It is our pleasure to introduce Jackie of WillowofWonder as this week's Featured Artist. Jackie creates hand-drawn artwork from her home in Southern California.
Giveaway: Jackie has graciously offered a free 8x10 Scripture print from her shop . To enter to win, please visit her shop, pick your favorite, and come back to tell us what it is. Please remember that commenting alone won't get you entered. Leave your email address so we can more easily reach you. Winner will be picked using random.org.
Introduction to you:
My name is Jackie Williams. My shop is willow of wonder. The name was born out of my love of whimsical things. I like willow trees and a google search revealed to me that in Christian art the willow represents the gospel. So it's really gospel of wonder, which seemed perfect.
Giveaway: Jackie has graciously offered a free 8x10 Scripture print from her shop . To enter to win, please visit her shop, pick your favorite, and come back to tell us what it is. Please remember that commenting alone won't get you entered. Leave your email address so we can more easily reach you. Winner will be picked using random.org.
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| Make a Joyful Noise Scripture Art Print |
Introduction to you:
My name is Jackie Williams. My shop is willow of wonder. The name was born out of my love of whimsical things. I like willow trees and a google search revealed to me that in Christian art the willow represents the gospel. So it's really gospel of wonder, which seemed perfect.
Before
having kids I was a television reporter and producer. I actually still
freelance as a producer. I think the art of starting with an idea and turning
it into something has always been a passion for me, in whatever form.
But this willow of wonder adventure taps into the child-like free side of me. I still love rainbows and unicorns, butterflies, and wee little forest mice (in pictures only of course). Even my daughters laugh at how excited I get over miniature gardens or sweet little vintage trinkets.
But this willow of wonder adventure taps into the child-like free side of me. I still love rainbows and unicorns, butterflies, and wee little forest mice (in pictures only of course). Even my daughters laugh at how excited I get over miniature gardens or sweet little vintage trinkets.
I love the ocean, mountains, gardens, and flowers, hiking, and indoor cycling.
I like tea parties, reading, and praise music. My women prayer warrior friends
are so special to me, as is my family, but most of all Jesus. He's my everything.
And I'm on this journey of accepting just how far and deep and wide His love
is.
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| Super Girl Power of the Scripture Artwork |
How did you get your start on Etsy?
Art
and creating have always been therapeutic for me. In 2009 I was diagnosed with
lupus. I had times when it was so bad I couldn't even hold a pencil because my
joints hurt so much. There were some very dark days, but as the disease began
to go into remission I felt this prompting to draw. I started by making the
dolphin girl as a baptism gift for a pastor friend's daughter. And it was with
that drawing that I realized I might be able to offer something that wasn't
really out there. So that is how willow of wonder was born. I opened the shop a
little before Christmas in 2010. It honestly was a forgotten childhood dream
tucked away to one day be an artist. Without ever having studied art I don't
quite own the word artist yet. My girls so sweetly say I'm the best artist they
know. And I fight telling them oh no I'm not. Because to them I am. And I
believe Jesus sees us all as artists in our own way.
I did my first craft fair last spring and am doing three this spring. They're a lot of work, but oh so fun. It felt again like I was tapping into those childhood memories of playing store. Only it was real. I love meeting people and sharing my love for putting scripture all over our homes. I do mean all over, by the way. I recently listed two huge columns from "In the Mirror of God's word I See…." all across a double mirrored closet door in my office. I LOVE having it all there in front of me.
Being able to hear the stories of how people are touched by my art, or who they are sending a piece to and why has been the biggest blessing and warms my heart every single time. The most amazing inspiration and reason to keep on doing it is when a missionary had the warrior girl printed onto fabric and made into pillows for a group of Indian girls as a present for finishing a bible study based on the Chronicles of Narnia.
I love doing custom work for people and am just about to begin expanding into that more formally.
I did my first craft fair last spring and am doing three this spring. They're a lot of work, but oh so fun. It felt again like I was tapping into those childhood memories of playing store. Only it was real. I love meeting people and sharing my love for putting scripture all over our homes. I do mean all over, by the way. I recently listed two huge columns from "In the Mirror of God's word I See…." all across a double mirrored closet door in my office. I LOVE having it all there in front of me.
Being able to hear the stories of how people are touched by my art, or who they are sending a piece to and why has been the biggest blessing and warms my heart every single time. The most amazing inspiration and reason to keep on doing it is when a missionary had the warrior girl printed onto fabric and made into pillows for a group of Indian girls as a present for finishing a bible study based on the Chronicles of Narnia.
I love doing custom work for people and am just about to begin expanding into that more formally.
What does a typical day look like for you?
My
days are so different than I thought they'd be. I had been a homeschooling
mama, but because of a series of life circumstances I've had to put my kids in
school. They're 12, 9, and 7. I wake around 5:30 or 6:00 to have quiet time alone. One daughter is off by
seven to her carpool pick up. Then the next two are at eight and 8:30. I seem to be involved in some kind of group almost
every morning. I have had the blessing of being able to take Chelsea Cameron
(Kirk Cameron's wife's) bible study on parenting and families this year. It has
been so amazing. That's on Monday. Tuesday I do my Community Bible Study,
Wednesday is another group at my church and working in my first grader's class.
Thursday and Fridays I make appointments and get housework as well as etsy
orders done. The time while they are in school actually goes so fast. I also
try to squeeze in a few days to spin (indoor cycling). I always say if I don't
make time to study the word, spin, and create I start to get a little off
kilter. It keeps me sane and happy. Truly. Once all the pick ups happen from
school we hang out, do homework, have dinner, and it's time to get ready for
bed. I always, always read with my kids before bed. I love it as much as them.
We've been reading all of the American Girl series lately. Can I confess I cry
at least once in each series. And again my girls laugh at me, there she goes
again. What can I say, I'm a total sap. Sad tears, happy tears. I can't help
it. Sometimes things are so beautiful, so moving, so empowering I'm just moved
to tears.
If you could be anywhere in the world for one day, where would it be?
If
I could be anywhere in the world for a day I think I'd love to go to the South
of France. I have yet to go, but my best friend (we met in the first grade)
says it's so us. We have a little dream for a girl trip in a few years for a
big birthday. The lavender, the linens, the cheese, the countryside. Oh sigh.
Just imagining it is so dreamy.
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| Willow of Wonder Packaging |
What is your favorite Bible verse?
My
favorite verse is Roman 15:13. "May the God
of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may
overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
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| Trust in the Lord Scripture Art Print |
What is your favorite Etsy listing to feature?
I
really love the Trust in the Lord print with the children pushing along the
wagon. It and the Make A Joyful Noise print. It was originally a life size
mural I painted in my children's preschool music room. It was something I was
nervous to take on, but was so amazing to tackle and see come to life. I'm very
into challenging myself. Sometimes I can get a little frozen when I think too
much. It's taken years, but I've learned to just roll up your sleeves and try.
And if you fail it's ok. You're learning and you can try again.
Where else can we find you on the Internet?
I
can be found at
www.willowofwonder.blogspot.
www.willowofwonder.etsy.com
www.facebook.com/
twitter.com/willowofwonder
instagram @willowofwonder
www.willowofwonder.blogspot.
www.willowofwonder.etsy.com
www.facebook.com/
twitter.com/willowofwonder
instagram @willowofwonder
6:10 PM |
Category:
Jackie Williams,
Wednesday,
Wednesday Featured Artist,
Willow of Wonder,
WillowofWonder
|
7
comments
Comments (7)
I have loved reading about Jackie's shop and her journey. I love this warrior girl! https://www.etsy.com/listing/89768553/pink-lime-green-warrior-girl-scripture?ref=shop_home_active_5
Totally charming shop. I had fun browsing.
I love the super girl print best, that scripture rocks!
If I won the giveaway I'd pick that one to put up in DDs bedroom.
Beautiful shop! Thanks for sharing.
Interesting shop -- Here is my favorite:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/63881942/zephaniah-317-rejoice-over-you-childrens?ref=shop_home_active_4
I love your shop. Hard to pick just one but I like the Isaiah - On Eagle's Wings picture.
I agree, hard to pick one fave. I wish I had little ones again as these prints would be so cute in a childs room. Love the silhouettes in this piece. Email- witsenddesign@gmail.com
http://www.etsy.com/listing/165790834/make-a-joyful-noise-new-colors?ref=shop_home_active_14