word to the why's:

I'm in the 'why-zone' of motherhood here lately.

Every five seconds my daughter is asking where all the things came from (like her porridge) and 'WHY??'.

So yah, that gets a little..fun.

But, since I'm a sucker for punishment.. I thought I'd carry that theme to the blog today, and answer a whole pile of why's about this space:

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* Why the name Needle and Nest Design?

Originally I was looking for a title to use on business cards for my bird mobiles... I wanted something that would convey sewing + birds...so, Needle + Nest... 

I also love that it can represent the creative side of me (needle) and the home.maker side (nest).  Sneaky, right?

 * Why did you start blogging?

At first I wanted an online portfolio for my paintings, jewellery, sewing... all the stuff!

(If you look to the right.. you can click on all these Creative Works ------->).

Then I got a bit hooked on writing daily posts about all the facets of life here, turns out I just can't shut up.

Now, I really do love to write posts that *hopefully* inspire others to:

a) be creative.

b) be authentic.

c) appreciate life's blessings...(even if you have to rant first). 

d) all of the above.

* Yah, but why can't you shut up?  

After over two... TWO?! years of blogging now... I have written 635 posts!!

I don't know if that deserves a high five or a face palm...

I like to think of myself as .. manic.obsessed.crazy consistent.  Yah, that's it.

This blog has inspired me to stay creative too, so it's like the accountability of a journal.

It's also become a venue through which I've developed some stellar connections with you readers/other bloggers... so, I kind of love that!

"Peepo!"

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* Why have all the different 'series' on your blog?

 Variety is the spice of life... (and my brain is a bit scattered).

+ I write the Monday Mamalogues to keep me mindful/amused about this wild role I'm in... and I'd love it to bring a community of mamas together to share our insights/insanities!

+ I share D.I.Y's to inspire others to get creative in simple, speedy craft-it-during-kids-naps projects.

+ I write confessions to show that I'm still a mess.in.progress, and striving to be authentic.

+ I post Here+There snapshots of our week to develop a photographic eye, and an appreciative one that sees the beauty in often overlooked simple moments.

There's always more where that all came from too... so thanks for enduring me.

 * Why don't you have advertisements/sponsors?

I've waffled on this idea a few times.  As for now I'm still against it personally.

I fear that the 'pressure' to suddenly post things that win an audience/please my sponsors would suck the passion out of blogging faster than it takes to burp 'sell-out'.

I also am very passionate/possessive about this space... and would not want it cluttered with the 'giveaways/sponsor commercials' that seem to jam the airways.

(This is not a judgement on those who blog and DO have these.. if you can write and make a profit, kudos to you!).  It's just not 'me' at this point.

Ok, are you all bored to tears yet?

I'll wrap this up... unless you have some more WHY'S that you want answered?

Feel free to post them below in the comments, and I'll reply to every one.

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Hope that helped all you faithful readers - and new ones too - to better see why this lil' space is here.  Thanks for being perched at our Nest, friends.

You make it lovelier.

Happy weekend'ing,

Mel ;o)

 

Introductions: why I blog.

So I started this blog back in February of this year... and since then I've written over 200 posts. That's seems a little crazy.. even to me (but especially to my husband!).

So why do I blog?

What keeps me posting something new on an almost daily basis here?

***

I first created this space as an online 'portfolio' so people could see my art. my creations. my handmade gear.  Hence the name "Needle and Nest Design" since it covers my love of creating things ('needle') for one's home ('nest')... clever, I know.

Since then, I've discovered that I just can't shut-up.

There's always some new creation I want to show you.

Some new thought I want to share... really, it's an accountability journal for me to keep creating and keep sharing my heart.

So now this blog captures the full gamut of my life:

*From do.it.yourself projects that I like to make super.quick & stupid.easy... to confessions about being an artist.mama.and Mel.

*From sweet and stylin' moments with my daughter... to tracking the progress of my current pregnancy.

*From recent creations I've made... to slide.show.sunday reviews of our weekend.

I do hope it inspires or amuses you most days.

:o)

If you're into statistics, here's a few:

*The majority of my viewing audience is in North America, with Australia following next.

* Facebook and Google are the largest referring sites.

* The most popular post I've ever written here?

D.I.Y upcycle shirt sleeves into toddler harem pants!

I'm amazed that every day someone is googling how to make these.. pretty hilarious.

Not to mention that the second most popular post is the prequel of how to upcycle a t-shirt into harem pants!

* I've joined Bloglovin' so you can find me there.

You can also follow this blog by clicking 'follow' up at the top left of Blogger's menu bar.

***

Thanks for being a part of this blog,

you're always welcome at this nest.

Creatively yours,

Mel ;o)

Introductions: this is me.

Hello friends, as mentioned last friday - I'm starting a series of 'Introductions' for this week.

If you've journeyed with me and my blog thus far... you may feel you already know enough about me to skip this introduction.  But for those newer visitors I thought I would show you a better glimpse into my wee world here.

My name is Mel(issa).

I'm an artist.

All my life I have loved art. creating. crafting.

Although I've received no 'formal training' I have always been surrounded by creative. artistic people.

I've painted since high school.

I learned pottery and sewing just a few years ago.

All my work.crafting. is experimental. self-taught. mistakes. messes. masterpieces.

*****

I'm a wife.

My husband was my first ever secret 'crush'.  I never 'crushed' on guys ... just saw them, dated them here and there... but never 'crushed' before knowing them.

Ben was my 'crush'.

Turns out I caught his fancy too.

We caught each other Sept.6.2008...

and haven't let go since.

*****

I'm a mama.

 I never dreamed of being a mom (although I've always been a 'caregiver' if that makes sense).

But, shortly into our marriage... my Ben and I decided we would 'beget' after all. :o)

Oct.29.2009

Our beautiful daughter Azriel Ruth was born.

My heart has grown.stretched.changed in ways I never knew it could.

Coming soon... Feb.2012

A baby brother to join this nest!

(*We also have two cats: Mewsli & Tinderpuff)!

*****

I'm a believer.

I think saying 'Christian' is so mis-used.mis-understood.mis-represented that I tend to not use it.

I follow.love.learn from.live for... Jesus.

"Amazing grace, how sweet the sound,

that saved a wretch like me,

I once was lost, but now am found,

was blind, but now I see".

If you want to know who inspires my life from the Bible.. check out the Proverbs 31 woman:

she works.crafts.sews.helps.speaks. with grace.strength.beauty.

*****

I'm a home-maker.

I'd love to remain a stay.at.home.mama.

We strive to live by three main rhythms for our home:

sincerity

hospitality

creativity

*****

Thanks for stopping in and getting to know me here, I'd love to get to know you too,

feel free to say 'hello'!

Creatively yours,

Mel :o)