A weekend full of 'furry'

Last weekend my little sister Tracy came to visit.  We had been planning this get-together for some time and finally were able to make it happen!
She is one of the lead coordinators for the animal shelter in her area: Sheyenne Valley Friends of Animals  

A while back she asked me to help her design some murals to use at the annual SVFA 'wag and walk-a-thon'.  .  We aren't exactly sure what the technical name is, but we call them 'stand-ins'. You know the kind... the ones that have goofy images on the front and people can put their faces through pre-made holes, making it look like they ARE that goofy image/person?

We had such a good time creating these special pieces of art, and hope they will serve SVFA for many years in the future!

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Artsy or Crafty?

I have to admit, I haven't been developing my Life Point Images shop and blog as much as I would like these days.  I seem to have gotten slightly distracted with my new Etsy venture: TaffieWishes where a good friend of mine and I create fun and colorful party decorations and home things.  We hope to add nursery art, rugs, pillows and all sorts of goodies to our shop in the future.  I hope you have a minute to check out our little shop.

This side project has got me thinking... am I an artist, or a crafter? Am I artsy or crafty?  It seems to me that I like having the variety of both.  When I get tired of dotting, I begin working with a thread and needle or maybe with scrap booking supplies.  Variety seems to be the 'spice of life' for my creative side.  Perhaps I don't need to choose between the two.

Maybe simply put, I enjoy creating things. End of story.

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Cheers!

This past weekend we went to a family wedding out of town.  Many congratulations to Peter and Caleigh! We wish you many years of happiness and never-ending love!

Seeing the wedding, and recently remembering my own (our 8 year anniversary was a couple weeks ago), I was inclined to put together a wedding treasury.

You can see it here: "Cheers to the Mister and Misses: A Black and White Inspired Wedding"  

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Mom SHOP Monday (with Knitted for Ewe)

The multi-talented Nicole, of the Etsy shop "Knitted for Ewe" is in the spotlight for today's feature.  I find her shop to be full of colors and textures and can truly see that each piece has a special meaning behind it.  She has some great advice for those of you who are considering opening your own shop. Read about what she has to say:


What made you decide to become a stay at home mom (SAHM for short)
I was a working mum up until my youngest daughter was 6 years old. There were days when we would take off work and kindergarten just so we could spend some time together. When we moved to America to so I could marry my American husband, thats when I became a SAHM. My oldest daughter is now 15 and my younger daughter is 6. I love being there when they get home from school and hearing about their day. Its nice not to worry about if someones going to be home when there's no school or if their sick.

How do you find time to create while you have your children at home with you?

When its something you love to do you simply have to make time to do it. My girls have always loved watching my projects come together and seeing the finished product in the end. My youngest now has a passion for knitting so Im passing it on to another generation. I also love doing nature photography and now my oldest daughter has a passion for photography. I think watching me working on my crafts over the years has inspired my children to be creative so dont just wait until their sleeping, get them involved. 

In what ways do you feel your children inspire your work?

My children inspire my work alot. I love to knit toys because its wonderful to create something a child falls in love with. I know a toy is going to be a hit when while Im working on it, they both want one. I tend to make alot of stuff that their into and the colours that they like so they keep me inspired all the time. 

Which is your favourite item in your shop and why?
My favourite item in my shop is my bright green felted bag with the blue bird. The wool that I used came from a woolen sweater that I unraveled so it really is a labour of love. One of my favourite parts about this bag is the handmade ceramic bird button that I bought from an Etsy shop. I love the way it feels and looks. I also love the combination of the bright green with the blue, I think its a great colour combination.


What is the best advice you can give to another SAHM who would like to start up an Etsy shop?
The best advice I can give to a SAHM who want to open an Etsy shop is to just jump in and give it a go. I thought about it for 3 years before I opened my shop. It took me so long because I kept doubting myself. I wish I hadnt. Just take it one step at a time and plan everything out before you sign up. Planning ahead helped me out alot. The people in the Etsy community are so kind a helpful. Jump in any Etsy chat and you will find plenty of people willing to give you advice and helpful tips. Just give it a go, what do you have to lose?






Want to know what my favorite from Nicole's sweet shop is?  Who can resist Marcel the Mouse?... I know I can't!  Thank you Nicole for your inspirational words, it sounds like someday soon we will be seeing your children's work on Etsy too!

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Saturday Scrapbook Page

While looking through my scrapbook pages yesterday, I came across this one.  Daniel at 14 months looks very similar to what Isaiah looks like at 15 months.  I didn't realize it until I saw these pictures.

 Daniel was such a little character at that age, and would make very expressive faces.  One day I decided to capture as many of them as I could, and made a scrapbook page out of it.  I will forever love that blue shirt, as it brings me back to the day I took hundreds of pictures of our silly little boy.

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For a Special Family

Last week, I had the privilege of creating a portrait for a very amazing family. The portrait was given as a gift at a baby shower for little Carolyn.  Her daddy has been through some very trying medical times lately, and she is proof that miracles happen every day. You can read more about their inspirational story HERE.  I hope that all of you will take a little time today and say a prayer for this special family!

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M is for May

And Mothers!

Growing up, May was always the official ‘mom month’ at our house.  It starts out with May Day, when handmade flowers and candy baskets are passed around; then my own mother’s birthday (which she shares with my older sister, her first-born child), then Mother’s Day.  By the end of the month, the flowers have begun to bloom and my mom is outdoors tending to her garden. 

Here are some special gift ideas to show mom you care.  I think my mom would love them, and maybe yours would too!

1. Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies

2. Floral Lap Quilt

3. Framed Butterflies

4. Personalized Birthstone Necklace

5. Gift Tag Set

6. Pampering Basket

7. Prayer Bookmark

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DIY Downloadable: "Modern May Flower"

As a celebration for reaching the 100 fan mark on Facebook, I decided to put together a little something. I had so much fun creating this project that I plan to offer others in the future in a blog theme titled "DIY Downloadable"
For this first installment, we are celebrating May Day! This is a holiday that I don’t believe is celebrated much anymore; But as a young girl, I remember creating May Day baskets for all of my school-mates. My mom would drive us around to the houses and we would place the basket on the doorstep, ring the doorbell and then run!

This project is for a modern handmade paper flower. I think that this would be a great project that you and your children could work on together. The flower could be hung on a doorknob for May Day, or given to someone special for Mother’s Day! Create just one or a whole bouquet!

You will need: paper (either patterned or a single color), scissors, pipe cleaner, button (optional)
Note: A very thin paper may easily rip, and thick paper may be difficult to work with.  It is recommended that you use scrapbook or origami paper for best results

Step 1: Trace around an 8.5"x 11" piece of paper onto the colored/patterned paper of your choice (here I am showing 12"x12" scrapbook paper).  If you already have colored/patterned paper in an 8.5" x 11" size you can skip this step.

Step 2: Place the paper into your printer with the colored side UP!  Print the flower pattern (provided below) of your choice.  I am offering a simple pattern, which is perfect for kids; and a more advanced version, for those who want a challenge!

Step 3: Cut out the pattern (I am demonstrating the more advanced version) then punch small holes in each of the circles shown

Step 4: Turn the flower upside down and loop back a main petal portion (Petal A). Place the pipe cleaner through the colored side.

Step 5: Working clockwise, continue until all petals are layered under the previous one on the pipe cleaner.

Step 6: Once the pipe cleaner has gone through all the 'A' petals, continue by pushing the pipe cleaner up through the center hole on the flower

Step 7: Turn the flower so that the colored portion is facing upwards

Step 8: Gently twist one of the 'B' petals so that the colored portion remains visible. Push the pipe cleaner through the pre-made hole and press until it is firm upon the center of the flower.

Step 9: Continue working clockwise in this fashion until all of the 'B' petals are through the pipe cleaner.  You can then add a button to the top of the flower if you wish.  Then twist the pipe cleaner down so that it firmly holds the completed flower in place! Enjoy!

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Personalized gifts for Mother's Day

Whether this is her first Mother's Day or she has been celebrating for years, a customized gift is a perfect way to show you care!

Check out the treasury I put together on Etsy featuring customizable gifts for mom!

View Treasury Here

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Mom SHOP Monday (with Peace by PEACE Designs)

A stay at home mom to four, Sarah from the Etsy shop “Piece by PEACE Designs” is quite a busy lady!  
Her shop offers beautiful and unique handmade jewelry.  She has some great jewelry sets, including bridal pieces; and until Mother’s Day, 50% of all proceeds in her shop go toward Haiti Relief.  
Shop for a great gift and give to a great cause!

I asked Sarah a few questions about how she balances the nurturing of her children and her craft. Here’s what she had to say:

What made you decide to become a stay at home mom? (SAHM for short)

“For me, there was no real choice to be a SAHM, I always knew I want to be one. I never ever want to miss out on a single part of being a mom (to all four of my kids), the good, the fun, the tantrums and the puke. I love being the one doing it all for them!”

How do you find time to create while you have your children at home with you?

“I find time to create in as many ways as I can. I do it when they're occupied with their toys, once my husband is home and can take over for a while or sometimes I even sit them down to make jewelry (or something else) with me.”

In what ways do you feel your children inspire your work?

“My children inspire me by being who they are. They are why I am at home and the reason I have the time to create. Being a SAHM, I feel like I am not stressed out everyday always trying to fit everything in. I can relax and take it easy with them most of the time and they make me happy. I love it when I see them being creative!”

Which is your favorite item in your shop and why?

“This one is hard! If I have to pick one, my favorite piece in my shop would have to be the Dublin Skies necklace (and bracelet). I love the colors and the bird pendant. I am into long necklaces at the moment and this one is simple but really cute!”

What is the best advice that you can give to another SAHM who would like to start up an ETSY shop?

“The best advice I can give another SAHM who wants to open an Etsy account is to be patient and not give up. There are a lot of great artists on Etsy and it can seem overwhelming. Try to look at it as creating because you love it and any money you make is just an added bonus.”

Such great advice Sarah!  If anyone with four children can find patience, I think anyone can!  

You've seen Sarah's favorite item; HERE is mine

This piece just looks so calming and refreshing.  I can imagine it coordinating with many different outfit styles!  
Remember to check out Piece by PEACE Designs to find something special to call your own!

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Saturday Scrapbook Page

Today I was looking through my scrapbook albums and thought that maybe some of you would like to see too!  I am still a beginner at scrapbooking.  My sisters turned me onto the craft about 1 1/2 years ago, and now I am completely addicted.

I find it as a great way to dress up those favorite photos and make them even more memorable.  Before I started making scrapbooks, I would rarely print out my digital pictures to put into albums. Now I can't wait to print them and create a page.

My sisters and I have found that scrapbooking is also a great bonding time for us.  It is a common interest that the three of us share, and we have gotten together on more than one occasion for a 'scrapfest' of sorts.  I make 8x8 albums, because I just can't imagine filling an entire 12x12 page.  My sisters sometimes have trouble fitting everything on their 12x12 layouts!  I like to work with the smaller page, pick a few great images and some coordinating details, and keep the pages simple.

Here is the first of what will hopefully be a recurring theme on my blog: 'Saturday Scrapbook Page'

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Gift Idea

This past weekend I received a custom order for a double pointillism portrait.  I found out that this image will be given as an engagement gift!  What a perfect idea!

This portrait took me about 4 hours total to complete.  Each dot placed seemed to carve the image from the paper.  Although I have never met this couple, through working on their portrait in such detail I could sense the happiness in their eyes and the spirit of joy in their smiles.  I pray for many years of wedded bliss for these two!

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What A Giveaway!

One of my favorite Etsy shops 'Le Papier Studio' is offering a very generous giveaway!

Vana, the shop owner, creates some of the most amazing silhouette products, including: stationary, art prints, pillows and necklaces!

You would be missing out if you didn't take a peek at her shop and enter THIS CONTEST!

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Mom SHOP Monday (with Hello Love Designs)

I am pleased to introduce the first of what will be a recurring article on my blog: ‘Mom SHOP Monday.’  In it I will talk with other stay at home moms and discuss how they have been able to strike a balance nurturing both their creative spirits and their children.

For the first installment, I chose Jenifer from the Etsy shop ‘hello love designs.’  Her shop has been open for a mere month, and already she has seen much success.  Browsing through her shop you can see why.  Her assortment of birth announcements, birthday celebration cards and invitations are stunning!  I have a feeling she has quite a future ahead of her!

I asked Jenifer a few questions regarding her family and her business. Here’s what she had to say:

What made you decide to become a stay at home mom? (SAHM for short)

“My husband and I discussed before we ever had children that when we did decide to start a family, I would stay at home with them until the youngest reached school age. So when we did have our first child nearly 8 years ago, it wasn't an issue - we had already made the decision. I wanted to be a sahm because how our children are raised was an important issue to us, and God has blessed us enough for me to be able to stay home. I wanted to be the one to teach my children. I wanted to be the one to comfort them when they were hurt or sad. I wanted to see, experience, and rejoice when they reached their next milestone. I'm surely not against child care, but I do believe that staying home with children is an enriching and blessed experience for the whole family.”

How do you find time to create while you have your children at home with you?

“Time! That is what everyone needs more of, right?! It is definitely a challenge to find time to do business with children at home. I create my designs and conduct business during three main times of the day: early morning before my children are awake or getting ready for school, during nap times, and late at night. I'm a night person, so I do most of my work at night.”

In what ways do you feel your children inspire your work?

“My children have inspired me in so many ways! So much so that I've written my own unpublished children's books based upon some adventures we've had. When I'm designing cards, I think about the personalities of my kids. Both of my kids, ages 7 and 18 months, have very colorful personalities, so you'll see a lot of color in my designs. I think about the past birthday parties that we've had and what kinds of interests my children have at the moment and I'll use those inspirations for my designs.”

Which is your favorite item in your shop and why?

“It's so hard to choose a shop favorite of mine because I spend so much time creating each one and I am proud of each one. It's almost like saying, "this one is my favorite child!" It's so funny because after I design a card, I'll say, "Oh, now this is my new favorite design! I LOVE it!" Then I'll create the next card and say the same thing. 
I would have to say that some of my "favorite" designs are all bird related. This  "little pink birdie initial" birth announcement was one of my very first creations when I started my business and has remained the single most popular design in my store.”

What is the best advice that you can give to another SAHM who would like to start up an ETSY shop?

“I highly encourage stay at home mom's to open their own Etsy store! It's a lot of work but very rewarding. The best advice I can give to those wanting to start an Etsy shop is the single most important rule of marketing and that is to keep your store name in front of people. Advertising is expensive, so I've found it very useful to promote my store in the Etsy forums, create treasuries, comment on others treasuries, and participate in blog events, comment on other's blogs, and whatever you can do to keep your name memorable. It's also important to take everything with a grain of salt, meaning don't take your store so seriously. It is a serious business but have fun, enjoy creating, meet new people, do what you love. Etsy requires a minimal investment, so it is the very best way to get your products out to others.”

You’ve seen her favorite items; do you want to know what mine is?  THIS!

I am sure that one of the boys will have a fire truck themed birthday party in the future, and I know just who to contact to help me spread the news!

Now it’s your turn! If you like what you see, you can enter for a FREE design at 'By Hand Giveaway' .  Just leave a comment at the bottom of their blog post to be entered in the giveaway.  Contest ends April 9^th! 
(NOTE: comments for the giveaway should be made at the 'By Hand Giveaway' blog, not on this one! thanks!)

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A is for April

and air… fresh AIR!

This month brings us outdoors to re-discover the beauty of nature and the natural freshness that comes with it.  Our senses are treated to the crisp clean smells of cooling rain, the warmth of the sparkling sun and the beauty of budding flowers.

I have put together a collection of Etsy finds which used ‘Fresh Air’ in their listing title.  They perfectly celebrate all that April means to me.  Check out the seller shop links to find more great products!

1. "Fresh Air & Sunshine" Metallic Art Print: http://www.etsy.com/shop/mysaturnalia

2.  Aromatherapy Soy Wax Candle: http://www.etsy.com/shop/sawgrasscandles

3.  Baby Booties: http://www.etsy.com/shop/pleasantlyplumpknits

4. Set of 4 Coasters: http://www.etsy.com/shop/HKExpressions

5. Blue Briolette Silver Earrings: http://www.etsy.com/shop/WeeSparrow

6. Goat’s Milk and Shea Butter Soap: http://www.etsy.com/shop/orangethyme

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Symbolism

You may have noticed that my banner has recently changed, both at my etsy shop and on this blog.  I have worked hard over the past couple of weeks trying to figure out how best to represent my shop through my logo.  Since I see it as a reflection of my own personality, I wanted to be sure that the things I most love (art, architecture and my family), were incorporated in the design.

The largest element in the logo is the letter L.  “L” stands for life, and the amazing one I have with my family.  It is the anchoring point for everything else in the design, just as my family is my anchor and support for everything that I do.  The tree, which is growing out of the L, is a symbol of art.  The leaves are done in the pointillism technique that my new etsy shop is focusing on.  The small house represents my love for architecture.  Designing houses is a passion of mine, and something that I truly enjoy doing.  

The house is also an obvious representation of home.  If you look closely at the large window, you will notice a cross.  I know that my life would not be the same if it weren’t for the love that Jesus Christ showed me when he died on that cross.

I am very happy with how the design turned out, and ready to incorporate it into gift certificates, mailing labels and business cards! 

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Strength and Weaknesses

Some people suffer with a weak stomach, some struggle from weak knees. We all have our limitations, and although I have the ability to eat just about anything (with the exception of bean&bacon soup) without repercussion and walk into most every situation with optimism; I have a problem… a problem with arm strength. If you ask my parents they will tell you the same thing. In fact, any arm strength that I was supposed to be born with skipped me and went directly to my younger sister. And now, with a 28 pound one year old of my own and a couple of jobs that require quite a bit of computer mouse manipulation, these old arms are tired. When I go to bed at night, I can literally feel them pulsing in pain. I’m afraid that carpel tunnel surgery lies somewhere in my future.

If you read my post from the beginning of February, you will remember that my dear grandmother passed away. With her death, she continued her generosity and gave each of her grandchildren a bit of an inheritance. I wanted to buy something with the money that would remind me of her, and honor her. When I first started with my art venture at the end of high-school, my grandma was one of my biggest supporters. In fact, she was the first person to ever buy a piece of my artwork and proudly hung it on her living room wall until the day she went to live in Heaven. She gave me the encouragement and strength to carry on with my art. One of her favorite flowers was a pink rose. So simple, so sweet a flower, it doesn’t require much foliage to make it beautiful.

I have decided that I would like to purchase a tool that will help me with my art. After much review and customer opinions, I have settled on the Wacom Intuos4- Medium. It is the perfect amount of drawing surface and stability. The pen, as compared with a traditional mouse, is supposed to put quite a bit less strain on the arms and wrists, a welcomed relief for my weak appendages. Every single person I have talked to who has one raved about it. The way I see it, every time I use that drawing pad (which will probably be every day) I will be thinking of my grandma and she will continue to support me on my art journey throughout the years. One of the first art projects I hope to create with it will be an image of a pink rose.

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A bit of Meticulousness

Yes... it IS a word...

me.tic'.u.lous.ness (n)
1. extremely careful and precise
2. extremely or excessively concerned with details

I am starting to feel that most of my work and life involves this.  I can't say that I have gone as far as this Etsy seller ( http://www.thelonebeader.etsy.com/ ), who makes bead art... art out of BEADS! very neat by the way!,

BUT I do my fair share of tedious jobs:

Growing up, I had... we'll call it an obsession... with making sure my bedsheets were completely smooth.  There is just something about a crisp looking bed that starts my day out right.  To this day, I still have to get the bed made immediately and I find myself shopping for new bedsheets and comforters on a regular basis.

Being schooled as an architect, my favorite task was to create models of the buildings that I designed.  All the cuts had to be just perfect, and I would sand the finished product endlessly.

The summer before I got married, I painstakingly created a hand quilted comforter for my husband.  Without a quilting stand, I had to drape the queen sized quilt over my lap while I put on the finishing touches.  Did I mention it was summer? (this isn't the exact quilt, but you get the idea)

When I became a stay at home mom and the dishes started to pile up, I didn't head to the dishwasher.  I like to wash all the dishes... by hand.  Possibly weird, but I KNOW those dishes are clean!

And now, back to the art that I most loved since I was introduced in my junior art class... pointillism/stippling.  I tend to call my art pointillism.  There is just something about the word 'stipple' that just sounds wrong.  But technically, since I don't generally use color most of my art is 'stipple art' (shudder)

I guess it is part of my personality, a big part.  And you know what?  I'm happy being meticulous!

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My Simple Studio

Every woman needs a sanctuary, and this is mine! A few weeks ago, I convinced my husband to let me take over the then-guest bedroom in the basement for my Arts & Crafts Studio. We used items that we already had around the house, making this room a very minimal investment. This is the first time since college that I have had a space to call my own, and I couldn't be more thrilled!

Take a tour around the room with me:

This is the corner where most the work is done. I have a computer, printer and L-shaped work-space. The awesome picture on the wall was given to me by my older sister. It depicts architecture as art... and since I have a degree in architecture as well as a love for art, it fits the space perfectly!

The second table space is where Daniel gets his 'work' done while we are in the room together. Almost every day we go downstairs while Isaiah is napping. He is learning all types of techniques from watercolor to pastels. My supply cabinets are on either side of the table.

Another supply space. This is an old dresser that we took the drawers out of and made shelves. I covered the plywood shelves with contact paper and dressed them up with colorful tacks. Cleaned out baby food and jelly jars serve as holders for colorful pencils. That masterpiece on the top of the cabinet is Daniel's pastel work.

I covered an old cork-board with colorful blue fabric (left-over from the boys bedroom curtains) and added a bit of black ribbon and daisies, for a girlie touch! See the house image on the upper left-hand corner? It is an 'American Foursquare', similar to our own house, but in much better repair. I am sure that I will discuss our house (and future house plans) in later posts.

I hope that many creative pieces will be produced in the space... for now, it inspires me!

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A pen, paper and a lot of patience!

Ironically, I have had many questions regarding how my artwork is made. Many people believe that I use some type of computer software to 'generate' the images. In fact, these pieces of art are 100% handmade by me using nothing more than a pen, paper and a lot of patience!

At the shop.... I have decided to have a Grand Opening Sale, giving the first 10 customers 10% off of their total purchase! I hope to draw in some business to get more of a customer base.

Until then, it is time to create some new artwork to sell!

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