Midwest Magpies

It's always fun to ask questions of a best friend. Sometimes you are surprised, and other times you realize you know her pretty well. So, I did feel odd asking April Strasler some of these questions as I knew the aswers, but fair's fair and I wanted the answers in her words. 

When asked how she began creating this is what April had to say.   .I have been creative all my life, but the way I express it has changed constantly.

I then asked what her favorite media was to use as I have learned that April is talented in many areas. (You should see her home decor!) Her reply?.This year I'm offering a wide variety of Christmas decor. I use a lot of re-purposed and vintage components. I love the warmth and authenticity they lend my work, as well as being able to source things from garage sales, auctions and antique stores.
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April's wreaths have been a favorite every year.

This year she's taken her love of holidays and created some great signs. 

When asked where she found her best supplies I was not surprised at her answer.My mom always loved vintage things and thrifting, and I think you can see that she succeeded in passing it on! I take my girls with me most of the time, and include them in my creative time. They love it-especially my 5 year old, who used  to call Once Upon A Child "the baby antiques store, because it's already used stuff, and better quality for the money, Mama"

 A great example of "repurposing" or "upcycling: found items... old trim and old doorknobs and you have a delightful shabby chic coat, clothing or jewelry hanger.

And don't you always want a special way to hang your Christmas cards? Now you can do so with style and a bit of glam with these glittered card clips. 

And finally, I asked a question that will help all of you to understand the beginnings of Art and Soul. April, how did you get involved with this art show? I've been involved in Art & Soul from the very beginning, helping brainstorm and plan the very first one. Encouraging creative women to do what they love is very near to my heart, and I can't wait to be a part of the show again this year!

So, if you want to see more of what April's found, created and/or repurposed I would come visit her booth. Look for her smiling face at Midwest Magpies booth on Saturday, November 17, from 10-3 at Chapmans'.

"Little Red Porch"

Now some of you may be thinking you've reached the wrong site. After all what does a little red porch have to do with Art and Soul creations. Well, when I asked Pam what the name of her business was, and if there was any significance to that name she replied, ".The name "Little Red Porch" is simply what it is. It is one of my favorite places to be."
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.I make handmade signs, ornaments, knitted wool items and baby gifts.  Anything that evokes an emotion from me within my ability, I will attempt.  I have to love something or the idea of something before I will attempt it.
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I recently learned to knit and I have found it to be a great way to pass time on the porch and make little lovelies for sweet babies.  I always use 100% wool and love it for its heirloom qualities. 

Another thing that struck me was Pam's answer to where she finds her materials. This is her answer, "I also have a great resource for my signs...my dad can't throw anything away and he has a whole collection of supplies waiting for me in his barn.  Most of his supplies are collected for the purpose to be resold and the proceeds given to missions, so any portion of signs that I sell I give him a portion for his mission fund."



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One additional note is that Pam does special orders throughout the year.

In the meantime, if you'd like to see her items in person stop by the Art and Soul Sale on Saturday, November 17 at Chapman's (corner of 3rd and Hwy446), from 10-3. See you there!
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