The Fox Family Outside the Studio

Every now and then, life outside the studio quietly steals the show.

For the past several days, a little fox has been visiting the yard near the studio. At first, I thought the blue jays and squirrels were the ones making quick work of the peanuts. Turns out, I had another visitor entirely.

Caught red-pawed.

What started as one small fox sighting turned into something even better: a whole family. Mom, Dad, and two kits have been making little appearances, sometimes just long enough to make me stop whatever I’m doing and reach for the camera.

And yes, I was ridiculously excited.

They are easy to miss if you aren’t paying attention. A flash of rust-colored fur, a little movement in the grass, a pause near the edge of the yard. But once you spot them, it is nearly impossible not to watch.

There is something about seeing wildlife so close to home that feels like a gift. Not a big dramatic moment, just a quiet reminder that the world is busy with its own small stories happening all around us.

That is one of the things I love most about living and working in rural Vermont. Nature is not separate from the studio. It is part of the rhythm here.

Some days the inspiration comes from a leaf shape, a bird at the feeder, a flower opening, or the texture of bark. Other days, it is a fox kit sneaking through the grass while I am supposed to be getting work done.

I promise I am not spending all my time watching the fox family.

Mostly.

But these little visits are part of what keeps me connected to the place I work, the pieces I make, and the wild details that so often find their way into my jewelry. The studio may be full of silver, stones, tools, and fire, but just outside the door there is always something alive and wonderful going on.

And sometimes, that something has tiny paws, bright eyes, and a very suspicious interest in peanuts.Many of the pieces I make are inspired by small moments like this — the kind you almost miss unless you slow down long enough to notice.