Blog

New Art: San Juan Islands

2015-02-11

Oh, Man. The San Juan Islands! When I was able to visit this area in the summer of 2013, I made a promise to come back, and a wish to stay longer at some point. My sister-in-law and I took a ferry from Anacortes to Orcas Island, taking in the birds, the salty air, and the countless, green, tree-laden islands all around. We didn't see any whales on our watch, but marvelled at the homes and cabins on many of the islands -- people lived there! If there was any place in the world to be stuck on a bridge less piece of land in the middle of a sea, I'd take any of over 400 islands up here without complaint. And here are many of those islands, in paper form, for you or anyone else you know who's wanted some of this magical place for their own. Click on the photo below to take you to the listing in the shop

New Art: Cass Lake & Pike Bay

2015-02-10

While I certainly enjoy every lake I get an opportunity to cut, I relish learning about and rendering lakes that are near to my childhood home in north central Minnesota. Cass Lake is just east of Lake Bemidji, and home to the school where I completed my student teaching. Driving up to Bemidji from the metro area, reaching Cass Lake is the last milestone of the journey.

New Art: Gull Lake

2015-02-09

The Brainerd Lakes area is one of the handful of areas in Minnesota where people from all over flock during the summer for a relaxing cabin weekend, a fishing adventure, or just to escape the confines of city life. At the heart of this part of the state, sits the lovely Gull Lake. Gorgeous shorelines, multiple bays, and mysterious depths make this not only a memorable body of water, but a stunning subject for a layered paper artwork, too. See more information and get your own by clicking the photo below.

New Art: Burntside Lake

2015-02-06

Way up in the middle of nearly nowhere in north-central Minnesota, hides a magical place called Burntside Lake. Over 100 wooded islands, clean water, and loon song. People don't like to talk about it much for fear that it will become a major tourist destination and ruin the remote beauty of the area. Secretly, I think most people just want to own the area for themselves. While that's not likely to happen, you can now own a piece of art featuring Burntside Lake -- in 8 x 10" or 12 x 12". Click the photo below to grab your own piece of this gem.

New Art: Chicago Shoreline

2015-02-05

Coming from a small town, it was downright scary for me to visit the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area in Minnesota. Later, my life Madison, Wisconsin was an easy primer for bigger cities, but it was still nerve-wracking for me when I first toured my first truly "capital C" City, Chicago. Imagine my delight then, to walk up, down and within Navy Pier on my first visit there, to take in the grandeur of Lake Michigan from the miles of sandy beach shoreline, to explore the heights of the urban sprawl from the Hancock Building, and to ride the "el" and live to tell about it! 

New Art: Lake Tahoe

2015-02-04

Still there? Great! Thanks for sticking with me. 

While there's loads of good reasons to celebrate the start of a new year (waxing daylight, fresh starts, fun crossing out 4s and writing 5s), one of my favorites is having a little more time of my own after the rush of holidays and end of the year hoopla. My brain switches from survival mode after working so hard to get piles of orders out as quickly as possible, to creative mode to come up with ideas to fill the time. 

Thank you!

2013-12-31

As 2013 winds down, I'd like to take a moment to thank you for being part of another great year. Yes, you. Whoever you may be, and in whatever way you've been part of the Crafterall world, please know that I appreciate your business, your support, your friendship, your guidance, and your presence. It's been a great year, and I look forward to forging ahead into 2014.