Hi friends, I’m Melissa Mathieson! After 20 amazing years of full-time teaching, I’ve traded in my classroom for a slower-paced, art-filled life in my cozy home studio. It still feels a little strange spending the back-to-school season painting and parenting at home instead of standing in front of a classroom — but it’s a change that has filled my heart in all the best ways.

   Outside of the studio, I’m a mom to five wonderful kids who keep me constantly on my toes. Thankfully, I also have an incredible husband and partner who helps me navigate the beautiful chaos of our life. Together, all seven of us share our home with three cats, three dogs, a tortoise, and an abundance of creative mess here in beautiful Alberta, Canada.

   With a passion for getting messy and breaking traditional art “rules,” I feel right at home in the mixed-media world. I love working on canvas and in art journals, and in recent years I’ve ventured into digital design so more of my quirky creations can live beyond the page — turning into products meant for everyday enjoyment. Learning new techniques, building new skills, and hand-making items for my shop has been an incredible adventure so far.

   I can’t wait to see where this new chapter leads. The journey may be slow, but sharing the whimsy of Homely Gnome Studio with you brings me indescribable joy.