Looking back over this past year, I am absolutely amazed at where I am now compared to then. So much has happened to me and to my business. I’ve worked on so many different projects for various clients. And, I’ve had several great opportunities and some that didn’t come to pass (and I’ll tell you about it!).

I’m in a much better place because of a business/wellness coaching program that I joined in May. I had already joined the positive mindset train long before, but this program has been a constant support from the other members and the coach. I would probably have never launched my online upholstery course if I hadn’t joined this group…the idea came to me there! And I certainly wouldn’t be planning new courses on fabric mixing & matching and how to run a chair business (did I just let that slip?) in the coming months. Stay tuned!

The projects that I’ve worked on have helped me improve my craft. It’s like how doctors practice on us, but I’m practicing on chairs! And the more sets that I do, the better I get, not just in the actual work of upholstery, but in the design work.

One of my favorites is this dining set below that I did for a client in Virginia. The complicated mixing and matching of fabrics to get all the right colors was a real challenge, but I thrive on work like that.

I’ve done so many sets with authentic textiles that we buy from overseas and each set is unique because of that. My clients have been such a joy to work with because of their adventurous spirits as we work to design the right look.

The very talented artist, Carrie Schmitt, collaborated with me to create most of the pieces in my Spring Collection of chairs. I can’t get enough of her amazing florals…they still stop me in my tracks.

I was honored to be in Austin Home Magazine, the great city where I live! Then, I landed my first national magazine story in Cottages & Bungalows magazine back in August, and the newest, hot off the shelves, Where Women Create Mindful Studios this very month!!! Pinch me, please! Here’s a preview!

But there’s plenty of opportunities that come by that don’t work out. One big one was the chance to be on a national network crafting show, which will remain nameless, but is about to debut it’s 2nd season! A casting scout reached out and asked me to apply, which I did, of course! But they must have filled the middle-aged-white-woman category with someone else or I just wasn’t crafty enough for them! 🙂 THAT would have been fun!

Saying all this really does make me grateful for all the good things. And most of all, I’m grateful for you. Without you, my work wouldn’t have as much meaning. I’m humbled when I get messages and comments on my work, and it really does boost me to keep on creating. So, let’s end with that, my friends…Happy Thanksgiving!