I Love The 'Ber Months...

Image via Handmade Treasures by Jan

My youngest sister, Jan has a lovely group on Facebook - "Handmade Treasures by Jan" - as well as her "Treasure Trove of Gratitude" group. You may want to check them out.

Jan shared this image she created and I loved it. The 'ber months really are my favorites. To me they signify the earth preparing for rest after a productive spring and summer season. 

I'm especially looking forward to this year. I still have canning to do this season, and it's much more enjoyable when it's cooler outside. I'll fill the pantry in preparation for the winter ahead, and when the snow flies, Handsome and I can stay safely tucked in the farmhouse with the girls.

This year is especially exciting for us as our elder granddaughter is getting married in October. She's our first grandchild to "tie the knot". We love her fiancé, and can't wait to celebrate their new beginning.

How do you feel about autumn? Are you a fan or not?

PS. Sorry I'm behind on responding to comments. I promise to catch up soon!

Sissy's Studio...

 

I promised I share photos from my visit with my youngest sister with you, so here goes. She's an artist in mixed media, which definitely shines through in a tour of her studio. Jan's business is on Facebook and Instagram as Handmade Treasures by Jan, which you can find HERE.

 

Entering into her studio is a bit like mine...a trip down the rabbit hole, but you can definitely tell the difference in the types of treasures you'll find inside. I love all her antique and reclaimed furniture pieces, too!

Work tables are placed back to back in the center of the room, and the perimeter is brimming with ephemera. paints, pens and other media onto which she plies her craft. It may look overwhelming to some, but to her, everything has a place and everything is in its place.

You'll find pullouts holding a wide variety (but not all) of her paints and sprays, drawers with packaging and inspiration, and notes of things on her To Do list.

 

This is her Unity shelf containing most of her stamps, and cutters from Unity Stamp Company. She's one of their creators, as she does weekly mini classes using their products. Most classes are free, with the option to purchase supplies from her, or her larger projects are held in private, online groups accessible after paying your class and/or kit fee.

 

This area of her studio is the table where she usually sets up for her demos. She has places for her cameras, lamps and pens. She brings all her class materials here to have conveniently at hand as she teaches.

There was so much more to see. She creates handcrafted journals, and has regular drawings to give away her artwork to group members, so if you'd like to check her out, click on the link in my first paragraph. She also has a self-improvement/inspiration group called Treasure Trove of Gratitude which offers a daily inspiration via a live video on Facebook every morning. You can check out that group HERE. Seriously, it's a great way to start your day, and I'm frequently there to hear what she has to say.

She is - as of this month - a published contributor to Strawberry Moon magazine, and as soon as my copy arrives, I'll definitely share it with you. Her article shares how art can be a vehicle for self-care. It's not really enough for me to say how proud I am of her. I love that we can share our love of all things handcrafted, and I enjoy the time we can spend together working on our creations. She's just now beginning to teach herself to sew, but she knows I'm here to lend a hand when she needs it. I'm really enjoying watching her grow her business, and sharing her gifts with others. Did I mention she's my sister?

I hope you've enjoyed this quick tour of Jan's studio, and I hope you'll visit (and maybe join) her Facebook groups. On top of all her talent, she's a beautiful soul and I think you'd enjoy the time you spend with her. I sure do!

We've got weather (again) today, so I'm going to have my morning cuppa and get some things done indoors. Happy Friday, friends!

2023 Word of the Year...

While I admit I'm still decluttering in keeping with my word for 2022, it's time to unveil a new word for 2023.

This year I've chosen "BUILD" as my mantra for the next twelve months. Build my business. Build my inventory. Build my website. Build my relationships. Build my health. This word represents so much positivity for me, and I know my goals are achievable.

Do you choose a word each year? Do you make resolutions? Are they achievable? Do you get pumped thinking about what you can do each day to reach your goal(s)?

My youngest sister, Jan has a group (Treasure Trove of Gratitude) on Facebook that focuses on just these things. If you're interested, you could click HERE to join in to be inspired. (Let her know you heard about her group from me, please.) I find that spending time with like-minded folks always gives me an extra boost.

Speaking of goals, I set up a plan for the next few weeks to build my inventory for the February show. I've listed the items I want to have in stock, as well as the quantities I'll need. Now I have something visible to help me track my stock.

You know where I'll be if you're looking for me. I started early, getting the trash to the curb, taking the dogs out and then feeding them. Don't even get me started about Claudette and Crystal. (Another cat showed up in the barn this week. Calgon take me away!) 

I've had my morning cuppa, so I'm off to get busy. Have a great weekend, dears. I'll be sure to update you with my progress here and in our Facebook group (Brynwood Needleworks). We have 434 members right now. I think we'll have a drawing when we reach 450 members. If you're already a member, I'd love it if you'd invite a friend or two. This year, I'll be teaching some virtual (free) classes there, as well as setting up private group (paid) classes. That's where you'll hear about those things first.