October November December (Issue 2)

October / November / December 2014

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PUBLISHED BY: John and Angie Covarrubias FEATURED EDITOR: Mandi Rogers

Hi Everyone!

Wow, where do I start? This new journey has been an awesome one! Craft Lubbock has grown by leaps and bounds and I am so pleased to know that you guys are enjoying this magazine.

Craft Lubbock is honored to be able to showcase the amazing talent that lie here in Lubbock and surrounding areas. We have so much talent right here in our own backyard guys! Each of these creative individuals are pouring their blood, sweat and tears into the dream that drives them each and every day.

I've added a new feature to this issue that is titled "Small Town Folks Making Big Dreams Come True," which will tell the stories of those outside our grand city of Lubbock. I hope you'll be inspired by these individuals as much as I was!

The Merriam-Webster online dictionary tells us that the meaning of the word "craft" is: *an activity that involves making something in a skillful way by using your hands or *a job or activity that requires special skill.

Crafters of all sorts are around us each and everywhere we go. From bakers, to painters and reclaimers, I believe that there is a little bit of "craft" in us all!

Angie Covarrubias

DESIGN: Cova Design The publisher, authors and contributors reserve their rights in regards to copyright of their work. No part of this work covered by the copyright may be reproduced or copied in any form or by any means without the written consent of the publisher. All copyrighted work was reproduced with the permission of the owner.

Magazines printed in China.

Reasonable care is taken to ensure that Craft Lubbock magazine articles are up-to-date and accurate as possible, at the time of publishing, but no responsibility can be taken

by Craft Lubbock magazine for any errors or omissions contained herein. Furthermore, Craft Lubbock magazine takes no responsibility for any losses, damages, or distress resulting from adherence to any information made available through this publication. The opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Craft Lubbock magazine.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY STACY BLOEDEL AND AMANDA GRACE Special thanks to my cover model, my precious niece, Ella Grace daugther of Aaron and Christina Rejino. (Ella is wearing an adorable outfit from Fleurish Flowers & Gifts) Questions? Comments? Want to have your story featured? Send an email to angie@craftlubbock.com.

October / November / December 2014

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FEATURED EDITOR: MANDI ROGERS Writing for Craft Lubbock has been a huge blessing in my life. I am so grateful to Angie for this opportunity and for all her hard work in bringing this magazine to life! Writing, in general, is a passion of mine, but getting to tell the stories of the amazing and talented people of our community makes it even more meaningful to me. Along with being a proud member of the Craft Lubbock team, I am also Aunt Goo to the two most precious and adorable girls on Earth, daughter of the most amazing mom, Jamberry Independent Consultant, and owner of M&i Designs.

I want to wish all you readers a happy Halloween, a spectacular Thanksgiving, and a very Merry Christmas!

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small town folks making big dreams come true

10 / Feature DIY Contributer: Allison Fannin 17 / Real Lubbock Crafter: Wild West Designs 22 / A Thankful Thanksgiving For The Kids 26 / Real Lubbock Crafter: Merely Madison Designs 31 / 5 Crafty Confections 34 / Panel Play With Cottage Fabrics 42 / Real Lubbock Crafter: Dirty Deeds 50 / Real Lubbock Crafter: Sarah T. Studios 56 / Small Town Folks Making Big Dreams Come True: Pinspired 62 / Small Town Folks Making Big Dreams Come True: Stanna's Jewelry Art 68 / Small Town Folks Making Big Dreams Come True: Fleurish Flowers & Gifts 73 / Thinking Outside The Box

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DIY contributor allison fannin

To say that I am excited to be joining the Craft Lubbock team is an understatement. I am just beyond giddy to be grouped with an amazing group of gifted people!

My name is Allison and I blog over at Two Thirty~Five Designs. I have lived in the Lubbock area pretty much my entire life, and it's where my husband and I are raising our three kids.

I have had a mad obsession with DoIt-Yourself projects for as long as I can remember. I started my professional career with decorative painting in clients homes and furniture, that led into full remodels.

After several moves, house flips and a handful of children later, I began to blog about my love for DIY’s, Design, Crafts, Paper and a bit of Fashion and Food. My work has been featured on Apartment Therapy, Buzz Feed and PopSugar, along with numerous other blogs. I recently was invited by GMC and Habitat for Humanity to participate in the GMC Hidden Treasure Adventure. I teamed up with 5 other DIY blogs and we traveled from Georgia to Ohio, scouring and shopping the World's Longest Yard Sale, refinished our items, and fully furnished a Habitat House in Ohio. This has to be the best thing that I have participated in since starting my blog.

Constantly, I am asked, why I chose to make projects and art and post about them, when I could just buy it and save the blood, sweat and numerous tears. First, usually I am pretty specific to what I am wanting/needing for a certain space. And I will hold off until I can figure out a way to make it. Second, it usually (and I stress usually!) is more cost efficient

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to make it my self. Mainly for the size, detail and being able to find a piece locally. Third, I am constantly changing items out, so I don't want to drop a ton on one piece, only to tire of in a few months. And lastly, maybe it's the challenge of taking something new on and knowing that I can build it.

I love to be able to share how I 'conquered' a project, and want to show you how I did it, or tips and tricks to take what you thought was an insanely difficult project and make it something any person can make. This has been one of the greatest rewards of blogging! Receiving an email from someone who thought they could never even paint a piece of furniture, let alone hang a flat screen, but they were able to do it after reading. You can feel the excitement in their writing and it's the best feeling knowing you have helped someone that you wouldn't have met otherwise. The other great thing is the blogging community. I have met life long friends through blogging, who are willing to help out from a massive project to a pinterest problem.

If I am not in my garage painting or cutting up pieces of wood, covered in glitter, or planning my next big project, you can usually find my shuffling kids around in carpool to their activities, stopping multiple times at the home improvement store with a lot of caffeine in tow!

I absolutely love what I do and am so excited to connect more with my community and Craft Lubbock!

I would love to have you hop on over to the blog, Two Thirty Five Designs. And you can connect with me via Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter or Email.

Bouncing between the seasons for decorating can be challenging at times, with all of the seasons colliding together, and not wanting to spend a mortgage payment on decor and having to store it afterwards.

In my own home, I will grab a few items from around the house and rotate things around. I will go out and grab a few things, such as pumpkins or items pertaining to that holiday, but try to keep it simple and not too heavy.

Also, staying within a neutral color scheme will help to streamline your look, make the process of grabbing items around your house and shopping easier, and switching between the holidays will be a breeze.

For fall I kept it, simple with whites, golds and black and white.

I added a few pumpkins, made a leaf wreath, bundles of straw.

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This year I have teamed up with The Home Depot to take on a Holiday Style Challenge for my Mantel. Swing by the blog to watch the transformation of it, using the items they gave me.

Also, I have tutorials up for most of the items featured here that you can make on your own! www.twothirtyfivedesigns.com

by Mandi Rogers

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Discarded furniture pieces, license plate covers, and a pink vintage camper may not sound like a recipe for success to most people; for the creative women of Wild West Designs however, it was exactly what led them not only to success, but to a career that they had always dreamed to have.

Lacy Jones and her mother, Wendy Roberts started Wild West Designs back in 2006, but they began crafting together long before that. Being a very crafty woman herself, Roberts started teaching her daughter how to craft when she was a very small child and she always had various craft projects for Jones to work on in her free time. “She taught me how to paint, decorate cakes, draw, and so much more,” said Jones. “I truly think she is the reason why I have been crafting my whole life. Now I get to keep that going throughout my adulthood with her as my business partner and best friend.”

With that passion to create, Jones decided early on that she wanted a career in a field of that nature. After graduating from Texas Tech in 2005, Jones spent the next ten years working as a Visual Coordinator and Interior Decorator. It was eight years ago, however, that the career she was truly meant for began to blossom after she and her mother rented a small booth in KK’s Corner Mall to sell their now signature decorative license plate covers as a hobby. Over the years, they had branched out, rented a bigger booth at the craft mall, and began creating and selling other unique items they repurposed from whatever “junk” they could find. Then last May, the crafty duo decided to take their store on the road…literally! They wanted to expand their business and knew that traveling to different craft shows would be an excellent way to do so; they just needed to figure out a way to transport all their merchandise and wanted to do it in a new and different way. Finally, they found a vintage camper that fit their style perfectly. They painted it an eye-catching pink and completely turned the inside into a boutique so customers could shop both inside and outside of the camper at shows. Now, with their store-on-wheels ready, they hit the road and took Wild West Designs to every craft show they could both near and far.

Now being able to reach more customers, with each new destination their business was booming more and more, but there were still a few bumps in the road

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along the way. “We have had many obstacles since we started, but we always look to the future and push forward,” Jones said. “One of our major problems is traveling long distances to shows pulling a 35 year old vintage camper; it never fails, something usually goes wrong. Another issue is when we have spent a lot of time on a project that does not turn out the way we wanted it to and we have to start over. It is very disappointing, but we put a lot of pride into our work and make sure it is just right for our customers.”

With such pride and dedication to their craft, Jones and Roberts have been able to turn their part-time hobby into the full-time career of their dreams. “The reason I craft is because it is my passion, it is my drive and it is where my heart is,” said Jones. “I truly enjoy all my wonderful customers when they send me pictures of the things they bought from us and say how much they enjoy it. It makes my heart so full. So, it was not a tough decision to leave my full time job. This was one of those opportunities that only come once in a lifetime, so we jumped right in.”

One thing most people don’t know is that this family business doesn’t just consist of the mother-daughter

team. Jones’ husband, dad, and her mother-in-law also help out at craft shows and create pieces to sell as well.

The items that you will find at Wild West Designs are truly unique, one-of-a-kind pieces. They create and repurpose all kinds of things from furniture pieces to home décor and all from things found on their many junk’n trips.

Some of the things you will always see in their camper store are their repurposed cabinet doors and decorative license plate covers. Other than that, it’s a treasure hunt for the customers!

The Wild West duo recently opened up a sister store where they rent out vintage décor for weddings, parties,

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and for photographers. They also have a section in the store where they sell all kinds of finds from their junk’n trips as-is so that customers can create their own works of art.

“We are so excited about branching off from just doing shows and now having somewhere local so that our customers can find their own treasures,” said Jones. “With our sister store opening, my dreams are for the people that want to start crafting and just don't think they can, to come out and see what we have and get advice from us to start. In my eyes everyone can be a crafter in one way or another, just let your imagination take over!”

Driven by that passion to create and to help others find the creative spirit within themselves, Lacy Jones and Wendy Roberts continue to push forward to keep their dream, Wild West Designs, a success. “My goal is to always keep God as my focus and I truly believe everything else will fall into place with hard work, drive, and dedication,” Jones said.

“We have only promoted our business through Facebook and word-of-mouth so far.

There hasn't been any other way until now for crafters to get their business out there, so I am very excited for all the doors this magazine will open for all of us! My advice to all the other crafters out there is to follow your dreams, have faith in your work and you will go further than you ever excepted.”

To view their products and to get more information about Wild West Designs, you can visit them on Facebook:

Wild West Designs or their sister store page at: Wild West Designs Vintage Rentals And be sure to stop by their new location at 4302 North University here in Lubbock, Texas.

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Let's face it, the Thanksgiving kid's table is no fun! We all remember what it was like to wish so badly to sit at the adult's table when it came time for Thanksgiving dinner. Why not make the kid's table fun, colorful and interactive with these cute ideas?

Check out what Designer, Party Stylist, and DIYer, Toni Roberts, came up with, complete with free printables for your kid's table this year. Your littles will be sure to have a blast and feel oh so special as they sit and enjoy their very own kid's Thanksgiving table!

Download your free printables and instructions at www.designdazzle.com. Click on "Holiday Awesomeness" and be sure to leave Toni a comment saying you found her in the Craft Lubbock magazine!

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~

Merely Fabulous

It’s said that success comes when opportunity meets preparation.

When local crafter, Madison Herman, saw an opportunity to start her own design company, she knew that God had already put in place her years of preparation to make it a success and with the encouragement from her family and friends, decided to jump on it.

attending Texas State Technical College in Abilene, those closest to her convinced her to start her own design company. “I didn't always know I wanted to own my own company or that I would be a designer,” Herman said. “Designing has always been a very natural and fun thing for me. I have always enjoyed it.” Her new company, Merely Madison Designs, started out with custom designed cards, invitations, and

That preparation began for Herman while attending high school in Anson, TX. Being a part of the yearbook staff and later becoming Yearbook Editor, Herman discovered that not only did she have a talent for design, but a love for it as well. Others also began to take notice of her talent and in 2010, while

by Mandi Rogers

other products for friends and family, but it wasn’t long before word spread and customers were coming to her from all over for the unique designs and service she had to offer. Throughout college, she continued to gain experience and build her business and soon had an entire portfolio of professional, custom designed cards for any and all of the special occasions and events that life has to offer. She also had a growing fan base of loyal customers thanks to her pride in customer service. “My mission has always been to create professional and modern designs while running a business that serves the Lord,” Herman said. “I pour kindness, care, and attention into each order. I genuinely care about my customers and want to make them happy and treat them well! I love hearing positive customer feedback and that's what I strive for.”

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HOLIDAY PRINTABLES BY MERELY MADISON DESIGNS

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After graduating in 2012, in addition to running her own business, Herman was hired as a Senior Graphic Designer for Premier Media Group here in Lubbock.

Though she was now taking on a new fulltime career, she still stayed true to Merely Madison Designs and making it the best it could be. Though some might end up having to choose between one or the other, Herman has had the unique opportunity to intertwine both her new career and her side business.

Through her job at Premier Media Group, she has been fortunate to make connections that also benefit Merely Madison Designs.

“I am very thankful to be networked with a great group of photographers who refer their clients to me,” Herman said. “I have learned that it never hurts to ask and I am continually surprised at the amount of yeses I have received. My dream is to continue to find ways to grow and develop my business so that I will be able to work from home full-time with Merely Madison Designs one day. I love networking with other businesses

and hope that as I continue to make new connections I will move closer towards my dream.” That dream and love of her business is clearly apparent in Herman’s products.

Because she offers the unique service of custom designs, each customer’s product is a true reflection of them and like all great designers, she is able to let her own style shine through them as well. “You can see my personality and style in my designs by the types of patterns, prints, colors, and fonts I enjoy using,” Herman said. “Everything is really fun, bright, and colorful! My ultimate goal is always that my customers’ personality is what comes through in the finished design, but I'd like to think that my personality is what puts everything together and makes it look good!”

Through her hard work, dedication, talent, and preparation, Madison Herman has not only found success through opportunity, but has designed a life for herself to be more than proud of. “I am most proud of what I do when I have kind words from my happy customers in my inbox,” Herman said. “I know that they have a choice and I am always so humbled when they choose me! It makes me proud to know that I created something that means so much to them. I am amazed by how God has blessed my business by opening doors and giving me the confidence and courage to go after my dreams.”

For more information about Merely Madison Designs visit: www.merelymadisondesigns.wordpress.com Merely Madison Designs 29

bakingdom.com

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diy-enthusiasts.com

kitchenfunwithmy3sons.com

karaspartyideas.com

allyou.com 32

New location:

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4.

1.

Cottage Fabrics will mark its first year in Lubbock this October. Shelves of lush quality quilting cottons have inspired so much creative fabric fun in just a year! Lively conversations are struck up over the cutting table daily, and friendships have formed while sewing side-byside in our quilting classes,

1. Halloween is such an exciting time for ghosts and goblins! Drape your front entry table with this Moonlight Manor panel by Moda to welcome trick or treat night.

“We see our mission as inspiring creativity AND nurturing community,” says shop owner, Alice Smith, “From fusible-seam-tape-only “sewers”, to curious beginners who somehow missed Home Ec., to avid prize-winning quilters, all will find a creative home at Cottage Fabrics.”

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Located at 3412 82nd Street in Lubbock, Cottage Fabrics is on the North side of 82nd, just west of Indiana. “Look for us in the strip mall that’s between 82nd Street Café and ABC Bank,” Says Smith.

We stock: • Quality quilting cottons • Sewing notions • Quilting rulers • Sewing patterns • Quilting books • Batting • Stabilizers • Sewing, quilting, and embroidery threads from A & E • Unique “Minky” prints The areas only authorized Janome sewing machine dealer, Cottage Fabrics and Quilting also carries Horn of America sewing cabinets (made right here in the USA), and a full line of sewing machine accessories.

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2. “Rustling Leaves” panel from Benartex makes into fall-time pillows to refresh your décor.

3. “Fall Bounty” (Metallic) from P & B Textiles transforms with ease into Holiday placemats and napkin rings worthy of your Thanksgiving Table.

Choose from coordinating fabrics to make cloth napkins. The new fusible fleece, available by the yard, provides padding, and makes top stitching a snap!

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4. We have several fabric panel options to help you decorate for Christmas. “Old Time Xmas” by Northcott Studio brings a nostalgic note when draped over the sofa. (page 34)

Our friendly staff of Quilters and Sewers can offer advice and guidance for each step of your project, from choosing fabrics to finishing off the binding. Or leave you to explore and enjoy the shop at your own unique pace.

Or, if you need help to get off the ground, we offer classes regularly for all skill levels, including beginner.

Check offerings frequently on our website at: www.cottagefabricsandquilting.com and come join the fun! Discover your own creative fabric genius!

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Robert Gray provides maintenance and repair services on all makes and models of sewing machines through Cottage Fabrics.

Servicing machines in the Lubbock area since 2005, many will recognize him, and trust his years of experience keeping their machines running smoothly 5. A wall hanging panel, “Starry Night 2”, also by Northcott Studio literally brings light to your home!

We have the super bright (battery operated) LED Lights to finish this crowd pleaser. You’ll look like a wizard!

Home decorator fabrics and custom sewing are also available by special order at Cottage Fabrics.

Pump up the festive spirit for up-coming fall and winter Holidays with these special Holiday Themed fabric panels.

They make quick projects with impressive results! And you can find them right here in Lubbock, at Cottage Fabrics!

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3412 82nd Street / Lubbock, TX (806) 797-7397

6. Birdhouse themed “Winter Sanctuary”

by Henry Glass & Company is a lush tribute to our feathered friends. It would make a wonderful gift to brighten the winter months, even after the Holidays.

Believe N Hope

ltems for your home, your friends, your life.

Seasonal and Home Decor for all occasions.

monogram It

Make it personal

Located in KK’s Corner Mall | 6601 Indiana Ave | Lubbock, TX | monogramitatkks@gmail.com

by Mandi Rogers It’s said that if we choose a job we love, we will never have to work a day in our lives. In that case, Justin and Heather May, owners of Dirty Deeds Soaps, have had it made for the past four years since deciding to stray from the norm and go for the dream.

The story of how this husband and wife team became owners of their own successful company started with a simple purchase. “Justin is an avid traditional shaving fan,” says Heather. “He had picked up some handmade soap for himself and I got pretty jealous and told him I wanted some too. We researched it, and said to ourselves, ‘We can do this.’ So, through trial and error, and tweaking recipes, you have the Dirty Deeds Soap bar that we have today.” That decision, Heather says, changed their entire lives. They started out selling at the farmer’s market and other local vendor events and while customers were falling in love with their products, the Mays were falling in love with their new line of work.

“One of the things that is so much fun is mixing different fragrance oils to come up with new combinations and scents,” says Heather. “We have over 100 different bottles of various scents so the combinations are endless. It’s pretty fun coming u p with new smells, and naming them. Our kids even get into that part as well.” Among their signature scents are Arroyo Cactus, Vanilla Sandalwood, Western Leather, Pumpkin Ale, and Tuxedo. They have an assortment of beer soaps that would definitely be a welcome sight (and smell) in any brew enthusiasts stocking. For the men in your life, they offer some of the finest handmade old-fashioned grooming supplies that would make even Santa himself happier than a kid on Christmas.

Though the Mays have perfected their quality product, they know that with a small business, it takes more than having the best in order to sell. So, to increase their success, they also have come up with unique and eye-catching packaging as well as using great photography and descriptions to entice online shoppers. “We strive to have the best product photos we can,” says Heather. “[It] helps us to stand out online for customers and media. Soap is such a personal thing and when you can’t just pick it up and smell it online, you really have to pull the people in with photography and descriptions.” To draw potential customers into the greatness that is Dirty Deeds Soap, the Mays advertise their business as much as possible and through every resource they can. “We use social media like nobody’s business,” Heather says. “It actually came pretty natural to me, since I enjoy social media on a personal level. We also had a lot of fun making a Lumberjacks’ Anonymous commercial that is currently on YouTube and Vimeo. We honestly just try to have fun with what we are doing, and people see that.

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Small business owners, in essence, are selling a part of their story and who they are when they run a business. Include you in what you are doing, and people can’t help but respond.”

Over the past four years, not only has Dirty Deeds Soap grown in business, but so much so that it now has become a full-time job for both Justin and Heather and provides for their family of five as well as provided them the opportunity to purchase a historic building in downtown Plainview that they are currently renovating into the new home of their business and their family. A new home that Heather says can’t come soon enough. “Space is a huge issue. We have been working out of our home and kitchen for the past four years.

Dirty Deeds probably covers some space in 40% our home, from our office area, packaging, storage and workspace. The goal is to build a workshop in our building to help give some space back to our home.” Other than the space for themselves, the Mays are also hoping to share the wealth with other small business owners in the area. “*I would love for Dirty Deeds to continue to help build a small business community with our building we are renovating,” says Heather. “We plan on having commercial space for other small businesses, workshops and classes to help entrepreneurs dream big and have the tools to accomplish them.”

For Justin and Heather May, life is a dream come true. With their fantastic products, fun and enthusiastic advertising, and having all the right tools to bring in the masses, Heather says that their true key to success is something much more than all that. “Love what you do,” she says. “Whether it’s soaping, scrapbooking, knitting, or growing, put your passion into what you are doing, and you can’t help but pass that passion onto others.”

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For more information on Dirty Deeds Soap visit: www.dirtydeedsoaps.com

Dirty Deeds Soaps Dirty Deeds Soaps Dirty Deeds Soaps

DirtyDeedsSoaps.com

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Amanda Grace

•Won’t Chip •Chemical Free •Made In The U.S.A. •Lasts Up To 2 Weeks On Fingers •Lasts 4 Weeks Or More On Toes •Over 300 Designs

amandagracephoto34@gmail.com • 806.548.2421 • amandagrace.jamberrynails.net

by Mandi Rogers

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Inspiring and moving, intimidating or uplifting, amusing, mind bending, merely decorative, captivating and at times just plain confusing; art speaks to us all in different ways. It is one of the more powerful forms of communication that God has given us. A way to express ourselves when words aren’t enough, to pay lasting tribute to the awe-inspiring sceneries or people that we hold dear to our hearts, and for some, a way to heal emotionally and even physically. For local artist, Sarah Taylor, art is, among other things, a way of life. To see her work, no one can deny her immense talent and passion.

However, like with any talent, it’s how she uses it that truly makes it great.

Taylor began painting as a small child and even then, her passion and talent for art was very apparent. “I remember waking up early on Saturday mornings,” she says, “my dad would pull out a miniature drafting table he had made for me and I’d follow along to Bob Ross’ painting show in hopes that one day I could live up to this artistic legend.“ She kept practicing and at only 13 years old, got the opportunity to paint mascot murals on the walls of her Junior High School.

“Who knew a few Byrd Explorer penguin mascots could spark a career,” Taylor says. “I couldn’t get enough!” Her fire then burning brighter than ever, she went to all her teachers and begged them to let her paint on their classroom walls and even painted Vincent Van Gogh’s famous “Starry Night” on her bedroom ceiling. “I’ve got the best mom in the world for letting me experiment in my own room,” Taylor says. In high school she doubled up on studio art and photography classes and even her slumber parties consisted of some sort of craft instead of movies or shopping.

As it came time to go to college, Taylor knew that she wanted to do more than just paint; combining her two passions, art and helping others, she became a Recreational Therapist where she worked in Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation using performing and visual art (painting, sculpting, music, dance, and even some culinary art) as therapy. She loved and dedicated her life to her job, however, as the years passed, she began to miss the joy of being able to let her creativity run free through her own painting. “When I worked in brain injury rehab, I missed my craft dearly,” she says. “Although I absolutely adored my job and seeing how art could lift one’s spirits as well as be used to rehabilitate patients, I still longed to paint again.” A few years and one bold decision later, she

began her own business, Sarah T Studios, specializing in custom artwork and indoor residential or commercial murals. Most of her work can now be seen in baby nurseries and children’s rooms, with everything from princess’ castles and whimsical fairy-filled forests to vintage boy’s locker rooms and sport havens. She also does faux finishing and other decorative touches in kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms and more; for clients not willing to commit to a mural, she also offers custom artwork both traditional and modern.

Her commercial work can be seen in School of Rock, Experience Life Church, Sheila’s Secret Garden Tea Room, and Adobe Auto Sales.

Business has been good for Sarah T Studios and one look at her work can tell you why. For the first few years she enjoyed promoting herself by painting in booths at the Home and Garden Show. Currently, along with the other commercial work she has done, she works with Kidspace, a local baby/

children furnishing store, providing custom art to them. Having spent her entire life practicing and honing her skill, Taylor’s art is truly something amazing to behold. Whether realistic or surreal, the accuracy of her creations is the true sign of someone not only talented, but also passionately dedicated to making each piece her best.

Recently, Taylor discovered another great passion in her life after being blessed with a newborn son. She says being a business owner and full-time Mommy has been a learning experience for her, but after finally finding ways to balance her time, she is still able to make room for her three greatest joys in life; painting, being a Mom, and helping others. Stepping away from her career as a Recreational Therapist did not keep Taylor from continuing to help others through art therapy. Luckily, she still gets to work with old patients of hers in a Stroke and Aphasia (brain injury) support group through Texas Tech. Once a year, they hold a summer art camp in which the participants, whom are all recovering from a brain injury, come and work on art projects as well as sing in a choir. At the end of the week, there is a giant gallery with their finished projects proudly displayed as well as a beautiful choir concert. Taylor says her heart gets filled back up every year she gets to work with them!

“I know God has put me on this earth to combine my two passions; art and working with people with disabilities,” she says. “Someday, I will start a Christian based art camp that will provide both visual and performing art classes to people of all abilities and ages. I’ve had this dream since the 3rd grade and I can’t wait to see when God opens that door!”

Whether it is a painting on a wall or the hopeful smile on one of her patient’s faces, Sarah Taylor continues to make her mark on the Hub City, one brush stroke at a time. Using her talents to make a difference in the lives of others, no one knows better than her what the power of art can truly achieve and that the definition of an artist isn’t based on skill level, but a want to create. “For art in general, there is no right or wrong,” Taylor says.

“There are certainly techniques that can be learned, but there are no boundaries. That’s the beauty of

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art! It’s personal, it’s expressive, it’s unique, it’s yours. I always discourage people from saying ‘I can’t even draw a stick figure!’ because art is not just drawing or painting. There are many forms someone is bound to enjoy! Arranging flowers, cake decorating, scrapbooking, modge podging, music, dance, acting, photography, writing, spray painting, sculpting the list could go on and on. The important lesson is to find something creative you enjoy and run with it. Don’t worry about what’s right or wrong or accurate or even what others will think of it. Art goes much deeper than that.”

For more information about Sarah T Studios and to view her work, go to: www.sarahtstudios.com or Sarah T Studios 53

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Pinspiration

by Mandi Rogers

It's no secret that Pinterest has taken the world by storm and in its addictive way, has become the go-to site for anyone with even a smidge of creativity to find inspiration and discover everything new and innovative in the world of crafting. However, no matter how inspired and excited we get every time we “Pin” a project, it seems that we never get around to putting those inspirations into action and instead are left with a long want-to-do-but-can’t-because list of projects. Thankfully, one local crafter/entrepreneur decided it was time to put an end to this epidemic and came up with the perfect solution.

Self-proclaimed handy-woman, believer in God, wife to a cotton farmer, and mother of one beautiful, spiritual and unstoppable little girl, Shay Kindle of Maple, TX, has spent the last few years building a business that will soon revolutionize the world of crafting. Inspired by the popularity of Pinterest, she had the idea of a place where crafters could go to finally turn those “Pinned” ideas into reality. “After Pinterest became such a huge hit (and Obama was re-elected),” Kindle said, “I knew it was time to leave the medical field for good and try something crazy. The Pinspired Workshop dream was something I had been thinking about for years. Then, a few years ago, I was sitting in a cabin with my husband's family and I described to them my vision and how much of a need I thought there was due to the explosion of Pinterest. Their excitement was palpable and they started pouring ideas of their own into the melting pot which we were stirring!

My husband's cousin had the idea to call the business Pinspired. That was it. Within three days I had registered the business name, started on a logo and was actively hunting for a good workshop location.”

Pinspired is the first full-scale Do-It-Yourself Workshop in the world.

They provide the supplies, tools and assistance for any project you want to take on. From small craft projects, to repurposing furniture, all the way to full scale remodels, they help you every step of the way. As their slogan says, "We specialize in helping you take your ideas from someday to today." Think about all those "someday" projects you have pinned, snipped, snapped, etc.; those are what they specialize in. There is always a reason or excuse for not completing or starting a project. . The Pinspired Workshop takes away the excuses and reasons. They provide storage, tools and supplies, teach every step necessary, and are your extra pairs of hands. “All of this is provided to our clients in multiple formats to best fit their needs,” said Kindle. “And then there are always those folks who aren't interested in any sort of crafting but still need the services, so we gladly complete projects for clients, as well.”

Not only does Pinspired provide full workshop services, they also help with other aspects of decorating and design. They book home consults for helping clients with decisions on room layouts, color schemes, flooring choices, cabinet finishes, etc. and are certified Granicrete installers that can help with countertop and flooring applications. “I have 13 years of experience 56

in the design/decorating fields and currently work as a General Contractor,” she said. “This makes for a wealth of knowledge and assistance for any Pinspired clients, whether they are wanting help with small crafty projects all the way up to full-scale home remodels.” Recently, they added even more to offer customers with their new Artisan Boutique which provides goods and services from local artisans and craftsmen. “We have formulated a small team with many different specialties in order to provide our clients with the most unique and well-rounded group of artisans to pull ideas and inspirations from,” says Kindle.

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“At The Artisan Boutique, we pride ourselves in using green, non-toxic finishes and products so we try our best to provide those same products for our clients.”

Amongst the shelves of hand crafted treasures, you will find products such as the Lone Star Love Chalk and Mineral Paints, Ms. Mustard Seed's Milk Paints, and even essential Oils. The Artisan Boutique even offers embroidery services with a commercial embroidery machine that is available to customers. In addition, they offer classes teaching decorative painting techniques as well as teambuilding opportunities, birthday parties, holiday parties, kids camps and Santa Workshops. They also consult and decorate for weddings and special events.

Kindle’s dream business, now a reality, did not come about easily. Not only did it take a lot of hard work, but she had to tackle several obstacles along the way as

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well. “As soon as I opened Pinspired and registered the trademark, ‘Pinspired’s started everywhere,” she said.

“You can find them all over; not workshops, but blogs, a clothing store, facebook stores, etc. So many people tried to capitalize on the name and logo alone that I was very frustrated. [Another] obstacle that I am faced with regularly is the standard ‘woman in a man's world.’

As a general contractor, I have a career stereotypically dominated by men. But by combining the work ethic of a farmer's daughter with my need for all things creative, I have found fulfillment in working alongside other contractors and learning as much as I can. The girly side of me likes to create and design while the contractor side thrives on the challenge of implementing and executing the design. This spills over into the Pinspired Workshop and all things become possible!” Along with getting her business trademarks, Kindle has also started taking the necessary steps for franchising and has already had requests from 4 other states as well as Canada for franchise locations.

No matter what ideas you have or how little or large your projects may be, Pinspired has something for every one and anyone. “For those hesitant crafters or those that consider themselves ‘not-crafty,’ start with small projects but dream big,” Kindle said. “Remember that every time you are sanding a piece of furniture because the paint didn't go on smooth or ripping out a seam that wasn't

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sewn straight, you are learning. You will never make those same mistakes again and each project gets better and better. Oh, and the old cliche is true...Measure Twice (or 4 or 5 times), Cut Once!”

Through thick and thin, Shay Kindle has accomplished what she hopes for her business to help others accomplish as well; taking an idea from “someday” to “today.”

Though the road to now was at times rocky, she knows that every step was well worth it to be able to do what she loves. “Even with having a baby, dealing with the stresses of running a business, and living over an hour outside of town,” Kindle said. “I have not once woken up in the past year and not wanted to come to work. That is how I know that God has put me here. I am where He wants me, pursuing what He wants me to pursue, and it feels wonderful!”

You can find out more info about Pinspired at www.getpinspired.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pinspired.

Pinspired 7402 19th Street, Lubbock TX (806) 778-6845

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by Mandi Rogers 57

Growing up in a small town isn’t always easy living, especially in the days before everything we could ever want or need was just a click a w a y .

S t a n n a Nelson, owner of Stanna’s Jewelry Art, learned early on the importance of having the skills needed to provide for herself as well as for her family.

Born and raised on a ranch 30 miles from Tulia, TX, near the community of Vigo Park, entertainment was sparse for Nelson and her two older sisters. Their mother, Ema Gene, taught and encouraged the girls to be creative and being a crafty woman herself, there was always something for her girls to learn and do. “My mother was a huge influence on me growing up,” says Nelson. “She could do just about anything from working on cars to making belt buckles out of cow horns.” Now, being a mother herself and working full-time as the District Office Manager for Texas Wildlife Services, Nelson has stayed true to the values her own mother instilled in her while growing up and has always put her creative spirit and talents to good use.

Being skilled in all types of crafts, she was always making items for friends and family throughout the years, but a trip to Albuquerque eight years ago inspired her to try something she had never done before. She fell in love with the southwest style and, in particular, the jewelry. Though she had never made jewelry before, she didn’t let that stop

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her from trying; she just jumped in and started doing her own thing. With her busy day-to-day schedule however, Nelson often found it difficult to find time to work on her new craft. “My boys are soccer players and at that time, I was driving them to practice twice a week in Amarillo and sitting there for hours in my car. I don’t sit well,” she says. “I must be doing something all the time.

So, I started toting my beads and things with me and would get busy while they practiced. I made little charm bracelets with pictures and sports themes for myself, then for friends.” She continued to hone her new skills and playing around with different designs. Friends began requesting specific items from her and over time she evolved into making all types of accessories, such as ankle bracelets, headbands, hairclips, hats and purses.

Her new small business was starting to boom and her style of products were becoming more and more her own. Using different materials to make her designs more unique, she eventually came up with the idea of her fabric wrap bracelets. She tried them out in different ways and once she felt they were perfected, she went into

full production mode and says she hasn’t looked back since. “I have always loved fabric,” Nelson says. “I use to sew and do applique so this was just natural for me to pull out my fabric and incorporate it into jewelry making. I use lots of leather and even deer antlers now in my creations.”

Taking her products to crafts shows and marketing through social media, Stanna’s Jewelry Art has become a second full-time job for Nelson and business continues to grow as she continues to dedicate every spare moment she can to making this dream a reality. “My weekends and evenings include jewelry making, ordering supplies, packaging and tagging my items for my next show,” she says. “It does take dedication and organization, which

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something that will make you scratch your head and say what was she thinking? Then you will see something that speaks right to you,” she says.

Now, with a successful business and years of experience, Stanna Nelson has shown that with hard work, dedication, and creativity, anything is possible for those who are willing to make it happen. “My advice for anyone out there making jewelry, or really anything, is to be different than the next person,” she says. “I think that has been my success, I never wanted to be like anyone else.

Carve out your own niche and stick to it. We are all unique individuals and what one person loves the next will hate so, it is about having something for everyone. You know in your heart what you make may not be for everyone, but it will be perfect for someone and that is who you are making it for anyway.”

Visit Stanna’s Jewelry Art on Facebook at:

Stannas Jewelry Art and check out her products in person at Pinspired here in Lubbock.

admittedly, I have not mastered yet. I do struggle at times to keep my inventory up, especially around Christmas. I can’t just go to market and order more. So when you get something from me, it has been hand made.” Though it does involve a lot of hard work, Nelson feels that it is more than worth it when she gets to see the smiles on her customers’ faces and bring them joy through her products. She prefers doing shows as opposed to running her website because it allows her to meet and get to know her customers, many of whom she now calls friends. Seeing them try on her jewelry and finding what is best for them is something she loves most about her business. “When you step in my booth I promise you will see 66

by Mandi Rogers

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It’s difficult to choose just one favorite aspect of Christmas. If asked, we would each most likely list something different; the music, giving gifts, receiving gifts, the joy of a child’s awe in Santa, the birth of our Lord, or just the all-around festive and generous spirit that overcomes us during this season. For Andrew Rejino, owner of Fleurish Flowers & Gifts in Olton, TX, there is one aspect that is always, without a doubt, on the top of his list; decorating Christmas trees.

“Christmas has always been my favorite holiday,” he says. “When I was young, my parents would decorate every inch of our house for Christmas. It was always an event getting everything up.” Over time, that family tradition grew into a passion that sparked a career.

Rejino was always putting his creative and entrepreneurial spirit to use as a teenager.

He would make things to sell to his classmates and, showing true dedication even back then, would often stay up all night to fill orders. “Ever since I can remember, I have loved creating,” he says. “I was the kid that asked for art supplies for Christmas, not toys.” Knowing that being creative was something he wanted to do for a living, he went on to study art at West Texas A&M and while working regular jobs he would take his handmade jewelry, wall art, and other items to sell at craft shows. In 2012, his dream came true when an opportunity arose and he was able to finally open his own store. “I call it a ‘God’ thing because the whole thing went flawlessly,” says Rejino.

“Doors opened, finances came through and we opened!”

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His store, Fleurish Flowers & Gifts, is a full service floral shop that also carries handmade crafts, unique gifts, and boutique clothing. That’s not all his shop has to offer though. Along with all the amazing finds inside the store, he also offers his lifelong passion and expertise in holiday decorating which has become a huge part of his business.

“It started with decorating family members’ homes,” he says. “I would post pictures of [my decorations] on Facebook and people kept asking, ‘Can you do mine?’ It just kind of kept growing and growing.” Soon, he was putting his creative touch in homes all across West Texas and last year alone, decorated over 75 Christmas trees as well as other areas of his clients’ homes. “I love going to peoples’ homes and hearing the stories behind a sentimental ornament and being a part of their tradition. I love seeing the things my clients put together and why. Everyone has different ideas and tastes and I love the challenge of making it all work together in every home. I love seeing people happy because of something I did. It is just as much of a reward for me as it is for them.”

Though Christmas is his favorite, Rejino also enjoys helping his customers with all holidays such as, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, and Homecoming.

Regardless of the season though, he is just happy to be living his dream.

“I am so blessed to be able to say that this is my job,” he says. “I am so glad to have my business in Olton where I get an amazing amount of support from the community. I still get excited every time I look around my store and think of what I have already accomplished.”

His business has, for sure, “fleurished” much since its doors first opened two years ago and Rejino plans to take it even further in the future.

One of his biggest inspirations has been The Junk Gypsy girls of Round

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Top, TX who run their store in small town America while traveling to decorate and design for people all over the United States. “I would love to do that one day,” he says. “Be able to grow my business here in Olton; shipping our items and clothing by the hundreds but have jobs all over the world, whether it’s designing a lifestyle line for a huge company or decorating in different states or countries!”

It might not be long before that becomes a reality for Rejino. Through word-of-mouth referrals and social media advertising, Fleurish Flowers & Gifts not only has customers driving in from all over West Texas, but has had

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orders from customers all over the country as well. Rejino says he can’t take full credit for all this success, however. “This dream wouldn't work without the help of my family, friends, and God,” he says. “He has blessed me tremendously with talent that lets me live my dream and has continuously had his hand over my business.

One of the biggest reasons I am where I am is because of the constant encouragement I get from the people close to me like my right hand ‘man,’ Kailey Harriss, she is such a huge part of what I do and shares my excitement for Fleurish.

I have such a great team! We take each day at a time and I can’t wait to see what the future holds!”

I can imagine Andrew Rejino will be even jollier this Christmas as he adorns branch after branch with beautiful ornaments and loving care, while basking in his many blessings and knowing from experience that with faith and hard work, dreams really can come true.

514 8th Street, Olton, TX / 806.285.2253 Fleurish Flowers & Gifts ishopfleurish

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Gift wrapping can sometimes be a chore. With the holidays already being the busiest time of year, it can be difficult to not only find time to shop for gifts, but also sit down and wrap them as well. However, whether you’re over-booked, under-budgeted, or just find gift wrapping to be as great of a joy as giving gifts, you can still make the gift of giving a bit more joyful with a wrap that says “Thinking of You” just as much as the gift itself. Here are some quick, inexpensive, and innovative ways you can bring that extra bit of joy to any gift-getter’s heart.

Funky Festive Remix Don’t go out and buy holiday wrapping paper this year. Instead, use printed Christmas clip art to turn what you already have into gift wrap that is fittingly festive. You can even re-re-use those bags that have been re-gifted throughout your family for years and make them new again with some scrapbook paper and a printed image for the tags.

Paper: Any will do! Look through your stash and let your imagination go wild! If you can’t find a paper that works, take one you won’t use again and wrap the gift with the inside of the paper facing out. You then have a white, blank canvas to either paint, glue prints, write a scripture or funny note, or cut out shapes from scrap wrapping paper and attach.

Print Outs: Once you find a paper that works, find a printable image that will go with it, such as reindeer antlers, Santa hat, etc. You can either print in color or print as a coloring sheet for you and/or the kids to decorate.

Cardstock paper works best, especially for something that is intended to stand up on the gift and remember to leave an area on the bottom of it to attach to the box. Attach prints with double-sided tape, glue stick, glue runner, or glue dots for best results.

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Ribbons: Work with what you have.

The funkier the result the better! If you find that you don’t have enough ribbon to wrap around your gift, try just making a bow only or use scrap paper to make a bow. Once you find the material you want and how much of it you have to work with, get to Googling. There are so many different ways to make big or little bows with both paper or ribbon to choose from; the tough part is deciding which ones to use!

”Gift” Wrap It can be disheartening to watch your gift wrapping efforts be torn to shreds within seconds and tossed away. If the thought alone is too much to bare, wrap your gifts with materials that can be used as gifts themselves.

Box: Any kind of decorative box will be a perfect additional gift for any gift-getter. If you don’t have one already, you can either buy one at your local craft store or even make one. This picture is of one I made from a new shoe box that I covered in patterned shelving paper.

Decorative Tie-In Trinkets: If you are giving a bigger gift along with something small, tie the two together…literally. Top the bigger gift with a cute and simple bow and tie the smaller gift to it. Personalized ornaments are a cute substitute for gift tags and add a stylized look to your gifts that are sure to delight.

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Festively Fun For the young and young at heart, give them a wrap that they can enjoy before they even get to the gift itself. Using printed images and scrap paper, bring their favorite characters to life this Christmas and have them waiting under the tree for a great surprise they’ll never forget!

Paper: Think of the characters you want to reference and find the paper that suits your needs. If you don’t have a paper that fits the character exactly, try patterns or mixing scraps that work instead.

Pieces to Piece Together the Character: You don’t have to print out the whole character. Just print the face, their logo, or whatever it is that references them and design your wrap around that. For the Finn the Human wrap (pictured above in the middle) I printed out the head and found paper and scraps that I could use to complete the other parts of the character. A scrap of green patterned paper and a round object to trace around were used to make the backpack straps and a piece of blue scrapbook paper to make the pants. For the Batman gift, I used scraps of black wrapping paper to make the skyline and printed and cut out the symbol in the sky.

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Something Sweet For those gifts that are considered impossible to wrap because of their shape, or if you just want to sweeten up you gift-getter with something different, wrapping gifts to look like giant candy is definitely a smart and cute move.

Paper: Tissue paper, cellophane, or a candy patterned wrap will work.

Which Gifts To Wrap: if you have a cylinder gift or a small gift that fits inside a cylinder or round container, such as a Foldger’s or Oatmeal can.

Gift Cards: Gift cards are great to give as gifts, however, they take all the fun out of gift wrapping. Well not anymore! Instead of just hiding them in a drawer and handing them out on Christmas day, try this: Take two paper plates.

Tape gift card to the inside of one plate and lay the other plate face down on top of it. Tape or staple the plates together and wrap with colored cellophane or tissue paper. Tie both ends with ribbon or wire and add a bow to each end.

Tah-dah! Now you can still give gift cards to the whole family and still have a delectable display of presents under the tree to enjoy.

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