What It's Like Opening The Artful Season Shop While Buying a 1940s Farmhouse in Washington
- Karen Armstrong

- Sep 15, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 25
The Excitement of New Beginnings: A Journey of Art and Home

This September has been unlike any other in my creative life. For months, I’ve been quietly planning, designing, printing, photographing, and dreaming of what it would be like to open The Artful Season Shop. After so much preparation, the doors finally opened—a gentle bloom after a long season of tending.
A New Chapter in Colville
At the very same time, life carried me into another kind of beginning. My husband and I are in the process of buying a 1940s farmhouse in Colville, Washington. This is a place where we plan to put down new roots, refresh the old walls with love, and build a studio that will hold the next season of my work.
These two beginnings—a shop launch and a move—have overlapped in ways that are both exciting and humbling. Opening The Artful Season Shop was meant to be a moment to pause, celebrate, and share. Instead, I find myself packaging tea towels and art prints in between signing closing papers and sorting through decades of memories in my California home. It is a swirl of cardboard boxes, shipping envelopes, and tender goodbyes.
Gratitude for Support
I want to pause here and thank everyone who joined me for early access. Your notes, encouragement, and first orders mean more than I can say. As promised, each early package is leaving my studio with a little gift tucked inside—a way of carrying my gratitude to you.
Embracing Transition
Because of the move, The Artful Season Shop will close for a short while—from September 18 through October 5. It feels bittersweet to open the doors only to pause so soon. However, I remind myself this is part of the rhythm. A season of transition asks us to move slowly, to carry what we can, and to leave space for what’s next.
A Heartfelt Home
When the shop reopens in October, I’ll be writing from a new home. I look forward to sharing not just the art on my walls but also the process of creating a heartfelt home in Colville. There will be paintbrushes and boxes, golden autumn light, and the small rituals that help me feel settled. My hope is that this journey of art, home, and renewal will inspire you in your own season of change.
The Beauty of Nature-Inspired Decor
As I embark on this journey, I am reminded of the beauty that nature brings into our lives. The changing seasons, the gentle rustle of leaves, and the soft glow of sunlight all serve as reminders of the world around us. I believe that incorporating nature-inspired elements into our living spaces can create a deeper connection to the environment and to ourselves.
Creating meaningful home decor is not just about aesthetics; it’s about crafting spaces that resonate with our hearts. Each piece I create is infused with the essence of nature, inviting warmth and tranquility into your home. I hope that as you explore The Artful Season Shop, you find pieces that speak to you and reflect your own journey.
Thank you for walking alongside me in this passage. If you haven’t yet visited, I’d love for you to take a wander through The Artful Season Shop before the pause. And if you’d like to follow along as I make this move, my newsletter will continue to carry the story, one page at a time.
The Journey Ahead
As I look forward to the days ahead, I feel a mix of excitement and anticipation. Each day brings new challenges and opportunities. I am eager to share the stories behind my creations and the inspiration drawn from the beauty of Colville.
In this new chapter, I hope to cultivate a space that reflects the changing seasons and the slower pace of life. I envision a studio filled with light, laughter, and the scent of fresh paint. It will be a sanctuary where creativity flows freely, and where every brushstroke tells a story.
Conclusion: A Shared Experience
Thank you for being part of this journey. Your support means the world to me. I invite you to join me as we navigate this season of change together. Let’s embrace the beauty of new beginnings and the art of creating spaces that feel like home.
Together, we can celebrate the small moments that bring joy and meaning to our lives. I look forward to sharing this adventure with you, one step at a time.




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