Yes, it is true. My nickname as a kid was Pissy Krissy. But really it wasn't my fault. You see, my brothers liked to share our mutual love of dogs by sending Nicole, our Saint Bernard, in to wake me. If you've ever met a Saint Bernard you are probably familiar with the copious amounts of slobber they produce, especially when they're excited. Well, she was quite excited by the time she was sent to see me, so you know what I was greeted with. Would you emerge with a smile? I didn't. Teasing me with the nickname only seemed to prolong their enjoyment.

My younger self had a way of not over thinking things, and as an adult I find it hard to get back there sometimes. When I'm making art it is easy to find the next right move; I just do something then react, lather, rinse and repeat. But as a business person I have a much harder time connecting with that inner direction-finder. The truth is, I'd much rather be making artwork, not dealing with the business end of things. 

During those simpler times when Nicole was part of my life, one of my favorite creative efforts was making note cards with a logo that was hand-drawn and intended to remind the recipient of a Hallmark card. Of course my agenda was a bit more personal than Hallmark's, so my seal included my sentiments, "made with love & care." I loved that the adults got the joke and felt we connected and shared an idea. Naturally as I got older I stopped making cards, but I've always missed that activity.

So Pissy Krissy is ready to rise and shine again. She is a reminder of simpler times. Kristin will chase any number of good ideas (publishing a new body of work monthly, along with a website, etc), while Pissy Krissy will dig her heals in, take a towel to the slobber, and find breakfast. I want that sense of focus, and clarity of purpose again.

So Pissy Krissy will make the pretty note cards she loves, and Kristin can take the dog for a walk.

For the past several years I have been the primary caregiver for my in-laws, which became more and more challenging. As you can imagine this effected my life in many ways, but studio efforts especially were a bit stilted. Constantly stopping and starting, plus producing a website made it hard to maintain any effort. I tried hitting reset, but continued to spin my wheels.

My personal life is settling down now and I am back in the studio full time. In reviewing my recent production I find that despite all of the designs I’ve made, I have yet to really distill my ideas. I am a dedicated worker, so focus isn’t an issue. It’s my output I need to find focus with. I’m often chasing another idea instead of following the first one thru to complete fruition. I produce quite a bit of finished artwork regularly, just rarely a finished idea, a complete concept. 

To effect a change I am implementing two principles:
“Let go” and “Keep it Simple.” 

I need to let go of some good ideas to keep my work life manageable. After all, I am not Superwoman, and just because I am capable of something does not mean I should be doing it. The problem is in the choosing. I love all the aesthetics and products I work with for different reasons. 
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I also need to get back to basics. The world of print on demand makes it possible to print on hundreds of products. Can you imagine meeting so many different specifications? I was making too much extra work for myself by trying to provide for every possibility. Then making a website with it. That’s just crazy-making. 

To begin my journey of getting back to basics and letting go, I will be focusing on one favorite  idea from my early creative development. Gorgeous notecards highly detailed inside and out, for the pure pleasure of writing and receiving. Especially in a world full of instant communication, notecards are a way of slowing down for just a minute, inserting a more personal touch in someone’s life, and getting back to basics.

Suitable for framing, these little treasures make an affordable gift. 

See currently available designs.
​Please leave comments, I’d love to know what you think :-)