When Paint Met the Laser (And I Found My Way Back)
For a long time, painting was my thing.
That’s really where Valley Grown Handcrafts started—me, some paint, a pile of wood, and an idea that just wouldn’t leave me alone. There’s something about putting paint to wood that feels grounding. A little messy, a little therapeutic, and really satisfying when it all comes together just right.
This is where it all started—paint, wood, and a little personality.
But if you know me at all, you know I don’t sit still for too long.
Last year, I added a laser to my setup because I wanted to expand what my signs could be. I kept thinking about depth… texture… those little details that make someone stop and look twice. I didn’t want to replace what I was doing—I just wanted to build on it. Add a little more dimension. A little more interest. Something that still felt like me, just… evolved.
At first, I was just learning. (Which, if you’ve ever tried something new, you know can be equal parts exciting and humbling.)
Learning the laser meant a lot of experimenting… and a lot of pieces like this.
But then something unexpected happened.
I got hooked on ornaments.
There’s something about them—they’re small, meaningful, and often tied to a moment or a memory. And the laser opened up a whole new world for that. I could engrave details, layer pieces, personalize them in a way that felt really special but still simple.
This is where I really got hooked—small, layered pieces that feel a little more special.
From there, it naturally spilled over into engraved signs and those little interchangeable pieces that are just fun to switch out with the seasons or your mood.
And before I realized it… I hadn’t picked up a paintbrush for signs in months.
Somewhere along the way, the paintbrush sat still longer than I expected.
Not because I didn’t love it—but because I was so deep into learning, experimenting, and honestly just enjoying this new side of creating.
Then last night, I pulled everything back out.
Paint. Brushes. All of it.
And I painted five signs.
It felt so good.
Like coming back to something familiar, but with fresh eyes. I found myself slowing down, paying attention in a different way, and remembering why I started in the first place.
There’s a rhythm to painting that the laser just doesn’t have—and I didn’t realize how much I missed it until I was back in it.
I think that’s the balance I’ve been finding lately.
Not choosing one over the other—but letting both exist. Painted pieces with that soft, handmade feel… and laser work that brings in detail, texture, and a little extra dimension.
Both made by me, with care.
And honestly, it feels like things are just getting interesting again.
Next up? I’ve got my eye on trying a faux basket weave technique (we’ll see how that goes…) and—because apparently I like to keep things interesting—a nostalgia inspired porch goose might be making an appearance.
Stay tuned… I have a feeling there’s more experimenting ahead.
And if you’ve been here for a while—watching things evolve, trying new pieces, coming back for ornaments or signs or something in between—thank you.
It really does mean a lot to have you along for it.
👉 If you’ve been here through the painted signs, the laser experiments, or somewhere in between… I’m really glad you’re here.
