Tuesday January 13, 2026

a new journal to fill

Ya’ll know how I just adore our Keepsake Journals (read about here) ~ and when I recently watched a Facebook Post by Holly Hanley (she is so cute, visit here) she was using these mini journals I just new I had to make ‘a few of them’ mine! Purchased at Michael’s (here). …and I have so many ideas, imagine the possibilities! (hence why I needed a few!)….this could very well get me excited about painting again!

Monday January 12, 2026

Happy 2026

We’re back! …and we have a fun new blog post waiting for you (here)….we changed a few photos, our tabs and even our about page (here)…..and maybe someday we’ll get to update my photo, lol!

Wednesday December 17, 2025

Merry Christmas

This is where I sign off till mid January and wish you all a Very Merry Christmas that warms your heart and home.

Tuesday December 16, 2025

Blog Biz

For years thru this website I ‘blogged’ weekly ~ and I loved every minute of it. It kept my hands in creativity and the biz thriving. My schedule will be changing again in the New Year in hopes that I can share Creativity thru Blogging again, along with an on-line magazine (yahoo!), and maybe even video classes too. For now ~ here are a few images of Creative Projects thru the years available to you on the Blog.

Monday December 15, 2025

Time to Rest

This is about the time each Christmas Season that I am feeling like ‘rest’ is needed. I’m ready to nestle into a more relaxed daily routine ~ and dream about our tomorrows and what exciting things they may hold.

A little more hustle and bustle and we can finally rest.

Friday December 12, 2025

2nd Annual Open House

Tomorrow is our 2nd annual ‘My Cottage Life Shop‘ Open House ~ and I couldn’t be more exited!

Thursday December 11, 2025

Christmas Bakery Windows

Enjoyed some fun at the Bakery today ~ designing and creating their Windows!

Wednesday December 10, 2025

Display Play

I just love to create a display ~ whether it is for a shop I am working for, or for the camera. Curating, Collecting and Coordinating the ‘items and props’ is all part of the fun! This display is for our newest scent ‘Stir, Sprinkle, Bake‘ at the My Cottage Life Shop ~ the first display when you walk in the door!

Tuesday December 9, 2025

Christmas Simmer

have you ever made a Christmas Simmer? I enjoy creating, using and giving a Christmas Simmer each season, read about our Christmas Simmer (here).

Monday December 8, 2025

Christmas Tree

I’ve lost count ~ this is either our 38th or our 39th Christmas Tree ~ either way I am grateful for so many years.

Friday December 5, 2025

Still Planning

If you have been around for a while ~ you will recall our much loved ‘Keepsake Journals’...we have several pages left to fill and they are still in the planning. I am anxious to get back into the swing of things. The next idea involves cupcakes, cupcake picks, a lazy susan and 2 different ‘pick’ ideas too. Read about our Keepsake Journals (here). Shop Designs (here).

Wednesday November 26, 2025

Happy Thanksgiving

A few days of rest and we will be ready to head into Christmas. Have a Happy Heartfelt Thanksgiving! (The Pilgrims Acrylic Pattern available here).

Tuesday November 25, 2025

Designing Boxes

One of my favorite Thanksgiving Pieces is ‘Simple Gifts‘ created in acrylic and colored pencil. After the Pie Box itself was designed with a wrap around ‘bentwood’ side, and a lift-up bottom ~ then the project was designed onto watercolor paper and attached with upholstery tacs ~ and my most favorite part of this particular box design was creating a punched tin interior ~ to appear like a pie safe for our Pie box. You can find and create ‘Simple Gifts’ (here) and read about (here).

Monday November 24, 2025

In Stock

It’s a funny thing being a creative shop keeper ~ sometimes I wish I can say ‘stock has finally arrived’ ~ but needless to say, I am the manufacturer too, it arrives as I am making it!

I am also a…marketer, advertiser, accountant, supply orderer, designer, and the list goes on….but I wouldn’t change a single thing (well except maybe janitor, lol).

Our ‘Warm Woolens Stockings and Mittens’ are now in stock and on the shelf! ….don’t ya just love the stocking melts!

Friday November 21, 2025

Setting the Table

Whether you use your everyday plates, the ‘fancy holiday’ dishes, your Nana’s hand-me-downs, collected vintage dinnerware, dollar store dups, or even paper plates ~ ….matched, coordinated, or stacked ~ I hope you find time to lose yourself in the tradition of setting a beautiful table this coming Thanksgiving.

Thursday November 20, 2025

Cottage Winter Garden, Cozy Snowman

Over the summer we created a ‘Tomato Plant Greenhouse Candle’ (read here) that turned out pretty-neat! …and my vision then was to make a ‘Snowman Garden Candle’ in the same manner. All we needed was a name and a fragrance. We landed on ‘Vanilla and Marshmallow’ as the fragrance, fitting for a snowman I thought. And the name ‘Cottage Winter Garden’ Cozy Snowman sounded extra sweet.

We added a tiny snowman, miniature clay pots, scattered snow and a few winter greens…..we even added a wool blanket cover to nestle in the ‘scene’ on top of the candle. It was so super cute without the ‘snowglobe’ top, so we left it off. ….we’re almost ready for our Open House on December 13, 2025.

Wednesday November 19, 2025

Ooops

If you have been reading on the tab ‘my cottage life‘, I shared a few painted mice ready for the kiln…..well, I took the mice to Pottery and proudly handed them to my Pottery Teacher ~ then later in our conversation I learned that I used the wrong paint, ugh. I used Wonderglaze instead of Underglaze…needless to say it was back to the drawing board. I have a lot to learn about painting pottery vs what I have already learned about paint! …..fingers crossed this time I got it right!

Tuesday November 18, 2025

Crochet and Knit

My Mom is creative too ~ the softer side of creativity – crochet, knitting, cross stitching and quilting ~ I work with paint, wood, pencils and pottery. She has tried to teach me so many times and I just can’t grasp it (…not to mention I am left handed as well)….I still am working on my one continuous chain stitch….lol! Anyway….I have been wanting another pair of fingerless gloves/mittens and she made me this fun pair! …with a matching scarf coming soon! Love ya Mom.

Monday November 17, 2025

I can handle it

We’ve added a handle to our attic ‘cuby’ door. There is a hard working sweet story behind this idea and we’ll be sharing thru the Blog Tab soon (well as soon as we can, anyway).

PS ~ If you would like a sneak peek at what I have been painting ~ be sure to visit the ‘My Cottage Life’ Tab!

Friday November 14, 2025

The Clean Out & The Shop

Our home ‘clean-out’ and getting the shop ready for our ‘open house’ has been going well ~ I do have to constantly remind myself that it all doesn’t need to be done in one day, I can set things aside for later, to stay focused on what is in front of me, and to remember when creating my to-do list that it needs to be manageable ~ especially that I work 4 very different part time jobs with different schedules ~ a Church Secretary, a Bakery Retail Hostess, A Marketing Assistant and A Creative Shop Keeper/Candle Maker!

Thursday November 13, 2025

an Amy Turkey

At the Bakery where I work ~ I keep my hand in Art by creating their signs and windows ~ and as I was drawing this turkey I thought to myself ‘Yep, it’s an Amy Turkey….’ and it simply made me smile.

Wednesday November 12, 2025

Candle Workshop

Along with our Studio, Class Space, Studio Office, and Cottage Shop our 1300 square foot Home has a Candle Workshop! We do ‘try‘ to keep a well organized Home and utilize every available space (for life and business) ~ along with it running efficiently….and yet it still feels like home. I love that. How could it not when it is filled with all things we love.

This may look like a bakery set up ~ but it is our newest ‘Cookies and Milk’ candle making ~ look at all those chocolate chips!

Tuesday November 11, 2025

A perfect fit

Many years ago I was in search of a hutchtop that needed to have the perfect dimensions to sit ontop of a bookcase, and also fit into a cubby space in the Studio with an exterior dormer. I waited it out a bit and found a perfect piece, a cabinet from a dental office fit perfect! We scrubbed it up, painted it blue, added new knobs and set it in place. Don’t ya just love it when things work out!

Monday November 10, 2025

Snowman Bath

Although my brushes haven’t been moving lately ~ I’ve been keeping up with Creative Play. Over the weekend I sculpted, painted, antiqued, glittered and created the cutest-littlest one inch snowmen ~ to top our newest Snowglobe Candles! ….the snowman glitter bath was extra cute!

…the new fragrance is called ‘Cottage Winter Garden’.

Friday November 7, 2025

Little Makers

Our ‘Little Makers‘ were a fun project a few years back and you can catch the designed patterns (here) to create your very own ~ they make for a fun stocking stuffer ~ and never go-to-far out of style!

Thursday November 6, 2025

Big Project

I’ve been wanting to tackle a big project for a while now and I never could quite find the time to do it all in one ‘chunk’ ~ a whole house purge project that is! ….and since it is an over whelming process ~ I finally realized that I need to take a better approach by ‘taking it’ in bite size pieces ~ 10 minutes here, an afternoon there, and so on. Of course we have ‘somewhat’ of a plan; we lined up boxes against a wall in our basement, labeled each and started to fill them ~ a goodwill box, a donation box, a ‘going here’ box, a toss box, a sell box and a free curbside box…..and the plan is working ~ we’re seeing some light at the end of the tunnel.

…and would you believe I am going antiquing this weekend? Gosh Amy, think about your boxes!

Wednesday November 5, 2025

Take em’ out of the shoebox

Funny goofy family photos, it’s time to take them out of the shoebox! Place them in your favorite bowl onto your table-top ~ it’s better than scrolling your phone and makes for great conversation!

Tuesday November 4, 2025

Wax Play

I love the idea of using wax & wax seals for wrapping and gift giving ~ especially being a Candle Maker who plays in wax daily. This wax seal ‘be merry.’ was custom made too! And lately….. I have been thinking about using wax seals to make chocolate coins with a few sprinkles thrown in…how fun!

Do you see in this photo how I coordinated the custom wax seal with a matching custom rubber stamp for the ribbon?

Read this post (here).

Monday November 3, 2025

Changing my mind, Colors.

I realize at this point painting the interior walls will need to wait until January ~ with the Holidays and an Open House in the works it is just best. I’d rather enjoy the process instead of rushing into a decision, and rushing thru the job just to get it done. I am pretty determined to take my time, enjoy the process and even change my mind a few times until I get the colors just right…..I’m getting closer though.

Friday October 31, 2025

Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween!… enjoy these and so many more projects for Halloween thru our patterns (here) and thru our Blog (here) ~ 12 years of creative fun!

Thursday October 30, 2025

We picked a date

It’s happening! We picked a date for our ‘My Cottage Life Shop’ Open House ~ Hey Locals ~ Save the date for December 13, 2025!…this year we will enjoy a few Guests, watch your in-box for our Newsletter!

…. if you are local and not on our email list, drop us a message for us to add your email to receive our newsletter!

Wednesday October 29, 2025

Our Shop Website News

Check out our daily ‘Shop-n-Candle’ news, tips and more thru our ‘My Cottage Life’ Shop website www.themycottagelifeshop.com or visit our tab ‘My Cottage Life’ (here). ~ Our hopes are to share and inspire all things creative thru our Candle Making and Shop Life.

Tuesday October 28, 2025

Back to the drawing board

It’s back to the drawing board ~ and the ideas keep coming! This cute little mousie ‘rough draft’ is for two new ‘Classic Amy Joanne’ home goods coming soon to our ‘My Cottage Life Shop’! It’s a last minute idea but I’m going to try to pull it off….you know what they say about the last minute!

Monday October 27, 2025

We’re Ready for Fall

While on vacation I took some time to just piddle around our home ~ no agenda, no to-do’s, no time limits, just simply time to play house and homemaker…..we’re finally ready for Autumn.

I’ve been playing around with texture and color ~ I’m loving a dark denim blue with a dark clay, basil green and even wood tones.

Friday October 24, 2025

Forging

Why not ‘forge’ for goods in your own backyard ~ pine cones, boxwood springs, winter berries, and more for all your heart-felt projects this Christmas Season. ~ take a few photos too, it just might be a perfect image for a handmade Christmas Card!

Thursday October 23, 2025

Fire Starters

Still so very smitten with our newest addition to our Heart Warmer Collection from Classic Amy Joanne, sold thru our My Cottage Life Shop ~ this addition includes ‘very giftable’ fire starters in a heart warming scent and pretty packaging.

Available soon ~ during our 2nd Christmas Open House!

Wednesday October 22, 2025

Heart Warmers

I’m so delighted with our newest creation in our Heart Warmer Collection! The fragrance is one of our most popular ‘Cottage Christmas’ ~ it even has a special twist ~ it can be used as a fire starter too! Stay tuned in for more details!

Tuesday October 21, 2025

lists, plans, routines

I can tell you for absolute positivity that I work better with a well planned list and routine. It’s hard for me to live willy-nilly or off-the-cuff. I found that out quickly while on vacation ~ I didn’t plan anything and I simply just didn’t accomplish to much. I was all over the place. Not that – that is a bad thing, but once Monday rolled around and I had my list and planner in hand ~ I simply just ‘was’ better.

I enjoy a well planned routine with a list in hand.

Monday October 20, 2025

heading back

Today I will head-back to the Church, then later in the week to the Bakery and also my new ‘job’ in Marketing for a small business. I am grateful for this past week of rest ~ I did alot of thinking, creating, cleaning, and simply enjoying our home and the area we live in. My heart is full and feeling content.

Later today I will also head to Pottery where I will continue to create the cutest little gifts to melt your heart for the ‘My Cottage Life Shop’.

Friday October 10, 2025

…a little break

What a beautiful way to get back into sharing Creativity ~ ‘Classic Amy Joanne Candles’ ~ new ‘Heart Warmers‘ were introduced thru ‘The Buttered Crumb Bakery’ today!….and it was amazing. Every customer is so much appreciated.

so…..I will be taking a little break this week from the Church, the Bakery and from Classic Amy Joanne to recoop and begin planning our Christmas adventures with Porch-Pick-Ups and an Open House. Stay tuned in.

Thursday October 9, 2025

a new stress reliever

This is kinda silly, but could be very useful information during stressful times. Not only does bubble wrap popping relieve stress ~ but my newly found corrugated paper stretching will also relieve stress (and also makes a great packaging presentation)…..you’re welcome.

Wednesday October 8, 2025

Nervous and Excited

I’m nervous and excited at the same time ~ it’s been almost a year since ‘The My Cottage Life Shop‘ (with Classic Amy Joanne Candles) took the show-on-the-road. I have nervous energy ~ Will I remember everything, is everything packed, do I have to much or not enough???? Along-side is all the excitement to introduce new products, a new jar style, new scents, new marketing and more! I know one thing is for sure ~ our hope is to always …. warm your home and melt your heart.

We will be at the Buttered Crumb Bakery in New Tripoli PA on October 10th.

Tuesday October 7, 2025

Dreaming of the next

Isn’t it funny…..that while I am totaling smitten with the ‘Candle Season’ we are in ~ that I am already dreaming about the next and the season after that. All the supplies have been gathered and we’re ready to create Christmas and I have a new scent with a Valentine’s gift box in mind, along with Cocoa and Marshmallows for February, a quick Easter idea, then a whole line of goods for Mother’s Day…with bread bags and jelly jar stackables!

Monday October 6, 2025

Buddy Walk

Another year in the books, Buddy Walk 2025!

Friday October 3, 2025

Shafer’s Pumpkin & Mum Farm

Even in my pumpkin pickin’, I enjoy different color combos. Shafer’s Farm in Tamaqua PA never disappoints. ~ Lisa’s Mums are beyond the best ~ along with their pumpkin selection! This year choosing pink mums, along side a cabbage plant and the prettiest yellow and green pumpkins.

I just may end up with 1000 pictures….and 1000 pumpkins.

‘color’ is spelled wrong on image.

Thursday October 2, 2025

Vintage Retro Cupcake Picks

While I was visiting ‘Sisters Stash‘ (who sells vintage and antiques) this past week I looked over my right shoulder into their shelves of goods and spotted several bags of these vintage retro cupcake picks…..and I was so smitten. I can’t wait to use them and include them into a painting! You can find all kinds of fun Holiday Goods thru Sister’s Stash (here).

Wednesday October 1, 2025

…and attention to the inside of our home

And as the outside of our home gets attention (scroll down to see) ~ I am still playing with colors for the interior walls of our home~ I will be off to Sherwin Williams again ~ this time with the round blue knob (shown) to purchase a color-sample-container for our walls and a ‘clay pumpkin’ color for the subtle hand painted ‘stencil’.

Tuesday September 30, 2025

It’s finally happening!

Our front stoop will become a cottage porch! Then next Spring we will work our magic with a cottage like garden all around ~ with zinnia patches, garden statues, bird baths and a trellis! ….and as with everything I can’t wait!

Monday September 29, 2025

Harvest Home

On Saturday we set up Pumpkins and such for our Harvest Home Sunday Service at Church. We added corn stalks to our Pumpkins at each entrance and onto the Altar ~ and it felt so much like Autumn!

We also added a sweet treat by the door ~ a bushel basket of apples for everyone to enjoy!

Friday September 26, 2025

We’re back to pizza Friday

Our Pizza flavor tonight is ~ Pesto, Chicken, Cherry Tomato, Fresh Mozzarella, Ricotta with a little added Parmesan, on our homemade crust (pizza crust here)~ Delish!

If you love pizza ~ use the search feature on the Blog tab, enter ‘pizza‘ and enjoy a few selections!

Thursday September 25, 2025

….Another Way

Although I love making pottery and enjoy my time with Jo my pottery teacher ~ what I get most excited about is designing and seeing ‘my designs’ come to life in pottery ~ my own style, my own ‘look’, my own ‘set of goods’~~~ so, one of my ‘ideas’ (see yesterdays post) was to approach Jo and ask her if she would be interested in a ‘colab’ with me ~ we will meet for regular consults to draw up ideas, she will create the ideas in pottery according to the design and I will finish with glazing and painting each.

Thanks Jo, I can’t wait to see my designs come to life on your beautifully built pottery!

Wednesday September 24, 2025

So Many Questions

So many questions have been quietly answered this week ‘about my biz’ thru my thoughts, thru random podcast listening, thru a phone call, and thru my night dreams and ideas. Answers to what’s next or what could be, and what is possible ‘in another way’, a different way to ‘sell’ candles and a way to include friends.

A different way of thinking ~ all I needed to do was quiet my mind and think ‘a little differently’ ~ outside the box. I will share more as it all comes together.

ps…..this image is of our new ‘heart warmers’ melting tarts!

Tuesday September 23, 2025

mmmm, look what i found

mmmm, look what I found when I came home from work! ~ my hubby’s tomato harvest on/in my window sil display of ironstone creamers! ….no complaining here, we’re still eating good and it looks kinda cute!

Monday September 22, 2025

it’s time to gather

It’s time to gather and dry the seeds from our Zinnia Patches for next years planting and to remove the Zinnia stems from our yard. We typically toss the stems into the ‘woods’ behind our home in hopes that they self-seed and create a patch all their own.

Friday September 19, 2025

advertising, merchandising & marketing

Ya know, I never really thought about using my ‘learned’ skills in Advertising, Merchandising & Marketing as ‘income’ until a small business approached me about this very thing to help promote their business ~ it had me stop and pause ….and think ‘could this be my next avenue’ for Classic Amy Joanne. When approached my mind immediately started drafting ideas in my head and was instantly drawn to all the ideas of how I can ‘help’ their thriving business. ….and I have always loved that part of my biz!

Thursday September 18, 2025

Ol’ idea, new product

This is actually the product that started the whole ‘Classic Amy Joanne Candles‘ line in the ‘My Cottage Life Shop‘ ~ I found it fun to create and coordinate the scented candles for Christmas Gifts a few years back and as with everything else it became part of the biz! So….this ol’ idea of stacking candles will become one of our newest ‘giftable’ products called ‘Sweet Stacks‘ ~ stacking 2 or 3 scented candles and then choosing the wrappings for a perfect gift!….we’ll be sure to share more soon!

Wednesday September 17, 2025

Apples Peaches Pumpkin Pie

While creating our newest scented candles and ‘heart warmers’ shaped like pumpkins ~ we did some business planning for our Christmas Open House with new products, new scents, new ideas and featuring a guest or two…..this new scent is ‘apples, peaches, pumpkin pie, whose not ready holler i! So fun!

Tuesday September 16, 2025

a little spark to get things started

Today, as I look at the Summer Vignettes tucked into the Fireplace Surround ~ I’m thinking it’s about time for a change ~ a simple refresh with the ol’ collected, the new, the gifted, and the handmade for the Autumn Season.

This image is from years past and while scrolling thru images it caught my eye and inspired me! Sometimes all it takes is a little spark to get things started!

Monday September 15, 2025

a simple craft idea

looking for a simple craft idea? …we have you covered here at Classic Amy Joanne with more than 12 years of creative ideas at your finger tips!

For this simple craft idea ~Punch a hole into a few bay leaves, dry a few oranges, make a few saltbox ornaments and string with twine. A quick and easy craft to add to your decor, or even a simmer pot! ….find this and more by clicking on the Blog tab. enJOY!

Friday September 12, 2025

heart warming

I’ve been working on new ideas to expand our Classic Amy Joanne Candle line of goods ~ and pictured here is just a tiny glimpse of what we have been up to ~ introducing (soon) ‘Heart Warmers’…our newest product with a sweet name!

Coming Soon!

Always all things to warm your home and melt your heart!

Thursday September 11, 2025

I came across

I came across this image while I was searching thru my ‘pumpkin project photos‘ for an image to use for a new candle scent label ~ and this image reminded me of the ‘storybook line‘ of paintings I was about to begin last year before my ‘career path’ changed. It made me excited again to create and I hope to begin this project soon!

Wednesday September 10, 2025

Creating A Cozy Spot in your backyard

Just like creating a cozy spot in your home ~ creating a cozy spot in your back yard can be just as fun….and cozy!

Over the past couple of years we have added cozy chairs with soft cushions, and foot rests made of ol’ crates around our fire pit. We’ve also found and use handmade marshmallow skews that my father-in-law made. And most recently we added a ‘log and kindling’ holder….and all of it together creates a cozy spot to kick up your feet, relax, and also feels like home.

Tuesday September 9, 2025

Haystack Meal, Ranch Dressing

If you are looking for the Ranch Dressing to go with our Haystack Meal (posted here) ~ try ours.

Ranch Dressing

½ cup buttermilk

½ cup mayonnaise

½ cup sour cream

1 teaspoon dried parsley

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Whisk all ingredients together. Enjoy!

Monday September 8, 2025

This Weeks Fun

all the goods have been gathered and this week you will find me in the Candle Making Studio creating a few new ideas for upcoming shows! ….one thing you can count on thru Classic Amy Joanne is ‘everything we touch‘ will be coordinated from the scent, to the packaging, to the painting, to the dessert….and to a blog post!

Visit the Blog Tab and you will find story after story of coordinating products, handmades, recipes, giftsets, paintings, and more!

Friday September 5, 2025

…and along comes peace

These words from my Mom come to mind…..’this too shall pass’.

If you have been reading thru the Blog lately or even the Daily Dose ~ you most likely have noticed at how unsettled I have been over the past year or so. And with alot of praying, listening, journaling, and leaning on a friends ear I am finally feeling at peace (well mostly) with where I am ‘at’ today. It is still unclear of what tomorrow will hold, but I am at peace in the ‘waiting’ and feel content with whatever the future holds.

Thursday September 4, 2025

Cloth Calendar Stockings

Our handmade cloth calendar stockings were a huge hit at our last holiday open house (with personalized homespun ribbons) and it’s in the plan to create a few more sets for this coming season ~ I’ve been collecting vintage calendars where-ever I can find them. I’m also thinking bread bags too….oh the ideas!

Wednesday September 3, 2025

Peanut Butter Pie

What made this peanut butter pie even better was a chocolate topping made with Wilbur Chocolate and a pretzel crust, made with butter pretzels.

Tuesday September 2, 2025

Chicken & Rice

This was a chicken and rice casserole recipe ~ but we made it into a soft taco filling.

Thinking out side the box.

Perfect.

Friday August 29, 2025

Test Run

And it begins. Testing our new Sherwin Williams paint color for our living spaces. It is a bold move, but I am ready to explore and embrace color ~ I also had SW blend the same color at 50% to try my hand at a subtle painted stencil design of my own over the new color. This is fun.

Thursday August 28, 2025

It’s Fall Ya’ll

It’s Fall Ya’ll! Well at least in my mind it is….just smile. It may be August but we have been having the most beautiful weather here in PA ~ feels like Fall! Sooooooo, we changed our cover page here on our website ~ and it has me thinking of changing up our Decor as well. How about you, ready for Fall decor?

Wednesday August 27, 2025

Expanding On

The wind under my sail has picked up again and I’m starting to feel a little more like myself ~ dreaming again. And in that dreaming I am working towards expanding our little shop ‘the my cottage life shop‘ to not only include a creative guest or two during our open house ~ but to expand shelving and add a ‘porch pick-up’ concept to our offerings. …and yet again I couldn’t be more excited.

I am also planning to share about ‘our my cottage life shop’ thru its own website….with all the ideas, plans, concepts, and layouts!

Tuesday August 26, 2025

Chicken and Cornflakes

Yes Chicken and Cornflake Cereal go together!

We enjoyed another delicious meal of Ranch Greek Chicken, Buttered Potatoes and Green Beans (not pictured) ~ The Ranch Greek Chicken topping was made with homemade ranch dressing mixed in with cornflakes and greek seasonings. Oh yum.

Monday August 25, 2025

favorite seating area

We’ve been toasting marshmallows in our favorite seating area in our back yard ~ and we’ve also been dreaming of a few ideas to refresh the area….concrete between the pavers, cushions and chair covers for all the seating, painting the pergola shade, adding cone flowers by the summer shed and more….

Friday August 22, 2025

a simple little house

a simple little house picked up while I was vintage shopping with my friend Jane. How sweet it is with a paneled door, and door latch, and 6 over windows just like our home. …feels like home to me.

Thursday August 21, 2025

unfinished homespun projects

Do you ever scroll thru your phone images (if you save your home-makings) and wonder ‘where did I place this unfinished homespun project?‘ ~ I have so many ‘unfinished projects’ that all started with a simple idea (if you are a creative, I am sure you understand)….this project was simply hand stamped with our Classic Cling Rubber Stamps (available here) onto a dropcloth surface ~ to eventually finish in punch needle or rug hooking! I think I need to find this and get busy…..

Wednesday August 20, 2025

Cozy Weather in PA

Our weather in PA this week feels like Cozy Autumn weather ~ It has me thinking about Autumn Decor, Cozy Afghans, Warm Casseroles and Pumpkin Cookies!

One of my favorite (I say that a-lot) projects thru this Blog was this Pottery Barn dup Ceramic Dish filled with Pumpkin Cookies! You can find the post (here) ~ and fingers crossed your local Dollar General will have pumpkin ceramic dishes!

Tuesday August 19, 2025

Finally

Today I finally visited with one of my best friends, Jane ~ we met about 25 years ago thru ‘Painting’, (thru ‘Penn’s Woods Painters’ Painting Chapter) ~ we enjoyed a luncheon with the ladies from the Chapter and then Jane and I spent the afternoon shopping and gabbing. What a wonderful day and long overdue!

Monday August 18, 2025

Burn Melt Sniff, Repeat

Well…it’s happening, I hit send on the order screen. We will be making candles again for a fun new adventure and a new product! ~ the wax, scents, marketing and all sorts of of goodies have been ordered! Get ready to burn, melt, sniff and repeat!

Friday August 15, 2025

A Perfect Match

It is still hazy, hot and humid in PA, we were talking Pumpkins today at the Bakery ~ and here we are sharing Santa and Elfie! …tis the ‘creative’ season!

Fingers crossed we will be sharing ‘A Perfect Match‘ (new pattern) along with Matchstick Santa and a few giftset ideas next week right here on the Blog!

…the magic is starting to happen again.

Thursday August 14, 2025

Sweet Tea

I am a huge fan of McDonald’s Sweet Tea ~ I could crave worse things….or better things too. Everything in moderation, so they say.

I did however find a copycat recipe thru Pinterest (here), it is pretty close to the real deal (with a secret ingredient!)… …..and I hope to eventually cut down on the sugar and stir in a bit of local honey to satisfy my own cravings.

PS, I used Black Tea Bags from Lipton.

Pour yourself a cool glass of Sweet Tea!

Wednesday August 13, 2025

Haystack

Last evening we enjoyed a Haystack meal ~ made with marinated chicken, seasoned rice and beans, a layer of this and that and topped with homemade dressing….I did forget the homemade croutons but tonight we will be sure to toss those onto our haystack! Recipe coming soon to the blog.

Tuesday August 12, 2025

One thing always leads to another

Here is a sampling of ‘how one thing always leads to another‘ ~ At the Bakery where I work, they began creating Root Beer Float Coffees for the summer ~ using of course local coffee, but also using locally made ice cream and vanilla milk too. SAY WHAT? Vanilla Milk??? ….and after I sampled the milk, I just had to have it. You see, The Bakery supports local businesses and when the idea came about for the Root Beer Float Coffee they wanted to source the products locally ~ the Vanilla Milk was made at Crystal Spring Farms (here ~ From Cows to Cups) ~ so one thing lead to another and I found myself visiting Crystal Spring Farms and enjoyed their local made ice cream and of course their Vanilla Milk. .…one thing always leads to another.

Monday August 11, 2025

Decisions, Decisions

It was a ‘me’ day yesterday. After Church I headed to a new small shop, Sherwin Williams, and then grocery shopping…..sometimes being by myself is just what is needed. While at Sherwin Williams I played with colors ~ alongside a few props I carried along such as a strip of denim and a cookie jar lid from our kitchen (sporting Park Bench Green from Fusion) (read about here). I left with a few sample pots and a whole lotta dreams for our home….alongside of decision fatigue! …..but I can’t wait to play!….we’re ready for an update.

Friday August 8, 2025

Take Time

I’ve been taking time to enjoy the flowers….our Zinnia patches are thriving and looking beautiful ~ I simply can’t stop admiring and taking photos ~ we still enjoy our House Walks (read about here).

Thursday August 7, 2025

Homeworthy

I probably love my home (and being a homebody) as much as I love creating art. In fact this Saturday, I hope to select a new ‘blue’ paint for our living space thru Sherwin Williams and it will ‘snowball roll‘ from there with curtains, trim, carpeting, and more for our home. Lately I have been pulling ideas from not only Pinterest and British Magazines and Shows (read about below) but also thru the Home Tours thru YouTube on HomeWorthy (here). One of the Home Tours I enjoyed was with Margo (watch here) ~ I love her color choices, vibe and her idea that ‘more‘ is not such a bad thing! So many beautiful homes to be inspired by!

Wednesday August 6, 2025

Inspired Living

We’re bringing back ‘Inspired Living‘ to the Blog ~ a place to share thru each Season ~ ‘what’s on the table’, ‘what’s in the garden’, what’s on the worktable’ and more, along with a few favorite ‘clicks’ of products, songs, YouTube videos and others for you to enjoy!

There is even a thought or two about a digital magazine (in the future) to create and share….just because it is something I want to do. Another way to share ‘Inspired Living’.

I have purchased a digital magazine from Nora Roberts (here) and really enjoyed it.

Tuesday August 5, 2025

There are a few new ideas happening

Our Wax Melts (for lack of a better name) in our vintage Restaurant Ware Mugs and Ruffled Bowls were a ‘huge hit’ at our ‘My Cottage Life Shop’ Open House ~ here at Classic Amy Joanne. We not only ‘sell’ the item but share the ideas on how to present them, gift them and purpose them. We try to create ‘something different’ than the next guy. We have big ideas for more ‘Wax Melts’ created in Classic Amy Joanne style ~ we’re working on the scents, the product (with new custom molds!), the presentation, the packaging and the marketing (just wait till you see our fun marketing!). Stay tuned.

…and just maybe we’ll have a better name than ‘wax melts’, lol.

Monday August 4, 2025

it means so much

Thank you all for your heartfelt comments on my recent blog post ‘Good Grief‘ (here) ~ it means so much to have support and friendship thru Art (and otherwise too). ….and that is the hard part of letting go, these friendships were made thru the love of Art.

Friday August 1, 2025

A new color

Our Zinnia patches have ‘sprouted’ a new color and it is a beautiful washed-out vintage pink! It reminds me of vintage blue jean style…..perfect for our ‘blue jean comfy cottage feel’.

Next years plan is to plant in addition a new variety of Zinnia called ‘Zinnia Queen Lime Orange’ and a few ‘Billy Buttons’ too.

Thursday July 31, 2025

Yeah Me

Yeah Me, I showed up yesterday….. in my life. I pulled out my brushes and painted, and I clicked the keys on my blog. I listened to a few uplifting podcasts (and my Sister too). It was a good step in the right direction….and today things started to happen for Classic Amy Joanne, maybe not the way I intended, but it is all feelin’ like ‘home’ to me. My heart is full.

Wednesday July 30, 2025

the little details

Coordinating all the little details has always been my thing here at Classic Amy Joanne, everything matters when I present something in a class, in a booth or in a photograph ~ from a curtain hook, to knobs on a cabinet door, to ribbons and tags. It is not perfection I seek, but to show that ‘I cared enough to give my very best’.

Tuesday July 29, 2025

Still my Jam

Creating is still my Jam, even though it is not my bread and butter any longer….but whatever do I do with all this pent-up creativity without a ‘business’ to share it? It never was about creating ‘just an item’ but it was about creating ‘the item’ and the ideas around it to share. Feeling so lost without my business, my whole’ world.

Monday July 28, 2025

Zinnias!

Our Zinnia patches are showing off again! Read all about there beginnings and a project (here).

Friday July 25, 2025

Grace & Grumble

…simply allowing myself some Grace, and some Grumble too. Grace to slow the process, enjoy the little moments, allowing for sadness (and even madness) and to dream again…..and a little Grumble will never hurt anyone.

Thursday July 24, 2025

Bakery Window

I feel like a always need a disclaimer when I share the ‘Bakery Windows’ or any ‘work in progress’ for that matter. ~ but the simple fact of the matter is ~ window markers and paint are a real challenge for this acrylic painter! …..but all in all, it’s working out just fine. A few more details and we’ll call it FUN and DONE! (please note this is a window and you can see all the background ‘noise’ until I can capture a photo with the night sky!).

Wednesday July 23, 2025

Wheels Turning

I can tell I am feeling better again after a long period of time with a sinus infection (and eye surgery too) ~ because my wheels are turning and I am dreaming again. In my mind I have all the plans laid out for our next ‘My Cottage Life Shop’ Open House ~ including 3 new scents, ‘Warm Your Heart Woolens’, ‘Sweet Cottage Goodness’ and ‘Santa’s Cookies’ ~ along with designed tartlets, hamdade cake plates and testers, new marketing and more. I am even thinking of expanding new shelving ~ oh the joy!

Tuesday July 22, 2025

What on earth?

What on earth are you making Amy? Well, I layered the bottom half of slider buns into a baking pan, then topped it with sliced italian cheese, then pizza sauce with added onions, peppers and oregano, then I topped that with the top half of the buns with a hole cut out of each(using a bisquit cutter) ~ then I added an italian sausage meatball into the hole, and topped it with more cheese and baked it….. it was not only delicious, but FUN!

No worries, I made croutons for a salad with the holes!

Monday July 21, 2025

Beauty Within

Our flowers can teach us to enjoy God’s gifting ~ as a whole a Hydrangea is beautiful, but if you look closely the beauty comes from within ~ all the tiny flowers making up one bloom. Beauty is really from within.

Friday July 18, 2025

… I long for

I long for the past, an ol’ way of life that I loved so much ~ a time when we ‘enjoyed’ time wisely, a time before technology and ‘instant everything’ took over. I miss bus trips with women to beautiful places and adventures, I miss Painting Classes, Conventions and Chapter meetings, I miss long days of shopping with my Sister, I even miss being able to ‘talk’ without an ‘ad’ showing up on my ‘phone feed’ from outer-space. I miss life before we needed an Ap for everything. I’m stuck in this place of ‘how did we get here? and How can we fix it?’…and ‘how do I get off this merry-go-round?’

Thursday July 17, 2025

Favorite Table Settings

It has been a while since I set a table, I love to coordinate a beautiful table setting, style it and photograph it….and in some cases Serve from it. Each of the ‘table settings’ shown (two of my favorites) are created with hand-me-downs, vintage finds, crafty originals, heirlooms and every day dishes.

Call me ol’ fashioned, but I just love a beautiful table setting!

You can find a few settings thru the Blog Pages on this website, from Chickens to Easter to Christmas, scroll around and enjoy!

Wednesday July 16, 2025

Paint, Pencil & Paper Fun

Did you know we have three different Keepsake Journals in Paint, Pencil & Paper with instructions for you to create? Read more (here), find a favorite (here)…..purchase a pattern and receive a passcode to a private page to enjoy a few extras! …so smitten.

Tuesday July 15, 2025

On-hand quick gifts

Giftsets have been a thing in all my endevours ~ from my Bath & Body Works days to my own business of Classic Amy Joanne thru the ‘My Cottage Life Shop‘. I have always enjoyed coordinating the wares and goods into giftsets.

….but did you know you can create a quick ‘gift’ from on-hand items? For example wrap up a few cookies with a coffee filter, wrapped with a piece of twine or leftover ribbon, add a drawing to a scrap piece of paper (or sentiment) and add a clip from your desk drawer….easy peasy and just as heartfelt!

Monday July 14, 2025

Pepperoni Pizza Lasagna

We blended two favorites this past weekend, pizza and lasagna ~ using our homemade pizza sauce (found here), and adding pepperoni to my hubby’s half!…. I tossed in a few leftover over-ripe cherry tomatoes too. Yum!

Friday July 11, 2025

In a Pickle

Now that I am feeling somewhat better, I have myself ‘in a pickle‘ ~ WHICH PROJECT TO START FIRST!!!!! I know my creative friends understand it ~ you just want to begin every single project! So for today, I will ‘line’ up each and every one on the work table!

Our ‘Little Maker‘ projects in Paint and Pencil, including ‘Sonny’s Garden Picks‘ (shown) can be found (here).

Thursday July 10, 2025

Real Banana Bread

This is one of the best banana breads I have ever tried. It really is not a dessert bread, nor a breakfast bread ~ it’s a little hard to explain. There is no added sugar, just an optional drizzle of honey on the top ~ and of course dark chocolate chips will never hurt!…and if you are looking for a little sweetness, a sprinkle of powdered sugar would be good too! I promise to share soon!

Wednesday July 9, 2025

Dahlia Tubers

I can’t wait for our Dahlia’s to open! They are planted with last years tubers ~ and from what I understand, when planting from tubers they will produce the same color (like planting twins), vs planting from seeds that produce different colors (like planting kin-folk). I’ve learned a lot by watching and reading about Floret Farms (here).

Tuesday July 8, 2025

nothin’ but time

Since I have been sick, there has been nothin’ but time between the sofa “bed” and my dreams. Resting is hard when your ideas just want to play out but your energy is zapped. Yet another monkey wrench thrown into our lives…..

Today found me surfing YouTube and I came across ‘Welcome to my Curls‘ (here) ~ Renee was sharing how to make ice cream with her stand mixer. By the time I was finished watching I had a few items dropped into my Amazon Cart and a whole menu made with homemade pizza, a salad, and Ice Cream! ….welp, onto the guest list…… once I get better, of course.

Monday June 30, 2025

soups on!

Vacation was great, came back with more than memories ~ I am sooooo sick (8 days and counting)! So it has been my jammies, tissues, popcicles and soup for me ~ we’ll be catching up soon!

Wednesday June 18, 2025

A Trip!

Taking a trip with my Mom and my Sister for a few days…and like last year, I am hoping there is ice cream involved!

I am hoping to do some thinking about life, home, and the biz…maybe even about getting rid of my smart phone ~ imagine the amount of time I will have!

…see you next week.

Tuesday June 17, 2025

June 2013

It’s hard to believe this Blog is 12+ years old. This photo was the very first Logo Heading for the Opening Page. 12 years of Creative Play, Stories, Photos and How-to’s! ~ I hope you will scroll around and see what we have to offer you! enJOY!

Monday June 16, 2025

Home, Color Play

I’ve been wanting to fill our home with color, textures and patterns for a while now, but my knees keep knocking to get started….I’m still that traditional matchy-matchy girl with a bit of Artsy mixed in. I don’t want to regret any decision ~and I want done to be done.

The slate and hardwood floor, along with the white trim need to stay, and also some painted furniture in navy blue. I’m willing to change the walls, carpeting, curtains and a few pieces of furniture.

I found a fun tool thru Sherwin Williams to play with their colors on their website. Hopefully this will give me the kick start I need.

Friday June 13, 2025

Flag Day

Flag Day is tomorrow and I am thinking of ‘Red White and Blue’! ~ Did anyone paint ‘Cheesecake Anyone?’ ~ it is an acrylic design painted onto a baby bundt box with a denim painted background and a fun paper lined interior ~ a fun way to tote mini cheesecakes to your next picnic! (read the story here), (find the pattern here). Enjoy!

Thursday June 12, 2025

A New Design!

Simply sharing the beginnings of a new design! This is 1 of 3 new designs that I am hoping to roll out in 2025! ~ This is a Baby Keepsake Box Design, next up a new page in our Creative Christmas Keepsake Journal with optional surfaces, and last but not least a new Winter/Christmas design to roll out with our new ‘Flip Book Digital Magazine’ available thru this site, exclusively!

….and yet again I couldn’t be more excited!

Wednesday June 11, 2025

Veggie Gift Set

If you missed it, we’ve shared a ‘how-to-make‘ a Farmer’s Market Veggie Candle Gift Set thru the Blog pages. Simply click ‘Blog’ at the top of this page and enjoy!

Tuesday June 10, 2025

a heartfelt story

I have a heartfelt story to tell about a frog and a mouse, it changed the direction of my ‘thinking’ and a new purpose for my art and heart. …I will be sharing soon.

Monday June 9, 2025

Cath Kidston

My new (to me) British Magazines arrived and I cannot flip thru them fast enough, ….yet, I want to savor every moment with each new page I turn. (You can read about my new obsession with the UK thru-out the Daily Dose. ~ scroll down).

Among the articles I found one by/about Cath Kidston, a designer I have admired for a while and then I lost track of, it sent me down a ‘rabbit hole’ of discovery. I just love reading about Designers! You can find more about Cath Kidston thru Instagram (here).

Friday June 6, 2025

Keepsake Box

Another good friend became a Grammy (well, GiGi) and another Baby Keepsake Box was made, complete with paper lining, a matching First Christmas ornament and a keepsake canvas bag…..so sweet!

Thursday June 5, 2025

it has been so long

I received an email from a long-ago-client (I’m talkin’ like 15 years ago), I actually thought she or I was spammed because it has been so long. She asked ‘are you still painting?’ and I answered ‘why yes I am!’ ~ Her requests where always for her Longaberger Lid Collection for Mother’s Day ~ and since Longaberger has since closed their doors, there were no more lids. I’m not sure which basket this lid belongs too ~ but I am so thrilled she remembered me! She sent an image of what she was looking for ~ and I am hoping she likes what I have chosen! So fun to move the brushes again!

Wednesday June 4, 2025

Buffalo Chicken

It was Buffalo Chicken in the crockpot this past weekend with enough for sandwiches, leftovers and to freeze for later. I like this recipe with the addition of cheddar and cream cheese making it creamier and also cutting down on the heat. We added a little ranch dressing and served it up on slider buns. Yum!

Tuesday June 3, 2025

Dreaming Big

As I said yesterday I am still unsettled with the direction of my business, life and art ~ but I am also still dreaming big.

One of my dreams is to create a magazine ~ for ‘handmades and heartfelts’ with everything to warm your home and melt your heart ~ from home decor, to craft projects, to recipes, to garden ideas, design ramblings and artful patterns too….in our classic style of course.

I’ve always admired ‘The Home Companion’ by Mary Englebright for this very thing.

I’m starting with a digital magazine (which is still printable) hopefully to roll out by Christmas….or Winter.

Monday June 2, 2025

Just for now, not forever

I am still feeling unsettled as to any direction to go in with my life, my art and my business and instead of all this push and pull in my mind I think I will ‘just be content’ right where I am at ~ a little blogging, new designs to create and lots of home projects to do. Just for now, not forever and being ok with it.

Friday May 30, 2025

What I Have Been Painting

I was excited to move my brushes again when I painted this fun personalized ‘First Christmas’ ornament for a friend/coworker that I met thru the Bakery. She graduated this month and will be leaving us to pursue her teaching career and also getting Married this summer ~ I will miss her and wish her all the best.

To personalize the ornament I added baked goods for the ‘Bakery’ and a Wedding cake for their Wedding ~ also including a tag with their daughters name. The backside included ‘First Christmas for the new Mr and Mrs 2025’.

…and I really enjoyed moving my brushes again.

Thursday May 29, 2025

Good Eats

This was Good Eats for a quick meal ~ leftover beef bbq topped with cheddar cheese over sliced italian loaf bread baked in the oven till heated thru, toss in handcut baked fries and you have yourself a meal!

Wednesday May 28, 2025

1st and 3rd

My first and third favorite finds at the Luckett’s Market are ~ a kitchy duck planter and a frame for a dresser mirror.

The kitchy duck planter was a panic buy ~ it was almost noon and I did not purchase anything yet, I saw it, it was priced well and I made it mine. I wasn’t going to purchase any more decor ~ but I don’t regret this sweet purchase.

My favorite purchase was love at first site and I made ‘her’ mine immediately (with no idea how I was going to get it to the car) ~ when you know, you know ~ it is a frame for a dresser mirror with pretty carvings and a perfect green. I plan to clean it, seal in the chippy green paint (and sweet handwriting) and then paint a Christmas picture for the inset, then place ‘her’ on the mantel.

Scroll down and View my #2 below.

Tuesday May 27, 2025

allowing time to putter

I read recently thru an Instagram article that a fellow creative wrote ~ ‘I allowed my self to putter‘ and I thought to myself ‘when I’m feeling unsettled on which project to start, or feeling mindless with my thoughts, or weary between DIY’s ~ I should also allow myself to putter’ ~ I think we’ve lost that along the way ~ leaving time to just simply putter-around.

Friday May 23, 2025

Memorial Day Weekend

A little Red, White, and Blue for this Memorial Day Weekend.

Thursday May 22, 2025

Chalk & Chew

It’s funny how a ‘name’ catches on. Folks in my Hometown recognize me as the lady who taught ‘Chalk & Chew‘ at our local Art Center ~ it has been about 5 years since we held our last ‘Chalk & Chew‘ Workshop~ we held the Gatherings each month for about 8 years. I miss those days and will always be happy to be called ‘the Chalk & Chew Lady’. Read about our beginnings and the funny name (here). Pattern Designs found (here).

Wednesday May 21, 2025

More British

If you scroll back a bit, you will see that I have been interested in British Home Tours thru You Tube and British Magazines ~ really anything to do with British Home Decor, Eats and Gardens.

One thing has always lead me to another.

For instance I stumbled across Madeleine Olivia’s Home Tour thru an older episode on You Tube, then followed her thru Instagram (here), then learned of her article in this magazine from 2024 ~ then searched Ebay for the magazine and now it is on its way to my doorstep!

And I cannot wait to receive it! (Not to mention I purchased 5 additional British Decor magazines!)

Tuesday May 20, 2025

2nd Favorite

The second favorite thing I purchased at Luckett’s Spring Market this past weekend was this tiny restaurant ware pitcher. I love the design graphic, the little rim and spout and the cutest little finger-ring handle. I cleaned it up and placed it in line with a few other creamers and such on my kitchen window sill. Simply the sweetest.

Monday May 19, 2025

A Good Idea that Flopped

One of my favorite ideas was the ‘Recipe Card Project‘ ~ I created it, loved it, nurtured it, tried my best to get it off the ground ~ and yet it was one of my biggest flops. It had all the elements ~ a how-to pattern, acrylics, colored pencils, vintage recipe cards or book pages, alternative surfaces, blog posts, and video how-to’s. We did videos and created ads for Facebook, Instagram, and Blog Posts with ideas to use the designs. I even tried an ‘Artist Original’ Sale ~ but in then end it was just a Good Idea that flopped.

Our Recipe Card Projects are still available (here), search our Blog Posts for each project video.

Friday May 16, 2025

that simple

When the Seasons change I enjoy changing up the decor around my ‘staple pieces’ ~ In this vignette I kept the layers of mirrors, wicker pitcher and boxwood wreath. I then changed up the flowers and smalls, making for a quick simple transition from Easter to Spring. Sometimes it can be that simple, simple goodness.

Thursday May 15, 2025

I only have good problems

I feel like I have been complaining lately….alot! whah, whah, whah. But when it comes down to it ~ I really have nothing to complain about. Even in this time of transition with my business and in life….I have more ideas than I can count, more Art supplies than I need, more clothing than I can wear, more craft supplies than Hobby Lobby, enough $ to buy what I need and alot of what I want, and more food than we could ever eat.

And even though I have been complaining about my lack of motivation, my lack of energy and not having a clear direction with my business ~ I’ll keep my ‘good’ problems.

Wednesday May 14, 2025

Quality Check-Up

Our Classic Amy Joanne Candles included 3 new scents this season, one being ‘A Little Birdie Told Me‘ ~ which smells like waffles and ice cream. (available in the My Cottage Life Shop).

For Mother’s Day I gifted my Mom a ‘little birdie told me‘ tart set and I happened to stop by her home yesterday to visit and it smelled AMAZING! ~ she only melted one little birdie and her whole home smelled amazing! Now that is a great quality check-up!

Tuesday May 13, 2025

Monkey Wrenches

Another monkey wrench was thrown into my plans. My ‘take the show on the road‘ plans for the My Cottage Life Shop had a monkey wrench thrown in ~ the place where I share my wares canceled their Event. So….do I wallow in it? Pick myself up by the britches and find a new Event?…or roll with it and know it is part of God’s new plan for me?

Monday May 12, 2025

When Will I Settle?

Its been almost 9 months since I ‘let it all go‘ and every time I think I have ‘it’ all figured out a monkey wrench is thrown into the mix. I just can’t settle on ‘when, what and how‘ to begin again with my business.

I am still lovin’ every single part of every single ‘business’ I have created around Classic Amy Joanne ~ and in my mind I want it all to be exactly the same way and exactly where I thought it was going.

But for now, I will try to be content and have patience ~ for I know God has plans for me (and my business too), and His plans are always far greater than I could dream. Settling in.

Friday May 9, 2025

Speaking of Caring

The Owners of the Bakery where I work truly care about our Team ~ this past Friday we all received a special treat, a bouquet of flowers. What a wonderful place to work. It has made my transition from self-employed to working for someone else so much easier.

Thursday May 8, 2025

Care Enough

I’ve always loved when a Retail Store or Small Shop cared enough to give you their very best ~ like Bath & Body Works Gift Wrappings, Christopher & Banks Tissue Wrapped Clothing, or even how Chick-Fil-A lets you know it was their pleasure to serve you.

Here at Classic Amy Joanne ‘My Cottage Life Shop‘ we hope our Candles and Home Goods ‘Warm Your Home and Melt Your Heart’ ~ and now we have Washi Tape Candle Wraps to show how much we care.

It’s the little things that send the very best of us.

Wednesday May 7, 2025

The Last Place

Do you also have one of those places in your home where you are at the last place to add decor and your ‘decor bin’ has the last ‘leftovers’ of decor and it all ends up there? My last place is this blue hutch.

I’m hoping this year to make this hutch a feature and not a place with last chance leftovers.

Tuesday May 6, 2025

Every Cabinet Has A Purpose

Every cabinet, every drawer, every hook, every basket, every nook and cranny has a purpose in our 1200 square foot home. It has to ~ our home serves also as a studio, classroom, candle workshop and shop. I am thankful that my hubby likes to DIY as much as I do! We both enjoy an organized, well kept and pretty space.

Monday May 5, 2025

Spring Bakery Windows

At the ‘Buttered Crumb Bakery‘ where I work ~ I started creating the new Spring Windows ~ Mr Mousie is hanging out, along with Froggie and a few Blue Birds holding cookies, sweet treats and a few flowers too! Who knew this could be so much fun ~ Cookies to Eat and Creative Play!

Friday May 2, 2025

Church Perogies

Our neighbor kindly gives us Perogies made by her Church almost every other week. ~ they are certainly delicious on their own, but I have been experimenting with adding them to casseroles and changing up the flavors while baking them ~ nothing beats homemade, nothing. Keepers for sure.

Thursday May 1, 2025

Creating Mannequins

I have yet another mannequin body to create (bringing the body count to 4) ~ I’m not sure if there is anyone out there who loves to create mannequins, but if you are out there ‘you are my people’. Maybe it’s the love of retail, maybe it is just my creative side ~ whatever it is, it is fun, will you join us?

Wednesday April 30, 2025

Preparing for a Luckett’s Market

My Sister and I are headed to Luckett’s Spring Market (read about here) in a few short weeks. And although I am in need of nothing I am excited about what I may discover ~ will it be another swan planter, an expandable mug holder, a bird bath, another mirror, or something totally unexpected??? ~ I will be ready to go with my sneakers, market bag, list of ideas and a tape measure!

Tuesday April 29, 2025

Tomato Gift Set

There is something really fun happening in the ‘My Cottage Life’ Shop in a few short weeks ~ and although it is an ‘in-person’ Event I have been thinking about how to bring it to my on-line friends. Sooooooo my thoughts are to share a ‘how-to-make-it’ blog post with a few Event ideas, supply lists and step by step photos.

We will start with a ‘how-to-build’ a Tomato Gift Set ~ made exclusively for our ‘My Cottage Life’ Shop. Stay tuned in.

All things to warm your home and melt your heart.

Monday April 28, 2025

pop of color, mix of pattern

This past weekend I placed a red granite bowl on the table just inside my Studio to eventually put away. And as I went about my business and walked in and out of the room several times I noticed how much I was enjoying the view of mixed patterns and pops of color from the chalkboards, to the fabric wall paper, to the desk colors, to the fabric skirting patterns and yes, even the pop of color in the bowl. I’m really finding it visually fun to mix colors, textures and fabrics thru-out our home.

Maybe the red granite bowl found its new home.

Friday April 25, 2025

Short Story

Not only has my biz been in transition, I also feel like my mind, body and spirit have been in transition too. I’m learning to be comfortable in my own skin. Feeling better about myself no-matter my body type. ~ I recently ordered Clothing from ‘Short Story‘ and loved each item I received ~ everything felt proportioned for my 5’ 2″ body, curves and all. It may not be my favorite way to shop, I would love to go back to in person shopping ~ but I must say pre- selected stylish boxes showing up at my doorstep isn’t such a bad thing. I am beginning to embrace who I am mind, body, spirit and business too.

Thursday April 24, 2025

Findings

As we continue to clean-out a family homestead, I’ve been finding a lot of forgotten treasures, Such as these bottle brush trees and the tiniest Santas you will ever find….big enough to melt your heart.

Wednesday April 23, 2025

A little birdie told me,

We have 3 new Candle Scents almost ready to go for our Pop-In and Pick-Up Event On May 10th thru our ‘My Cottage Life Shop‘ ~ this coming weekend we’ll be packaging, photographing and preparing to Market them ~ we will have cute little birdie melts too, ….sure to melt your heart.

Our newest scents are ‘A Little Birdie Told Me‘ (smells like waffles and ice cream), Farm Fresh Garden Veggies (smells like fresh tomatoes) and Citrus & Sunshine (oranges and lemons)!

Of course we will have our Classic Gift Sets too!

Tuesday April 22, 2025

Up for a Challenge

As an Acrylic & Colored Pencil Artist (with many classes under my belt) ~ I like to challenge myself to paint what I see from a still setting, something out of my comfort zone~ as I did with this PB & J design (pattern found here) ~ it was a challenge to create the jelly and peanut butter smears and even the texture of the toasted bread. It took several attempts but I’m pretty happy with the results! What challenges have you taken with your painting? Do you work out of your comfort zone?

Monday April 21, 2025

Gift Sets

One thing I loved about working in Retail (Bath & Body Works, Hallmark, even Dollar General) was creating the Gift Sets during the Holidays. It pretty much carried over into my own business with coordinating Art, Crafts and Creativity into ‘Giftables’ ~ shown thru-out my blog postings and thru ‘Cottage Classic Giftables‘ (shown here).

This past Christmas I enjoyed creating Gift Sets for our ‘My Cottage Life Shop‘ Open House. ~ hoping to find ‘that‘ signature ‘Classic Amy‘ look.

Shelving has been created in my Studio to collect and gather all the goods to create Gift Sets for our ‘My Cottage Life Shop‘~ Mother’s Day is coming and we’ll be ready to treat your Mom with a pretty gift set.

Stay tuned-in for Gift Sets in ‘Citrus & Sunshine‘, ‘A Little Birdie Told Me‘, and ‘Farmer’s Market Fresh Veggies‘ ~ each coordinated with our new Candle Scents!

The ‘My Cottage Life Shop‘ holds events 3 times a year ~ A Christmas Gathering Open House, A Mother’s Day Pop Up & Pick-Up Shop, and an Autumn ‘Take The Show-On-The-Road’ Shop…..and of course you can make an appointment to shop anytime!

Thursday & Friday April 17 & 18, 2025

Happy Easter

Happy Easter! ~ enjoy a few Easter Classic Amy Joanne Memories ~ visit our Blog Tab for these projects and more!

Wednesday April 16, 2025

Happy Birthday Sis

If you see my Sister Stacey today, wish her a Happy Birthday!

….I’m the one with the pretty basket, Stacey is the one already chomping on her bunny. Pretty much how our lives have rolled. Lol.

Tuesday April 15, 2025

Steak Sandwich Soup

We enjoyed another heart-warming …and belly warming Soup! It was a new recipe from our ‘Delish Cooking Magazine’, Steak Sandwich Soup ~ It was definitely a keeper and I’m thinking of adding a jar of diced tomatoes next time. Variations can be fun!

Monday April 14, 2025

When you care enough

I found these crochet covered hangers so charming and very ‘cottage-like’(found while doing a home clean-out) ~ imagine a time when you cared enough about a favorite blouse to crochet a hanger cover for it. A time when there were only wire hangers. A time when money was tight. A time when you cared enough to care.

Friday April 11, 2025

Pretty Gift, Part 2

This pretty daffodil gift I received from the Bakery Owners where I work, was sporting purple foil (scroll down to check it out) ~ I simply removed the purple foil and dropped the potted plant into an ironstone bundt mold, then I tucked it into a corner ‘in vignette style’ ~ creating a sweet little moment.

It’s the little things.

Thursday April 10, 2025

Pretty Gift, Part 1

Stop by our Daily Dose tomorrow to see how I displayed this pretty daffodil gift.

Wednesday April 9, 2025

A Perfect Soft Crust

Practice makes perfect, so they say.

Yes, we’d all love to hit it out of the park the first time ~ but cooking and baking, like anything else, the more you practice the better you get. …..and you become a food snob too. I love that with every bite you can taste the ingredients (and the love) you put into any homemade meal.

I’ve been using (this crust) for many years now ~ for Friday Night Pizza to Stromboli….adding a little more olive oil, a little Parmesan cheese, a pinch of sugar and a little less bread flour ~ Perfect and Soft every time!

Tuesday April 8, 2025

A Better Purpose

‘Okay, hear me out‘ I said to my husband as he looked at me questionably, ‘you must know that my mind just works differently (creatively)!’

You see, during a house ‘clean-out’, that my hubby and I are in the middle of ~ he was ready to toss an ashtray. I halted him in his tracks, grabbed the ashtray and put it on the keep pile. I said to him with excitement “that would make a great brush holder!” ~ it was unused I might add….and so it was ‘a great brush holder’, a better purpose.

Yes, I see things differently.

Monday April 7, 2025

Not My Bread and Butter

Although ‘it’ is not my bread and butter any longer, my business is very important to me ~ I love ‘this’ part of my life ~ my dreams are still in it. I hope to keep sharpening my skills as an Artist, a Designer, A Website Designer, A Business Owner, A Marketer, A Merchandiser, a Photographer, A Typist, and even a Shop Keeper.

It may not be my bread and butter, but it sure is my jam. Find our PB & J Design (here).

Friday April 4, 2025

Marketing

It all boils down to Creativity, in each and every part of running a creative business ~ Marketing ‘myself’ and ‘my brand’ is very much a favorite part ~ printed or digital, a look, a style, a vibe that says ‘Classic Amy Joanne’! I’ve been thinking of creating a digital (printable) magazine or flip book for our website ~ oh the ideas~ and creating the Marketing will all be part of the fun!

Oh the ideas. Endlessly creative.

Thursday April 3, 2025

Candle Making Obsession, How it all started

The obsession with Candle Making all started with creating a Christmas Gift a few years back (pictured here) ~ I loved making the candle itself and crafting the giftable ‘look’ and even the signature twist of the wick. The ‘felt’ topper was from a vintage stocking, how sweet is that! And as with anything I put my hands on ~ it always ends up a creative business adventure! Candle Obsessed.

Wednesday April 2, 2025

Candle ‘n Shop Thoughts

My eyes have always been bigger than my belly. Same with our daily limit of 24 hours, I always think I can jam 48 hours of projects into one day. But I’m learning to ‘roll with it’ and adjust.

I had big plans to roll out a few new Candle Scents, Art and Crafts for a Mother’s Day Open House ~ but my idea list stretched longer than the time I had.

So, I’m rolling with it and adjusting ~ limiting the number of scents, then creating Candle Giftsets and offering a fun pick-up date at the Shop near Mother’s Day! ~ I kinda like that idea!

Here is a little sneak peek list of new scents: ‘A Little Birdy Told Me’ (elderberry), ‘Citrus and Sunshine’ (orange and lemon), and ‘Farmer’s Market’ (tomatoes and herbs). Oh what fun!

Tuesday April 1, 2025

Married 36 Years Today!

It’s no April Fool ~ We are married 36 years today!

Monday March 31, 2025

Classic Cling Rubber Stamp Sale!

Create with our Classic Cling Rubber Stamps, grab a few today on Sale! (read here).

Friday March 28, 2025

Sad Story

Depending on how you look at it this could be a sad or a happy story.

You see I was vintage shopping and loved a lot of things I saw ~ but was trying to be really picky about what I purchased because I have a lot of nice ‘things’ at home already. Things that I don’t want to part with yet. (You remember the rule of two things out, one thing in) .

At the shop, I left behind a really pretty ironstone plate, a green wooden kidney stool, and a cute egg plate. I also found a nice white cabinet for the wall ~ I wanted it so bad but I thought of every nook and corner in my home and it just wasn’t going to work.

And that is the ‘sad or happy story‘ depending on how you look at it ~ I have so many pretty things at home (the happy part)…but I do need to leave some things at the shop (the sad part).

In the end, I’m just leaving some things for someone else to love.

Thursday March 27, 2025

The Table Is Set

I’m beginning to realize how ‘old school‘ I am ~ but I’m okay with keeping it that way if it means enjoying the things I enjoy ~ things like the lost art of setting a table. Mostly I set the table for the camera and to enjoy the art of display ~ it is certainly a lost tradition with modern conveniences, smaller families and like us, eating in front of the tv with snack tables.

Wednesday March 26, 2025

Today is a mixed bag of fish

Today is a mixed bag of fish. I’m not really settled on any given direction for my biz and am’ stuck in the world of missing the ol’ way, the ol’ Classic Amy Joanne, with Little Makers, Classic Chalk Art, Baby Bundt Boxes, the Recipe Card Project and our Creative Keepsake Journals.

So for today I will find focus on making a few updates to our website and a little Studio organizing.

Jerry Mix Paint & Pencil Pattern can be found (here). Read all about our Jerry Mix (here). Go Fish!

Tuesday March 25, 2025

Liz Marie Galvan

I just adore her style, Liz Marie Galvan. You can find her on Instagram sharing her home, projects, and shopping too. She has an eye for putting together her home and a shop with mixing new, handmade and vintage. I am so inspired by Liz!

Monday March 24, 2025

Roof Lines

We are finally ‘almost‘ ready to begin our front porch ~ and although I have grand ideas, the pitch of our roof just can’t handle all my porch dreams…..so I turned to Pinterest to find a cottage like home with a flat porch roof ~ and I think I could fall in love with this one. Simple and Sweet. Can’t wait!

Friday March 21, 2025

Farmers Market Scent

I’ve been working on a new Summer Scent called ‘Farmer’s Market‘ for our Candle Line. ~ and thru Pinterest (photo credit) I found this image and thought it would be a fun giftable idea for our Farmer’s Market candles.

Thursday March 20, 2025

A Perfect Blend

While making this Italian Blend Salad Dressing (found here) ~ I experimented with different flavors of Olive Oil and Balsamics thru Olio out of Lititz, PA. Hard to pick a favorite but I am liking the Greek Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Star White Balsamic blend.

Wednesday March 19, 2025

Found Motivation

I keep loosing my swagger….I think I have it back one minute ~ then the next minute I’m back on the sofa with no motivation. Winter Blues I guess ~ so each day this week I’ve been picking myself up by the britches and “Doin’ It Anyway!” (whatever ‘It’ may be).

Yesterday started out like any other, as usual ~ I was playing around on the computer and decided to turn on one of my favorite Podcasters ‘Jennifer Allwood. ~ and I believe I was sent a God Wink, this inspiring podcast was about ‘being in transition in business‘, (listen here) Jennifer prayed for us all listening and it gave me the motivation to keep pushing myself, because that is exactly where I am, in transition. It should come as no surprise ~ because prayer always works, that I had a direction (an idea) later in the day (and something to be excited about) ~ to create ‘Project Cards’, much like a paint deck, for the Candle part of my business…..maybe it will be a new direction or maybe just a fleeting thought ~ but it gave me the motivation to get off the sofa and work on something while I am in ‘transition’ ~ waiting to see where God takes me.

Tuesday March 18, 2025

Little Cabinet Plans

If you haven’t noticed by now I love to collect vintage child sized cabinets, cupboards and little hutches. Some just need a little scrubbing and some I imagine to be something a little more. These little cabinets are great for display and storage for a working Studio.

This little cabinet will be a part of my new sewing corner ~ it’s already scrubbed up ~ but I am dreaming of painting it in a farmhouse white, adding ironstone knobs, creating a fabric pin-board to the inside of the cabinet doors, making the drawer into a pin cushion and adding a skirted bottom ~ as you can see I’ve been collecting spools and clothspins, with a few gifts from friends included.

Creating a sewing corner to create beautiful things ~ it’s all part of the fun!

Monday March 17, 2025

Happy St Patty’s Day

I don’t believe I have ever painted anything for St Patty’s Day ~ but I did find that this bunny ‘Marigold‘ image had a fun ‘green’- like setting ~ how ever you look at it Happy St Patty’s Day to you!

‘Marigold’ Classic Chalk Art pattern found (here).

Friday March 14, 2025

Bartering

Maybe we should go back to the bartering system. Trading goods, you have what I need, I have what you want…. kinda thing.

I started pottery classes again with Jo Pilston, I gave her candles, she gave me eggs. …and we were both happy.

Thursday March 13, 2025

My Problems and My Wool Stash

I have problems. Well lots a problems, but let me start with a few in this moment with my wool stash. #1 – I buy wool with good intentions (and dreams) and then never work on them. #2 – I always feel like I am in a race to accomplish ‘things’ and #3 – I feel like my work space needs to be ‘staged’ for visitors or camera ready at all times.

How I am going to fix my problems. #1 – try to remember why each piece of wool was purchased, make a list then go for it! #2 – slooooooow the pace down to enjoy each project! and #3 – use my space as it is intended, as a work space, let the scraps fly!

This is my current wool stash ~ most purchased with intention, some purchased ‘just for pretty’ ~ my ol’ candle hutch is now filled with my wool ~ it is nestled in my sewing corner ~ how perfect!

Wednesday March 12, 2025

Reinventing

Reinventing the biz. New Dreams.

I’m still feeling like I am waist high in water holding my hands above and pushing against a current ~ does that make sense to anyone? I want my biz to stay exactly the same ~ but I’m in quicksand ~ yet I am also dreaming new dreams. What is my purpose with all this creativity held in my hands and heart? Although I have vowed to myself to take it slow and steady (and be purposeful) ~ today I took another step towards the Brand of Classic Amy Joanne and my Shop ‘The My Cottage Life Shop‘ ~ we now have a website domain ~ www.themycottagelifeshop.com ~ right now it only directs you back here, but it has a whole-lotta dreams attached to it.

Tuesday March 11, 2025

Getting My Mo-Jo Back

Today I picked myself up by my britches and said ‘Self, you have got to get your mo-jo back!” ~ it helps that it is finally sunny and 60 degrees! I took myself for a walk, opened a few windows to let the fresh air in ~ did a little cleaning, planned dinner, talked to a friend and now I am ready to dig into a craft. Welcome back Classic Amy Joanne!

Monday March 10, 2025

Blue Easter

‘Blue Easter‘ is still one of my all time favorite creations ~ it was a perfect design to create with my favorite color ‘Blue’! You can also create ‘Blue Easter‘ by purchasing a pattern (here). ~and also read all about our ‘Blue Easter‘ with even more ideas (here), (here), and (here), including cabbage dyed eggs and a rockin’ rabbit DIY! ….always and all things creative here at Classic Amy Joanne.

Friday February 28, 2025

Busy Days Coming ~ Break in the Action

We’re taking a break in the action next week here on the Daily Dose ~ We begin the season of Lent and I am our Church Secretary. There is also Fasnacht Day and I work in a Bakery. ~ We’ll be back soon sharing creativity!

‘Apple Cider Donuts‘ Designed Pattern can be purchased (here).

Thursday February 27, 2025

Another Slice of Goodness

We enjoyed another slice of homemade goodness last evening ~ right down to the crust! Pesto-Chicken-Tomato Pizza it was! Recipe coming soon!

Enjoy more Pizza Recipes by using our ‘search box‘ on the Blog Tab.

Wednesday February 26, 2025

Apple Roses

I recently made Apple Roses and posted them thru the blog (here). And even more recently I have been following Nora Murphy thru YouTube (here) ~ “why am I just learning about Nora ~ I feel a kindred spirit!”, anyway ~ Nora posted a video a few years ago that I just found~ creating this same apple dessert and you can find it (here).

I just love her style.

Monday February 24, 2025

Just To Be Me

Hiccups keep happening in my life ~ nothing earth shattering but enough to throw a well planned schedule off course. Could it be by God’s design for me? Is there a lesson in all this? Whether it is or it isn’t ~it has caused me to shift direction, lighten the load, reduce the scheduling, and free’d up some time ~ which had me thinking that these hiccups could be just what I needed to clear my head, with room to think, grow and just to be me.

Maybe this time around I am learning that a lightened load doesn’t equal lazy ~ but equals ‘more time’ to just be….and really enjoy the moments gifted to me.

Maybe these jumbled up thoughts only make sense to me ~ but I am sure enjoying the time ‘these unwanted hiccups’ keep giving me.

Friday February 21, 2025

Maxi-Minimalist

I’ve come to think of myself as a maxi-minimalist. I’m pretty neat and tidy and continually organizing our home and either adding to or weeding out my collections, but…….I also love creating a ‘lived-in’ home with vignettes and collections on all kinds of shelving, in hutches, onto tabletops, on walls, and in each small nook and cranny ~ nothing else would ‘feel like home‘ to me.

Thursday February 20, 2025

New Sewing Corner, coming soon

I’ve mentioned a few posts back ‘here on the Daily Dose‘ that there has been some shuffling around within our Home and Studio, since moving the ‘My Cottage Life Shop’ to our entryway room ~ This little corner (before image shown) of the Studio has become a Sewing Corner ~ it has sweet little cabinets with fun drawers and fun little collectables too ~ ….keep your eye on Classic Amy Joanne, we’ll be sharing soon!

Wednesday February 19, 2025

It’s Soup Weather!

If you’re living anywhere near the North East, it’s Soup Weather! We enjoyed a pot of Zuppa Soup this week (here) with day ol’ crusty garlic bread, and that’s a YUM!

Tuesday February 18, 2025

Punch and Prody

I learned to use a prody tool and a little bit of punching too with Mary Becci (awesome teacher) at Two Morrows Treasures (the cutest shop Kathy) ~ such a fun class!….oh and do you see that wall of wool? The answer is yes, I did come home with wool to add to my stash and of course, ideas too!

Monday February 17, 2025

Making More Changes

While building the business over the past 6 years ~ I knew in the beginning I would need to fasten the purse strings to come from a steady full time income to typically less than (on average) $80.00 a week. And today I still would make the same decisions I made 6 years ago, because even though it was hard at times financially it was a rewarding experience in many ways.

Over the past 6 months I have been making changes with my business (being creative without the hustle) and new employment once again (read here), I’m ready to take care of my family and myself again.

I purchased my first new cloths in 6 years using Stitch Fix and I am so pleased with their service and clothing picks for me! And this week, I even treated myself to a new hairstyle too. Feels so good.

Friday February 14, 2025

Be My Valentine

to celebrate Valentines’ Day we enjoyed Dinner and a Movie from our Cozy Home ~ marinated shrimp (fully cooked, peeled and devained) in olive oil, parmesean cheese, garlic, and red pepper flake. We also enjoyed our Pub Fries (found here) with an added sprinkle of parmesean cheese as an added side dish.

We’re still sweet on each other after all these years and for that I am forever grateful.

Thursday February 13, 2025

So many perfect choices

The interior walls in our home are all painted Sherwin Williams ‘Rain’, except for the kitchen and Studio areas~ for the past 18 years. We did repaint to freshen-up a few times, but have always stayed true to ‘Rain’ ~ and we still love it today, but………. maybe it’s time for a change.

I’ve been leaning towards preparing the walls with a deep blue, then dry-brushing a mid-tone blue such as SW ‘Inky Blue’ over the top. Then adding a ‘wall paper’ stencil to our dining and kitchen areas using yet another blue with a gray-ish tone. And would you believe that I am thinking of designing my own stencil ~ I’m thinking a trellis with hidden bunnies, chickens and other fun things!

So Many Perfect Choices!

Wednesday February 12, 2025

Tator Tot Topping

Tuesday February 11, 2025

Coordinating a Collection of Things

When thrifting or shopping I typically just buy what I love. Knowing that I will end up with enough ‘things’ over time that will coordinate with each other to create a vignette today or 10 years from now.

In this photo of collected ‘things’ we have an ironstone cake mold and platter collected from thrift stores, a ‘lettuce’ plate from a country shop boutique that I picked up on vacation with my Sister, an oil lamp from a vintage shop up North, a few scraps of green leftover from Christmas and even a pinecone from our yard.

Collected and Coordinated, Classic.

Monday February 10, 2025

4x Chocolate

My Sister tasked me with dessert for our Super Bowl ‘dinner & gathering’ this past weekend~ she said ‘nothing fancy, Amy’ ~ so I served it in non-fancy plastic cups, about as non-fancy as it gets, for our 4x Chocolate Overload Dessert.

Layering a homemade brownie (recipe here), with a scoop of homemade chocolate pudding (recipe here), and a dollop of homemade topping (recipe here~ adding a bit of pudding to the mix) and then adding a homemade chocolate candy pinecone ~ all created with Wilbur Chocolate!

Oh my…..

Friday February 7, 2025

Pimento

I’m not a huge fan of olives, but I do like the flavor of the pimento inside ~ if you chop it up fine enough that is.

There is a rice dish that I make (recipe here) that has pimentos in it and it’s pretty taste-y.

In this Pimento Cheese Burgers recipe ~ it includes pimentos in the burger and in the cheese spread ~ I will be sure to put the recipe in rotation on the Blog. Another Keeper!

You can find two yummy macaroni salad recipes (here) to enjoy with your burger. Oh, and the baked bean recipe I will be sure to share that soon as well.

Thursday February 6, 2025

Why I Thrift

Well there are a few reasons actually. For starters I enjoy the hunt and discovery….and it is a way to add personallity and uniqueness to your home. Curating a whole room or a simple shelf can change ‘the whole mood’ in your space with thifted finds.

Another reason is ~ there is no attachement to your finds~ like a hand-me down or heirloom piece ~ maybe grandma passed down a punch bowl that is way out of your style but you’re kinda stuck with it,…. sorry.

And a third reason is ~ it is pretty inexpensive so when you’re bored with your piece you can add it back into the thrifting cycle or sell it. Sometimes I purchase vintage thrifted finds to style a photo layout or a tablescape too.

I find that thrifting mixes well with your everyday pieces ~ inherited, new, old and even handmade….with a watchful thrifted eye, and a list.

Wednesday February 5, 2025

Home Changes

While ‘my business life‘ has been changing (read here), I have also been dreaming of upcoming DIY home changes ~ from continuing on with our storybook cottage outdoor space to repainting the interior with texture and a handmade trellis stencil thru-out several rooms, then adding in the details with painted furniture, natural fiber area rugs, gingham chair covers, oak picture frames, vintage finds and of course our inherited cookoo clock.

Feels like Home to me.

Tuesday February 4, 2025

Banana Split Cake

This past weekend was my hubby’s birthday ~ I won’t give away the year but I can tell you that I have made his favorite Banana Split Cake for each birthday for the past 36 years ~ taking over for his Mom after we Married. It’s not a hard cake to make and has basic ingredients ~ just simply a few layers of sweet goodness.

Monday February 3, 2025

Warming Gingerbread

Coming this week on the Blog ~ we will be sharing a few uses for electric warmers, vintage mugs and all things Gingerbread. ……..Melt my heart.

Friday January 31, 2025

Still Unsettled, but glad

I’m still unsettled as to where to begin (see yesterdays post below)…creatively speaking, but I can tell you that I am glad to have my creative spirit back ~ and just like in typical ‘classic amy joanne‘ fashion it is back at me like a full on waterfall and not just a dripping faucet.

Yesterday I was dreaming about painting, penciling and the like ~ today it is about Shop ideas for our May Open House ~ clusters of daisy’s, ol’ green shutters, scalloped clay pots, citrus scents and handmade duck whirligigs…..oh my!

ps ~ image shown is our ‘Banana Box’ with a favorite dessert posted (here).

Thursday January 30, 2025

Almost Ready

I’m almost ready to jump back into my Creative Work ~ like many Creatives, the problem I have is typical ~ which project to tackle first.

Will be it be sewing wool hearts and bunnies, or making our ‘Northern Girl Southern Sweet Tea’ Candle, or will it be creating our first Thanksgiving Storybook, or creating our next themed wreath, or even our next page in our Keepsake Journal ~ decisions, decisions.

Wednesday January 29, 2025

Which Candle?

Which Classic Amy Joanne Candle are you burning today?….me, well I am always in love with Cottage Christmas.

Tuesday January 28, 2025

Vintage Babbles

Today I enjoyed ‘thrifting’ with my friends from ‘Sister Stash’ ~ my goal was to find Babbles and such to create fun wreaths. I have something in mind….and again I couldn’t be more excited.

Monday January 27, 2025

We’re up to something new

One of my best friends, a writer, and me with my art are beginning of fun journey together ~ working on a collaboration of tales including some smiles, smirks and eyebrow raising moments thru characters, quirks, and small town happenings. Stay tuned into Classic Amy Joanne for another fun adventure!

Friday January 24, 2025

Stromboli

Stromboli has become a favorite in our home, and we have been rotating it with our pizza on Fridays ~ same dough recipe ~ and mixing up the fixin’s. So delish.

Thursday January 23, 2025

Cuppa Snowman

I’m at the Bakery today, stop on by for your cuppa snowman! …and yes, those are pretzel arms in Amy style.

Lovin’ creating the Bakery windows!

Wednesday January 22, 2025

Ontop of Spaghetti

We received a beautiful ‘foodie’ giftset over the holidays with all sorts of locally made ingredients for a Pasta Meal….and I must say it was extra delish ~ especially the parmesean crisp toppers!

Tuesday January 21, 2025

Watching the Snow Fly

It has been a snowy cold winter here in PA ~ but I don’t mind at all, well from my cozy warm home anyway….I love watching the snow fly…..and it beats the summer heat any day in my book. (…although I am anxious for our zinnas, dahlias and cone flowers!)

Monday January 20, 2025

Cookoo Clock

My husband and I were gifted a cookoo clock from his families home. What a sweet ‘tweet‘ treasure. I couldn’t wait to capture the cookoo!…..so smitten.

(coo coo spelled wrong on image ~ fact checked)

Friday January 17, 2025

All Things UK

Over the past couple of years I have been leaning into reading Country Living UK Magazine ~ of course I love the homes they share, but I mostly love the page lay-outs, stories and even the printed fonts. It feels so much like ‘home’ to me. I’m sure I am German but maybe I have a little British in my blood too.

Most recently I have been reading Period Living UK Magazine (shown) it was mentioned on an episode of ‘Country Living UK’ thru YouTube, ….where they feature Homes, Makers and Artists too. I am loving this new magazine find (mostly found thru Ebay). …..and so smitten.

Thursday January 16, 2025

Feels Like Home

thrifted, handmade, gifted and even new, a mix of texture, color and vibe, that’s what feels like home to me. Classic Amy Joanne.

Wednesday January 15, 2025

Website Happenings!

If you’re still here visiting (thank you!) you may have noticed we’ve been making small changes to our website ~ and these changes are just the beginning of a bigger picture…… a bigger purpose.

We even have a new ‘brand marker’ and tag line, you can view it in the bottom left of the image.

We’re here to warm your home and melt your heart. Thank you for stopping by, more to come!

Tuesday January 14, 2025

Homemade Weekend Goodness

Homemade Croutons with locally made Olive Oil, homemade Ranch Salad Dressing with a tossed Salad, homemade Pizza Crust, homemade BBQ Sauce for our Chicken Pizza drizzled with our Ranch Dressing! Can you say Yum.

Monday January 13, 2025

Cottage Style Gift Wrapping

We’re back with the Daily Dose and it’s 2025! We have new ideas, a new plan and a new mindset towards sharing Creativity here at Classic Amy Joanne…..and we’ll be sharing the details soon ~ always fun to share the journey with creative friends!

This past weekend I enjoyed a baby shower for a dear friends daughter ~ and enjoyed wrapping the gift in cottage style ~ mixing floral patterned papers with colorful ribbons, rick-rack, a glittery flower tie-on and a fun plaid gift tag too.

Friday December 20, 2024

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas, we’ll be back with the ‘Daily Dose‘ and all things Creative (with a new look) in a few short weeks. ……Wishing you a ‘Warm You Home, Melt Your Heart Kinda Christmas!

Thursday December 19, 2024

Just Because.

This year, We only did a sprinkling of Christmas decor ~ some years it is all out and some years it is just a sprinkle. I simply just added a lot of artificial greens and a few velvet ribbons to baskets, candlesticks, wall hooks and yes, even our Chickens too…….why you ask? Just because.

Wednesday December 18, 2024

At Peace

Tuesday December 17, 2024

36th Christmas Tree

36 Christmas years filled with beautiful memories around our Christmas Tree.

The Tree Farm Owner said to us ‘You always pick a Frasier Fur, it must be a favorite’….I didn’t know that was our usual pick, so it must be!

Monday December 16, 2024

Classic Amy Joanne, Shop Keeper Tidbits

I have been enjoying my new role as Shop Keeper. From the design of the Shop, to Collecting and Creating the Goods, to the Marketing. ~ We’re going to break it down soon on the Blog ~ from my on-the-job training, to cabinet-making ideas, to coordinating the product launches, to ordering the gift boxes and marketing.

Our next product launch for the ‘My Cottage Life’ Shop will include a few new scents such as ‘Citrus and Sunshine’, ‘Zinnia Patch’ and ‘A Little Birdie Told Me’ ~ along with wreaths made with spun cotton oranges, citrus dish soap blocks and brushes, signature cake pedestals, market bags, vintage dishes, blue bird melties and duck whirligigs! Coming May 10, 2025, we’re excited, save the date!

Friday December 13, 2024

What a delicious meal….

It felt good to be creative in the kitchen again ~ this week we enjoyed a recipe I will be sharing soon thru the Blog Pages (yes, we will be Blogging again, smile!) ~ it included some fun flavors like chicken, Canadian bacon, spinach, tomato and parmesan too.

Thursday December 12, 2024

Gingerbread Man Meltie

A vintage mug, an electric tart/mug warmer and the sweetest smelling gingerbread melties ~ making the sweetest gift this Christmas Season!

Wednesday December 11, 2024

When you enter

When you enter the ‘My Cottage Life‘ Shop, you will be greeted with a Warm Welcome, the scent of Christmas will be in the air, the sound of a Nostalgic Christmas with a Tony Bennett Playlist playing, there are beautiful displays of an ol’ time Christmas Shop, and your purchase will be thoughtfully wrapped….we may even share a cookie or two. Our hopes are that your visit will Melt Your Heart.

Tuesday December 10, 2024

…just a little sprinkle

We haven’t fully decorated for Christmas, yet….but we needed just a little sprinkle dashed around the house for our ‘Shop’ Open House ~ our fireside shelving ‘sprinkled’ together nicely, I think I will keep it!

Monday December 9, 2024

Open House, the My Cottage Life Shop

My heart (and home) was warm this past weekend during our first Open House for the ‘My Cottage Life’ Shop ……thank you everyone who came out to support our small creative business…… you melt my heart.

Friday December 6, 2024

It’s Show Time

The ‘My Cottage Life’ Shop and all our newly designed collections and candles will be making their debut tomorrow morning….and yet again, I couldn’t be more excited! It’s finally show time!

Thursday December 5, 2024

Washed Velvet Ribbons

I fell in love with this washed velvet ribbon with frayed edges from Hobby Lobby…it has that faded ‘denim cottage’ style I adore…coordinating nicely with our home decor ~ this simple wreath would be a fun addition to any door or even as a candle ring. I added some glitter to the foe greenery to give it a little pep….and added a handmade clay ornament with a sweet ginger face. So smitten.

Wednesday December 4, 2024

Almost There

We’re almost there and it is crunch time….we have giftsets to create, our menu board to write-up, some marketing and pricing, a little cleaning and decor, and setting up the giftwrap and food areas. I better get busy!

The My Cottage Life Shop, by Classic Amy Joanne.

Tuesday December 3, 2024

My Carrot

Along with working on the Shop, (…and my Biz) I’ve been thinking ahead to Spring! ‘My Carrot’ is created in Colored Pencil and Acrylics onto a watercolor board, onto wood with upholstery tacks…. and will be a downloadable pattern offered in April. Keep Hanging with me, change can be good.

Monday December 2, 2024

Visuals

We’re adding the visuals to our ‘My Cottage Life‘ Shop ~ making our shop a beautiful place to discover, experience and enjoy. Our first Open House is only 5 days away.

Friday November 29, 2024

adding extra sweetness

One week until our first ‘My Cottage Life’ Shop Open House!….and today finds me adding extra sweetness to our Snowman Collectables ~ a few flakes, a few stick arms, a scarf or two and a-whole-lotta charm!

Can’t wait!

Wednesday November 27, 2024

Happy Thanksgiving

Thankful for you, Happy Thanksgiving!

Our Pilgrims can be found thru-out our Shop tab (here) in Acrylics, Colored Pencil and Classic Chalk Art too.

Read about our Pilgrims thru-out our Blog tab (here).

Tuesday November 26, 2024

Gingerbread

Not only do they look like Gingerbread Men but they smell like Gingerbread too! We’ve created a few Gingerbread Melting Tarts and placed them in the cutest little bowls with ruffled edges ~ ready for melting this holiday season! Available soon in our ‘My Cottage Life’ Shop.

Monday November 25, 2024

Gone Junkin’

Friday November 22, 2024

Tiny Details

Thursday November 21, 2024

What Makes Him Amy

Could it be the striped legs, the sideways smile or the ruffled pantaloons? Why of course and he is coming soon to The ‘My Cottage Life‘ Shop!

Wednesday November 20 , 2024

Something is Missing!

Tuesday November 19, 2024

Another Big Idea

We’ve hand painted a 4′ x 8′ Marketing Canvas (drop cloth) for our ‘My Cottage Life‘ shop…..another BIG Idea. Go big or go home right?

Read more about our other BIG ideas (here).

Monday November 18, 2024

Everything has its Season

I am realizing that ‘Seasons’ in our life come and go ~ they teach us lessons, are for enjoyment, and even to lead us to new places. And if we’re lucky, we find Joy in each Season….and miss them when when they’re gone. And I have learned that when a ‘Season’ has passed there is something even more wonderful waiting on the other side.

For instance ~ I created Chalk Art for our local Art Center and created a class called ‘Chalk & Chew’ that ran about 10 years ~ I never wanted it to end, but it did ~ and looking back on it I learned lessons, found joy, gained experiences and built a business. The groundwork was laid.

Today I wonder too…what’s next? A door is shutting but I don’t see the window yet. But I know in my ‘knower’….God only has good plans for me. A purpose. And I can’t wait to see what it is. A new Season.

So in the meantime I will carry on with creativity…..it’s the one thing that remains consistent.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Friday November 15, 2024

Smell Test

Our Melting Tarts have passed the Smell Test, with an A ++++++++

I found myself curious when a customer was hesitant to purchase Melting Tarts from our Collections- she explained, in her experience with ‘other‘ purchased Tarts that the scent doesn’t last. Interesting. Of course, I wanted her first experience with Classic Amy Joanne Candles to be truly wonderful. (I didn’t know her circumstances, room size or the brand of Tarts she purchased). So I did a test run of our own Melting Tarts…..I placed 1 tart (of the package of 6) into a warming dish onto our wax-melter and then worked about the house for while…..thru day 1 the scent was amazing and the fragrance drifted thru the whole house, about a 10 hour melt. day 2, same story, same tart, same amount of hours. day 3 same story. I am on day 6 and still the same story from the first tart. I am so smitten with the quality of our Melting Tarts ~ that’s alot of smell time from just one tart….. we may have even surpassed Yankee Candle…..just sayin’.

Thursday November 14, 2024

Cottage Christmas Candle Display

One of my favorite candle fragrances within our 30+ varieties is ‘Cottage Christmas‘ ~

….. so, of course in our new shop, ‘Cottage Christmas‘ will be a featured scent!

The cabinet has been chosen, and the marketing (shown) will be hung directly over the cabinet (….just like in my Bath & Body Works retail days), we will have jars of greens, fruits and berries ~ and of course our beautiful candles in tins, cottage jars and warming tarts.

It’s all coming together to Warm Your Home & Melt Your Heart.

Wednesday November 13, 2024

Snowman Bodies

We’ve got snowman bodies everywhere and in all sorts of mediums!! All needing a little something to make ’em sweet….legs, scarfs, arms, noses, and a whole lotta glitter!

Tuesday November 12, 2024

Rebuilding, not Rebranding

We’re continuing to rebuild the biz, I don’t believe we are ever finished growing or changing~ staying ‘fresh’ is a good thing in a creative business, but rebuilding is something I didn’t plan or even wish for…..I went out kicking and screaming but I must say being on the other side, knowing that I don’t need to give up my dreams……it feels pretty good. Our brand, motto and purpose are all still the same ~ we’re still all things Art & Home and we’re still sharing creativity……along with some new added fun.

Our new business cards arrived for our ‘My Cottage Life’ Shop ~ where we hold artful classes in the Studio, and enjoy our new Shop life with candles & home goods. That’s who we are ~ still all things Classic Amy Joanne. ….and still sharing it all here thru our Daily Dose, Blog and Gallery.

Monday November 11, 2024

Marketing Details

We enjoy coordinating ‘the details’ here at Classic Amy Joanne, even in the Marketing for our ‘My Cottage Life’ Shop. These hang tags have our image, logo, design and font too. They coordinate with our signs, our banners and even our product.

When you see our logo & image, you will know our product came from our hands, heart and home…..recognizable, we love that.

Friday November 8, 2024

In The Meadow

Another ’round of Sweet Snowmen from our ‘In the Meadow‘ Collection are on their way to the kiln for firing ~ oh what a Joy it is to create with Clay…… another fun Collection for our ‘My Cottage Life’ Shop Open House!

Thursday November 7, 2024

Chicken & Rice Crockpot Meal

I knew I had chicken, I knew I had rice, I knew I had parmesean cheese ~ and it all became a quick throw together crock pot meal ~ adding a few leftover carrots, seasonings and chicken broth as well.

I think I will make it again, it’s a keeper.

Wednesday November 6, 2024

A Cozy Snowie

We’re working on a few ‘Cozy Snowies‘ in the Studio for our December 7th Open ‘House’ in the ‘My Cottage Life’ Shop ~ oh so fun!

Adding and coordinating the accessories is extra sweet!

Tuesday November 5, 2024

Dreams on Your Heart

I love to hear stories of folks who have dreams on their hearts. I love to see their faces light up when they speak of their dreams. Most recently while working at the Bakery (….which is also a small women owned business dream) a super kind woman dropped off flowers for each Baker ~ she is a regular customer who is a local teacher, but her whole face lights up when she talks about her Flower Farm, also sharing stories and how creating brings her joy from her beautiful harvest. Oh but a dream.

Monday November 4, 2024

I Was Thinking

I was thinking ~ wouldn’t it be fun to build or find a play kitchen oven/stove to add to our storefront cabinets in the ‘My Cottage Life’ shop? The cabinets are all created from play hutches and such, along with creating each candle as a home baked favorite! …always thinking. always fun. wouldn’t that be neat?

photo credit via Pinterest

Friday November 1, 2024

Playlist

I’ve decided on the ‘Playlist’ for our upcoming Shop Open House for the ‘My Cottage Life Shop‘ ~ and it is from Tony Bennett’s Holiday Selection! ~ it is upbeat and reminds me of my Bath & Body Works days and the fun music playlist they had! …another small part of our Shopping Experience that makes a big (and fun) difference!

Thursday October 31, 2024

Halloween Fun

Sharing a few Halloween Designs created for you thru the Blog Pages and Patterned Designs of Classic Amy Joanne! ….Matilda is a fav!

Wednesday October 30, 2024

Mr Creepy

It was October 2017 that we introduced Mr Creepy ~ as a Classic Chalk Art pattern and a Sculpted Creature ~ and he is all yours for the making, check him out (here).

Tuesday October 29, 2024

In The Meadow

Our ‘in the meadow’ Collection has been traveling ‘to and fro’ from my Studio table to the Pottery Studio ~ I cannot wait to see them ‘fired’ and then we’ll add the charming Classic details!

So Smitten!

Monday October 28, 2024

Trial Run

We’re down to a month to go before our ‘My Cottage Life Shop‘ Open House and we’re testing out a few items ~ a Trial Run. A new tart/candle warmer, a new giftset bowl (with a cute little scalloped ruffle I might add….) and a new candle scent (extra yummy!)

I simply can’t wait to share all the treats and treasures!

Friday October 25, 2024

Pastry & Pottery

I’ve been dreaming up even more ideas ~ this time we’re coordinating a little Pastry Makin’ and Pottery Makin’….

I placed an order thru Pastry Made (here) for two identical rolling pins ~ one for a fun new sandwich cookie with a folk-art imprint and another to create a coordinating trivit in Pottery! Now how fun is that!

and of course while ordering I couldn’t resist a few more fun designs!

Thursday October 24, 2024

Smile Mercantile, Spun Cotton

As you know, if you have been reading our Daily Dose, I’ve been playing around with new craft and painting adventures….which lead me to a Company I have been smitten with for quite a while, The Smile Mercantile (here).

I enjoy their vintage inspired crafts and how-to videos, especially using their Spun Cotton. I finally made a purchase to create their Oranges, Holly and Berries, Little Birdies and even their Bottle Brush Trees. You can find their Pinterest Board (here) for sooooooo many ideas. This is way to much fun!

(photo credit~smile mercantile).

Wednesday October 23, 2024

Mastering the Art of

I’ve never really Mastered the Art of enjoying the Season we are currently in ~ my mind, heart and hands are always ready to capture the ‘next‘ Season. Maybe it’s the nature of having a Creative Business, who knows?

Just when the leaves are ready to turn yellow, orange and red, my paintbrushes are already dipped into red and green paint.

Every year I proclaim that ‘this is the year I will seize and enjoy every moment and every season’…..and then I find myself in the next Season, creatively. Anyone else?

Tuesday October 22, 2024

Stay The Course, Be You

Comparison is the thief of Joy, a wise friend once told me ~ You be You, no one is better at You than You!

And when I feel self doubt creeping in, or I see ‘other’ Artists enjoying success, or I just flat out think I’m not good enough for any of this….I need to remember all those wise words. Be yourself, Do not compare and stay the course.

We are each created with our own unique style from the Creator. Be Uniquely You.

Monday October 21, 2024

Coordinated and Coming Along

We’re back in the Shop again ~ and it is coming along! Wooden Bamboo Shades were hung to coordinate with the wood counters and flooring. We also started on our 6 foot-long welcome banner ~ this is soooooo fun!

Friday October 18, 2024

Warm & Cozy

That’s the Goal!… to create a warm cozy feeling from the moment you walk into our ‘My Cottage Life Shop’!

We’re adding the details to each wall, each hook, each shelf. We’ve ordered different candle sizes and coordinating lids. We’re working on the behind the scenes projects, creating gift set ideas and pretty displays. We’re picking out giftwrappings and hiring help (hello friends!). We’ve even planned a few new updates for our Late Spring Showing!

We’re creating a warm and cozy atmosphere just for you!

Welcome Home.

Thursday October 17, 2024

Sweet Snowmen

Wednesday October 16, 2024

During This Time of Change

During this time of change in my life I’ve been open to and enjoying new experiences, new adventures and new hobbies. This new ‘life’ journey is not what I would have chosen it to be, but suprisingly I have been enjoying each unplanned moment. My mind, my imagination, my hands and my heart are feeling full.

I started a new job about 4 weeks ago in a local Bakery and I am loving every minute of it ~ I love the family-owned small business feel, watching the Baker’s prepare all the goods, and serving local folks too. I must admit that Presenting the Displays and Creating the Windows have been a favorite part!

Although glass markers are pretty hard to work with ~ I have been enjoying creating each window design!

~ always and all things creative from the heart of Classic Amy Joanne.

Tuesday October 15, 2024

Shed Some Light!

It’s a good thing I hold onto things ~ this ol’ painted light with crystals (which hung over my Studio Desk) came in handy for a fun display piece in our ‘soon to be’ Shop! We added a remote controled battery operated bulb and a chain swag which will be covered in a denim wrap soon! So perfect!

The Shop is coming along nicely!

Monday October 14, 2024

Jack

Our newest scent is a must have for this Halloween! ‘Jack‘ is a mix of pumpkin & peanut brittle ~ how perfect! Drop ’em into a trick or treat bag…for your friends or gifted as a Door Knob Gift (here).

Our Classic Amy Joanne Candle Menu has all your favorite Holiday and Bakery Scents!

Friday October 11, 2024

Enjoy Life

Thursday October 10, 2024

‘Go with the Flo’ or well Planned

If you have been reading for a while you know that I have been enjoying creating pottery.

I have also been practicing with ‘going with the flo‘ instead of a well planned artful endevour. I want to soak it all in and learn everything I can, enjoying each moment.

And even though I have been enjoying the moments spent on this new endevour ~ some of it is well planned.

This small pitcher was planned to fit perfecty onto an electric candle warmer to melt our new Christmas Tarts ~ shaped like pretty little gingebread men.

…the little pitchers, bowls and scented tarts will be availble this Christmas Season thru our ‘My Cottage Life Shop‘ and I couldn’t be more excited for this Artfully Planned New Endevour!

Wednesday October 9, 2024

One Seasoning

We were pleased with this Paula Deen jambalaya recipe ~ created with just one seasoning!

Creole Seasoning that is ~ made up of paprika, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, basil, thyme, black pepper, white pepper, and cayenne pepper. 

My hubby said it was delish more than once!

It’s a Keeper!

Tuesday October 8, 2024

A Perfect Match

I’ve been gathering all the goods to photograph our next Blog Post and Instructional Pattern Design ~ ‘A Perfect Match’

We will feature a fun ‘Cottage Classic Giftset’ ~ just in time to create for this Christmas season! …coming soon!

Monday October 7, 2024

Buddy Walk

It was Buddy Walk weekend in support of Down Syndrome, a cause close to my heart. What a beautiful day to walk ~ go Abigail’s Adventurer’rs!

Friday October 4, 2024

Business Meeting

Over the past 30 years, I’ve been taking notes, texting myself, snapping photos, saving on Pinterest, watching YouTube, making lists, creating a tab binder, and more ~ each and every thought written down or drawing sketched-out. Whether it be about business, creativity, blogging, or my next home project. And finally (with all that) I sat down as the CEO of Classic Amy Joanne and held a business meeting.

This ‘self‘ meeting was a bit over whelming ~ first to organize my notes, then to organize my binder into categories ~ then I watched Hallmark for a bit to escape the piles. Then I finally decided (with a few prayers lifted) to focus on what was right in front of me and what my next right move would be.

And now I am just a little bit closer to where I see this ‘little biz with big ideas‘ going (and growing) ~ …and yes letting go is all part of it too.

I am getting really good at being good at ‘where’ I am at.

Thursday October 3, 2024

Taking a Moment

Taking a moment to simply appreciate the Blessings I have received. To have not only a Home, but a beautiful Home, and not only a Studio, but a beautiful Studio filled with Art supplies ~ from painting, to penciling, to decorating, to clay works, to photography, to collecting and more.

Yes, taking a moment.

Wednesday October 2, 2024

I forgot the cheese!

September was a whirlwind month of old commitments, time with friends, starting a new job, rearranging schedules, Candle travel shows, finishing up loose ends, recreating the new Classic Amy Joanne and having both cars in the garage.

My cleaning schedule, grocery shopping and cooking schedule, along with my walk and prayer schedule has also been shuffled and tossed around.

Is it any wonder when I proclaimed I was going to make a cheesesteak stromboli for Dinner (and our tastebuds were druelling for something delish)…..that I forgot the cheese!

Sometimes giving yourself some Grace is all you can do. Forgotton Cheese and all.

Tuesday October 1, 2024

Indian Corn Basket Wreath

A few days ago I posted here on the Daily Dose about Weaving ~

A few friends and I gathered at our local Art Center to learn Weaving.

Gosh it’s hard to be new, but yet refreshing ~ we weaved indian corn shaped baskets and although my 3 ‘baskets’ were wonky looking, I will keep em’. They are a sweet reminder of a fun night out with the girls….and that it is ok to be new at something…..and I must say, they don’t look so bad made up into a fun wreath!

Monday September 30, 2024

Art Boards

Displaying Artboards will soon be a topic on the Blog…we’ll be sharing an ‘Art Board Art Sale’, a custom way to personalize your Art Boards and a few fun ways to display them as well.

We’ve shared a bit about our Art Boards just a bit a go ~ about the surface I use and how to varnish them (read here).

This is ‘Matilda and Her Hat Pin‘ in acrylics and you can find her instructional pattern (here). So fun!

Friday-Saturday September 27, 2024

Extraordinary Women

I did something extra-ordinary this weekend…..I attended (with my bestie) the Extraordinary Women of Faith Conference in Hershey PA! And it was magical!

Tim Tebow spoke along with two of my favorite ladies ~ Shelene Bryan and Angie Smith!

We Praised, Worshiped, Prayed, Listened, Laughed and Sang!

So fun ~ you can read all about Extra-Ordinary women (here).

Thursday September 26, 2024

Cliff Hangers

What kind of business owner would I be if I didn’t leave you guessing as to what’s next?! Cliff Hangers always work for a good story ~ and keeps you guessing about part II!

We’re not fully ready to turn the page yet from the ol’ into the new but we have lots of ideas in the works ~ and it goes without saying I am super excited about each and every new idea!

It has been exciting, challenging, and at times my knees are knocking ~

Stay tuned into Classic Amy Joanne and we’ll share the journey, all it’s bit’s and pieces and part II soon!

We’re still here with all things Art & Home, and we have a plan.

Wednesday September 25, 2024

Weaving

Another new crafty adventure….Basket Weaving!

My friends and I gathered at our local Art Center and created 3 Indian Corn shaped baskets with Debbie our instructor.

We had the best time and it felt good to get out of the house for a bit ~ I just need to add a few finishing touches and I will have a new creative handmade wreath to adorn our front door!

Monday September 23, 2024

My Cottage Life, Travel Shop

We missed another Friday here on the Daily Dose, but with good reason ~ we enjoyed another Travel Shop Day at Yenser’s Tree Farm!

The My Cottage Life, Travel Shop ~ is simply just a smaller version of our Main Shop ~ we featured our Fall Fragrances including our new ‘Cottage Pumpkin'(Pumpkin and Apple Butter) and ‘Jack'(Peanut Brittle and Pumpkin), two favorites for sure!

Thursday September 19, 2024

In the beginning

I scrolled back a few years on this website, all the way back to September 2014 ~ and noticed how much we grew as a business and as an Artist since then.

In 2014 we first started gathering and sharpening pencils for our Art Center Classes ~ even before our famous ‘Chalk & Chew‘ Classes took-off ….~ Would you believe we are still using the same sharpener today? It must be a million pencils later! I was called the ‘Pencilin’ Peddler and had made little pencil bag packages, along with lead pencils with our name on for every student….so fun! I even came across the first local newspaper ad for the classes.

We also had our first business card designed ~ we are now working on our 4th!

And our first ‘free’ how-to pattern was posted on this website (blog) (here) ~ I used a throw away camera at the time ~ even the photos have come a long way!….love visiting memory lane!

Wednesday September 18, 2024

You may not know this

You may not know this ~ but our ‘Keepsake Journals‘ had it’s start as our ‘Recipe Card Projects’!

In the beginning I photocopied family recipes then added the photocopy to a journal page ~ then added the painting, rubber stamps, scrapbooking paper and more!

And once again one idea led to another ~ the ‘Recipe Card Project‘ was all about collecting vintage recipe cards and books and then creating a design on each (find projects here, mostly $2.50 each!)….then our Keepsake Journals became ‘their’ own thing (learn more here).

…and now you know. enJOY!

Tuesday September 17, 2024

New House

We have a new house in our Home!

While Vintage Shopping this past weekend I stumbled across a fun ol’ playhouse ~ knowing it would make yet another perfect display piece for our new candle shop!

We twanged a spider off the top (….well Jerry did) brought it home, scrubbed it clean and it’s all ready for displaying candles!

Well almost….I will be adding ‘let’s pretend‘ wallpaper to the inside and painting the outside shutters blue…..what else, lol?

….so smitten once again.

Monday September 16, 2024

New Friends

You may have noticed here on the Daily Dose we missed our Friday Posting ~ because we were out and about making new friends!

It was a beautiful couple of days to enjoy the end of Summer, the beginning of Autumn and a time to celebrate new beginnings (sharing soon)!

We found ourselves at our favorite Statuary Place ~ and added some new friends to our ‘StoryBook Cottage Garden’ (read more here) and (here)…..so smitten.

Thursday September 12, 2024

Shuffling

Along with re-building (…and branding) the biz here at Classic Amy Joanne ~ we’ve been shuffling around and cleaning a few workspaces and closets in the Studio to ‘re-fit’ our needs.

Our ‘soon-to-be‘ shop (…and travel shop) are being fitted with vintage cabinets and play hutches from our Studio and from new ‘old’ pieces. Our previous Studio ‘Shop’ will soon be our new Sewing Corner. And our ol’ sewing corner will soon hold our ‘new-to-us’ vintage table for our Sculpting Projects. Just a little shuffling.

My plans are to share all the bits and pieces along the way thru our Blog Page ~ keep your eye on Classic Amy Joanne for all the little details ~ along with inspiring Autumn, Halloween, and Christmas Posts ~ Coming Soon!

Wednesday September 11, 2024

Home Sweet Home, Memory Keeper

This image holds memories ~ it was taken a few years back in early Fall at my Mom’s home where I grew up. This place with no property lines to divide us, along the trees holds memories of all the moments my siblings, neihborhood friends and I played, I could still hear our voices coming from within the trees ~ perhaps there is even remnents of our tree house. Sweet Memories of Home Sweet Home. Memory Keeper.

Tuesday September 10, 2024

Cuteness Overload

Monday September 9, 2024

How it makes you feel

This past weekend we took the ‘show on the road‘ ~ ‘The My Cottage Life Shop‘ Shop ~ and what a fun day we had at St Peters Fall Fest!

We still have some work to do to complete our ‘shop’ vision ~ but our display is all coming together so nicely! ‘Little’ white cabinets make up our display in our home Studio, Home Shop and now our Travel Shop too ~ making it all a cohesive look and feel. Yes, ‘Feel’ ~ how you ‘Feel’ is just as important to us as the ‘Look’ of our goods and shop.

Friday September 6, 2024

I did a thing, so I did a thing

I promised myself I wouldn’t spend money on non-essentials until I found a job aside from my biz and my Church work ~ and it was extra hard because I really had my eye on the perfect vintage table to add to my Studio for a few months.

So I set out and found the perfect job ”for me‘ in a local Bakery and I couldn’t be more excited!…and then I called the Vintage Shop and found that the table was still available….how sweet was that!

I couldn’t be more excited about this new endevour and the new addition to our Studio!

both ‘things’ feel soooooo right!

photos of Buttered Crumb Bakery, New Tripoli PA and Emply Nest in ‘The Marketplace at 10th Street Plaza in Bloomsburg PA.

Thursday September 5, 2024

Word Play

You may not know this about me, but I love a play on words ~ I use it daily in my Writing and in my Marketing ~ it certainly has a lot of twisting and turning and it’s own unique style.

Here are a few examples ~

Our Biz and Brand is Classic Amy Joanne. Our Shop and Travel Shop (and In-Store-Shop) will be called ‘The My Cottage Life Shop’. The shop will carry the Classic Amy Joanne branded goods such as Candles, Paintings, Homemades, Home Pottery and Giftsets ~ the Cottage Classic Giftsets.

We will carry collections such as ‘in the meadow’ (and we live on Meadow Ave) which will include a candle scent, a collection of village and snowmen squares, and more (in photo).

Our logo is ‘warm your home, melt your heart‘ ~ and we have canvas candle bags that read ‘you melt my tart‘ and ‘you’re my sweet tart’.

Our stamped tissue paper (among other tags) read ~ cottage, collected, coordinated and classic.

And it all comes together as all things Art & Home thru Classic Amy Joanne.

…..and that’s a whole-lotta word play.

Wednesday September 4, 2024

Flagship Shop & More

I am having the best time easing into a new schedule and a new beginning for Classic Amy Joanne.… in all things Art & Home.

We’ve been creating a brand of goods with pottery, candles, creative arts, handmades and giftsets ~ all home-y heartfelts.

We will share our goods from our ‘flagship’ homebased shop and our ‘taking the show on the road’ shop ~ we couldn’t be more excited! We even have plans for a ‘shop-in-a-shop’ display! Each Shop, Goods and Marketing are all coordinated!

We’ll be sharing more along the way, along with instructional patterns to create your own branded goods and shop design too!

Tuesday September 3, 2024

Moonlight View

Our Zinnia Patches looked extra pretty last night under the moonlight and thru our Dining Room window view as well.

Monday September 2, 2024

Adding the Lumps to the Grumps

We’re getting ready here at Classic Amy Joanne for our first ‘taking the show on the road’ travel Shop ~ adding in all the ‘lumps to the grumps’ squash gang, then a little glitter, a spritz of varnish and we’re ready to go!

You might be suprised at what these lumps are made of, come and see ~ create your very own thru instructions and video (here).

Then join us over at St Peter’s Church in West Penn Township, PA to enjoy all we have created for you on September 6th and 7th, 2024, Fall Fest!

Friday August 30, 2024

a match-ed set

We’re all about creating ‘Cottage Classic Giftables‘ here at Classic Amy Joanne ~ and our Matchstick Elfie will soon be a part of a match-ed set of ornaments ~ complete with a few giftset ideas! (with matchstick holders, too) Stay tuned into Classic Amy Joanne for upcoming details, instructional patterns…..and fun!

Thursday August 29, 2024

Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe

It’s not your average steak sandwich or your average sloppy joe ~ it is a ‘hamburger sloppy joe cheesesteak sandwich‘… and it is delish. You can find the recipe (here), of course I omitted the green peppers and mushrooms ~ but you can adjust to your liking.

We paired it with our homemade (pub) french fries found (here). Enjoy!

And it is another Keeper!

Wednesday August 28, 2024

Adding Charm

Lately we’ve been adding ‘new-to-us‘ ol’ charm to our kitchen without a whole-lotta fuss.

I’ve been picking up vintage finds here and there and have become smitten on wooden expandable mug racks lately…..why you ask? I’m not sure, but one turned into 3 pretty quickly.

I find each one charming and full of possible ideas ~ yes, a whole-lotta charm without a-lotta fuss.

Tuesday August 27, 2024

Clay Play

I’m having the best time playing in all different types of mediums during this time of ‘transition’ in the biz.

This past weekends ‘Creative Fun’ was in ‘Clay Play‘ ~ one type being quickwood, the other was kiln fired clay….and I didn’t even open up the paper clay, yet!

I am so grateful for wonderful teachers along my journey, Wendy Young, Jo Pilston, Jane Allen and Barb Jones in each type of Clay medium.

Art Classes in any medium are always a good thing ~ learning the medium, practicing, then making ‘things’ in your own style and design.

Monday August 26, 2024

Setting a New Pace

I’ve been trying to set a new pace (…when creating art) here at Classic Amy Joanne ~ not the hurried- deadline-kind of pace, but the let’s-create-for-joy kind of pace. I can’t say it has been easy, but it has been so much more rewarding to slow down and enjoy each moment of Creativity.

This is ‘Farmers Market‘ in Paint & Pencil ~ it is part of our ‘My Cottage Life Keepsake Journal’, and in typical ‘Amy‘ fashion it will also include a wreath, mini journal, a baby bundt box with a recipe and gift giving ideas too.

Keep watching Classic Amy Joanne ~ with a new ‘creative pace’.…we’ll be sharing a blog post and instructional pattern soon!

Friday August 23, 2024

Other Flower Happenings

Our beautiful blue hydrangeas changed from blue to purple, I just love that about hydrangeas come Autumn. Our whites are turning pink too.

And we settled on Cone Flowers as a new addition to our back yard ~ I just love the variety of new colors available today.

And although our front porch and back yard patio extension didn’t happen this year ~ we are still making plans for next year ~ and will certainly be planting more Cone Flowers!

So smitten!

Thursday August 22, 2024

Vintage Style Flowers

There is something about a faded zinnia that feels time worn with vintage style….like my favorite pair of ol’ blue jeans.

Jerry asked if he should dead-head the zinnia patches…..I explained ‘noooooooo, I love them at every stage’!

Silly Jerry.

Wednesday August 21, 2024

Knee Deep

I’m knee deep in sticky notes, scrap papers, business binders and dreams.

Creating new marketing, bag stuffers, posters, business cards, website banners and hang tags too.

….Classic Amy Joanne, still made of sweet goodness.

Tuesday August 20, 2024

Internet ‘Home‘

Miss Mustard Seed wrote an interesting article entitled ‘Blogging Isn’t Dead‘ (here). (I’ve followed Marian since 2009, I just adore her and her style).

And more or less I have had the same experiences and feelings as Marian does, especially the Joy it brings to write a Blog.

One thing is for sure ~ I treat my Website/Blog just like my ‘home-based business’ ~ it is an extention of it (and me), thru being present, thru its appearance, even the feeling you receive when you enter ‘the door‘ (site) and always hoping your visit is enjoyabe while your here.

Our Internet Home Sweet Home.

Monday August 19, 2024

Endless Creative Possibility

The dust has settled in my mind (and on my heart) since I’ve made a few decisions about the biz, read (here), and (here)….I’m sure it will take more time than I am giving it ~ but today I felt like dreaming once again with endless possibilities.

I picked up my drawing pencils and began to sketch, design and take notes ~ and that is a good thing.

Friday August 16, 2024

Zinnias

There is a house in our small town that we have always called the ‘tulip house’ and Doris, the owner of the house at the time was called the ‘tulip lady’ ~ simply because her home was surrounded by beautiful tulips in the spring, amongst other flower favorites each season. Her home was driven by more often than any to enjoy the pretty view ~ she was also featured in local newspapers and national magazines. I always imagined Doris ‘the tulip lady’ living the most beautiful life in her home and garden.

Today I dream of being the ‘Zinnia Lady’ ~ living in ‘that’ Zinnia House, enjoying the most beautiful life.

Our Six Zinnia patches are so beautiful ~ and we’re living a Beautiful Life.

Thursday August 15, 2024

Passion, Practice, Enjoy

Somewhere along the way I believe the idea of ‘Passion, Practice, and Enjoyment‘ has become lost ~ we’ve been so far removed from it with the DIY your home in two hours shows and the ‘become and artist at a two hour paint and sip’ night out and the instant 10 second video clips on Social Media.

I believe in finding something to be passionate about, practicing it every moment you can and enjoying every second of it.

I believe that instant ‘anything’ will never be satisfying ~ becoming passionate, and putting in the time (practice) will always bring you greater Joy.

I encourage you to find your Passion!

Wednesday August 14, 2024

Keepsake Characters

We talked about ‘Designing Characters‘ a few days ago here on the ‘Daily Dose‘ ~ and I may have mentioned ‘Elfie‘ as one of my fav’s ~ his facial features are taken from my Brother-in-Law and his golden hair is from my Niece….but he also is loosly based on this Vintage Elfie from my childhood ~ he was posed under the Christmas Tree year after year since I was a baby ….a keepsake for sure.

Tuesday August 13, 2024

In The Works

Just a little teaser as to what I have been up to ~ ‘Farmers Market’ in Paint & Pencil ~ including a wreath with ornies (…from Sheila), a page in our ‘My Cottage Life Journal‘, a Baby Bundt Box complete with recipes and a mini journal.

Now that’s Classic Amy Joanne.

A pattern with complete instructions will be available in September ~ along with a blog post. Keep following!

Monday August 12, 2024

Zinnias

It’s Zinnias as far as the eye can see!

Pink, Red, Orange, Yellow and an occassional White one!

We have 6 patches of zinnias with a few Dahlias ready to bloom, all from our own harvested seeds and gifted tubors!

Friday August 9, 2024

Kitchen Warm Up

Creating our cozy, coordinated collected classic cottage kitchen has been so fun ~ especially the ‘collecting’ part.

On a recent vintage shopping trip I grabbed this fun ‘chicken’ chalkboard ~ and after a little scrubbing it fit nicely into our kitchen.

It coordinated well with our mahagony hard wood flooring, along with other warm tones (like the wooden spoon on the window sil, hmmm maybe a couple more wooden utencils will be on my search list). And it also felt collected and coordinated with other ‘chicken items’ in our kitchen, without feeling theme-y, or like a big-box store purchase ~ and that is the fun-thing about collecting vintage.

The warm wood gave our kitchen a warm up ~ and feels perfectly cozy. Now to write a grocery list and pin up a recipe.

It Feels like Home to Me.

Thursday August 8, 2024

Pizza Crust Cheating

I love to cook, and have found the perfect pizza crust (for any style pizza) for our Friday Nite Get Togethers (here) made from scratch, well, with the help of a bread machine.

But the last couple of weeks have been pretty busy and way to hot and humid to do any cooking ~ I just wasn’t up to preparing a meal, even something as easy as pizza.

So I did what I typically don’t do ~ I purchased a ready made box mix for the crust. Gasp! I’m not sure if this ‘recipe‘ made it any quicker or easier but it was pretty good….in a pinch.

The crust was ‘Cheddar Bay Bisquit Mix‘ and the ‘recipe’ is (here). I added our very own homemade pizza sauce to the top (found here), and a mix of cheeses, including cheddar.

My secret ingredient is to drizzle a bit of honey over the top.

It wasn’t to bad for a boxed crust.

Wednesday August 7, 2024

Duck Update

Our family of ducks, a Mama and 8 babies, are still gathered together at our front door to greet you. The Mama duck and her ducklings are part of an on-going DIY project in our front yard…. a storybook garden (read about here).

This week in the early morning hours to avoid the heat I repainted their beaks, feet and eyes ~ this time adding a brighter color. I did not seal them in hopes that the weather would fade them ~ for a time worn look.

Tuesday August 6, 2024

Choices, Choices

Choices, Choices, leading to Decisions, Decisions.

My first thoughts were to create the ‘table skirt‘ in our new Shop with Blue Checked Gingham Fabric. It is in our marketing and packaging ~ making it cohesive. That is after all what I am after in Branding Classic Amy Joanne.

But…..this Blue Window Pane Fabric could be in the running.

Choices, Choices, Decisions, Decisions.

Monday August 5, 2024

I know better

I know better than to peek in on the ‘unsubscribed‘ of my website or newsletter. Every business practice book tells you that….but I did, and I should not have…especially being an extra-sensative person that I am.

Yes, ‘They told me so’. But I just had to see who was unsubscibing.

And I went thru every emotion ~ sadness (that they would want to leave), anger (yes anger), fearful (that what I offer isn’t good enough) and then to justify (well maybe they just like to visit my website-alone).

It just takes one ‘unsubscribed‘ person to make you forget all the goodness that is happening….and that is the devil at work.

If you missed it, (here) is our latest Newsletter….and I thank you for the visits, follows, support and subscribes! …back to sweet creative goodness!

Friday August 2, 2024

Do the next right thing

In my business and in ‘this season’ my mind is contantly tossing around decisions to make ~ based on what is happening in our world and at each moment ~ ‘mostly should I stay the course or bow out gracefully’

I find comfort thru prayer to God and also finding His answers ~ not by Him making the decisions or granting my wishes, but by equiping me thru ‘lessons and guidance’ along the journey to help me thru decisions.

I pray that God guides my steps, that I focus on what is in front me and that I comprehend (because I struggle) what I read, and so on.

This morning ~ He answered my prayer, He leads me ~ I first listened to a Joyce Myers Podcast, she said ‘Don’t quit Now! God may soon reveal what he has planned for you, it could be tomorrow!’. I also opened a new book (which I will blog about soon), the book stated that when faced with decision, just do the next right thing. I also heard a speech written by Dave Longaberger that only contained 5 words ‘Never, Never, Never Give Up.’ Each is just a small answer to my morning prayer.

None of it is life altaring decisions ~and at this moment I only need to do the Next Right Thing.

And have patience in the waiting.

Lemon Coconut Blueberry Morning Muffins (recipe here).

Thursday August 1, 2024

Designing Characters, Signature Features.

In designing Characters there are ‘things’ that develop over time that ‘make your mark‘ or become a signature thing, or create a recognizable ‘brand‘…..it truly is just a matter of play and allowing yourself time to discover your very own style with continuous practice.

No matter if it is Elfie, Froggie or our Mousie….you will find these whimsical created characters in striped legs, with socks or leg warmers, squared faces, a belly pouch and gathered pantaloons…..and of course all strung up with baker’s twine.

The best practice I use when creating faces is to use my family’s features ~ each Character whether it be Santa or The Pilgrims, you will find features from my family. ….making it yours.

Wednesday July 31, 2024

getting there

We’re getting there on our Occassional Pop Up Shop ~ Classic Amy Joanne Candles and Such, and hoping to open just after Thanksgiving.

The ‘foundation’ is laid and now it is all about the details, then stocking the shelves!

We’ve been busy creating this space, booking travel shows, ordering wrapping, bags and tags, pouring candles and creating signature products.

I simply can’t wait to share!

Tuesday July 30, 2024

for the love of Chalkboards

I have a thing for chalkboards if you haven’t noticed. I’ve collected and created so many different kinds over the years ~ the schoolhouse slate beng my favorite. …and I have shared many stories and blog postings about each ‘chalkboard’ adventure. (even creating a 9 foot menu chalkboard for a restaurant! (here).

I use chalkboards for decor and art, they adorn our home and studio ~ walls, shelving and countertops too.

There are 3 in my kitchen alone ~ and one is sporting this handsome chicken (in colored pencil).

In our hometown I am ‘famous‘ for creating the ‘Chalk & Chew’ Classes (read about here) at our local Art Center ~ using our coined ‘Classic Chalk Art‘ Patterns (found here)…. I miss those days of pre-covid, we filled almost 30 seats in a class for almost 10 years each month!…..lots of Chalkboards!

Chalkboards are my thing. What’s your thing?

Monday July 29, 2024

Photography

Photography is yet another creative outlet for me. It brings me joy when I get to set up vignettes to coordinate with a finished project. ….and I get to use all my collected treasures.

But there is one thing that is pretty important to me ~ that when I edit my photos ~ my ‘work‘ is clear, real, and unedited. I save the softening, enhancements, and photo tricks for the pretty home and food photos.

Candlelight Santa is almost ready for release!…..I love my job.

Friday July 26, 2024

The Next Page

The next page in our Creative Christmas Keepsake Journal is ready! Well almost.

Save the date, August 29, 2024 for our Zoom Gathering ~ I will be posting the Registration (or Pattern) soon! ~ just a few photos to take, then writing and proofing ~ and Mr Candlelight Santa will be ready for you!

So Smitten!

PS, alternative surfaces will be available too!

Thursday July 25, 2024

Semi (mostly) Homemade

homemade crust (find here), shredded cheddar cheese, homemade bbq sauce (find here), and breaded chicken fingers from the butcher ~ the makin’s of an Oh. So. Good. BBQ Chicken Finger Stromboli!

It’s a Keeper!

Wednesday July 24, 2024

A Look-See & a Hint

Here is a little look-see and a hint of what we are working on for our ‘Fall Shopping Experience‘ here at Classic Amy Joanne ‘Candles & Such‘.

Hand Sculpted Whimsical Pumpkin Friends, Signature ‘Denim-Like’ Cake Stand Pedestals, a ‘My Cottage Life’ Village Collection and Beautiful Fall Scents to Melt Your Heart.

All things to warm your home and melt your heart.

Tuesday July 23, 2024

…business in the making or making a business

When folks ask what I do for a living it is always really hard to explain. But what I can tell you is ~ I am a Creative. I make things. I love handmade. …and I operate a creative business.

While Painting is my passion, I also adore learning new skills~ whether it be clay, wood, fabric, yarn, wax, paper or textiles. The problem (well I really don’t see it as a problem) is I pretty much turn everthing into a creative business idea. My imagination just works that way. I am always way ahead and have the marketing planned before I even take the first stitch.

Most recently I’ve created a new ‘line’ of pottery items (I’m sweet on our new signature logo and stamp…yep way ahead), I am learning how to crochet to make dishcloths and soap with your favorite candle scents (did I say soap?) and have taken on punch needle to create the ‘Be Merry Santa Pattern‘ from Donna of Brookfield Hollow (using my Santa Design~found here).

….and that is what this business is made of.

Monday July 22, 2024

Candlelight Santa

Candlelight Santa and Matchstick Elfie have been on the worktable ~ just wait until you see the sweet matchstick holder companion piece and coordinating Keepsake Journal Page! …so smitten.

All Coordinated and Giftable ~ here at Classic Amy Joanne.

Friday July 19, 2024

Bringing in the Blue

Our Blue Hydrandreas are absolutey beautiful this year ~ (read here) and although a little ‘weary‘ after just having 3 heat waves back to back they’re just as beautiful, like a favorite pair of worn faded blue jeans.

….adding to our blue denim cottage style.

Thursday July 18, 2024

50C Find

I figured while I had free space on the worktable I may as well paint a 50C Flea Market Find (with my favorite Fusion paint) that has been looming on the DIY List of things to do.

It now pairs well with the ‘Green Pantry Cupboard‘ (shared here) and glass canisters in our Cottage Kitchen.

I am already imagining the possibilities for this mere 50C.

Wednesday July 17, 2024

New Scent!

Imagine a fresh baked Pear Tartlet with a hint of vanilla baked into the crust sitting on Nana’s kitchen counter, waiting for your visit….a scent to warm your heart and Feels very much like home.

“Pear Tartlet” our newest candle scent collection here at Classic Amy Joanne, to warm your home and melt your heart.

Find a local event coming soon (here).

Tuesday July 16, 2024

A Quick Easy Meal

Sometimes it’s as quick and easy as Spaghetti and Meatballs.

If you’re looking for a quick easy meal ~ sometimes our convenience food can be ‘Doctored’ up ~ Semi-Homemade as they say.

I learned a trick or two along the way ~ that a regular jar of Ragu Spaghetti Sauce will do in a pinch ~ just add in 4oz of cream cheese ~ to add in the creamy goodness (and of course anything else you would like to toss in). Then toss in a couple of meatballs, sausage, chicken or ground hamburger and you have yourself a quick and easy meal.

Dinner in a Pinch, Semi-Homemade, still Delish!

Monday July 15, 2024

Getting Ready

When you have a small creative business ~ you’re always ‘getting ready‘ for the ‘next’ thing.

The next design, the next class, the next gathering, the next blog post, the next event, and so on.

Taking it from ideas to planning (getting ready), then to purchasing, scheduling, marketing, creating, and so on.

Here is a little glimpse of what we’re ‘getting ready’ for here at Classic Amy Joanne.

An original Art Sale, A ‘tent’ Travel Shop, a new Occasional Retail Shop, Home Goods Branding, Autumn and Christmas Designs for new Zoom Gatherings and Travel Teaching too.

Creatively Yours, Classic Amy Joanne.

Friday July 12, 2024

on the work table

On the worktable.

Candlelight Santa and Matchstick Elfie, including our next page in the Creative Christmas Keepsake Journal.

Thursday July 11, 2024

New Knobs, Old Cabinet

“Details Matter”

This ol’ hard working Studio cabinet has moved many times and has had many changes from paint to skirting.

And finally we’ve added the perfect new knobs. …so smitten.

I’m learning how details matter to God ~ it mattered when He instructed Noah to build the Ark and even down to the gold curtain hooks in the building of the Temple. He’s in all the little details….. it matters.

Wednesday July 10, 2024

To Your Taste

I love a summer salad that you can create to your very own taste ~ omitting this and adding in that…..

This Italian Tortellini Salad is no different ~ we started with cheese tortellini and then added in favorites such as peppers, tomatoes, onions, chunks of salami, cubed cheeses and so on.

Then add your favorite Italian Salad Dressing ~ or make your own, I use this recipe (here).

Then finish it off with a pinch of oregano, pepper or whatever your heart desires.

Tuesday July 9, 2024

the smallest details for big ideas

While we’ve been on the subject of Marketing, Merchandising, Branding, Coordinating, Details, Creative Minds, and the like thru our Daily Dose, I came across this photo (and thought it was fitting) ~

…of a ‘Gather Round‘ Wood Ornament that I designed with Sheila Landry’s woodworking assistance. It is created to pull a ribbon thru two holes on both sides, to ‘gather ’round a plate of cookies, a wrapped gift or even a candle. ~ hand painting the wood of course to coordinate with your gift. This ‘gather round’ also fits snuggled into the top of our 8oz candles as a lid ~ or the candle fits nicely into the opening as a tray, pretty neat huh? It’s all the Small Details making up the Big Idea. Making it Unique and Exclusive to the Classic Amy Joanne Brand.

….and I couldn’t resist adding a scalloped edge.

The ‘gather rounds‘ can be purchased thru Sheila Landry (here), and you can shop for designs (here) and scroll thru our blog to enjoy ‘gather round‘ ideas (here).

….thinking thru the smallest details for our designs, products, brand and blog, all coordinating together.…that’s Classic Amy Joanne.

Monday July 8, 2024

Finding Joy, Being Content

It’s hard not to see what is going on in the world today, and for me it is also the pinch this small business of mine is feeling.

And even though at times anxiety and overwhelm may creep into my inner-most thoughts ~ I still feel Content and Joyful.

Instead of panic and feeling the need to ‘fix things‘ ~ I set my mind on what God has shown me…to trust, to wait, to listen for Him, to find joy and be content.

In this time I’m learning new skills and playing with all my fun makins ~ creating new designs in new mediums, stretching my wings in our Keepsake Journals, playing with fabric and sewing, creating punch needle designs with my very own rubber stamps, sculpting pumpkins, designing pottery, creating new candle scents, Home Making, rug hooking, making the perfect pie crust, mastering sour-dough, growing dahlias, reading, and more …..shall I go on?

Yes, I have plenty to keep me busy, content, creating, and joyful in this time of waiting.

Friday July 5, 2024

How My Mind Works, Creatively

In my mind, it isn’t enough to have just an idea ~ but my ideas feed off of ideas. There are times I want to ‘shut it down’ and times I am grateful for it.

When creating the Brand of Classic Amy Joanne, it’s all about coordinating. It pretty much gives my mind an excuse to ‘carry-on‘ with all the ideas.

Always asking myself ~ ‘Does this product, painting or blog post ‘feel‘ like Classic Amy Joanne? Does it serve others, share creativity, look pretty, feel homespun and full of charm? …is it giftable?

As an example of how my mind works while developing a product ~ this hand poured candle is filled with a homespun scent, then coordinated with an artful label and matching wrap around ~ then creating a coordinating candle tray in wood and pottery too. Dare I tell you I’m also working on a matching matchstick holder and striker?

…then into a blog post, then merchandising, marketing, wrappings and so on.

Yes, I’m grateful on most days for this creative mind.

Wednesday July 3, 2024

3 Days

Settling on a project is sooooo hard!

The problem is not ‘what’ to do, but ‘what’ to do first! I have 3 days in a row to dig into whatever my heart desires, this homebody is staying home!

God has given me the wonderful gift of ~ Creativity! So, Will it be creating an autumn scented pear candle (with matching pear dishes), will it be creating a page in our Christmas Keepsake Journal (along with a door hanger), will it be making wool and leather pears, will it be making ice cream sandwiches from scratch, or will it be designing a 9ft canvas sign for our Holiday Occasional Shop?….or will it be????

Whatever it may be, I’m disconnecting and enjoying every moment!

Tuesday July 2, 2024

I simply remember my favorite Things

A few thoughts on ‘Things‘.

Home trends come and go, and I am certainly not the ‘Collector’ I used to be, or a ‘Hoarder’ by any means, but no matter what trend comes and go ~ I will never be a minimalist, I love things.

‘Things’ can make me happy for a moment or a lifetime.

I love to turn a corner in my home and see my Nana’s recipe card framed on a wall or a vintage find that reminds me of a day trip with the girls, or a beautifully handmade stitchery from my Sister Kristine ~ Most ‘things’ are memory keepers to me. A sweet reminder of days gone by or memories of a special someone.

Some ‘things’ I will love for a short time then send along to another home for them to love for a while. Then it is never a loss.

Most times it’s not the ‘thing’ at all but the memories they hold.

For those that say ‘I wouldn’t want to dust everything‘ ~ I say I don’t mind at all, I get to walk down memory lane every time I clean (read more about cleaning here)!

Monday July 1, 2024

A Strawberry (and chicken) Weekend

What a whirlwind weekend! Thursday night we were painting and penciling PB & J thru Zoom, Saturday we were painting and penciling Chickens at the Back Mountain Makery in Dallas PA, then Sunday we celebrated my baby Sister Kristine’s 50th Birthday! ….and guess what? She loves Strawberries ~ so we created a coordinated ‘Strawberry’ Gift (and food) for her Birthday, in Classic Amy Joanne style of course.

Always busy, always fun here at Classic Amy Joanne!

Friday June 28, 2024

Gathering Goods for Kitchen Stylin’

We’ve been ‘gathering goods‘ (and also saving to a Pinterest Board~ here) to create a cottage, cozy, colorful, collected and coordinated kitchen!

Even though I have been painting for over 40 years, adding multiple layers of color to a room scares me, whether it be adding leafy green dishes along side redish orange gingham fabric or a copper pot handle to a slate chalkboard.

Collected and yet Coordinated is an ‘all-mixed-up‘ design choose. I’m wanting the kitchen to look collected over time, and yet ‘planned’ and coordinated.

I’ve collected fabric samples, vintage finds, and paint swatches ~ and this slow-and-steady approach is alot more fun than the instant-merry approach I’ve always done. I’ve been laying all the parts and pieces together in a mood-board style…..simply just to play.

Let’s see if I can achieve a Collected and Coordinated Style.

Thursday June 27, 2024

Within Reach

What do you do when you have a few garden clippings in your hand, need a quick vase, the phone is ringing, your noodles are boiling over, and your hubby just arrived home from work?

You grab what’s in reach.

Wednesday June 26, 2024

Freedom

I’ve taken time to smell the flowers, walk the gardens, read a few good books, flipped thru old magazines, played with fabric samples, read the forward in my new cookbook, purchased a sour-dough starter, reconnected with an ol’ friend, belly laughed, learned to crochet and punch needle…..and enjoyed every little moment in between.

All because I gave myself the freedom of living with very little Social Media time or even phone time for that matter.

It’s taken me over a year to make the disconnect and then to reconnect to my life.

That doesn’t mean I don’t visit Pinterest or my favorite Bloggers (….insert wink). It means I choose and connect where and when I want to.

I own my life and my business….Social Media doesn’t own me anymore. I’m living more than 12 inches from my face.

Life is Good.

Tuesday June 25, 2024

Six Months Ago

Six Months Ago, it was Christmas! The most wonderful time of the year.

If you’re looking for that Creative Christmas Sparkle ~ check out our Holiday Blog Posts ~ over 10 years of Christmas Goodness! (here).

It’s never to early to start.

Monday June 24, 2024

Three Day Vacation

It’s been 6 years since I took a vacation ~ since I had the ‘hiccup’ in my life (read here), got my footing back, and built the biz. ….and it felt sooooooo good.

My Mom, Sister Stacey and I traveled a bit to Shop ~ we shopped for our ‘crafts’, for our homes, shopped vintage and a bit of outlet shopping too. Our car was filled with treasures!

Oh….and the ice cream was good too.

Wednesday June 19, 2024

Pretty Packages

When I set out to create this business ~ my thoughts were, from the beginning, to always pay attention to details and keep within the ‘Classic Amy Joanne‘ look, but most importantly how the details made people feel.

The feeling of being warm cozy, appreciated, nurtured, loved, cared for and enjoyed…..with alot of homespun charm.

I’ve always appreciated how ‘Christopher and Banks‘ wrapped your purchase in tissue paper, or how ‘Bath and Body Works‘ added a scented card or wrapped your gift for you, even how ‘Chick Fil A‘ lets me know it was ‘their pleasure to serve me’ ~ those type of details, welp, that’s everything.

Pretty Marketing, Pretty Displays, Pretty Packages and even wrapped business cards with matching ribbon ~ it’s the little details that matter, whether thru our Markets & Events or our Website & Zoom Classes or even our Daily Dose.

Tuesday June 18, 2024

The Art Of Merchandising

What Retail Store do you think these photos are from? Is it a High End Boutique-like Shop or a Department Store Retailer?

Once you learn the Art of Merchandising ~ you can make any products feel high end….These are actually Dollar General displays.

All those same products lined up on a shelf would not have the same ‘buy me’ power as these thought-out displays.

Each display is created with similar colors, added texture and keeping balance in mind, they each tell a story with chosen products.

If I were to choose my profession today ~ it would be in Marketing, Merchandising or as a Buyer.

I finally know what I want to be when I grow up.

Monday June 17, 2024

The Baby Bundt Box

I’ve been dreaming up some new Baby Bundt Box ideas and all the coordinated goodness that goes with every design ~

You can find the Baby Bundt Boxes (here). Designs (here) and (here). And Inspiration (here) ~ thru-out our Blog.

Learn more about our Banana Bread Baby Bundt Box (here).

Designing and Sourcing projects such as this ~ all coming together for you to enjoy a Creative Experience. ~ from the surface, to the painting, to adding the details, to baking the recipe, to the coordinated gift for giving~ that’s Classic Amy Joanne, my heart and hands to yours.

Friday June 14, 2024

Out of My Wheelhouse

What a fun day of creativity at Two Morrows Treasures (here) ~ I met up with one of my best friends and we learned the Art of Punch Needle thru Kathy’s classes…..with some shopping too!

I have wanted to learn to Punch Needle since my friend Donna created a few of my own designs into Punch Needle Patterns (read here).

I felt a little ‘out of my wheelhouse‘ ~ but left feeling confident to load the needle and begin to create in this new medium.

I just love creativity ~ in any form, in or out of my wheelhouse.

Thursday June 13, 2024

New Way to Varnish

I’m not sure if it is ‘a thing‘ already or if I just happened to stumble onto it ~ but I experimented with ‘varnishing’ with DecoArt Decoupage in Matte. ….and I love the finish and feel of it.

I will share soon thru the Blog pages about how I stumbled across this bit of info, the first surface I tried it on, and how I finished it before the finish. We’ll have to test the waters on the long term.

I will also share my Art Ledge, my favorite surface to create on, how to display an Art Board and even an Original Art Sale!

If you have just stumbled upon ‘Classic Amy Joanne‘ ~ we’re all about sharing Creativity, enjoy! PS ~ each design shown is available for you to create.

Wednesday June 12, 2024

Happy Newsletter

Life’s been kinda handing us all lemons lately….but I am determined to make lemonade and grow grass where the sun doesn’t shine!

Besides….there are plenty of places to visit to hear belly aches and such. And Classic Amy Joanne isn’t one of them.

We have some happy news filled with Creativity thru our June Newsletter ~ grab your copy and enjoy today (click here).

…and don’t forget, each issue has a ‘gift to uplift‘ ~ print onto watercolor paper and enjoy a fun bookmarker or phone screen saver. (bookmarker how-to here).

Tuesday June 11, 2024

Dahlia Tubors In!

Along with our Zinnias this year ~ we’re planting Dahlias with Tubors! The Tubors were gifted to us by our Friends Joe and Rochelle ~ the same friends whom gifted our first Zinnia seeds so many years ago.

No doubt they will be beautiful ~ I have a live-in Gardner that tends to our flowers….aka Jerry.

I first learned about Tubors thru a Discover Channel documentary ‘Floret’ ~ you can also see their website (here) ~the Floret Farm is soooooo beautiful.

Looking forward to Dahlias!

Monday June 10, 2024

Minis

New Minis!

For many designs we cut our watercolor boards to size here at Classic Amy Joanne, leaving many smaller portions unused ~ we have found they are perfectly sized for artful minis!

Friday June 7, 2024

Corny Jack Keepsake Journal Page

If you enjoy Journaling and Art ~ then you are sure to enjoy our Creative Keepsake Journals!

Each Keepsake Journal (read about here) includes pop-ups, pull-outs, pockets and more….just making it a little more interesting!

This video shares the next page in the Halloween Keepsake Journal, Corny Jack ~ the page itself is the whole design with movable parts!

...always fun here at Classic Amy Joanne.

pattern and zoom gathering coming soon.

Thursday June 6, 2024

Jerry Mix

Jerry mix has been a popular snack in our home for the past few years (read here) ~ and in Classic Amy Joanne style we shared a post on how-to-make-it, then made it giftable.

We created the design in acrylics and also in acrylics & colored pencil ~ onto tin, cloth, wood, cardboard and watercolor paper. (shop here), and (here).

Who knew this could be so much fun!

Wednesday June 5, 2024

Which Chicken?

I’ve taken a different route this time ~ instead of ordering yards and yards of fabric in hopes that it would be the perfect ‘match’ ~ I ordered fabric samples from Spoonflower (here), to play with for our adjoining kitchen, dining area and living space.

The slow-and-steady approach to decor seems to be more satisfying than the impulse buy ‘instant merry’ approach I was doing.

Next Up I will lay out a ‘mood board’ with paint swatches and vintage finds ~ in hopes to find a good mix of color and textures for a ‘colorful collected and coordinated‘ feel for our home.

I like that ‘Colorful, Collected and Coordinated‘!

Tuesday June 4, 2024

Favorite Designing Artist

I’ve been feeling a little nostalgic while looking thru ol’ artist magazines and painting books ~ I miss the good ol’ days and the excitement of all there was to Decorative Art.

I came across a painting I did with Shirley Wilson who was one of my favorite Designing Artists. I have great memories of taking a class with her at our Painting Chapter ~ probably late 90’s.

Shirley’s Designs always tugged at my heart strings.

Monday June 3, 2024

Creating A Vignette

Creating A Vignette is Creative Play to me ~

Adding most-recent finds to already displayed favorites.

In this image are two favorite vintage mirrors which are great for reflection and making a room appear larger. In addition to hand-turned wood candlestick holders with faux flickering and blue wax candles, a wood bowl, a few faux plants and a most recently collected piece-a ceramic swan.

Each addition adds color, texture, shape and size. A collected look.

When the candles flicker and reflect thru the mirrors…..it warms the heart.

Friday May 31, 2024

Collected Home

I love decor that looks collected and selected over time and lived in.

Pieces collected over time ~ maybe an heirloom cookie jar, borrowed canisters, a hand made cutting board, stacked vintage plates or an open cookbook.

They all speak Home to me, gathered and collected over time.

There is no ta-da moment, or final reveal ~ it is in the everyday life (and decor) that feels like Home to me.

Thursday May 30, 2024

Yes Honey I Measured

If you know anything about me ~ I rarely measure anything, I simply just wing it.

It drives my hubby crazy! He measures ‘for a living’ down to the 16th of an inch and then some.

He will always ask, even after 35 years of marriage…..did you measure it first? And I always answer, Yes, honey I measured. Gulp.

Oh boy. Good thing spackle dries quick. Now where is that measuring tape.

Wednesday May 29, 2024

Copycat Centerpiece

I saw this simply made, pretty candle and plant centerpiece in Better Homes and Gardens Magazine…and I just had-a make it.

Making just a few changes from a clay pot base to a basket and changing the plastic pots to peat pots.

How pretty!

Tuesday May 28, 2024

Sister Style

My Sister Stacey has some stylin’ fun!

A few weeks back we were out and about ‘Vintage Shopping’ and we happened upon the perfect trio of childrens chairs in Patriotic colors!

Stacey grabbed them up and had the perfect place for them.

Found thru Studio 895 (here).

Friday May 24, 2024

Memorial Day, Weekend

The peonies are ready to bloom, we’re getting our ducks in a row (read here), our zinnias will be planted (read here), along with dahlias….and our Flag will be waving.

Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend.

In remembrance of all those who gave their lives for us.

Thursday May 23, 2024

Good Eats

We have a few more keeper recipes!

This week we created a BBQ Steak em’ Stromboli ~ using this BBQ Sauce recipe (here), and this pizza crust (here), with fresh cut steak ems from the Butcher and sprinkling in a bit of Cheddar Cheese ~ making for a delicious dinner.

Then we made yet another Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe with ‘kitchen sink’ additions (like pretzels) ~ we will be sharing soon!

Get your YUM on, they’re both keepers!

Wednesday May 22, 2024

Flee Market Day

There are many ways to buy vintage today, it’s almost like a food pyramid. You can ‘dig’ for yourself at a flee market, thrift store, or an Auction or make a purchase from a collection of goods from a well-put-together vintage shop or antique mall.

The bottom of the food pyramid is the ‘flee market’ ~ nothing is priced, it is all about having an eye, digging for your treasure and then negotiating the price. You also must be willing to walk way if your price isn’t met.

Today was Flee Market Day ~ my friend Tracy (of Sister Stash and More) and I enjoyed our time digging around and I found some keeper items, including a complete art set in a wooden box for a steal!

…and I super love the milk pitcher ~ the negotiated price was $1.00.

Tuesday May 21, 2024

Holiday & Occasional Shop

We’ve been keeping a secret and have maybe casually mentioned it here and there ~ We’re opening a Holiday & Occasional Pop Up Shop! ….And it is starting to come together and feel very real

The vision is coming together nicely~ a storefront ‘window’, charming marketing, unique fixtures, fun props, homespun products, the merchandising layout and even the bags, tags a wraps!

With quaint beadboard, cabinets made from doors, wood tables with skirted bottoms ~ and all the trimmings to coordinate!

Classic Amy Joanne Candles & Such Brand and Retail Shop ~ Coming Soon!

Monday May 20, 2024

Planning for Departure

One thing you can be sure of is ~ when you create a small business ‘change’ is not an option, especially in the on-line space and making connections.

I am stubborn enough to ‘make the changes needed’ …..and to never give up.

I’ve been moving away from Social Media (gasp!!) ~ and in planning this departure I have been brain storming on how-to-connect with you….and I think I have it figured out. Change is starting to feel good.

Changing my mind-set came first with a whole-lotta thought, prayer and figuring.

Stay tuned into Classic Amy Joanne as details unfold! ….I’m almost free of Social Media and it feels so good to part ways

….and this new ‘Chicken’ is all part of the new adventure.

Friday May 17, 2024

Who We Are and How We Create Marketing

Here is a ‘snapshot‘ look at ‘who we are’ and how we create marketing for it ~ beginning with Names/Titles, Images, Tag Lines and Logos.

Recently we’ve been working on Marketing for one of our businesses ‘Classic Amy Joanne Candles & Such‘, such as Names/Titles, Images, Logos and Tag Lines ~ it is a Line of Goods, within the main Business of ‘Classic Amy Joanne’.

It is hard to describe ‘who we are’ within an image, a title and a few short words (tag line) ~ all while keeping each part of each business separate and also as ‘One’ ~ it’s like trying to create ads for an auto mechanic who also sells ice cream!

For example: Our Candle Business has a Name/Title, an Image, a Logo and a Tag Line ~ “Warm Your Home, Melt Your Heart” ~ the tag line is catchy, warm hearted, and fun….it describes and shares a feeling from my heart to yours thru our quality hand poured candles and chosen fragrances….Then along with each image, logo and tag line ~ it should coordinate with all things ‘Classic Amy Joanne‘ ~

Some of the ‘words/tags’ we’ve used for Marketing over the past ten years for Classic Amy Joanne are~ homespun, heartfelt, warm-hearted, handmade, classic, and filled with sweet goodness. All our goods, gatherings and blog postings are simply all that ~ whether we’re cooking, baking, crafting, painting, penciling, gathering, candle making or creating coordinated gifts for giving.

We Create Art & Curate Your Home….our ‘main’ Tag Line, simply said are my hopes.

Thursday May 16, 2024

Drawing Table

Back to the drawing table ~ so the saying goes.

I said to myself ~ stop watching the ‘numbers’ ~ the number of followers, comments, likes, pins, and dollars and lets get back to the drawing table, back to business.

Candlestick Santa has been on my mind for 2 maybe 3 years (boy do I have a backlog of drawings!) ~ and he made it to the drawing table today, along with Matchstick Elfie, his trusted companion.

I cannot wait to get started on the painting ~ no matter what the numbers say, I will always create Art ~ and all my ‘number’ worries go away.

The Drawing Table a good place to be.

Wednesday May 15, 2024

The Borrowing Plan

Do you have a sister? I happen to have two.

My Sister Stacey and I have had a Borrowing Plan from as far back as I can remember. We admire ‘things’ in each others home ~ and when we are ready to gift something, donate something or put away something for later ~ we ask the other if they would like it first. We are in constant exchange.

Each ‘something’ is on borrowed time ~ the rule is, it is yours to keep but if you don’t want ‘it’ any longer it goes back to the original Sister.

Most recently I have ‘borrowed’ a Dining Buffet (that I repainted, with permission) and a Blue Canister Set. Stacey has a Farmers Market sign~ among other things.

Thrifting Friends (read May 3, 2024), and the Sister Borrowing Plan ~ it’s all a good thing to create a Home.

Tuesday May 14, 2024

Cheeseburger Onion Ring Pizza

You know it’s Friday Nite when the bread machine is churning on the kitchen counter in our home.

Homemade pizza dough, homemade pizza sauce, seasoned hamburger, mixed cheeses and baked onion rings where topping our pizza this past Friday ~

I’ll take two slices ~ Please!

You can find one of our delicious pizza recipes (here) and search our Blog for many more!

Yum!

Monday May 13, 2024

Coordinated Gifts

It’s always fun to treat our Mom’s on Mother’s Day ~ and especially a new Mom!

Giving a handmade gift is made extra sweet with coordinated matching giftwrap, gift card and ribbon!

Coordinated Gifts ~ another favorite here at Classic Amy Joanne!

Friday May 10, 2024

PB & J Candles!

Art and Retail are two ‘things’ I am really passionate about. So combining the two is living a dream.

Recently creating a new Artful Design in Paint & Pencil thru our ‘My Cottage Life Keepsake Journal‘ and ‘Wreath Ornies’ too (read more here) ~ and of course we then coordinated two new candles scents for our ‘Classic Amy Joanne Candles & Such’ Home Goods (for our new retail journey).

Strawberry Jam and Peanut Butter Candles and Tarts are available and are ready to warm your home and melt your heart!

Follow our Local Event schedule (here) or message for your needs.

Exclusively Classic Amy Joanne.

Thursday May 9, 2024

Another Day, Another Chicken

Chickens have been multiplying in my kitchen! Heaven knows I am not into any ‘theme’ type collecting, style or trend ~ but one chicken seemed to lead me to another!

My hopes are that in my ‘collecting’ I can keep it classic, original and fun!

The latest additions are three ceramic heads found over time thru vintage shops ~ one chicken, one duck, one chicken, all lined up so perfectly.

Wednesday, May 8, 2024

Just like the recipe calls for

Who am I to argue when a recipe calls for crushed Doritos on top!

I’m enjoying this fun new adventure of discovering new recipes and the joy of cooking them! Whether it be a quick grab-n-go or an all day crock pot meal ~

Doritos just made this meal a bit more interesting with every bite!

Tuesday May 7, 2024

Wild & Crazy

I did something wild & crazy and on a whim yesterday.

I deleted my Facebook App from my phone. GASP!

I didn’t delete my account ~ but I deleted the App ~ I am free to live my life ~ free to look outside the 12″ space from my eyes to my phone.

It all started with an unsuccessful product launch with no views, comments, or likes thru Facebook. Then comparing myself to others and the constant need to check in on the launch. Anxiety.

I decided to not let this non-human ‘machine’ take my Joy away.

My Mom sent me this message ‘A bend in the road is not the end of the road unless you fail to make the turn’ (from Helen Keller). Thanks Mom I needed that.

I’ve also been reading Philippians Chapter 3 and 4, specifically 4: 10-14. ~ Being content in plenty and in want.

By the way have you received my ‘gift to uplift‘? Find it thru our latest Newsletter (here).

Monday May 6, 2024

In This Climate

So what do we do with a Creative Biz in this market, in this economy, and in this climate?

It goes without saying that I lean on my Faith.

And I have also leaned on 5 amazing women’s words thru books and Podcasts ~ Joyce Myers, Candace Cameron, Christy Wright, Jennifer Allwood and Martha Stewart.

…..and I keep believing in goodness. ~ never never never give up.