I opened shop in September 2012 on Etsy. Previously I had been focusing on my photography, but I was in an accident in August of that year, and my injuries made it nearly impossible to shoot for nearly 9 months. I had to take a step back and evaluate where I was as an artist to better determine what outlets I could use to continue to create!

I have very distinct memories of sewing and hand quilting with my Gram in my parents home when I was younger. She would come and stay with us for the summer, and she would set up her handmade quilt frame in the living room to work on her quilting commissions. I was only about 5 years old at the time, but she was happy to have me working with her. Not only was that my first experience sewing, but it was also when I learned that I could be an artist when I grew up! I learned how to use a sewing machine about 18 years ago, and my more current work over the last five years has led me to learn countless techniques.

Today, my pillows are my most popular item, I think because they make great gifts for a newborn, as a housewarming gift, even as a baby shower or bridal shower gift. I personalize each pillow with the name, date, or saying of my customers choosing, typically in a color that coordinates with the patchwork border.

Hand embroidered ornaments are also very popular, especially from August through November as we approach the holiday season! My quilts are also starting to gain momentum, and though I am currently selling more trendy and modern pieces, I hope to offer some improv quilts soon.

I would say I specialize in quilted and hand embroidered items for the home. My storefront on Etsy displays my most popular items, but I am also frequently taking on private commissions for quilts and intricately embroidered display pieces that I design based on my customer's specifications.

I am also a stock photographer for Getty Images, and have been shooting for 15 years, 5 of those professionally. I find a lot of enjoyment shooting fine art nature photography. During the year I also take on a limited amount of sessions. During these sessions, I try to capture the beauty in everyday moments for my clients. I have heard it referred to as visual storytelling. I truly believe that it is the small, in-between moments in our lives that not only make us who we are, but greatly contribute to our happiness, and I love to capture those moments for my clients.

That being said, I am a mom of three beautiful children. Time that I spend working on my shop, designing items, and fulfilling orders is time that I spend away from my children/family, and is therefor time that I highly value. I hope that my customers know that by supporting my shop, they are supporting my family, and any profit that I make from my business goes directly into meeting the needs of my children, as well as their health, happiness, and supplementing their education.