Abigail Lee's store and philosphy celebrates the art of a bim·ble (/ˈbimbəl/): a leisurely walk or journey
Abigail Lee has a lot going on. As a painter, visual artist, and crafter, the owner and founder of the Dallas-based Bimble Art Studio creates a variety of self-proclaimed whimsical and brightly hued “fun little things,” from gift tags, air-dry clay items and hair ties, to magnets, stickers, bookmarks, notebooks and small paintings featuring her colorful, one-of-a-kind take on contour drawing. Due to her love affair with Michaels stores, she sells exclusively on MakerPlace and is also one of MakerPlace’s most popular instructors, offering classes in a range of topics from DIY hair ties to adding your child’s art on a tote bag, to hand-painting gift boxes.
Like the meaning behind her store’s name — a British term for a leisurely walk or journey — her craft and passion for art has taken her in a number of different directions. Here, she shares tips with other sellers on where she draws inspiration, what she does to streamline her processes and how she keeps all the balls of her business and various types of crafting in the air.
How did you start making your products and how has it evolved?
My adventure into making art prints started with a lifelong love for drawing and painting. Then, when I started using digital art tools like Adobe Fresco, it was a game-changer! Suddenly, I could take my entire studio anywhere! Whether I was relaxing on the patio or traveling, I could create without lugging around tons of materials. Plus, the ability to easily edit and play with colors was amazing. It was like having a magic wand for my art.
But as much as I loved the digital world, I started to miss the feeling of paint on my hands and the satisfaction of a brush on canvas. So, I decided to get back to my roots and pick up my old canvases and brushes again. It felt like reuniting with an old friend. I loved the physicality of painting and the slow, meditative process of layering colors. But I didn’t want to give up the digital tools either.
That’s when I realized I could have the best of both worlds. I started creating original paintings on canvas, wood panels, and paper while continuing to explore digital art. This combo brought a fresh spark to my creativity. I began experimenting with other surfaces like little clay planters, canvas totes, and notebook covers. It was so much fun to see my designs come to life on all these different materials.
Turning both my traditional and digital pieces into art prints seemed like the perfect way to share my work with more people. It’s been awesome to see how people appreciate the vibrant energy of digital art and the classic feel of hand-painted pieces.
My art prints really help tell the story of my journey as an artist. They blend the modern with the traditional, showing off the versatility and fun of both mediums. It’s been a wild and rewarding ride, and I’m excited to keep creating and sharing my art with the world!
What is your creative process and routine?
My creative process is organic and flows from inspiration I find all around me. Whether it's people, animals, experiences, or the beauty of nature, there's always something that sparks my imagination. Sometimes, I'll spend a lot of time mulling over a subject, deciding what media to use, and planning out my approach. Other times, I just dive right in and let the creation take me where it wants to go. It’s like a little adventure each time!
When I plan to spend the day in my home studio, I like to start with a good breakfast and a cup of coffee to get me going. Once I’m fueled up, I head straight to the studio and get lost in my painting. I love those uninterrupted hours where I can fully immerse myself in my work.
However, I’ve learned the hard way that I need to take breaks! Otherwise, I’d paint all day without stopping. So, I make sure to take a one-hour lunch break to recharge and small breaks throughout the day. It’s so easy to get caught up in the moment, thinking, “Just one more brush stroke,” or “I’ll finish this color and then stop.” Taking that time to step away helps me come back with fresh eyes and renewed energy.
Overall, my routine is a balance between structure and spontaneity. It allows me to explore my creativity deeply while also taking care of myself. Each day in the studio, whether it’s meticulously planned or a happy accident, is a new opportunity to create something special.
Why prints?
I started creating prints of my paintings because I wanted to make my art more accessible and affordable for everyone. A key moment for me was when I visited Phoenix and attended their First Friday event, which is a massive monthly celebration of the city's culture, arts, and local flavor. It's an amazing experience with so many local artists showcasing their work.
I found a young artist selling both prints and original paintings. I felt an immediate connection to her work and ended up buying an art print for my husband and an ink drawing for myself. I still vividly remember the excitement of talking to the artist about the pieces I bought and the joy of owning unique artwork. It was my first time purchasing and owning art created by someone else, making me feel like a true art collector. This experience filled me with a sense of pride and connection that will always remain with me.
I realized that many people share this feeling. There are so many who love to own a beautiful piece of art to decorate their home or office. By creating prints, I can offer my art to more people at a price that’s accessible, allowing them to experience that same joy and connection. It’s all about making art accessible and creating connections, one print at a time.
What drives you to create what you do?
The drive behind my creations comes from a deep desire to share my perspective and connect with others through my art. Inspiration is all around me—in the people I meet, the animals I see, the experiences I have, and the beauty of nature. Each piece I create reflects these inspirations.
I want my art to evoke emotions and spark connections, just like that young artist's work did for me in Phoenix. There's something incredibly fulfilling about knowing that my art can become a part of someone’s life, bringing beauty and meaning to their space. It's this shared experience and the ability to touch others with my creativity that keeps me motivated and passionate about what I do.
What unique challenges do you face as a maker and how have you handled them?
Every business has its challenges, and as a maker of handmade goods, there are unique ones to navigate. One of the biggest challenges I face is finding that sweet spot where my time and effort are valued and compensated fairly, while still offering my products at an affordable price for buyers. Balancing material costs, production time, and pricing is a constant juggling act.
Another significant challenge is wearing all the hats. As a solo maker, I handle everything from admin tasks and purchasing materials to making the products, testing them, marketing, and providing customer service. It's a lot to manage, and finding a good balance can be tough.
However, I've been learning to prioritize and streamline my processes. I've started focusing more on quality over quantity, ensuring that each product launch gets the attention it deserves before moving on to the next one. This means being more deliberate with my time and letting go of things that don't matter as much.
I've also learned the importance of minimizing and prioritizing my tasks. By focusing on what truly matters and dedicating adequate time to each aspect of my business, I'm able to maintain the quality of my handmade goods while also managing the various other responsibilities that come with running a business.
It's a learning process, but I'm finding ways to make it work. By staying organized and keeping my priorities straight, I'm able to navigate these challenges and continue doing what I love.
Bimble Art Studio's graphic designs extend to her line of happy tote bags
What do you love about MakerPlace and why are you excited about this platform?
Initially, my interest in MakerPlace stemmed from my long-standing love for Michaels. As a regular customer, I’ve always appreciated their products and the welcoming atmosphere of their stores. So, when I heard that Michaels was offering a platform specifically for local makers like myself, I was thrilled! It was an incredible opportunity to showcase my work to a broader audience through a trusted name.
Once I joined MakerPlace and started sharing my How-To's, offering classes, and selling some of my prints, I immediately noticed engagement from online customers. Even though the platform was new, I began to see a steady interest in my How-To's and online classes. It's been amazing to connect with people who are eager to learn and appreciate art and handmade goods.
One of the things I love most about MakerPlace is how personalized and supportive the team is. They genuinely care about showcasing each maker's work and helping us succeed. It feels like being part of a close-knit community, where everyone's creativity is celebrated and encouraged.
Overall, I’m excited about MakerPlace because it allows me to reach new audiences, share my passion for art, and connect with people who value handmade creations. It's a wonderful platform that bridges the gap between local artists and art lovers, making it easier for everyone to discover and enjoy unique, handcrafted pieces.
Shop Bimble Art Studio on MakerPlace
Follow Abigail on Instagram and YouTube: @BimbleArtStudio
Get a look at her process!
