Janna Wilson

Found my joy under the pancakes this morning...

Truthfully, I feel like I'm a fairly happy girl. I believe finding joy is something I have to purpose to do, it's a choice. Now, don't get me wrong-- I have my moments. You know, the occaisional pity party, why me's-- I try very hard to stay positive. I'm a regular mama. I'm busy. My kids are busy- and frankly, there are lots of things that just don't get done or get put on the backburner. Life isn't perfect, but I'm really trying to do better, be better and be happy in spite of the chaos.

I realized something this morning...my joy, whay I "enjoy" -- and where joy is most fully uncovered...is in the most obvious places. If I were a robber and joy were the most valuable thing I came to steal...where would I look for it? In the jewelery box, the safe, in the computer hard drives-- in the garage? 

This morning let me tell you where I found joy.

I saw joy in my husband's face this morning because I rose with the roosters at 5:30 a.m. with him and I made the coffee (he usually makes the coffee).

I found joy in an old cast iron skillet flipping pancakes for my kids' breakfast (yes, we're usually eating on the run).

I even felt a little joy when I ironed Cash's little flannel shirt- little clothes are so much more fun to iron and I'm so happy it's finally fall!

I'm about to go en"joy" God's creation during my 2 mile jog/walk this morning. And I feel blessed and grateful to be able to do that. 

Joy isn't in my bank account, though I felt so rich because my kiddos appreciated me making a hot breakfast today. Joy isn't in 30 minutes more sleep. Joy is in doing, giving and going the extra mile -- for me anyway. And guess what, it's a bit more effort, just like everything that is worthwhile, to look for my joy. It's not even big things, it's the little things, sometimes things we think are stumbling blocks (cooking and ironing) are actually little bits of joy to be uncovered. 

Isn't joy a precious thing?

Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. Romans 15:13

on being creative...

I have a thesis proposal to "revise" and a midterm paper to write and design, oh and a company to dream up and start branding (okay, that last one is gonna be way fun!!!). This semester is definitely not as crazy as ones past-- except that my kiddos have me running in circles. Both girls in volleyball, Sara cheering and Cash playing football. I'm meeting myself coming and going as we have activities five or six days of the week. Is this not the cutest dang quarterback you've ever seen? Hello. 

I've found that in order to be creative I have to, I mean I HAVE TO -- yes, I MUST --continually pursue other creative endeavors. If I don't I feel stifled and sad. I must continually stimulate my creative self by learning, teaching, listening, looking, doing, making-- so in addition to my school work, a couple of side projects and family comittments I am listening to Start by John Acuff. And The Shallows by Nicolas Carr (but this is for my thesis). 

I am practicing my calligraphy as often as I can and even took a little class on that (especially when I need a break from typing and want to give my brain a work out).

I am getting a package ready to send to DaySpring, hopeful they select me to be an intern :) I got my personal identity (logo, business cards, resume etc.) finished last week so I have to photograph all of that. I've started setting it up- need to borrow a camera, this is an iPhone pic I snapped.

I'm really happy with my personal identity designs-- I feel like it's totally me with a touch of what's trending. I can't wait to get good photographs to share the details of this package. I love it.

I am not cleaning house much, but I am cooking and baking-- which is, of course, creative, yes?! If you love Snickerdoodles I highly, HIGHLY recommend these little bits of Heaven...White Chocolate Pumpkin Spiced Snickerdoodles. Be prepared to run afterward. 

Speaking of running...I'm training for a 5K in November, so yes, I've been doing that too. Exercising affords the opportunity to listen to said book (above) and is as good for my cluttered mind as is for my fluffy body. I won't say I'm a runner, mostly a fast walker/slow jogger. 

I just finished this for a friend- it's a custom invitation that will be digitally delivered to the recipients. I incorporated the school colors and mascot - she wanted a vintage, travel-themed, ticket/passport stampy look. I hope she likes!

So that's what's on my creative plate right now...mostly. Time to go excercise...

 

 

 

 

white space...

I love how Whitney English often uses the term "white space." Truly, we all need a bit of white space in our lives, don't we? I know for me I feel stifled creatively with out a bit of white space, I start resenting even the things that are blessings because they overtake me, overwhelm me. Speaking of trying to do it all...Whitney has a fabulous perspective on that in a blog post today.

I was thinking about the last few weeks...and how I've actually found a bit of white space that I haven't had in a long time. Yes, it comes at a cost-- but I've come to realize that my sanity is something that I can't put a price on and the time I've found is absolutely priceless. Busy-ness doesn't rule me. Partly because of choices I've made and partly because I've decided/purposed to let go. Don't get me wrong, I'm still busy, but I'm not crazy. LOL! 

My new found white space has afforded me to be present...enjoy more time with family, less stress, and even some time to devote to exercise and housework! Sara and Abby LOVE that :) I took back over laundry duty. 

I've just spent way to much time worrying about things I cannot control and I'm done. Had a wonderful opportunity to tour DaySpring Cards in Siloam Springs last week and saw this print posted on one of the designer's cubicles. 

Nuff said.

 

 

When it rains...

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Sunday. And thank the good Lord, yes, it did rain. It poured. It's been that kind of week. We needed the rain bad. I took a nap and rested my brain. I needed a reprieve.

I've been working on some random stuff this weekend...updating my website and doing some freelance work. Nothing too exciting but it had to be done. I came home Wednesday from Dallas-- Stationery Academy. I will make a full post dedicated to that. It was a truly wonderful, engaging and empowering experience. I felt like it was a lot like going to church. LOL! Funny analogy-- but truth. Basically, it was a reminder of a lot of things I already knew and revealed many new insights as well. It was presented beautifully, strategically and it was an amazing experience. I'm stronger. Tougher...even after a few tears were shed. It was good--so good. Our graduation dinner picture:

So I've got a lot to do. I've got my new friends helping to keep me accountable for some personal goals. It's all very exciting.

Last week --lots of good things happened. And yet I worried. A LOT. Yes, I know better. I'm done. I also made some strides-- accomplished some tasks/goals that have been looming. Figured out my Wordpress install and am working on a collaborative project with an old friend. I'll soon be migrating my blog and website to Wordpress also. I zero'd my inbox. Oh yeah..let me tell you THAT, my friends, is a good feeling. I've got a good start on my branding myself. I can't wait to have time to work on that. Here's a sketch of my logo...

I finally got to play with my sign press. A letterpress friend, Pheasant Press- Sarah gave me a couple of cans of ink a while back to get started with and one of them just happened to be GOLD! I created some fun date prints with my big wood type numbers- I love dates. I thought these might be fun for weddings, babies, etc? I'd love some thoughts? These are 11 x 14. 

This next one is my wedding date...I thought it would look cool in a vintage frame in my room. The kerning btw that 9 and 4 bothers me...but it's wood type--not much choice. 

 

 

 

TGIF and FFAF

Thats...

Thank GOD it's Friday

and

Free For ALL Friday!

Woot woot!

I made this printable a while back before school started because apparently my kids NEED a checklist or they NEED me to repeat a task to them at LEAST three times. This morning was a reminder that I needed to revisit the checklist because things simply were/are NOT getting done. 

One of the most valuable lessons I hope to instill in my children is RESPONSIBILITY. This little printable is something I hope can be of value for my own kids (starting today) and maybe you and yours could benefit from it as well. You can download the pdf and fill in specific chores. Yes, folks-- gotta love the editable pdf! Laminate it and use it over and over or just print and copy as needed.

Download Daily Check List 

I hope you enjoy and can use this little tid bit. I'm off to print and laminate now. 

Happy weekend!

Janna

 

 

Random Acts of Craftiness...and togetherness

This last week Sara and I got excited. She was making shirts for her cheer team -- then as usual-- we had a million ideas and it went from there. So needless to say she's been busy and I've appointed myself her graphic designer and great things have happened. We've created some fun patches/pockets for School Spirit apparel. You buy the iron on and put it on YOUR favorite tee. Easy!

The greatest thing that has happened-- is we've had a this one week out of this whole summer that I wasn't working --and we spent it together. Making. Creating. Laughing at ourselves (mostly me.) Doing what we love most. Yes, there are plenty of other things I should have been doing, but this was the last week before school started. I can look back on this and remember these happy times, the togetherness. Time well spent with my girl who is growing up way too fast.

Then I made some fun things for Emmy- my niece :)

And this linen towel for a special friend. 

If you are interested in purchasing any of our little goods- check out the Etsy Shop or email us :) 

 

Doors close, windows open...

Little bits of joy and happiness...blessings. They are all around us. Every day its a choice...to see the good or wallow in the not so good. 

I made the choice to leave a good job these last weeks. Some look at me like I'm stupid. Good pay, awesome benefits, nice folks. But I walked away on FAITH. Faith that my path will lead to another good thing, something that works better for our family perhaps. Truly, I didn't mind the work, I like to work-- but looking ahead when school starts (for me AND the kids) I knew that I wasn't willing miss things that I've been missing. I know that God will provide, sustain. 

In the midst of making that decision-- some pretty awesome things have happened -- [BIG] windows have opened. I've been contacted by two women I admire greatly and have been truly blessed beyond belief. I still am pinching myself. 

No. 1:

(drumroll please....)

I'm going to be attending 

I still can hardly believe it. I'm going to Stationery Academy!!! I received a call from Whitney English HERSELF. She has an amazing product for creatives-- for everyone! The Day Designer. I can't decide which is my favorite but I absolutely LOVE this floral!!! 

Yep. Someone I admire greatly. One word. Authentic. With years of experience in retail and wholesale experience in the paper business...I'm thrilled to death to have this opportunity to attend. Stationery Academy is a two day intensive interactive experience with about 20 paper preneurs who all have something to give. Folks leave the experience enriched, connected and on fire. Spending some time with like minded creatives. I've followed the event for a couple of years-- and wanted to go ever since. Its more than how to break into stationery-- its branding, marketing, business savvy--all applicable to the direction I hope to go. I cannot wait. 

No. 1:

Well, I can't say much about this one, honestly, I don't have much to tell. But if it works out I will SREAM IT FROM THE ROOFTOPS!!! A savvy lady contacted me a few weeks ago and well, potentially offered me a dream job-- that just three weeks prior I said to my husband..."I would love to do this." Would appreciate prayers for this situation to work out for the best...whatever that may be. Thanks.

In the meanwhile I'm counting all those little blessings and throwing back the curtains to feel the breeze through those little windows-- literally I have my windows open today!!! What a beautiful day!

Free For All Friday -- with a Cherry on Top!

I've had this little goodie in my treasure box for a while. I just have to share because it makes my heart happy! 

I love cherries. Love. And these are my sweet, special cherries. 

Download Cherries Weekly Calendar

So this is an 8 1/2 x 11 inch page that you can personalize with a FAMILY name or YOUR name and use for your weekly enjoyment...I mean appointments ;) Cherries just make me giddy.

This is a high quality PDF file you can download and print a stack up for organizing your week. There is a place to click into when you open the file to type the wording to personalize the calendar. The colors are scrumptious, the design is adorable (if I do say so myself :) and well, its useful! Yay! 

What else can you do with this sweet thang?

• Frame it and use a dry erase marker to write in your appointments (on the picture frame's glass surface).

• Make a nice print then take it to a print shop (save your ink) during a sale and make gifts for friends! (Christmas gift, housewarming gift, birthday gift) --52 copies would be a year's worth right?
• Laminate your printed calendar and put it on the fridge for easy access. 

I would love to create some coordinating pieces to go with this so I will put that on my ever growing "to do" list. Maybe I should use this calendar to organize the next few weeks of my crazy life!?

Tips for printables:

• Print with your printer's "borderless" setting to get a true to size print.
• If you want to frame this, use the "shrink to page" setting-- the actual size will be reduced and it will fit in an 8 x 10 frame. I added some cute trim at the top and bottom because the proportions are off slightly since this wasn't designed at 8 x 10.
• Use matte photo paper- I love Epson's Ultra Premium Presentation Paper (5 stars on package)...it makes beautiful prints on the "matte photo paper" setting.

And please remember, I am asking for no monetary payment for this item, I expect that anyone that downloads this agrees to play nice (no selling, sharing, taking credit for my work--gifting is fine).  

 

 

 

 

Free Printable: Weekly Menu

Yeah, I know these things are out there- lots of cute ones, but I wanted something specific. A menu that I could plan for three meals for seven days PLUS jot down my grocery list right along side and THEN tear/cut it off-- leaving my menu to stand alone. (that was a long sentence :)

Download Weekly Menu

Maybe I'm picky :) Oh well, its a win win-- I get a menu, you get a menu! I really like this one and it will work well for what I wanted. Share it with a friend. Print to your hearts desire. Plan, organize, make menus for every week for the rest of the year! Yes! Being organized feels SO GOOD! 

I hope you enjoy it. 

 

Note to self: Finish Some Projects

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Coming off of the holiday high, today it was back to reality. I REALLY enjoyed the 4 day weekend...I gave myself permission to do nothing, well sort of. You know that I did not do "nothing", right? We had family and friends in and out over the course of the holiday and so it was busy but I also had a nice relaxing time. I even got in the pool-- TWICE! The kids made flag shirts (masking tape, $4 mens tee and acrylic paint, oh, and a star punch) which turned out super cute. Here was the making of Cash's shirt-- 

So I've got a few (dozen) projects going...and when I have a lot of projects I'm working on --for some reason that makes me want to start new projects! LOL! How weird am I!?!? I guess I get inspired and overwhelmed and all giddy and I lose my mind...and think of MORE things I want to do.

I thought while I drink my tea and wish I was reading my new book, I better sit down and make a list of what I need to FINISH before I start ANYTHING else! And why wouldn't I post my to do list here for the world to see and keep me accountable!? LOL!

• Need to update my Etsy shop with this new print and some others. Also, need to photograph the art and get that looking good. Tomorrow is a shipping day. Also wondering about selling to local boutiques...need to approach some more locals/handmade shops and see what might come of that.   

• Need to finish a collage project for a special friend. 

• Finalize my entry for the Global Talent Search and submit it by the end of the week. I've made a bit more progress...you can see my first three concepts here and now I have this...I've got to work out the colors and I believe it is just missing something...hmm...

 

• Need to wrap up the logo project I'm working on. This one is my favorite I think.

• I have a pretty cool trip coming up and I'm trying to work out a concept for a letterpress book project that I'll be working on for that. I'm percolating on that while I'm stewing over everything else! LOL!
• I really do have plans to get some more printables up here on the blog this summer. If all goes well, I'll have a special treat available on Friday! I think it will be really useful and fun for all the crafty readers. Hint... I'd love to know what printable items you would be interested in?
• Must update my portfolio site. Again, need to do some photography to accomplish this. 

Okay, I'm thinking I can get these things whipped by the weekend? Maybe?

On another note-- Are you using BlogLovin? I am and I'm loving it! Up until just recently I just gave up all my blog reading and lost touch with some of my favorite creatives. Not anymore! I love this app-- easy access from phone or iPad. Definitely try it! Click on the icon up by my profile pic to follow! Yay!