putting myself out there :)

I think this is going to be a shorter than usual blog post. I've got a Chihuahua (Jack) on my lap and he keeps demanding that I use one of my typing hands for something more important...say...petting, or twirling his little ears. So, I'll be brief so that I can give Jack the full attention he so demands.
I never ever post pics of myself online, but I vowed this year to put myself out there more. Blog more, Do more, Interact more...with people and the things I love most. I've gone on and on here on my blog about how much I adore my blogland friends and all that we share with each other on so many levels. I mean, don't get me started! as you know...I could go on all day! ; ) But my whole deal this year is that I really want it to be the opposite of last year. I think for a while now I've been living an ersatz life. You know, being ok with half of a life. Keeping people who should be dear friends at a distance...settling on the absolute least that life has to offer...hiding from happiness as if I'm not worthy to have it. But I'm not going to get all Self-Helpy about it and over analyze...I'm just going to do the opposite of whatever I used to do...that should be easy. So I vowed to not be camera shy and to give you guys a face to go with all the other stuff. So here I am...Thursday afternoon in my kitchen...just got back from the grocery store...about to give the pups some treats.


I won a giveaway over at the super fab fashionista Keiko Lynn's blog. Never a dull post...always full of smashing photo shoots and up-to-the-minute looks. The prize, this ring of brass filigree and black rose cabochon...it is really so me! Winning is fun...but winning something that you would've bought if you hadn't won it, is extra nice. The ring was made by a talented gal named Caitlin and you can find this same ring in her etsy shop: Wanderlustings. I LOVE it! Big thanks to Keiko & Caitlin!! And Caitlin also has a fabulous blog herself...which you should certainly visit!



Alright, time to introduce Design Team member # 5. I'm pretty sure I've mentioned Mary Holcomb on my blog more than a few times...and I know I've referenced her whenever I've done an interview and the question was "what are your favorite blogs to visit?"
Mary Holcomb is the gal behind the fab blog Oh Merci. Everything she touches turns Pretty, yes...with a capital P. Down below is a fabulously detailed bio that Mary gave me...so, I'll let her tell you about herself while I take some time to pet the pleading chihuahua on my lap!






"Growing up with an older brother and 4 younger sisters ensured excitement, fun, but also many opportunities to learn a lesson or do a chore! My parents' priorities were their little family, 6 wiggly creative, smart, funny, and loving kids. I have been making things since I was 4 or 5 years old and I believe my first project was cutting out characters from the pages of my story books and turning them into little dolls. Later I advanced to sewing, drawing, and painting, supplemented with lots of bike riding and climbing trees. I really attribute my ability to create and be happy to the way that my Mom and Dad raised us. It is the simple parts that are so beautiful in life and I think what I create reflects this.

It was important too, for my husband and I to raise our own children with similar values. Caitlin and Douglas are both very talented young adults now, each developing their own creative plan. Caitlin is actually the one who convinced me to set up a blog and online shop in 2007! She and I make a good team and often bounce ideas off of each other. I have sold my work at local boutiques since the children were young, but the idea of having my own online shop was very exciting and opened up a new world of fun and opportunity. Since opening my shop I've introduced many handmade pieces including my Petite Chandeliers, original designed tulle wreaths, jewelry made with new and vintage finds, and my personally designed, handmade houses for Christmas time. I am happiest when creating and I am so thankful to be able to share my work with you!"

I remember the first time I set eyes on Mary's Christmas houses...I told Aaron "get in here...you are gonna die when you see these!" I have to admit...I've got a dream team of gals!
Ok, like I said...keeping it brief...gotta go and watch a terribly cheesy looking horror movie from RedBox...while packing orders! :)

Be back soon with some new artwork!
xoxo Jenny