On the 9th Day of Christmas Rae Missigman Inspired Me!

Merry Day 9 of Christmas!

On this 9th Day of Christmas Rae Missigman inspired me!  I had the pleasure of having Rae teach at our Fall 2015 Handmade U.  She along with her Art to the 5th teammate Lorraine Bell taught an amazing day and half of classes.  If you don't already follow Rae, get over and see what she is up to on her Blog, Instagram and Facebook pages.  I love seeing what lots of people are creating, but with Rae, I not only love her art, but I love her consistency.  I know I can always depend on seeing a sneak art peek from her gorgeous studio.  I do believe she is one of the hardest working artists I know.

The whole Art to the 5th team have really gone above and beyond for the Documented Life community.  Two years of free prompts and sharing of ideas and their inspiration, and the third upcoming year not only at a low price, but they put together cultivated kits for us to purchase and get us started.  That was SO much work, and they are so humble about what they provide.  Thanks ladies!  Who else is joining in on the fun next year?!  I have my kit and am ready to get started!!!

Isn't this Art Community wonderful in the way every person can find inspiration from someone?  I admire and appreciate all kinds of art, but I am drawn in, really inspired to pick up and try my hand at what a handful of artists are doing.  Rae is one of those artists.  I am crazy over the colors she chooses and her unique mark-making.  Have ever thought someone's art was so yummy you wanted to eat it?? Umm, me neither ;)

I could go on about how I binge-watch Rae's 15 minute Art videos on You-tube, and can't wait to take her class to make a portable art kit....but I am also so inspired by her kindness, positivity, generosity, and care of others.  During Handmade U, Rae and Lorraine made sure EVERYONE was getting their projects done, and if anyone struggled they sat next to her and helped her get unstuck.  If you've ever been to an Art Retreat or in a class, you know what a blessing it is to have one-on-one time with the instructors and to have a COMPLETED project!  I do believe everyone at Handmade U last semester had that with Rae and Lorraine.

Rae thanks for being an Inspiration to me, and to many!  You represent the Art Community so well with your talent, kindness, how to balance family and your passion, and so much more.  I hope you take time for yourself and your family this Christmas!  Can't wait to see what you do in 2016!  Love you!

xoxo
-Rach

On the 8th Day of Christmas - Lisa McKenny inspired me!

Merry Day 8 of Christmas!

On the 8th Day Lisa McKenney inspired me!!  Lisa is the beautiful shop owner at Loved Squared Designs.  Lisa creates beautiful leather cuffs and more!  

(Lisa on the right)

Most recently she has collaborated with Stephanie Ackerman to create special pieces which when sold part of the proceeds went to Beauty for Ashes Uganda (www.beautyforashesuganda.org ) for their “Veggies for Christmas” campaign which means every necklace that was sold provides 1 Garden per momma in Uganda and the ability to grow food for their family for a whole year! 

I'm inspired by Lisa for working with her God-given talents to bless others.  She is a nurturer, a calm force of support for her family and friends, a strong faithful Mom and wife, a caring and thoughtful soul, and so much more.  

I love buying handmade items, and buying those that not only support small businesses, but support wonderful organizations that help others less fortunate is a win-win-win!  I'm looking forward to seeing what more Lisa creates in 2016!  Keep your eyes open, I'm sure she will bless so many more with her inspirational jewelry and work!

Thanks Lisa for being my Day 8 Inspiration!!  xox Love you!

-Rach

On the 7th Day of Christmas Lexi Grenzer Inspired Me!

Merry 7th Day of Christmas!

Today and nearly everyday Lexi Grenzer is inspiring me.  Lexi is an amazing artist with talents that run the gamut from soldering to her newer love of stuffed animals!  Just about any craft or art medium you can think of I think she has a talent in, and if she doesn't now, mention it to her and in a week she has mastered it!

Lexi taught at Handmade U a few years ago.  She showed us all how to make amazing soldered box pendants and turn them into necklaces.  She not only shared with us her expansive knowledge of the techniques and tricks to making a beautiful piece, Lexi also had the patience and kindness to match her talent.  If you have ever soldered or attempted to before, you know it isn't necessarily an easy thing to learn, sometime it can be downright frustrating!  Lexi gave everyone who needed the extra attention more of her time, even after dinner when her teaching time was "officially" over.

If you follow Lexi on Facebook you know she is always making new and fun things with all kinds of workshops being offered.  If I lived close to her I think I'd be over at her place ALL the time!

One the cutest new things she's created is her new little baby!  Being a young mother of now TWO, she inspires by showing you can still find time to follow your passion!

Check out the new Somerset Magazine - Prims - Lexi's inspired work in featured. Congrats Lexi - Well deserved!

Lexi thanks for being an inspiration to so many with your talent, and even more with your sweet, loving nature.  I look forward to seeing what you do next, and hope one day soon to have you back out to Nebraska to teach in the Barn!  Love you!

xoxo
-Rach

On the 6th Day of Christmas Kaari & Molly Meng inspired me!

Merry 6th Day of Christmas!

Today is a two-fer!  Creative Sisters that have been inspiring me for years.  I first met Kaari at an Art Retreat years ago, right after I decided to sign up for the French General trip to a Chateau in the South of France to eat, craft, antique, explore and eat some more.  At the time I knew Kaari to be the creative shop owner of French General.  The French General sells the most unique, beautiful, and fun glass beads and trimmings and so much more.  You can shop online HERE if you aren't in the LA area.

Since the first time I met Kaari, she has expanded her domination of the craft/fabric/jewelry community with many hoard-worthy lines of MODA fabrics, she can cover your windows and couches with beautiful fabrics too - you can find those at Jo-Ann's and other shops, she's had scrapbook/paper lines at Michael's, and her own Sizzix lines that I was lucky enough to receive and will be finding more time to use in the new year -  find yours here.  If you love stitching, like I do, you'll have to check out her line of embroidery floss and stitching pattens.

Kaari and I circa 2010

 If you want to experience France for the first time, you will definitely want to do it Meng style!  Kaari  has a wonderful crew with her that will make you feel like part of the family.  One of the crew is Kaari's sister, Molly Meng.  Molly is so many things, but if I had to pick just one word to describe her it is FUN.

She will keep you laughing and smiling the entire time.  The picture of Molly above reminds me of her infectious laughter and joy.  Molly really connects with people.  She loves talking to the people she mets along the way, and not only does she love talking, but even more it seems she loves LISTENING.  Listening to people's histories, their path to get to where they are today, it is one of her amazing traits.  She has a love for old vintage photos as well, imagining the lives of those in those photos is a pastime of hers.

Molly partners up for the Meng & Mahar workshops in Southern CA.  Her line-up of workshops look fantastic!  Check them out here!  Molly also has a quirky and cute line of greeting cards 8mm Ideas , they are created using vintage papers, so unique and I'd love to find one in my post office box...just saying.

These two amazingly creative women also have The Art of Craft retreats and other wonderful workshops.  Look them up, get to know them, follow all the exciting adventures they will continue to have ahead!

Love you two and Miss you, thanks for being an inspiration for us all!

-Rach

On the 5th Day of Christmas ... Jennifer Allred inspired me.

Merry 5th Day of Christmas!

My Day 5 Inspiration is my sweet friend Jennifer Allred.

Jennifer is a wonderful Mom to three boys.  If you know Jen you know she is always on the go between games whether it be baseball or hockey.  On top of the normal Mom responsibilities that she takes on full-time, she also has the additional duty of being a Type 1 Diabetes Mom.  She is passionate about supporting and advocating for her son Jackson whether it be in school or finding the absolute best medical care and treatment.

To see how Jackson is learning to advocate for himself as a spokesperson for living with Type 1 Diabetes is a true testament to the love and care he gets from his Mom (and Dad too!)

Jennifer also inspires me by finding time to do what she loves and sharing it with everyone through The Turquoise Tomato Etsy shop.  You will find her beautiful Leather Cuffs, and drool worthy stitched hoop necklaces!  I am so honored to have her on my Handmade U Stitch Team!  You'll see much more from her and the rest of the
Team in 2016!

Jennifer inspires me by always having a smile and laugh, even when she might be frazzled with all kinds of challenges, she keeps her humor about her, and focuses on what is most important, her kids and family.

Thanks Jennifer for being such an inspiration in Family and Faith and Stitching!  Love you!

I know many friends join Jennifer in raising children with illness, or other challenges.  I'd like to say I am inspired by all of you!  Putting your kids first and doing EVERYTHING you can to give them the best life and best care is such a blessing for them and whether people tell you often or not, you are doing a great job!