Stephanie Girard of Lark Road Rhymes

Today's feature is Stephanie Girard of Lark Road Rhymes

Stephanie's art is so sweet and one of a kind! I love how she uses words as art!

She makes inspirational wall art and her specialty is writing  cute personalized poems. 

Tell me a little about your shop.

My shop is full of everything that inspires me. I love, love, love babies so I have 5 of them!! Now I love to write about how delicious & fantastic they are. I am mesmerized by the joyfulness of children. With my older kids I love hearing them talk about their accomplishments. It is very easy to see a child's self esteem developing. That is where the sports rhymes came from. The feeling of pride they have when they make a basket or hit the ball is HUGE!! Especially sliding into base. Sliding into base is "epic"! They love to see their names too!

Personalized Baby Gifts, New York Yankee Blue, Baseball Nursery, Kids Wall Art, Jackson

The sister in law print was written for my sister in law for her birthday. She is just an amazing person that is always there for me. She is an honest friend too. I value our relationship because she doesn't tell me what I want to hear. After I create a print I hope that there is someone out there that can relate to it. Having the item sell is fun but the emails I get from my customers are amazing. Last weekend a woman, who is decorating her son Liam's room with San Diego Giants, wrote, "This is so amazingly perfect!".  Having someone love what you create is fantastic!

5x7 Typography Art, Art Sayings, Family Word Art, Sister In Law

Have you always been interested in art as a girl?

I have always loved to rhyme. I used to sit in the back of the room in high school with a notebook just writing rhymes all day. I love the creative use of words and language. I see words as pieces of art. They are my medium. The love of language and rhyme inspires me to create.

Personalized Baby Gifts For Girls, Baby Keepsakes, Creative Baby Shower Gifts, Gianna

What inspires you to create?

I am inspired by children's authors and song writers. They are so creative and their rhymes are fantastic!!

Tell me about your daughter.

Jolie is 5. She and I are the only girls in our household of 7. That alone demands a special relationship. She is very girly, very independent, and very creative. I love watching her express herself. She has never been told not to draw, paint, dance in a certain way. She has never been told that the way she is expressing herself is "wrong". So her creativity comes from a pure place. She paints, draws, sings, dances with no regard for what others think. It 's just Jolie being Jolie for the sake of being Jolie.

I love Jolie's smile and the sparkle in her eyes. When I am writing a rhyme about twinkling, sparkling, magical eyes I usually have a picture of her in my head.

Our most special moment was in a zoo parking lot. We were waiting for the boys to get in the car and she said "Mommy I'm a giggle bot." I had written a rhyme about her being a giggle factory and I thought she was trying to remember that. When I questioned her she started moving her arms like a robot and said it again. I could not believe that she was playing with words for fun just the way I do. Then I asked if I could use her phrase in a rhyme!!!

Baby Room Wall Art, New Baby Poem, Personalized Baby Shower Gifts, Sarah

We love singing tv theme songs together. Disney Jr. has amazing theme songs for their shows. We especially love singing the song for "Gaspar & Lisa"!

What do you want your daughter to remember?

I want my daughter to always know that she is enough. I want her to know that she was made perfectly and she remains perfect. There is nothing she can ever do to have more or be more than she already is.

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

The greatest challenge I have with creating the prints is to stay true to myself. People respond to authenticity. I need to give myself what I wish for Jolie: that I am enough.

Thanks so much Stephanie!

I love how children inspire you to create!

You are an inspiration!

XOXO

Christine

See more in her shop

Welcome to my blog Give Away! 

Celebrating the bond between mother and daughter with my blog Christine's Mother Daughter Inspirations.

I have been so inspired by stories of mother daughter bonds and connections that I have decided to share them here! 

"My mom is quite possibly the most important person in my life. Her patience in the face of pain is a constant reminder to me of how I should be. She supports me, even when she is my most honest critic."

"My daughter is still pretty small but she is a constant reminder to me to focus on the little things, like snuggles and kisses. I am inspired by my mom's never ending hard work to set a good example of cheerful service to my daughter as she grows up."

...and I share my own inspirations from my own Mom here 

and my own Daughter here.

Does your mom inspire you? Does your daughter inspire you? Do you share any special or funny moments together? What do you want your daughter to remember?

I would love to hear from you! 

So as a little bonus, it's GIVEAWAY TIME!! One of you will receive this Mother Daughter Set made with freshwater pearls from Christine's Jewelry!  Drawing will be March 15, 2013.

To enter, 
  1. Simply leave me your inspirational story in the comments below and your e-mail address (only for me to contact you if you win) 
2. and share this link with your friends via Facebook or Twitter (Click the "Share it" link on the side!)  

Thanks so much! I'm looking forward to hearing from you!

XOXO

Christine
You are also welcome to follow my blog, and you can even sign up to receive new blog posts via e-mail! Thank you!

Mothers and daughters are closest, when daughters become mothers.  ~Author Unknown

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

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Kerry Bond of Simply Natural Designs

Today's feature is Kerry Bond of Simply Natural Designs

I met Kerry on Etsy and she really touched my heart when I read her quote for who she is and what she does:

"I bear the Maker’s image, and one of the ways that plays out is that I delight in making." 
-Andrew Peterson

Most every thing you will find has an Upcycled aspect to it; items that would have other wise made their way to a dump have been salvaged and Re-purposed into beautiful and usable everyday articles. She loves looking at a product that has lost it's usefulness/beauty and redefine it; make it into something it's not and could never be on its own and give it a whole new purpose.

Hot Pad - Upcycled Pot Holder - by Simply Natural Designs

She also touched my heart with her sweet words about her mom as her inspiration:

Tell me a little about you and your mom. My Mom and I are truly best friends. My parents decided to home school my older brother and I when I was going in to the 2^nd grade and it was like a dream come true for me (I hated leaving home to go to school – but who doesn't  right?). That gave me endless hours and days to spend with my Mom. 

How does your mom inspire you? She has always taught me (leading by example) to learn more, try new things, when you learn something, learn it all and then dig deeper and take risks on dreams.

Such a sweet picture of Kerry and her mom!

What do you love and admire about her? She knows me so well; I can always count on her to know just the right thing to say to get me refocused, uplifted and motivated toward better things. She always seeks the Lord in all she does. She is a wonderful wife and supportive mother, a caring daughter and a great sister. She spoils me so much! I really admire how well she can run a household! She is a great cook, and can keep house like no bodies business! I what to be her when I grow up!

What is the most special moment you share? Oh, I can’t pin-point just one moment; it is a million little things… Long talks over coffee, a whole day spent going to our favorite stores [including the local yarn shop, the Christian book shop and herb store!] and ending with ice cream or frozen custard, goofy inside jokes that we retell yet can’t remember how they got started, praying for each other, watching our favorite movies for the millionth time while crafting [knitting/crocheting/etc.], talking every day.         OH! I just thought of a neat moment we have that actually was made possible because of Etsy! My Mom used to have these funny little knee hugger elfs from years and years ago. I’d never seen any other people with these kinds of Christmas decorations and when I was a teen I told my Momma that I thought they were weird and creepy. So she got rid of them that year instead of packing them up with the rest of the stuff. I always felt bad after that, cause there were times I thought she regretted giving them up. So I searched on etsy for some vintage knee hugger elfs and found 4 of them from 3 different sellers! They all came quickly before Christmas and I gave them to Mom when we were putting up our other décor this Christmas and she was so surprised and pleased! We had a good laugh through teary eyes as Mom admitted, ‘they are kind of creepy’. But they are too cute and now we have a special memory that we will keep for years and years to come in the tradition of Christmas decorations. 

What are your favorite things to do together? We have [in the past 3 mo.] separate living spaces now for the first time, we are country ‘next door’ neighbors [ie, the closes person through the woods but we can’t see each other’s house], but it is completely different being in the next house rather than the next room. So these days, our favorite things to do together are just anything that lets us be together. We have lunch at each other’s house now and then, and we will often take our knitting to the other’s living room and stitch and chat together.

 
What are some funny moments you remember? Funny moments abound in the endless conversations we share; but many of them wouldn’t be so funny if I retold them. Some of the things we always laugh about are when we mix up words, like; Caint Pan [paint can], or Nod Rocking [Rod Knocking] or a million other words that we mutilate with our careless flubs. We get a kick out of making fun of each other during times like these. 

What is so special about your mother daughter bond? We talk, a lot. When I started drinking coffee every day, just like Momma, we would sit at the breakfast table sipping coffee and talking. About the day ahead, about yesterday, about hurts, dreams, loves, successes and failures. Some mornings this chat session would last a couple hours. We also started writing to each other, even when we still lived together in the same house. We have a special leather note book and one of us writes in it and then leaves it some place to surprise the other one. We don’t write that often, but we’ve kept it up through the years, and now that we are apart it has been extra special to see it randomly sitting on my desk or pillow and have a sweet message from my best friend. 

 Tell us a little bit about your shop and why you created it. My shop is a place for the overflow of creativity. I started it as a means of a little extra income and it’s fun to watch it grow. I’ve stepped out in faith this past year and quit my ‘security-net’ day job. No, it has not taken off so well as to make as much as I was making in ag-retail, and no, it’s not quite yet covering all costs involved; but I’m still on this mustard seed of faith and trusting God will provide. My Mom is a big part of my business; she is always there to encourage me when I am not getting as many sales as I expect, she is always knitting items for me to put on the shop, and adding ideas for new products. I could NOT get along without her!

Have you always been interested in art as a girl? Most definitely! I’ve always been into drawing and crafting. And I’ve always picked up on handiwork fast. I learned spin yarn on a spinning wheel when I was 10 and knitting, crocheting, weaving, and sewing came along not long after that. 

 Is there anyone who inspires you and who? Tell me more about how they inspire you. My relationship with Jesus Christ is very inspiring; where He leads I follow. Other crafters on Etsy are always surprising me with their creations and that is incredibly inspiring. 

 How do you stay driven to create new pieces? Commitment. I have to remind myself of goals [and at times remind myself to make them in the first place] and stay committed to those goals. My shop has helped, or at least it tries to help, in that area, as it is always there reminding me I have to ‘stick-with-it’.     

       

Body Serum - 2 oz. - Orange - All Purpose, conditioning and healing lotion  (Click title to see details)

  What are some challenges you face/have faced in regard to your craft? Craft-Stash-Hoarding. I’ve got almost two rooms bulging with craft things! It can be overwhelming at times, but super fun most of the time! Having too many ideas; I can find myself stuck in deciding what to do next. So I have to get a journal out and write out all my ideas, including sketches and then decide which one would be the best to devote some time into creating.  

 What inspires you to create? Colors, textures, and stories. Trees, flowers, clouds, bugs, wind, rainbows, pinterest, birds, songs; squishy, bright, majestic yarn; interesting, textured, aged fabric; Things with history allow for great designs with something to say. 

Put Up Your Mitts - Fingerless Mitts for Him or Her - unisex, gray, pink/blue specks

   What other creative things do you like to do? I am a singer/songwriter/guitar player, my brother and I travel playing music and leading worship for all kinds of people. I love to paint and draw, but I don’t do it as often as I’d like. I’m a Certified Herbalist and I love learning more about natural health and the creative aspects of formulating remedies, lip balms and lotions. I love Gardening, it is very relaxing and exciting and creative. 

What do you want your mom to remember? To seek first the kingdom of God, continue to look up, for Jesus Christ is the author and finisher of our faith, He is glorious and worthy to be praised! Never lose heart and always trust in the Lord. I will always love you.

Thanks so much Kerry! You are such an inspiration! It is a pleasure to know you and a delight to learn more about your mother daughter relationship!

XOXO

Christine

You can find Kerry here at Simply Natural Designs

And Her Blog

And Her Facebook Page

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

Kelly Walston of Paint Fabric Whimsy

Today's feature is Kelly Walston of "Paint Fabric Whimsy"

She is a fun loving mom who is also an awesome artist who I met on Etsy and she  is quite an inspiration!

In her shop there's something for everyone who loves all things bright, fun, and funky.

                Original Acrylic Painting on Stretched Canvas - Swaying Meadow - Hand Beaded Fabric Flowers

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

I’m a mom to Emma 10 and Abby 7. I’m inspired by them everyday. They have such a unique perspective on the world and an unbridled enthusiasm for life. We love to learn, explore the world, cook and create together. From a very young age, Emma would come to me with all kinds of crazy ideas for contraptions she wanted to build. We did our best to turn boxes into all manner of crafts – flying machines, boats, time machines, space ships…..I’ll never forget her look of confusion though, when she dragged her giant flying machine box outside to ‘catch a breeze’. She just couldn’t understand why she wasn’t soaring among the clouds! It’s that uninhibited creativity and pure belief in themselves and the world that I love and cherish about my girls.

That's Kelly with her girls wearing bracelets from Christine's Jewelry!

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

I love trying new foods, cooking and sharing all that with my girls. Nothing makes me more proud then when we’re in a grocery store and my girls will ask if we can get some crazy new vegetable or fruit to try. Note to self – gooseberries need to be RED apparently, to eat them!!! Ick! We don’t always know what we’re doing, but we sure have fun trying it all together!!

I love making things from scratch. Whether it’s growing veggies or fruits in our garden, baking cookies or making jam, I like being able to show my girls the process of how something is made. 

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

My shop is definitely a dream come true. Since I’ve been a fabric and bead-a-holic for years now, it has actually provided me with an outlet to make of use all the things I’ve collected (ok, hoarded) over the years – beads, fabric, broken jewelry. Now that my girls are 7 and 10 and in school during the day, I’m able to create when the ideas come. I had work in galleries for years, but the commission is a killer. I love the freedom of Etsy – to create, to try new ideas. My little shop can take any form I’d like. My shop is me. It’s color, whimsy and fun.

What inspires you to create?

I’m inspired by so many things. Most of my inspiration comes from nature, but I’m also very inspired by Mexican folkart. I’ve been lucky enough to travel some over the years, and seeing new landscapes, new foods and new art/folkart from other countries is always inspiring.

            Original Matted Watercolor Print - Sunny Skies

Is there anyone who inspires you and who?

My girls are my biggest source of inspiration, but I’m also inspired by my mom and my grandma. My mom is an amazing quilter and can make all kinds of wonderful fabric creations, from bags to ornaments to you name it. She was the one directly responsible for my fabric habit and got me into quilting initially. I’m also inspired by my grandma. She just turned 96 and is amazing. She taught me how to make jam and crochet (and she taught my girls as well!!) and she can sew anything! She was a wonder at making doll clothes and could alter any article of clothing. Sadly, all the utilitarian sewing skills died with my mom. I can quilt and create funky flowers, but don’t ask me to hem anything!!! I also have to add that my husband is my biggest supporter. Without him, I wouldn’t have had the guts to create my shop. He’s my best friend and my soul mate and I’m so incredibly lucky, because he puts up with a lot! Poor guy is alone in a house full of girls – me, our two girls and our lab and retriever are both girls!!!

Everlasting Sculpted Fabric Rose Stem Valentines Day Bridal Bouquet - Made to Order

Have you always been interested in art as a girl?

Yep! I even have proof! I kept a paper I wrote in the second grade stating that I wanted to be an artist when I grew up.

How do you stay driven to create new pieces?

To be honest, I don’t. The ideas just come into my head on a regular basis - whether it’s a painting, a sculpture or some new piece of jewelry. Sometimes I’d like to sit and paint, but I’m more inspired to work with a piece of batik that’s caught my eye. I try to create what I’m inspired by in the moment, if that makes sense. I also try to keep up with themes for the holidays to stay current.

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

Since my work is so colorful, I have to find the right market. Not everyone likes explosions of color like I do! I also hate the business side of things. I’ve never been good at marketing myself, but at least Etsy is a start for me.

          Fabric Flower and Beaded Necklace OOAK - Batik Soft Sculpture Flower Teal

What other creative things do you like to do?

I love cooking and gardening, though mostly it’s survival of the fittest in my yard! I also enjoy crocheting, but I can’t figure out those darn instruction books and can only do the two stitches my grandma taught me. But it’s enough to make scarves and hats at least! I also enjoy quilting, but that’s definitely low on my list unfortunately. I have quilt tops that will probably stay quilt tops forever! I’ve recently been taking traditional jewelry making classes, which I love! I’ve been incorporating the new techniques into my fabric flower designs. I really like the results! My problem is that I’m interested in so many things. It’s finding the time to do them all that’s the problem!

Anything else you would like to say?

Thank you so much Christine for giving me this opportunity! You’re a brave woman knowing my long winded ways! ;) It’s been a pleasure getting to know you through Etsy. Your shop and generous, sweet nature are so inspiring. 

Thank you Kelly! It has been enjoyable and delightful!

XOXO

Christine