Nicole

It is a privilege to feature Nicole of Portraits by Nicole!

Nicole's photography is breathtaking! 

I have been following Nicole's blog and Facebook page and my heart was so touched by her mother daughter story that I wanted to share it with you.

Sweet picture of Nicole and Adley

Tell me a little about you and your daughter.
I am a wife and mother to three little boys and one precious little girl. We didn't find out the sex of the baby, so we were completely shocked when it was a girl (not a dry eye in the room). She will be four months old tomorrow. She is simply the best baby ever..she smiles all the time, only cries when she's overtired, and her little ears that stick out are the cutest thing (although, I'm sure she won't like them when she gets older). 

What is the most special moment that you share?
The most special time that we share right now is when I nurse her. I get sad thinking this will be the last time I will be nursing, so I really cherish it. We play on the floor together and I make faces at her. Because she is my only daughter, we will have many moments together of shopping, going to movies, painting nails (at least I hope, anyway!). 

What do you want your daughter to remember?
I want my daughter to remember how much I love her and how I hold her in my arms..I always want my arms to be a place of refuge for her.

Any words for your daughter?
My words for my daughter are: You are wonderfully and fearfully made! Every part about you is a precious gift from God. Always believe in yourself and know that I will love you forever know matter what mistakes you may make or where life takes you...you will always be my little girl. 

Read more of the story on her BLOG

Have you always been interested in photography?
I became interested in photography after college and then purchased a camera after my first son was born. I had no idea what I was doing at the beginning. I didn't know anything technical about the camera or how to pose..I studied and practiced and studied and practiced...

What are some challenges that you face?
Having kids is a challenge in of itself, let alone trying to run a business from home. I really struggle with managing my time and not overbooking myself. 

What inspires you?
I get inspired by many things...lately, I've been wanting to do more creative shoots, just to challenge myself and get out of the same routine. I also feel that I've been given a talent to use for God's purpose and when I feel Him tell me to do something for someone, I do...whether it be a free session, or helping tell someones story through photography. 

See more of her photography and stories on her BLOG. 


I met Nicole at a Sara Hall's wedding. Sara wore jewelry made by me at Christine's Jewelry.  Nicole was so sweet to allow me the use her beautiful photograph in my shop.

Bridal Jewelry by Christine

It is such a blessing knowing you Nicole, your photography is outstanding! Thank you so much for sharing your mother daughter story with me!  

Blessings,

XOXO

Christine

Kathy Lindemer of Bay Moon Design

Today's feature is Kathy Lindemer of Bay Moon Designs!

Kathy is a fellow jewelry artist on Etsy and I love her beach inspired creations!

Tell us a little bit about your shop and why you created it.

Bay Moon Design was born to make people have fun with jewelry and cards that bring nature and fun back into your life.  All my jewelry creations are drawn from influences found in nature, and each piece is designed to be comfortable and fun to wear. My cards often co-ordinate with my jewelry.  At the core of Bay Moon Design is quality, sustainability and supporting local exchanges. I buy locally when possible.  I use mainly vintage or materials from nature, along with locally sourced, eco friendly supplies. I reuse packing envelopes when shipping. Craft shows that I participate in are all local. I donate jewelry or cards to local charities. Everything is one of a kind or produced in small batches to preserve the fun of wearing something unique.

Purple Bracelet, Lavender and Green Leaves with Lilac Flowers Click to see this on Etsy

To help us get to know you a little better tell us 1 favorite.

I love to watch Grey’s Anatomy, Downtown Abbey, and House.  I still haven’t recovered from House ending.

Have you always been interested in art as a girl?

I was interested in art as a girl.  My mother did some painting and I enjoyed art class at school.  I also liked crafts and learned how to knit and crochet from my mother.  

How do you stay driven to create new pieces?

Recently, I have become involved in bead exchanges and blog hops.  I am often sent beads and findings that I am required to use in a design or I am given a picture to inspire a creation.  These bead exchanges and blog hops have really driven me to do some of my best work.

Lime Green Fish Necklace with Unique Artisan Ceramics and Wire Wrapping

What are some challenges you face/have faced in regard to your craft?

I have dupuytren's contracture which is a genetic disease and affects my hands.  Last summer I had surgery on my right hand which resulted in a 2 week recovery and occupational therapy for 6 months.  This Spring I am trying an new treatment which involves an injection rather than surgery on my left hand.  So far, it doesn't stop me from making jewelry or cards, but it is unpredictable when or where it will flair up.  I try to limit my crafting to a few hours a day.

What inspires you to create?

I am interested in learning new techniques.  I will make a few things with one technique and then more on to another. Recently, I have been focusing on using different color combinations and Irish linen thread.  I would like to go more in the direction of using more mixed media in my designs.

  Anything else?

I never make any jewelry that I won’t wear.  I try to wear everything that I sell in my shop once before I sell it to make sure I like the way it looks and feels. 

Sea Glass Necklace in Blue Purple Brown Shades with White Sea Glass

Tell me a little about you and your daughter.

My daughter and I have changed roles recently. I just retired after 40 years in the work force. I worked through 2 pregnancies and all while my children were growing up. Needless to say, I was a busy person. Now that I am retired I enjoy traveling, making jewelry and cards, swimming, yoga and reading. I also spend way too much time on the Internet. My daughter recently entered the world of work after 20 years as a student. I get a kick out of listen to her thoughts on being an adult with work and household obligations. She doesn’t have any children. Wait until she sees how that changes things! She has commented numerous times about my leisure life style. I think deep down she knows I have earned it but she is jealous.

Beautiful picture of Kathy and her daughter Christina!

How does your daughter inspire you?

Her ability to set a goal and accomplish it inspires me.

What is the most special moment you share?

The most special moment that comes to mind is my daughter’s recent wedding day. We worked together on it for a year. I discovered that my wedding ideas from the 1970’s were very different than her ideas of a wedding. I made it a goal to get through the wedding without too much conflict. Everything we planned worked out. It was a very modern wedding on the beach on a beautiful day and everyone had a great time at the reception. 

What do you love and admire about her?

I love her outgoing personality and her admire her ability to hold her own in the male dominated work environment that she works in as an engineer. She gets her personality from her father. I would like to think that I served as a positive role model for a woman in the work place.

What is so special about your mother daughter bond?

I am very happy that I was able to have a son and a daughter. I have what they call the perfect family. I treasure both, but I do believe that there is a special relationship between a mother and daughter just as there is between a father and son. Only women can relate to the importance of such feminine frills as prom dresses, bridal veils, hair styles, nail polish, jewelry etc. Major life events such as childbirth and marriage can only be viewed in similar ways by the same sex. I am glad that I had a daughter to relate those experiences with.

What do you want your daughter to remember?

I want her to remember to treat people with kindness. 

Any words for your daughter?

Remember, always have one of my business cards ready to hand to those who compliment you on your jewelry! :-)

Kathy, It has been so enjoyable learning more about how and why you create such lovely jewelry! Hearing about your wonderful mother daughter relationship gets me excited about my new adventures as my daughter grows up!

Thanks so much! 

XOXO

Christine 

See more in her SHOP

Follow her BLOG

Follow her on FACEBOOK

Beata Aghoson of Art By Beata

Today's feature is Beata Aghoson of Art By Beata.

Beata is an inspirational and caring mom who is an awesome artist from the UK that I met on Etsy .

Her favorite words to use are create, dream, believe and she uses them in her art quite often.

Tell us a little bit about your shop and why you created it.
I created my shop to showcase my mixed media art. With my items I'm hoping to inspire ladies/girls, to go for their dreams.

What inspires you to create?
I want to achieve my dreams and to inspire others to do so.

            Fine Art Print - Love shines from your heart

Is there anyone who inspires you and who?
My little girl : )

What a sweet mother daughter picture!!

Tell me about your mother daughter bond and/or how your daughter inspires you.

She is my main inspiration, because I would like to provide a beautiful life for her. And I would like to show her a good example, that if you really want something and you believe in yourself, you will get it.

What do you admire about her?

She is such a sweet little girl, she has such a kind heart, I'm really proud to be her mum.

                 Mixed media necklace, You are blessed

What is the most special moment you share?
All the cuddles and naps on the sofa together, especially when she was a bit smaller... I will never forget those moments. I hope she will remember them too.

What are your favorite things to do together?
All types of artsy things. She is very creative, it's lovely to create together.

What are some funny moments you remember?
It's quite funny when she calls me sweet names in hungarian with her proper english accent. : )

What do you want your daughter to remember?
I always want her to know that she is special and beautiful. I want her to believe in herself the way I do.

Any words for your daughter?
Always follow your dreams!

                                                  You are worth the magic

Have you always been interested in art as a girl?
I was always drawing and coloring as a little girl, then started drawing faces when I was about 12, later continued this in color. Then I decided to be a painter, but I never ever tried painting. I made loads of Monet, Van Gogh reproductions after this decision, but I was not ready to be me just yet. It was only a few years ago that I found my style, and now nothing can stop me. I love what I'm doing. : )

How do you stay driven to create new pieces?

It's not always easy. I can't really explain how this works. When the inspiration comes it simply happens. That feels a bit like it was not me doing it, it came from inside.

What are some challenges you face/have faced in regard to your craft?
Financial difficulties, they make me worry a lot.

What other creative things do you like to do?
My daughter's hair. It's quite a challenge for me, but love doing it.

 Anything else you would like to say?
I would like to say thank you for the opportunity. : )

                                                        Dream BIG

Thank you Beata! It has been inspirational and delightful! 

Dream big!

XOXO

Christine

Spring arrived when she was born. It was March and it was finally warm and sunny. But the joy she brought to my heart is more than the joy that spring brings. My daughter Megan truly brings me so much happiness! She brightens up my days with sunshine and warmth. Her smile and laugh are so sweet! I can’t imagine life without her.

The doctor came in to check on me and my brand new baby daughter. “She is a little angel”, he said. He was right. She was always smiling and happy.

That was almost 14 years ago but she still brings “spring” every day of my life. God has blessed me so much by entrusting me with her care. Everyone she knows can see the light she brings by her friendship, her kindness and her love.

She is such an inspiration to me. She has determination to get things right and works hard in what she does. I am amazed by her talents in art, music, writing and sports. I am also in awe of her humility when she receives compliments.

I am so glad for daughters!
I love you Megan! Thanks for bringing the spring into my life!
XOXOXO