Grow Your Blog & a Giveaway

I'm joining in Vicki's Grow Your Blog!!! for the second year. It was such fun last year and I am still in touch with friends I met through it. Thank you, Vicki, for bringing us all together during this fantastic event.

I'm completing my 2nd year of blogging this month. I had no idea what having a blog would do for me when I started writing it. Initially, I thought it would merely be a creative thing to do but besides that, Patty's Pretty Things has helped me to connect with wonderful people and make new friends. My blog features articles about how I decorate my home and things I make and do.

I've been a registered nurse for 35 years and started in the nursing field when I was 16 years old working in a nursing home. Nursing provided for a wonderful career but last June I decided I wanted to devote all of my time to my blog, to keeping up with the household chores and to travel with my husband. It's such a good time in my life. We have two grown children and experienced becoming grandparents to a beautiful grandson last May. After working outside the home for so many years, I truly appreciate every single minute of having the opportunity to make my own schedule. 

One of the very first posts I published was about making this wreath. It has by far been my most viewed and pinned post of all!

link

I like to make a variety of things. Lately I have used my Silhouette Cameo to make cards, tags and journals. I use my Cinch book binding tool to put the journals together. I also purchased a one inch button making machine and have had fun with that. I have been shopping at vintage venues to collect items I can use in making mixed media projects. I also like to sew and paint and experience it all!

supplies in my creative space

more of my creative space

I have just started to attend art retreats. In October I joined in on Sweethearts on the Homefront in Atlanta, GA and met many talented and creative bloggers. Going to art retreats is a great way to meet other bloggers in person who share the same interests.

Our daughter Ashleigh is an artist who specializes in charcoal portraits and drawings. We enjoy being creative together. Here is her latest work for a Valentine's Day promotion.

Sweetheart commission piece

I'm excited about entering my third year of blogging and enjoying the fulfillment it will bring to me. I'm looking forward to making new friends during this fabulous Grow Your Blog party. Thanks again, Vickie!

I am having a giveaway. The winner will receive a package of Patty's Pretty Things creations: a little book, greeting cards, an assortment of tags and a hand crocheted dish cloth. To be eligible, please leave a comment. The winner will be announced on February 15th. Edited 2/15: Deborah Weber of Illuminate Your Divine Soul Blueprint is the winner and has been contacted!

Thanks for visiting me and enjoy the party!