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! :)