Janna Wilson

Writing, rambling and quilts

I'd like to think I'm a decent writer. Don't judge based on my blog stats, or by proper useage/grammar, etc.-- lol... but no matter if folks aren't interested in what I have to say, I really do like writing and reflecting. Speaking from the heart. Its good for my soul and maybe another soul might find a blessing in what I have to say. I think that as a designer that its a benefit to have some decent writing skills so I try to expand my copywriting skills by practicing here and there.

I'm writing some content for a project I'm designing for my Fine Printing and Book Making class at UAFS and its been interesting. I'm basically writing a little bit about how a quilt is a metaphor for life. I think its an interesting concept and I've enjoyed exploring it. 

In considering the design, I've really tried to engage my thoughts--even watched How to Make an American Quilt! I got to thinking about this quilt--used and a little abused, loved by us all...it stays on the couch or somewhere thereabouts ready to warm on a chilly day. Its threadbare in some parts. I don't know exactly how old it is, but its very pretty. Hand quilted, all hand stitched, by Scott's grandmother. Its really a beautiful thing...on many levels. 

Quilting now is a lot different than it used to be. Used to folks had to quilt because they didn't have the money for or access to yards of fabric. Quilting is about taking bits and pieces and processing it into a whole, creating a greater good and useful thing. Isn't that a lot like life? If you've ever sewn, you know that it takes a great deal of consideration and its quite meticulous. Life is definitely a lot like making a quilt-- I can't wait to share this project when I'm finished. Here's a peek...

This has been a process that I've really enjoyed building upon and simplifying. I've edited my thoughts into short bits to relate the ideas. This particular page relates the stitches made in a quilt to a person's works in life...dedication, love and concern make resilient stitches while a sloppy job yields a poor outcome. Just a little glimpse. 

The closest I've actually come to making a quilt is this bag I made last summer...which I love. Its still upstairs hanging where it was when I finished it-- maybe I'll carry it to keep my mind on quilting and trying to design a good life.

 

 

 

Looking forward

Sometimes I worry [I know] that I spend more time looking ahead than living in the moment and focusing on making a difference right now.

I'm at home with Abby this morning---she wasn't feeling well so we missed church. I love being at home...because honestly, I don't get to spend that much time here these days. What a 180 from life three years ago when I was home always!  I captured this image out the front door this morning...just one of those little blessings to my heart. Spring is beckoning. Abby being sick, maybe its a little blessing in disguise too...we had coffee, I made her breakfast and we had some time...just her and I. Something else that doesn't happen very often.

The t.v. was on the Sunday morning show with Bob Scheiffer- revisiting the shooting at Newtown, detailing the tragedy in Boston and it is just heartbreaking, gutwrenching. I think we've all just grieved tremdously over these terrible losses. It just verifies to me how fragile life is and going back to my first thought--- if I spend all of my time focusing on how everything will be better a year from now, two, five...well, then I'm missing the whole point of it all, aren't I? These events are a reminder to me that I really need to live in the moment. Enjoy each minute, each hour each day...because there is no promise of tomorrow. The reason I am "looking forward" is just that I'm so burned out with the busy-ness of my life. There's a saying...if the devil can't make you sin, he'll make you busy. I know there are many that spend more hours than me working, schooling, etc...but I don't want this busy life. I don't like this confusion so I guess I am just hopeful that life will slow down and I can return to some normalcy after I get finished with school. I found some scripture in Ecclesiates chapter 2 that addresses busyness if you share my dilemma and care to read. Yes, I search the scriptures...

And Jesus said in Matthew 6:34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself.

 {Note: sometimes these blogs are just me talking to me...and if I feel like I'm having a conversation with you, then maybe I can sort my thoughts out a bit easier...right? Writing is my little therapy session.}

I've spent a good deal of time over the last few months with some bitterness in my heart. Here, I've had this great blessing of a dream being realized-- getting to go back to school, but I'm concerned it is much more of a burden on my family than I thought it would be. This is why I spend too much time focusing on the future...of course, I feel that it will all be better come next May when I get done with school. So I am just sort of living in this confusion...and I just need to stop and smell the roses. The ones that are blooming right now. Take my own advice and live day by day. Roll with it. Enjoy it. 

I had planned on spending the entire day Saturday playing catch up on homework. But, did I? 

Nope.

I just decided to enjoy my day...to smell those roses, to listen, to enjoy the day with the family and spend some time getting my hands dirty and marking some things off of my to do list at home.

Scott's expanded his garden and if we can keep the deer out we'll have a bounty of produce!

I worked in my flower beds, I try to stick with perennials and things that are easy to care for and I don't have to spend the entire summer watering. Our backyard is completely shaded with a canopy of huge oaks...let's just say I haven't figured out how to grow grass yet! 

I planted seed in milk jugs to start and this has proven successful! Will be transplanting these soon.

Yes, I spent the entire day playing in the dirt. Working in the yard, my herb garden, moving plants...we did take a break to go down to the Spinach Festival and eat some funnel cake. I accomplished one project that has been on my to do list for about five years! It felt pretty good.

 At the end of the day Scott built a fire and we roasted hot dogs and made smores. It was so nice to sit by the fire, the cool air carrying the sounds of the kids playing around the front. Sounds I haven't "listened" to lately since I spend much of my time in busy confusion these days. 

My prayer this week is that I can find a balance. That I can manage what has to be done and what needs to be done with what should be done. A balance I've been seeking for years, I suppose.

And with that I'm praying that I can still get everything done that I need to!!! (for school/finals) ...let's see, I have to print, letterpress and bind an edition of 5 books for my Fine Printing and Bookbinding Class; design a board game, box and all the components + finish a Japanese package design for my Packaging Design Class; design a collage and self portrait for Production Techniques class and write a recommendation report about buying running shoes and write a final analysis for my Writing for the Workplace class...whew...in addition to my regularly scheduled life. :) LOL!

I'll leave you with this thought:

 

Jenny's Baby Shower

What a week this last one was-- it culminated in a wonderful, precious time with many of our extended family. My baby sister Jenny is due in May and only has a few short weeks until we will meet her little bundle! Without Sara and Abby I would have never been able to pull off getting the house ready for the shower. We worked a bit all week, cleaning and prepping and Sara and Abby crafted most of the pretty decor.

I tested recipes on Thursday...and ended up baking five quiche and 3 dozen orange cranberry scones.Quiche was a hit...you seriously can't go wrong with Paula Deen.

We also made Pig'n Blankets (little smokies and crescents), chicken salad sandwiches and had a couple of yummy cheeseballs and fresh pineapple. The shower was a drop in from 10-1 so I wanted to include a brunchy selection.

All of the decorations can be used in the baby's room or for photo props later so Jenny gets to keep all of that. These roses are some of the most beautiful silk roses I've ever seen (from Wal Mart of all places $2 each). Most all of the decor we pulled from things we had with the exception of purchasing the different pink fabrics.

You can check out some in progress pics of the garland on my Instagram.

Parents to be Jenny Beth and Tim

My sister in law made probably the best cupcakes I've ever had and the prettiest pink! So good! We sprayed candle sticks with gold spray paint for the cupcake stands. The scallop tops are a Wilton product that was silver...sprayed gold and glued onto the top of the candle stands. Little holders for forks were from Glade flameless candles...a little spray paint and voila!

The baby's room is light pink and gold...so we went with that. Invitation design by Paper Belle.

 

A quick project to personalize the decor a bit...appliqued an E to linen and framed with something I already had. Needs a little more work but I made it at like 11:00 the night before :)

Sara made this cute little diaper cake for Jenny.

And its back to boringsville. The best tip I can give you is that $5 flat sheets (also WM) make the best tablecloths! We live in a small town so when you need something -- WM is your only option to run to, unfortunately. I happened onto a clearance set of black sheets at Target a while back and was needing a black table cloth for something...worked perfectly.

My hubby has a special sweet spot for Jenny, as he has gotten to see her grow up into a gracious, beautiful, successful woman. And seeing her make this step into Motherhood is pretty wonderful. He made her a rocking chair just like he made me...pretty awesome.

Wanna see more from the shower...check out Jenny's Instagram.

Precious memories...

 

Where are you going this week?

I'll tell you, I've had a really bad attitude this last week. And I'm feeling guilty about it. It seems like my life isn't my own. This dumb homework. The bad thing is I really wish that I could take more time to actually enjoy what I'm doing but I'm just living in this whirlwind right now and I can't seem to get a handle on it. I'm so close yet so far away from finishing school. I can almost see that light at the end of the tunnel...but its a tunnel in west Texas...its so flat you can see for hundreds of miles and the light is still VERY far away. Okay, only a year. And a year passes like a flash, right? I know that this opportunity to go back to school is so valuable. I've been blessed with scholarships that have made it financially bearable. A supportive family. As far as I can tell it is completely God's will for me. But I'm not sure he wants to reveal just where this path will lead me. Because I think I feel more unsure than ever about what in the world I'm doing. I just have to lean on Him.

People ask...what are you going to do with this degree? Of course, I'm already working and enjoy my job. But when I finish school and have more time, honestly, I just want to design things that put a smile on folks' faces. Things that touch hearts and comfort people in some way. I want to encourage. I want to make things possible, or seem possible...because I'm the living proof that you can chase down your dreams. And then do it all over again. That's just the truth. And I want to design things that are the truth.

I think a lot about our paths. Mine, yours, which one to take- where it might lead...and this thought came to my mind the other day and I wrote it down. So true. I think each and every person that crosses our path is part of His plan. Sometimes its no more than a glance at the grocery store or perhaps its an effort made to befriend and be kind to a lost soul. But every person in your path is there for a reason, however great or small. Giving us a chance to serve in whatever way we are gifted to do so.

I just challenge you to pay attention to where you are going this week. You never know who you might meet along the way.

In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:6

 

 

Letterpress adventures and an early morning

I was up at the crack of dawn...okay, before the crack about 4 a.m.-- and before Hershel (our little rooster) started crowing. Now that's early! I love rising early even though I do LOVE to sleep :) One of the few times when Scott and I have time for a real conversation over a cup of coffee. Today even though we planned on going separate ways for the day, we made time to get up early together. Darn it the busy-ness of life just stifles me so. But I try to really appreciate the morning glory on my way to where ever it is I'm headed to each day.

I like the early morning...the day is so full of possibilities. I'm a dreamer, you know. Love seeing how the sun comes up each day...in a new, unique and beautiful way--reminding me that God's hand is on me, guiding me. Even though I don't know what this day might hold, He does. And I'm good with that.

For the last couple of years I have been romancing the thought of letterpress. I got a taste a couple of years back in a typography class. UAFS has a letterpress workshop and its pretty sweet. Small, but a treasure on our campus. One of my current class assignments was to design an invitation for the Senior Portfolio Review-- the Senior class chose my design as the one that would be produced for the event! I was surprised and thrilled. Its pretty awesome to see something like this come to life on an old school press. These photos simply do not do the letterpress character justice...its pretty scrumptious.

This is a Chandler and Price press...probably close to 100 year old. My fave!

 

The card is a 5 x 7 with a blind emboss (all designery words) and a black wrap/band. The back has a map and logo of the school press/shop. There was an insert for professionals (the small card) as well. I need to photograph to capture the beauty...but iPhone pic for now ;)

This is a Vandercook press...probably around 60 year old I think? Just look at that gold ink...to die for! Pretty cool, huh! Its a very meticulous and rewarding process. I just love. Anyone else out these have experience pressing?

I really hope to purchase a press soon-- and start producing some of my work/lettering/books in editions as well as offering custom invitations, etc. I certainly have a LOT to learn, but would love to continue my little romance on my own after my school/class is done. Letterpress is truly a beautiful art form...and coincides with my love of paper, printing and design. So charming!

Hope you have a blessed weekend! xoxo

 

 

Encourage...spring stuff

Gosh, I am just SO ancy right now...for some reason, and this may sound morbid...I just feel that I have a short time to do a lot of things that I want to do. Weird? I know. I think its just probably that I have so many interests and so VERY LITTLE time. So busy doing what I have to do...dreaming of the things I want to do, making small bits of time to get stuff done, and trying to savor fleeting moments as time flies by.

I've been thinking a lot lately, reflecting lately. I can't make sense of most of it...because of time constraints --but it feels important, need to be said...and shared. If you follow my Instagram, that seems to be my social media of choice. I like it because its more positive and doable than other choices...so you can kind of see my thought processes...like this one.

I've been thinking about "encourage" lately. My kids tend to pick at each other and we all get into this vicious cycle of poking fun, and picking. Even me...it's all perfectly innocent, out of fun love, but I was thinking it really needs to stop. Choosing to encourage instead of discourage...and well, dis. Remembering what a blessing you give and receive when you make the choice...to simply encourage someone. Its so easy. Such a simple gift we all have for the giving. Its all about seeing the good...and yeah, sometimes you have to look hard for it.

I'm not sure I've posted since I started working part time...so far so good! Really enjoying it. Working with Pradco Outdoor Brands and its all about fishing all the time! Makes me want to go fishing! Or at least eat some fish...mmm, crappie are biting. Wish I had some!

Only about 5 weeks of class left in the semester. Hallelujah!!! I am so looking forward to pursuing some of my creative thoughts this summer...and well, I am ready for warm weather. Still pretty nippy here in NWArkansas.These little jewels are longing to be outside in their new garden spot.

How was your Easter. We really enjoyed ours. Snapped this before we headed to Sunday morning services :)

Hope your spring is lovely.

 

Valentine for everybody! [printable freebie]

V day is in just two more days...are you ready?

Well, with my crazy schedule, I'm readier than I would normally be at this time, usually, I'm helping the kids with their love notes the night before. And we almost always make them, of course!

Sara and Cash made this fun heart with legos...Cash added his name this morning.

So I made a quick Lego Valentine for him with a snap of him holding the heart...

I had to make some Valentines for our Graphic Design club fundraiser-- and I'm pretty sure none of the college kids lurk here...so for my friends I'm gonna let you download one! YAY!

The big frame is a custom print I'm offering- for $25 framed 8 x 10 print on high quality photo rag art paper. Email me if you are interested. I can have these ready for locals on Valentines Day...also great for weddings, anniversaries, etc.

Here's your FREE printable Valentine download!

Download Moustache Valentine

This is a 5 x 7 inch pdf. You can print these on your photo printer for a beautiful result. My advice: use good photo paper for best results. I always keep matte paper handy for these projects. You can resize to 4 x 6 if you like. If you like the number print in the image above, you can purchase a similar one here on Etsy...I took hers as inspiration for some personal projects. 

Remember this freebie is for personal use only!

With love ❤ Janna

Instagram Photo Decor #freeforallfriday

A fun #freeforallfriday project share-- I thought I'd go into detail on how I created this super fun Instagram Photo Decor piece as well as give you the Photoshop file I printed my collage from. Its seriously easy as pie! I think its super cool and its perched in my kitchen window where I can enjoy 360 degrees of memories from last year!

I will say that I wasn't planning on sharing this when I snapped these photos. I'll do better next time. I just knew this project was too fun to keep to myself.

So let's get started!

Supplies you'll need are all available at Michaels or you local craft store. I just happened to see the glassy cylinder and thought...I think I could do something with that! I purchased the glass and wood pieces for around $5 bucks. (Don't forget your COUPONS!)

• Glass cylinder/vase (purchased at Michaels for about $3)
• Wood plaque and ball/knob (with flat side)- also purchased at Michaels
• Craft paint or chalk paint (I used Annie Sloan Provence and her dark wax) I purchased at the White Goat in Little Rock.
• Photo printer and 8 1/2 x 11 photo paper. I love Epson Matte Presentation Paper or HP Everyday Photo Paper with my Canon 9000 printer.
• Sandpaper, hot glue gun and paintbrush

Okay- let me just say that the most time consuming part of this is creating the IG photo collage. Because the inside of the glass vases varies from piece to piece I can give you the size that worked for me, but your jar may require some tweaking on that size.  If you are using the same size cylinder as me, you can use my photos as a guide if you like, this file includes the text "Snapshots of a Good Life" also. If you don't use Photoshop, you could also just place some pretty scrapbook paper, map or wrapping paper inside or even cut a large photo to size.

Download the Photoshop (.psd) file to create your photo collage. You can use my photos as a reference.  InstaDecor_template

Steps to create this little keepsake:

1. Glue the knob to the center of the plaque, you can choose to use the routered/beveled edge or the flat side. I used hot glue- use what you have (E6000, wood glue, whatever).
2. Paint the wood (sand if you want, I'm way too lazy for that), let dry, wax/ glaze or distress if you like.
3. Create your photo collage, print out and trim to size. Insert into glass cylinder.

The lid pretty much just sits atop the vase so I just put a glue dot on to keep it in place. You can get a bit more inventive with that if you like. Talk about a super gift for Grandma!!! And you can store stuff in the interior as well. What treasures will you put in your vase?

Hope you love this project as much as I do! 

Blogging...about blogging (and design of course)

I've been blogging for nearly ten years. Blogging is a funny thing to me. Interesting how folks are now bloggers for a living and how the multitudes have embraced this mode of communication/networking as a (hopeful) career. My blogging has always been from a sincere joy and excitement about what I'm doing (usually craft related, of course) and connecting with like minded creatives. Never motivated with hopes to earn a living blogging, get advertising, etc. though I know plenty of people who get a nice chunk of change doing just that. Nothing wrong with that. More power to 'em.

Well, with that said, I've been contemplating what to do about this blog. I mean it costs money every month...do I really even need it? How can I utilize this tool to benefit others as well my own goals? I mean here I am pursuing this career as a designer, what is the best way to implement blogging to further that goal? As I've pondered this, looked at stats, referring sites/searches...I've realized that most of my traffic are folks looking for project ideas, free downloads, inspiration I suppose. So y'all are looking for useable content and I'm am going to serve it up on a pretty platter!

Here's what I've come up with.

1. I love designing fun, inspiring things...and I have a computer full of fun stuff to share. So I will again share! Free for all Fridays is coming back. You know I'm busy, I know you're busy. But I need to give stuff away, share my ideas, tips and tricks...it makes my heart happy. So I will do just that. Yes, on Fridays. As much as I can manage.  Downloadable, printable, useable, project-able, enjoyable goodness. Designed by me. Just for you.

(I'll be sharing the details to make this sweet photo display for about $5, oh yeah!)

2. Freelance don't mean it's ALL free. :) Y'all know what I mean. A college mama's gotta put beans and taters on the table. So I plan to lure you here with freebies and then make you an offer you cannot refuse...? Maybe. Or possibly you can refuse, but you might be so kind to tell a friend about me, like my page, tweet it, pin it, tumble it, shout it, share it...whatever it is you prefer :) Translation: I am going to make available some exclusive designs (like the ones below) for purchase and if you would share the love, I would love you.

While we are doing #1 and #2 (giggle, that didn't come out exactly right...or did it?) here's what else could be happening...

3. I'm proliferating ideas, having fun, sharing, inspiring, serving my purpose, making new friends, being inspired, being happy, spreading joy, possibly making some tips, maybe getting noticed by someone who might possibly think I have a teensy something special and they decide they MUST have me work for them and make even more fabulous designs? Yep, it could happen!

4. You're enjoying some fun little freebies, we connect as fellow creatives, I inspire, you inspire, and the world is just a happier, better place because of it all! I'll be honing my project management skills-- I'm approaching it from that perspective.

So meet me back here on Friday, #freeforallfriday that is. Bloggers, lets connect, share the love, network, blog-it-up. Let's do this.

Oh and my birthday is Monday...let's party on the 4th!!!

Love y'all sweet folks!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sew love to #make

Last summer I had a bit of time and I wanted to sew. More than that, a few other people had told me they wanted to sew. It was a blessing of spending some time with some friends, old and new...we sewed into the weeeeee hours at several different classes! One of our projects was this:

...a sweet pleated/ruffled pillow cover. I wanted to show the gals how to sew a simple pillow cover and embellish it at the same time. I love my linen cover with bright contrasting strips of ruffles. Precious! I was so proud of the pillows the ladies turned out.

I thought I'd share this tutorial with you since I had typed it up for the class-goers. I don't have step by step images to go with the instructions but I tried to explain well and include visuals. This is a beginner level project. Hope you enjoy!

Download the instructions here: Easy Pleated Pillow

Here are some of the other pillows the gals made:
Love Linda's Lime!


Sonya's so Bright and fun!


Maggie's rocked! What more is there to say!