Year End Wrap-Up

Last year I had done a post about my resolutions for the year 2010. I was going to go by one word. That word being embrace. So here is my recap this past year, did I let the word embrace guide me? Yes, for the most part. It became a year of embracing motherhood really, this year we have been blessed to find out we were pregnant with our third and most likely last baby. So I have been focusing on that. Enjoying the last pregnancy and just embracing the quiet before the storm. I cut back a lot on my commitments and by doing so cut back on my creativity something I truly have missed. I also this year did not grow much in the way of becoming a better friend that my loved ones so deserved. On the work front I fully did embrace my job and my duties however I feel some major changes in the wind, call it a hunch if you will and while it terrifies me in some ways it also thrills me in so many more ways.

So yes, I did embrace 2010, to the extent I wanted? Not really, but I did in so many more ways then I had expected when I picked the word so many months ago. I embraced what life threw at me and really in the end that is a successful resolution.

I have my new word already picked for 2011 and have made a new badge you can see on my blog on the right. This is the year I really focus on my creativity, my creative business and growing my artistic skills. I am excited and have so much already in the works I am excited to share with you all.

For my first year of doing a one word resolution I can say without a doubt, this has been the best tradition and one I will most likely continue for years to come!

A lil rusty

Look! After months of letting my sewing machine collect dust I finally busted it out and put it to work on a baby quilt for a bundle of joy to arrive soon enough. Perfect? No. Handmade with love? Absolutely.

I may have one more post in me before the Holidays, after that I will be off to spend time with the family and will be most days no where near internet access. So just in case, Merry Christmas to everyone, I hope one and all get to witness a Christmas miracle or two this year!

Pregnancy Fashion Advice

First let me say, sorry all no cute pictures on this post. Second I have had this need to put out in the universe my thoughts on maternity clothes and advice for soon to be mommas.

Ok so here we go! Baby number three and the thing I have learned through all of these pregnancy...comfort is key. And comfort I do not mean sweat pants. I mean cute outfits you can wear and not feel frumpy. I also can not stress this enough, do not buy tons of maternity clothes, it isnt necessary. Buy a shirt a size or two bigger, focus on the fit and you can find some great clothes that you can wear your entire pregnancy without having to spend a fortune!

So my secret that took 3 pregnancy to figure out, leggings people. They will change your life. I have never been so comfortable and semi fashionable since I don't know when. So waddle your cute pregnant self out to the store, get some leggings and few tunic tops, shirt dress, and empire waist long shirts (make sure they cover your rump) and throw on a pair of cute boots. And as a bonus you can easily wear these outfits after the baby is born while your body is still in transition.

So off my soap box I will drop and just say youre welcome for years to come!

Holy Smokes! Its already Thursday!

How the heck did that happen?!?!!? I know a lot of people are running around freaking out before the holidays. This year with my pregnancy I took it easy, I didnt make gifts (well not many) I bought handmade, online, and yes some mas-produced items. It was a happy balance for me. Next year it is back to all handmade, local buys but this year it just wasnt going to happen.

So how is my time flying by then and I am freaking out you ask. Well all I have been doing is reading. Lots of reading. Reading about art, mixed media, painting, sewing, business, blogs, shops. Just lots of reading. The problem with all this reading? I am living in my head of how I can make my creative life so much better problem with that... I am not living the dreams. So this is the year (I am starting early on my news year resolution, prep work if you would) I will actively pursue my creative dreams and not just go with the flow as I have been so much lately. Time to paddle girl! More on this later. But there will be a lot less reading on my part and a lot more doing. And you are all my witness and will hold me accountable (right!?!?)

What about you, have you started looking forward into the new year and what you would like to change, keep on with, forget about?

Happy Friday!

Leila would like to wish everyone a happy weekend. Bundle up and enjoy the weather, whatever you are experiencing. We will be enjoying another potential 10 inches of snow by Sunday morning.

Woot!

This pretty little wreath was a featured photo for an article for my dear friend's store opening. Thank you Naomi for giving me the opportunity to have my items sold at your store, you are an inspiration and I dont know how you do it all!

Odd Need

Image courtesy of Galison

This last weekend I was at my local toy store. They have some of the coolest stuff. This was one of those things that I wanted for myself and not give as a gift. Is it wrong that I am almost 30 but really want something that a 13 year old would have in her locker!??!?! Have you been to mudpuppy's before?!?!? If not you are in for a treat!

Holiday Crafting

(To see larger photos please go to my flickr site)

Wreaths, lots of wreaths have been made thanks to two Wisconsin Local shops (Dainty Daisies & Glitter Workshop) asking to carry them this holiday season. I will in no way take credit for this idea, it was thanks to the lovely shop KnockKnocking that I drew inspiration from and took my own direction. If you are near either stores please stop by and check them out, they are super cute in person I promise!

Thanks to this little helper photos where that much enjoyable!

Kitschy for the Holidays

My Grandma loves Christmas ornaments. Each year her collections seems to grow in size. Because of that she on occasion will have to part with some ornaments that she no longer has room for. This year I spoke up for what many would find as kitschy ornaments. Me? I love them and new they would be at home on my non-traditional Christmas Tree. What's even better about these ornaments is I found out my great aunt (who was there during the tree decorating at my Grandma's) was the one who made them. They have been beat up over the years and some where forsaken to stay in the box this year while I fix them for next year. But these ornaments? I love them so, my misfit kitschy ornaments.

Enjoy!

Image found here.

I have heard rumors of a fair dumping of snow around these parts in Wisconsin. That just means some of my nesting dreams may come true as I say good bye to my craft room and hello to a toy/kids room. Wish me (and my back) luck!

X-mas Wish List

Let the count down begin!!! My mom had asked for a few ideas for me for Christmas gifts. While some of these are downright pipe dreams I figured I would share some of my favorite things right now and they may gave you some ideas for yourself or some crafty person in your own life.

Silhouette SD found here

Crosley Travel Turntable

Le Creuset Dutch Oven (one of those dream items)

Golden Fluid Acrylics

Prisma Color Gift Set (Another dream purchase)

Or really just a gift card from www.dickblick.com (love them!)

Anything from this cute site.

Surprise me! Anything from my Etsy Favorite shops

A blog redesign from either of these two designers.

So mom, hubby, friends, and santa, this is my wish list (oh and world peace, I always wish for world peace *smile*)

Happy shopping!

Hello World

Photo has nothing to do with post, but it is sent out with great love to my BFF who hasn't been feeling well, and poppies are her favorite flower. Credits found here.


Just wanted to send a shout out to the world. Family and friends have brought to my attention their worries due to lack of posts. Sorry! Life is, just that nothing terribly exciting. I did just have a craft show two weekends ago so the month of November was all around crafty goodness and I just figured no one wanted to see the chaos that is craft show prep *smile*

Rest of a recap? I am good baby is measuring around 30 weeks I am about 29 weeks in so baby may be a little earlier then planned (pretty normal for me!) this has been (knock on wood) the smoothest sailing pregnancy to date. I have terrible acid reflux and my brain is completely scattered (no cell phone left in the fridge yet, but I wouldn't doubt it to happen) but that is about it. Leila is great, 4 and she has the sassy attitude to show it. She is doing great though and as hair pulling as the fours can be she is a hoot to be around and have conversations with.

Kenson is finally walking! Took him 18 months but now you cant slow the little guy down. He is still tiny and is really low on the weight and height scales (we are talking 5%) but I figure someone has to be down there otherwise you wouldnt have a scale, he is just that lucky guy. He isnt talking yet but most people (including Ken and I) aren't overly concern, they have already ruled out hearing impairments so we will see a speech pathologist and just go from there.

Ken has the typical beginning of winter cold, so he is a teeny bit crabby but otherwise doing great.

So there is a quick (or not so quick) update. Life is just that, time is moving by super fast and baby will be here sooner then I am ready!

Come back and visit soon, I do have a fun tutorial I am putting together (my first, I am super excited) and I promise to start writing a little bit more, be forewarned though with this scatter brain at the wheel you never know what you are gonna get!

Happy Thanksgiving

I just got this article in my inbox and it really does sum up why gratitude and the spirit of Thanksgiving should be practiced year round. Have a wonderful holiday weekend!!

Why Gratitude Makes You Happy & Wealthy

by Christine Kane

Gratitude is more than being thankful one day a year. Gratitude is a practice. For some, it's a way of life.

Why do some people swear by the practice of gratitude? Why do these people have joy-filled and abundant lives?

In other words, why does gratitude make you happy and wealthy?

• Because gratitude is about presence.

It's about waking up in this moment and being here - really being here - and noticing what's around you. Most people are so busy thinking about the next thing, or about their horrid past, that they don't wake up and look around at their present moment - the only moment there is.

• Because gratitude is about honoring YOUR precious life.

Do you ever compare your life with someone else's? Do you ever wish your life were better and more like [insert famous person's name here]? Sometimes we can lose ourselves in wondering how we "measure up" to some standard set by our families or by the media. Comparison is the mind killer. The antidote is gratitude.

Gratitude requires that you validate your own life. (And you really don't have any other life, do you?) It forces you to say YES to the gift that is you. The choices you've made and the changes you've gone through -- they have brought you here. Even if here is a place that needs a little adjustment, that's okay. There are always gifts in any present moment.

• Because gratitude is about attracting.

It's difficult to attract abundance and joy if you are constantly saying "no" to what IS. You say "no" each time you focus on the future or past, or when you criticize something that is in your present moment.

Attraction is about saying Yes. When you say Yes, you shift.

Gratitude says, "Yes, I love this!" And then more of this is attracted, because the this is what you're focusing on.

• Because gratitude is about choice.

How you translate any situation is the situation. What you choose to see is the truth (for you).

This isn't proposing that you live in denial or phoniness. It's reminding you that your translation of any life situation is your choice. We've all heard stories of people who have ignored others' translations of their talent, their projects, their art, their looks, their lives. These people chose their own translations and succeeded. You always have a choice when it comes to how you look at things. Choose to choose gratitude.

• Because gratitude is about wisdom.

I think people believe they're being smart if they criticize, complain, and focus on the problems of the world around them.

Smart? Maybe.

Clever? Sure.

But not wise.

It is wise to look for and find the knowing place in your heart. It is wise to choose joy. It is wise to honor your riches. It is wise to focus on and grow the blessings of your life.

• Because gratitude is about recognition.

Use your power of focus to hone in on beauty and on what makes your heart sing. Recognize the spirit in your life. It's all around you waiting to be noticed. In the words of Franz Kafka, "It will roll in ecstasy at your feet."

• Because gratitude is about receptivity.

Gratitude makes you receptive. It makes you a vessel, waiting to be filled.

I carry a tiny notebook with me everywhere I go. In it, I write down song ideas. I write down quotes I hear. I write down ideas for stage stories. As I do that, I become more receptive, and more ideas and songs come to me. It's a tool that says to my subconscious, "Send more my way!" And the subconscious always responds.

Gratitude is the same way. It says, "I am receptive! Send more!" And more arrives.

• Because gratitude is about creativity.

Creativity is really all about attention. (So is genius.)

When I write a song, I build a relationship with that song. I spend time with it. I get to know it. I pay attention to it. Artists do the same thing with drawings. They spend time in rapt attention, and the drawing is born.

Gratitude is how we Live Creative. It is a creative act to notice and pay attention to the moments of your life. Some days it's an enormous act of creativity to find things for which to be thankful.

Start today.

And have a Thanksgiving of presence, creativity, and gratitude!

---

Christine Kane is the Mentor to Women Who are Changing the World. She helps women uplevel their lives, their businesses and their success. Her weekly LiveCreative eZine goes out to over 12,000 subscribers. If you are ready to take your life and your world to the next level, you can sign up for a F.R.E.E. subscription at http://christinekane.com.

Tickled Pink

I got happy mail in my box today. Paper n Stitch featured my hoop girls on her blog today. I just have a few more days with their exhibit but I love being able to finally put myself out there and introduce my work. Stop on by there if you get a chance to not just see my work but a huge group of immensely talented and creative artists. I hate to say it but jingle bells are just around the corner people!


Also if you would like to see the hoop girls in person many of them are taking residents up at my friend Michelle's store Dainty Daisies up in Oshkosh, WI. So stop on by if you get a chance!

snap shot madness

This is the typical face I get from Leila now when I take her picture. Screaming and running as fast as possible away from the camera. These moments are fleeting and she is making it that much harder to capture a second in time. Any suggestions on how to disguise my camera? I am all ears!
And Kenson? He is finally walking after waiting over 18 months to begin. Now he is practically running, but still getting used to hard sole shoes, hence the sitting down. He also is taking cues from Leila and this was the only shot of oh say 20 that he actually was remotely looking at the camera. Oh well. I will take the one I have and treasure it none the less and laugh at the 20 or so of the back of his head!

WIP

WOAH! Were did this week go???? Thursday though I dont know about you is d...r...a...g..g..i..n for me. Ouch. Anywho as I have blabbed about before I am taking some painting classes by the ah-mazing Suzi Blu our focus is on mermaids (hence the top wip) but I am taking the opportunity to stretch the creative muscles.

This little lady I hope to have done this weekend so I can enjoy here for the remainder of October. I am also going to go WAY out of my comfort zone and work with beeswax I am really excited and terrified all at once!

Help Needed

Credits found here

So I am planning to start selling my own prints of my artwork. Problem I am having? Finding the right printer. I have tried and gone the printing at wal-mart/walgreens/costco and I haven't had great success. I cant print on my own because as much as I love my printer it uses ink so fast and that stuff is expensive!

So artist friends, please tell me.... where do you go online to print off your artwork. I will be forever in your debt! Comment or email me at artsymomma @ gmail.com

Be there or Be square

Taken last year at the Gallery Walk

I will be here Saturday for the gallery walk from 6-9. Its always lots of fun. I love getting to meet the stores patrons and I get to hang out with my super cool friend Michelle who owns this amazing and cute store. I just have to make sure I keep my checkbook at home! I always leave with more then I even brought!

(and it looks like she is celebrating her 3 year anniversary at her store, send her some congrats/birthday wishes)

Welcome Fall?

I know around the country a lot of people aren't feeling fall. But it is here in Wisconsin, and we have a cold chill coming along. This weekend highs of 40-50s I don't know about you but that is too cold for me. I was enjoying the 60's.

At least I have a reason to bust out the blankets around here, so all isn't bad. I am just bummed that the heat may have to be turned on already! Ugh. Goodbye fall hello winter? I sure hope not!!!

Remember?

Remember when I posted up pictures of my Hoop Girl Collection?

Well these lovely ladies have been excepted into Paper n Stitch gallery exhibit for the next month (goes live today)! Super excited eh? In lou of that I have set up my Art Fire account and finally got my pretty little butt in gear! Yay, stop by and visit I would love to see you all!

More will be added to both Paper n Stitch and ArtFire as time goes on so keep on checking back for new items!

Somethings Wrong

Image found here

I have been sewing for almost 5 years. Normally when I purchase fabric it goes like this, if it is online I can take hours wading through beautiful pictures, putting items in and out of my cart finding just the right fabrics that I cant live without. I press purchase and wait on pins and needles till I get my fabric in the mail. I cant wait to tear it open and once it is all in front of me I stare at the fabric. Look at each piece like I am examining a fine piece of art work. I have been know to pet it. And I have heard of people wanting to lick their fabric it looks so good or just roll around in it, these all are rumors and I would NEVER take part in such silly activities (*cough yes I would/have *cough)

Why am I sharing this? Well yesterday I got some fabric in the mail. The first in a very long time since I am on a budget and well as people who are waiting for purses from me (you know who you are! SORRY!) I haven't been sewing AT ALL, I lost the mojo and I thought a little fabric retail would help bring it back. Only problem.... I let the package sit after I picked it up from the mailbox and once I finally did open it up late that night, I look through them briefly and felt no rush, no how did I ever live before you such fabric came into my life, no need to protect it to hungry fabric eating scissors. None of that.

I am bummed, I think I have lost my sewing mojo forever and fabric is no longer my vice. At least my husband will be happy! Me? I am kinda depressed about it!

Hoop Girls

So this summer I learned all type of new art techniques. My above and beyond favorites are the two I used to make these "hoop girls". Image transfers and photo tinting.



Have you ever tried these techniques? Would you like a tutorial? I am no way an expert but I am getting the hang of it!

So with fall officially here I need to figure out what my goals are for this season. I am thinking it will be more mixed media techniques. I am also trying drawing and painting on my own still. And just like any type of skill practice lots of practice. Whats most amazing to me is that while there are natural born artists that literally have a paint brush in their hand at birth most of the artist out there, lots of practice and honing in on their skills and tweaking where needed. So Suzi Blu is right... You ARE an artist! Love it! What about you? Any creative goals before the end of the year? Do share!

Apples by the bunches

This weekend BFF and I took our kids to an apple farm. Ubber fun. Plus I got to go to a cheese factory... mmm cheese. Leila had a great time picking out apples and like normal no trip to the apple farm is complete without a caramel apple. They were huge, gooey and covered in all types of different candy.

Leila is going through that phase of.... I will run each time you pull out the camera or make a crabby/silly face. Photographer mommas please tell me this ends quickly? All I have to show of Leila's fourth year of life is goofy faces and blurry photos. Which I suppose the first is fitting since she is such a goof ball.

My other dilemma..... so many apples! I plan to make some applesauce in the crock pot and we have been eating a TON of apples but please share.... what is your favorite apple recipe?!?!?!?

A new tradition

Taken on my phone not too shabby!

We live in a tiny town that has an amazing bakery. It is a hole in the wall type of place with regulars there every morning. Everyone knows everyone and talks about what is going on around town. I love it there. So this morning Leila and I sat down and had a morning treat and shared a carton of milk. It was a perfect Friday. And to my delight I wasnt the only parent having some bonding time with their child before the business of the day really began. We may have a new tradition.

Soup Time!

Fall is my favorite season (sorry summer, spring and winter). Apples, pumpkins, chilly mornings, gorgeous days. Love it! It also means that I can justify eating soups ALL the time. So in my challenge to myself to cook things from scratch rather than buying processed food I am making all of my soups on my own as well. With that also comes with creativity as we only go grocerry shopping once a week and while I plan my meals out for the most part when lovely hubby steals my indgredents for something he wants to cook (he is the cook in our relationship, he makes everything just by his sense and taste, me I am a follow a recipe card to a tee, though I am starting to be a little more adventourus) in comes plan B and work with what you have. And with that I present to you....
Zucchini soup, now it doesn't look all that appetizing, it looks a little like slop I admit, but the taste? Oh boy it is good! I went on the basis of this recipe and changed a few things as I didn't have dill and I used a little bit more chicken stock because I had it! Plus you can eat it cold or hot, me I prefer hot but yummy either way, promise!

Broken Record

As a momma, I feel like I need recording of the five most common things I say on a daily basis. Those five things would be:

be nice to your brother!
markers are for paper, not table/wall/couch/skin etc.
you are being such a sassy pants!
do you need to go potty?
who's driving this car?

So fess up mommas/daddys I know I am not the only one... what is on your broken record?
The one phrase though I will always say over and over again (with a smile on my face)...
I love you.
And boy oh boy do I love those two, as crazy as they make me!

I vow

I havent been great about taking pictures of the kids lately. Even worse about that is we just got a new digital SLR and I have barely touched it and I have wanted one for so long! So I vow today and forever more, pictures LOTS more pictures. Family and friends... consider yourself warned!

Seriously?

All images found on weheartit.com

So I went to a craft store yesterday and just about fell over. Christmas everywhere. At first I was like, I suppose it is October, Halloween is right around the corner and then I thought WAIT A MINUTE... It's September, the BEGINNING of September. Not so cool! I know the economy is bad, I know retail wants us to think about nothing but the holidays, but we are just ending a hot sticky humid summer around here and I would really love to enjoy and not rush my favorite season of the year fall! I am planning to decorate big time this fall and enjoy the yummy stuff that is fall, but the big retail monsters have wiggled their way into my mind and I am thinking about Christmas trees, lots of snow and my growing gift list. Too bad for them, everything I give this year will either be handmade by me or an artist/crafter. What about you, have you been witness to the holiday bug already? Does it drive you nuts too??!?!?

Hi my name is....

Stefanie and I have been super crabby lately. I am blaming it completely on the hormones though I know that cant all be true. I woke up thankful to have the long weekend over but as I sit here grumbling I yelled at myself to snap out of it and think about all the things you did this weekend.

Leila was an amazing helper and helped me make cherry scones and fresh whipped cream (so yummy!)

There was lots of cuddle and movie time

I got to draw a fair amount of the weekend

Park time!

yummy ice cream

a laid back stroll through the mall

Listening to Leila play make believe

Kenson bit by bit taking more and more small steps (yep 19 months and still not walking, stubborn little man!)

We did a fair amount even if I felt like we could have done a lot more, I dont know why I want to be busy all the time, I hate it when we are busy all the time. And now I hate it when we arent busy. My poor husband, he cant win no matter how our weekends go. I have a feeling there will be a lot more postings about gratitude and things I am thankful for. It is the only way I can think to snap out of my funk that I have been in for so long!