2016 was my 3rd year of Field and Forest Design.
At the end of 2015 I honestly wasn't sure if I would be able to continue this business as we brought home our son from China. I had no idea what life would look like as we adjusted as a family of four and if I would be able to handle both.
Honestly, 2016 was a pretty difficult and dark year. I was extremely broken as I struggled with some personal things and questioned the goodness of God. It was a dark season but the light has broken through. My struggles are not over but He has been faithful to bring beauty from ashes.
This creative business has been such a gift and privilege and I am so thankful that I did not have to walk away. Getting to create over the past year of struggle has been life giving. I hope to eventually get to the point where I can create from the struggles of the past year. I want to continue to create art from the honesty of struggle and brokenness but also the beauty that can come from our pain.
I am so thankful for the opportunities and doors that opened this year as I was able to grow both personally and creatively.
Here are my top 5 highlights for Field and Forest Design in 2016.
BIGGER PROJECTS
This is something that I love and want to do more of. I had the opportunity to create the summer Made Market sign, paint and letter on a brick wall, paint 12 ft tall banners for our church and create some larger custom orders for you all. I have a few projects planned for the first of 2017 for some local businesses. I'm so excited and can't wait to show you!
MUGS
I was kind of nervous about venturing into purchasing mugs. It was a risk to have to buy a bunch of them and then hope that they would sell. They have been a huge hit and I am glad I took the risk. I still have not figured out a good way to do other states without having to get a large amount of pre-orders first. I know there is a lot of interest so I will keep trying to figure something out.
EXPANDING TO NEW LOCAL SHOPS
I only sold at one local store in 2015. This year you can currently find my art at:
Forage, Revelry and both Block Party locations in Louisville.
True North and Kolkin Coffee in New Albany, IN.
Magpie at the Georgetown Makery in Georgetown, KY.
Herb and Willow in Berea, KY
Gentry's General Store in Hardinsburg, KY
MADE MARKET
The only markets I did this year were the summer Made Market, their October Pop Up Shop and Holiday Market. It was so exciting to get to be a part of this new market in Louisville. I am so thankful for the folks that brought it to life! Made Market has been so fun and great for business. It has been so great to meet other makers and customers and be a part of the maker community in the Louisville area.
MAPLE COLLECTION
A change in resources challenged me to get creative, change the way I do some things and resulted in a new series of signs! I have always released a new sign individually at the time I design them. This summer I released 6 new signs all at once. It was a lot of work but so fun!
ORNAMENT SEASON
My favorite and busiest season. This was my 3rd year making ornaments. My grandmother has given me an ornament every year since I was born and they are so special to me! I love getting to create keepsakes for others that they will treasure for years to come! This year, I decided ahead of time when my cutoff date would be for Christmas deliveries. This was so helpful in lowering my stress. I'm already thinking of some new ideas for next year!
This creative business has been such a learning journey. I have taken leaps of faith, made some mistakes, learned from them and grown so much in the process. Thank you so much for your business and support! I am looking forward to what next year brings. I hope to continue creating art for you that inspires, encourages and adds beauty to your home and life!
-Lindsey
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