A year unposted, a year reflected.

Wow. Time has flown by! I had left this blog to gather dust and fade away from my daily life over a year ago. Posting, sewing, networking and reflecting had been so therapeutic, so easy and fun; until so many parts of life were thrown at me all at once.

I updated in my last post from June 2012 saying that I had been on a roller coaster of emotions and life events. That only starts my story from the past year. I feel like I should update, should re-visit my year and tell everything that has happened since.

If I had mantra for the past year, this would've been it.

Although I will probably reminisce quite often, I'm not going to give you a timeline of my life like I thought I needed to before. Rather than give you hard facts, dates and explanations, I'd rather share some amazing memories, experiences and revelations that have come to me in the past crazy/blessed/scary/frustrating/elating/amazing year of my life.

The last time you may have hear from me I was a senior in college, a twenty two year old looking for her voice, her passion and her identity. Let's just say I've grown up a little since then, and I'm a little nervous to continue on this journey that combines my daily reality, hopes, dreams, passions and insights with those of my previous/younger/naive self. I still believe in so much of my blog, so much of this "Project Jubilation" that I had set out to conquer years ago. I might not have reached my set deadline of crafting my way through my summers like I thought I would, but I have had a glimpse of jubilation while I was away. I hope to share those experiences along with my present reality and get back to using this blog as a means to connect with so many amazing people with so many unique and important stories. (And of course, to continue finding my personal voice as an artist and documenting everything that comes along with it!)

With that said, let's begin this journey all over again :)

A huge update

Wow. It has been For-ev-er since I last posted anything on my blog. After my series about creative people in my life I sort of had the craziest time of my life. To keep this short, I'm going to have to make a list of the roller coaster semester I had.

• Low: Got a huge bruise on my leg while on blood thinners from my pulmonary embolism last May, couldn't walk for a couple of days... (January)
• High: Went off of my medication to get testing done for genetic diseases or reasons for my blood clotting problems.... played in a club volleyball tournament with my team at school (Jan)
• Rock bottom: Developed a DVT (deep vein thrombosis) behind my knee on the leg with the bruise... couldn't walk for weeks. Also had to go back on blood thinners, this time for the rest of my life. And many doctor appointments (Jan)
• Low: Bruise turned into a giant blood blister, oozed out all of its insides and left me with some seriously nasty skin. Scabbed over, then advised to go to wound therapy to get it healed, still couldn't move around very easily (Feb)
• Low: Wound therapists took off my scab (leather eschar) and left an open wound on my leg, which meant multiple doctor appointments a week. (Feb - present)
• High: Got placed at the local high school for my art education teaching practicum (Feb)
• High: Got an interview for a summer job as an Arts and Crafts Director
• Rock bottom: Developed more superficial clots in my other leg during all of this.... but those weren't so severe.  (March)
• High: Received three scholarships for next semester (March)
• High: Got ENGAGED to my high school sweetheart of seven years. (April)
• High: Got hired as the Arts and Crafts Director for a summer camp, the perfect resume booster. (April)
• High: Was awarded Art Education's Outstanding Student of the Year at UW Stout (May)
• High: Earned a great GPA after it all. (May)
• High: Started my amazing job and I LOVE IT! (June)

 As of right now, I'm STILL healing, five months later, but getting much better much faster. Throughout the semester I was at the doctor an average of 3 times a week sometimes with 5 doctor appointments in 5 business days. Needless to say, I had no time for homework, let alone fun hobbies and sewing and keeping up with this blog. I was required to keep up with my school blog for my art education experiences and really grew a lot as a person and as a future teacher. I had the craziest semester of my life with the worst and the best things happening to me within a few months. I am very happy right now, and so glad that my semester ended on a very high note.

I have three jobs lined up for next semester at college (MY LAST!) and this busy summer job, so my goal of this blog is really not going to happen. I don't want to quit what I am doing but with my life right now, it's just time to put this on the back burner and put school, my resume, job opportunities and my fiance and my wedding first! I'll get to be super crafty all summer and enjoy the ride that I am on. I can't wait to see where it takes me.... but for now, this blog is dunzo. Sorry to leave anyone hanging, but you probably aren't reading anyways since I haven't posted in months. I hope I can continue my dream of doing a craft tent and selling my bags and other creations in the future. I hope I inspired a few people, but really this was for me all along... God's plan is taking me somewhere else!

Best Wishes, Andi.

Taylor O' Brien Photography

Due to some recent health issues, I stopped my current blog series half-way through.... I hope you still enjoy hearing about the last two friends that I will be spotlighting! I know I'm pretty excited to show off their talents :) Here is Taylor O'Brien's story..... Enjoy!!

Taylor Obrien is one of the most talented photographers that I am lucky enough to know! He isn't only talented behind the lens, he is talented in everything that he does. He is a crazy-creative person who can basically excel at anything and everything artistic. Oh yeah, did I mention I met him through volleyball? That also means he's an amazing player on the court too, and a pretty great guy in general :)

I interviewed him with some basic questions, just like the previous posts. Once again, I will let his own words, and of course his amazing photos do all of the talking!!

 

"I am currently a Senior in the Graphic Design program at UW-Stout, and will finish with a Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design, but my true passion is Photography. I am completely self-taught up to this point, but am taking my first Fashion Photography class this semester. I am really looking forward to it."

 

"My favorite thing about being a photographer is seeing the look on a client’s face when they see the finished product. They put their trust in me as an artist to capture their memories, but until they see the finished project, they must put their complete trust in me. I love that photography is different every day, and my job is never the same day to day."

These photos are so great - I love the colors he captures and textures he creates!

"My style is unique, contemporary, and photo-journalistic. With each and every shoot I am pushing myself to capture images that are strongly original and truly reflect the personality of my client. My shoots are laid back, casual, and instinctual. I strive to capture the moments of the “in-between.” These are the moments right before, or right after the actual moment. Just before a kiss, or just after, is when moment is true and intimate. These moments make the most natural and candid photos, and those moments in the 'in-between' are the ones I am constantly striving for."

I hope I am lucky enough to get to have Taylor shoot wedding or engagement photos for me before he moves away and becomes a famous fashion photographer!!

"I plan on moving to New York City in summer of 2013. I would love to work for a modeling agency photographing test shoots of incoming models and new faces. I would love to push more toward the fashion photography field and see if I can make something of myself in a very competitive industry." 

(I'm sure he will be an amazing high fashion photographer!!) Check out these awesome pictures he did with this model he found in the mall! Yes, he's one of those photographers that finds inspiration in everything, and isn't afraid to utilize any and all of those inspirations... Check these gorgeous photos out:

 This model was extremely cool to hear about - Taylor said,

 " From the second I discovered Sam in the mall, I knew she was going to be incredibly photogenic. At 6 feet tall, with blonde hair and blue eyes, and as sweet as can be, Sam is fashion photography GOLD. It was awesome to take a girl i found in the mall, add a little make up and clothes, and find that she was incredibly natural and comfortable in front of the camera." 

Awesome!!

If Sam (above) wasn't inspirational enough, and beautiful in front of the camera, Taylor describes one of his most inspirational shoots with another gorgeous model:

"My favorite experience to date was working with a girl named Michaela Arndt. She was discovered at the age of 15 and signed to Elite Model Management in New York City and NOVA Models in New Zealand. She has modeled internationally in Japan for three months, and New Zealand for six months. When I had the chance to work with her, I knew that I wanted to push myself toward the fashion industry and work with beautiful people like her every day.  It was amazing to work with someone that knew how to move and understood just what it meant to be a model. That was by far the most inspirational shoot to date."

What a lucky guy! How amazing are these photos!? And yes, he shot the photos, and styled the shoot.

Photography:Taylor O’Brien

Hair and Styling: Taylor O’Brien

Model: Michaela Arndt

I think these photos prove that he will become and amazing fashion photographer. If not, he'll still be  an amazing creative director, art director or something in the fashion industry... wow.

If these photos aren't enough to get you excited to see more, I think your crazy! :) Check out Taylor's Facebook page and website for more! Remember to "like" his page and write on his wall telling him that Project Jubilation sent you!!

This guy is going to hit it big time!! <3  Have a beautiful day everyone!

Graphic Designer Kate Mikutowski

Kate Mikutowski is one of my amazing teammates and dear friends. We played volleyball at UW Stout for two years together and she isn't just amazing on the court, shes pretty amazing at everything thing she does. This girl has a passion for design and it shows. She is the creator of my Jubilee by Andi logo and is so talented!!! Kate grew up right on the border of Minnesota and Wisconsin, so I am thankful she chose to utilize reciprocity to come to Stout! 

I am just going to let her work and her voice do the talking!

" Beauty in simplicity is what inspires me. I am drawn to things like everyday objects, nature, hand-craft, and childhood memories. I love anything that has a slight feminine touch."

 "Type is something that I am really drawn to. I absolutely adore anything hand lettered. I also am inspired by handmade cards. This is what I love to do in my seldom free time."

"In five years I hope to be working at a design studio, hopefully somewhere in the cities. Someday I would love to open a stationary store, whether it be online or have an actual studio."

Kate is currently a junior in the Graphic Design program at Stout, and is taking some pretty amazing classes. She has taken typography classes where she creates her own fonts and some awesome GD classes that allow her to make some pretty cool logos and designs. She even used one of her classes to create a whole collection of things based on Jubilee by Andi! Can you say AWESOME!?

I know there is so much more that Kate is going to do with her life, and I cannot wait to see where she ends up. So much of her work is so delicate and done with so much care. I absolutely love when she makes a birthday or Christmas card for me, I'm almost positive it will be worth money some day :)

Pure Poise Photography

One of my high school friends, Amanda, is an amazing new photographer. She started small, and is working her way to being a household name, especially in Northern Wisconsin. She graduated from NWTC with a Paralegal degree in which she is employed full time. She says,

 

"I fell into my photography  business by chance. It all began when I took my best friends engagement portraits for fun during the winter of 2009. When those images were shared on Facebook, my business was launched. I have not taken any formal photography courses and have grown by learning from my own mistakes and reading forums online."

So as her hobby of photography grew, it finally became an official business in 2011. Since the beginning she has gone by the name:

This name came from her mindset of capturing her client's individuality and their natural being through art.... pretty cool!

I love following her on Facebook and seeing all of her sneak peak photos. I mostly go there just to look at her infant photos, which are especially gorgeous! They are by far my favorite.... and they happen to be her passion as well!

After dabbling in various areas of photography, Amanda found her passion to be with newborns and small children. Therefore, that is what she would like focus on in the future. Right now, she offers newborn, child, family and high school senior portraiture. Before realizing that she had a motto she always said,"The kids call the shots!" which has therefore become her motto that she goes by. 

"Most of the time, the best pictures are when the children are being themselves..."

Amanda distributes these "amazingly unique" frames!

She also offers:

• professional print processing
• quality prints
• quality canvas gallery wraps
• quality photo books
• The Modern Knot photo frames
• Extremely friendly service! :)

Check out some more family portraits:

In her own words:

Her favorite thing about Photography: " I consider all of my clients to be a part of the Pure Poise family. Many of the families I have now worked with on numerous occasions, and I love documenting their family as they grow. Spending an hour or more in a low key and fun atmosphere usually always leads to great laughs and memories with them, and presenting them with their images and seeing their reactions is the absolute best part!"

On memorable photography experiences: "With every single session, I learn something or a unique experience happens that makes it memorable. It could be something as simple as me learning a new technique, having a good laugh with the parents or using a unique prop or location." 

On the future: "I can only pray for the most success and happiness that life can bring!"

On what inspires her: "ANTIQUES! I love all things old, delicate or shabby chic that I might be able to work into a session. I also gain a lot of inspiration from unique professional photographers around the country and my surroundings here in Northern Wisconsin."

I encourage you to go to her website, even if she says that it's only a work in progress, and check out her portfolio! Make sure to visit and "like" her Facebook page as well. Also, write on her wall and tell her that Jubilee By Andi sent you :)

Cody Petts, Invision Design

 One of my closest friends, Cody Petts is one of the most creative people I know.

His love for music, sports, and caring personality really comes out in his work. Right now, he is a junior in the Multimedia Design major at UW Stout. He is my neighbor, and my boyfriend's best friend, so it's safe to say that he's pretty cool.

It's pretty crazy that we grew up a mere 45 minutes away from each other and it took us both to travel across the state to meet one another... And now look at us, we live in the same duplex.

In High School, he spent most of his time in the Graphic Design lab, (sometimes he stayed after until 6pm just to improve skills and play around with new things!) which gave him a ton of experience working with design programs before heading out to college. He said, " I  know it sounds kind of nerdy but it is my passion". (No Cody, that's not nerdy! That's awesome) 

Anyways, Cody loves photography and graphic design and will be pursuing a full-time career that integrates both of his passions. Right now, he works under the name, Invision Design, and will most likely be working under that right out of college. He says, " In five years I plan on becoming a Photographer / Graphic Designer, I hope to make enough money to start my own business and to be recognized by designers around the world. It may seem like I'm setting the bar too high for myself but if you don't set your goals high you might as well not set any at all." (Well said)

 

IN HIS OWN WORDS: 

 On art and design:  "My favorite part about design and photography is that there is an unlimited amount of potential, there are so many great works of art that haven't been created yet. I would like to be on the successful side of that spectrum."

On what inspires him: "Everything. everything inspires me, light, color, form, business cards for some reason...The problem with designers today is they are too stubborn to be inspired by something or someone. When you learn this you strive to be the topic of inspiration."

On advice: "If I had to give advice for today's youth it would have to say: Be determined, Strive to be the best, & Love what you do."

If you want to know more about Cody's work, let me know by posting a comment below! Thanks to Cody for allowing me to spotlight him. I'm sure he will have many more things to show off in the future. Keep an eye out for Invision Design...

Have a beautiful day everyone :)

NEW! Blog Series, Creative Friends

Everyone has some amazing friends.... and everyone has those creative friends that make you say "How are you so talented?!" If you do, of if you don't, you can meet some of mine! I happen to have quite a few of them... I am going to feature 5 (maybe more) of my friends friends who are all super creative and inspiring. I hope you enjoy learning about them, and keep an eye out for their creativity in the future! (They'll all be famous  some day)

I will post once a day for a (business) week - starting Monday February, 6. Until then, check out my Art Education Blog as I go through my pre-teaching field experiences and everything that has to do with the arts, or follow my boards on Pinterest. I'm addicted. Also, keep an eye out for updates on my artwork. Have a beautiful day and be prepared to learn about some awesome up-and-coming artists. <3

Seven Pretty Things

For those of you who are finding me through Much-Love-illy's web page, thanks for clicking on my link! (It shortened my description without me knowing and my photo funny.... so thanks!) And those of you who are just reading, I linked up with a "linky party" through some fun blogs! Today we're writing about seven pretty things, so naturally I had to share some of my own pretty things!

I love buttons and bags.... so I thought I would share some of my favorite creations from this past year. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!


1. A button-bling mini-tote bag approximately 13inches tall. I love this bag, and it is still up for grabs!





2. This beautiful bag went to my sister's best friend, and she uses it everyday!





3. A vintage button from an antique shop in town.... it matched too perfectly to the fun, funky fabric.








4. This golden antique button also matched the bag so well that I had to use it. I used a golden fabric for the inner lining that also made it POP!








5.  Pancreatic Cancer Awareness bags are my new passion. I love the purple sparkly buttons that really do add a lot of sparkle!





6. This double buttoned bag turned out to be pretty darn cute! I love the totally different look that two buttons made!






7. This was my favorite fabric... and this button (also featured in number 2) brought a sophistication to the loud fabric. So gorgeous.






I hope you like my seven pretty things, all of the photo credits go to me, although I wish I had a few more professional photos to use! Have a beautiful day!

Favorite colors to wear

Hey all, as you know I am thinking about adding scarves to my inventory for this summer. I would love if you would visit my facebook page to see the Poll, or vote here by commenting below! Please respond and let me know, a scarf could be created just for YOU!

Thanks!

What are your favorite colors to wear? 

 - Jewel Tones (burgundy, deep plum, jade, royal blue, etc)

 - Neutrals (browns, blacks, tan, silver, etc)

 - Pastels (light yellows, pinks, blues, greens, peach, lilac, etc)

 - Bright colors (hot pink, red, yellow, blue, orange, etc)

 - Ombres (dark colors that fade into lighter colors and vice versa)

 - Plaid, checks or argyle

 - Anything floral 

 - Stripes 

- Any patterns (swirls, dots, etc)

I appreciate all of your feedback!

Happiness is Handmade

Happiness is Handmade... need I say more? I'm up late and in a creative mood, so I made this cute little print that I will probably put on my wall for some inspiration. You can download and use it too if you find it as fun as I do :)

I've been enjoying my time at home and in my little sewing studio that my Dad set up for me over winter break. I leave next Wednesday to go back to school, and will not be taking my machine with me! I am actually pretty sad about that. I hadn't found enough time last semester to really get a lot done in my teeny tiny room, so I think I will find it more productive to work on other things!

While I'm at school, I'll be brainstorming ideas and focusing on my studio art classes as well as art education classes. I hope to paint in my free time and make some beautiful works of art that I will sell this summer! Wish me luck!

We're celebrating my Mom's birthday at our hunting shack, so I will not be sewing until Monday. Tomorrow I'm finishing up four more pancreatic cancer awareness bags and sending them out on Monday as well. It should be a great end to this week, I can't wait to show you all of the things I've been working on this winter, and all of the ideas I have brainstormed. Let's hope they all come together in time for my tent this summer.......

Today I felt productive while making three more infinity scarves identical to my first! I am so excited to add these to my inventory for the summer. They will be around $15 each! Gorgeous. I can't wait to find fabric to make some more!

Enjoy your weekend <3