Is it bad to repost old posts? I don’t care. There’s no blog police hanging around, right?

I just wanted to repost this, since it is a saying that keeps coming back to me.

Have you ever had one of those weeks where you notice how uptight people can get over the little things? I have. And I have to say, it’s easy to let the little things get to you. Like when Ian poured an entire gallon of orange juice all over the kitchen counter, the open (clean) dishwasher and the floor this morning. But you know what? We just ended up laughing. It was a disastrous mess (especially because we have a very, very old kitchen with a lot of cracks and places for things to seep in where they shouldn’t) but you know? He was aiming for his cup so confidently. And it was rather sweet, really. It took me literally all day to clean (between getting ready for school, errands and normal life with kids) but who’s checking the clock. Ian is trying so hard to be a man, and it’s really staring to show:)

So, here’s a good thought for you this weekend. You can download it for free here.

And while I am on that, I’ve thought about illustrating more of my favorite sayings and putting them in the shop. Would you be interested in more?

Happy weekend!

xo

sarah

Valentine’s Day. Today I am grateful for………

1. An amazing husband who is my best friend in everything. He never ceases to amaze me with his strength, his humor, his creativity and love for me (I can be kinda quirky and crazy at times….and he still is head over heels….amazing). And he makes really great food.

2. My babies who aren’t so baby any more. I can wake up feeling overwhelmed by the day ahead…but as soon as they start doing an irish jig in the kitchen while listening to Elizabeth Mitchell over breakfast (like this morning), my heart melts and I can’t help but be the happiest girl.

3. My home. After 3 1/2 years of searching for the “right” place, we found it. It may not have any furniture yet, but it’s a roof over our heads and a yard full of magic.

4. My faith. I’d be half the person I am with out it.

5. Good parents. They are my best friends. Living far away is hard, but thank goodness for unlimited phone time!

6. My talents. I know that sounds weird, but I count it as a blessing that I do what I do. Really. Maybe it’s that I’m never bored. Or that when I’m overwhelmed I can open my sketchbook and find therapy. Or maybe it’s that I feel blessed that I can add beauty to this already beautiful world. What ever it is, I am grateful.

My heart is so full! Happy Valentines Day!

And don’t forget to enter into the valentines day giveaway below! It ends tonight (Monday night) so come on over!

{image via FLICKR}

So. ALT:

I won’t go into the nitty gritty details about the super fab conference from last week. But I do want to talk about how this era of online living is allowing creative people to find success in ways that were never before possible.

What was ALT Design Summit all about? Well, it was for people who:

1) Really like design and everything under that bracket: art, food, photography, writing, fashion, you name it

2) Are interested in the social network and media scene

3) Have their own business and/or make a living from their hobby

4) Think outside the box. Because, well, items 1-3 really don’t fit into one, do they?

There were panel discussions, presentations, and hands on workshops like this photography class by Nicole Hill Gerulat where I had the chance to really rethink the way I shoot pretty things.

I took some pretty mean pictures (thanks to One Charming Party who put these tabletops together and Nicole Hill who knows her stuff!)

That top picture is me in green skirt, thinking hard about getting my hands on a new camera.

But really, what I loved most, was being surrounded by really smart, creative people. You think you like reading blogs? Try meeting them in person. Super enlightening.

I was part of conversations that answered questions, but more importantly ALT inspired my own creative thinking. This era of reaching people, building businesses, creating spaces and launching ideas is a really thrilling place to be.  There are rules, but there is no set path to follow when it comes to having an idea and making it happen, because the rules are constantly being rewritten.

I know so many of you are creative doers and are part of communities (online and off) where you connect with other like minded people. So you probably understand that  building communities around what you do and what is important to you, is how ideas are supported, published or become successful in whatever you consider success to be.

I was able to interact with people who had a creative idea, and made it happen! Come on…you know that’s easier said then done!  But these people didn’t accomplish their goals by “traditional” measures. Instead,  by using social media to connect with people, they were able to build communities around those ideas and find success through networking with like minded people who supported those ideas.

Why is social media so important then? Because this is the era of transparency: Where the world is getting smaller and more personal (because of the internet) which is how we as human beings prefer to connect. I’m not talking about stalking celebrities (gag!) or finding out what Obama had for lunch. I’m talking about connecting the human side of all that we are and do. That is how businesses are growing. That is how we are connecting as people and communities. That is the story that we are telling and want to hear. And that is how artists, designers, and creative thinkers are carving their paths and making their voices heard. They aren’t writing books and just sticking them on the shelves. They aren’t just taking pictures and submitting them to the NY Times. They are telling the story behind the story and building communities around what they love. You get the idea.

They, like me, are interested in connecting their art to people.

It’s an amazing era we live in.

So, being around people this week who are willing to take a few risks and put themselves out there in this new era of “transparency” was just really inspiring. If you have a blog, or if you have a space where community is important to what you do, I think you can imagine the limitless potential and positive outreach there is.

I am just super passionate about this whole idea of putting yourself out there and finding new ways to make ideas happen. Maybe I get it from my dad. He is a man of big ideas. A dreamer, if you will, and always encouraged us to think things up in our heads without paying too much attention to the hard fast rules out there in the world that would stop us. I owe him a lot for that. And now, more than ever in the history of the world, ideas have a place to grow: all because of the limitless communities that are out there or that have yet to be created.

Or maybe I love talking about this because that is how I went from being a no-resume, no-art-degree, no-business-degree woman into a full-time illustrator, designer and business owner. I still marvel that I am doing what I am doing. But it’s all because now is the era where if you want something badly enough, you can make it happen.

So I guess this post is for you artists out there. There is no one right way to get yourself out there. Dream up what you want with your art, and there is a path for you. Making it happen has never been more exciting!

So, there you have it. I really like smart people who come up with conferences like ALT that support the notion that crazy people like me (mother of 3 young children, wife, children’s book illustrator, designer, business owner, blogger, and creative doer) no longer have to identify ourselves as one or the other. We can be all things wrapped up into one. All those hats we wear? They are part of a greater whole called “YOU.” And the new era of social media means that being “YOU” is just as important as your art or your hobby or your business. In fact, being you is your business. And I think that’s a pretty neat idea.

Hello! Happy Friday!

I don’t have much to say today, as I’m at the ALT Design Summit (and loving it by the way).

Last night we had dinner with small groups, and today was a full day of learning, meeting up with online friends, and taking lots of notes!

We got to spend the night last night with such wonderful people…old friends and new friends. Being around such creative people who aren’t afraid to think outside of the box is really energizing. No two people are a like…no two people have the same path or the same story. Just a love for writing, design, art and communication. What a group.

Here’s a shot from last night: Justin Hackworth, Stephanie and Christian Neilson (Nie-Nie) and my awesome boy and me.

I’ll post more next week on some highlights! It’s a treasure to meet all these people in real life. You think that the online Blogging community is nice? Well, they’re even nicer in real life.

Have a great weekend!

xo

sarah

Fabric. I love it. I love designing it. I knew I would, but I didn’t realize how much! It’s like illustrating a book, only without words and there aren’t any borders on the page. And instead of following a narrative storyline, I’m focusing on a feeling with color and design. So…ok. I guess they are totally different. But it’s been so refreshing to learn the ropes. It’s addicting! I just can’t stop!

This design sketch didn’t end up working with my spring line, but it makes me so happy. I called it “special treasures.” I was thinking about when I was small, and all the things I’d pick up off the floor that somehow made me so happy to find. Little things. Little things big people forgot about, didn’t need, or didn’t see. But I did. And they became my special things. A fallen feather, pieces of jewlery, bobby pins (I had an obsession with those when I was 4) and safety pins. All these things had such remarkable textures and colors when you look at them up close. I remember being particularly in love with the little bumps on the side of quarters and dimes. Did you know that Pennies and nickles don’t have bumpy sides? Have you ever noticed?  To my 5 year old fingers, clicking the bumpy side of a dime with fingernail made such a wonderful sound. My mom could tell you stories.

So, this is a little ditty I came up with. Maybe I’ll have a chance to use it soon…but for now, it makes me happy to just reflect on the way my mind captured the world when I was 2 feet tall, and closer to the ground then big people. Reminds me to notice those little things. Like bumps on a quarter. Which really, doesn’t that just brings a smile to your face thinking about it?

P.S. don’t forget: 2011 Calendars are 50% off in the shop!

{image via Daniel Hurst Photography}

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

We’ve been finding lazy days here. It’s a nice change! It’s odd….I’ve been madly art making these past 3 months, but since it’s all for books and fabric, I just can’t share any of it! But I’ve been thick in deadlines for the past while, so it’s been nice to veg.  Oh how I love eating lunch in my pajamas and eating popcorn in bed. Heaven.

Well, there’s been some hiccups too that has included emergency home maintenance (let’s just say that this being our first winter has led to some big “Oh, Man!” moments: like pipes freezing and other major plumbing issues. Never a dull moment in an old house needing lots of TLC!)

But, so much to be Thankful for. This has been a very busy and big year for us, and with so much going on, I’ve learned the importance of stopping and counting my blessings. Especially when things are a bit challenging.

So here’s a short list:

I’m thankful for….

* Crisp fall air

*A house.

*Birds that greet us each morning

*Amazing wonderful parents

*Ella’s whalespout and pixie nose

*Ian’s dramatic story renditions

*Addies wrap-around hugs

*My husband and his touch of magic in the kitchen

*Soft pillows

*Tea on cold nights

*A fireplace and free wood from our neighbor

*My drawing table

*This music

*My faith

*And wonderful friends who have stuck by me even though I don’t have much time to socialize as of late

There is so much more….of course….

Have a lovely weekend everyone!

**And make sure to stop by next week: we’re having some LOVELY giveaways all week…and some great Cyber Monday deals!

xoxo

Sarah

I got an email from Mahar Dry goods last week with very sad news. They are closing their doors after 5 wonderful years in business.  And I am very, very depressed.

Mahar Dry Goods was one of the first online shops that actually got me excited about opening my ETSY shop. Robert has stocked exclusively handmade, unique, modern yet vintage children’s goods. It always made me so happy to go browse through his shop, and just this year, Mahar Dry Goods picked up some of our family trees and paper dolls. But, as I very well know, keeping a shop up is a lot of work. It looks all clean and neat on the screen, but there are a lot of things that go into the business of keeping up a business. Especially when you are a one-person start-up.  And so I am so sad to see Robert’s shop close it’s doors. It makes me think of all the handmade-make-it-happen-with-your-boot-straps-businesses out there, and all the love and heart that goes into starting something like this. There are rough times for sure! And though I am shocked and very sad to see his shop close down, I also know that it makes me want to support handmade even more.  So many of us are making it happen with little or no outside help, and yet have wonderful, amazing, inspired products that need to be out there.

So, I have to mention at least a positive that is happening with all this: Mahar Dry Goods will be open through the holiday season, and with the closeout, there is plenty, plenty on sale that you’ll want to get your hands on for Christmas.

So, this is my “support handmade” cheer. Go check out his shop. Do shop handmade this season. Do click on my sponsor column to the right. Go and browse ETSY before hitting the mall. Think of how you can be supporting a young mother who wants to stay at home with her children, and  so opened a shop selling personalized paper dolls. Shop handmade, please.   Right now, I am wearing a cowl from Tickled Pink Knits, and it makes me so happy to be wearing something I know someone made with their own hands…and that I’m helping them keep their love of knitting alive. So, are you shopping handmade this Season? I am.

I’m  getting off my soap box now. But I’m off to Christmas shop here.

Always watch where you are going. Otherwise, you may step on a piece of the Forest that was left out by mistake.
A. A. Milne

My sentiments exactly this morning. Watch closely. Observe simply. You never know what other worlds are existing right around you: real or imaginary.

Happy Wednesday!

Oh, and P.S: There’s a Guest blogger tomorrow. I’m super excited. Stay tuned!

So I’m going to be on T.V. this Monday morning. I know, pretty crazy. I would normally be really shy and nervous, but I get to speak about a topic that I am super passionate about and one that I hope other women and mother’s tuning in will benefit from. I’m going to be on my local news station with 2 other women discussing the realities of starting a business from home, as well as tips to get started. I’ve been wondering what I’m going to say, and I have some ideas…but I’m looking for more.

Starting my business nearly 3 years ago was a really scary thing. But I was so gung-ho and so driven, those fears never really crept in. I was possibly too naive to know what I was getting into, and maybe that was a good thing! But it’s interesting, because when you are a business, you have to start thinking of business-y type things. Things like:  “Will people even buy this stuff?” ” How am I going to market myself?” ” How am I going to pay for it all?” And pretty soon, all those creative ideas start to get mixed in with very non-creative realities that very often yank those creative juices and throw them to the ground. Thoughts like, “You can’t do that! No one has done anything like that before, and it’ll get run over.” Or, “That would be too costly or take too much time.” Or, “Sure you think it’s a good idea, but it has to appeal to lots more people than just you!”

Do any of these voice sound familiar? It’s interesting: the banter that goes back and forth in my head now that my art isn’t just a creative hobby any more. It’s my work! And I don’t like to call it that, because I really do love it, and it’s better to think of it as play, or I get stressed about it.  But let’s face it. You love to create! You love getting your hands dirty and just making it is what you do best. And to have a business from that? Heaven. But there is the reality that you are a business…you are ultimately in this to be successful, and you must be concerned about outcome. That is the nature of being self-employed! And if I have learned anything, thinking about outcome always inhibits by ability to create good art. Always. Hands down. But how to purely create without letting the natural worries of being a business creep in, is an art in and of itself.  Allowing yourself to truly express without worry or thought is a lot harder to do when there are people on the other side of the table. But, I also have learned, that it can be incredibly motivating  and can help you open up to that truly creative place.

My answer is Love. Love (the opposite of fear) will wipe away all those business-y concerns that we all have to think about. Love will create your best art. Love will inspire you to create from that genius place. Love will keep you going when times are hard and your aren’t having the successes you need. Love will bring other people to you who will love what you do too.

Love, Love, Love. I hear a song coming:)

But isn’t it true? We must “lose the fear of being wrong” and only then will we be truly successful because our work will be wonderful and beautiful and real.

So, I would love to know your thoughts. I am going to be giving some advice about starting an at-home business and also the realities of life as a stay-at-home-mom business owner. I hope to be taking the spin of how to keep that creative spirit alive when you are juggling all the aspects of starting a business.

What advice do you have about balancing the creative side and the business side of things? Does having a business interfere with your natural instinct to just create and not care what other people think? And if you don’t have a hobby based business, what questions do you have about how to get started or what to be aware of when you do get started?

Thanks you guys! I can’t wait to hear your responses. I have a feeling there is a lot to be said on this topic.

Happy Monday!

We’re back from  another vacation visiting family. This time to my back East home right outside of DC as well as to the beach. A perfect getaway right before summer’s end! So we are getting (slowly) back into the swing of things, but all the while missing all the extra hugs and kisses and wonderful company of parents and siblings.

Taking a time-out to be with family always gives me a chance to reflect on how happy I am. I adore my husband, my children, my home, my church….my life!  And yesterday, as I was teaching Sunday School to our group of 13 year old’s somewhere along the topic of “It’s All About Your Attitude” and “You Can Choose to be Happy” we watched this clip and this clip which always get me in that grateful mood. There is so  much to be grateful for!

And I made these little bumper sticker reminders, which I have had on my fridge for years. Sometimes you need a good reminder when you’re grabbing that glass of milk.

But, if you have a baby Ella, you get the reminder every day. I guess I just keep the sticker up for when I can’t see her charming face…which actually is this sunshin-y every day. Man, I love her!

Oh, and feel free to download the sticker and print it for your own personal use.

Well….happy Monday! Hope you are having a joyful day!