The Festive Season

My wish this holiday season is for us to consciously choose a slow and intentional season. Instead of letting November and December be about consumption—of things, of experiences, and inevitably of little pieces of our souls—we could choose a gentler way: a true cozy season.

Why run around looking for the perfect gifts for every person in your family that they don’t really want and that will ultimately end up in the landfill? Why not try drawing a family member's name for a non-profit donation gift exchange instead? For example, if I draw my brother's name (who is an outdoorsman), I could gift him a donation in his name to the local land conservancy. Below are a few of my favorite organizations right now. Let’s make the holidays kind again!

Holiday Gifting Ideas to help us slow the hell down

The Loveland Foundation: is committed to showing up for communities of color in unique and powerful ways, with a particular focus on Black women and girls. Their resources and initiatives, such as therapy, are collaborative and prioritize opportunity, access, validation, and healing.

Five For Families — We Have Stories: For the fifth year in a row, they are dedicated to supporting over 200 families from marginalized, economically disadvantaged backgrounds as we enter the fall holiday season. This year, they’re aiming to raise $20,000 to provide these families with nourishing holiday meals and other essentials to help make their season a little brighter. Each meal package includes fresh produce, pantry staples, and holiday favorites.

Affirmations - LGBTQ+ Community Center: has been the hub for southeast Michigan LGBTQ+ communities and its allies for the last 35 years. They provide a welcoming space where people of all sexual orientations, gender identities & expressions, and cultures can learn, grow, socialize and access the vital support they need.

State Climb: is a climbing gym that promotes the health and wellness of the community (northern Virginia) through physical activity and community engagement. Every dollar that you spend at State Climb goes straight into maintaining an inspiring and safe space for community members to share, into Pay What You Like programing that breaks down economic barriers to access, into paying living wages, into having great coaches and staff, and into impactful community development projects.

Lotto Love: is the first and only ever scratch off ticket with a social mission. Make giving back part of everyday gifting with scratch off tickets that give charitable gifts.

Another fun way to gift with less environmental strain is to forego fast gifting and opt for stockings filled with affordable treasures from local small businesses instead. Everyone could use a pair of cozy hand-knit socks from the local gift shop, a lavender chapstick from the farm, or a festive, hearty ale from the neighborhood brewery.

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Slow, Cozy activities

This is a festive time, and as such, there can be a lot of social commitments—between work parties, school parties, wreath-making with friends, and the neighborhood cookie exchange. It’s perfectly acceptable to say no. But also, imagine how much more time we’ll have for gathering if we drop the routine of buying gifts for everyone and their brother.

Here are a few fun at-home activities for family and friends, or for the delightful company of yourself:

HOLIDAY PUZZLE NIGHT IN YOUR PAJAMAS: Thrift a puzzle from your local thrift shop or fb Marketplace, melt your favorite drinking chocolate into a bit of full-fat milk, hop into your favorite cozy clothes, light some candles, put on some holiday jazz, and let the puzzling begin. I recommend a 250-500 piece puzzle if you’d like to complete it by the end of the night. *Here’s a bit of puzzle etiquette to share with your family (though they’re sure to do the opposite if you start telling them rules about puzzling): Start by turning the pieces over as a team, then move on to establishing the edges together, and lastly, get started on the fun, middle part.

INTERNATIONAL COOKIE NIGHT: Establish a yearly tradition of baking a different traditional holiday cookie from around the world. Here are a few ideas:

Old Fashioned Norwegian Pepperkaker

Mexican Hojarascas Christmas Cookies

Nigerian Chin Chin

Polish Kolaczki

South American Alfajores

Kileche (Assyrian Holiday Cookies)

FRIENDS' SOUP PARTY (Instead of a gift exchange): Invite some people over and ask them to bring their favorite soup to share, along with a mason jar containing the same soup for a white elephant gift exchange. Then, enjoy a taste-testing meal and partake in the soup exchange white elephant with the gifting jar afterward.

That’s all I have for you for this festive season. I hope you lean in to the hibernation season with some intentional community-minded living.

Best Wishes & Kind Regards

Late Fall

Halloween has come and gone and I feel like we live in a nostalgic movie about Fall. It’s always sunny, the leaves fall from the trees slowly, and the neighborhood children run around playing in the streets dressed in various iterations of queen, superhero, and villain.

We’re thankful for our idyllic year living amongst people from all over the world nestled in the woods along the Potomac River, with warmer weather than we’re used to. We will have one year of seasons here and I’ve utterly fallen in love with fall.

Walking in the densely forested woods has been a big source of inspiration, especially with the colors and a lesser danger of snakes and ticks popping up out of nowhere. So here is a bit of late fall inspiration, new pieces from the studio, and more sightings of our neighborhood fox. Nature persists.

Fall Woods, 15.75 in. x 15.75 in., minerals on canvas

Leaves Underfoot, 15.75 in. x 15.75 in., minerals on canvas

Fall in Virginia

We’ve settled into life in Northern Virginia after our move from Norway, and the once oppressively hot and muggy summer days have given way to gorgeous sunny afternoons and cool, crisp nights of fall. Virginia truly shines in autumn. The small towns scattered throughout the rolling hills of the Shenandoah Valley are bustling with apple orchards, pumpkin patches, cozy bookstores, and a wealth of fall festivals. We’re trying to make the most of our year along the Potomac by exploring each small town, both on foot and by kayak. Here are some of our favorites so far:

• Fredericksburg: Known for its charming antique stores and the scenic beauty of the river.

• Middleburg: Features a delightful bookstore, picturesque town shops, and a countryside dotted with horses.

• Culpeper: Offers a touch of country charm and quintessential small-town Americana.

• Front Royal: Combines a bit of country with impressive murals and nearby Appalachian Trail hikes.

• Occoquan: Renowned for its quirky, witchy stores and charming downtown streets.

Fredericksburg, VA

Middleburg, VA

Fort Royal, VA

IN THE STUDIO

Meanwhile, my days at home are filled with working on a new body of work in my makeshift studio space, which I’ve set up in the entryway. It’s the best spot, thanks to its natural light and spacious, carpet-free area. Magnus finds this location convenient for his comings and goings, with paintings stacked in front of the doors. With apple chutney simmering on the stove in preparation for a traditional Norwegian fall meal of stewed lamb and cabbage (Fårikål) to enjoy with friends, a podcast playing on the radio, and the dog sleeping beside me, life as an artist is good.

I’m currently working on about 15 new paintings in various sizes, the largest being 36 x 42 inches. It’s a pleasure to paint on a larger scale again, and I’m pleased with how the new materials are performing, particularly the ground-up minerals with the natural resin binder. The texture of these minerals (rocks from France, Italy, & Belgium) is delightful to work with—similar to oil paint but safer for the environment and to work with. This has been a pleasant surprise, as I transitioned from oil to acrylic several years ago due to its toxicity.

I’m excited to share my new work. Once all the pieces are completed, I plan to reach out to galleries in Virginia and Michigan to apply for exhibitions. If you know of any galleries or artist opportunities that would be a good fit for my work, please reach out and let me know!

UPCOMING

Now is a good time to secure a holiday art commission—give a gift that will be cherished and remembered for years to come

Message me at katherine.brines@gmail.com or on instagram @katiebrinesart to discuss your project

Custom Cabin Painting

IN THE WOODS

I wanted to leave you with a photo we snapped of a fox peacefully resting in a tree during our morning walk with Shako. I hope this little glimpse of nature brings a touch of warmth and joy to your day. Wishing you a lovely Fall filled with cozy traditions and all the simple pleasures the season has to offer.

Are foxes trying to domesticate? Read more here

SUMMERTIME

IN NORWAY

Last weekend, we celebrated Norway’s Constitution Day in Oslo, and I had the honor of wearing a custom-made festdrakt, sewn by my friend here in Norway. We selected the colors and patterns together, and she even upcycled a lovely white shirt from an old tablecloth! A festdrakt is a traditional-style Norwegian folk costume, similar to the bunad but with more freedom in design and materials. Unlike the bunad, which is specific to each region of Norway, the festdrakt allowed me to honor my time here as an immigrant with a modern twist. My outfit featured a light wool skirt, a leather appliqued lace apron, and a silk top, perfectly light and flowy for the warm 75-degree day in Oslo.

Constitution Day, or 17.mai, is my favorite holiday in Norway. Everyone dresses up in bunads, festdrakts, koftes, uniforms, suits, and summer dresses to enjoy parades, champagne breakfasts, barbecues, and school games with ice cream. It’s a heartwarming sight to see children marching to the castle where the royal family waves to them. Despite Norway’s small population of 5.49 million, the streets of Oslo are vibrant and diverse.

This year, 17.mai was particularly moving for me, partly due to my beautiful festdrakt, which symbolizes my six years in Norway, filled with integration, language learning, cultural exploration, and the joys of Norway’s work-life balance and safety. It’s been a challenging but rewarding experience, and I’ll miss many aspects of this life.

Now for the big news:

We’re moving back stateside in a month! We’ll spend July road-tripping up the East Coast before visiting family in northern Michigan. After that, we’ll settle in Virginia, where my husband will pursue a second master’s degree, and I’ll focus on my painting career in the art scenes of D.C. and Norfolk, VA.

I’m thrilled to dive into a new artistic adventure by shifting from acrylic paints to hand-made paints using natural pigments, and working on larger-scale paintings. Six years ago, I switched from oil to acrylic paints. While I love the rich textures of oil paints, both oil and acrylic don't align with my environmental values. I can’t wait to see how these new paints will transform my process and my work!

I’m super thankful for these years spent in the woods in Norway and we’re going to miss our family and friends a ton. It’s part of the challenge of a cross-cultural marriage to navigate two worlds. Yet, I feel like life has expanded for both of us having two sets of cultures, families, friends, foods, and landscapes to call home.

I hope that you will all continue to tune-in to this next chapter for us. It’s my dream to be able to work as an artist full-time and I can’t wait to share new work with you all and to start applying for shows stateside. In the meantime, I’m having a sale on select original paintings on my website:

Up to 50% on select paintings + free delivery to northern Michigan

A Spring Refresh for your walls

As the seasons change, so too does the ambiance of our living spaces. For me, the arrival of spring signals a time of renewal, not only in nature but also within the walls of our home. It's during this time that I find myself drawn to the art adorning my walls, eager to refresh and rearrange my collection.

Detail of The Swimming Spot II, acrylic + pastel on cradled birch panel, 120 in. x 119 in.

In the spring, I bid farewell to the cozy and moody pieces that spoke to me during the fall months. Instead, I seek out artwork that exudes movement and energy, mirroring the vibrant spirit of the season. This ritual of rearranging isn't merely about aesthetics; it's a reflection on the stories each piece of art tells.

Art is more than just brushstrokes on canvas. It's a narrative woven by the artist’s intentions and the viewer's interpretation. What was it about this piece that spoke to me? What compelled me to invest in it and how can I place it so that I can enjoy it everyday? As I carefully consider each placement, I'm reminded of the memories within these walls and the memories waiting to be made.

With a playful eye, I transform my living spaces into functional gathering spots, layering textiles, plants, and objects with the same care as I do my paintings. Whether it's creating a cozy reading nook on my porch in time for summer, or a space to gather for summer meals and a glass of wine, each spot is given attention and consideration.

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And what better way to infuse new life into our homes than with fresh artwork? Each energizing brushstroke carries with it the promise of warm summer days and nostalgic memories. So, as spring blossoms outside our windows, (or, in my case, I day dream about it under 5 feet of snow) let us invite the spirit of spring indoors by curating our spaces with intention and joy.

These are just a few of my favorite pieces right now, each imbued with sun-drenched days and sandy shores. Consider this your invitation to explore new art and breathe renewed energy into your home. Embrace the beauty of the season and may your spaces be filled with inspiration and delight!

Star Bright Star Light, acrylic + charcoal on canvas, 15 3/4 in. x 15 3/4 in. (40 cm x 40 cm) $225.00

Earthenware, acrylic + charcoal on canvas, 15 3/4 in. x 15 3/4 in. (40 cm x 40 cm) $225.00

The Swimming Spot II, acrylic + pastel on cradled birch panel, 120 in. x 119 in., $3,500.00

Winter 2024

outside

It’s winter in Norway and we welcome the freshly fallen snow and its ability to blanket a landscape with quiet. Snowflakes whisper 'shh, slow down, slow down' as they float around us, suspended, to the ground. We stand with our cheeks facing up to the sun as she graces us with her presence, all warmth and caprice.

These are our little moments of defiance, worshipping the earth, slowing down, dancing, moving out in landscapes, gathering over something warm and delicious.

And these are the songs we have on repeat this winter.

Over the years, I have used mark-making as a kind of creative meditation to start the day. I’ve often found myself making patterns and marks while on the phone or in meetings at various desk jobs over the years. I have sketchbooks filled with pages of patterns serving as my own sort of record-keeping or language. This habit puts me in the good frame of mind to focus and lends itself well to my creative painting practice, allowing me to test out various shapes and brushstrokes. Recently, I've made a limited series of these creative meditations available on my web shop. Each painting is acrylic + charcoal on raw canvas, with the unstretched canvas and raw edges intended as part of the piece. This series is all about process and the simple beauty of evidence of art made by hands.

These paintings can be stretched by your local frame shop, or you can tack them up directly on the wall using wooden or metal tacks for a modern look. For other display ideas, feel free to send me a message!

Field Goal, acrylic + charcoal on raw canvas

Moon Phase, acrylic + charcoal on canvas

Inner Space, acrylic + charcoal on canvas

In Norway, winters mean going to the cabin, specifically mountain cabins located on snowy mountain-tops with hardened, stunted winter trees. (It’s too cold and windy up there for them to grow straight and tall like in the flatlands). The mountain trees lean and create shapes in the nighttime landscape, resembling lighthearted versions of the White Walkers from Game of Thrones. I love observing these trees and sketching marks similar to them in my sketchbook, eventually adapting them into paintings.

Norwegian mountains + snow-covered trees

snowy trees + cabin time: xc-skiing, board games, sitting around all day in your woolen long underwear

Winter Tree, 14 in. x 14 in., acrylic and charcoal on canvas

inside

Besides delving into my slightly embarrassing guilty pleasure, which is fantasy-romance books by female authors (specifically Rebecca Yarros’s new series: Iron Flame + Fourth Wing), I’ve been enjoying various warm and cozy drinks next to the roaring fire. January has vacillated between -30 and 40 degrees here in our neck of the woods in rural Norway, so I love to brew up something nourishing to take the chill off after an evening walk in the moonlight. Here are my favorites:

Spiced Hot Chocolate:

Ingredients:

• 100 grams Belgian milk chocolate or dark chocolate

• 1 tbsp sugar (optional if using milk chocolate)

• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

• 1/4 tsp chili powder

• 2 cups milk of your choice

Instructions:

1. Slowly heat all ingredients in a saucepan over low heat, whisking gently.

2. Avoid overheating to prevent burning the milk.

3. Serve warm with homemade whipped cream sweetened with maple syrup.

Spiced Coffee

Ground your favorite beans and add 1/4 tsp cinnamon + 1/8 tsp salt to the grounds in your filter. Brew as normal.

Nourishing Lemon-Ginger Elixir:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups water

• Juice of 1/2 freshly squeezed lemon

• 1 tbsp freshly chopped ginger or ginger juice

• 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper

• 1/2 garlic clove, minced

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a pot on the stovetop.

2. Heat until warm.

3. Strain and serve.

Seasons greetings from The Little Back Garden Studio in Norway! XO

Fall 2023

It’s three weeks from the Autumnal Equinox, but Fall is most definitely in the air. (Let’s be honest, it starts in August in Norway). Something about Fall feels different this year, though. I think it’s the excessive amount of rain we’ve had for two months. Red warnings on the map, flooding, mud slides - it’s been a lot of rain.

This newsletter is inspired by my love of seasons and especially, the beautiful exhale of one season shifting to the next. It’s a subject that I love - nature being my muse. Yet, I’d like to take off my rose-tinted glasses as I write about cozy fall traditions and acknowledge the environmental cost of business as usual on people and the planet. My hope is that these seasonal posts inspire ways to slow down, reuse & reduce, and give careful consideration towards where to spend our money. So grab a cup of tea, and cozy on up gentle reader.

in the kitchen

MOM’S APPLESAUCE CAKE

Fall means apples and all signs point to a bumper crop this year. I’d like to share one of my Mom’s favorite recipes. One that she’d make often growing up - applesauce cake. This is a sweet and delicately spiced cake to be enjoyed with a cup of tea or shared with a neighbor. Mom would use homemade applesauce from local apples from the Charlevoix Apple Fest, because that woman understood that supporting local farmers tastes sweeter. But, this recipe would also taste lovely by switching out the applesauce simply for apples, zucchini, or basically anything that Bear Creek Organic Farm market sells. Because creativity is a form of resistance, after all.

1/2 to 3/4 c. sugar (or sugar substitute) 1 tsp. cinnamon

1/4 c. butter or coconut oil 1/2 tsp. cloves

1 c. applesauce or apples 1/4 tsp. nutmeg

1 1/2 c. flour 1 c. raisins (optional)

1 tsp. baking soda 1/2 c. chopped walnuts

1. Preheat the oven to 350° F. Cream the butter & sugar.

2. Mix the flour & baking soda and add to the creamed butter-sugar mixture, making sure not to overmix.

3. Add the remaining ingredients.

4. Put in a greased 8-inch pan & bake for 45 minutes at 350° F. Serve with whipped cream lightly sweetened with maple syrup. (My fav. maple syrup sources: American Spoon, Vermont Maple Syrup, & Harwood Gold - Grade B all the way, thank you former life living in Vermont)

PUMPKINS!

This next bit in particular is for the lovely Norwegians who are reading. Each year Halloween seems to be getting bigger and bigger here and as an American I wanted to share the things we love most about Halloween: Traditions! The food, the family-crafting, and the homemade costume-creativity is what we love and remember from childhood. Let’s focus on pumpkin carving and specifically, what to do with all of the stuff inside of the pumpkin. If you’ve ever thought that is a lot of mess and feels wasteful to throw away- we’ve got you covered.

1. What to do with the stringy, gooey guts (minus the seeds):

   • Add to veggie soup stock for added flavor + vitamins A & C (strain before using)

   • Puree and use in baking breads, muffins, and oatmeal

   • Make pumpkin juice (boil water and pour over the guts, mash with a fork, strain, and add to smoothies)

   • Make a body scrub (blend the guts with sugar & honey or used coffee grounds & honey)

   • Make pumpkin protein snacks

   • Make healthy pumpkin dog treats

2. What to do with the seeds:

   • Roast them! (remove and wash the seeds in a colander, boil in salted water for 10 minutes, then toss in coconut oil and roast on a sheet pan until browned or crispy at 200° C) Try adding different spices to jazz them up. (cumin-garlic-salt-pepper) (parmesan-garlic-salt ) (chili-paprika-salt-pepper) (cinnamon-honey-cardamon)

inside

an earthy palette + landscapes inspired by movement

Windswept Field, acrylic on canvas, 16 in. x 16 in. $220

If you live in northern Michigan, enjoy free delivery in mid-December to skip the shipping fees on this piece. Select the pick-up option at checkout. 5% of all profits donated to MA‘O ORGANIC FARMS in Wai‘anae, Hawaii this fall.

Desert Brush, acrylic on canvas, 15.5 in. x 19.5 in. $240

If you live in northern Michigan, enjoy free delivery in mid-December to skip the shipping fees on this piece. Select the pick-up option at checkout. 5% of all profits donated to MA‘O ORGANIC FARMS in Wai‘anae, Hawaii this fall.

Torrent, acrylic on canvas, 14 in. x 14 in. $180

If you live in northern Michigan, enjoy free delivery in mid-December to skip the shipping fees on this piece. Select the pick-up option at checkout. 5% of all profits donated to MA‘O ORGANIC FARMS in Wai‘anae, Hawaii this fall.

Sturgeon Moon, acrylic on canvas, 16 in. x 20 in. $350, available for pick-up in northern Michigan, 5% of all profits donated to MA‘O ORGANIC FARMS in Wai‘anae, Hawaii this fall.

Nightfall, acrylic on canvas, 20.5 in. x 20.5 in. $375, available for pick-up in northern Michigan, 5% of all profits donated to MA‘O ORGANIC FARMS in Wai‘anae, Hawaii this fall.

Spooky Halloween Drawings, 2 for $35 (includes shipping) DM to order. 4 in. x 4 in.

Scour your local thrift store for Halloween costume ideas for big + small (or your parents closets). Make a family day out of it. In the U.S. it’s cool to thrift and craft unique costumes. And because it takes some time and forethought, we often spend the entire month of October on Halloween crafting traditions together - little by little. Reuse forces slowing down and encourages creativity = contentment, not stress and fast fashion.

Spooky Halloween Drawings, 2 for $35 (includes shipping) DM to order. 4 in. x 4 in.

Getting Outside

Foraging!

A great excuse to pack a bag with your thermos of coffee, a few pumpkin muffins and head in to the woods. Find out what’s available for the picking in your area, including urban areas: Falling Fruit.org

Chokeberries are high in fiber, vitamin C, and manganese

Wild blueberries are high in vitamin K1, vitamin C, manganese

Chanterelle mushrooms: vitamins D, A, E, C, B1, B2 & beta-carotene

The southernmost Sámi reindeer herds in Norway around Femundsmarkanasjonalpark

Need flowers for an event? Many flowers are shipped from far away places and take an incredible amount of pesticides and fertilizers to grow. Consider buying from your local farms and growers- choosing varieties that are in season. The idea of getting whatever we want whenever we want it has taken us away from a grounded, contented life with nature. Anxiety anyone? Ask your local florist which blooms come from your area in the spring, summer, and fall. Some of my favorites in Michigan are: Open Sky Farm, Lucky Clover Farm, Two Sisters Flower Farm, Bloom and in Norway: Stallanvik If you’re in the innlandet area of Norway, from time to time I can be persuaded to do floral design. I use a combination of foraged, home-grown, & seasonal blooms. Take contact to order!

In closing, we’re all weird barbie. Happy Fall!

Summer 2023

In the kitchen

The Lilacs that surround our property are starting to bloom here in our little corner of the world. Lilacs are that beautiful signal that summer is beginning to unfold. They make me nostalgic with childhood memories of coming in from playing outside to see a vase spilling over with fresh-cut lilacs from my Mom’s garden, effortlessly elegant on the counter. The smell is wonderful, but what about the taste? Did you know that the petite blooms are edible? If you taste them right off the stem you’ll find the flavor is bitter and sharp, not worthy of the delightful scent. The key to unlocking the delicately floral and sweet flavor of lilacs is to infuse it. So here are a few ideas from my garden to yours.

L I L A C G I N S O U R

INGREDIENTS

4 cl gin

2 cl lemon juice

2 cl lilac syrup (recipe below)

1 egg white

Ice

Lilac blossoms, to garnish

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a shaker, combine freshly squeezed lemon juice, lilac syrup and gin.

2. Add the egg white and fill the shaker with ice. Shake well, until chilled and frothy.

3. Pour into a cocktail glass using a cocktail strainer and decorate with lilac blossoms. Håper det smaker (directly translates to: hope it tastes, in Norwegian!)

L I L A C S Y R U P

makes 400 ml (or about 1 2/3 cup)

I’m going to be straight with you: this is labor intensive. But I promise that it will be worth it. So find your favorite spot outside and sit for 20 minutes with your hands in a bowl of fragrant and beautiful lilac blossoms. It’s important to choose lilacs from an organic bush that hasn’t been sprayed with anything. When harvesting take care to cut branches from different areas of the bush, this will ensure that the bush continues to thrive in the future. Choose blossoms that are fresh and not beginning to wilt.

INGREDIENTS

Syrup

1 1/2 cup lilac blossoms (this is where you find your nice spot outside and begin to pluck)

1 cup (235 g) sugar

1 cup water

splash of lemon juice

INSTRUCTIONS

Simple Syrup

1. Remove the individual blossoms from the stems, making sure to remove all the leaves. Rinse the flowers in a strainer with cold water and put the clean flowers in a large bowl.

2. In a saucepan, combine the sugar and water and let the mixture come to a boil. Stir until the sugar has melted and the mixture has thickened (about 5 minutes)

3. Add a splash of lemon juice.

4. Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then pour over the lilacs. Let this sit out and steep for 2 hours. Then cover the bowl and place in the fridge for another 12-24 hours to infuse.

5. Pour the syrup through a fine mesh sieve into a glass jar with a tight-sealing lid. Press the lilacs with a spoon to make use of all the liquid. Store the syrup in the refrigerator. It will keep for a few days. It’s also possible to freeze the syrup for later use.

Going Outside

L A V E N D E R F I E L D S

Lavender Hill Farm in Northern Michigan

L A V E N D E R - ROSEMARY L E M O N A D E

makes 8-10 servings

INGREDIENTS

1 c fresh lemon juice

1 c sugar

2 sprigs rosemary

2 tablespoons dried lavender

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Combine all ingredients in a mason jar with the lid sealed. Shake for 1 minute. Let the mixture infuse for one hour.

2. Strain the mixture and combine in a pitcher with ice and 6 cups of water. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary.

Mom’s Lavender

A M E R I C A N P I E S

Did you know that I bake and sell pies in Elverum, Norway? Available seasonal flavors: rhubarb, strawberry-rhubarb, apple, banana-cream, & chocolate. Send me a message to order one: 482 55 665 / katherine.brines@gmail.com

July Happenings

IN NORTHERN MICHIGAN

JULY 4th: I’ll be at the Harbor Springs Art Fair in Zorn Park from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. with a new series of original paintings: CAMP inspired by all things nostalgic americana + northern michigan

JULY 21st: I’ll be popping up at the most charming country store around: The Horton Bay General Store representing myself and fellow artist, Larissa Flynn, from 3 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. with paintings from my PLYA series: original paintings inspired by a changing landscape. Located at 5115 Boyne City Rd. Boyne City, MI 49712

C O M E A N D S A Y H E L L O!

IN THE HOME

Summer Rain, 40 cm x 40 cm (15 in x 15 in), acrylic & charcoal on a tan canvas

Violaceae, 40 cm x 40 cm (15 in x 15 in), acrylic & charcoal on tan canvas

On The Line, 40 cm x 40 cm (15 in x 15 in), acrylic & charcoal on tan canvas

“In the summertime when the weather is high, you can stretch right up and touch the sky”

— Mungo Jerry

Spring 2023

It is still very much winter here in Norway and there will be snow on the ground for another two months in this little pocket of the woods. But the seeds are nestled in their humid environments and perched in sunny windowsills, while the winter birds gather sticks and moss for their nests outside.

Noticing these simple and beautiful moments is my way of reconnecting with self and being creative in this season.

Things that are giving me inspiration in the studio this week:

The textures and colors of a landscape where clay and stone are the building materials available, Photo from a trip to Frigiliana, Spain

Rusty oranges & terra cotta colors. Photo from a trip to Alcazaba, Málaga Spain

The Peace of Wild Things

When despair for the world grows in me
and I wake in the night at the least sound
in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be,
I go and lie down where the wood drake
rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.
I come into the peace of wild things
who do not tax their lives with forethought
of grief. I come into the presence of still water.
And I feel above me the day-blind stars
waiting with their light. For a time
I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.

by Wendell Berry

always gardens

Presa de Villaverde, Southern Spain

Riding in El Chorro, Southern Spain

VIII, acrylic on canvas, 20 cm x 20 cm (8in x 8 in)

Alboran Sea, Nerja, Costa del Sol, Spain

Winter 2022

IN THE HOME

‘Tis the season of the long, dark, and crisp night. A time to collect sprigs of pine, juniper, and fir for your home on your walks in the forest. To simmer a fragrant potpourri of citrus and cinnamon on the woodstove, and to simply fill your days with the warm glow of the season.

Photo by Jessica Delp on Unsplash

Norway and the Scandinavian countries are cold and dark, especially in the months of November and December - a time when several holidays are observed. Yet, culturally people lean into the season, looking forward to it as a time to get cozy in their homes, offices, and third spaces. Candles are lit all around the house as the sun goes down (around 4 p.m. in the Winter). There are even candles lit and put into tastefully designed lanterns outside where you enter a home or restaurant. Furs are pulled out to sit on and cozy knit socks and plush sheep’s wool slippers are at the ready. Cups of glogg, coffee, and tea are offered to be enjoyed with a good book in front of the fire.

In addition to lighting a fire and candles around our home at sunset, I like to simmer a pot of fragrance on the woodstove as a way to evoke the festivity of the season. It’s nice for hosting guests or just for you. Here are a few of my favorite combinations:

Simmering Potpourri Fragrance Blends

you can use dried or fresh fruit, herbs, and flowers

• orange peels, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise

• vanilla bean, lavender, coconut milk

• mint sprigs and lemon peel

• apple, nutmeg, cinnamon, and ginger

• citrus, rosemary, clove, cinnamon, eucalyptus

• pine, cranberries, cinnamon sticks, cloves, oranges

Photo by Mel Poole on Unsplash

Looking for holiday gifts on your list?

hand-painted ornaments, b&w cabin drawings,

and original paintings

Best Wishes this Holiday Season, from Katie Brines Art & Design

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Fall 2022

IN THE KITCHEN

It’s apple season, folks. As the nights get cooler, and the days shorter, it’s time to pull on a woolen sweater, grab a cup of tea and your book, and curl up by the fire with a slice of my spiced apple galette. This recipe is simple and deliciously flaky served warm from the oven. Plus, it’s a RUSTIC apple galette, so the beauty is that it isn’t fussy or perfect.

RUSTIC APPLE GALETTE:

For the crust:

• 1 1/4 cup flour (185 grams)

• 1/2 tsp. salt

• 1/2 cup cold butter (115 grams)

• 1/8 cup shortening (if you’re not in the U.S., substitute 20 more grams of butter for the shortening)

• 3-4 Tbsp. ice water

Combine the flour and salt in a big bowl, cut in the cold butter until the mixture is the size of small peas. You can use a food processer for this step, or a knife. Cut the shortening into the butter and flour mixture. Using a fork incorporate the ice water, taking care to evenly distribute the water into the mixture. Do not overwork the crust in this step. Pour the mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap and wrap it into a disc shape. Put in the fridge for 20 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 425° F (220° C)

Meanwhile chop 4-6 apples into slivers, skin on. I like to use a combination of my favorites: granny smith, mcIntosh, and pink lady. Toss the apples with 1/3 cup sugar, 1 tsp. cinnamon, 1/4 tsp. ginger, 1/4 tsp. nutmeg, and 1 Tbsp. cornstarch. Set aside and allow to sit for 15-20 minutes.

Take the crust out of the fridge. Flour your work surface and flour your rolling pin. Roll the dough out until it is about 1/8 in. thick (3 mm) in whatever shape comes naturally. Square, disc, rectangle, or most likely: amorphic blob. Place the crust onto the baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Spoon the apple mixture into the center of the crust and take 2-3 Tbsp. of cold butter and toss it in small chunks on top of the apple filling. Pull the sides of the crust up and into the middle as seen in the picture below. You want there to be a little opening in the center so that the steam from the apples has a place to escape as they bake in the oven.

Bake the galette for about 25 minutes at 425 F/220 C, or until golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.

Crafting idea for the kids

HALLOWEEN SPIDERWEB CRAFT

Supplies:

• a piece of white craft or watercolor paper

• a white crayon

• a paintbrush

• watercolors

• black marker

This craft is super simple and gives pretty results!

1. Draw a spider web on the paper using the white crayon. If you have young kids just have them scribble on the paper with the crayon.

2. Use a variety of colorful watercolors and paint over the entire surface of the paper. The crayon acts as a resist to the the watercolor.

3. Once the watercolors are fully dry, use the black marker to draw a spider on the web.

You can hang these paintings up on the fridge, or punch a hole at the top, add some string and hang them around the house. Or, make some Halloween cards or party invitations using this technique. Happy crafting!

image by kristin brown

Getting cozy for Fall

Switching up the art on your walls to reflect the season:

cinnamon oranges, warm browns, and emerald greens

Winter 2021

It’s been Winter for a couple months now and I’m just getting around to writing this…so, that’s Winter in a nutshell. As I procrastinate going outside for the day, I wanted to share a new favorite seasonal drink recipe, and some photos of life in Norway. For tis’ still the season of embracing the slowdown, making warm and nourishing foods, and getting outside to worship the sun when it graces us with its presence.

IN THE KITCHEN

I tucked a bottle of Aquavit into our luggage this year when we flew from Oslo to Northern Michigan for the holidays to make this refreshing Aquavit cocktail for my family. I quickly realized one bottle wasn’t enough. The brightness of the lemons, spice of the caraway in the aquavit, and frothy texture has us continuing to make these well into the new year. Plus, they’re easy to make, once you’ve prepped the ingredients, but yet look impressive. Skål!

AQUAVIT SOUR:

Combine 2 shots of aquavit, 1 shot of lemon juice, and 1/2 shot of simple syrup in a cocktail shaker and shake without ice. Watch this helpful video for more on how to shake a cocktail.

Then add 1 egg white and ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for at least 15 seconds.

Strain the contents of the shaker into a pretty glass and garnish with rosemary, caraway, or whatever creative garnish you have on hand. Skål!

* To make the simple syrup take equal parts water and sugar and reduce over medium-low heat on the stovetop for about 30-45 minutes until it’s syrupy in consistency. This would also be a good time to experiment with infusing your simple syrup with different herbs or spices.

IN THE HOME

I’m thankful to have been partially self-employed with commissions of families, pets, cabins, and homes these past few months and so it was a goal of mine to also make time to work on my abstract pieces. In January I bought some blank canvases and set up my cozy spot on the floor next to the wood stove to paint. This new series of acrylic paintings are the result of that time and space to paint. They represent play and a sense of freedom in my process as reflected in the color palette, textures, and brushstrokes. They are available for sale in my online shop and ship anywhere in the world, from Norway. I hope you enjoy and they bring you a sense of warmth and calm!

IN NORWAY

Here a few pictures of the last month: Walking along the shores of Mjøsa, the largest freshwater lake in Norway, which is just a 30-minute drive from our house. There is a pretty sweet looking diving platform there that we need to make a point of using this Summer. And lastly, we saw the Northern Lights outside of our house! I had not seen them in Norway yet, so that was a treat. Thanks to our neighbor for texting us!

Fall 2021

The leaves are starting to change colors, the air is beginning to have that familiar crispness to it, and the school children are riding by on their bikes on the way to school. It’s September and I can’t help but become nostalgic for fall traditions from my childhood growing up in Michigan. From the smell of walking into the house after school to find my Mom harvesting and preserving apples, corn, or plums. To the sound of fallen leaves underfoot as I jump into a big pile of leaves. I love when seasons change and in particular, the coziness of the harvest season. Here are a few creative Fall things to celebrate as we usher in the Autumnal Equinox on September 22nd, marking the official arrival of Fall. 🍂

In the garden + kitchen

Karelian Borscht from Food52.com

comforting & nourishing

I made this Ukrainian beet soup with beets and carrots from the garden after a persistent cold and it was just what the doctor ordered. I followed the above recipe on Food52 loosely, substituting red table wine for the red wine vinegar and skipping the sausage. The finished product was warm, earthy, a little sweet, and deliciously creamy with some sour cream on top. The recipe made a generous weeks-worth of soup for two, so we added some portions to the freezer to pull out when we don’t feel like cooking this winter. Håper det smaker:)

BONUS! If you have a garden or, can get beet and carrot tops you can make a tasty pesto using the leftover tops from the borscht recipe above.

Beet & Carrot Top Pesto:

in a food processor combine:

• beet and/or carrot tops

• 1 garlic clove

• 2 tbsp. pine nuts (if you have them)

• a small handful of grated hard cheese (parmigiano, pecorino, whatever you have)

• a squeeze of lemon

• a generous amount of olive oil (use the amount needed to blend the pesto into a smooth consistency, then add a little more because it should have a little layer of olive oil on top)

• salt

I used the pesto as the sauce for a shrimp & corn penne pasta dish. Take care to gently fold in the pesto once everything is cooked and off of the heat so as to maintain that beautiful, bright green color of the pesto.

In the home

art + soft textiles

I’ve paired some of my paintings with fall backdrops for ideas of how to purchase and rearrange art to go with the Fall season. Adding Fall decor such as: a cozy blanket, a bowl of harvested apples, candles, or a clipped branch of fall leaves from outside is an easy way to reflect the season inside your home. One of my favorite ideas is to thrift for chunky sweaters and turn them into new seasonal covers for your couch throw-pillows. Super easy if you have a sewing machine and a bit more of a slow-netflix project if you don’t.

In Norway

selvplukk mais

My husband knows that I miss fresh corn in the grocery stores here in Norway and that I love going to pick fruits and vegetables as a pass-time. So, he found a place to pick corn over the weekend and it was only 45 minutes away from us in Brumunddal. The owner was really friendly, the corn was cheap, and the place was just begging for a corn-maze. They also had gouards! My little American-heart was happy. I recommend a visit for the family if you live in the area.🌽

https://www.selvplukkmais.no/

NEW!

American Pie

595 kroners

I’m now offering American-style pies for sale in Elverum, Norway. Choose between three flavors:

• Norsk blåbær

• Epler with a crumb topping

• Seasongs frukt (inquire about what I’m featuring this Fall)

Buttery, flaky crust meets Norwegian fruit

*Each pie serves eight slices. Please order at least 3 days in advance by sending a direct message below*

Happy Fall!