A Little Glimpse into Our Entryway

Greetings :)

I’m sharing a little glimpse into our home’s entryway now that I’ve finally put the artworks back on the walls after the scanning process. The pictures feature paintings and drawings by Aleksi and me from over the years, works that have traveled with us from home to home through many moves. There are still plenty of pieces throughout the rest of our home, but in the entryway I’ve created two larger groupings. Some of these images will later be released for sale as digital prints, which is why they were scanned. A few of the December works are still in progress, and we have also created some traditional pieces together. Here in Finland, ILO already had the chance to marvel at the first snowfall of the year, though it has already melted away. Wishing you all a warm and beautiful season of waiting for Christmas, Mari.

Pictures of November

I’m already writing November’s blog post today since I have a day off. Music has always been a dear part of my life, alongside other forms of art. November’s series of images begins with a photo of my bass guitar — taken and edited by me. At the moment, I’m most inspired by playing the bass, and that’s where nearly all my music time goes these days.

Among the November photos, there are also some original, unedited pictures. I’ve always loved photography and photos in general — a few of our home’s walls are covered with them, along with drawings and paintings. When Aleksi was little, we used to take a lot of photos and videos. Our photo archive is huge, and I’m sure there are some real gems to share once I start digging through it.

In this month’s pictures, I was also inspired by different shapes, lights, and shadows. A few photos include the colors of autumn. Here in Finland, we’ll probably get the first snow soon as autumn gives way to winter. On my Instagram, there’s actually a video from about a year ago when ILO saw snow for the first time.

November is also ILO’s — our beloved mascot’s — celebration month. On that day, we’ll be publishing a special poster of ILO. Some people have asked if it would be possible to order the artwork as a ready-made poster to their home. We’re now considering a collaboration with a company that would handle the shipping of finished products — and perhaps even offer the option to have your chosen image printed on a T-shirt, for example.

Wishing you all the best,
With love,
Mari

A Side Business and Social Media Stress – Silence Doesn’t Mean Indifference

 

I’m a part-time entrepreneur. I create digital prints out of passion, not just as a business. It’s that moment when I get to dive into creativity and forget everything else for a while. But honestly – balancing a full-time job, everyday life, and entrepreneurship sometimes takes up all my time and energy.

People might wonder why I’m not more active on social media. Why there aren’t new posts, or why I don’t reply right away. The truth is simple: I’m not indifferent, I’m just busy.

Social media doesn’t tell the whole story

These days it can feel like if you’re not visible online, you don’t exist. But as a side entrepreneur, I know that silence on social media doesn’t mean inactivity. Quite the opposite – it often means I’m working behind the scenes: designing new prints, refining files for my online shop, and developing my own creative style.

Entrepreneurship, for me, isn’t just about marketing – it’s about creating. And while social media is important for visibility, I don’t want it to take away the joy of why I started in the first place – the joy of making art.

Being busy doesn’t mean losing passion

I’m proud that I can do both: my day job and my business. It takes planning, flexibility, and sometimes a lot of self-compassion. There are moments when inspiration takes over, and moments when schedules do. But both are part of the journey.

So if it ever seems like I’ve disappeared from social media, it’s only because I’m focusing on what I love most – creating and developing new digital products.

In the end

I might not always respond right away or post regularly, but every comment, like, and order means the world to me. They remind me that even when I’m busy, what I do matters.

Silence doesn’t mean indifference – it means I’m hard at work, doing what I love.

Digital Prints — Bringing Art into Your Home Instantly 💛

 I’ve always loved digital prints for their simplicity and creativity. A digital print is like a little treasure of art that you can bring into your home in an instant, exactly the way you want it.

When you purchase a digital print, you receive a downloadable art file right away. You can print it at home with your own printer or have it professionally printed on the paper or canvas of your choice. It’s completely up to you — you choose the size, the frame, and the perfect spot where the art will come to life.

My digital prints are available on Etsy and Payhip stores. Etsy is a wonderful community filled with art lovers from around the world, while Payhip offers a simple and direct way to purchase art straight from the creator. After checkout, you’ll instantly receive a download link in your email, so you can print and enjoy your new artwork right away.

Digital prints are such a lovely choice because they combine convenience, creativity, and sustainability. You don’t need to wait for shipping or worry about packaging waste — your artwork arrives instantly, ready to brighten your home. They’re also an affordable way to bring beauty and warmth into your space, and a thoughtful gift idea for someone special.

A digital print lets you surround yourself with art that feels personal — something chosen by you, for you. It’s a small touch of creativity that can make any corner of your home feel a little more yours.

Love,

Mari