I'm new here

an introduction

Hey there! I’m new to Substack, but very much looking forward to sharing here regularly.

I thought today would be a good time to tell you about myself.

I’m Heidi, an artist and maker of many things.

I’m a homeschool mom of four incredible kids, two biological and two adopted: a 19 year old, 15 year old, 10 year old and 7.5 year old. I've shared our infertility and adoption stories online over the years, but as our kids are getting older I feel less and less like that is my story to share. Maybe we’ll talk more about that one day.

We’ve homeschooled since the beginning, which means (depending on when you start counting) I’ve been homeschooling for somewhere between 14 and 19 years now.

It’s both joyful and taxing to always have my kids around, especially because I’m a creative introvert. I want to be making art and reading books and hiking in the mountains and journaling in quiet contemplation.

So I spend a lot of time with my kids making art and reading books and hiking, but very rarely in quiet contemplation. It’s been a good tradeoff so far.

I’m a dabbler, always full of ideas and ready to try something new.

My husband of 23 years is an engineer and very good at making all of my big ideas a reality. He’s currently in the process of fixing up a free 100+ year old spinning wheel that my sister tracked down for me, so spinning content may be on the horizon (though so far I’ve mostly only had frustration when trying to learn on both a spinning wheel and a drop spindle).

My most consistent projects include:

Fiber Art. Mostly embroidery. I design and sell a variety of kits and patterns in my shop. I release a new pattern monthly, which I'll be sure to share with you. Lately I’ve been venturing into making landscapes and other backgrounds out of handmade felt and embroidering details over the top.

I love knitting and crochet but tend to gravitate to very simple projects. It makes me happy to have a mindless project in the works for car rides, movie nights and relaxing with an audiobook.

Art journaling. I try to work in my art journal(s) daily. They are a way for me to record how I’m feeling, quotes I’ve read and techniques I want to try as well as a record of ideas that may develop into future projects.

We live in the mountains of northern Utah and try to spend as much time outside as possible. I’m a voracious reader and try to fit that into all the nooks and crannies of my days.

I'm a big believer in making time to do the things we love to do. Which is one of the main reasons I left Instagram and started this newsletter. I found that too much of my time was wasted with scrolling and trying to keep up with the constant need for content and I'd much rather spend my limited work time on projects that are meaningful and beneficial to me and my family.

I love to be efficient with my time and have spent years developing habits and routines that allow me to accomplish what I need to do and fit in the things that bring me joy.

I’m so delighted that you’re here and I look forward to sharing an update every Friday.

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Around here

Reading:

Family, Family by Laurie Frankel. I was torn between loving this portrayal of adoption and found family and being slightly annoyed by it for an unnamable reason. As an adoptive mom (and former foster family) I’m always on the lookout for positive adoption stories and this definitely fits that bill.

The Golden Spoon by Jessa Maxwell . Think Great British Bake Off + a little bit of murder. This was fun and light with a slightly unbelievable ending, but I was willing to look past that.

Wild Hope: Stories for Lent from the Vanishing by Gayle Boss I read this aloud to my kids for our homeschool morning time, one short chapter a day. It took us longer than the Lent season to get through it, but none of us minded that. We all really enjoyed learning about a different animal each day. It’s not particularly religious, despite the title, except maybe the very last part of the final chapter.

Watching: Mostly lots of soccer, in the rain and snow. Our 15 year old is just wrapping up his first high school season (we’re on to the state semifinals next week!) and about to begin tournament season for his club team.

And Bluey, of course, because it’s perhaps the best family show that has ever existed.

Listening: The Currently Reading Podcast is always first on my list. I may not listen to a single other episode of any other podcasts each week but this one I always get to.

Dabbling in: Trying to learn how to spin on a beautiful drop spindle Jason made for me.

On YouTube: How to Make a Needle Book

House/Yard: It's finally warm enough here to start planting! I have some new soaker hoses and a whole bunch of plants and seeds ready to go into our raised beds this weekend.

In the Shop: This Printable Gratitude Journal is a GREAT way to keep kids occupied as we ease into summer.

Here’s to making the time for the things we love to do!

Heidi

My shop

YouTube