Hi friends! This is going to be a very long post! So I hope you have some time to sit down and visit with me. I have so much to show and tell you! I have a big announcement to talk about and I also have a wonderful project to share. I took an amazing creative workshop yesterday, and I took lots of pictures! You'll see why, later in my post. I am so super grateful to have this blogging forum and to have all of you as my friends and colleagues to share my life with.
I quit my job on Friday….I have to say it again because it doesn't seem real….I quit my job on Friday. I am super proud of myself for choosing happiness and peace over negativity and chaos on a daily basis. Like, wow, I did what??? Most of you might not even know that I had a full time job, because I have always kept that separate from blogging. I worked in the Insurance industry for 28 years…until Friday. It was a hard decision, months in the making. Planning, praying, brainstorming and generally freaking out. Trying to get up the courage to take that big leap of faith. I have had a job since I was 15 years old. 35 years of working with never more than two weeks off (our honeymoon). It is going to be very strange to not have to get up in the morning, and go to a workplace. I think I will get used to it though!
My Insurance career gave me so many wonderful opportunities. I got to travel a lot, I learned so much, and I met so many great people who have been my life long friends. I will always be grateful for the jobs I had and the people who helped me, and that I was able to help, along the way. It seems like the industry has changed…or maybe work in general is different now….or maybe I'm different. It is definitely the right time to make a change and follow a dream I've had for as long as I can remember. A creative life.
I have been a photographer since I was a freshman in high school – when I learned how to shoot on my Nikon FE using a light meter, how to develop film and how to develop photographs. My first job was at a camera store. It's in my blood to be creative! I am truly happiest when I am making something (anything!).
I am not a big risk taker by nature so the fact that I left the security of the 'known' shows just how much I've grown and changed over the past couple of years. SOOOO many lessons and trials. I am not afraid anymore. I feel so at peace with this decision.
I am the luckiest girl in the world. I have a husband who supports me, friends who believe in me (often more than I believe in myself), and a God who blesses me. Every single day.
I've pretty much been crying for a week – tears of gratitude. The tears keep sneaking up on me. When I see something beautiful. When I think about the fact that I no longer have to wake up at 5am and be completely exhausted on a daily basis. When I grasp for a fleeting moment that I am in charge of my life again and I can make it what I want. When my friends make me laugh so hard I snort. All of it.
So stay tuned for what's to come! I am going to be a creative professional living a creative life, and I will have much more to share with you. I will be so happy if you will support me in my new adventure! First, I am going to take some much needed time to rest, relax and regroup mentally. Then I am going to start my own business. I'll be off and running soon. I have at least ten notebooks full of ideas and projects and business stuff. Now I will sort it all out and make something happen. Some amazing things are already happening! Yay! Go me! I literally cannot even believe I'm typing this right now.
So, now I'm dying to share this project with you! Saturday I was so happy to be able to go to Cathe Holden's Inspired Barn Workshop Space and take an amazing class with two of my most favorite crafty friends (Brenda and May). I have been wanting to take one of Cathe's classes for so long, and have also wanted to see her beautiful space in person. The stars aligned and we were all free to go this weekend and take the Mason Jar Luminary Cloche Class! (There are still openings for her other dates for this class).
Well…. Cathe is just as fabulous and sweet as I thought she would be! And, her space is crafty girl heaven. Like, we literally died and went to heaven. OMG. For my first day of 'freedom' from work, it was the perfect thing to do! Brenda, May and I sat at a table together and laughed and laughed. My stomach actually hurt when I got home. Boy, is laughter good for the soul!! Laughter and Creativity filled my soul on Saturday. Thank you to these lovely and amazing women!
I'll show you my photos of her Inspired Barn workshop space first and then share my project photos after that. Hope you're still with me!
Here is a long shot of Cathe's workshop and there is sweet May smiling in the corner!
This is our most lovely hostess Cathe Holden. She made us feel so at home and so welcome. Her designer eye is AMAZING. Anyone who can envision space in this way is a complete genius in my book. Wow. Thank you Cathe, for such a fun day and a great project! XO
A sweet photo of Cathe and Brenda – looking so lovely!
Cathe's husband came in and took this photo of all of us with our projects! What a nice bunch of women! I say that you never meet a stranger when you go to a craft class! #craftygirlsrock
Here is my finished Mason Jar Luminary. I posed it next to some of Cathe's vintage beauties!
Don't we look so happy? Brenda, me and May at our crafting table!
The rest of these photos I took at home to give you some more details. The little house is mounted onto a cardboard ring and then it fits inside the mason jar. The top of the house is not sealed so you can turn on the tiny battery operated tea light inside. GENIUS. CLICK HERE TO BUY THE TEMPLATE FOR THE HOUSE from Cathe's Etsy Shop!
The whole house/base is glued to the lid of the mason jar and then the entire thing fits inside and you screw the ring on.
I couldn't resist adding vintage silver glitter to my house. The base is a kraft color, and I added white wash with a little acrylic paint. Here is the back of the house.
As part of the class, Cathe taught us how to make these teeny tiny bird nests out of wire and beads. OMG are you kidding me?? EEEEP.
There is even a tiny chimney that glues on top of the roof!
Whew! Okay, so that's enough blogging for one day! Thank you for hanging in there until the end and for coming by A Blog Called Wanda. I would absolutely LOVE to hear from you this week! I could use your encouragement and love and happy thoughts as I start this new path. Have a wonderful week! XO
Comments
69 responses to “A big announcement & a fabulous project too!”
Wow that sounds exciting and scary all at once good luck in your new adventure
Go you, Wanda! I’m so happy for you that you took the leap and can’t wait to see the birth of Stampcat Studio! I know it will be awesome!!
Darling Wanda, I Iove your post and all the gorgeous photoz! So glad we can celebrate your new life together!!! Congratulations…we’ll be with you every step of the way. xoxoxo
Way to go Wanda. I am so excited for you and cannot wait to see what the future holds for you. Opening your new store sounds so exciting and know I will be waiting in line to see what you have in store for us :). Congratulations and again so happy for you. you’re going to go FAR girl.
Wanda, I wish you much love and happiness in this new adventure! May God strengthen, encourage and lift you up! I wish you joy, peace and happiness for your creative journey. I can’t wait to see all your following posts for your new Stampcat Studios!! I’m sure it’s going to be a blessing to you and to others. I’m so glad that you had a wonderful time crafting with your friends….
Way to go! You should follow your dream always! You’re going to have a blast!
Dear Wanda..it brought tears to my eyes while reading it all..I am so relieved and SO HAPPY for you..so happy you made this step to a better life..I know for sure you can do it and make it work!!
What a super good way to start this new life with such a great day out..oh my..I am so love with that craft space…what you made…well love it all..so very happy you had such a great day out..a day with a golden edging they would say over here..it is the start of all the good things which are coming your way Wanda!
Love to hear all about it…
Sending much love,
Hugs Holly.
Congrats on the career change! Best of luck in all you do. Create alwats!
Congratulations! You have done a brave thing! Kudos to those you have in your live who are bravely supporting this big step. My husband is dealing with the challenges of wanting/needing to make a career change (after 23 years with the company). I don’t think it’s just the insurance industry that has changed. It seems the work-place in general is a different beast than it was 20 years ago. We need more inspiration, encouragement, positivity, light in the world…I CAN’T WAIT TO SEE WHAT YOU DO NEXT! Best wishes as you move forward.
CONGRATS to YOU!!! How exciting I cannot wait to hear the stampcat plans! I have followed you for a long time, have “copied” many a project. can’t wait to see what is next in store! I cannot wait for the day I take the leap of faith myself! ENJOY your new life!
Congratulations to you Wanda! I wish you much happiness and success in whatever life has in store for you next.
Yay you Wanda! I am so very happy for you–seriously I am. I can relate with similar circumstances with my own job. It is so refreshing to hear that your hubby fully supports you. I quit my teaching job because a job that I was good at became difficult and exhausting. I didn’t know at the time it wasn’t the job, but I was sick, that MS was the culprit. I discovered ‘the creative life’ as a means to deal with it all. I wish you every bit of good luck that I can muster, you will be fabulous in whatever you do next! I think your day at the barn sounds fabulous and your project absolutely incredible~hugs to you my far away friend!
What a journey you have been on indeed! I am fortunate to have been along for the ride! I am so glad you took the leap of Faith! It is about time! I too can’t wait to see what you do next! I love you! And I will always support you! Be happy, be free, and always follow your dreams and passion…
with the deepest love,
Mark
What fantastic photos of one unique – amazing – craft room. It looks like I could spend hours looking at every nook & cranny, and STILL find new things to discover tucked away. And your Mason Jar project – delightful, Wanda!
So glad to hear about your new adventure, and can’t wait to read all about it in the future!
Wow Wanda! Congratulations on letting your creative side to spread your wings and fly. I have always said your photos take me on an instant vacation and are so wonderful. Be sure to take time to regroup. When I left one of my jobs I think I sat in the recliner for several months, that may have been excessive but at the time I couldn’t deal with banking & mgmt. rules and pressures. I know that you’ll be a success in what ever you put your mind and creative heart to. I sort of knew there was something different in your life and this is a big wow! Be happy my friend. Glad that you started your new life in such a fun way with a wonderful project.
WICKED excited for you 🙂 I wish you much success and happiness 🙂 I want to take the plunge so bad.. but not quite there yet- you inspire me 🙂
Congrats on your early retirement from the real world — best of luck with your crafty profession!
OMG Wanda!!!!!! I can’t believe you finally did it, yet at the same time I wonder why it took so long. Out of ALL the people I know, you are the craftiest. I know that you can make this work. Ask, believe, receive. That’s all it takes from the inside. From the outside, keep making all the gorgeous things you make.
I want to take the first class at Stampcat Studio!!! That may be in the future, but I know it can happen. I just looked at my motivational quote for today and I think it was meant for you…
“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” – Wayne Gretzky
I’d say, you are brave enough to take a shot, which means you have given yourself a chance to make it.
“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.
Only love, success, and happiness are coming for you now!!!! Eek!!! So excited for you!!! Ok, drinks on me to discuss when you are free!!
Wanda I know you will do so great things with your new adventure. You are truly talented, and have a gift that shows in your photos. I can’t wait to see more.
What a happy surprise to read this today Wanda! So happy for you!!!! YAY! Thank you for sharing and inspiring and can’t wait for more!!! Stampcat Studio, oh what will it be?!!! Hurry, can’t wait to read more about it! 😀
Way to go, Wanda! You took the first & most courageous step from the “safe zone” by leaving the day-to-day job that obviously was burning you out. Now – LOOK OUT WORLD. Can’t wait to see what comes next for you. Girl, with your talents, I just know it will be wonderful. For now, recharge your batteries, do what you want to & know that we’ll all be here waiting for the grand opening of “Stampcat Studio”.
I have been waiting for this post, and am sitting here with a silly little grin plastered all over my face! You KNOW I am behind you 100%, and I am beyond happy, excited, and thrilled for you. Once again, I wish I lived closer so I could dance for joy with you right now! But believe me, I am doing it from afar! Love you, Girlfriend! Rest, relax, recharge… and then spread your wings and fly!
Congratulations Wanda, you are so talented, I know you will successful at your next “job”!! Can’t wait to see what you will be sharing with us next!
Congrats Wanda! That’s really awesome! I’m so excited for you and wish you all the best! You are so very talented and I can’t wait to see what you do next because I know it will be amazing! Let me know if there is anything I can do to help and ENJOY this exciting time in your life!
This lil house is adorable! Good luck on your new creative adventure! I think it’s fabulous and I look forward to seeing it come to life and all the creative goodness you create!!! I love everything you make and always look forward to your posts in my inbox 🙂 I think your gonna do fantastic things!!!
I admire your courage to take on this major life change, and knowing just a smidgeon about your creative talents, I have no doubt that your studio will be successful! You go girl! Loved seeing the crafty space of your recent class and the luminary house is so adorable! That bird nest is my fave detail and..hint, hint…would love to see a tutorial on how to make them! I love birds! 🙂
Wanda, congratulations on jumping in the “self employed” pool! It isn’t always easy, but it is extremely rewarding and I think Brenda would confirm that. I will watch with eager curiosity to see what you’re up to next! Hope to run into you at Paper Garden this fall and hear all about it first hand. All the best to you, Peggy
It sounds like you made the right call, Wanda! I’m so very happy for you and can’t wait to see what’s in store for your new business!
The new creative venture sounds exciting. Keep us posted. I’m watching the waves on the coast today and enjoying day 43 of early retirement. Still takes awhile to leave the stress behind, but you’ll get there. Hugs and prayers to you.
Oh Wanda, you continue to inspire me and I’m so excited to see that you have made those first steps to fulfilling your creative passion! We seem to have more in common than I thought and your news today moved me to think even more positively, to believe more strongly, that we can choose a creative life over our “safe” work world (even when we know it no longer fulfills us). I wish you the very best and I will eagerly follow your next steps. Go get ’em, tiger!
Wow – so excited for you. Enjoy your much needed rest and I can’t wait to see the business come together.
I am so happy for you Wanda, and extremely proud of you for taking this step to do what makes you HAPPY!! I wish you all the best and tons of success and lots of time to just BE. Huge huge hugs to you!!
Congratulations to you Wanda! I’m so excited for you!! May your days be filled with joy and creativity!! (I retired 2 1/2 years ago after working 40 years, I have never been happier!) Can’t wait to see what you bring us!! Enjoy!!
Hi Wanda, I love your blog and visit often. Congrats on taking this big step to happiness. Your creativity is very inspiring….I can’t wait to hear more about your new business venture!
You go girl!! So happy and excited for you! I have no doubt that whatever you do will be a huge success!! Love it that you took this leap of faith to follow your dreams! God is faithful! Wishing you many blessings!
So excited for you! CONGRATS!
You have shared how hard you struggled with this decision so congrats on Freeing your life and following your dream. To God Be the Glory! Hey sister in the Lord, May He continue to Guide you in this new direction.
Phew! It took me two visits to the computer to finish your note but I hung in there with ya til the end! Wow congratulations on what I know was an agonizing decision to leave the workplace to start your own Creative Life! A happier you will be a healthier you so I’m so glad to hear you’ve come to this decision! I look forward to your craftyness and this Barn oh my! Couldn’t have more inspiration in it right Love your project and the lovely ladies who shared your day. So excited for you Wanda!
Good for you Wanda !!! I had to retire early five years ago and have been rolling these same thoughts around in my mind! Just maybe you have given me the nudge I needed. You will do great and I’ll pump you up along the way whenever you need it. But you are such a talented lady that I have no doubts of your success ! You go girlfriend !!
Congrats on your retirement and your new plans for the future. Sounds so exciting! What a wonderful way to spend the day after, crafting with friends!!! Thanks for sharing your photos with us.
I am so proud of you! You did it and now you are free to expand your talents and creativity to the limits (of which there are non)!!
Love the name “Stampcat Studio”. So right on!
You will do SO very well. Much luck and lots of Hugs….
Wanda: I am so excited to see what “Stampcat Studio” releases into this creative world that I love so much! I love the name!!! Congratulations on taking this wonderful step! I am so happy for you my dear! There are no limits when we allow our dreams to take flight!
I love the project you shared. What a wonderful day and class! Mason jars are one of my favorite things! I LOVE THEM! So fun to see these sweet luminaries with my favorite place in the world inside: HOME SWEET HOME!
Blessing and Hugs as you pursue this next beautiful step and time in your life…..I know you will go far! And I am so happy I get to be a little bit of wind beneath your wings as you set sail!
🙂 Jill
Ummm. Wow! So much to love about this post. Kudos to you for deciding to change gears and leave the safety net! I’m looking forward to seeing where your journey takes you. Also, thanks for sharing your fun day in that fab craft room. That wee house in a jar project you made–oh my!!!
Wanda, I am SO happy and excited for you!! You will never lose following your heart and doing what makes you happy! I am thrilled for you and can’t wait to see what fun things you are planning! The pictures were all so fun to see! Looks like you had a wonderful time with your crafty friends! Your project is AMAZING!! Big hugs and much luck on your new adventure!! 🙂
CONGRATULATIONS, dear friend. After 35 years of working for someone else it is time to listen to your heart and follow your passion. I look forward to your adventure. Hugs and love to You!!
I am so happy for you Wanda!!! Best of luck with your new adventure!!
What wonderful news! I’m so happy that you decided to move on to a new adventure. After 35 years, I say it’s a bold, but brave change. I wish you all the best in your new creative adventure – you will be fabulous & I can’t wait to see what you will be doing! Your workshop project is adorable & I’m going to check out that cute template – what fun that must have been. Big, big hugs!
God Bless you, Wanda!! So happy for you!! I look forward to following you on StampCat Studio!! Be kind to yourself as you transition. Your fan, Julie L
Yay! for you! I know you can do this because you have been showing us all along what great vision you have. Looking forward to your new business!
Thomas Edison said “Vision without execution is Hallucination” way to execute!
So excited to see Stampcat Studios – Sign me up
Well, by now you should KNOW that we, your friends, will excitedly support you!! So glad you found the hutzpah to make this move … altho’ I have a feeling it was probably more a “God thing” that your hutzpah! Keep following His promptings, and He will lead you where He wants you to go! . . . . the sky’s the limit. . . . who knows what plans He has for you to bless others with your talent, creativity, and loving spirit!! BIG HUGS! I’m “all in” with you on this one!
Congratulations! Cannot wait to see what is in store in your new chapter of your life! We will all benefit from that it is for sure! Beautiful project and it looks like you had a great time! Best wishes to you and cannot wait to see what you have in store for us!
Congratulations, I can’t wait to see all your awesome creations. I quit my job as well, I have 8 more work days. I was having similar issues. So exciting, if you have classes, I can come up your way now.
What an awesome post…. I know you have had this idea brewing for a long time. Also know you & Mark prayed for the right time……and it is NOW!!!
I know wonderful thiings will happen in your new more expanded creative journey. Love you & wish for many fabulous opportunities for you😘
Yay YOU!!!!!!!!!! I always love reading stories like yours…women taking control over their lives so that they can do what they love.
Absolutely awesome.
Your Mason Jar Luminary is absolutely AMAZING. What a fun fun fun project.
Wanda so happy to see and read all those sweet and uplifting comments for you!(read them all)
You are so loved….
Hugs Holly.
So happy for you…..and miss you already. I walked by your desk yesterday and got teary-eyed. I was hoping that it was all a joke….that you really weren’t leaving. But, alas, you weren’t there. The cubicle was empty…. No smiles waiting for me….
As I got back to my desk, I looked at the “Happy 4th of July” goodie you made for me. You are SOOOOO talented…. I’m glad you got out of this place and are now embarking on a new adventure…..one that suits the Wanda I know. The Creative Wanda! The Stampcat Studio Wanda I know….
Congrats and the best of luck my friend…
HUGS
That’s awesome news, Wanda! Can’t wait to check out Stampcat Studio! Wishing you the very best and loads of fun in your creative venture!
Who knows, maybe I will ‘retire’ soon also! So looking forward to that day…
I’m thrilled for you sweetness. You’ll be even more,amazing than you already are . . .if thats even possible ♡
Wanda! That is awesome on all accounts! LOL What an amazing crafty day with such wonderful friends. Love your jar tea light! You are going to be SO Busy…you won’t know what to do with yourself! Because when you don’t work, people assume you have nothing to do. Crafting, Cleaning, Lunching, etc. When you want. And please know that you are spoiled and enjoy every minute of it!! I have been spoiled for quite a few years, but I didn’t really realize it. I had a few years to do whatever I wanted while our 2 grown kids were on their own for a couple or three years, during the empty nest syndrome. The joke around here, is that I’m on Recess All Day. My son came up with that when he was in high school. Now, I’m Nana to 2 little darlings and they take up much of my time, to help out the kids while they are all working. Our income has changed drastically, and I really see how spoiled I was and I want it back! But I am truely blessed with all of the wonderful crafty people on the web and the companies who generously give away product via commenting on blogs. I’ve got so much that I have not used to it’s potential. I enjoy everything you share, Wanda. You Are Amazing and I will be anticipating all of the fun you are going to share. ((Crafty Hugs))
My dear niece Wanda.
Wow what a life change for you, and about time. God works in mysterious ways and the blessings you give and receive are going to be so worth it.
I have no doubt that you will succeed and can’t wait to see what you work on next.
Remember I am here for you always.
love you.Aunt Sue
Awesome news and best of luck!!!!
CONGRATS, wonderful Wanda! I’m so excited to get to read about your “next chapter” and I can’t wait to see Stampcat Studios. I will support you in whatever you endeavor, with positive energy, $$$, and however else I can, sweet friend. 🙂 So happy for you!
Such a gorgeous project and lovely photos – looks like a wonderful crafty time!
Congratulations, GF! I am so incredibly happy and excited for you… that you are taking such a BIG and positive step in your life and career! I can’t wait to see how this new journey unfolds for you!! xoxo
SO VERY EXCITED AND THRILLED FOR YOU!!! What amazing things are on your horizon – bless you and hope you are able to regroup and then come out dazzling and being your amazing self!! Hugs to you and wishes of peace to you!!!
I am so proud of you for doing this for yourself and I don’t even know you! I will be retiring soon and it is my dream just to have a blog so for you to take this leap of faith for yourself makes you my inspiration. Congratulations and you keep going!
Congratulations Wanda! I wish it were me retiring! Love, Judy
Such a pleasure to meet you at Cathe’s workshop. Best of luck with your new venture. I hope our paths will cross again.
Arline
I am Super Happy for you!