For the Love of Paper...

My love of paper crafting began right after I had my son, Parker. I decided I was going to scrapbook every moment of his life! For whatever horrible reason I had never been to a Hobby Lobby until I was 21...that's right 21!!! I remember getting so excited because of all of the different patterns and I could not buy enough paper! I think I got through age 3...and he's almost 11 now... Then along came Skylar. Two babies and a full time job did not allow for time to keep up the scrapbooking...Love these sweet kiddos! Thanks to Copper Elephant Photography for the pic! 

So my paper crafting has definitely evolved over the past 10 years. I am still a obsessed with paper and I sometimes buy it just because it's pretty with no real use in mind. I love card making! I also love mixed media art! Sometimes I will put it behind pictures in frames. I always keep the scraps and give the paper I have fallen out of love with to my kiddos to craft with themselves. I must say I believe they enjoy crafting just as much as I do and I love that I have been able to teach them the joys of making something with your hands.You can say so many things with cards and they can personalized to each and everybody! Here are just a few I have been working on...you can also check out my Etsy shop...I am slowly adding new items. Still have the kiddos and a full time job :) I do check daily for emails/convos :)

Handmade Hope

Hope is something we create. I have reminders everywhere! From the crosses I hang on my wall to the journal I am writing in. Hope is intentional…it’s up to me and it’s up to you…

You can see it in the expression of my art. I am working on not being afraid to follow my heart. I have heard that if you want to know where your heart is, look where your mind goes when it wanders. For me, my mind wanders to ideas of what I can create with my hands.

My most favorite materials are wire, beads, charms, paper, used children's books, maps, canvas and acrylic paint. I LOVE creating wire beaded crosses, cards, necklaces, altered journals(prayer journals) and mixed media art on canvas. My creations are as eclectic as I am. I pray that my pieces speak to someone's heart and brings joy to their life. 

Wire beaded crosses have become one of my favorite items to create. Growing up, the cross didn't have any meaning to me whatsoever. As an adult, the cross is a beautiful reminder that I am loved and cherished. Each cross that I make is shaped by hand and is uniquely one of a kind. I may create similar styles or color schemes but no two will ever be perfectly identical. There’s something so beautiful about being imperfect.

 

Over the past few years I had put my crafting on the back burner only to discover that I missed having a creative outlet. I have opened my Etsy shop back up and I am slowly filling my shop with my handmade lovelies. I work full time, I am a mom and a wife. My life is pretty full but there is always room for self expression. This is where you will find my heart and my hope. The joy of the Lord is my strength and with Him I can do all things.