Mother of Beauty : Eva from Sycamore Street Press

Several months ago around Mother's Day I asked a few of my favorite creative online mothers to answer a few questions about motherhood. I am excited to share what Eva from Sycamore Street Press had to say! Her and her husband Kirk are super creative, talented and run the letterpress shop Sycamore Street Press in the beautiful mountainous valley in Heber City. They had a sweet baby girl, Ingrid back in November, recently launched their new letterpress collection, and are teaching letterpress classes with slots now open in September now too! I think Eva is such a cool and lovely person and I really enjoy what she had to share, hope you do as well...




1. What is your favorite part of being a new mom? Is it different than you thought?




My life feels complete. When Ingrid came along, something just clicked. I love the small moments. Like when she finishes nursing and looks up at me and starts to coo. Or when I go to get her up from a nap and am greeted by the biggest crinkly nose grin ever. I could just melt. I suspected it would be like this, but I still couldn't have imagined how much joy one tiny human could give me!










2. What is your daily schedule like now and how does blogging fit into that?




The first few months were like a marathon with unexpected twists and turns and an always receding finish line. But once she hit about 4 months, things calmed down and we were able to get on more of a schedule. It's been so nice! Ingrid wakes Kirk and I up every morning around 6:30 or so. I nurse her and we both play with her in bed for a little bit before we start the day. During her morning and afternoon naps, I try and get as much work done as possible. But often it feels like I am just getting started when she wakes up! While she's awake we play, read books, do housework, etc... And I take her and the dog on a walk down our country road, weather permitting. She goes to bed early -- about 5:30. When she does, I really get down to work. Lately, we've been really busy preparing for the launch of our 2011 collection, so I'll often be up until 11 or 12 editing images, writing descriptions, blogging, returning emails, etc... But of course, it can vary a lot from day to day! And I actually wrote an in depth "day in the life" post on my blog.






3. How do you find or seek after balance with being a mom and running Sycamore Street Press?



It's tough. I can have a hard time focusing on the task at hand. When I'm caring for Ingrid, I'll sometimes try to answer a few emails (much to her consternation). But in the evening when I'm at the computer working, I'll end up opening iPhoto so I can look at all the pictures of her!



Overall, though, Ingrid has really helped me live a more balanced life. Before I had her, I was such a workaholic. These days I take more time to spend with family, friends, and in nature. Sure, I don't get as much work done for Sycamore Street Press as when I spent 12-18 hour days at the studio. But I'm starting to realize that in the grand scheme of life, it's a good thing!



Another big step for me in finding balance is to get help. Since SSP began, I've teamed up with my friends Amy Shaffer, Kristin Mills, and Stephanie Ford to create the designs for our letterpress goods. Then, a couple of years ago, Kirk joined me full time in printing and running the business. It's made all the difference. This summer, we're looking to bring on a couple of interns as well. As for the domestic side of things, once or twice a week one of Ingrid's grandmothers will come and watch her. And I've started having someone come in and clean our place for a couple of hours each week. I'm not gonna pretend that I do it all on my own. I feel so grateful for the help I have!




 p.s. Have you seen this toast that Amy Poehler gave recently about how she's able to "do it all"?
 



4. What qualities in your own mother and/or women around you do you admire most?



Love. First and foremost. The way they'll do whatever it takes to help their children and family. My mom has always been that way. Also -- even with 4 kids at home, she was still able to find some time for creative projects. Painting, knitting, gardening, cooking, decorating... I grew up seeing my mom do these things, and it definitely influenced who I am and what I do today.





5. What is really inspiring you at the moment?


The resilience of the Japanese people. Instagram. Ingrid... and her mostly thrifted, gifted, or handed down wardrobe. Lykke Li. Our morning walks through the juniper tree forest. Spring, and all it's beautiful blossoms. Secrets from a Stylist. The fuss and flurry of launching a new collection. Pippi Longstocking. Miss Moss...

Thanks so much Eva!

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Mother of Beauty : Eva from Sycamore Street Press

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https://charlotte-lifesaboutthejourney.blogspot.com/2011/07/mother-of-beauty-eva-from-sycamore.html

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Mother of Beauty : Danyelle from Dandee Designs

I had the pleasure of meeting the talented Danyelle Matthews from Dandee Designs at Alt several months ago and I instantly liked her. She is down-to-earth, inventive, well-balanced and I give special hat tips off to her for raising five young children while remaining an outstanding creative lady. Yah, she is pretty amazing and I think you will like her too...

First thing I liked about her right off the bat is this lovely quote she shares on her website --

"Woman was born to create...in creating she becomes herself, accomplishes her destiny. Her whole life is only an initiation into creative power. To create is not merely to produce a work...it is to give out ones own individuality." -Jeanne De Vietinghoff

Inspiring huh?  During the month of May my quest was to highlight 'mothers of beauty' and Danyelle is one of them so I asked her to answer a few questions... (click to read more!)





B*E : What is your favorite part of being a mother of 5?
Danyelle : My favorite part of having 5 children is watching my older children interact with their younger siblings. When Oliver (just barely 2) wakes from his nap, the children race to his crib to try to get him out first. They love helping him put on his shoes, find his favorite book and swing in the backyard. There are ten years between my oldest son and my youngest but the bond they share is as fierce as the bond they have with siblings much closer in age. I'm convinced this is because of those little acts of service- given and received.

B*E: You have such a zest for life that shines through your blog and the capacity to share everyday pleasures in such a beautiful way -- What turned you on to blogging? As well as what got you excited about crafting in a modern way -- how would you describe your type of crafting?
Danyelle: I began reading blogs shortly after having my third child, Owen. Owen went through this stage where he only slept while being held so I read blogs and he slept in my arms. I began blogging myself because I was inspired + entertained by what I was reading and wanted to contribute to such a wonderful community. As far as my crafting style, I guess you could call it "deliberate crafting." I rarely sit down and think to myself, "I feel like making something" without having a game plan. Projects are pondered on for awhile before I ever begin to create them and they're very closely related to what's going on in my life.

B*E: What is the funniest thing(s) your kids have done or said that you are still laughing about?
Danyelle: My children make me laugh everyday, there really are so many things to choose from! One of the most quoted things came from Owen when he was 3. We were all outside and Owen found himself a lawn chair, a cup of water and sat down and declared "This is the lifetime!" Whenever my husband or I are feeling especially content we follow Owen's example and repeat his sweet words, "This is the lifetime!" It will forever bring a smile to my face.

B*E: What is your daily schedule/routine like and how does blogging and crafting fit into that while being a mother?
Danyelle: Most of my blogging and creating happens in the later evening hours after the children are snug in their beds. I feel most creative when the house has gone to sleep and all that I hear is my music choice for the night. Routinely, days begin at 7:00 am. We get ready, out the door and have the older children to school around 8:30 am. From that point I like to go to the gym and run any errands before picking up my kindergartner. In the afternoons we have lunch, play outside for a bit and put the little ones down for naps. Early evenings are a blur of sports practices, music lessons, home work and dinner. With a little housework and laundry thrown in for good measure. :)

B*E: How do you find or at least seek after balance? What keeps you centered?
Danyelle: For me, staying balanced means keeping my passion/need to create and my responsibilities as a wife and mother in check. If I neglect one, I feel I'm neglecting myself and my potential. My faith and all it encompasses reminds me of that potential and keeps me the most centered. In addition to that, I've been carving out time to write in a personal journal. Not on a computer or an iPad, but an actual pen and notebook. Most days it's just simple thoughts or impressions, a line from a book or song that stuck with me, or a quote I happened upon. The few minutes I spend a day with that notebook have done wonders for my sense of clarity.

B*E: What qualities in your own mother or women around you do you admire most?
Danyelle: For as long as I can remember my mother has gone out of her way to make those around her feel special and loved. Everyday I think of her example of selfless service and strive to do the same.

Thanks for sharing a bit of your beautiful world with us Danyelle! Pop on over to Danyelle's blog: Dandee Designs to see some of her great deliberate crafts like the ones shown above...

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Mother of Beauty : Danyelle from Dandee Designs

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https://charlotte-lifesaboutthejourney.blogspot.com/2011/05/mother-of-beauty-danyelle-from-dandee.html

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XL Sponsor Feature: Ever So Lovely

This month LCH is happy to have Brandi of Ever So Lovely as our Extra Large Featured sponsor! Brandi took some time out of her and her husband's hunt for a new home to talk to us about what's going on in her neck of the woods! Everyone, meet Brandi!





Hi Brandi! Little Chief Honeybee is so excited to have you as our XL sponsor for May! Do you mind telling us about your endeavor with Ever So Lovely? Sure! Hello all! I am the founder of Ever So Lovely, a lovely little design studio in North Carolina and I offer Graphic Design services to small businesses. I also have a line of illustrations, scarves and vintage jewelry that I create as well.  What inspired you to delve into the world of design and illustration?  I have always loved art since I was a little girl and I was never too far away from a box of crayons or markers. After years of art classes and illustration I went to Meredith College where I majored in Graphic Design and I've been working in the industry now for thirteen years. After doing the corporate thing for a while I decided to launch Ever So Lovely as a design studio for small businesses. It was originally an art and design blog, which I've had since 2009 and creating the other aspect of my business.  Are you formally trained or are you more of a self-taught kinda gal? I am formally trained in Design, Illustration and Photography but I also dabble in oil painting, textile design and fiber art. You offer a wide array of services through Ever So Lovely. How do you keep up with your project tasks? Are you a really organized person? (And if so, mind giving me some lessons?!) That's a good question! Being a design studio I do offer a wide array of services and I have a great calendar to keep up with everything from printing dates, proofing, client meetings and other things I have going on.  Sometimes it can be tough if deadlines get pushed up but I keep everything in line and have a lot of reminders in my calendar :) What is a typical day like for you in terms of ESL?  There really isn't a typical day for ESL. Every day varies which is great! Some days are spent interviewing artists for the blog, researching new projects, brainstorming for a new design and making lots of coffee! Coffee is essential to my day. I'm usually working from early morning till in the evening. Recently I've been designing a logo for a lovely Farm out in Arizona that I'm really excited to work with. When I have downtime I'm working on my new line of botanical illustrations.  Do you ever collaborate with other designers and artists or do you prefer to be a one-woman-team? I haven't collaborated in a very long time but I like being a one-woman-team. What do you see on the horizon for ESL and your personal career path? 1 year? 5 years? Etc I'm really excited about the future of Ever So Lovely! The past two years have been great and there are so many things I have planned for this year and next. Since we are moving into a new home soon I'm excited to redecorate my studio to accent my brand. I also want to offer apparel designs featuring some of my illlustrations. I also want to keep working with businesses to assist in their design needs for their companies. In five years move into a brick and mortar studio where I work with clients and have a gallery in the front to showcase emerging artists from around the world.  If you could bestow any type of advice on our little honeybees, what would you say? Stay true to yourself. And with everything you create, be original. ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ SITE - FACEBOOK - TWITTER Many thanks to Brandi for sharing her story with us! What do you think, honeybees? How about a big round of applause for the gal behind ESL?  As many of you know, I'm "technically" graduating college today (finally... after being done for 6 months!). I'll be spending the day with my family in my hometown (as it's also my Mom's birthday! Happy Birthday, Mama!) so I'll be back tomorrow! xo

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XL Sponsor Feature: Ever So Lovely

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Sponsor Spotlight + Giveaway: Elle of Elle.MNOP!

Today we've got our Extra Large sponsor (and my crafty gal pal), Elle from Elle.mnop indulging us with a sweet little interview and insights on her crafty life with her sweet pup and fella! I know several of you read Elle's blog already and I think all the rest of you should as well! It's a really fun and inspiring blog which will motivate you to break away from the computer and get your hands dirty! (Seriously... we made mosaic pots two nights this past week and we were covered in glue and grout! Dirty!)





Hi Elle! LCH is super tickled to have you as our Extra Large sponsor this month! I already know tons about you so how about you introduce yourself to the rest of the Honeybees? Tell us what makes you tick!
-Kaelah thanks again for letting me sponsor LCH this month I am so excited about it! Well for those of you that don't know me I have four loves in my life: my boyfriend Bryan, my awesome dog Riley, my career in web design, and of course crafting projects and creating things. I spend around 8-10 hours every day in the computer designing and as much as I love it it is very important to have a break from it at some point in the day. This is where the crafting comes in... There are many different ways to stay creative and inspired and as much as I love to look at other designer's work I get the most inspiration when I am creating and getting hands on with something.
So you write a blog called Elle.mnop… That's a super clever name! When did you start Elle.mnop and how did it come to fruition? What's the buzz all about?
- Well my name is Elle and at a serving job I had at Macaroni Grill everyone had nicknames and after many failed attempts of nicknaming me they came up with the nickname "lmnop" for me. At first I hated it and then I decided to embrace it and have loved it ever since! So when thinking of a blog name it just seemed right.



What are some things you hope to accomplish with your sweet blog?
-I have been blogging for almost a year now and I really love it! At first I mainly posted on online inspiration like artists and designs with a few craft projects sprinkled throughout. For the month of April I have done a craft project everyday and while its been challenging to complete sometimes I have loved how creative it has made me. For the future of Elle.mnop, I hope to continue to inspire people and create tons more projects that everyone can do.
Since you dove headfirst into blogging, what has been your favorite part of the experience? How about least favorite?
-My favorite part has got to be all the people I have meet in the process along with the great feedback. It makes me so excited to hear that people have actually tried some of the projects that I have created! My least favorite part was probably the beginning and starting it all. I found it to be hard to keep writing and creating for my blog when only a handful of people actually read it and it was mainly family. I am so glad I stayed with it though and didn't give up. Of course I want tons of people to read my blog but I had to learn to focus on the people that were actually reading it and keep them inspired.







What is a "typical day" in the life of Elle like?
-I am a hardcore multitasker so my days are pretty packed! I work at a web design firm in downtown Nashville from 9-6 and then head home to walk the dog. Walking the dog is actually my favorite part of the whole day because it lets me unwind and relax and of course get outside and walking around which I don't do much during the day. Next I try to cook a nice dinner for myself and Bryan but I'm still in the learning stages of cooking so sometimes its not so nice haha. The rest of my evening involves working out, creating, doing the next day's blog post, playing with the dog, and the occasional tv watching. Somehow I get it all done and don't sacrifice too much sleep which is always good!
Where do you find most of your inspiration? Do you read loads of other blogs to get the fire burning or do you find it in more unexpected places? 
-I read tons of blogs and normally have around 300 posts each day sitting in my Google Reader. I get a lot of my inspiration from fellow bloggers and designers but honestly most of my inspiration comes while driving. I drive an hour rounddtrip each day to work so I think a lot in the car. A lot of my craft projects come about from an idea while driving or a desire to recreate something with a twist on it.





What are some of your  daily reads that you can't get enough of?
- I of course read LCH everyday to find out what you are up too since I don't get to see you that much (sorry probably my fault) and I also love to read A Beautiful Mess, Design Sponge, Oh Joy, Turquoise Ink, the Martha Blog by Martha Stewart, and so so many more. One of my favorite things though is finding new blogs and new bloggers to get inspired by.
If you could just imagine awesome things into being, where would you see yourself in five years? What would you be doing?
-In five years I would love to see myself with a greeting card line in local boutiques along with options for custom invitations for weddings and baby announcements. I used to do illustrations for a shop in Murfreesboro, TN and I absolutely fell in love with how creative you could be and how much you could impact someone's special days. As much as I love web design, my dream has always been to own my own business so I would love to see myself working towards that goal in the next few years.



Any parting words of wisdom to the little honeybees looking to start their own blog or delve into a handmade life?
-I definitely recommend both to everyone! My main piece of advice would be to not focus on the number of people reading your blog but more enjoy writing it and just have fun! Write about things you want to and not just things you think people will read because your heart won't be into it then.


♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥









Elle is offering up a lucky winner two handmade journals with custom marbleized paper along with a hand sewn binding. If you don't win the giveaway you can find both of these DIY projects HERE and HERE!


All you gotta do to enter to win is visit Elle.mnop and leave a comment below!


You can earn extra entries by following her on Twitter and/or "Like" Elle.mnop on Facebook! Just leave a separate comment for each entry (up to 3 total)!




♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

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Sponsor Spotlight + Giveaway: Elle of Elle.MNOP!

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