Perspective and Details

Lately, I've been doing a lot of reflection and processing about perspective.  The way I look at things.  The frame I use around the pictures in my mind.  I tend to lean toward the "All or Nothing" way of looking at things.  I am discovering how limiting this type of thinking is. 

For instance:  I snapped these photos when visiting my in-laws in Washington State.  It was a sunny, warm day.  Enjoying being outside, I happened to look down and see the tiny little flowers basking in the sun as well.  On first look, I did not see them.  Just dirt, and green, and kind of a blur of debris that had fallen from trees and bushes.  But with a sharper mind, and keen awareness of my surroundings, I started looking around with clearer vision, and behold saw these beauties smiling up at me.  I did not move at all when taking these two photos.  I remained in the same spot, however...my perspective changed as I was able to zoom in on the flowers.  I've kept this photo as a reminder to keep my perspective.  Keep an open heart to what is going on around me.  So, that I don't miss some special, unique opportunities that can be right in front of me.

Since this experience, I am trying to view things more purposefully and with intentionality.  My limited perspective does not give view to the whole story.  I see only partially.  But when I listen to others, and hear what their hearts are saying through the words they are using, and watching their micro facial expressions.  I can gain a greater, more complete picture of surroundings.

This practice of keeping my perspective open, is something that I am working on applying to my small online business as well.  After 8 plus years of selling on line, I am reviewing my photos, my words and descriptions in a different more rounded perspective.  Seeing how customers have used some of our products has given me different ideas of how the products can be used, that I was not able to see when I first listed the items.  So, the detail work begins.  The behind the scenes work that you may not see up front or in photos at first,...but slowly, and hopefully consistently, Pear Creek Cottage will be undergoing transformation.

I will be working on the details that most people won't see, but hopefully will make for a better shopping experience all around.  Perspective and Details are seen in these upcoming listings as well.  From layers of paint and paper, to splashes of color,  inspirational words, and finishing details make up these  Mini Message Magnets.

Start Each Day With A Grateful Heart

Free To Fly

June is my Birthday Month!  Yay for Special Days and Celebrating.

Celebrating birthdays can sometimes be tedious.  Depending on the frame of mind one has.  The age old adage, "you're only as old as you feel"...and other great sayings can leave one feeling older than they really are.

This year, I am turning 59!  Yup!  It's a big one.  Not ready for retirement, but viewing it off in the distance.  When I think of retirement, I really don't know what to think specifically.  Does one really retire?  Retire from what?  Living?  The "promise" of something better in retirement shadows the present. The scene similar to hanging a carrot in front of a rabbit.  Teasing.  Taunting.  Causing dissatisfaction with current situation.  I don't want this to be my focus.

I've decided that today, right now...I'm going to live in the present.  Not exerting energy into speculating, what the future may have.  I feel mentally stronger, and accepting of my place and position in life.  I want to move forward confident in this acceptance of self.  Focusing on contentment, not discontentment.  Finding things to be grateful for, and appreciative of.

Recently, I've been able to work on new art pieces.  You can see some of the pieces here:

The words and verses on these art pieces are all meaningful to me.  This has been my process.  When you view these pieces, you can see what I've been thinking on, and where the direction of my life is heading.  Check the shop to see when these pieces are listed: here

As I look forward to my 59th year of life, I am excited.  I am anticipating great adventures and life lessons learned.  I am learning to see Immanuel's (God with us) presence in everyday moments.  I'm full of joy and expectancy as I look forward to what lies ahead on my life journey.

Sharing smiles with you straight from my flower garden.  Do you see them?  The little smiley faces in the middle of the daisies?  I just love how happy these make me.  Hope you enjoy them as well.

Thank you for joining with me and being a traveling companion on this adventure.

Spring is Here...feeling GRATEFUL

 After a couple of bouts with sickness this past winter, my body and mind are rejoicing that it is Spring.  Winter felt long and hard.  I was forced to rest and care for my health, which isn't a bad thing. 

I am a doer.  A "go-getter".  A planner.  Sometimes, I don't know when to stop.  Thankfully, my Creator God, has allowed me to experience sickness in order to stop and rest, and regain health; as well as learning to be more grateful for the health I do have.

In between sleeping, and coughing, I had some moments where I had mini inspiring creative moments.  Wanting to work in my planners, and get them spruced up, I came up with some designs that would help me be more organized.

 Recently, I started embroidering again.  Using wool blend felt shapes, and acrylic felt shapes gives me a great "canvas" to practice my stitches on.

 Here are some pictures of projects that I worked on while recuperating.

Hand-stitched basket of flowers
journal notebook book band.

Travelers Notebooks (TN) book bands. Elastic bands stitched with
decorative wool felt shapes.

Jumbo paper clips with decorative fabric shapes.

Stitched rabbit journal notebook band.

 














Yesterday, I was able to go for a nice walk with my daughter and grandson.  As I was walking along, all of a sudden, I realized..."I'm grateful!"  Grateful for the beauty of creation that surrounds me.  Grateful for movement, and the ability to walk.  Grateful for the company of my daughter and grandson...having family close.    Sharing these moments together, fills me with JOY!

I hope the season change to Spring has allowed you some time to capture and rehearse being thankful and grateful.  Thank you for reading and traveling with me on this life journey.

The Beloved Bears are HERE!

Ever since reading Bonnie Gray's book, "Whispers of Rest", I have been on a quest, a journey, learning to live as the Beloved of God.  This book, and the process of change, has been eye opening and just what I needed at just the right time.

Like many folks, I've struggled with the need for approval.  Feeling inadequate.  Trying to gain acceptance.  One of the patterns that I've developed has been to work harder...to gain more.  The harder I work, the more others will like me.  This has worked like a charm!  It has turned me into a workaholic, an emotional "stuffer", and a stressed out human being.  My relationships have suffered,  my health has suffered, and my soul has suffered.  Not a good way to live ones life.

I really enjoy creating with my hands and my heart.  My head is full of creative ideas and possibilities.  My creative process is usually an extension from what I am learning and discovering, emotionally, physically, or spiritually.  As I've been digesting the truths in the book "Whispers of Rest",  I like to create little tangible reminders of the precepts and truths I'm learning.  This helps reinforce the lessons I'm learning.  A way of reviewing and remembering.

One of the ways I am choosing to remember is through this adorable little stuffed bear which I made.  I named them, "Beloved Bears".  A truth to remind me that God takes the pieces and the patches of my life, and stitches them together with His threads of grace and mercy, to create 'ME'.  His one of a kind creation that brings Him joy.  That is hard to comprehend at times.  I bring God JOY!  Not my workaholism.  Not what I do.  Not what I look like, or what I say.  But me, just as I am...I bring Him JOY!  He delights to be in my presence.  WOW!  Even just typing the words, stops me in my tracks once again.
I have wanted to learn, embrace, and live these truths.  The idea of the "Beloved Bears" came to me as a way I can practice remembering.  I thought, if I put magnets inside the bear, I can stick him on the fridge, in my office....on my exercise bike...wherever I can see him and be reminded of the truth he represents.

Now, you know a little of the back story how the bears came to be.  To me, when I see them, they make me smile.  They bring me joy and hope.  I hope they do the same for you.  You are special.  You are unique, one of a kind...made for a specific purpose.  You are BELOVED!

Patches and Daisy will be accompanying me to the Business Boutique in Nashville, Tennessee.  This is an incredible opportunity that has been opened up to me.  I am still in process getting ready.  There have been obstacles in the way which should prevent me from attending; like my husband losing his job.  However, our God is greater, and stronger, and bigger than the obstacles, and we are trusting that He is leading us, even when we don't understand.
You can use the Coupon Code: PEARCREEK for a discount to attend the Business Boutique.

New Year = Brand New Pear Creek Cottage Newsletter

As January is wrapping up, and February close behind, I wanted to share some exciting new things happening at Pear Creek Cottage.

For some time now, I've been wanting to start a Shop Newsletter.  I have met so many great and wonderful people in the almost 7 years I've been open.  Pear Creek Cottage has introduced me to lots of new things that I was not aware of: such as the huge, Tutu craze that was so popular with not just children, but adults too.   Also,  I learned about Scentsy.  Having never heard of the company before, and now, enjoying the benefits of knowing so many wonderful people who sell Scentsy products.
I now know first hand, what neat gifts that Scentsy warmers and wax make as Christmas and birthday gifts.

As a way of staying better connected to my customers/friends, I thought a Newsletter would be a great way to keep up to date on specials, promotions, and just the happenings in day to day life.

So, I'm launching the first Newsletter and asking folks to sign up to automatically receive the latest up to date info, right in your email!

As an incentive, and "Thank You" for being the first to sign up, I have a FREE offer for YOU!

For everyone who subscribes to my Newsletter, I will send you a Coupon Code to the shop.  You won't want to miss this one!  You will receive $5.00 off your entire purchase of $25.00 or more with the Coupon Code!

Once you sign up, the Coupon Code will be revealed.  This deal is a limited time offer, so don't wait to sign up for the Pear Creek Cottage Newsletter.

As always, thank you for supporting me, and journeying with me as we inspire and encourage each other.

Handcrafting Your Holidays-Classes on Skillshare

The Skillshare Channel Challenge is completed.

I am feeling such a sense of accomplishment.  I finished a three month project of posting three new classes on Skillshare.  This may not seem like a big feat for some, but for me, completing this during my busiest months of the year is a giant leap.

I work in retail.  I have always worked in retail.  It is a known fact, that retail's busiest months are the "ber" months.  September, October, November, and December.   So, for me to make new class projects to show to students, and to come up with an outline of classes, and teach the classes; these are "big deals" in my book.

Normally, I would be one who skims over this accomplishment, letting the "brain gremlins" tell me that  I need to do more.  But this time, I'm taking captive the negative thoughts.  I'm not going to let them set up camp in my brain.  I am choosing to have joy in the moment.  Relish the accomplishment.  Breathe.  Reflect.  Be still, and know that God is God over all. {Psalm 46:10}

If you are interested in taking a look at my latest class on Skillshare, you can find it here.

I enjoyed the whole process of making these classes.  I have a passion for making handcrafted gifts that are custom designed for the recipients.  Coming up with these projects designs, fed my creative spirit.  I would love your feedback and input if you have a chance.  Thank you so much for reading, and for being with me on this part of my journey.

May you have a blessed Christmas season.

New Class on Skillshare- Handcrafting Your Holidays

Exciting news to share!  I've just posted my second class on Skillshare.  It is part one of a three part series titled.

                                         Handcrafting Your Holidays.

 

The first class teaches you how to iron on paper with fusible web.  One of my favorite techniques.  A great and easy way to add dimension to your paper crafting .

I would love it if you would take the class and give me a review.  Skillshare is a GREAT way to participate in a huge variety of classes for a different types of interests.

For those already a part of Skillshare, use the Premium link: http://skl.sh/2cCZGSc
For those new to Skillshare, use the FREE link: http://skl.sh/2dqr73S

Thank you for reading my blog, and for following me along the path that God has set before me.
Blessings to you!

New Year-New Products

New Listings in the shop!
With each New Year that comes, not only is it a fresh start for me, but also Pear Creek Cottage.  Fresh new ideas of items to make.  Revamping older listings, and general updating! There is something about the promise of Spring coming, with its fresh newness of life, that spills over into all areas of my life!
 One thing that I've recently started is Bible Journaling.  I've been following  "#Illustrated Faith" on social media sights, and seeing the Bible pages and words come to life with artful creativeness, is inspiring.   I decided to start where I am at, without thinking that I would have to spend a lot of money purchasing items to get started.  I have an arsenal of scrapbooking and card making tools that have been collected over 30 years old being in that particular business, so, I jumped right in!  I found a Bible on my shelf that I thought would work for me to illustrate and journal in.  I collected my art supplies from drawers and cupboards and placed them together in my prayer "nook".  What an exhilarating experience this has been.
 Because PCC is based on inspiring others to create, I knew that as I created items to use in my own Bible Art, that I would also like to share these ideas and make them available to my customers.  In this post, I show two different listings that are now in my shop, and how I used them to create a page in my a Bible.

These blank hands are great journal spots for Bible art.  Here is the link to the listing at Pear Creek Cottage.https://www.etsy.com/listing/270576304/hands-and-feet-journaling-cards-paper?

ref=shop_home_active_18

I love the idea of using my own fingerprints to make the background on these pages.

For this page, I used paint, and ink pens for the right side of the page.  On the opposite page, I used pre-printed journal cardstock attached with colored tape.  I am a big fan of "family" and "home" themed products, so these pre-printed journal cards are just perfect for me.  You can find this listing in my shop here:https://www.etsy.com/listing/270798088/vintage-theme-tag-kit-diy-gift-tags?ref=shop_home_active_10
Thank you for stopping by and traveling along with me on this journey.