January recap - Thrifted treasures and new illustrations

Hello my dear friend,

First of all, welcome February! But let’s take a moment to look back at what January has been, shall we? Let’s begin.

I’ve been knitting a lot; I need to keep my mind busy and free from thoughts during this time, and knitting helps me relax.

I also wanted a new scarf and a shawl to wear with the Sondeflor dress I bought last month, and since I’ve become fascinated by the wonderful handmade pieces Claire wears in Outlander, I wanted to try recreating something similar. I found that Louise Bollanos’s pattern, the Journeycake Shawl, was perfect for the occasion, especially since it’s inspired by Outlander itself.

I think you may have recognized the scarf as well - it’s one of the most popular patterns among knitters online right now. It’s the Sophie Scarf by PetiteKnit

I also had the pleasure of searching for a few new vintage pieces for my wardrobe and my desk and the hunt was quite successful.

I found an ‘80s dress with a bolero and a delightful cardigan in pure Shetland wool, worked in colorwork with a lovely collar, plus beautiful sleeve and these uniquely shaped bow motifs. And then a wooden roll-top drawer, I’m not sure what era it’s from, but it’s in perfect condition and truly perfect for keeping all the papers on my desk tidy. I love vintage finds!

Speaking of illustration, I’ve been spending some time with my sketchbook, especially on weekend mornings, and sometimes early in the morning on workdays.

In short, I simply can’t go without creating - it’s what makes me feel alive and fulfilled in my life.

Lastly, I watched a beautiful film about Van Gogh recommended by Ema Malyauka, starring Willem Dafoe. It was truly a lovely movie, and it reminded me of that wonderful book published in Italy with biographical notes and the artist’s paintings with some enlarged posters inside.

Speaking on TV, lately I’ve watched the first four episodes of season 4 of Bridgerton, and I can’t wait to see the next ones, which will be released later in February.

I’m also watching The Tudors - the series about Henry VIII - and, as always, English historical dramas are my favorites.

So, that’s all folks wish you a happy days from here with this whimsical beautiful cat that is loved by my family (my son as you can see above is just in love with Astra).

Since next post, let’s stay warm and cozy, xoxo, G. Aka JdeeBella at Soulfulcrane - the creative nest in Italy.

Getting out of the comfort zone with a draw with me video - a note from an introverted artist

Imagine a 52 year old woman, a mother, a full time worker, a caregiver, juggling countless responsibilities and commitments every day, yet still nurturing a dream despite the little time she has - and on top of that, introverted.

What truly makes her happy and keeps her grounded, perfectly balanced, is nurturing her creativity - drawing, art - that she feels flowing through her veins and brings her immense joy. But how can she communicate all of this when introversion pushes her toward impostor syndrome?

Stepping out of her comfort zone with a video might just be something that can help.

Please, bear with me since this is truly scary but necessary to let me be what I am, an introverted artist with a passion for art and that want to meet like-mended people with who start a conversation with.

Let me sincerely know what you think about, and if you relate, let’s talk about the difficult we encounter as middle age artists maybe, and what let you get out of your comfort zone too.

Take care and keep doing.

Xoxo, G. Aka Jdeebella - at Soulfulcrane, the creative nest in Italy

New year New start

Hallo and welcome to my Creative Nest in Italy!

So a new year is here and my intention for this year is to create and share more art.

I’m working on a fun project and since I gained more confidence I’m ready to share what I do without further ado.

I planned to write a zine once a month for my Patreon, along with other exclusive content as post and videos of behind the scenes.

The Soulfulcrane Gazette will be a lovely trivia zine full of articles, illustrations, puzzles, curiosity etc. something to collect and treasure for those who loves small things, antiques, nostalgia, illustration with a soul and having a calm moment for yourself while the world drive anxiety to the society. That’s what I need for myself too, so I’m really excited about this project.

The first issue of the zine will be available from this coming week end, I hope you’ll come to cheer it on Patreon.

See you there!

Since then, stay save and tuned.

Xoxo, G. Aka Jdeebella at Soulfulcrane, the creative nest in Italy.

Closing a year of pain and sorrow, opening to light and love

Dear Friend,

December was a calm and resting month, I cannot help, but this year I can’t share my love for Christmas time, it’s strange, as this festive was dear to me since I can remember and I always felt joy in this time of the year. But this one is a sort of mess, the world is messed up and 2025 was plenty of bad things for humanity in this part of the planet, so I cannot feel the Christmas spirit as I was used to. Maybe for you isn’t so, and I draw a garland to bring you my wishes for the future, I really hope that light will come to the humans and that peace could reign again everywhere.

So, December bring some lovely things: lots of hot tea cups, I celebrated my birthday, a new dress from Sondeflor, the Jane Austen 250° anniversary - small things are always the best to comfort the soul.

So, as this year is coming to an end, I hope that 2026 will bring some light to the world, I pray for peace everywhere, I pray for a better human minds and way to live our life, thinking to the others and not only to self, not only battling for a better economy but for the human being rights, because I feel that the world is loosing compassion and this isn’t a good thing. So I wish light and love for the 2026.

I wish you a merry Christmas and a happy new year, with yours and if you can, just do something for your neighbors this Christmas.

Since next time, xoxo G. Aka Jdeebella at Soulfulcrane, the creative nest in Italy

A Folk soul in a windy city

Hello dear reader,

So, November is coming to an end.

This was a generous month and while I’m writing I’m eating a delicious carrot almond and coconut pie sipping my morning coffee to celebrate and sharing my thoughts with you.

And while the north wind called Bora is clarifying our ideas and path, family is settling down, I’d the time to play with brushes and get some work done.

I’ve always been fascinated by folk tales, especially those from the North, where magic has a central role. I have a predilection for Scotland and Highlands and November brings some new ideas inspired by those stories, by tv series as Outlander, and also from documentary as those host by Ben Fogle.

So yes, I can say I have a Folk Soul seeking for the magic, the quite, and the kindness in people and everywhere around. Spirituality is a fundamental part of those who knows how to live in the world, how to coop with elements, and how to pursue compassion and kindness could bring calm and joy to the self and the other around you.

Perhaps the reason why I love the Scottish islands is that sense of spirituality and community one can feel there, which reminds me of my homeland, Sicily. There is the same magical bond between the people, the land, the sea, and the trust in God’s will, whatever it may be. That spirit of collaboration and mutual help, knowing that one is never truly alone but part of a community and of something beyond oneself, is a spirit that must be preserved and that becomes one with the surrounding nature.

In the city where I live, it is difficult to find all of this; there is a lot of individualism, but I know I can still rely on a few close people who make me feel that same sense of belonging even here.

And finally, November also brought the magic of being recognized as a professional illustrator, and now one of my works has become a painting in the home of a friend, who shares the same gentle and slightly folk spirit.

So that’s all for this month, see you in December and remember to be kind to each other, giving is always the way to get the best for you too.

Since next time, xoxo, G. Aka Jdeebella at Soulfulcrane, the creative nest in Italy