Hi! I'm Lauren.

I founded Peacock’s Nest Studio and its sister project,Paisley Peacock Body Arts, because creating things makes me happy, and I believe it's not something that enough people take time for.

I've been a crafter since I was a small child. I find there's something deeply satisfying about looking at some everyday thing and thinking, 'Yeah. I made that." I get so many people who tell me they're not creative at all, and I just don't believe that's possible. They just need someone to help them get what they create in their mind out into the world. It's an honor to be able to help someone get to the point where they realize that things don't have to be perfect to be really, deeply Good. Helping to allow others to experience that, maybe for the first time, is my privilege and great joy.

I started researching and practicing henna body art in 1993, and it quickly became a lifelong passion. I love being part of a multicultural tradition that goes back at least 3000 years, touching billions of lives. I love being part of a living tradition used at celebrations all over the world, every day. I love collaborating with people to make a design that really speaks to them personally. I love sharing my knowledge, whether I'm teaching a formal class, doing a basic library presentation, or just chatting as I work at a festival.

The body care products came about during the pandemic, when I had a newly-opened studio space, but couldn't have people in it. I made a new design for a mask that was comfortable and sealed well, and people loved them. That led to me sourcing a great hand sanitizer when the public couldn't buy it, and THAT led me to lotions, which led to face scrubs, which led to... everything else. Making products that work, smell good, and are as natural as possible is FUN! 

Stop by the studio in Eastworks, or catch me at a local craft fair, makers’ market, or festival!