Wednesday, June 25, 2014

We Went Camping


It was the best.



It was also rather exhausting in the best way possible. 
I came home feeling totally worn out but refreshed. 


Also, probably by no coincidence, I started reading Last Child in the Woods when I got back. I am not far into it but I do love it. It is about the new relationship between children and nature. It is an eye-opening read. If you are a parent or are thinking about being one some day, read it. Then go play outside.

It also starts each chapter with a quote. I personally love that in a book. 

There was a child went forth every day, 
And the first object he look'd upon, that object he became,
And that object became part of him for the day or a certain part of the day,
Or for many years or stretching cycles of years.

The early lilacs became part of this child, 
And grass and white and red morning glories, and white and red clover,
and the song of the phoebe-bird,
And the Third-month lambs and the sow's pink-faint litter,
and the mare's foal and the cow's calf,...
-Walt Whitman


It was a fun little outdoors weekend but I need to get back to work. I am excited to be a part of Art Fair 562. It is soon and I have much to do to get ready.

The Girl in the Lane Shop

Friday, June 13, 2014

Tra-laa Tra-lee Today is My Birthday Lucky Me!

Today I turn 29.
 I am actually turning 29. I know that is a birthday some women have a few times. This will be my only 29th Birthday I promise. It is the start of the last year of my 20's and I plan to use the year well. I am excited to start a new job next week as a nanny to a tiny and very new person. I have many a great plan for this art business I have going. Starting with my first prints for sale!


Other than that we'll see what God brings this year. I feel really great about where I am at and where I am going. I am content. Maybe that finally makes me a grown-up.

The Girl in the Lane Shop

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Mr. Bear

This cute guy's pattern is now available for instant download.
or
There is this little onesie for sale too.
3-6 months
I have plans to make bibs soon if you are at all interested.

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Slice of Life


Pretty views

Bellevue Blossoms Fest display


Silly children


Avia's work. 
She discovered Ed Emberley's Drawing Book of Animals and found her own love of drawing. This I also love.


Current project peeks

Campfire

Candy

Thursday, May 22, 2014

What inspires me may inspire you: Andrew


This is Andrew (the one with the beard). He is my friend. He is my husband.

Maybe he does not directly inspire my art very often but I cannot do what I do without him. He encourages me and keeps me going. Too many times I have asked him for his opinion on color choice or if something was cute enough? He has no idea on such matters but he understands his input is important to me so he takes the question seriously.  


A little while back I asked Andrew what his favorite piece I have made is. He bought two paintings from me when we first started dating. This one is still his favorite.

I imagine it must be challenging be married to an artsy type. My ideas often make no sense. I have a hard time just watching TV and doing nothing. There is always a mess.  I think there is at least a little selfishness needed to create. It isn’t necessarily a bad thing. We just need to recognize this as artists and remember to thank those supporting us.



Thank you Andrew. I love you even if you did almost wipe your barbaric hands on one of my just finished fancy tea towels that one time and you love me even if I have almost accidentally stabbed you with a needle a few times. Just so you know, I also may have gotten colored pencil shavings in our bed once or twice. I guess it’s all part of the creative process.


Happy four years ago we got married day!

P.S. The two embroidery details are pieces on my White Bear inspired by Andrew. He is a fan of breakfast and books.

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Blossoms Fest


Local Northern Kentuckians/Cincinnati folks, please join me this Saturday at the 5th Annual Bellevue Blossoms Fest.


It is a garden themed arts and crafts show. I am very excited to be a part of this event and made this pretty little hoop art in the spirit of celebrating blossoms. 


If you are not local or cannot attend please help me out. Pray there's no rain. Thanks. 

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

What inspires me may inspire you: my moms.


I grew up watching my mom's hands. They were always at work. Every time she sewed, crocheted, or quilted I wanted to know how I could get my hands to make what she could make. 


 She gave me a yellow lunch box full of the bits and pieces of embroidery floss from her finished cross stitch patterns. I gave her many many knots and my frustrations. I still have and use the old lunch box of thread but I've figured out how to untangle my own knots...most of the time. 

Thank you Mom. You have made me who I am.


Jane, my mother-in-law. She sews, quilts, and the like. She gives me supplies, advice, encouragement, babysitting, and a listening ear. 

Thanks Bammy.


"Why the buffalo?" you ask.


 For one thing, the buffalo is my mom's favorite animal. Also, even though neither my mom nor mother-in-law live out west, both of their hearts reside on some distant open prairie. Mine does too.


My favorite quotes from these women:
"You kiss boys you have to buy cribs." -Mom
"You're just this side of crazy aren't you Andrea." -Jane
Truth.
Happy Mother's Day to all.