2024 Holiday Style Guide
The Cold-Weather Edit: Your Winter Wardrobe Guide
Birdie brings the bling! Betty says you can’t have too much tinsel. When in doubt, add more.
Mary: More is more! Colorful pom-poms galore!
Holly Berry’s hot tip for single ladies…dress like a mistle toe and stand under one. Works like a charm.
Sally Sparkles says sparkle from the inside and the rest will take care of itself.
Frida says dressing is an artform. Your body is a canvas to use for self-expression. Dress for you!
Betty Balls says pom-poms are the “it girl” accessory. The more the merrier!
Vivy channels old Hollywood with grace and charm. Think Grace Kelly in Rear Window. Wow!
Clara the Christmas Queen in her signature classic look.
She defines pared back elegance in this red velvet cape.
Betsey Baubles says nothing succeeds like excess!
This holiday season is the time to dress for fun, embrace your individuality, and let your sparkly self shine! xo
Studio Build
Here’s how we created a studio from a narrow storage space in the garage.
When the dining room table wouldn’t cut it any longer, we split our detached garage in half and created a small, but functional, painting studio. Here’s how we did it.
21 Questions with Jessica Brilli
I was lucky enough to interview one of my all-time favorite artists, the incredibly talented, Jessica Brilli. Her work has been such an inspiration to me, and I was thrilled when she agreed to do this Q&A. It’s a funny thing to follow someone on social media for years and then get to sit down with them for a chat. I was a bit starstruck!
So here we go! 21 Questions with Jessica Brilli…
1. Where’s your favorite place to visit?
Not surprisingly, I love visiting places with beaches and pools. One of my favorite places is Tuscany.
Diving Lesson prints are available at Art Star.
2. What is one rule you have that you never break?
Always wear my seatbelt.
3. When did you start painting? Art school or self taught?
I took art classes at a place called Gail Harpers Art Studio and that was the first time I used oil paints. The first painting I did was an apple, a lemon, and an orange—it hung in my grandma’s kitchen until she passed away in 2015, now it’s in my parent’s kitchen.
OG J. Brilli
As far as school goes, I studied studio art and painting at the University of Rhode Island.
4. Favorite book?
I don’t really have favorites—so many amazing books out there.
I read this really interesting book called Dead Mountain—about these Russian teenagers who were hiking/camping and they all mysteriously ended up dead. Recently scientists figured out it was an Avalanche that killed them. I just started reading Little Children, and I’m enjoying that a lot.
5. What makes you laugh the most?
My friends, husband, family, cats, SNL, Portlandia…stuff like that.
6. If you could hire someone to help you, what would you have them do?
I have an assistant who preps canvases for me. I don’t mind doing it myself, but it takes up a lot of my time, and my time is best spent painting.
7. What posters did you have on your walls as a kid/teenager?
The Beatles, Morrissey, Edward Hopper scenes. I had a thing for lighthouses.
8. What’s the best piece of advice you can give to an artist just starting out?
Keep doing your work and sharing it…just get it out there and show it to people. Years ago, I emailed the Jealous Curator. I sent her an email with some of my older paintings and was just like, what do you think? Are you jealous? And she wrote back and said, I totally am!…I want to share this on Monday! That ended up being a really great opportunity for me.
9. What’s the most daring thing you’ve ever done?
I went to Action Park. Lol (Please click on the link…you won’t regret it. -DB)
10. Who would you want to play you in a movie?
A while back my sister-in-law told me I look a bit like Rashida Jones, so I’d choose her.
I see it! -DB
11. Do you collect anything?
I’m not as into collecting things as I was when I was younger…I don’t like a lot of clutter. One of the things I collect now are vintage tape measures. They’re all over my studio and are really useful. They’re great to keep in your purse or in your pocket…if you’re shopping for furniture or something. I like to give them to my friends too.
12. Who’s the most famous person you’ve met/know?
I met Hilary Clinton a few years ago. I designed an invitation for an event at the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, where she was the honoree, and after the event she told me how much she liked the invitation, and in the process, made me feel like a million dollars.
13. If you had a warning label, what would it say?
Don’t talk shit about Billy Joel. Seriously. hahaha
Ok, Jessica, don’t be jelly but I have to tell you that I’ve met Billy Joel...and Christie Brinkley. We were in line at a little movie theatre in Montauk, waiting to see Robin Hood, that's how long ago it was, and he and Christie were in line behind us. He knows my uncle (Montauk’s a small town) and they started chatting. I watched him in awe.
ALSO, in the early 80’s, my aunt was walking down Main St. MTK when Billy pulled up, chatted with her a little, and asked her to lunch. She was flattered but declined. Uptown Girl came out just after that and my aunt was CONVINCED that she was the inspiration for that song, even though Christie is in the video haha . That story is legendary in our family! -DB
14. What was your first job?
I bussed tables at a restaurant in Sayville, where I grew up.
15. What is one thing you will never do again?
Ride on a motorcycle with three people.
16. What’s one of your pet peeves?
People being rude while driving. People who don’t let you merge in for no other reason than they don’t want to let you in.
17. Who are three of your favorite artists?
I always like to name artists that I know rather than some famous artist that everyone knows. I’m really a big fan of Christopher Burk. He does a lot of street scenes like houses, a lot of night scenes. He did a series of flood images that were really gorgeous.
Lena Wolff in the San Francisco area. I love her work; I have a couple of her pieces.
There’s a guy in England named Mark Dyball and his paintings are fabulous. I love them. There are so many artists that I love but just off the top of my head those are the three that I’m into.
18. What’s the worst job you ever had?
I worked in a vitamin factory for a week the summer after my freshman year of college. My mom worked for the company, and got me the job. I was on a factory floor putting pills in bottles and I was kind of depressed to begin with, and it was not a good place for me at the time. One day I was just like, mom, I can’t do this, I’m leaving.
I was also a telemarketer for Publisher’s Clearing House. That might be one of the worst jobs I’ve had. I worked there with a couple of friends and we would get in trouble all the time. We would make each other laugh while we were on calls. One time I called someone named Virginia Hamm, and we could not stop laughing.
19. Best purchase this year?
I just bought a new Kilim rug. It’s coming from Turkey…nice, bright colors.
I’m sure it’ll really tie the room together. -DB
20. What advice would you give your younger self?
You’re on the right path. Stay the course.
"Progress will come in fits and starts. It's not always a straight line. It's not always a smooth path."
-Barack Obama
21. What are you most excited about right now?
I just booked a trip to Turks and Caicos. Can’t wait!
2022 Wrap-up
I love New Years. The ultimate fresh start! I bought a new planner, cleaned out the pantry, and organized the closets. I donated bags of clothes and shoes and whatever else I haven’t used this year. Maybe I’ll move around art and rearrange the furniture once the tree is gone. I wrote down my goals, made lists, and reflected on the year…what I’m proud of and what I could’ve done differently.
A lot happened in 2022.
My husband, Kevin, left his government job to work for himself. He’s a plumbing contractor, the hardest working person I know, and deserves every good thing that comes his way. I’m so incredibly proud of him. Like, my heart could burst.
My oldest son, Owen, worked his ass off to save the money to buy and renovate a school bus. As soon as the project was complete, he drove up north to live and work for the summer. I’m in awe of him. He’s not afraid to try new things, figure shit out, and learn along the way. I was a late bloomer and didn’t even drive till I was 19 but this kid restored a bus (Vinny Van Go) and drove cross country to work and live in an entirely new place. Last year was Montana and this year was Maine. Where will Owen go next?!
My baby, Miles, was one of the many students (Owen, too) who was robbed of their senior year because of COVID. He was holed up in his room, taking online classes, and missing out on the grand finale of his high school career. A real bummer. But Miles isn’t a complainer…he took it in stride, finished on top, and graduated this spring. He used diet and exercise and really learning about nutrition to transform his body so that he’s in peak physical condition. He’s a planner and one of the most disciplined people I know…a total inspiration!
I quit my government job this August to be a full-time artist. It was time. I was working every day and painting every night….alllll night and every weekend. I’d been unhappy with the direction our department was going and the stress and aggravation was affecting me. I was mentally and emotionally drained. I was rundown. I was sick a lot. And I had enough. It’s been four months and I can’t remember the last time I was this happy. Having unlimited time to create is the ultimate gift. I realize how incredibly lucky I am, and I don’t take it for granted, not for a second.
Take the bad with the good.
We took family vacations in Costa Rica, Maine, and Colorado. Kevin and I now work for ourselves. Owen adventured across the country. Miles finished his first semester of college. We remodeled our bathroom and built a painting studio.
I’ve lost family members, continue to struggle with depression, and I’m mourning the loss of family that are still alive, but I have no contact with them. That one’s a biggie. No amount of antidepressants can help with that, but I’m working through it.
When I’m feeling down, I think about this text exchange with my Auntie Ada.
Me: Staying positive and looking at the bright side.
Auntie Ada: Baby, you have enough electricity for all of Florida. Should not be a problem!
2022 was a wild year personally and professionally! Thank you for following along, buying art, sharing my posts, commenting, and staying in touch. I couldn’t have accomplished my 2022 goals without you. I’m so grateful to you. (And I’m bringing that electricity with me in 2023!)
Beautifully Curated Gift Boxes
More than anything, I love to make gift boxes. Of course, I love to paint and bake and decorate, but making these custom boxes is at the top of my list. They’re beautiful, useful, and easy to make. You can go crazy with these, really. I pick up goodies all year round and stash them in a wardrobe in my bedroom. I have dish towels, candles, hair clips, vases…you name it. And you know the paper they wrap your candles in to protect them? I save all of that. You’ll see why in the tutorial below.
I always start any project with a theme. Cooking, baking, home, games, self-care, etc. Who is it for? What do they like? Sometimes I don’t know the theme until I see what I have. I take everything out of my wardrobe and pull like items or colors. Once you have everything laid out it’ll start to make sense. See how the Pampas Grass Box above has a neutral color scheme? The wooden beads, pearly marbleized hairclip, box with the caining inlay, and the pampas grass all work together to make a really beautiful gift box. Watch the video below to see exactly how I put it all together. I fluff and add butcher paper along the way to add height to some of the pieces.
Pampas Grass Box
The pampas box goodies
I use butcher or craft paper to crumple and stuff the boxes, but you can also use printer paper, paper towels, newspaper, etc.
Here are all the items and where to find them. Most of the pieces came from Home Goods, TJ Maxx, and Target. Shocker!
The next box is one that I made with my boys in mind. Let’s call it the Biglin Boy Box.
Here’s where to find the Biglin Box goodies.
DISH TOWEL…HOMEGOODS
YETI…YETI.COM
GOODFELLOW BODY WASH…TARGET
THE CUTEST CERAMIC GNOME…PRETZELPRETZLE SHOP ON ETSY
HAND TOWELS…HOMEGOODS
PARKS PROJECT SOCKS…PARKSPROJECT.US
HARRY’S SHAVE CREAM…TARGET
HARRY’S POST SHAVE BALM…TARGET
LIZARD TAIL KEYCHAIN…LTBELTS.COM
WOOD AND AMBER CANDLE…HOMEGOODS
BAG BALM…HOMEGOODS
The frosted pine tree filler came from Target.
If you make a custom gift box, send me a pic. I’d love to see what you come up with!
Welcome to the Tin Can!
My husband has an old coffee can on his dresser for loose change...classic. I have tea tins and coffee cans in the studio filled with paintbrushes, rubber bands, random stuff I find in the dryer, etc. So, while brainstorming a blog where I can incorporate painting, baking, art, home decor, and lifestyle, I quickly landed on the name Tin Can. The perfect catchall! Welcome! I’m happy you’re here :)
Sweet and Simple Holiday Craft Tutorial
I don’t want this to be a place where you have to read my entire life story before you get down to the recipe or tutorial. I can’t stand that. And who has the time? You’ll get to know bits about me along the way, I’m sure.
So, I’m jumping right in with my first post. I made these last December (and the year before) and mailed them out to my ig followers. It was a fun way to give back. A little, thank you for following along, gift. This year these little Florida oranges are doing double duty…first as place settings for Thanksgiving and then as Christmas ornaments.
Here’s how to make them.
Supplies:
Craft Wooden Disks Twine is included with this kit.
Craft Paint orange, green, and white
Acrylic Paint Pen These are my favorite paint pens.
Paint Brushes Nothing fancy…any small brush will do.
Paint one side of the wooden disk orange leaving the bark unpainted. Let dry.
Mix a little white and orange paint to create a lighter shade of orange. Swipe a couple highlights on the disk.
Paint a small, green leaf near the pre-drilled hole.
Once the paint is dry, use your acrylic paint pen to outline the leaf and add a few dots.
Flip over and repeat steps 1-4.
If you’re making an ornament, string the twine through the hole in the disk and tie a knot.
For a place setting, write your guest’s name on the orange with the acrylic paint pen, roll a napkin, and tie the twine securely around the napkin with a bow (for easy removal).
Judy's Chocolate Toffee...A Holiday Staple!
After my husband and I got engaged, my mother-in-law gave me a recipe box full of my husband’s favorite meals and desserts. This toffee is a personal favorite.
JUDY’S CHOCOLATE TOFFEE
1 cup chopped pecans
3/4 packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter
1 4.4oz Hershey bar (broken into pieces)
Butter 9x9x2 baking pan. Spread chopped pecans in pan. Heat sugar and butter in a pan over medium heat. Stir constantly. Once boiling, stir for 7 minutes. DON’T STOP STIRRING. After 7 minutes, remove from heat and pour over pecans. Place chocolate squares on top of the hot toffee and cover with a baking sheet to help the chocolate melt. Spread melted chocolate all over the toffee. Chill until firm. Break with the point of a knife and you’re done. Enjoy!
The Sweetest Gift
These little candy filled jars make the sweetest gifts for teachers, coworkers, neighbors…anyone!
I love these jam jars by Le Parfait. Unfortunately, I don’t think they make the lid shown above anymore. These are cute too: Weck Canning Jars, Weck Mold Jars, and the classic Ball Jar.
Wash and dry the jars and lids
Fill with candy…homemade or store-bought, whichever you choose. I filled these with my favorite toffee.
Snip pine tree clippings (I get scraps from the Christmas tree tent at Home Depot)
Attach the clipping with twine, pop a clementine on top for extra sweetness and you’re done!
I’d love to see what you make! Tag me!
Pumpkin Roll!
This is THE BEST pumpkin roll recipe! Thanks, mom! I make four for Thanksgiving every year, one to keep and three to take to dinner. I’m going to tell you now, I despise cinnamon…gag, so I leave it out, but you do you.
You can make the rolls ahead of time and freeze them. That way all you need to do is defrost and make the filling the day of.
PUMPKIN ROLL RECIPE
CAKE
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
3 eggs
2/3 cup pumpkin (You can get two rolls out of one can of pumpkin)
FILLING
8 oz. cream cheese (softened)
2 tbs. butter (softened)
1 tsp. vanilla
1 cup confectioners sugar
Preheat the oven to 375
Mix sugar, eggs, pumpkin, and cinnamon.
Add flour and baking soda. Mix well.
Cover a 15x10 cookie sheet or jelly roll pan with parchment paper. Spray the parchment with non-stick cooking spray (spraying the edges is most important). Pour batter onto the parchment paper and smooth evenly with an offset spatula (you can also use a rubber scraper or spoon). Bake for 10-15 minutes. It bakes fast so set a timer for 10 and keep an eye on it.
Take it out of the oven and let it sit while you prep another clean sheet of parchment (you don’t need to spray it). Flip the cake onto the clean parchment and peel off the old one. Roll up the cake (in the parchment) while the cake is still warm. Pop the roll into the freezer. Chilling it helps create the “roll”. While that’s chilling, make the filling.
Beat cream cheese, butter, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Add confectioners sugar and mix till fully incorporated and fluffy.
Defrost pumpkin roll, unroll it, and spread filling evenly covering the whole thing. Roll back up (minus the parchment) and put in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. Sprinkle with conf. sugar before serving.
I’m making my pumpkin rolls this week and freezing them so all I have to do on Turkey Day is defrost and fill. Enjoy!