Changing Inspirations

It's funny how life changes. The biggest change of all has been becoming a mom; and more recently becoming a stay at home mom. My creative life has changed as well. As an artist in college, I found inspiration through studying ancient art, reading feminist literature, and even travelling with girlfriends to New Mexico for Meinrad Craighead's Women's Creative Retreat. Then my creative work included hours upon hours of researching ancient feminine symbolism, planning and sketching, and finally bringing emotionally charged images to life through righ and colorful oil paint. Now I find myself enthralled with watching my son learn how to stick out his tongue, reading Goodnight Moon over and over again, and going to our weekly playdate to Gymboree. Now my creative work consists of grabbing a few minutes here and there, between diaper changes, bottles, reading Goodnight Moon (again...), and playdates at Gymboree, to make something to capture all of these precious memories of my son's baby years. Sometimes I miss that earlier version of myself, but mostly I'm just glad I had those experiences that make me the person, the mother, that I am today.

Get one of these great Explosion Photo Books custom made with your child's name from my Etsy Shop!

It's Official! I'm an Etsy Seller!

I listed my first items for sale on Etsy today! I'm officially an Etsy Seller. Well... maybe not. I guess it depends on whether you have to actually have made a sale to be a seller. Anyway, I have listings! And I'm so excited! I have lots more to list, but I am spreading them out.

First, I listed a Custom Photo Crazy Quilt, using my very own wedding quilt as an example. We had a very relaxed country-themed wedding with denim bridesmaid dresses, a sunflower-lined aisle, and an antique John Deere tractor hay ride. It was wonderful! And seeing this quilt everyday takes me back to that once-in-a-lifetime feeling. Not only does it include photos, it also has fabrics that we used to decorate and that symbolize aspects of our wedding. I finished it off with tons of hand-embroidery and button and bead embellishments.
This quilt is so special to me; It would be such an honor to create such a special family heirloom for someone else. That's what I love about custom orders. You really get to make a special connection with your buyer. I can't wait for that first sale! Then I guess I will be an Official Official Etsy Seller!