Three wedding hankies commission

 I finally finished these three handkerchiefs. They are gifts from a bride to her mother, grandmother, and future mother-in-law. I think they turned out lovely. I hope for the best for this young bride.

If you are interested in a custom piece, please contact me. thegirlinthelane@gmail.com

The Girl in the Lane Shop

This new year

I wish I had a new project to share with you in this new year. I don't. In addition to motherhood, wifehood, and being a nanny I've been busy working on a commission work I hope to share soon.

I am scaling back this year. I do not think I will do any craft shows. I have many gifts and personal projects I want to work on. If there is any time left I want to build up inventory, possibly all of next year as well. Then, maybe I will be able to get into the craft/art world with a little more gusto.

I also will post less on this blog and tell more stories on facebook. It is simply a way to actually be read by maybe more than just a few. This blog may be where more details and private thoughts can be found.

Last year I started out thinking I wanted to be something that really wasn't who I am. This year I want to be more gentle with myself. I have more peace about who God has made me to be and what He wants of me. I will continue the next step of being me and see where it takes me this year.

For now, it is cake month at our house as we soon celebrate the three kids' birthdays and love is almost in the air.

Valentines

New Christmas items

These items are brand new in my shop.

Christmas wreath card and hoop art ornament

Autumn hoop art

Rain card

Always my design and always hand embroidered. 

Restocked shop

Yes, it is almost that time again.

I have all these items and many more in my shop ready and waiting for Santa.

I hope to get a few more items up very soon so check back.

Also, recently...

we did some fishing,

made pretend soup,

 and made some turkeys. 

Good day!

The Girl in the Lane Shop

A not quite to scale graph type sketch of the truth, a poem, and more.

Today I finished reading the New Testament. This is a task that proves in and of itself the power of the Holy Spirit. I am a working Mama who is cranky in the morning. It has to be due to supernatural strength and not my own that I have been able to get up at 5am to have time to read day after day. Tomorrow I will get my cranky butt out of bed again and somehow as I read and pray I will come closer to being the woman I am designed to be. 

Anyway, I finished it today and happened to reach the end of a journal at the same time. So what was the overall message I received on the end of this journey? 

This...

I have the courage to write these words. The courage to share my terrible handwriting with you. The courage to face whatever God sends my way. The courage to share His truth. The courage to share this sketch with you.

I made this a year or so ago and have been wanting to share it but did not know how nor did I have the courage to for some reason. It is not to scale and could be prettier. (Maybe I'll work on that.) The point is, it needs to be shared because it shows what is more important than anything. It shows that your life, right now, being kind of hungry or slightly too hot; worried about money or a relationship; battling sickness or missing someone you will never see again; whatever your hardship no matter how hard it is, it is fleeting. On the same not no matter how good life is, it too is fleeting. How you spend this fleeting life matters. Jesus is the only one who can save you. He already did. He is the only one who can restore you and give you an eternity of real life the way it is meant to be lived. Loving Jesus and courageously showing others His love is all that matters. 

This is obviously only part of the conversation. If you have questions, great! Ask away because I have questions too and maybe we can find answers together. 

I'll get off my soap box now and leave you with a poem by Nelle D. Bradley. It says how I want to live my life. I hope you join me.

Hold high the torch of beauty, truth, and love!

You did not light its glow-

'Twas given you by other hands, you know.

'Tis yours to keep it burning bright,

Yours to pass on when you no more need light;

For there are other feet that we must guide;

And other forms go marching by our side;

Their eyes are watching every tear and smile,

And efforts which we think are not worthwhile,

Are sometimes just the very helps they need,

Actions to which their souls would give most heed;

so that in turn they'll hold it high, and say, 

"I watched someone else carry it this way."

If brighter paths should beckon you to choose,

Would your small gain compare with all you'd lose?

Hold high the torch of beauty, truth, and love! 

You did not light its glow-

'Twas given you by other hands, you know.

I think it started down its pathway bright,

The day our Maker said: "Let there be light."

And He once said, who hung on Calvary's tree-

"Ye are the light of the world." Go! ... Shine for me.

A Little Fall Update

It has been a busy minute. 

My September Art in the Park show started off  too windy but overall was a good day.

 Among my sales was this pretty card. I wonder what special note was written inside.

After the show, most of my inventory went to Tennessee with my Mother-in-law. She is currently doing a month and a half long craft show at Dollywood and was kind enough to bring my stuff along. I have no idea what if anything is selling. Whatever does not sell will be back up for sale on my Etsy in November just in time for Christmas shopping. 

My prints are currently available. If anyone is interested in the originals they are for sale just not listed. Please contact me. 

Anyway...

Things are getting spooky around here.

My sister visited last weekend and did this craft with Avia. Scary stuff. 

Last but not least, this guy insisted on picking a green pumpkin. I might have weird kids. 

The Girl in the Lane Shop

Ready for Autumn

I, like many of you, am ready to be done with oppressive humidity and mosquitoes. I want to move on to crisp sweater weather, the crunch of leaves under foot, and the comfort of warm apple cider.

I made this autumn hoop art in my anticipation for fall. 

Among my fall plans is Art in the Park. I am excited. Wish me luck.

It took a little longer than it should have but I finally got my prints packaged for the show and up on Etsy. 

White Bear Print

Rainbow Stegosaurus print

Lavender and Grey Buffalo Print

 Pink and Green Deer Print

I am looking forward to what this season will bring. Happy September!

The Girl in the Lane Shop