I make watercolor pieces combining it with some hand lettering or calligraphy, greeting cards, custom order invitations, stationery, and signage; most of the items in my shop are Bible-inspired.
Welcome! My name is Lydia Tjia. I am a wife, mother of three awesome children, hand-lettering artist, calligrapher, and illustrator. Thank you for visiting my website.
I have homeschooled my three children since 1994. When I started, homeschooling seemed like a long and endless journey. My whole life centered around my family. Fast-forward twenty-two years: My homeschooling years are coming to an end. I find myself asking what I will do when all the children have left the house. Currently, I only have one child left at home. The thought of not having anyone to chauffeur, no lesson plans, and no scheduling both excite and scare me. Life as I know it is about to change when my youngest graduates from high school in a few years.
When I first had these thoughts a few years ago, I began praying and asking God for direction. Change is always uncomfortable but I also believe that if we walk in His way, we will step into any new challenges with joy and excitement. Sometimes, I dread the journey through an unfamiliar path, but Isaiah tells me that I will “go out in joy and be led forth in peace” (Is. 55:12, NIV). Not only that: The “mountains and hills will burst into song” and “all the trees of the field will clap their hands” (Is. 55:12, NIV). Even Creation is cheering me on!
Slowly, the Lord began to reveal a side of me I did not know I had: My artistic side. I did not grow up with any artistic experience and no one in my family is an artist. Even so, I decided to join my daughter’s art class. Yes, I was doing art in the same room with little kids, but my wonderful art teacher, who is also my good friend, worked with me individually and helped me move at my own pace. Soon afterward, I started my own art journal and began hand-lettering. I did not know at that time where the Lord was taking me, but as a “DIY” person, I started taking classes online, both free and paid. I just tried to soak in as much information as I could. I never forgot what someone told me many years ago.
“Prepare and equip yourself even if you don’t see any openings yet, so when the opportunity comes, you are ready to step into it. Opportunity does not announce itself ahead of time; it just shows up. And when it does, if you are not ready for it, it will be your own fault.”
As I learned more, I became more comfortable with my new skills and saw more clearly where the Lord was taking me. I narrowed my interests and focused on them. As I improved, I began to find new opportunities.
I decided to start a blog to showcase my work, but I also want to inspire and encourage others. I realize that I have something to share, whether it is an encouragement, an inspiring verse, my illustrated sermon notes, a good book, or even a wholesome recipe. Even if you are not a calligrapher or illustrator, I hope you still get something out of my blog. Most of the quotes or verses I do in my pieces are nuggets I get in my devotions. They are words which have ministered to me. I pray they will minister to you too.
I turned fifty this year. Some would consider this too old or too late to start something new, but I believe I am just beginning. I love the the quote by Les Brown:
“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”
I think this is true regardless of your age or position in life. You may have passed “the Big Five-O” like me, or you may be a young person with many bright years ahead: Never stop learning.