Celebrating L I F E. In words. One letter at a time.

When I first had the idea to make banners back in Fall of 2008, I didn’t have anything in mind that resembles what I do now. It wasn’t until my then 5-year-old son was working alongside me, and I let him stamp on some chipboard with what I thought was an “ugly” stamp, that I had the inspiration to cut squares and stamp them with big letters. Inspiration comes in many forms, including the eager hands of a 5-year-old boy. That first banner he inspired was BELIEVE, https://www.etsy.com/listing/63326241/christmas-decoration-believe-garland

My studio consists of my 1954 green kitchen table and a giant armoire I picked up at a yard sale and refinished. Once I put on my blue “Andy” apron, I am in my studio where each banner begins and ends at my kitchen table. Cutting, punching, stamping, distressing, stringing and finally shipping all happen there.

Each banner is hand-stamped in paint using foam stamps, then distressed with ink and strung on ribbon. No printers, no computer.

I do most of my work while my children are at school, napping or in bed for the night, since paint, wet paintbrushes, ink-pads and my 1-year-old is a challenging mix. I find a great speech to listen to online that will renew my spirit and I go to work. Making banners in batches helps them look similar to each other and cuts down on prep and cleaning time. A lot of distressing and stringing takes place while I watch a favorite PBS show with my kids, or while I am supervising piano or violin practicing.

In August of 2010 I asked my Aunt Johnell to become a part of my shop, as it had grown into a bigger "hobby" than I ever thought it would. I like having more time where I am just "mom"--not mom on the computer, mom shipping banners or mom frantically creating a last-minute custom order. In addition to creating her own designs, Johnell also responds to our convos, creates the custom orders and handles the shipping. I am so grateful to have her as a partner in this!