My Artistic Journey - Cortney

Hi, Im Cortney.

I’ve loved making things for as long as I can remember. As a child, I was always drawing, coloring, crafting, or finding some new project to get absorbed in. That creative streak eventually became part of my professional life as a painter, where I’ve worked with decorative finishes, graphics, murals, and other custom work.

Over the years, my interests have wandered in all kinds of directions, which is part of what I enjoy about creating. I’ve made birdhouses from gourds and hand-painted them, turned gourds into simple primitive drums, made candles, and created one-of-a-kind dream catchers and sun catchers from horseshoes using crystal and wood beads, suede lacing, and whatever other materials seem right for the piece. No two ever come out exactly alike.

More recently, I fell down the rabbit hole of making my own face and body oils. It started with moisturizing face oils that I gave to friends and family as gifts, but I became fascinated by the ingredients and began experimenting with balms and infused oils made with things like jojoba oil, calendula, turmeric, and rosemary.

What I enjoy most is keeping things simple. I like working with thoughtfully chosen ingredients, learning what different herbs and oils bring to a product, and making something by hand that feels beautiful, useful, and good to use.

That is really the thread that connects everything I make. Whether I’m painting a gourd, blending a botanical oil, pouring a candle, or making something completely new, I love taking simple materials and turning them into something personal.

Most of what I make is produced in small batches or as individual pieces. I don’t want everything to look exactly the same. The little differences, imperfections, and surprises are part of what make handmade things special.