About the artist (and the studio)

Hi there! I’m Catherine!

I’m the hands (and usually paint-covered fingers) behind Buttercup Barn Studios. I’ve been drawing and painting since I could hold a pencil – some of my earliest memories are of filling up sketchbooks with horses and pointing excitedly out the car window yelling “’Orse!” at every pasture we passed. That love never really left.

I grew up surrounded by horse toys, especially Breyers, and I was always customizing them – sculpting on new manes, making my own tack out of string and fabric scraps, and dreaming up entire backstories for each one. That creative spark turned into a full-on passion, and now I’m lucky enough to do it full time!

Buttercup Barn Studios is where I bring those childhood dreams to life, one custom at a time – whether it’s a tiny micro mini, a detailed diorama, or a bigger piece with a lot of flair. I love experimenting with new ideas and materials, and I’m always chasing that spark of inspiration.

I share my workspace with two fluffy assistants: my Chow Chows, Jimmy Snuffles and Luna. They mostly offer moral support (and the occasional dramatic sigh), but I like to think they bring a little extra magic to the studio.

Art and animals have always been the core of who I am, and I feel incredibly lucky to do this every day. Whether you’re here to browse, commission something, or just admire tiny horse art – thanks for stopping by!

Jimmy – full government name Jimmy Snuffles (AKA Jim-Jim, Jimothy, Jim-Jam, Buggy, and Good BoyTM)

Jimmy came into my life when we both needed a little light. I met him in my early twenties, right after he’d been picked up off the street – matted, skinny, and unsure – but the moment he climbed into my lap, I knew he was my heart dog. We’ve been through so much together, and watching him bloom into the happy, silly, soulful boy he is now has been one of the greatest joys of my life.

Jimmy has the gentlest heart and the most delightfully weird little preferences – his very first toy was a unicorn he proudly picked out himself, and to this day, he loves horse toys and goes absolutely wild for horse videos. I’m convinced he’s a horse girl™ at heart, just in fluffy disguise. He seems to understand and appreciate everything, like he never forgot where he came from, and shows his gratefulness every single day. I feel endlessly lucky to share my life with him.

Luna (AKA Luna-Lu, Lunar, Lunatic, and my BB – Bathroom Buddy)

Luna came into my life as a tiny puppy with big opinions and even bigger energy. She was all-in from the start – rarely napped, chewed everything in sight (including wood furniture), and even liked the bitter spray we used to try and stop her. She’s always had a quirky streak – she’s obsessed with the smell of spicy food and turns her nose up at store-bought strawberries. Farm bought strawberries, though? She goes wild.

As she’s grown up, Luna has become the calm, loving heart of our home. She adores Jimmy, and she’s my ever-present little shadow, following me from room to room like it’s her full-time job (even into the bathroom, of course). She’s sweet, devoted, and so full of personality. I’m incredibly lucky to be the one she chose to grow up with.