Persimmon's First 'Stand'

Just one year ago, I walked up and down the aisles of The Vintage Bazaar, a well-loved Chicago flea-market showcasing stunning booths with {vintage decor, furniture, clothing, and accessories}.

I was in awe.  How could these people muster up the courage to display their work and collections for the public? And SELL it? Successfully?!

Though each display looked thoughtfully curated,  time consuming, and incredibly intimidating, it was also very inspiring.

I'll be honest.  That day, I didn't go home and pick up a pencil and start sketching.  I didn't go shopping for that perfect vintage piece that needed a little love before trailing off into someone's home.  Instead, I stewed for a solid four months, arguing with myself internally.  If I was to really see this through, where would I get the funds?   Just how much commitment would it take?  And, God forbid, what if no one would like my work?

One day in January {after being completely fed-up with the Chicago winter}, I took my first step on the pathway.  I picked up that pencil and started with one simple drawing.  That step led to the next one, and soon thereafter, I had an etsy shop and my first blog post.

It was a long {well-needed} winter of designing, contemplating, connecting with others, creating a brand - and getting over my fears.

This past year led up to the most exhilarating event last weekend:  I ended up on the other side of the exchange by setting up Persimmon Prints alongside Ruby Bird Designs {gorgeous furniture 're-invisioning' by my close friend Claire} to experience our first arts & crafts event at Custer's Last Stand.  It was crazy fun!

The artist community is so encouraging.  We met other adorable artists, such as Bee Bop Charms,  Live and Conquer, Jacocalo Design, and Little Shop Around the Corner.  Each designer's work was thoughtfully crafted and beautifully displayed.  I looove my bohemian-inspired feather earrings that Live and Conquer created; they. just. might. stay on my ears for the next month.

Needless to say, the feeling of intimidation fizzled away with the weekend, and I left Sunday with new friends and encouragement to move forward.  I may not know what Persimmon Prints' pathway looks like, but God is revealing each little step to me as I walk forward faithfully.


Persimmon will definitely be out-on-the-arts-town again.

First Time for Everything.

Nervously, I've decided to attend my FIRST arts & crafts show as a Persimmon Prints vendor!

On June 15th & 16th, Evanston's Piccolo Theatre hosts their annual festival, Custer's Last Stand, which gathers a variety of artisans and entrepreneurs on Custer Street.

The Persimmon Prints booth will include current prints as well as refinished vintage furniture and other unique finds.  Also, I just may try my hand at custom prints on tea towels and other fun fabrics!

Being a HUGE fan of craft fairs myself, I've always wanted to jump to the other side of the booth and sell items of my own.  And now that this opportunity has come, it's exciting and a little intimidating at the same time.  I'm excited to join the talented artisans of the Chicago and fill the streets of South Evanston with a variety of handmade items.

I hope to see you there!

It's a Joyful Morning.

Today is a BIG day. It's the day that the online Persimmon Prints shop opens (to the public, yikes!).  Although I am a bit nervous about the 'whats', the 'hows', the 'whens' of running a small business, I feel excited about this next step.

And {I have to admit} I feel proud.  I'm proud that - with support from God and loved ones combined with a little extra effort of drawing and designing each day - I can follow this long-awaited dream.

It's true... With God, all things really are possible!

Let Go and Let God

My husband Patrick and I met one fateful night in April, 2009. We were married last summer, and we now live in a tiny 1940's brick Cape Cod in a suburb of Chicago.  He is so dear to me.

Throughout our entire relationship, Patrick has witnessed my constant need for creating, designing, and crafting, which has been apparent to him from day one.  The very first time he visited my apartment, he witnessed a madhouse of projects in mid-process.  A vintage chair I bought at a second-hand store was lying sideways on my living room floor, ripped apart and waiting to be brought back to its glory days.  My bedroom was filled with pencil drawings pinned to the wall.  My kitchen table was piled with magazines and design books.

Now, four years later, he continues to be one of the main catalysts pushing me to try new things.  He lets my creative lifestyle be the 'third wheel' in our relationship.  He lets me experiment with craft ideas in our home, even if that means watching the game with his friends in a 'girly' living room.  He encouraged me to turn our home office into my studio.  He is my biggest fan.

However, I realize that there's only so much I can do within the four walls of our little home, which brings me to the beginning of a new journey.  After praying that God would help me use my gifts to reach others, to connect with like-minds, to create things that people can enjoy, I've decided to finally pursue my life-long dream.  The outcome is called 'Persimmon Prints', a small business I'm developing which offers products that encourage others through positive messages and scripture.

I don't know how Persimmon Prints will develop in the long run.  Instead, I'm starting each day by asking God, "What'll you have me do today?" Ideas come - one at a time.  I do my best to capture these little 'vignettes' of inspiration, then I wait for Him to present me with the next one. 

I've decided let go and let God take over.