McKenna Tooke Art & Designs

Thursdays have me TIRED because it’s always the end of a good, rewarding week, BUT, I love them because now every week, I get to hang out with women I really enjoy & read scripture in a really simple way. I recently filled up my last journal, & I’m excited to use my new yellow one tonight 😻🧡 do you journal as an adult? if yes, for what? Would love to know!

🌸 mini canvas magnets got a refresh 🌸 doing some larger ones too & having a lot of fun! Going to do a sort of “clearance” studio clean out of prints from last year & sell last-chance Christmas ornaments & prints at a discount. Studio Clean Out will probably be on my stories, & Christmas Last Chance will probably be an IGTV! The only Christmas ornaments I’ll be making more of this year are the nutcrackers 😻 I feel like they still resonate with what I love doing! Keep your eyes peeled for updates on those two sales & if you remember something you’re interested in, message me to see if I still have it & if I can hold it for you before posting! 💗🧡

She’s back!! It’s me, I’m back. I haven’t posted on this account all of 2021 💀 teaching art, during the weird covid year last year, took a lot out of me! This school year, I have made the switch to high school English— and y’all, I love it! I love working with teenagers, & it has been so fulfilling & affirming for me. Teaching English, I also feel like my creative juices / desire to work with materials aren’t being used up before I get home. I have been sooo much more inspired to create again, & I am so happy to be here, doing that 🍊💗

Have been playing around with things & deciding where I want to take my tiny little corner of the world. I have limited the amount of custom work I’ve been doing & have been focusing on making things I enjoy, & it has really changed the game for me. I am going to continue exploring ideas that excite me & will then share them with you 💖 I know my people that love the things I love are out there ✨ @ Dallas, Texas

Poinsettia ornaments on sale for $12 for shipping or pick up ❤️ great for a Secret Santa gift, white elephant, or ornament exchange! Only a few left! mckennatooke.com/shop

Ornaments are live! I have a few little white churches, a few poinsettias, a few nutcrackers, & some of the handlettered “noëls” & other painted words 🥰 I don’t have any “backstock” or extra available beyond these so once they are sold out online, that’s all!

Churches, Poinsettias, & Lettered Words are $12, & Nutcrackers are $15! Shipping & pick up available 💖

Pictures in comments!

mckennatooke.com/shop

Remaining Christmas stock will be posted tonight 🥰🎄💖

“Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, & behold, everything is softer & more beautiful,” Norman Vincent Peale ❤️🎄

This watercolor print is my favorite, & I LOVE having it on our mantle!

This print is available at mckennatooke.com/shop as a digital download (on sale) OR in person at the McKinney Cottonmill this Saturday!

I’ll be selling these ornaments and MORE this weekend at the open air McKinney Millhouse & McKinney Cotton Mill Maker Market on Saturday from 10 am - 5 pm! Come visit me! ❤️ @ McKinney Cotton Mill

What is your favorite Christmas song?

4x6 “ / 5x7 “ available online for digital download, prints available at Melissa Cardinal Christmas tomorrow from 1:30 pm - 5:30 pm!

peace • merry • joy • believe • noël

Can you feel it? All the sparkle in the air that comes with the winter chill & the magic of December? I can 😁🥰 I am so excited to share these ornaments with you! I will be selling them IN PERSON first- TOMORROW from 1:30 pm - 5:30 pm at the Melissa Cardinal Christmas Market prior to the Melissa Christmas Parade 🎄❤️ come visit me! (the market is at the Melissa Ridge Education Center! masks REQUIRED)

After the market tomorrow, any not sold will be listed on my website for $12 + shipping! (Or free local pickup ❤️)

In other news, if you’ve made it to the end here, what is your favorite winter / Christmas beverage? 🤔☕️🍺🥃 @ Melissa Area Chamber of Commerce

One of my favorites ❤️🎄🌹 brought this watercolor back from last year for digital download. I have the original matted on scrapbooking paper & framed on our mantle during December— but of course, we’ve already decorated for December! Digital prints currently ✨on sale✨ & available at mckennatooke.com/shop!

Congratulations on your new MARRIAGE, Mrs. Shrauner! So happy for you & praying for an abundance of joy as you celebrate! 💖

Some mini painted canvas magnets ready to ship 💐🌵✨ these are 2” x 2”, perfect for a tiny gift (for someone else or for yourself, I don’t judge 😂). Mini canvas magnets are live on my website, but I’ll be updating them tomorrow to reflect new color options & the cacti! If you want me to set one aside for you before posting them online, dm me 💌

This piece is one that I’ve reworked since college— originally, it was a monotype using a reductive ink process. This is fancy language for— I rolled ink all over a piece of glass & then took off what I didn’t want with a Q-tip before running it through a printing press 😂

She was one of the pieces where I really first embraced all the parts of me that make me “me.” The previous semester, my jewelry professor had told me I was too bubbly to make “dark” work. In his class, most of my artwork was morning the recent death of my grandmother (her funeral was a week before class started) & processing some of the darker times of my life. His statement could not have infuriated me more. Someone else told me () once that people skilled in positivity usually had encountered a really dark time that forced them to decide if the world was mostly good or mostly bad, that people we often think of as the happiest around are often those that have struggled most. This now reminds me of many great comedians that were lost to self-harm, su***de, and drug overdoses. That being said, during this season of printmaking, I focused on creating light, feminine, airy works and deep, dark, honest works— creating a series that encapsulated all parts of me. Not just the ones my jewelry professor or anyone else that focused on my first impressions or blonde hair expected 🤷🏼‍♀️

{One of} my favorite parts about moving a couple of months ago (1.1 miles down the road from our last place, ha 😅) has been setting up & working in my studio space. Environment is really important to me, & having a calm, functional place created for creating is so, so good for me. It’s been really sweet to have a space all my own that exists solely to inspire me. Surrounding myself with books & art that motivate me, organizing my tools & media. Ugh so good. I loved installing this floating shelf & framing art by as a diptych. Swipe to see more of my studio space & my Studio Pup™ ✨

One of my earliest memories is from a day my mom & me visited my dad at work. I was really young- I hadn’t started kindergarten yet. I had a crush (lol) on a young guy that worked for my dad named Junior- I always drew him pictures that he kept up in his office! 😂 On this particular day, my mom had dressed me in a purple shirt with a pink flower on it. I hated this shirt, and I remember standing in an elevator trying to pull my jacket tight over my chest so that no one could see my pink & purple flower shirt. For some reason, for several years, I believed a lie that if I was “girly,” I must be dumb. I remember thinking that I didn’t want Junior to think I was a girly girl. This thought process continued for many years- shopping in the boys’ section, cutting off all my hair, & only wearing black for over a decade. In college, I was able to further explore these ideas. As an adult, I love blush, and light purple is my favorite color- the very colors I rejected that day I saw Junior. I love being blonde, I love curling my hair, I love using makeup. I still really love books, and math, and strategy. I really like baking at home, but I also love hearing from my boss that I’ve done a good job. It’s funny to me that what I so extremely rejected as a child ended up being my favorite thing— flowers and purple. I love that I am a woman and that I can be one without limiting my personality or interests or intelligence. I’ve been exploring femininity and womanhood with art for years, and I’m glad to start sharing some more of those experiments with you.

I loooove the lettering & florals on this dress for Sydney. She & her ✨new✨ husband were one of the many couples that opted for a beautiful & intimate elopement during this very strange wedding season. Loved this dress that she chose for their special ceremony 🥰

I have been largely MIA the last couple of months, but I’m back & ready for action in the art & beauty game 💖
Dallas, Texas

Curated Pop Up Market event update!

As the Iman Project & Legacy West continue to receive updates on COVID-19 and state regulations, the Curated Market has been postponed to July 12th. Because this is during the heat of Texas summer, it has been turned into a late afternoon / evening event!

I’m excited to invite you guys to join me on July 12th for “a Starlight Market” where magic happens 🥰✨

https://facebook.com/events/s/mckenna-tooke-art-at-curated-p/164878621629201/?ti=icl

Hi everybody! Just wanted to put out an update that custom commissions are currently CLOSED for May (unless we have already connected about a piece you want done! 💖). I’ve got a lot of orders this month, & May is going to be a crazy month for teachers as we bring the school year to a close! My husband and I are also moving June 1st, so we have lots of packing to do 🥰📦

Currently, the Curated Project Pop Up Market is still scheduled for May 31st, 12-5 pm, at Legacy West. I will update you guys if there are any changes! 💖

In the meantime, check out this bar sign I got to do for an upcoming (but postponed) wedding reception! 🐶💒🍸

Kind of in love with this color palette inspired by a recent bouquet I saw. Mustard, burgundy, & dark royal blue roses against an oregano background. This is a 5”x7” acrylic painting on wrapped canvas— the first of a new series 💐 this one is available ($30 + shipping), dm me to claim her! ✨
P.S. Are you keeping up with all the news on the USPS system? Check it out. There’s a lot of conversations going on that are really important. I ship a LOT doing this & spend a lot of my time going to the post office. I love our local post office staff & seeing them always brightens my day. Two other important things to note:
1) USPS is able to keep low prices. It costs 50¢ to mail a letter through the USPS & to mail the same thing through FedEx costs $11.85 minimum (privatizing USPS is not the way way to go).
2) the USPS is one of the highest employers of people of color. 1 in 5 USPS employees are black, & 40% are of color.
SO- we have lots of time on our hands right now! Write a few letters & drop them in the mail or buy some stamps online that you can use later! We need the USPS!

I love this dress, I love this color palette, & I love this bride! Finished this project this morning, & it was so slow & wonderful to work with the subtle, sweetness of a wedding dress with the overcast day & then soft pour of rain. I daylight as an elementary school teacher &, let me tell ya, even though we’re working from home, there’s still lots going on! This week, I definitely felt the virtual/online version of hustle & bustle— lots of meetings & lots of emails & lots to do. It’s been nice to have a long weekend, & the calming weather today definitely helped to calm my heart down 🤍

Daffodils are a symbol of unending love 💗 I love these flowers- the bright yellow is so joyful, and their unique shape just shouts individuality & whimsy.

Each of my 4.25” floral embroidery hoops are available at the link in my bio :) free shipping!
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I was only engaged for a little less than 3 short months when we got married & going dress shopping was actually the last detail we got figured out! That being said, I loved loved loved trying on wedding dresses. Even though I definitely tried some on that were for sure not the dress for me, it was so fun to be treated like a queen & try on so much tulle, lace, & jewels 👸🏼👰🏼✨ I went with the third or fourth dress I tried on & cancelled several boutique appointments I had scheduled. While I loved that picking my dress was stress free, I wish that experience had been longer 😂 and I wish I could get married to Alex over & over again so I could keep wearing it! I loved my dress, & I love wedding dresses. I used to sketch them out all the time in high school just for fun- had no idea I’d end up doing it for other women as an adult! Getting to draw and paint wedding dresses is one of my favorite things & a great way for me to get to stay a little involved in wedding season 😂🥰 if you’d like me to draw & paint yours, send me a dm! ✨
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@ Dallas, Texas

Annenomenea. Anemoneamonea. Anemoneahnomoney. Anemone! But not that kind of anemone 😉 loved doing this anemone flower! painted the whole thing & then decided I had to add a small graphic twist with some stark black. I’m into it 🖤
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More sweet words from customers! My goal is to ALWAYS provide an awesome experience & create a piece that fulfills your wall/aesthetic/gifting needs & dreams ✨

Loved working on this grad cap for Erica! 💖 She’s finishing her Masters in Business Administration this May (though her ceremony has been pushed back to December because of COVID), & she comes from a long line of matriarchs! I am lucky enough to know her, her mom, & her grandmother ✨ they are a family that celebrates women & work hard to help others. Her grandmother is a staple in her community, & her mom has worked at a local elementary school for over 20 years! (she was also my 2nd grade teacher, & the ONLY teacher to ever sign my folder... 😂) Erica herself also works in education! I love that she is still celebrating her accomplishments in the ways we can right now 🤍 congratulations, Erica, & thank you so much for inviting me to create this for you!
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Some sweet words from people with my art on the walls of their homes ✨
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@ Dallas, Texas

a black orchid in a 4.25” (in diameter) embroidery hoop on light grey fabric ✨

I have to tell you- staying at home suits me. So far, the only places I’ve wanted to go are niche coffee shops and IKEA. If you’re not sure why IKEA ranks so highly in my mind, I’m sure you can show yourself out 😂 I am loving all the time to paint, read, & learn. And just be & enjoy. My husband is normally gone 3.5 days a week, & this is the most consecutive time we’ve had together since July- when we got married 😂 seeing him everyday has been so needed, & in this season, I’m no longer just spending my days, waiting & wishing for him to come home. The slow pace has been great for me & great for us. We’re two huge introverts though so...sorry boutcha extraverts ✌🏼🖤
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Not the prettiest location for a photo BUT it’s the only one I got of myself with Karl now that he’s been completed & sent home with his adoptive parents! Now that Karl is finished, I feel like a more feminine & dainty name would suit him.. her! A friend from high school wanted a gigantic painting of a small white church in a large field of grass— with a tiny rendition of her spotty dog 🤍 I loved doing this painting, & it has definitely inspired me to do more like it in the future!
*fun fact: the friend from high school is named McKenna, she’s also married to an Alex, & they also have a blue heeler mix! 😱
**new name suggestions for the canvas formerly known as Karl will be accepted in the comments!
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@ Wylie, Texas

there’s two kinds of people: when you hear “sunflower,” do you think or ? 🤔
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“There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort. Nobody can be more devoted to home than I am,” from Emma, Jane Austen. I am definitely feeling this quote right now! I’ve been reading a lot of posts saying people can’t wait to get out, but I’m loving staying in! My sister has been reading some Jane Austen books for the first time which is so fun to hear about! I’ve had someone ask about bookmarks so I’ve been playing around with ideas. Here’s a few watercolor/ink experiments 💐👩🏼‍🔬 If you’ve been reading, let me know what your favorite has been so far! 💗📚
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@ Wylie, Texas

Handpainted florals on embroidery hoops 💐 these measure 4” across in diameter, & I love them 💗
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@ Wylie, Texas

DIY’d this galvanized metal letter into a display for my magnets- idk about y’all but I’m a sucker for some gold spray paint. Have to restrain myself from taking it to everything I own! Been working on some fun stuff in the evenings that I can’t wait to show you 💗 what have you been doing during this stage of self-isolation?
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Loved that this dress has it ALL: lace, small sleeves, a smooth fabric, light beading, train, everything!! And the details they had in their bridal suite photos were the cutest- little hangers with bows & their names on them 🥰 swipe to see up close!

I know many brides are having to postpone their weddings right now or are choosing to exchange their vows privately. If your wedding has been impacted by COVID-19, I’ve been thinking of you! I can’t imagine all the dreaming, planning, communication, & payments all being for nothing. Wedding vendors, thinking of you just the same as many of your events are getting cancelled & new ones aren’t being booked for months out. Hoping this all comes to pass soon. I am so excited for wedding season this year! How sweet it’ll be too- friends and family seeing each other in person after such a time apart!
@ Wylie, Texas

With public safety in mind, the Iman Project & Legacy West have mutually decided to MOVE the Curated Pop Up Market to MAY 17th, 12-5 pm. If you have any questions, please let me know! 💗 gives me time to make even more art! Hope you are all staying well!

Drafting up some wedding dress samples to have on display at pop up! In my stories, you guys voted for ’s dress, so here she is! I LOVE the silhouette of her dress. Pictures I’ve seen from their reception had a lot of blush & greenery so I brought that in with her dress tones & last name lettering. They had calla lillies on their tables at the reception, so those adorn the corners of this painting :) all done in pencil & watercolor!

Wedding dress portraits are a great gift for any bride! Even if you have no idea what her colors were or where you’d get a pic of her dress, I do have gift certificates available :)

I’m up to my ears in canvases today 😅 our kitchen table is currently home to more than twenty 5x7s, twenty 8x10s, an unholy amount of my 2x2 canvases for magnets, & a few 16x20s. And don’t forget Karl who is living in our hallway until he’s finished (pics coming soon!). We’re headed to a wedding right now, but I’ll be posting a bunch on my stories this week!!! Working on all these babies, magnets, wedding dresses, & my botanical line illustrations. Send me some color combos you’d like to see for magnets!! 🤓💐