Hi there!
2024 was a year of exploration and growth for me and Cozy Made Designs. When my husband and I moved to San Diego, I discovered an entirely new art community that inspired me to expand in ways I never imagined.
Back in New York, I’d occasionally pack up a small table and a handful of creations for a farmers market. But here in San Diego, I’ve been able to go bigger - filling my car with tables, canopies, curated displays, and so many more handmade items. This fresh start gave me the opportunity to dive deeper into my craft.
Thanks to my Instagram and website, I was able to build credibility and connect with local Makers Markets, which allowed me to share my art and jewelry at multiple events. I loved meeting new people who appreciated my work and building connections with a talented community of local artists and creatives.
This year, I embraced color and experimentation. I ventured into resin art, creating dried flower jewelry, and even expanded my offerings to include printed greeting cards and other designs. Balancing a full-time job, updating my site and Instagram with reels when I could, and making our new home feel like home kept me busy, but it was worth every minute.
I even launched a podcast (though I only completed two episodes of so far) where I shared my journey. I talked about how much I enjoy keeping my business a hobby, but I also opened up about the struggle of narrowing down to a niche. While that word used to intimidate me, I’ve realized how important it is for building a cohesive and successful business.
This realization led me to refresh Cozy Made Designs with a new color palette - one that better reflects the direction I’m heading.
So, why these colors?
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Deep wine red: A rich, sophisticated warmth. (This color reflects the maturity and evolution of Cozy Made Designs. It represents the depth and refinement I’m striving for in my creations.)
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Burnt yellow: An inviting accent that catches the eye. (This color truly speaks to me—it’s the accent color in my home, from mustard-hued pillows to cozy throws. It feels personal, vibrant, and adds the same warmth I hope my designs bring to others.)
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Dusty rose: Soft, calming, and elegant. (Cozy has a softness and approachability I want to keep at the heart of what I create. This color reminds me to design with intention and mindfulness.)
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Sage green: Fresh, organic, and cool. (To me, sage green feels inherently cozy - it's the color of my childhood home. It’s the calm, grounding complement to the warmer tones in the palette, balancing vibrancy with serenity.)
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Vibrant dusty blue: Anchoring warmth with a modern edge. (This color adds complexity to the palette, blending warmth and coolness in a way that feels fresh and unexpected. It reminds me that modernity and coziness can coexist.)
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Forest green: Depth and grounding. (Nature inspires so much of my work, from the dried flowers in my resin jewelry to the textures I explore in my art. Forest green brings that earthy connection to life.)
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Neutrals (beige and charcoal): Balance and contrast to keep the palette modern. (These colors ensure the palette stays cohesive and modern while giving the brighter tones space to shine. They provide the structure that every design needs.)
This palette still feels cozy and warm but introduces a more elevated and contemporary vibe - one that speaks to who I am today and where my business is heading.
The idea of a niche used to scare me because I love creating so many different types of art and jewelry. But what I’ve learned is that finding a niche doesn’t mean limiting creativity - it means creating cohesiveness. It’s about telling a clear story with my work and ensuring that what I make resonates with both myself and my audience.
New beginnings take time, and I’m proud of the steps I’ve taken this year. From trying new materials to embracing fresh ideas and colors, 2024 has been a year of growth and reflection. As I continue to refine my niche and expand my skills, I’m excited to see what 2025 will bring.
Cheers to growth, creativity, and the journey ahead.
(For real though, these colors together! Represents a step in the direction I'm meant to move into. If there's something you've been thinking about for months, what's holding you back? Go for it!)
Kara (owner of Cozy Made Designs)