Creative and crafty, maker and shaker, Alayna is a west coast beach child at home in the moody, colorful, misty, and windswept beauty of the Pacific Northwest, in love with the colors of sunset & sunrise and the peace & power of the natural world.
Alayna holds a Bachelors degree in Political Science and Masters in Education and formerly worked in alternative public high schools in both California and Oregon for over a decade. Taking a leap of faith, however, she resigned from her career at the end of the 2022 school year, selling or giving away almost everything in the process, and moved into a tiny '87 Toyota RV determined to radically pursue a much different and more authentic second half of life that better aligns with and honors her true ever-evolving self, values, and passions.
Intentionally dedicating time now to rest and creative play, Alayna enjoys being a student of the surrounding nature, staring out her binoculars, and exploring and finding her flow in various mixed-mediums from painting on handmade paper, paper mache, and clay jewelry making, to writing, collaging, and digital illustration.
She has found her place on Lopez Island, a part of the San Juan Islands off the coast of northern Washington, where she lives in a little log cabin and juggles a few part-time jobs. She is thankful for the surrounding community of Lopezians who value, encourage, and support the necessity and exploration of creative and sustainable living.
It was in this vein of starting life anew that Poppy in the Sea, a container for all things made by Alayna, was born.
Some Poppy in the Sea creations can be found in person on Lopez Island at Ship Supply, a clothing maker & small boutique, or Lopez Grind, the coffee shop.
Purchases can also be made directly with Alayna during open hours at the Creative Co-Working Collective -or- by reaching out via email as checkout on this website is currently disabled. $5 dollar flat shipping or free delivery on Lopez Island is offered.
Please connect if looking for something in particular or interested in proposing a custom design or commission.
Email: poppyinthesea@gmail.com
Poppy in the Sea wants to acknowledge that Lopez Island (Sx'wálech) is the ancestral lands and waters of the Coast Salish people who have called this place home since time immemorial, and has deep respect and gratitude for their legacy, history, and enduring model of care for the surrounding land and sea.
Poppy in the Sea strives to maintain sustainable practices which promote balance and contribute to the protection and care of the earth and divinity of all living beings.