Hello there. I’m Kelly, and I’m a maker.
Crafting – and making has been a part of my life for literally as long as I can remember. My dad had a woodshop in our basement when I was little. I loved to be down there with him and the smell of sawdust and varnish. I would draw pictures on a piece of paper – he would glue it to a piece of scrap wood, turn a 10 gallon bucket upside down for me to stand on, and let me cut out my designs on his scroll saw. I was six! I wish I had a picture of this, but the memory is strong.
I loved to make things for my family – giving them handmade gifts for birthdays and Christmas. I didn’t always cut stuff out of wood (this was kinda rare) – but I’d draw pictures, make bracelets, or bake cookies – and as I got older, crocheted blankets and scarves. Anything I could get my hands on to create something unique and special just for them.
Today, my interests have evolved – and yet have come full circle. I enjoy exploring and experimenting with all sorts of mediums, but I’m still drawn to cutting things out of wood. My husband and daughter gave me a scroll saw for Mother’s Day a few years ago – and I’m rarely happier than when I’m standing in front of it, cutting out shapes and singing loudly (and badly) to my favorite tunes.
I love to make all sorts of things. I like painting. And mixed media. Crochet. Baking fancy cupcakes and cookies. And, as of this year, sewing. I’ve fallen hard for quilting and hand embroidery. I think it’s pretty cool to explore similar techniques across all these different mediums.
What I like best is keeping things a little quirky, full of whimsy and lots of imperfectection. My goal is to create happy pieces filled with personality and inspiration, that people enjoy giving and receiving. That makes them smile. And perhaps, add gentle reminders of positivity and motivation into their day.
Life is hard – and filling your space with a happy little reminder to breathe, give yourself grace, find joy – or whatever message you need to hear right now might not solve all your problems – but hopefully it will bring a smile to your face. This is what I hope to create in each piece I make: a little bit of happy.