P.S. I HART This: My Tools of Choice
If I had to describe my style in a few words, it would be chameleon and intuitive. Some days I wake up wanting to feel ladylike. Other days I want more of a rock ’n’ roll edge. Sometimes I reach for a full charm stack, and other times only a simple tennis necklace.
That’s what I love about HART jewelry—it’s a tool for self-expression. I think we’ve really nailed a true classic—the charm necklace—but we’ve also expanded into other essentials: pearls, tennis necklaces, gemstones, and earrings.
Since jewelry is one of my favorite creative outlets, I thought I’d share a few of the other tools I use when it comes to painting, design, or domestic pursuits.
Books
The most fulfilling creative expression comes from the most authentic expression of yourself. To be original, avoid the trending algorithms and instead look to books. I don’t just flip through the pages. I sit down and really study the images. What do I like about this? Why am I drawn to it? What patterns do I recognize over time? I love doing this with interior designer’s books. One favorite is Beata Heuman’s Every Room Should Sing. As you move through the pages, you can start to recognize her formulas and key ingredients. The key is writing down what stands out—which leads me to journals.
Journals
My journals are indispensable. I usually keep a few: one as a diary, one for mindfulness and goals, and lately, one dedicated entirely to creative curiosity. It feels like a student’s notebook, except I get to study whatever I want - instead of calculus or physics. Right now it’s gardening - I’m studying the work of landscape designer Loutrel Briggs.
I use this journal to take notes on books, track research, and sketch ideas. It makes me feel like a perpetual student, which I love. Writing things down also helps me process them more clearly.
Watercolors
While I’ll always prefer to tackle a giant canvas with oil paint, it’s simply not feasible because of the time and space it requires. Enter watercolors – convenient, transportable, and easy to clean up. I adore painting with these small travel palettes in journal-like notepads. That said, while watercolor is convenient, it is far from easy. I still have so much to learn from art tutorials via YouTube and good ole fashion practice.
Pens, Paints & Brushes
The Muji 0.38 pen is my favorite for both writing and sketching. For brushes and paint, I don’t overthink it, though I’ve found it’s worth not buying the cheapest options. I love watercolor journals – it’s fun to look through filled journals over the years.
My picks: Princeton Neptune Brush, Koi Travel Watercolor Palette, and Hand Book Field Watercolor Journal
I highly recommend buying supplies at your local art store, which usually employs talented and friendly artists full of great advice. If you’re in Charleston, Artists & Craftsman is the best local spot for supplies!
YouTube
YouTube is by far my favorite app for creative inspiration. I use it for everything from gallery tours at the Met to Alison Roman’s cooking channel, to watercolor tutorials and home design tours. It feels like an endless, free classroom.
My favorite channels:
1) The Met
2) Alison Roman
3) Watercolor Tutorial by Kristin Van Leuven