I'M MOVING!!...

 

 ...Well, not really ME, but my BLOG is moving! After six fun years of writing SIMPLE*BLESSINGS & calling this my home on the Blogosphere, I've decided to move to some "New Diggs"... really just around the corner!

WHY??? you might ask... Well, mostly for practical reasons. For a while now, I've wanted to share BIGGER pictures & to change the background on my blog to a more neutral WHITE. But, even though I've learned a lot about HTML over the years, I finally reluctantly decided that tweeking my current blog was waaaaay beyond my Geeky abilities! If I wanted these changes, I was just going to have to pack up & move!

So, that's what I've been doing this past month... and my new blog is almost ready to launch! The BIG CHANGE (besides the moving part) is that I'm also adopting a NEW BLOG NAME so my artwork can be found more readily online. Instead of SIMPLE*BLESSINGS, my new blog will be called PHOLKART*BLESSINGS, just like my Etsy shop. Google seems to think that's a good idea, too!   ;)

I'm going to keep SIMPLE*BLESSINGS online... It's been such a cozy place, & I love the idea that I can come back to visit anytime I want to! Lots of stories & life lessons here I don't want to forget. But now, it's time to turn down the heat, lock the old front door, & hide the key under the front porch mat...

THANKS for the sweet memories, SIMPLE*BLESSINGS!... It's been so good to call you HOME!   :)

I hope you'll come on over to PHOLKART*BLESSINGS & follow me on my NEW BLOG!  :)  The coffee is brewing & I'm busy creating!... As always, I would LOVE to hang out with you !!

FROM THIS DAY FORWARD...

I hope you'll bear with me as I show off my family a bit! We're delighted that our oldest son, Ben, has just married his true love, Sarah. Their wedding took place in November on Anna Maria Island in Florida, which is where Sarah was raised. Their wedding reception was held at her family's home, overlooking the water... such an ideal setting, a beautiful day, & a joyful occasion!

My husband, Joe, and I could not be happier to welcome Sarah into our family! She is a caring young lady, so fun-loving, adventurous, & a dog-lover too!... the perfect match for Ben! 

Congratulations, Ben & Sarah!... Blessings, Love, & Much Happiness to You!!!

The wonderful photos are courtesy of Doerr Photo Inc.... Thank You!   :)

 

OCTOBER SKIES

 

"Autumn Tree"

Without a doubt, October is my favorite month of the year! I always look forward to seeing the leaves don their bright hues & feeling those very first crisp-y breezes. This Autumn has been especially welcome after an unusually LONG & HOT summer season!

The other day, my husband Joe surprised me with two colorful chrysanthemums to enjoy on our old bungalow's front porch. He chose a rusty red color, which goes PERFECTLY with our newly painted front door! Somehow, I'm sure he knew I'd love that!... He is so thoughtful & such a sweetie! 

I hope this season finds you enjoying all the GOOD things that Autumn offers!... Pumpkins & the sound of crunchy leaves underfoot, cozy socks, scarves & sweaters to keep the chill away... Clear blue skies, apple crisp & cider, bonfires & the State Fair.

So many blessings!... I wish you much Harvest Happiness!!   :)

I had so much fun creating "Autumn Tree"! It's an original 4" x 6" frameable piece of artwork, sure to brighten any corner of your home. You can find it in my Etsy shop, PHOLKART*BLESSINGS.

CREATIVE THERAPY

Some of you may wonder if I've fallen completely off the face of the Blogosphere!! Thankfully, no!... But April & May were filled with many family events and needs that kept me both from writing & from drawing much.

In April, my husband & I had the JOY of traveling north to celebrate my nephew's wedding with family & friends. As co-pilot in the front seat of our little red Corolla, I happily counted the miles by knits & purls as I practiced my new knitting skills on a cozy blue scarf.

Home again in May, we learned of my mother-in-law's unexpected hospitalization & quickly repacked our bags (along with more yarn) and headed to the farm for 3 weeks. During that time, my mom also had knee replacement surgery... a very difficult experience for the whole family. My life felt upside-down & in limbo... and so I knit.

It's interesting now, looking back on my whole May experience... Much as I wanted to draw & create, I found I just wasn't emotionally able to concentrate. And yet, my hands still yearned to "make stuff"... so knitting did indeed become my creative therapy! Nothing very complex, mind you!... Just miles & miles of colorful scarves! It was one of those times when I wondered if I'd ever be able to draw anything again. But God is GOOD!... and I'm once again able to put pencil to paper & let my "sillies" out in living color.
    

Thank you so much, Lord, for your faithfulness to me!!

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."  James 1:2-4 NIV

KNIT & CROCHET 101

"Cutie-Patootie EtsyKids Knit & Crochet"

I've been having so much fun over the past year learning how to knit & crochet! It's fascinating to me that you can take a ball of colorful yarn & some very simple tools and end up with a delightful hat, a cozy scarf, or even a soft baby toy! It seems like magic to me to watch the yarn transform into something warm, useful & very personal.

Now admittedly, I'm still at the "Cozy Scarf" stage! I've just about mastered knitting in a straight line & I'm well-into creating Scarf #6! Can't wait to move on to something a bit more challenging... Maybe I'll try baby hats next!  ;)

The picture above is a little peek at an EtsyKids Treasury I created yesterday featuring kid-friendly crochet from a variety of talented EtsyKids members. These ADORABLE monster & animal baby hats make me smile & inspire me to keep creating! I hope you'll hop on over to see the rest of the Cutie-Patootie EtsyKids Knit & Crochet Treasury!

RAINY DAY ADVENTURES

"Pirate Adventures"

One rainy day recently, I was thinking about when my two boys (now all grown up!) needed to create some "Inside Fun" for themselves on rainy afternoons. They loved Playmobil & Legos (with all those gazillions of little pieces!)... and I loved listening in on the stories they'd create as our house became the scene for little boy fun, adventure, & imagination!

MEET WINNIE!

Meet Winnie!!... She's our lovable Labrador Retriever! My husband & I are so blessed to have just passed the one year mark of adopting her into our family!

Winnie came to us through the Lab Rescue of North Carolina last winter, a few months after we said an unexpected goodbye to our sweet dog, Salem. Our home had felt quite lonely during those months between Christmas & February... and since both my husband Joe & I had grown up in dog-loving families, we became eager to find another companion who would "fit" into our family.

Unfortunately, we don't know much of Winnie's story. She was quite sick when she was rescued by the Humane Society & needed to be treated for heartworms. She also had recently had puppies... and though we tried to track down what had become of her little ones, we were never able to locate them. I have to think that she was a kind & gentle Mama!

This week Winnie & I went to the vet for her one year check-up... and I'm happy to say she is back to full health! With the exception of a few extra pounds she gained over the winter months (something we have in common!), Winnie is doing just fine! How thankful I am that the Lord has provided such a loving, laid back, & faithful friend for us to enjoy!

I hope you will consider whether or not you might be able to open your home to a rescued pet in need of love & kindness!!

I (HEART) ETSY

I admit it!... I am totally NUTS about Etsy!!

As a "Maker of Things" at Heart, I have sometimes wondered if other people were as obsessed with creating colorful arts & crafts from simple everyday materials as I am. I love everything about colors & textures and taking what's at hand & making "something out of nothing!" The process of creating simply fascinates me!

So, you can imagine my great delight to first learn of Etsy's Handmade Market Place! Suddenly I had access to an incredible, ever-changing online gallery of creativity from around the globe! What's more, I could learn about other artists & crafters like me, and virtually "peek over their shoulders" as they skillfully create their wares.

I find it so inspiring & encouraging to have found so many other "Makers of Things" in this world!... And I'm grateful to know there are so many others like me who share the joys of creativity!! 

The art & handcrafts above were created by Etsy sellers whose colorful & whimsical work I admire!   :)

FOLLOWING MY HEART...

Just recently, after investing considerable time & energy pursuing an Artful Direction, I came to realize that "something" was just not quite right. I wasn't really sure what was wrong at first... all I knew was that I wasn't very happy.

I imagine the feeling I had was similar to trying on an ill-fitting piece of clothing. As much as I pulled & tugged & tried to make it work, the "garment" just didn't fit me. 

It took me a long time to come to a decision... but I finally realized I needed to follow my heart. And so now, I find myself in a sense, "back to my beginnings" art-wise... back to colored pencils & markers & scissors & glue. Back to blogging just 'cause it's fun & I have a story to tell. I'm simplifying too... and you know, even though I'm not quite sure where it all will take me, I'm feeling lighter & happier. And for that, I'm very thankful!!

** Lord, I don't know how many artists find themselves needing to "reinvent" themselves,... but that is how I'm feeling right now. Please lead me as I seek to make new decisions in following my heart & following You.

A BRAND NEW SEASON FOR ME...

 My Zazzle Shop!!

It's been an interesting Autumn for me... one that has held some very unexpected life changes...

Many of you know that I've been working at a preschool for several years, where I've cared for children from infants to four years old. I have LOVED being part of this nurturing community and helping little ones learn in a caring Christian environment!

This fall, however, I've struggled to "stay on top" of home, family, work, & art... and I've finally made the bittersweet decision to leave my job at our sweet preschool. I plan to remain active there as a volunteer... and may even teach some craft classes later in the school year.

The sweet part of this decision is that I'll be working from my home, doing what I LOVE... Creating Art!!  :)  This is, in many ways, a "Leap of Faith" for me, as I am trusting that God has GOOD things for my family & me in this next "season" of my life.

And so... I've "dusted off" my Zazzle shop in recent days, & have had LOTS of FUN giving it a make-over & filling it with CUTE Baby & Kidswear using my original designs. I'm EXCITED about it!... and I hope you will be too!! Please let me know what you think! :)

WITH THANKFULNESS FOR SALEM...

This is our sweet dog, Salem. After a very brief illness, she went to be with the Lord this week. Joe & I are both so grateful for the GIFT that she has been to our family & for the many wonderful memories we have of her!!

It's strange for me to realize that, at almost 54 years old, Salem is the first dog in my life that I have really called "Friend". She loved our boys as they were growing up, always happy to be their playful buddy. She has been my close companion & a constant presence for me. With all of Joe's travels, I have never felt alone or afraid with Salem at home with me. Joe had developed a "tradition" when I came home from work... both he & Salem would come out on the front porch to greet me. There she'd be, tail wagging & barking to get my attention. It always made me feel loved.  :)

Salem helped me through all the transitions of motherhood as we sent Ben & Jesse off to college & out into life. Her presence in our house helped fill our home with warmth & joy & peace for me... and how fitting that is since the word "Salem" means "Peace".

Thank you, Lord, for the GIFT Salem has been for our family & for me!! I am so GRATEFUL to have enjoyed her friendship & companionship! My heart is hurting now... but I trust in You. I know your plans are GOOD. Please be very present to us as we walk through this valley... and help us find JOY in our memories of Salem.

HAPPY AUTUMN!!

"The Pumpkin Patch"

It seems I've jumped directly from August to November here on my blog!... an unintended "Blog Vacation" on my part for sure! Since the beginning of the new school year, I've been learning a new job (I'm the part time administrative assistant at preschool), helping out in the 3 year old classroom, keeping up with "normal" life at home, and trying my best to squeeze in a little art time. I've been reminded once again that I'm a "one-thing-at-a-time kinda gal", and NOT a born multi-tasker! :)

But my heart and mind are never far from my love for creating! I've continued to fill my sketchbook with artful ideas before they whiz through my brain. I've splurged on some new Copic markers that I am absolutely loving! And I've been researching a new direction for my artwork... digital stamps for papercrafting. This is an exciting avenue, one I haven't considered before, and I'm eager to see where it takes me!

I realized recently that I'd never posted a picture of myself on my blog. I'm a bit shy about this, but I know that I always like to link a name with a face. So, here goes!...

 Wishing you all the JOYS that Autumn holds!!

~ Patti 

"WHAT I DID ON MY SUMMER VACATION"

"Sailing with Spot"

It doesn't seem possible, but today is the last day of my summer vacation! One of the BLESSINGS of being a preschool teacher is having the whole summer off! I've enjoyed being at home with Joe and Salem (our sweet dog) and living life at a more relaxed pace. I've had fun...

* Celebrating my parents' 54th anniversary with all my family :)
* Spending a week at Myrtle Beach with Joe & Ben (Beach, pool, & eating out!)
* Sketching, reading books, & knitting a scarf (my first knitting project!)
* Creating art for children to put in my Etsy shop, PHOLKART*BLESSINGS
* Helping Jesse & Ben as they've settled into Ben's new house
* Visiting Joe's mom at her farm (Mmmm!... fresh veggies & sweet corn!)
* Caring for an adorable baby girl while her mom was working (such a blessing!)
* Watching movies at home & seeing "Harry Potter" with Joe at the theater

... So many GOOD things!! As I head back into the new school year, I know that the Lord has given me the gift of rest & refreshment this summer. And I'm so GRATEFUL knowing He has good plans for the children & for me in the coming school year! :)

WELCOME TO MY STUDIO!

On a recent shopping trip to AC Moore (my favorite craft store!), I couldn't resist picking up the most recent edition of ClothPaperScissors STUDIOS. Of course, I went right home & proceeded to read it from cover to cover! Afterall, who can resist peeking into artists' spaces and seeing them at their creative work?... Not me! :)

Inspired by all the colorful pics I found within its' pages, I decided to offer a mini-tour of my own home studio here on my blog... So WELCOME to "This Old House" and my creative space!

My studio is located in the back bedroom of our 1920's Bungalow and has LOTS of natural light! I have a great view out the window into my neighbors' English garden.

My art desk was a birthday gift to me from my sweet husband Joe!... The sideboard that holds my light box used to be the changing table in my sons' nursery! I have a single bed in my studio I use as a daybed... perfect for journaling, sketching, sipping tea, and snoozing! :)

This is the view from our kitchen into my studio... just steps away from my computer & our laundry room. I like being able to work on my artwork while keeping things going around the house!

My husband helped me improvise storage in my studio... It inspires me to have all my arty "stuff" where I can see it & within easy reach!

Our back porch is just off the kitchen and studio. It's one of my favorite places in our home! I spend LOTS of time out here on my computer. I can watch the birds, squirrels, and chipmunks at the feeder from my perch. My dog, Salem, often keeps me company here while I work. :)

I hope you've enjoyed this little peek inside my studio! I would LOVE to hear about YOUR creative space and why you enjoy being there so much!


To see my most recent creations, please come visit my Etsy shop, PHOLKART*BLESSINGS! :)

"TO HAVE AND TO HOLD..."

This past Memorial Day weekend, my parents celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary! Months before this special day, planning began to gather family and close friends from all over the country. Invitations were sent, a lovely reception hall overlooking the river was rented, centerpieces were designed using photos of my parents' wedding and cheerful red roses, and balloons were hung in big bouquets around the room. My niece even recorded music from 1954, the year my parents were married!

What a wonderful celebration it was! And most special of all to me was hearing from so many guests who came forward to share. One after another, they talked about how they'd been blessed by my parents and their marriage. The Lord had used Mom and Dad over those 55 years to care for so many people! What an amazing thing to hear how lives had been changed and people brought to know Jesus... all because my parents had held firmly to their faith and to each other!


Lord, thank you so much for Mom and Dad. May you use my husband Joe and I in our marriage to honor You all of our days!


The picture above was created by me in celebration of my parents' anniversary. While deliberating on a border to frame the piece, I could think of nothing better than "Rol hearts Joan hearts Rol hearts Joan..." forever! :)

MY "ARTY" SPRING BREAK!

"Garden Bunny"

It's Spring Break for me this week, and I'm enjoying taking off my "preschool teacher's hat" and putting on my "artist's hat". I spent a whole day spring cleaning my blog, updating the colors and decluttering a bit. I had fun creating a clip art "baby chick" in PaintShop Pro from one of my little drawings to use on my new banner. Slowly, I'm getting more comfy creating simple digital art! :)

I've made time to just "doodle" this week. It's been wonderful to have the time and the energy to sit with my cup of tea and my sketchbook, just enjoying the process of "playing on paper." There's been no pressure to produce... just the pleasure of seeing what develops. I'm amazed as I see these little sketches come to life! They are a gift to me and bring me so much joy!!

Thank you, Lord, for rest and renewal... Thank you for the chance to be inspired and to enjoy the process of creating!!


"Garden Bunny" is available in my Etsy shop, PHOLKART*BLESSINGS

LOVE ONE ANOTHER

"Love One Another"

I've been wanting to update my blog for the month of February... something appropriate for Valentine's Day, something "meaningful and insightful", perhaps some whimsical story or "fresh new take" on what it means to LOVE (and YES! I have been waaaay over-thinking this blog post! ;) ).

But in the end, I've returned to a favorite portion of Scripture that best sums up Love for me. From I Corinthians:13...

"Love is patient,
love is kind.
It does not boast,
it is not proud.
It is not rude,
it is not self-seeking,
it is not easily angered,
it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil
but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects
always trusts,
always hopes,

always perseveres.
Love never fails..."

I Corinthians 13:4-8 NIV

Please love those who cross my path each day with YOUR perfect love, Jesus. Help them to experience YOUR love for them through me... Amen.

ARTFUL RESOLUTIONS

"Carolina Snowfall"

I'm not one to make New Year's Resolutions... Unfortunately, I've learned from past experience that I don't follow through very well on my best intentions!

But this year I hope will be different for me! I'm feeling the need to define what I'm doing art-wise better & simplify, simplify, simplify!! I want to clean out my studio & make it a cozy place to create (instead of a cluttered place just to store art supplies!). I want to step away from my computer & rediscover the joys of quiet time set aside just for sketching and journaling.

Most of all, I want to listen to my own heart & create art that reflects ME... and pleases GOD.


** As YOU enter the New Year, what are YOUR Artful Resolutions?... and how do you hope to achieve them???

Perhaps we can encourage one another as we grow as artists in the coming year!!

Too Cute To Spook!

"Too Cute To Spook!"

I have such fond memories of eagerly dressing up in home-made costumes and visiting neighbors for candy, doughnuts, and hot apple cider on Halloween night! Mom and Dad always walked along with us, chatting with friends, as we went house-to-house with our buddies.

Today, my husband and I are the neighbors who wait at the door with a huge basket of candy and a big welcome for the children! I always look forward to the adorable parade of princesses and pirates, firemen and fairies, cute bumblebees and baby pumpkins! :)

Wishing y'all a fun and family-friendly Halloween!! :)

HARVEST QUILT

"Harvest Quilt"

Autumn is coming to North Carolina! The evenings are nippy and the tops of the trees have been painted orange and gold. It's time for some of my favorite things... apple crisp, chrysanthemums, colorful leaves, pumpkins, cozy sweaters, and warm quilts. :)


"Harvest Quilt" is my little tiny way of celebrating the JOYS of Autumn! It is available for purchase in my Etsy shop, PHOLKART*BLESSINGS.