Getting to Know A Little About Me

Introduction

Hi there!  I am not sure if I have ever really introduced myself in this space, so here is an abridged version:

My name is Holly, and I was born and raised in the Midwest, but now live in the Northeast.  You can also read a little bit on my About page.

I have always loved drawing, making things, exploring.  When I was in elementary school, I remember making small pieces of furniture out of paper.  I'm sure it was nothing fancy, but it was fun!  I remember carrying a sketchbook and pencil with me to my brother's basketball games and just doodling.  In high school I took some art classes, and while I wasn't the best in the class, I enjoyed the process.  I ended up studying art at a small liberal arts school, but by the time I finished, I was ready to stop creating.  It took me close to two years to find that inner drive to get back to painting, to actually enjoy working on creative projects again.

I worked on some watercolor paintings, and enjoyed the process as well as the final outcome.  I still have those paintings.  

Fast forward a few years to when our two girls were quite small, and I was a stay-at-home mom, I painted a couple of ornaments as gifts for family members.  Money was tight, and I am not one to give a gift just because.

Why Ornaments?

I decided on ornaments, so that they wouldn't have extra "trinkets' to have to deal with.  An ornament can be hung on the tree, and then packed away for a time.  When it is taken out the next Christmas, it can be like opening the gift all over again, with memories of the giver, and the gift itself!  I also like there to be some meaning behind it.  The gifts were for two of my brothers-in-law, so I painted the house where they grew up. "The Estate at 1088" is what they call it, so I put that underneath the picture. (Sorry I don't have a photo of those...)

I know one of them has the ornament on display in a china cabinet.  I don't think it ever made it to the tree, and I'm okay with that.  I'm glad they feel it is special enough to warrant such a spot in their home.

This Business

When my youngest was in preschool, I had an opportunity to participate in a "Mom's Night Out" the school was having.  I painted the school on some ornaments, and as people purchased them, I would put their child's name on.  I also started taking orders for custom ornaments, and that is where this small business began.

It has grown mainly by word of mouth.  Someone receives an ornament, and wants to pass the same meaningful thought on to someone else.  Or someone gives an ornament, and it is received with such joy, they want to continue giving that joy to more of their friends and family.  

I love the heartfelt stories I get to be part of, as people see their childhood home, or the smiles as they see their furry family member portrayed on the ornament, and are moved by their own memories and thoughtfulness of the giver.

There is something about the connection to home, or a pet, or a special place that draws emotion and memories to the surface.  That is a gift. 

To Be Continued. . .

I paint on canvas, I continue to experiment with watercolors, I bake, I take photographs.  I try to look at the world through a curious perspective.  I try to ask questions and keep learning.  I encourage you to do the same. 

 

The effect art can have on us is pretty amazing. 

What do you create?