Why My Husband Is...Pretty Much Amazing

So, I don't mean to breed discontentment within anyone here, but I feel like I need to tell you that my husband is the most amazing of all husbands. The end.

For my birthday this year he prepared months in advance, contacting some of the women that I most admire out there in the blogging and craft world for autographed photos. Wow. 

I can always tell when my husband has bought a new book on improving your marriage, because he gets inspired and starts doing random sweet things, or asking me questions about myself. (Cute.) So a few months ago, when he started quizzing me on which craft bloggers I followed and who I admired, I thought it was probably his latest book's doing. :o)

Then when my birthday came around recently, he presented me with these framed photos of some of the women I admire most. He wanted me to keep them on the wall of my craft room so that when a project is going wrong, when I'm exhausted, frustrated, or feeling like I'll never get anywhere, I can look to the women I admire for their perseverance and hard work and carry on. I could have just bawled. Either he knows me really well, or he's heard my late-night stomping and growling a little too often and wants a little more peace in the man cave. :O)

In any case. It's just what I need. I don't think it's good to compare ourselves to others too much (something I'm often guilty of) but sometimes when you're facing the seemingly impossible, it helps to know that others have accomplished it, and you can too!

So! Which ladies did he choose? I'd love to tell you about them!

Firstly:

Amy Butler.

 Um. 

...What else do you need, right?

So, I know that all people are just people. We're all human. Right, I get it. But please allow me a little hero-worship here. Because in my eyes, Amy Butler might just be a little beyond human. Yes, she designs beautiful fabrics and products, blah blah blah, we all know that. But even more than that, Amy herself is so kind and unselfish. Just a few months after I started Ruffles and Stuff, I contacted several "celebrity" crafter-types for a giveaway, and Amy was by far the nicest. Not only did she reply sweetly, but she sent even more than I asked for, and offered to be in touch again if I wanted. Wow. 

Some of Amy's fabric designs:

Amy began sewing and making things when she was just a little girl. She and her husband, David have built quite an empire which includes fabrics, thread, yarn, handbags, wall art, wall paper, stationary, endless patterns (including many free pdf patterns!)and many other fun products!

On her website, she shares that she and her husband "want to improve the lives of those whom we touch." A goal that absolutely shines true though in whatever she does. I think that is the real reason I admire her the way I do. 

And P.S. True to form, along with the photo, she sent some more patterns! But I'll post more on that another day and we'll have a little giveaway. :o)

Amy, you inspire me. Not only artistically, but as simply a human being. Thank you!

Heather Ross:

I love Heather Ross' work! It really speaks to my more lively side. The side that is fun and bright and cheery and sometimes even a little silly! She is the daughter of a painter and a writer and was designing clothes for herself and others at the age of 9!

I love her prints to the moon. and. back. Her latest line, Far Far Away 3 is absolutely darling:

She is also founder of Munki Munki, where you can buy the cutest pj's on the planet. (How much do I need a pair in this sewing supplies print?)

 I love her project book, "Weekend Sewing", and her illustrations in the cutest kid's book ever-"Crafty Chloe" (which I'm pretty sure was written about my childhood. Just sayin'.)

I just love the thought that this woman, who grew up with no tv or telephone, took initiative and made a life for herself doing what she loves. Thank you so much for inspiring me, Heather!

Mai Olivo

If someone asked me to describe my style, I wouldn't need words, just a url: http://shopruche.com/.

Ruche is the vintage-modern online shop that Mai and Josh Olivo started as a hobby in 2008 and has grown into a gorgeous source of style, inspiration and, well...really cute shoes.

Mai inspires me in the most practical way; style! Many of the projects or color schemes I've chosen have been heavily inspired by the romantic and vintage looks they choose for their shop. Their breathtaking photos and videos are so inspiring as well!

I also love that Mai and Josh are self-starters who haven't let go of their love for realness and honesty. On the Ruche website they share: "Please know that there are real people behind the website and we always put ourselves in the position of our customers." 

Thanks, Mai and Josh for your hard work and inspiration!

Ashley Hackshaw

Another person who I'm not sure is entirely human is Ashley Hackshaw, of Lil' Blue Boo. She absolutely blows. my. mind. She is truly a "does-it-all" woman, whose energy level, despite struggling with cancer, is awe-inspiring. To be honest, Ashley is often the one who keeps me going when I feel like giving up. (Ashley, does it creep you out that I'm thinking of you in my craft room at midnight?)

When I feel like just giving up because it's too much, I think of Ashley. Running her business, her blog, her household, being a mother, designing patterns, writing daily for Babble, inspiring others to Choose Joy and supporting others' causes, all while going through who knows what at Dr. appts. and with the most open and optimistic attitude. It makes my head spin! But when it comes down to it, I know that she's made of the same stuff as you and me, and we can all work as hard if we want to. I really cherish her example!

There are many other women I admire. And some of the lovely women my husband contacted weren't able to send photos (and if they are reading this: please don't feel bad about that!) but these four ladies are definitely some of the best crafters/business owners out there, and I hope they inspire you as well!

Remember: Looking to other successful women shouldn't ever make you feel badly about yourself. It only shows you what you can do if you want to!

And husbands: don't feel bad that my husband is the best ever. It just gives you something to strive for! (Haha, ok, just kidding.)

Hope you have a great day, friends!

Love,

Disney