Pithy Things is going out of business. OK it’s not an actual business, just one of a handful of blogs I’ve started, dropped, started again, dropped again, well you get the idea. Plus it never really had any direction.
Anyway – I am moving over to amandamwebster.com – which has been my portfolio site as a graphic designer. But I never give that website out to people, which I recently realized is because I don’t actually want people to hire me (I will expand on that later). So, I am taking down all my work and revising the site into something totally different.
I’ve spent a lot of time this past year thinking about my professional goals as a graphic artist. What I really want for myself and how to get there. amandamwebster.com will be a place for you to join me on my journey. I figure that instead of pestering my husband with all my questions, hopes, and fears about my future as a graphic artist, I will pester all of you! Of course you have the option to pay attention or not – my husband doesn’t get that luxury 
So, you have exactly 2 days to stalk my portfolio site as is, if you please. After that, it will all be gone. And no, I am not taking on new clients.
My first post on the new site will be up on Monday. See you then.
It’s time for me to learn Illustrator. As a loyal Photoshop user, I’ve been known to cringe at the squeaky clean feel of vector art. I like art to be a little rough around the edges; to have character and texture; to be touchable. Vectors by nature are crisp, clean and smooth…the opposite of everything I’m drawn to. So I’ve avoided really diving into Illustrator. But alas, it’s time. I give in. Vectors are taking over the world (OK maybe too dramatic, but they are what people want these days). So I opened up Illustrator, pulled out my pen tablet skills and had a little fun. It’s a bit challenging for me, which I appreciate. It’s like I’m accessing part of my brain that’s been lying dormant, just waiting for me to use the pen tool. Anyway, enough chatter…here are some of my first attempts at real vector art. Cute, simple, fun.
Like this:
Yesterday was a big day for my sister-in-law. It’s not my place to go into all the details, but she took an exciting, terrifying and brave step towards a better life for herself. And I couldn’t be more happy for her. My wish is that she takes plenty of time to carve out a new path that brings her true happiness.
Best lesson of the day? Nothing cuts through tension and uncertainty better than a tail-wagging, floppy puppy eagerly awaiting the next game of Fetch.
Like this:
I turned 29 on Friday. No, not the dreaded 3-0 yet, but so much closer. Over the last few weeks, I’ve been thinking a lot about priorities. Specifically, how they’ve changed over the years. When I was younger, my future was one big adventure after another. I was going to travel the world, join the Peace Corps, backpack across Europe. I was going to be the kind of person with fascinating stories and a GRAND life. I was going to be important.
I never did those things.
Sure, I’ve traveled. I’ve been to France, England, China, oh, and Canada of course. I’ve had adventures (READ: cross-country move to New York City on a whim).
But I’ve also realized (and slowly come to accept) that the life I thought I’d have was never meant for me. I was made for something simpler and quieter.
Recently, I’ve had several conversations which have forced me to think about the next chapter in my life. They go something like this:
FRIEND: “When I can save enough money, I can’t wait to see the world.”
ME: “When I save enough, all I can think about is buying a house, a new(er) car and starting a family.”
Then comes a few seconds of lingering awkwardness as we both sort out our differences. Because their goals used to be mine, too. And sometimes I still wish they were. Because somewhere in the back of my mind I want to live in my glamorous fantasy world.
But then I remember how happy I am. Right now. I have everything I need and more than I ever wanted. I have an amazing husband, a dog who constantly makes me laugh (plus 2 cats who mostly take up space but sometimes do really funny things), a community of fabulous people, and a home I truly enjoy spending time in.
I will still have adventures. I will still be important. But, instead of flying to Africa to SAVE THE WORLD, I’ll be building a future I never expected to have with a family I can’t imagine living without.
My next GRAND adventure will be another cross-country move back to my home town. But this time it won’t be just me and 2 suitcases. I will be accompanied my husband, 3 animals and 6 years worth of accumulated belongings. Yes, we are hiring movers.
Hey Everyone,
So I know I haven’t been around much lately. I haven’t added any new jewelry to my etsy site in weeks. But I’ve got good reason.
First of all, I fell in love with jewelry making so much that I decided to enroll in some silversmithing classes. For the last several weeks, I’ve been learning how to melt metal, set stones, solder, file, sand, and polish.
But I’ve also realized that if I really want to pursue jewelry, it is going to take a LOT of time, money and effort to build my shop and my skillset to a point where I can really be successful at it.
So, I needed an alternate way to fund this dream. Freelancing only helps so much when it comes in waves (plus I’ve got bills to pay). And it’s not something I want to do forever anyway. I consider it more of a back-up plan than anything else. But what to do?
Well, my dad recently asked me to do some design work for his new business selling personalized growth charts. While I was working on some of his pieces, I suddenly had an idea. I could create digital silhouette portraits using my vast collection of textures and patterns I’ve accumulated over the years.
Luckily, I had a birthday party for a 1-year-old little girl coming up to test out my idea. Instead of buying her a toy that she would likely receive duplicates of at the party and would probably never really cherish, I made a portrait for her parents.
It was a huge success. They loved it and so did everyone else at the party. I knew I was on to something. I did a few more portraits (mostly pet portraits for all my Pet Parent friends) and realized that it would be a relatively low-cost endeavor to turn this into a real business.
For the next week or two, I spent a good deal of time developing various portrait designs for people to choose from and began work on my website. I filed for a business certificate and got my Federal Tax ID.
This time, I want to do it right. I believe in this enough to declare it a real, living, business.
My portraits are unlike anything you’ll find elsewhere. They are textural, stylish and uniquely personal. You choose the design, upload the photo and voila! In a couple weeks time you receive a stunning portrait of your little ones to proudly display on your walls!
So, come on and check it out: www.kinderling.com
If you like it, please share it with your friends!
A whole world is opening up to me that I never knew existed. Every day I’m learning more about making jewelry. With so many techniques and possible outcomes, it’s a bit overwhelming at times. But I’m keeping at it…which, for me, is progress.
My whole life, I’ve been the kind of person who jumps into some new creative outlet, instantly falls in love, and then, just as quickly, loses interest and moves on. The only exception was graphic design, but then again, that’s what I’ve been getting paid to do for the last 5 years. It was a love born out of necessity.
Otherwise, I have artistic ADD. I blame my father. He’s the same way. I hope my sister learns the follow through that neither of us ever did. I can’t even count the number of miscellaneous supplies that lay around the apartment only to see sporadic love from me.
I don’t want to jinx myself by telling you that this whole jewelry thing feels different. So I won’t. But I will say this: at this very moment in my life story, I am entirely open to a drastic change. My eyes and my body are screaming at me to get away from the computer and to get my hands dirty. I’m afraid my love affair with Graphic Design may be coming to an end.
Dear Graphic Design,
You’ve been good to me over the years, but I think I need a break. It’s not you. It’s me. I’ll call you. I promise.Love,
Me
And now I will share some of my most favorite jewelry designers that I have recently discovered who inspire me like crazy:
Rachel Pfeffer
This one gets special mention because she made my wedding band. Yep, that’s right. Top left pictured here. I get to wear it every day and I LOVE it. Find her on etsy here: luckyduct.etsy.com
Tryst by Kerry
I love her colorful nature-inspired designs.
Find her on etsy here: trystbykerry.etsy.com
Simone Walsh
Simone Walsh is an Australian designer and I can’t get over how gorgeous her etched silver is. Look at those beautiful patterns. I really really REALLY want to learn how to do that! Find her here: www.simonewalsh.com
And finally…
Husband and wife duo, Polina and Sergey at Beauty Spot
Sweet. That’s all I have to say. I just adore these sweet little pieces. Find them on etsy here: www.beautyspot.etsy.com
Okay folks. That’s all for now. Thanks for tuning in!
Recently, I’ve been totally obsessed with vintage plates. I was initially inspired by this post from Apartment Therapy with the idea of using plates as wall art. Now, I find myself scanning the shelves of Goodwill for unusual or unique homeless plates. Of course, I also stalk etsy as well. I am especially drawn to the bold colors and imagery of the Scandinavian and Eastern European designs. Anyway, here are some of my recent plate finds (click the image for the listing):
I recently returned from my wedding, during which there was much rain, sleet, hail, tornados, thunder and possibly snow (people keep telling me it’s good luck – I think that’s a coping mechanism). But we still had a fabulous time. Especially with the AMAZING photoboth (coined “The Wildbooth!”) staffed by our AMAZING photographer Lucas Botz. Check out a couple of my favorite shots from our Wildbooth (yes that’s me and my beau posing with “The Thing” and “The Incredible Hulk” boxing gloves!)
Beginning Again…
Prior to the wedding, my business partner and I came to the bittersweet conclusion that it was time to close our doors for good; Partly due to the recession and partly due to changing tides. Although it was a tough decision, it has opened some new doors for both of us. While she’s off pursuing her passion for marketing with a chic ad agency, I’ve decided to take this opportunity to pursue some long lost dreams of my own.
So….I’ve opened up an etsy shop (http://curiousbynature.etsy.com) selling my original, handmade jewelry. Tho it’s not exactly what I ever thought I’d be doing (especially since, as a youngster, I was more interested in climbing trees and riding dirt bikes than wearing jewelry), it’s exactly what I need right now. The perfect creative outlet. Plus it get’s me away from the computer. A much needed change of pace.
Here are some of my favorite recent pieces:
Adorn Me: Pearl and leaf pendant necklace
Adorn Me: Pearl and leaf earrings
Accidental Grace : Pearl and brass necklace or bracelet
Remember Me: Green Jade vintage inspired earrings
All is Fair: Mother of Pearl flower necklace
Dreamcatcher : pearl and brass dangle earrings
You can see more of my pieces here: curiousbynature.etsy.com
I am enjoying feeling a bit freer and less tied to my computer these days. Financially, it’s a bit of a strain without full-time work, but starting anything takes a certain amount of risk. As Mark Twain said (allegedly – according to the internet):
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor, catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain
Plus, I’m lucky enough to have an uber supportive husband. I really could not do this without him. Thanks hun!
I’m kind of obsessed with birds. Here are some of my favorite feathered finds from etsy.
Of a feather - Set of four 5x5 fine art prints by irenesuchocki
Small Vintage Vase with Birds from EMNelson
Nesting in the Magnolia Print by hadleyhutton
Vintage Pendant - 1970s Mod from oldefrostfarm1780
Nature Morte, Subtropical Climate Commemorative Plate from wannabes
BEC'S HUMMINGBIRD - Open Edition Fine Art Print by kittensandcrumpets
Mini Framed Blue Cardinal by MaryBethsArt
Illuminated Art BIRDS COMPLETE LAMP by annasee
Natural Selection No.2 Wedding Nest-Cake Topper Display by Perch52
