This life update is a bit overdue, but I’ve been buried in work—preparing new designs, tutorials, and class pieces. And truth be told, I’ve also been feeling a bit discouraged. This post is going to be a little longer than usual, so thank you for sticking with me. You know I like to keep it real here on the blog, and today I’m sharing a more personal side of my creative journey.
As many of you know, Blue Ribbon Designs has been my full-time job for over 20 years. When you’re an artist working from home, positive feedback and encouragement become especially meaningful. In today’s fast-paced world, kindness and uplifting words seem harder to come by—and with everyone so busy, it’s rare to hear a simple “thank you” or note of appreciation.
My regular readers and friends know I pour countless hours into designing and creating projects, writing detailed tutorials, and collaborating with companies I admire—often with minimal, if any, compensation. More often than not, I don’t even receive confirmation that my work was received, let alone a message of gratitude or excitement. It’s deflating, and at times, it makes me question my place in this industry.
I’m proud of the work I create. I know it’s thoughtful, high-quality, and made with care—but hearing that from someone else can be such a day brightener. A kind word goes a long way. It’s not about praise—it’s about feeling seen and valued. And in all honesty, I haven’t felt valued or appreciated lately, which has led me to question where I belong and what direction I should take with my career.
Working with companies I admire for little or no pay—and very little appreciation—is no longer sustainable. As a lifelong pleaser, words of validation mean the most to me, and they’ve been missing for quite some time. Blue Ribbon Designs has always been a passion project—and I can live meagerly if I’m doing what I love and feel valued. But lately, I’ve felt disconnected and disheartened.
But here’s the thing—I still believe in the power of creativity. I still believe in the joy of making something with your hands, the comfort of stitching, and the beauty of sharing that joy with others. Even in the quiet moments, when doubt creeps in, I remind myself why I started Blue Ribbon Designs in the first place: to inspire, to connect, and to create with heart.
So while I’ve been keeping to myself lately, I’ve also been pouring that energy into new designs, fresh ideas, and meaningful projects that I hope will bring joy to others. I’m taking time to reflect on what truly fuels me creatively and how I can continue to share that passion in a way that feels authentic and fulfilling.
If you’ve ever stitched one of my designs, sewn one of my patterns, read a tutorial, watched a video, or simply shared a kind word or liked a post—please know it means more than you could ever imagine. Your support, even in the smallest form, helps keep the creative spark alive.
I’m not giving up—I’m just recalibrating. I’m finding my way back to the joy of creating for the sake of creating. And I’m hopeful that the next chapter will be filled with more connection, more appreciation, and more inspired work.
Thank you for being here. Thank you for reading. And thank you for supporting independent artists and makers.
In other news of note…
We’re making a big shift—starting this week, we’re officially going back to a daytime schedule! Yes, you read that right—after nearly three years of working nights, we’re finally returning to a more traditional routine. It’s a big adjustment, but one I’m welcoming with open arms (and a lot of caffeine).
And that’s not the only exciting thing happening…
I’m also getting ready for another big international adventure with my parents! This time, we’re headed to Rome for a few days, followed by a Mediterranean cruise from Rome to Barcelona, and then we’ll spend a few more days exploring beautiful Barcelona. My second dad started planning this trip just a couple of months ago, and we leave on November 1st—so I’ve been scrambling to meet deadlines and wrap up projects before we go.
It’s going to be a whirlwind few weeks, but I’m so grateful for the opportunity to travel with my parents and assist them, while soaking up other cultures and inspiration along the way. You know I will take a lot of photos and videos to share upon my return.
Finally today…
Travis and I visited GloWild at the Kansas City Zoo last weekend, and—as you can probably guess—I took quite a few photos!
We went last December for the holiday lights and knew we wanted to return this year. Now in its fourth year, GloWild runs from September through early January, starting as a fall exhibit and transitioning into a holiday-themed experience at the end of October.
Knowing we’d want to visit more than once, we purchased passes so we can go as often as we like this season. This unique and immersive nighttime experience invites guests to explore massive, handcrafted artworks displayed throughout the Zoo. This year’s theme takes visitors on a journey through time—from nineteenth-century Paris to the American centennial, and even a sci-fi-inspired trip to the future!
The mile-long path is filled with intricate lighted sculptures, crafted by more than 150 artisans using over 34 tons of steel and 89,000 feet of fabric. It’s a one-way trail packed with photo ops, concessions, and entertainment—and it’s truly a spectacle to behold.
I wanted to share a selection of photos from our visit, because this exhibit is super impressive and absolutely worth experiencing if you're in the area!
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As I navigate this season of change—both personally and professionally—I’m reminded of the importance of staying true to my creative voice and finding joy in the little things, whether it’s a quiet moment at my sewing machine, a stroll through glowing art installations, or planning a meaningful trip with loved ones. Thank you for being part of this journey and for supporting Blue Ribbon Designs. Your encouragement, kindness, and presence mean more than you know. I’m looking forward to sharing more inspiration, stories, and creativity with you in the days ahead.
