Developing my own style

I look through my craft books and love what I see on those pages, I want my work to almost mirror image it with it's own spin.  I try, very hard I may add- but I am learning that my own spin on things I like is what describes me.  There are so many ways my art tells stories about me, about my life, my laughter and tears.  My love for vintage things and how they tell a story without saying a word.

I also attribute my own personal style to who I am, I wonder- do I dress like an artsy person?  On a comfy day I would say sweats and tee- shirt are my go to. Although when I go out, I love flowy tops and cardigans, oh- and a flower in my hair (yes I steal my daughters:)  Yet, I again realize my style is well- what I manage to pull together, some days worse than others, but I love fashion. I love makeup and well art.  I also love to make my home look pretty, I want my surroundings to speak volumes of who I am and how I want our house to be, comfy and neat, shabby and antique, but new.  Ahhh, home is where I am me, it is where I love to be. I am the definition of a home body unless you are talking about an art shop, flea market or makeup or clothes shopping- other than that home is my place to create my crafts and nurture my family.

So as years flow by my style evolves and I am sure it will continue to evolve in my work.

how it all began

I haven't yet told you the story of my blog and what lies behind it.  There was a day last January that I was told I had rheumatoid arthritis. From that day forward my life changed in a way I never knew was possible. It left me unable to work like before. I was a hairdresser/ instructor and I found myself looking for something to be passionate about again. That is when I remembered how my art made me feel. How simply being creative could give me an escape from how I felt in my body to how I felt in my mind, happy.

Please do not let me misguide you to think that I had not felt joy with my children and husband, but in ways my whole life changed. I was no longer able to play like before, or take care of our home without help from my husband. But this artsy little world is mine. I love it, I am so very glad I decided with the encouragement of a dear friend to hop in feet first to learn the ways of this crafty little life.  So here I am on my blog typing away to let you know little tid-bits of my life, little flashes of my days. I hope you enjoy the journey- I know I am.

That feeling of Christmas

Growing up I would come in the door after school one day early December, late November to find the house smelling of chex mix and baked goods.  We would decorate the most gorgeous tree while we listened to Christmas music, it was all so magical.  I have tried to pass a piece of that down to my family all the while dealing with life and the hustle and bustle that comes with it. I have my crafty creations to make and orders to fill.  Presents to wrap and place under the tree, and someday I would love to have a mantel to hang my stockings. Hmmmmm....... this may be a project in the making!  Maybe a flea market find of an old fireplace mantel- or hand made hooks hung along the breakfast bar?  Whatever makes Christmas feel like Christmas to you and yours, have a very merry.

My etsy account is finally up! Not full of all my creations just yet but it is up- mapleleafcreations.etsy.com
I hope you stop by and get a piece of my creative wonders.

Sweet December

As the days of December rush by I find myself feeling a bit more cheery, you see since I was a little girl I've loved the holidays. This year as they draw near I am thinking of crafty ways to give gifts and package them this year.  ( NO more just paper!) I grabbed my favorite magazine somersette life, full of creative ways to wrap your lovely gifts. So this afternoon I was looking through my beloved collection of fabrics and got to it. A pair of earrings a lady had ordered for her mother, a sweet surprise for my grandma, both wrapped in fabric.  My Grandmas in a strawberry print that reminded me of her. My customer a charming polka-dot green. Both with hand made tags to accompany the packages home made flair.

I am in the mist of starting an etsy account to share my work with all of you and the rest of the people stopping by to see what I have filling my shelves with ready to be purchased from my home.
  One thing I learned growing up was how magical Christmas was.  It wasn't until I became older that I realized what that magic was. it was what you made of it.   So I am off to "make" Christmas a tad more special this year.
As this is my first blog I hope you will enjoy your walk with me through my way of figuring out all the stuff that clouds the moments in life that should be clear, my growth as an artist. ( which I never really considered myself until my son announced at pre-school his mommy was an artist.)  Not to mention the simple things- like figuring out how to run my own little business while running around after two kids all day!  As I close my entry to go get my cup of lavender tea for the night, I thank you for walking with me on my journey.