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Insights & Inspiration

The Carrot Top Studio blog is where art, faith, and storytelling meet. We share reflections, creative sparks, and behind-the-scenes glimpses to inspire your journey—whether you're an artist, spiritual leader, or curious soul.

Jenny Gallo Jenny Gallo

A Celebration of Pink: History, Hope, and the Joy of Gaudete Sunday

Explore the rich history and symbolism of the color pink in art, culture, and Christian worship—especially its joyful role on Gaudete Sunday during Advent. This Carrot Top Studio blog post celebrates pink’s meaning, spiritual significance, and connection to clergy stoles, liturgical colors, and visual storytelling in worship.

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Jenny Gallo Jenny Gallo

Gratitude as a Creative Practice

As the season of Thanksgiving approaches, we’re reminded that gratitude is more than a polite response — it’s a creative act. At Carrot Top Studio, we explore how practicing gratitude can deepen awareness, inspire artistic expression, and renew faith. In this post, discover five creative ways to cultivate gratitude — from keeping a thankful sketchbook to sending handwritten notes — and see how creativity and thankfulness work hand in hand to nurture both the soul and the imagination.

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Jenny Gallo Jenny Gallo

Autumn Pages: How the Season Can Inspire Your Sketchbook

Discover how autumn’s changing colors and quiet rhythms can inspire your creativity and faith. In this post, we explore the simple practice of keeping a sketchbook in the fall, using drawing as a way to notice God’s artistry in nature. Whether you’re sketching a leaf, capturing seasonal light, or journaling with color, these small acts of creativity can become spiritual practices that bring joy, gratitude, and reflection. Join us at Carrot Top Studio for more ideas that connect art, faith, and the beauty of the seasons.

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Jenny Gallo Jenny Gallo

Visual Connections for World Communion Sunday

Celebrate the unity of the global church this World Communion Sunday with meaningful worship visuals. From clergy stoles featuring wheat and grapes to altar textiles inspired by cultures around the world, discover creative ways to make the Lord’s Table come alive with beauty and symbolism. At Carrot Top Studio, we design Communion stoles and liturgical art that help pastors, clergy, and congregations visually express themes of belonging, reconciliation, and hope.

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Jenny Gallo Jenny Gallo

Summer Sabbaths: Simple Ways to Rest with God

Looking for simple Sabbath ideas this summer? Explore creative, spiritual practices like mindful walks, visual prayer spaces, coloring pages, and more—all designed to help you rest and connect with God during the slower pace of Ordinary Time.

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Jenny Gallo Jenny Gallo

Favorite Public Domain Art for Ordinary Time Worship Visuals

Explore public domain art perfect for Ordinary Time worship planning. This curated list features sacred imagery and seasonal symbolism from different periods in art history to visually enhance summer sermons and church liturgies. Image pictured, a detail of The Angelus” by Jean-Francois Millet

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Jenny Gallo Jenny Gallo

Tending the Soul: How Ordinary Time Cultivates Spiritual Growth

Discover the beauty of Ordinary Time in the church calendar with Carrot Top Studio’s newest collection of green clergy stoles. Explore how this season of spiritual growth, faithful ministry, and slow transformation is reflected through meaningful design and visual storytelling. AND there’s a bonus freebie for those that read all the way to the end!

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Jenny Gallo Jenny Gallo

Woven by Grace: A Life of Faith in Every Season

In this deeply personal faith reflection, Carrot Top Studio’s founder shares how a life rooted in Christ has been shaped by community, creativity, and God’s steady presence through every season. From childhood prayers to ministry in Haiti, from laundry room worship to launching a liturgical art business—this story testifies to God’s grace woven through both extraordinary and ordinary moments. A meaningful read for anyone seeking encouragement in their spiritual journey, creative calling, or role in faith-based service.

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Jenny Gallo Jenny Gallo

🐞 The Little Beetle with Big Meaning: Exploring the Spiritual Symbolism of the Ladybug

Discover the story behind The Little Beetle With Big Meaning, a blog post exploring how a whimsical beetle illustration became a powerful symbol of transformation, resilience, and quiet beauty. From nature-inspired art to faith-filled reflections, this piece delves into the deeper meaning behind the design and how it connects to our creative journey at Carrot Top Studio. Perfect for lovers of nature, faith-based art, and meaningful surface design.

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Jenny Gallo Jenny Gallo

Symbols That Shape Us: Celebrating 21 Years with a New Anniversary Stole

Discover the story behind the Carrot Top Studio 21st Anniversary Stole, a green clergy stole inspired by symbols of faith, community, and hope—bees and honeycomb. This handcrafted liturgical stole honors the often-overlooked season of Ordinary Time and celebrates 21 years of sacred visual storytelling at Carrot Top Studio. Whether you're looking for meaningful vestments, church anniversary gifts, or inspiration for your ministry, this blog post weaves together faith, art, and tradition in a way that resonates with clergy and creatives alike.

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Jenny Gallo Jenny Gallo

Flames, Flight, and Faith: Marking Milestones in Ministry and Creativity

Celebrate 21 years of faith-inspired creativity with Carrot Top Studio. In this reflection on art, ministry, and the movement of the Holy Spirit, we share how our handmade clergy stoles and liturgical art have grown from a single idea into a creative calling. Discover how Pentecost themes of wind, fire, and renewal continue to shape our studio—and how a big move to Wisconsin marks our next chapter.

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Jenny Gallo Jenny Gallo

Spirit in Color and Form: Celebrating Pentecost Through Art History

Looking for inspiring Pentecost resources that combine theology, history, and art? In this blog post, we explore three beautiful public domain artworks that visually represent Pentecost and the work of the Holy Spirit. Perfect for pastors, worship leaders, artists, and church creatives, these diverse pieces span styles and centuries—offering rich visual symbolism for sermons, liturgy, or personal reflection during the Pentecost season. Whether you're preparing a worship space or seeking new ways to connect with Acts 2, these timeless images bring the story to life.

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Jenny Gallo Jenny Gallo

Inside the studio!

Step inside Carrot Top Studio for an exclusive behind-the-scenes video tour! Explore the creative workspace where faith and artistry come together to design unique clergy stoles, inspiring artwork, and meaningful faith-based products. See the materials, tools, and process that bring each handcrafted piece to life. Whether you're a pastor, church leader, or art enthusiast, this inside look at Carrot Top Studio will deepen your appreciation for the craftsmanship and spiritual storytelling behind our work. Watch now and discover how creativity and faith intertwine in every stitch and brushstroke!

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Jenny Gallo Jenny Gallo

Rejoice! Embracing the Beauty of Easter’s Promise

Celebrate the joy of Easter Monday with a reflection on renewal and hope. Our latest blog post features a beautiful illustration of a floral wreath, a butterfly, and the word Rejoice!—a reminder of the resurrection’s promise. Embrace the spirit of new beginnings and carry the message of Easter into the days ahead. #EasterMonday #HeIsRisen #FaithandArt

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Jenny Gallo Jenny Gallo

Resurrection in Thread: The Meaning Behind Our Easter Stole Collection

Discover the beauty and symbolism of our Easter stole collection, designed to reflect the themes of resurrection, renewal, and hope. Each stole is crafted with thoughtful details that honor the joy of Easter Sunday and the liturgical season that follows. From vibrant colors representing new life to meaningful imagery like crosses, lilies, and rays of light, these stoles are created to inspire both worship and reflection. Whether you're a pastor, priest, or church leader, explore how these vestments can enhance your Easter celebration and visually proclaim the message of Christ’s victory.

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Jenny Gallo Jenny Gallo

Creating a Lenten Prayer Space: Inviting Stillness and Reflection Into Your Home

Transform your home into a sacred space for Lent with a simple yet meaningful prayer corner. Creating a Lenten prayer space invites stillness, reflection, and deeper connection with God during this season of renewal. Whether it’s a small table with a candle and cross, a bowl of stones representing burdens, or a piece of art that speaks to your journey, these visual reminders help center your heart in prayer. In this post, we’ll explore ways to design a space that fosters contemplation and draws you closer to the spirit of Lent.

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Jenny Gallo Jenny Gallo

Sacred Stillness: Why Seasons of Quiet Matter in Our Spiritual Journey

In a world that celebrates constant activity, embracing seasons of quiet is essential for spiritual growth. In this post, we explore the importance of sacred stillness, especially during Lent, and how it invites us to step away from the noise and distractions of daily life. Through practical tips and reflections, we’ll discuss how finding moments of solitude can renew our connection with God, deepen our prayer lives, and guide us toward inner peace. Learn how to embrace quiet as a transformative practice in your faith journey.

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Jenny Gallo Jenny Gallo

Using Public Domain Art in Church Worship: Inspiring Visuals for Bulletin Covers and Screens

As Lent draws near, it’s an opportunity to deepen our worship experience through both word and image. One powerful way to enhance the Lenten season is by incorporating art into worship services. Public domain art offers a wealth of visual resources—ranging from classical masterpieces to lesser-known gems—that can elevate our reflections on the themes of Lent. In this post, we’ll explore how to use public domain art in worship, particularly on bulletin covers or church screens. We’ll also highlight three impactful works of art that can inspire reflection, prayer, and contemplation during this sacred season.

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Jenny Gallo Jenny Gallo

Creative Practices for a Meaningful Lent

As we embark on the season of Lent, it’s a time of reflection, renewal, and spiritual growth. But Lent is also an opportunity to engage with creativity in meaningful ways. Whether through journaling, sketching prayers, or creating simple Lenten crafts, these creative practices can deepen our connection to the season and to our faith. In this blog post, we’ll explore how incorporating creativity into your Lenten journey can enrich your reflection and bring a fresh perspective to prayer, repentance, and renewal. Let's discover the art of slowing down and creating space for God during this holy time.

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