Things feel new to me, and I am very grateful for this.

NEW from house of appleton …

Well, it seems about time that I put into writing and images, the process of how I create a mandala. And now I have done it. A 24 page book that starts right at the beginning of setting up your page to the last finishing details. 
It is done based on exactly how I have been drawing mandalas since 2005. 

Since it is easiest for me to teach a 6/12 section mandala, the kind I do mostly, that is what this is based on.

The tools you will need are quite simple, and are listed in the book.

I invite you to read more about mandala basis HERE

You may order a copy using the same link.

Since the inception of house of appleton last year, book design in a variety of forms has taken a big spot in my work world. 

So far this year, I have been asked to design a couple of books for another independent publisher, and it looks like a group of poets might get me to design their book.

Each book project has been unbelievably joyful. Some days it truly does feel like my grandfather Appleton is standing right here, cheering me on!

As well as book design, I have been doing some social media postings for Salish Sea Market, in Bowser … a shop that is near and dear to my heart. Having worked in the store for a few years, doing many different tasks, I have a good grasp on how to present the wonderfulness of it to the larger world. Doing it online is different than in the shop, but I feel as though my contribution is an important one.  I am grateful to maintain this connection. 

In March I was asked to facilitate a workshop to show others the health benefits of drawing mandalas … of which there are many! 

It was offered through the Cowichan Valley Arts Council, and funded by the Vancouver Island Health Authority. I offered one of many workshops on ART & WELLNESS … in an effort to introduce people to healthy ways to feel grounded and calmer in a turbulent world. 

In April, I will again facilitate a mandala workshop, but this time for Youth. I am looking forward to this, because as you might have guessed, I think sharing mandalas with as many people as possible is sort of my mission in life. 

That, and producing really, really good looking books!

May April bring much joy and connection to your world!