LAUREN PHELPS

MOMS I HEART: ELIZABETH DAMRICH

MusingsLauren Phelps

Hi Friends,

I am proud to bring you a new edition of MOMS I HEART: highlighting the impactful, amazing, and inspiring moms in my life.

For this edition, I am joined by Elizabeth Damrich. Liz is not only a talented designer but also a fellow University of Alabama alumnus with a generous spirit and endless style. It’s a joy to watch her evolve as both an artist and a mother. Her home, like those of many of my Southern friends, is featured in Southern Interiors, a new book by Schumacher and Tori Mellot. This will be my go-to holiday gift for nearly everyone on my list!

As many of you know, the undeniably chic, Elizabeth Damrich x Antonia Melani holiday collection just launched at Dillard’s. I am delighted to share a few of my favorites with you here:

MOMS I HEART

Elizabeth damrich

creative director + designer

WHO OR WHAT MADE YOU A MOM?

My little girl, Gigi, made me a mom on a warm February day almost six years ago.

A RECENT BIG LITTLE MOMENT…

My three year old boy and I have started the ritual of a "wittle walk" as he calls it. It could be in nature or downtown, but it's all about exploring. I let him lead the direction, and we love to talk about what we see along the way while holding hands. I'm a design lover and want my kids to develop a point of view of their own so we also like to talk about buildings -- what we like, don't like and what we may do differently. I also get him to find the most beautiful thing about it. It's always a good thing to learn to look for the beauty in everything from a young age.

DAILY RITUAL?

As a typically sleep-deprived mom, I start my day with a few pauses of gratitude and a full glass of electrolytes from Moon Juice as we're getting the kids ready for school. My husband always fixes our coffee and has it waiting on me which feels like a loving little luxury.

THE ADVICE YOU DIDN’T TAKE

I didn't listen to those who said it was too hard to have your own business while the kids are young. It's difficult but so rewarding to forge your own path and for them to see you doing what you love. I hope it gives them permission to do the same one day.

THE ADVICE YOU NOW GIVE

I wish I would have joined an hour long, weekly class early in motherhood like painting, sculpture, gardening, etc. I've found it to be incredibly important to create a dedicated time for yourself to learn something new that lights you up (especially during those early days). Lean on those in your village to help you during that hour each week. I feel like it would have done wonders for me!

YOUR WISH FOR EVERY MOM

The courage to show up imperfectly and know that it is enough.

This page may contain affiliate links, meaning I will earn a small commission on purchases through these links.

LAUREN PHELPS STUDIO x DIANA: An Afternoon with your Artist

News and EventsLauren Phelps

AN AFTERNOON WITH YOUR ARTIST

“Do what intrigues you, explore what interests you; think mystery, not mastery”

Diana, a new project by dear friend, Moms Heart Moms contributor, and InKind Magazine founder Leah Melby Clinton, is a private membership community curating experiences and facilitating opportunities for connection, creativity, and support. Through Diana, women are invited and inspired to block out monthly moments for themselves - ones intended to ignite, bring joy, and fuel connection between members.

This past month, I was honored to host an event with Diana here at the studio. Inspired by Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way, me and fellow Diana members joined here at the studio for “An Afternoon with your Artist’. Upon reflecting and discussing passages from Cameron’s book, we participated in an hour of creativity: honoring our own inner artists but allowing ourselves to play - unedited and judgment-free.

Learn more about Diana and join the community here.

 

“Art is the imagination at play in the field of time. Let yourself play”

.

“The creative process is a process of surrender, not control”

.

“The voice of our original self is often muffled, overwhelmed, even strangled, by the voices of other people’s expectations”

.

“Perfectionism is not a quest for the best. It is a pursuit of the worst in ourselves, the part that tells us that nothing we do will ever be good enough - that we should try again”

.

“Creativity requires faith. Faith requires that we relinquish control”

.

-JULIA CAMERON

This page may contain affiliate links, meaning I will earn a small commission on purchases through these links.

MOMS I HEART: LINDSEY JOHNSON

MusingsLauren Phelps

Hi Friends,

I am proud to bring you a new edition of MOMS I HEART: highlighting the impactful, amazing, and inspiring moms in my life.

For this edition, I am joined by Lindsey Johnson - CEO and co-founder of Weezie Towels. As a mom-owned business, Weezie’s mission is to make everyday essentials feel a little more special. Their luxury line of towels and robes are highly thought out and detailed, with 100% organic cotton sourced from a third-generation family-owned farm in Portugal. With an in-house team in Atlanta, every item is hand-crafted, inspected, and embroidered to perfection. The good-hearted nature of founders Lindsey and Liz is reflected in their product: creating an elevated essential that everyone in the family can feel good about.

As a fellow MOMS heart MOMS contributor, I was excited to learn more about Lindsey’s motherhood story and ask her a few questions. Read on below for a glimpse of our conversation.

MOMS I HEART

LINDSEY JOHNSON

CO-FOUNDER & CEO OF WEEZIE TOWELS

WHO OR WHAT MADE YOU A MOM?

I was a dog mom first to our french bulldog, Moose we got in May of 2018! My first child, a daughter named Miller, was born in March of 2020.

A RECENT BIG LITTLE MOMENT…

My 3 and 4 year old have started to feed our 8 month old her bottle in the mornings and in addition to being extremely helpful, it is just so heartwarming watching them care for her. 

DAILY RITUAL?

Exercise has become an almost daily ritual for me. Specifically, tennis. It keeps me sane! 

THE ADVICE YOU DIDN’T TAKE

So many people told us not to have kids so close together - our first two are 13 months apart. While it has been absolute chaos since our second was born, it is so fun watching them become each others' built in best friends and I would not trade it for a second! 

THE ADVICE YOU NOW GIVE

Do not be afraid to ask for help and do not feel guilty for taking it! Raising children really does take a village so I encourage everyone to find theirs and lean on it when needed. Your children are happier when you are at your best and if that means taking some time for yourself away from the kids then do it! 

YOUR WISH FOR EVERY MOM

At the risk of repeating myself...my wish is that you find your village! Whether that be in the form of hired help or even just a community of other mom friends - co-parenting with friends and their kids is so much more fun - and easier : ) 

MOMS I HEART: NICOLE KATZ

MusingsLauren Phelps

Hi Friends,

I am proud to bring you a new edition of MOMS I HEART: highlighting the impactful, amazing, and inspiring moms in my life.

For this edition, I am joined by my dear friend Nicole Katz - founder of The Mat with Nicole Katz. As a mom and yoga therapist, Nicole Katz is passionate about helping parents find the overlap between their own spiritual growth and their parenting journeys. Over the past year, she has started collaborating with top experts to create courses that combine her wellness training with expert insights to support parents in this process (we collaborated on Career Rebirth last fall, a course that helps moms redefine their careers after the life-altering experience of becoming parents).

Currently, she is partnering with a family and pediatric dietitian on Beyond Picky, a program designed specifically to help parents of picky eaters. The program focuses on providing parents with doable tools to guide the whole family back to a balanced and joyful relationship with food. Parents can sign up for the free webinar, taking place on September 24th at 7:30pm, at the link HERE

To attend her FREE Picky-Eaters webinar, register HERE.

To learn more about Nicole and The Mat, read more on her website.

MOMS I HEART

NICOLE KATZ

FOUNDER OF THE MAT WITH NICOLE KATZ

WHO OR WHAT MADE YOU A MOM?

My birth made me a mom. I had no idea how strong I truly was or what I could do until I was blessed enough to deliver with a midwife and a doula. Along with my husband they helped me do the hardest thing I could ever imagine and inspired me to keep going when I didnt think I could. After that I knew I could take care of my babies no matter what.

A RECENT BIG LITTLE MOMENT…

Recently my daughters have started asking for help when they have big feelings. They come to me and say "I am having a really big feeling and im not sure what to do with it" we then work together to find what's best for the moment. It seems so small but its so huge for me- to know that they are connected to their feelings and have tools from an early age to process them feels so huge. And me being the one they come to for help melts me every time.

DAILY RITUAL?

It will come as no surprise to lauren- but my daily ritual is my solo coffee and meditation. I start every single day with 30min of alone time before getting the family going. It allows me to center and greet the day mindfully rather than feeling like life is chasing my all the time.

THE ADVICE YOU DIDN’T TAKE

This will be a little controversial, but not getting a night nurse is one of the best things I didnt do. Everyone said I should but I somehow knew I wanted to be the one figuring it out with my babies in the night. I did however have a postpartum doula and that was the best. Along with my husband she supported my learning how to breastfeed, helped with the house and with amazing food and all my postpartum care. She took care of everything so I could just take care of the baby and myself. Best. Gift. Ever.

THE ADVICE YOU NOW GIVE

Listen to yourself- you are the expert of your child - no one else. Find one or two trusted outside sources to go to for guidance but ultimately listen to your gut. There is no one right way to raise a family.

YOUR WISH FOR EVERY MOM

That they know how strong they are, how powerful they are, how magical they are. May they been seen every day for all that they do!

MOMS I HEART: NEHA RUCH

MusingsLauren Phelps

Hi Friends,

I am proud to bring you a new edition of MOMS I HEART: highlighting the impactful, amazing, and inspiring moms in my life.

For this edition, I am joined by Neha Ruch - founder of Mother Untitled and author of The Power Pause. Following a 10-year career in brand strategy and after receiving an MBA from Standford, Neha gave birth to her second child. After pausing her career, she was confronted with stereotypes of the ‘stay at home mom’. She founded Mother Untitled to redefine what it meant to take a career pause, and empower the modern mother. Mother Untitled is a community of women who realize they can be empowered, proud, and ambitious, regardless of their status as mother.

Her new book, The Power Pause, outlines how mothers can redefine their career pauses as an empowering and enriching chapter of their life: rebranding the ‘stay at home mom’ trope. The book is set to release in early 2025, and pre-orders are available here.

Neha is a fellow MOMS HEART MOMS contributor, and I am so grateful for her generosity and wisdom. To learn more about the initiative, read on here.

To learn more about Neha and Mother Untitled, be sure to support her on socials here:

Learn more about Neha Ruch and Mother Untitled

Follow Mother Untitled on Instagram

Preorder The Power Pause today

MOMS I HEART

Neha ruch

FOUNDER OF mother untitled and author of ‘the power pause’

WHO OR WHAT MADE YOU A MOM?

My first, baby, Bodie, who's not such a baby anymore!

A RECENT BIG LITTLE MOMENT…

My son, yesterday, in the car asking how my husband and I met. 

DAILY RITUAL?

A five minute meditation and bullet gratitude journaling in my Iphone notes.

THE ADVICE YOU DIDN’T TAKE

When everyone advised against my choice to pause my career, I'm glad I bet on this chapter of family life as a powerful part of a long story.

THE ADVICE YOU NOW GIVE

Make the best choice for right now -- you'll get to come back and recalibrate often. 

YOUR WISH FOR EVERY MOM

Support -- emotional and physical, paid or unpaid. Every mother works, every mother deserves support.

Lunch with Heart

News and EventsLauren Phelps

Hi Friends,

After a successful virtual fundraiser this Mother’s Day, I was overjoyed to join some of my fellow MOMS heart MOMS collaborators in a box-packing luncheon for Welcome Baby USA.

Welcome Baby is a non-profit organization whose mission is to support new mothers in need. By providing boxes of essential items to hospitals and institutions in underserved communities, they ensure that new mothers across the country are able to provide for their baby despite financial need. These boxes contain critical supplies needed for the first month of life, including sanitary items, grooming items, and clothing.

The founders of Welcome Baby, Sarah Steinhardt and Juliet Fuisz, took on an incredible responsibility born out of their own post-partum experiences, and I am honored to give back alongside some of my favorite mom-founded brands.

From left, Neha Ruch of Mother Untitled, Sarah Steinhardt of Welcome Baby USA, Sally King McBride of The Letter Nest, and Lauren Phelps of Phelps Studio; Photo by Briar Rose Photo Co.

Our beautiful event was hosted at the home of Neha Ruch of Mother Untitled. By providing a space, we were able to gather and pack boxes together.

The boxes were enhanced with special donations from mom-founded brands: soft bibs from Weezie and Timo and Violet, and Naghedi pouches as special gift for mom.

We also engaged in watercolor painting, led by Sally of The Letter Nest. The hand-painted cards were added to the boxes with positive messages for the receiving mothers.

The event’s refreshments were generously donated by mom-founded companies. Stocked by Three Owls catered the event, Well provided water, Sophie James provided wine, and Maman provided sweet treats and favors to take home.

Thank you to all of the moms who came out to participate, and all of the companies that donated. The event was a major success due to generosity and love!

Donate to Welcome Baby here, and learn more about Moms heart Moms here.

Photos by Briar Rose Photo Co.

Love,

This page contains affiliate links. Any commission I make through these links will be donated to Welcome Baby

MOMS I HEART: LEAH MELBY CLINTON

MusingsLauren Phelps

Hi Friends,

I am proud to bring you a new edition of MOMS I HEART: highlighting some of the impactful, amazing, and inspiring moms in my life.

For this edition, I interviewed my friend Leah Melby Clinton, founder of InKind Magazine and Diana. With a background in editorial writing and content strategy, Leah founded InKind Magazine upon becoming a mother, creating a likeminded community of women.

Leah is a fellow MOMS HEART MOMS contributor. To learn more about the initiative, read on here.

To learn more about Leah and InKind, be sure to support her on socials here:

In Kind

Diana

MOMS I HEART

LEAH MELBY CLINTON

FOUNDER OF INKIND MAGAZINE AND DIANA

Leah Melby Clinton of InKind and Diana


WHO OR WHAT MADE YOU A MOM?

Technically, my oldest nearly five years ago, but the older I get and the more years I have in my mothering journey, the more I think about how the maternal instinct isn’t suddenly turned on with the birth of a child. We mother in so many ways and moments, and for many of us, that starts years before having children is part of our story (and it’s why I’ve felt really strongly about making the Mother’s Day messages we share on In Kind every year be directed to women more so than just mothers). The thing I find the most fulfilling about motherhood is giving another human a supportive space to explore—letting them feel safe to try and dream and do—and I realized I started doing that much earlier than becoming a mother. I started laying the groundwork for who I am as a mother as a camp counselor I think, as odd as that might sound. It was the first place I learned to love and live with the special magic that comes with creating space for individuality and exploration. 

A RECENT BIG LITTLE MOMENT…

Being reminded that our children are watching us constantly and letting our actions inform their ideal is truly breathtaking. As a writer, seeing my daughter create lists and stories or make a “magazine” has pulled at my heartstrings recently. 

DAILY RITUAL?

I keep this five-year journal in my bedside table and opening it each night is so special. I love writing down a few quick things, big or small or simply things I’m grateful for. Now that I’m three years in, I really love re-reading what we were doing on that exact day in the past, whether it was a big moment or just some small element of our day-to-day life.

THE ADVICE YOU DIDN’T TAKE

The thing I find most dangerous for me as a mother is the vast ocean of completely well-meaning advice shared on social media. I don’t take any of it, because I’ve mostly scrubbed it from my feed (I think people are shocked to hear I don’t follow Dr. Becky). Kids are so different and women are so different, and the few times something has popped up in my orbit or been forwarded to me, I invariably start doubting everything I do and think and believe. It relates to one piece of advice I’m very glad I did take when my firstborn was weeks old. My mother told me that I was her mother and no one knew my baby like I did. That meant something differently when she was two weeks old versus now, but the idea is still the same. I believe your instinct is always going to serve you better than what someone is posting on Instagram.   

THE ADVICE YOU NOW GIVE

To fill up your own cup and focus on what makes you tick and dream and feel fulfilled as a person. It will make you a better person and a better mother. There’s a Jung quote I love— “the greatest burden a child must bear is the unlived life of its parents”— and I think about it often. That if mothers shelf a part of themselves in order to tend to their children, there’s a risk it will not only drain your life of color but also affect your children when they’re older. Kids can sense and see when a parent is happy and engaged and following their own dreams, whether that’s a 2-year-old noticing how happy their mother seems or a preteen watching her pursue her own hobby and joy.  

YOUR WISH FOR EVERY MOM

To push guilt as far away as possible, if not fully obliterate it. If your child is fed, clothed, in a bed at night, with multiple people who love them and are taking care of them, you are a fantastic mother, period, end of story. I wish we could all stop feeling guilty or questioning ourselves and remember that simple fact.

B E A C H B A B E S : my summer travel tips

MusingsLauren Phelps

I’ve been reminiscing on summers past while putting together our final Summer 2024 plans. Here are a few things I’ve learned along the way:

1. ORDER IN BULK

Things like sunscreen and bug spray tend to get lost between trips and summer camps. It’s great to have an arsenal of your favorite brands so you aren’t left scrambling for the essentials at the last minute.

2. leave the suitcase packed with the essentials

One of my top time-saving tips is to keep the kids' dopp kits stocked and in their suitcases year round. This way, I never have to think about packing essentials like medications, soaps, and toothbrushes. I even keep extra sound machines, blackout papers, and a monitor in their suitcases, ready to go at a moment's notice! 

3. Anchor to a color palette

When traveling, I try to keep my accessories or outerwear in one color - white, neutral, or black, depending on the season and destination. Every outfit I put together can be coordinated back the same few shoes and bags, saving space and time. I do the same for the boys - ensuring every outfit coordinates back to one or two pairs of versatile shoes.

4. swimwear

Secure at least two new swimsuits each season. I opt for ones that make me feel amazing but can still withstand active kids who love to pull at straps. We should all have the luxury of feeling and looking great even if we do have to be practical.

5. SHIP DISPOSABLES

Still in the baby phase? Ship disposable items like diapers, snacks, and other essentials to your destination. You won’t be stuck spending valuable time in stores upon arrival. Make sure to rent local items like high chairs and pack-and-play or cribs.

6. ROLL METHOD FOR CLOTHING

Roll your clothes to prevent wrinkles! I learned this in my fashion days when I had to pack two weeks of clothes in my carry-on to Paris. Lay all your clothing super flat and smooth out on the floor or bed. Starting at the hanger end, slowly and carefully roll them tight. Simply place in your rolling bag and hang upon arrival. You’ll be shocked at how few wrinkles are left behind. Just be sure not to leave more than one night in the bag!

7. keep saved PACKING LISTS

Keep your packing lists on your iCloud NOTES feature. I have one saved for each travel season: SUMMER, WINTER, FALL, and SPRING. Include all of your seasonal essentials and favs so that you never have to make a packing list from scratch! I simply edit as needed.

SOUL STORIES

Studio UpdatesLauren Phelps

Dear Friends,

I am delighted to introduce a new series of commissioned work: Soul Stories.

Soul Stories are large, mixed-media sketches on toned, cotton paper. Like my Big Little Moments sketches, these are loose and expressionistic with less emphasis on the face. While Big Little Moments are small, Soul Stories start at 22x30 inches. Their larger format allows for exploration in individual play, sibling scenes, and parent and child moments. They aim to capture the energy and emotion of a caught moment.

Julia + Goldie, 2024

Mixed Media on Toned Paper

22 x 30 inches

Brothers, 2024

Mixed Media on Toned Paper

22 x 30 inches

BIG LITTLE MOMENTS: SUMMER 2024

Studio UpdatesLauren Phelps

I am delighted to announce that the Big Little Moments spring/summer waitlist is officially open!

My Big Little Moments sketches are loose and expressionistic studies, capturing candid moments in mixed media on toned cotton paper.

As part of the MOMS heart MOMS initiative, 25% of proceeds from my spring/summer Big Little Moments sketches will be donated to Welcome Baby USA.

PROCESS

This list will sell out quickly and is first come, first served.

  1. To join, please Venmo a deductible waitlist reservation of $200 to @phelpsstudio with the note “big little moments” - then follow up with an email to studio@laurenphelps.com to initiate the commission process.

  2. Photo submissions are due no later than June 10, 2024. Please send all options in a single email or shared folder. These images should be intimate and candid. Subjects should be unaware of the camera/viewer. No teeth, please. These may be snapshots or professional images and can be in PJs, your Sunday best, or anything in between. See examples above.

  3. Your sketch delivery will be in late summer 2024.

MOTHER'S DAY GIFT GUIDE

MusingsLauren Phelps

Dear Friends,

This Mother’s Day, I am excited to share some of my favorite gifts for mom this year.

I want you to feel good about what you gift, so I am highlighting some of my favorite mom-founded, run, and owned brands. The added bonus - from April 12th to May 12th, Naghedi, Weezie, and others will be joining me in supporting WELCOME BABY via the MOMS heart MOMS virtual fundraiser.

To learn more about Welcome Baby, the Moms heart Moms initiative, and collaborating brands, read here.

Happy Mother’s Day!

1. Linen Set, Parterre, $145; 2. Hand-Carved Silver Cups, CeCe Barfield Inc, $120; 3. Gift Certificate for current or future commission, Lauren Phelps Studio, $500+; 4. Floral Block Print, Renee Bouchon, $125; 5. Personalized Robe, Weezie, $185; 6. Pima Cotton Pajama Set, LAKE, $98; 7. Embroidered Linen Napkins, Misette, $160; 8. Magazine Subscription, InKind, $30; 9. Large St. Barths Tote in Shell Pink, Naghedi, $315; 10. Patchwork Swimsuit, Hunter Bell x Marysia, $369

This page contains affiliate links. Any commission I make through these links will be donated to Welcome Baby.

MAGIC MAKERS

News and EventsLauren Phelps

Hi Friends,

I recently chatted with my friend Hannah Weil McKinley at InKind Magazine for their eight issue. We talked about motherhood, magic, and intention. To read the full article, Issue No. 8 is available for purchase here.

I am lucky to be partnering with InKind this month in the MOMS HEART MOMS virtual fundraiser. To learn more about the initiative, read on here, and stay tuned on Instagram for a special giveaway featuring a generous contribution from InKind.

To subscribe to InKind’s brilliant publication head to their website and to get a sneak peek of their magic check out their Instagram !

With love and gratitude,

A few excerpts from this conversation

MOMS HEART MOMS

News and EventsLauren Phelps

Hi Friends,

This month, I am excited to announce a special initiative I have launched with my good friend Sally King Mcbride of The Letternest.

We’ve gathered some of our favorite mom-founded and owned brands to form MOMS heart MOMS: a community of like-minded women coming together with a wholehearted mission to support mothers in need.

This month, we are supporting Welcome Baby USA: a charity committed to supplying new mothers with the supplies they will need for the first four weeks of life.

Join us in a virtual fundraiser running April 12th-May 12th, and follow along for a MAJOR GIVEAWAY in early May! Stay tuned on Instagram for all of the details.

To learn more about Welcome Baby and to donate to their cause, read here.

With love and gratitude,

A LOVE FOR MOTHERS

Born out of my postpartum experience. With a great support system, I was still struggling, and my mind kept returning to mothers of various circumstances and how they navigate the immense pressures of the early postpartum days. I also thought a lot about my young mother, who somehow, against all odds, managed to raise me well with so few resources and so little experience. I have a deep love for my fellow moms, and want to do something to give back for all they give their children and the world.

So, together, with some of the most generous women I know, we formed…

MOMS HEART MOMS

MOMS heart MOMS is a community of mom founders and business owners (or mom-founded brands) coming together with a wholehearted mission to support mothers in need. This collective of like-minded women are combining their love, talents and platforms to celebrate motherhood and do something beautiful for their fellow moms. 

Proceeds Benefit

Their mission is as simple as it is critical:

To provide low-income mothers with one package containing all of the items they’ll need for their newborn in the first four weeks of life.

Learn more here: welcomebabyusa.org

2024 CHAIRS

Sally King McBride - The Letter Nest

Lauren Phelps - Phelps Studio

2024 - 2025 COLLABORATORS

MOMS I HEART: Sally King McBride, founder of The Letter Nest

MusingsLauren Phelps

Hi Friends,

I am excited to launch the new series MOMS I HEART, highlighting some of the impactful, amazing, and inspiring moms in my life.

For this first edition, I am interviewing my great friend Sally King McBride, founder of The Letter Nest. As a veteran in the art world, Sally launched The Letter Nest in response to the mothers in her life. On a constant search for the perfect gift, Sally decided to create her own: hand-illustrated alphabet prints.

I am lucky to be partnering with Sally this month in the MOMS HEART MOMS virtual fundraiser. To learn more about the initiative, read on here, and stay tuned on Instagram for a special giveaway featuring a generous contribution from Sally.

Read on to learn more about Sally and The Letter Nest, and be sure to support her website and Instagram.

With love and gratitude,

MOMS I HEART

sally king mcbride

founder of the letter nest

Who or what made you a mom?

“My sons, Matt and Alex!”

A recent big little moment…

“I love that my kids have their own friendship independent of me and my husband. It's their own little world, with secrets, games, occasional hand-holding, and a lot of Pokemon.”

Daily ritual?

“Painting and Peloton.

And I love walking around NYC...”

The advice you didn’t take

“I generally steer clear of professionalized parenting advice—

I don't need more voices in my head than the one already present. :-) “

The advice you now give

“Don't do it all.”

Your wish for every mom

“A manicure.

And that she knows she's loved.”

YOUR STORY

Studio UpdatesLauren PhelpsComment

Dear Friends,

Happy New Year! As we head into 2024, I am so thankful for my amazing clients and tiny, beautiful subjects that allow me to live a life and career beyond anything I could have dreamed.

The most rewarding part of my work is listening to your stories and immortalizing them with my art. As I plan for the future, I have a few exciting projects I will be working on in the coming months and years. You are my inspiration, and your stories fuel my creative work.

Y O U R S T O R Y

What is your Big Little Moment? The “in-between” seemingly insignificant everyday moments that seem little but are incredibly big to us as parents. It could be something as small as a made-up song or a quirky ritual. It might be a single sentence or a short story. These moments are almost impossible to capture, even with a camera, and live only in our hearts. Maybe it’s something from your childhood that inexplicably lives with you after all these years.

If you have a #biglittlemoment you would be willing to share with me, please email studio@laurenphelps.com for an opportunity to be featured (anonymously or with your name included - it is your choice) in one of these major future projects.

a loose charcoal sketch of a mother embracing her two children. the mood is playful, sincere, and expressionistic.

If an artwork is produced (sketch, painting, etc.) inspired by your big little moment, I will send you the original signed artwork to keep as a gift of thanks for sharing your moment with me. The delivery timeline is not defined, as these are major lifelong dream projects that will take some time.

To submit your Big Little Moment, please reply here to studio@laurenphelps.com

I N S P I R A T I O N

"I used to dread the frequent night time wake-ups of the younger years and countless hours of lost sleep. But now that they are so few and far between I really embrace those middle of the night taps on my shoulder. I find myself just lifting up the blanket and welcoming their little warm bodies into my arms, breathing in their smell, listening to their little heartbeat all the while knowing how fleeting these little moments are”.

”When my oldest was 4 and we were snuggling in bed, she said: “You were out there in the world and I picked you. Wow, I thought there was no one like that and I picked you.” She melted my heart and reminded me how close children are to the source. I’ve kept a diary of all those little wise magical moments. I treasure them. It’s in the tiniest moments that my children prove to be my greatest spiritual teachers”.

“There’s something about that moment every morning when I open the door to my daughter’s room and there she is, waiting for me with a big smile on her little face, so excited to start the day together. There’s nothing quite like it in the entire world”.

Thank you for your love and vulnerability.

With love,

CAREER REBIRTH

Studio UpdatesLauren Phelps

This month, I am teaming up with my dear friend Nicole Katz for CAREER REBIRTH -

giving mothers the inspiration and tools they need to rebirth their careers

Many of you know my story and how I made a drastic career shift post kids. As a serial entrepreneur, empowering and supporting mothers as they find their path has become increasingly important to me. Just as your family stories inspire my art, inspiring you to take ownership of your stories and your life is a place

I hope to serve.

It all started with my mom and what she wished for me, and what she wished she could have done for herself. All of the dreams that were fulfilled and all of the dreams left unrealized. There is no dream, mother, label, or career hierarchy. Whether you are spending this chapter with your children, working full-time in the corporate world, or finding yourself somewhere in between, it’s all about making space for yourself to be better for those around you.

My dear friend Nicole, (the incredible yoga therapist, mother, and fellow career rebirther) and I have had countless conversations about this topic and decided to meld our expertise together and create something to support mothers who find themselves wondering....

What’s next?

“When I became pregnant and left fashion,
I felt lost.

I was journaling and asking, ‘what will my next chapter be?’

The word SERVICE came up again and again.

Telling your family stories and serving you with my art is my passion.

Career Rebirth is just one more place, I hope to serve you.”
— LP

AUTUMN MOMENTS

Studio UpdatesLauren Phelps

As summer winds down and autumn approaches, I can’t help but think about the nostalgia of the season. The beginning of the school year was always such an exciting time, and I love being able to experience it in a new way through my kids.

Every new school year reminds me of the fleeting nature of these simple moments and how fast time truly flies. Holding hands on the way to school, crisp leaves crunching underfoot as we walk home from the bus stop - I cherish these early fall memories.

My Big Little Moments sketches capture these memories in a loose and expressionistic way. I am opening up my Fall/Winter 2023 waitlist for a limited number of commissions.

To learn more about the commission’s process and access my extremely limited list, please subscribe to my newsletter here.

I am honored to continue sharing your stories.

With Love,

LP

big little mom|e n t s

Studio UpdatesLauren Phelps

Over the last few years, “big little moments” has become a big passion project. The story began a few years after I lost my mother to brain cancer when I became pregnant with my first son. I longed for her presence and began searching for my early childhood memories. I then realized it was never the big milestones that were most vivid; it was the seemingly insignificant everyday moments that held my heart. These moments inform my life as a mother and inspire my work.

My limited-edition charcoal sketches were born out of these experiences, and it is my honor to tell your family stories with my art.  

big little moments sketch

Mother + Sons

graphite charcoal and pastel on toned archival paper.

I look forward to sharing some special big little mom|ents with you from some of my favorite moms as we near closer to Mother's Day. Check back here and on social as I continue to share their stories and hopefully spread some love and magic along the way…

black and white photograph of sara naghedi and her three kids walking on a NYC sidewalk

Sara Naghedi | Naghedi NYC

Sally King McBride | The Letter Nest

a black and white photograph of nicole katz of the mat with nicole katz and her two girls.

Nicole Katz | The Mat with Nicole Katz

OIL STUDIES

Studio UpdatesLauren Phelps

Oil painting is one of my favorite mediums. My traditional heirloom portraits are more highly detailed, and I wanted to find a less formal way to utilize my oil paints to capture the beauty of childhood. Thus, oil studies on exposed linen were born! These paintings are created all prima. The dichotomy of the fresh oil painting and the organic texture of the linen on full display is timeless yet modern.

ROBERT | 2022

oil on exposed linen

18 x 24 inches

My background is in fashion, and I wanted to honor the linen fabrication and allow it to have a more prominent place in the artwork. These paintings are looser in style and brushwork and allow even more freedom of expression.

an a la prima oil portrait of a boy on exposed linen

SAM | 2022

oil on exposed linen

18 x 24 inches

This painting of my son is based on a snapshot my husband took at a cafe. I love that it is a real moment caught in time with all of its childish imperfections - his flipped collar, bunched shirt, and ruffled hair. This is childhood.

an oil a la prima portrait on exposed linen of a little girl

MARTHA | 2022

oil on exposed linen

12 x 16 inches

Although my oil waitlist is closed for 2023, I am accepting a select few Oil Study commissions. To reserve, please complete the form here, today.

UPDATED JAN 2023 - OIL STUDIES 2023 SOLD OUT. 2024 LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE.

With Love,

LP

www.laurenphelps.com

MAMA MOMENTS

MusingsLauren Phelps

I’m passionate about moms and celebrate them every day with my work.

There are everyday moments that seem little but are incredibly big to us as mothers. It could be something as small as a look, gesture, or daily ritual. These moments with our children are almost impossible to capture, even with a camera, and live only in our hearts. 

When I decided to transition my career to fine art, I had no idea what my focus would be, but I did know that art was bringing me closer to my bond and memories I shared with my mother. Becoming a mother to my own two boys has brought me full circle in my career, life, and art. 

My limited edition charcoal sketches were born out of these experiences. I hope that I may create something that resembles the emotion and energy of these moments and the love of this bond. 

Because we can all use more beauty and joy, I am sharing #biglittlemoments from some of my favorite mamas.

Elizabeth Damrich / Interior Designer and Creative Director / Mother to Gigi

Elizabeth Damrich / Interior Designer and Creative Director / Mother to Gigi

Julia Berolzheimer / www.juliaberolzheimer.com / Mama to Clementine

Julia Berolzheimer / www.juliaberolzheimer.com / Mama to Clementine

Hunter Bell / www.hunterbellnyc.com / Mama

Hunter Bell / www.hunterbellnyc.com / Mama

Annabelle Moehlmann / www.landofbebe.com / Mama to Clementine

Annabelle Moehlmann / www.landofbebe.com / Mama to Clementine

Maddie Hughes / http://www.maddiehughesdesigns.com/ / Mama to Harry

Maddie Hughes / http://www.maddiehughesdesigns.com/ / Mama to Harry

Renee Bouchon / www.reneebouchon.com / Mama to George

Renee Bouchon / www.reneebouchon.com / Mama to George

Emily Hertz / bornonfifth.com / Mama to Elle and Jennings

Emily Hertz / bornonfifth.com / Mama to Elle and Jennings

Chaffee Braithwaite Heilman / www.babybraithwaite.com / Mama

Chaffee Braithwaite Heilman / www.babybraithwaite.com / Mama