Wendy's been with Yellow Door since day one in 2010. Her work has progressed into many different mediums over the years. Her current line of artwork, My Michigan, is a line of beautiful fabric pillows printed with vintage maps of Michigan, city map charms, necklaces, and accessories.
What are your goals for the future, both artistically and in life?
Apparently, goals change as life goes on, as I thought I had been working all of my life to get to do nothing. I had decided to retire from all my art and crafting this past winter and do nothing. Well, that lasted all of four weeks and I thought I would die from stifling my creative juices. So, new goal......keep creating stuff until my mind or hands give out.
What are you currently working on?
I have worked on almost every type of medium from stained glass to hand painting clothing to spinning & knitting our family's wool, but right now I am having fun working with vintage maps, postcards, and travel stickers. Using their images, I create Michigan charm jewelry and pillows.
Do you have any other interesting hobbies?
This year has been a dream come true for me as far as hobbies go. I have always wanted to make my yard my paradise, and I got a good start on it, and I have enjoyed it so very much.
What is your strongest memory of your childhood?
Ok, do you want the real one or the socially accepted one? The real one is..... When I was 12 years old, I was walking home from the bus stop and saw a UFO hovering over the sod farm next to our house. It wasn't round like a saucer, it was more like a cigar shape. There is more to this story, that includes my mom calling the local newspaper and our neighbors gathering around a pond on our property, but that part is for another time. Geez, I guess I'll pass on the socially accepted one, as the UFO kinda takes the cake.
What jobs have you done other than being an artist?
I really haven't done much of anything else. I think I would have trouble keeping a "real job."
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
That I want to be buried in a poofy, fancy prom dress with white gloves, gaudy rhinestone jewelry, and a tiara.
Do you have any tips or inspiring words for others?
Just stop, no matter how busy you are, to smell the roses each day. It is surprising how rejuvenating a five-minute break in all the chaos can make.
What is your favorite...
Pet and/or animal: My cat, Moe is my favorite pet, but good golly, don't tell the other three cats living at our house, as I whisper to each one that they are my favorite. (I just realized I do the same thing with my grandkids -- whisper in their ears that they are my favorite.)
Season: Fall is my favorite season. I love the colors, the smells, and the feel of the Sour-Sweet Wind it brings. If you are a Dr. Seuss fan, you know of the "Sour-Sweet Wind."
Movie: "Halloween is Grinch Night" was my all-time favorite until I saw "The Greatest Showman." If you haven't seen it, you must!
Board game: Sorry. I play with my grandkids and nephew every chance I get! I am ruthless, BTW.
Holiday: Christmas. Christmas Eve to be exact! I spend months preparing for my Christmas Eve party. Each year has a different theme and is as over the top as I can make it. I can't tell you what this year's theme is because it is always a secret. I love watching my kids' and grandkids' mouths drop when they enter the house.
Website: mymichigan.etsy.com
Best cup of coffee: I start almost every day with a tall iced coffee sweetened with peppermint mocha Coffee-Mate.
Ice Cream: Chocolate-Peanut Butter. No, wait, Mint-Chocolate Chip. No, wait, it's Cherry Cheesecake!
What is the best piece of advice you've been given?
It was from my mom almost 50 years ago. Don't write anything on paper you aren't comfortable with the whole world reading.
What's the one thing you can't live without?
After trying that Keto diet, I'd say the thing I can't live without is carbohydrates.
What has been the best cultural event you visited in the past year?
My twin granddaughters' 5th-grade talent show, where they sang "Running Home to You" a cappella! They brought tears to my eyes and got a standing ovation.
You can find lots of Wendy's fabulous vintage map charms & pillows at Yellow Door Art Market and online.
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