My first needlepoint

 

After going through things and trying to purge many an item. I came across this. The very first cross-stitch I ever made! What a find! I was about 7 or 8 years old. I did this when I was staying with my aunt for a week in Michigan. My mom told me that this project was supposed to last me the whole week. But I remember I completed it in less than a day. This hung on a bulletin board for years. So, unfortunately, it was not cared for the way it probably should have been. I am glad I still have it.  I was pretty much hooked after that. Don't bring me into a craft or fabric store if you want me to just browse. I just can't resist the fabrics, threads, notions and embellishments. My mind is constantly turning in the store with one question...'what can I do with this?!'. I love this medium of art, the colors, the texture, everything!

Do you remember what your first project was? Do you still have it? Share with us when and how you got started and why you love it!

To: The Mogul Mom - How can I thank you!

This morning I wrote about trying to figure out how to balance it all and requested some feedback from you on some tips on things you do to keep your life as balanced as possible (read it here). Well, this afternoon I came across an awesome blog by Heather Allard called 'The Mogul Mom - for moms running a business, raising a family and rocking both!' I have been to alot of sites looking for quality information on how to 'do it all' and stay sane. Most, unfortunately, are nothing more than just an info site selling a book or services. Which is fine, but don't keep talking and linking me to more pages with promises of actual information, when I really have to buy the book or services to get the real info. However, The Mogul Mom delivers and delivers big! So check her out and free up some time to build that lego castle guilt free!

Kids, Work and You! Just wondering...How do you balance it all?

Having 2 hours twice a week to myself to get things done is fabulous!! Just leaves me wanting more. Is that wrong?? Should I be missing my kids so much that 2 hours is too long? Sometimes I feel like there is something wrong with me if I don't, but I am gonna admit there are days I wish everyone (and I mean everyone) would go away and if they wanted to stay away for a weekend I would be all for it. Hey, I gotta have some time that is just for me right? Isn't that why girl's weekends were created? Can you have a girl's weekend for 1. Oh, what I could create! Just me, some really good movies and my art table...I am getting wistful thinking about it. sigh...

It's a learning curve alright. Then again I wasn't really good at the balancing act when I worked full time for someone else, but that is a different post. Right now, I am trying to learn how to balance having 2 kids (ages 3 and 5), rescue dogs, keep up with the house work, create, and manage this new business. My Mom would probably tell me to cut out the rescuing dogs aspect for a while, but underneath she is just as much of a softy as me - and believe it or not the dogs are the easiest part of the equation.

As for the kids...Having them make their own creations with me works part of the time, until their attention wanes. They love to 'work' with Mommy and that is helpful, but I could use more ideas and I am sure others probably do too. So let us know! Share your ideas on how you entertain the munchkins while getting the everyday things done in life!

Love Primitive Art and Crafts? Check out Primitives by Kathy

Ok, I have to gush a little bit about a place I love to shop at (or at least drool over the Word and Holiday expressions dish sets in the catalog). Yes, I would say I have a bit of a crush. If that is even possible to have on a catalog.

If you are like me and you love Primitive style art and crafting you need to check out Primitives by Kathy, Inc.! From whimsical and funny to folksy seasonal items, Kathy Phillips has brought together an exceptional team of artists and gives them the credit they deserve for all the really cool pieces they create. I love settling in and looking through the Primitives by Kathy catalog and deciding what new things I am going to spoil myself with to decorate my home for the holidays. They have created everything - Charms, Ornaments, Stitchery, all kinds of Signs, Stakes, Notecards and Notepads, Paper Cutting pictures and more. One of my favorite things I am eyeing this year are their Twig Lights. I wish she had a picture of these online like she does in her catalog because they are beautiful! Another line I am really loving are Kathy's own Box Signs. Some sayings are inspirational and some are funny, but they are simplicity at one of its bests.  She has created them for the Halloween, Christmas and her Everyday lines.

All of the artists at Primitives by Kathy are awesome! But three I am going to feature here are Annie Schickel for her wonderful Christmas Stocking Holder (for those of us who don't have a mantel to hang the stockings on). P.J. Rankin-Hults makes these incredibly beautiful hand-painted, hand-cut, folk art paper cuttings that you just need to see! Also Lisa Johnson creates wonderful primitive stitchery, but my favorite of hers is her Christmas - Stitchery in which she has been able to pinpoint exactly what Christmas is to me with just words. I believe she once had a similar piece for the word Family, but I can't find it anymore.

I have not found a shop/catalog that draws me back as much as Primitives by Kathy since my first visit to Shipshewana. It is a great catalog and they sell wholesale and direct. So whether you are looking for a great product for your store or, like me, just looking for something for your home or a great gift. Definitely put Primitives by Kathy on your list!

Welcome!

Welcome to The Artison's new blog!

Well here we go...our adventure into the world of Blogging. We are going to talk about a lot of things. Art and crafts mainly, but who knows what will pop into our brains over time. We like to talk...a lot...to whomever will listen (even if it is just the dogs listening). So come and chat with us, we want to know your thoughts about art and crafts too!