Oak Folk Studio is a joyful process-art space for all ages, where creativity takes the lead.
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Here, it’s less about the finished result and more about exploring, imagining, and making magic along the way.
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Through art, drama, and yoga, we nurture confidence, curiosity, and self-expression in every creator who walks through our doors.
Located in Orcutt, California. This art studio is on the Central Coast between Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo.
Something I frequently express to my students is this idea that we grow when we’re uncomfortable. The integrity check of my work was at the forefront when I realized this was something I needed to explore myself. So… I did it. I opened up a studio.
Doing anything new can be scary territory—not to mention the “how the heck am I going to pay for this?” or “am I artist enough to do this?” or “I’m not a businesswoman!” All of the questions that tried to sneak in and put barriers up. Don’t get me wrong—these are 100% real, and I would be lying if I didn’t tell you I’ve constantly had to trick myself into believing I had the confidence to… GO FOR THE DREAM.
The vision always lived in my head. Creating my own little artsy-fartsy corner of the universe—separate from my home. This would be my work, my place, my people, my purpose. I wanted to honor this deep calling to branch out from where I had been previously. So, I had my dear son and decided… it was time. If not now, when?
With my first child, six months old, I signed a lease on the first building I looked at?! (Business error #1? Maybe… but…) I could feel this building was rich with history. I could see the vision. I could feel this as my corner. But absolutely—yes—it was full of tangled wires (literally and figuratively), lots of work ahead, and so many question marks.
Alongside the dream for myself, I wanted my son to grow up seeing me work in an environment I believe in and LOVE. Oak Folk was created from just that. So. Much. Love. I’m so grateful for the place I’ve created, and for the space it will continue to evolve into. I can’t clearly see its future because it will build itself in time—and I’m leaning into that idea more and more.
The studio is a living, breathing art project that changes every day. I add new pictures. I take some down. I rearrange. I bring in fresh flowers. I add holiday decor. We are always creating new versions of ourselves—and so is the studio.
The gift is in the sharing. With open doors, I share the experience, the journey, the hiccups, the lessons. Thank you for joining me in whatever capacity. There is so much newness (I’ve always wanted to start a blog!), and yet so many steps had to happen to get here.
This was meant to be my first little introduction piece—just a flow from my heart. Listen, there are probably grammar errors and weird things in my writing. I’m not aiming for perfect here. Or there. Or anywhere. I just want to keep creating and cherish the crazy.
xoxo,
Katlin
The doors to Oak Folk Studio officially opened on 11/11/25 at 11:11 a.m. There are still so many ideas I have for the space, but capturing it on that day was special. In its perfectly imperfect presentation, people walked in. They brought flowers, cards, hugs, and so many smiles. We had yummy treats, personalized coloring books, and our website launched with all our classes ready for sign-ups. This truly was the moment of “okay, we’ve built it… now will they come?”
Not to mention—we signed the lease in the middle of May! The building took longer than we anticipated. My son was now one, and had seen what we had done. We had taken what was an eye doctor’s showcase room for 20 years and turned it into something entirely our own. A cozy, clean environment for people to creatively thrive. A home for imaginations to explore new realms.
The above image is of our back "shoppe". This is home to all our art supplies, sewing machines, the bathroom, the wash sink and of course- our "shoppe cat." I wanted a real pet, but settled for some analog JOY. We have 2 baker's racks filled with cookie sheets. We use these to store art projects that are works in progress, and allow them to dry. We have a vintage BINGO machine for our BINGO nights, lots of colorful displayed paints, and jars of brushes, pens, pencils, and other fun, art things.
In creating such a unique space that caters to many different activities, I wanted to have a cohesive balance. I wanted the funky art, but also wanted the airy, calm, open concept. To solve this, I decided the back shoppe would be colorful, vibrant, and full of life. Pictures, words, rainbows, trinkets, books, etc. I simply wanted it to be a place you just want to stand in and look around. It's like being in an ISpy book.In contrast, the front room is pretty open. We have our tables, our hand-painted daisy stools, our register, (an iPad with a stand), all the yoga mats, some locker cubbies, and lots of colorful storage drawers. This open concept allows me to reset the stage before each class.
It's been working well! I've been delighted by the reactions and overall feel of the space. The colors are muted, but also bold. I went for earthy boho, meets cottage forest fairy. As far as paint on the walls we have terracotta, a lovely green, and the back wall is literally titled "Zen". The drawers and cupboards are mostly created with recycled things. We didn't buy anything new, except for lots of different drawer knobs. (Get them doing their "50%" off week!) Most everything came from either the thrift or Facebook Marketplace. We have bright yellow spray painted lockers, a wallpapered Ikea (second-hand) cupboard, and thrift store gems that have been repainted. *ProTip: This spray paint gun handle is the best EVER for an art studio! I wanted it to feel whimsical, fresh, organized, and artistic all at the same time.
That's me, Ms.Katlin! With my hands in prayer opening day I'm honoring all that it took for me to get to this moment. LOVE the quality and vibrant color that the aprons I ordered add. It adds that element of having a "work uniform." Complete with fun and funky patches-what a dream costume.
I added the word dreamer because this is truly what you have to be to go for it! I wear many different hats each day, but being a dreamer is what keeps my creativity flowing. What a JOY!