OpenTube

The Real Life of a Working Artist 💪 | Painting, Christmas Prep & Managing It All! Ep. 15

Ashley Hackshaw

9,683 views

Welcome to a cozy but productive day in my life as a full-time artist and small business owner! 🎨💻✨
Today I’m painting handmade Christmas ornaments, finishing smaller art pieces, decorating for the holidays, and managing the behind-the-scenes of my creative businesses.

It’s a blend of creativity and entrepreneurial hustle — the real rhythm of running an art-based life during the holiday season. Whether you’re an artist, maker, or dreamer, I hope this inspires you to balance creativity and business with joy and purpose.

Links to my historic vacation rentals:
https://brysoncityfarmhouses.com/

Links to my past Christmas Trees and DIY ornaments:
Vintage Art Supply Tree: https://www.lilblueboo.com/2017/11/vi...
Buffalo Check Tree with Calligraphy Templates: https://www.lilblueboo.com/2019/11/bu...
A Modern Farm-Sweet-Farm Tree: https://www.lilblueboo.com/2018/11/fa...
Vintage Camping Themed Tree: https://www.lilblueboo.com/2015/11/20...
A Scandinavian Themed Tree: https://www.lilblueboo.com/2014/11/a-...
A Floral Tree: https://www.lilblueboo.com/2013/11/mi...
A Rustic Theme Tree with all DIY Ornaments: https://www.lilblueboo.com/2012/11/mi...

🖌️ What’s in this video:

Painting Christmas ornaments 🎄
Decorating our historic vacation rentals for cozy holiday vibes
Finishing new art pieces
Managing multiple creative businesses
Behind-the-scenes look at an artist’s real daily life

👍 Please Like and Subscribe to follow more of my art and small business journey!

#ArtistVlog #DayInTheLife #ArtistEntrepreneur #SmallBusinessOwner #ArtStudioVlog #PaintingTimeLapse #CreativeBusiness #ChristmasDecor #HolidayArt #HandmadeChristmas #CozyStudioVibes #WorkFromHome #CreativeLife #Vlogmas #WomenInBusiness #ArtInspiration #StudioVlog

20 Comments

@LiquidChromeNails 10 months ago

Un-aesthetic leftovers & ruffles chips for lunch? I’m in! 😊

@TheGeojunkies 10 months ago

We cannot wait to come back up! You rock!

@juanyscreations 10 months ago

Im so happy I found your channel!. Watching your videos brings me such a sense of relaxation and happiness, that is so needed this days. Many blessings to you , your family and the doggies.

@BittyPenny 10 months ago

Oh heck yes! It’s wonderful seeing another lovely video from you. I love this series so much. ❤

@LizHuey 10 months ago

What a charming town. I could see a hallmark type movie filmed there… I am impressed by all the things you get done in a day. I didn’t realize how much more you have going on besides the art store. You’re kind of a boss, ya know. Blessings, Liz. 😊

@TjVoelkerArt 10 months ago

I loved the video and I have to say, out of all the subscriptions I have on Youtube, I love your channel the most. You actually made me look forward to Christmas! I have been dreading it. 2025 has been a horrific year for me. I lost my beloved mom in January and then two senior dogs, 7 months apart. All of the "first" time things I had to endure, first Thanksgiving coming up, etc. To top it off, my sister lost her 3 year old grandchild this October 10th. It's been soul crushing. Still, your channel is always a bright spot and your homemade art Christmas ornaments have given me a spark. My mom loved Christmas and Thanksgiving. She was such a great cook. I know she would want me to decorate, but I just can't bring myself to, until this video. So, thank you from the bottom of my heart! If you hadn't guessed, I'm an artist too and I've been in such a huge slump since she died. I was her caregiver and she was my very best friend.
Sorry this message has been a downer, but even though I'm crying as I type, you have given me a bright spot. I am grateful.
P.S. I always, always love seeing Max and Wookie. They are precious!

@polgara28 10 months ago

You are the Queen of time management and multitasking! Wow. A superpower I'd give almost anything to have. That takes some serious discipline, and is even more difficult for us creative types.
Thank you for sharing your days and your beautiful town with us. I stayed in Boone for a few months, and worked at Cheap Joe's and it was one of the best times of my life. I'll never forget those views.
Hope you have a wonderful weekend. 🌻

@ChristieLynnArt 10 months ago

This was fun to watch :)

@BonniePalson-z1i 10 months ago

Good video, cute town, cute cottages, nice dogs, nice art and good work ethic...thanks. 🌲⛄🌲

@mindygeist7157 10 months ago

How fun,thank you for sharing! When we visited it was summer and beautiful and we were hiking a section of the Appalachian trail.that was my favorite adventure of ours and seeing your videos of your store and walking around town keeps my memories fresh. I bet your cute little town is so magical this time of year.🥰🎄🏔️

@PaulWalesArt 10 months ago

Incredible!!

@judithutter1924 10 months ago

You are such a power house. I love your energy and I love your videos.

@irenegarcia7356 10 months ago

Wow. The Energizer bunny with No interruptions Amazing Wonder Woman...Great Art collection and homes are very cozy and nice..Thks for sharing ✨️

@DottyDelightful 10 months ago

I love how you call it a yard and it’s massive, yards here in UK are tiny, about 8ft long

@sandiego2113 10 months ago

Always LOVE your video's

@suzannemarshall7458 10 months ago

fantastic as always. Loveyour art and seeing those great houses all decorated.

@LluStore8833 10 months ago

Thank you for your wonderful videos. Your doggies are so cute and always a very welcome sight! Peace.

@texturenshimmer8339 10 months ago

Hi Ashley, I was in your shop last Thursday (from Gilbert/mooresville)- was a happy day to find you! Thanks - Maria

@bayblue9307 10 months ago

I imagine one of your Etsy orders was mine❤

@veronicagreen6180 10 months ago

What a beautiful scenery,, and your tree decor is amazing,beautiful!,, omg the town looks stunning w all the light….love your dogs..thanks for sharing ..greetings from Mexico 🇲🇽