The West 5th Weekender No. 10

Happy Sunday, friend!

Gosh I love a weekend. This one especially felt like that little break I desperately needed. A jump start if you will. I styled a fun pair of pants three ways, got stranded with a dead minivan, and started painting a vintage teapot.

Fashion, car trouble, and an unnecessary attachment to old dishes. Honestly, a pretty accurate summary of my life.

So happy you’re here! :)

WHAT I’M WEARING

One pair, three ways.

We’re going to be seeing bandana-inspired prints everywhere this fall, and when I spotted these pants, I wanted to give the trend a try. Turns out, I love them.

The fit is what sold me. They’re relaxed and roomy where I want them to be, but still fitted through the waist, which keeps the shape really flattering. The denim is also soft with a little stretch (always my preference), and for a trendier pair of pants, at $35 the price is great. I’m usually size 8 and the medium fits great.

I also love that something this bold can actually be surprisingly versatile. My rule for styling a statement pant is pretty simple: let the pants do the talking. Pair them with a solid top in a neutral or complementary color, then change up your shoes, bag and accessories depending on where you're headed.

I tried them three ways: polished and preppy with a blue button-down, easy and casual with a simple tee, and a little more feminine with a soft blue eyelet top.

Think office > errands > brunch.

And bonus: the relaxed balloon/barrel-style pant is going to be everywhere this fall, so these check two trend boxes without feeling too over-the-top. Available in other colors!

Take a look at my three fits! Which way would you wear them?

WHAT I’M loving

Car Battery Charger Jump Starter

How many moms does it take to jump a minivan?

Does that sound like the start of a bad joke? Because it was the start of my Friday.

In this week’s What I’m Loving, we’re putting aesthetics aside and getting smacked in the face with a little real life.

Friday morning, I found myself stranded with my son after finishing a strength workout and a walk. My van wouldn’t start, but I wasn’t worried. I’ve got this. I have a handy little jump starter/air compressor kit in my van for exactly this kind of emergency. You don’t even need another vehicle to connect to. I’ve seen Adlai use it. My dad taught me life skills. I am a strong and capable woman.

I confidently popped the trunk only to discover...nothing.

I had taken my emergency kit out to clean my nasty, sand covered, sticky floor mats and never put it back. I could picture it sitting in my mudroom at home. Super helpful. Super on brand.

While I am strong and capable, I am also apparently a bit of a mess.

Long story long, after calling through my roster of amazing friends, we eventually tracked down some jumper cables and went full girl boss in the parking lot. I’d love to tell you we handled the whole thing ourselves, but this story had a humbling ending and eventually my husband had to come save the day. Thanks, babe.

Turns out the cables weren’t “seated” properly. Who knew?

So consider this week’s recommendation a PSA: buy one of these nifty little contraptions and never, ever, ever take it out of your car.

Mine can jump a dead battery and inflate tires. Thankfully, I don’t need the jump starter very often, but I’ve used the air compressor plenty of times, especially for the low stroller tire.

Just learn from me: the emergency kit is considerably more useful when it’s actually in the car.

Shop the jump starter + air compressor ! THIS IS WHAT SHE NEEDS FOR CHRISTMAS.

WHAT I’M CREATING

The Art of the Hunt

I’m finally wrapping up my long list of summer house commissions, and this week I felt inspired to start something just for me.

One of my favorite ways to spend an afternoon is grabbing a coffee with a friend and moseying through an antique mall. I love getting to chit chat and hunt for what the other person might love. I’m always drawn to the same kinds of treasures: colorful old coffee tins, vintage floral plates, unique rings, little things to tuck into my gardens and anything that looks art deco. I’m constantly snapping photos and thinking, I should paint that someday.

Well, someday is here.

This fall, I’m starting a little personal series painting some of my favorite vintage finds. First up is this beautiful blue and white teapot that caught my eye on a recent antique hunt with a friend. Isn’t it soooo cute!

She’s not finished yet, but stay tuned. I had little helpers join my painting time.

What if I turned the whole collection into a cozy little calendar?! I’m already obsessed.

Have a treasure I should paint? Send me a photo! I’d love to pull a few Weekender readers’ treasures into the series too.

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FREE WALLPAPER

This week’s free phone wallpaper is for the coffee girlies.

Until next Sunday,
Emily

The West 5th Weekender No. 09

Happy Sunday, friend!

This week came with a little bit of everything: settling into the school routine, helping Adaline prepare for her first Young Entrepreneurs Market, catching up in the garden, and more rain than I knew Indiana was capable of producing.

So this week's Weekender is appropriately filled with muddy boots, a very cute raincoat I don't need, little-business lessons, and some everyday creativity.

Let’s catch up!

WHAT I’M WEARING

For the Garden, Markets & Errand Running

The weather has been wild here in central Indiana. We’ve had rain like I’ve never seen, and the morning drive to school has felt a little like we were capturing content for The Weather Channel.

All that rain also reminded me that I firmly believe every woman needs a good pair of shoes for stomping through mud, rain puddles, and whatever else the forecast throws at us. So naturally, I rounded up a few of my favorites for the garden and beyond.

I spent some time catching up in my own garden this week, which was slowly being overtaken by weeds. My hydrangeas are looking fabulous. Everything else? A little crispy and neglected. You win some, you lose some.

THE ALL-AROUND PAIR
My Merry People Bobbi boots are still going strong after two years and honestly look almost brand new. I grab them for muddy outdoor markets, rainy days and winter slush. They come in lots of fun colors, but I have the classic Rust and it goes with just about everything in my closet. A high price point, but have held up.

THE GARDEN PAIR
I gave my mom this sunflower pair for Mother’s Day, and they are so cute for working around the yard.

Below are a few more pairs that caught my eye, from actually going to weed the garden to mostly just want to look cute while walking through a puddle.

SHOP MY RAIN + GARDEN BOOT PICKS ↓

Laura Ashley Gingham Boot

Merry People Bobbi Boot

Sunflower Pattern Chelsea Boot

Hunter Boot

WHAT I’M loving

SMALL BUSINESS. VERY SMALL OWNERs.

Young Entrepreneurs Day at Lowry’s Little Flock Farm

This summer I started noticing Mini Maker-style markets popping up everywhere. Adaline has always loved helping me at craft markets, so when a friend and fellow business owner shared Young Entrepreneurs Day at Lowry’s Little Flock Farm, I knew Adaline would love to participate.

We worked on it little by little throughout the summer, partly to hold her interest and keep Mom’s eye from twitching. Having some market experience myself, I tried to guide her without taking over. Here are a few things we learned along the way!

Make something they actually enjoy.
Adaline loves to tie dye, so that was an easy place to start. Let them choose something that feels special to them. They’ll be much more excited to make 15 of something if they enjoyed making the first one.

Keep it affordable.
At a kids’ market, shoppers often want to support several little businesses, so we tried to have plenty of items under $5. We also saved receipts and talked about the cost of supplies and how that money comes out of what you earn. At six, the idea that money spent before the market affects the money you make after the market was probably the hardest concept to grasp. Honestly, mom struggles with this one too.

Let them build their own brand.
Obviously, we care about aesthetics around here, but I didn't want to make all the decisions for her. We talked about choosing a color palette and making her products and booth feel like they belonged together. An easy trick: head to the paint aisle and let your child choose 3–5 paint chips for their “brand.” It keeps things cohesive and cuts down on decision fatigue.

Practice the practical stuff.
Make a simple price list and have them learn it before the market. Practice taking pretend orders and giving change. It's practical math disguised as playing store!

And don't forget the people skills.
Saying hello to strangers, smiling, making eye contact and answering questions are all learned skills. A kids’ market is such a great, low-pressure place to practice them.

Making a sale builds confidence, but watching someone walk away without buying anything teaches something too. Putting something you've made out into the world comes with a little disappointment sometimes. Learning to be proud of your work anyway might be one of the best business lessons of all.

A look at her set-up the day of! Adaline’s favorite part was spending the day selling alongside her cousins.

Click and save to download!

WHAT I’M CREATING

Have a little maker at home? I created a free My First Market printable to help them dream up their business, plan their products, practice for market day and see how much they earned. Print one out and let your little entrepreneur take it from there!

Part of a co-op or friend group? You could do the same concept but kids can trade products instead or use play money.

WINDOW SHOPPING

Things I found on the internet that I love, but tragically will not be purchasing.

Boden Colour Block Raincoat

I’m a coat girl. You won’t catch me lusting over designer purses, but put an unnecessarily beautiful coat in front of me and suddenly I’m swooning.

I’m guilty of owning a unnecessary number of coats, and this color-block raincoat from Boden is currently calling my name. After the amount of rain we’ve had this week, I could almost convince myself it’s a practical purchase. Almost.

The colors! The oversized fit! So British.

Do I need a $270 raincoat? Absolutely not. But this is Window Shopping, and she deserves to be admired from afar.

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in the shop

Indiana Floral Mug

$24.00

A floral tribute to Indiana, the Peony State, in mug form. One side has the state illustration, and the opposite the floral grouping.

This ceramic coffee mug features original illustrated artwork by Emily Deisler of West 5th Creative, inspired by peony blooms, colorful gardens, and Midwest charm. The design combines vibrant florals with an Indiana silhouette for a cheerful artistic mug that feels both cozy and collectible.

Perfect for coffee lovers, flower enthusiasts, Indiana locals, and thoughtful gifting, this oversized 15 oz mug is designed for everyday use while adding a colorful boutique feel to your kitchen or coffee bar.

Professionally printed with vivid long-lasting color, this mug is microwave safe and dishwasher safe.

Details

• 15 oz ceramic mug

• Original illustrated Indiana floral artwork

• Microwave safe

• Dishwasher safe

• Glossy finish

• Double-sided printed design

• Comfortable oversized handle

• Professionally printed for vibrant lasting color

Perfect For

• Indiana gifts

• Indiana Peony Festival souvenirs

• Peony lovers

• Midwest-inspired home decor

• Coffee lovers

• Garden enthusiasts

• Mother’s Day gifts

• Teacher gifts

• Cozy coffee bar styling

Designed and illustrated by Emily Deisler of West 5th Creative.

Add To Cart

FREE WALLPAPER

This week’s free phone wallpaper is just cute. Stay sunny!

Until next Sunday,
Emily

The West 5th Weekender No. 08

Happy Sunday, friend!

It was back-to-school week here at home, and whew, it felt like a slap back into reality. Everyone had places to be, I had a craft market on the first day of school, and I generally felt like the conductor of the hot mess express. That is probably no longer a cool phrase, but I still prefer no-show socks, so what do I know.

Amidst the chaos, I read and heard a handful of things this week that stuck with me. Some meaningful, some funny, and apparently all worthy of a spot in my Notes app. In the spirit of learning, I thought I’d share them with you too:

“There are so many ways to create a fulfilling life.”

“Paralysis by analysis.” Overthinking everything so much that no action is taken.

“The Eiffel Tower is just a lamppost with a publicist.”

Enjoy the back-to-school edition of the weekender!

WHAT I’M WEARING

School is back (or approaching) and everyone loves a back-to-school fit. Or at least I do. I can remember obsessing over what I was going to wear for the first day of school as far back as third grade, so fashion has been a lifelong interest.

I pulled together a few pieces with a throw-on-and-go vibe for kids and moms. Things that are cute, comfortable, and require very little thought. Whether your kids are headed to the playground or you just want to feel a little more put together for morning drop-off before starting your day, these are easy pieces that caught my eye for the new school year.

for kids

Adaline’s dress from the first day

pencil and rainbow dress!?

Owala has my vote for the best water bottle

colorful clips for the stray hairs and ponytails

i wish this rainjacket came in my size

cute tennis shoes

sweet dress socks

for mom

these under eye patches give me life

a striped top, its the hot pattern right now

barrel pants in great color ways, the brown is so good

this leather sling bag

fashion forward ball cap

chic skirt set

the waffle knit matching set

ceramic travel mug for the car

WHAT I’M loving

Blueberry Muffin Recipe

Is there anything Joanna Gaines can’t do? I tried this recipe years ago from her Magnolia Table cookbook, and it won my heart. The streusel topping alone will soften hearts and make you friends.

Recipe Link

I usually make a double batch and keep them in the freezer. Pull a few out the night before and you have fresh muffins ready for breakfast! I love having a cake plate on my counter where you can always find a cozy carb.

Also, I have to mention these nonstick liners that I’m obsessed with. No sticking, no paper waste, and one less thing to remember to buy.

WHAT I’M CREATING

Back-to-School Bag Charms!

My daughter is a crafter. She loves nothing more than sitting down and putting all that creative energy to work. “Mom, can we do a craft?” is a daily request around here.

Bag charms have been everywhere lately, and I figured we could handle a DIY version. it seemed like the perfect little back-to-school project for us.

We gathered up beads we already had, raided the ribbon stash in my art studio, and ordered a few keychain hooks from Amazon. And honestly, they turned out SO cute.

We made each little strand about 3–4 inches long and mixed beads, ribbons, pom-poms, and whatever else we could find. I am absolutely not a jewelry maker, so there was no fancy technique happening here. We tied everything on with knots and called it a day.

This would also be such a fun way to use scraps of fabric, leftover ribbon, or even take apart old jewelry and give the beads a second life. Basically, dig through your craft drawer and see what you've got!

And tuck this idea away for December. I think these would make the sweetest handmade gifts for older kids to make for friends, teachers, or grandparents.

MATERIALS

Bag Charm Hooks
String
Velvet Ribbon
Pom-Pom Ribbon
Beads

WINDOW SHOPPING

Things I found on the internet that I love, but tragically will not be purchasing.

THESE SHOES.

The colors! The chunky sole! The tiny floral details!

Do I need them? No.
Have I thought about them an unreasonable amount? Yes.

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in the shop

Watercolor Grecian Bust Pot Print

from $15.00

Watercolor Grecian Bust Pot Print | Minimalist Art, Modern Art | Grecian Bust Face Planter Print | Romantic Roman Painting

This is a high-quality 5x7, 8x10, or 11x14 print on high quality paper for beautiful texture. Adds the prettiest pop of color to any room! Hand painted by Emily Deisler in her playfully quaint inspired style. Allow this goddess painting to inspire you as you work, workout, or relax!

Size:

Select Size 5x7 inches 8x10 inches 11x14 inches

Add to cart

FREE WALLPAPER

This week’s free phone wallpaper is inspired by truth! May it encourage you where to find strength as you step into the week ahead.

Until next Sunday,
Emily

The West 5th Weekender No. 07

Happy Sunday, friend!

One thing this newsletter has reminded me is just how fast a week goes. My goal is to write every Sunday, but if life gets busy and I miss one, I'm not going to quit. Around here we're shooting for a passing grade in this season of life, not perfection. Which is hard for me if I’m being honest!

My hope for The West 5th Weekender is simple: to celebrate a beautiful, ordinary life. My husband is a teacher, I run a small business from my backyard studio, and most weeks are filled with coffee, painting, family, and little moments that make me smile. I hope this little corner of the internet inspires you to slow down and notice those things too.

Here are a few little joys from my week:

• seeing Spiderman opening night. love all Spidey movies.

• my cousin got married at a gorgeous venue in Petoskey, MI.

• overheard my son chanting “U.S.A, U.S.A…” in his sleep.

• went school shopping, introduced Adaline to the joy of color coordinated school supplies.

• made this delicious pulled pork, and my kids mostly ate it!

WHAT I’M USING

Hair addition!

Heated Round Brush

I love this bad boy.

While I'm pretty good at styling my hair, I have never mastered giving myself a salon-worthy blowout with a round brush. But I love that soft, bouncy, old Hollywood look.

I bought this heated round brush when my hair was long and was surprised by how much I liked it. It works amazing on bangs and fringe! Now that I have a bob, I reach for it even more.

It gives my hair a smooth, bouncy finish without having to juggle a hair dryer and a round brush at the same time. I simply section off my hair and slowly run it through one small section at a time. I've found it works best if you keep a little tension on the hair as you pull it through.

It's one of those products that actually is saving me time.

WHAT I’M LOVING

My Moccamaster Coffee Maker

I love this coffee maker. I wake up and think about this coffee maker. If I could save only one thing in my kitchen, it would be this coffee maker.

For over a year it sat in my Amazon cart, living as nothing more than a dream. I went back and forth over buying it.

"No, Emily. No sane person spends that much on a coffee maker."

"A French press works just fine!"

"Think about your counter space."

But the heart wants what the heart wants, and apparently mine wanted this retro-looking coffee machine that many bloggers claimed made the best coffee. Then last Black Friday it went on sale for over $100 off, and I thought, Merry Christmas, Emily  and ordered it.

It makes a perfect cup of coffee: dark, strong, and smooth. It never tastes burnt, even after it's been sitting on the warming plate. And here's the part that surprised me—I use about half the amount of coffee grounds compared to my old coffee maker. Over time, that makes the price tag feel a lot easier to justify. It is excellent.

So really, this isn't just about a coffee maker. It's about giving yourself permission to invest in something you'll genuinely enjoy every single day. Sit on it for a while. See if it keeps calling your name. If it does, embrace the little ritual it creates. Maybe for you it's a morning workout class, a perfume you've been eyeing, or a coffee maker that makes you smile before you've even had your first cup. ALSO SHE COMES IN LIKE 20 COLORS! 

WHAT I’M CREATING

House Portraits!

Here's a peek at what has been on my studio table the past two weeks! I've been working on two large house portrait commissions. These homes are absolutely gorgeous—and a little intimidating—but they've been so much fun to paint. I love sitting down with a fresh sheet of paper and getting completely lost in the process. Sometimes I even have to piece together several reference photos to create the right composition before I ever pick up a paintbrush. So if your home is covered by a giant tree- we can make it work!

What surprised me most was how long the brick house took. About halfway through, I had to give myself a little pep talk. Watercolor is all about patience, building layer after layer. The first few washes can look almost childlike, and it takes trusting the process before everything starts to come together.

Once the underpainting was dry, painting the brick alone took an entire day. One brushstroke at a time, constantly mixing slightly different shades of red so it looked natural instead of flat. It's slow work, but that's part of what I love about watercolor. There isn't really a shortcut with human-made art. That’s why it’s special.

After spending a week painting every window, brick, and flower bed, I almost feel like I know these homes and families. That's one of my favorite parts of creating house portraits. By the time I finish, they don't just feel like paintings—they feel like stories.

FREE WALLPAPER

This week’s free phone wallpaper is inspired by summer! Next week school starts!

Thank you for being here and supporting this colorful little business of mine.

Until next Sunday,
Emily

in the shop

Custom Watercolor Home Portrait

from $200.00

House Portrait | Custom Watercolor Home Portrait | Home Illustration | Original Watercolor Art | Moving Gift | Keepsake House Portrait

Maybe it’s the house you grew up in, or the first home you purchased. Wherever it is, it’s your home and holds a special place in your heart.

Based on a photo of your home, each portrait is drawn by West 5th owner, Emily Deisler. The houses are drawn in pencil, color is added through watercolor painting, and finished off with accent pen and ink. The final product is the original, hand painted watercolor.

THE PROCESS

- During checkout you will fill out the information you'd like to include at the bottom of the print. We can accommodate up to two lines of text.
- Once your order is complete, send an email or message that includes photos of the house. A front view of your house is required. (west5thcreative@gmail.com)
- After the painting is complete, we'll email you a PDF proof to make sure everything is accurate.
- Once approved, we ship the original watercolor to you!

Notecards and additional prints are available upon request.

* Please allow up to two weeks to receive your proof. Print will ship 1 to 3 days after proof is approved. (Contact us if you want to rush the print. We'll see what we can do.)

Heartfelt and handmade,

Emily

Size:

Select Size 8x10 inches 11x14 inches 12x16 inches

Add to cart

The West 5th Weekender No. 06

Happy Sunday, friend!

Well... this week kept us on our toes. Between a sick kiddo, putting my Etsy shop on vacation for the first time in nearly two years while I catch up on orders, and discovering a raccoon in our basement (yes, really), it felt like we were living in our own little sitcom. Life in a house built in 1890 is never boring!

Even in the middle of the chaos, there were still plenty of bright spots. This week I'm sharing a few Walmart finds I spotted while out having “me time”, a family portrait that was especially sweet to paint, and the summer outfits I've been reaching for again and again.

WHAT I’M WEARING

Confession: I'd love to tell you I've been wearing breezy strappy dresses and cute sandals all summer... but that wouldn't be true.

I'll be real—finding cute summer clothes with a larger chest is a challenge. If a top or dress requires a strapless bra, I'm immediately out. At this point, I'd rather wear a scratchy potato sack than spend all day adjusting something trying to squeeze the life out of me.

So I've embraced my summer uniform: colorful athletic shorts or a skort with a coordinating top. I love creating monochromatic looks or pairing complementary colors for a fun pop. It's comfortable, practical, and honestly fits my life better than anything else right now. This skort has been a weekly win in my summer wardrobe!

Also, apparently I need to make a spot to take outfit photos. I can’t promise monster trucks won’t also be in frame.

WHAT I’M LOVING

Boutique Style, Walmart Budget.

One thing you'll quickly learn about me is that I love finding beautiful things that don't cost a fortune. Running a small art business while raising two kids has made me pretty intentional about where I spend money.

Walmart has quietly become one of my favorite places to shop for home décor, clothing, and little everyday finds. Here are a few things currently sitting in my cart (or already in my house!).

Joyspun Pajamas – This brand is perfection for cute, comfy, pj’s.

Brazilian Coconut Hand Sanitizer – Does anyone else appreciate when practical things are also cute?

My Texas House Planter – I've been eyeing these for outside my art studio. They have the prettiest aged finish!

Free Assembly Striped Pants – These are effortlessly chic and look so comfortable. Regretting not buying in store.

Ceramic Lamp with Woven Shade – It gives Pottery Barn vibes at a fraction of the price.

Free Assembly Crochet Top – I haven't stopped thinking about this one.

Scalloped Mint Dinnerware – Every time I walk past these in the store, I have to stop and admire them. They're cheerful, timeless, and give a jade look.

Embroidered Floral Pillow – The colors and texture immediately caught my eye.

Yasso Mint Chip Ice Cream Bars- This is a sweet treat always in my freezer.

WHAT I’M CREATING

This month my desk has been filled with watercolor commissions, and honestly, it feels incredibly humbling.

There was a season not too long ago when the portrait requests slowed down. I was still busy with other projects, but I quietly wondered if people were losing interest in the watercolor paintings that first started West 5th Creative.

Then May arrived, and ever since, I've been so grateful for many painting orders. It's been a sweet reminder that seasons change, and sometimes all you can do is keep showing up and creating.

This week's commission was a meaningful family portrait paired with a coordinating strawberry painting. Lately I've been loving the idea of creating a small companion piece that ties into the larger portrait. It adds another layer to the family's story while still standing beautifully on its own.

Every painting begins with a hand-drawn sketch before I slowly build up layers of watercolor. It's definitely not a quick process (sorry to everyone eagerly waiting on their portraits!), but watching a blank sheet of paper become something that will be treasured for years never gets old.

Next week I plan to share a paint a long with me!

FREE WALLPAPER

This week’s free phone wallpaper is inspired by the summer blooms!

Thank you for being here and supporting this colorful little business of mine.

Until next Sunday,
Emily

The West 5th Weekender No. 03

Hello friend!

I missed you last Sunday!

The last couple of weeks got the best of me. Between work, life, and trying to keep all the plates spinning, I realized I needed to let something go for a week—and this newsletter was it.

This week has felt like a fresh start in a lot of ways—a new haircut, fun projects in the studio, and a few little things making summer life easier. So let's catch up.

WHAT I’M WEARING

This week I decluttered and organized my closet. If I could give one piece of wardrobe advice, it would be this: create a personal color palette.

It can be as limited or as varied as you like. Mine is based on the colors I naturally gravitate toward and the ones that complement my coloring. I have a little bit of a head start since I studied color theory and work with color every day as an artist.

I'm drawn to fresh, cheerful colors. My closet is mostly light neutrals, pinks, yellow-greens, and soft blues, with an occasional pop of red and orange. Pink and green are complementary colors on the color wheel, so I know they'll almost always work beautifully together. While I enjoy lots of colors, you'll notice they all have a similar bright, light quality. My wardrobe leans much more spring than fall. You won't find many jewel tones, mustard, or deep purple—not because they aren't beautiful, but because they just don't fit my color palette.

Limiting the colors I bring home means almost everything in my closet can be mixed and matched. Before I buy something new, I try to ask myself, "Can I wear this with at least three things I already own?" If the answer is yes, it's much more likely to become a favorite instead of sitting in my closet unworn.

Having a handful of go-to colors makes getting dressed easier and your wardrobe feel much more cohesive.

I even made a little graphic to show my personal color palette! Homework: organize your closet by color to see what you’re drawn to. Then build a palette around yours favorites!

WHAT I’M LOVING

MY NEW BOB!

I love change and have been wanting to cut my hair for about a year. So last week, when I got to see my sister (who also happens to be a very talented cosmetologist) I asked her to do the chop.

I've always loved a classic French-inspired bob. They're chic, timeless, and have just the right amount of personality. After showing Autumn a handful of inspiration photos, she got to work. I wanted a cut below the chin, that would work with my natural texture.

The result was perfection—thanks, Autumn! I feel so much lighter and maybe a little more sassy. Doing my hair no longer takes an hour (praise!), and I feel more like myself. I'm still figuring out the best ways to style it, but I've been having fun with it. Here are a few photos from the week!

Sometimes a haircut is just a haircut...and sometimes it gives you the little reset you didn't realize you needed.ake a walk. Bring a friend if you can.

WHAT I’M CREATING

One of my favorite things about my job is that no two weeks ever look the same. So when a request for a large group portrait featuring 20 people landed in my inbox, I knew it would keep me busy for a while!

I create these illustrations digitally using Adobe Illustrator and a drawing tablet. Projects like this take a lot of planning, starting with gathering photos of everyone so I can capture each person's likeness. I illustrate every individual separately before bringing them together into one final composition. Most group portraits go through two or three rounds of revisions because with that many personalities, there's almost always a detail or two to fine-tune.

My favorite part of this one was the costumes. They gave each person so much personality and added little splashes of humor throughout the illustration. It was such a fun reminder that artwork can tell a story just as much as it can capture a memory.

The finished portrait was gifted during the company's annual retreat on Madeline Island, and I love imagining everyone seeing themselves in the artwork for the first time. That's one of my favorite parts of what I get to do.

FREE WALLPAPER

This week’s free phone wallpaper is inspired by my intention to slow down this week and enjoy.

Thank you for being here and supporting this colorful little business of mine.

Until next Sunday,
Emily

The West 5th Weekender No. 01

Hello friend! I’m so happy you’re here.

Welcome to the very first edition of The West 5th Weekender — a little Sunday note from my Midwest art studio filled with watercolor, pretty things, mom life, and whatever inspired me this week.

The first week of June has been spent recovering from the whirlwind that was May. Between markets, graduations, field trips, and projects - it all finally caught up to me. I’ve been slowly getting back on top of things after the Indiana Peony Festival, and I left that weekend feeling so inspired, grateful, and full of ideas for what’s next.

This newsletter is one of them.

I wanted to create a space that feels a little more personal — a way to share the story behind the artwork, the things I’m loving lately, and small pieces of everyday life from West 5th Creative.

WHAT I’M WEARING

This week I’ve basically lived in the new West 5th Creative tee. This shade of pink brings life to everyone’s skin, and it’s the easiest thing to throw on with jeans or bike shorts.

I already know I’ll be styling it all summer with pops of red for a fun Fourth of July look — think denim overalls, Converse, and a red bandana. Basically my favorite kind of outfit.

WHAT I’M LOVING

This Sweet Cream Brown Sugar Creamer.

I’m a coffee girl through and through. I love hot black coffee year-round, but once summer hits, I start making afternoon iced coffee at home. Lately I’ve been adding a splash of this creamer and it is so good.

WHAT I’M CREATING

This weeks main project was a group illustration of 22 people! It’s a gift so I can’t share it online just yet. But at home I created a “helpfulness” chart to inspire my family. Nothing motivates my kids like a sticker chart that promises a slushee. Fingers crossed!

FREE WALLPAPER

This week’s free phone wallpaper is inspired by my current color obsession: butter yellow. Click the image to save!

Thank you for being here and supporting this colorful little business of mine. Truly.

Until next Sunday,
Emily