Hello! Well, here I am, stepping gingerly into this stubstack. world. For many years now I have done most of my connecting with friends and customers via Instagram. However, the writing seems to be on the wall for that platform as it gets more slick, more video-centered, and filled paid advertising. Many of my friends there have transitioned to substack as a way to keep in contact with people directly without the noise of paid advertising, and so—- here I am too!
If you are receiving this first post in your inbox, that is because in the past you subscribed to my newsletter (thank you!) If you are no longer interested in being on that list, you can easily unsubscribe at the bottom of the email.
For the past year or so, I have been very intrigued by the art of wheat weaving, and have made several friends with the ladies of KASA- The Kansas Association of Straw Artists. My dabbling in that craft and their kind assistance and guidance inspired this latest painting, “The Wheat Weaver”, which you can now find as a print in my Etsy Shop!
A friend of mine within the group sent me a wonderful package the other day full of wheat weaving goodies, including these beautiful tea towels and several books on the art! I was so thrilled and I know it will inspire a lot more art! Did you know that in the UK, traditionally made harvest tokens are called ‘Corn Dollies’? That’s because in traditional craft, all grains were called ‘corn’. While we Americans associate corn with, well, corn….in the old days in England, Wales, Cornwall and Scotland, any grain such as wheat, barley or oat could be called ‘corn.’ And speaking of Wheat Weaving, I will be attending the National Association of Wheat Weavers convention next week in Wichita, Kansas. If you happen to be in the area, I will have art for sale at the Drury Hotel on Saturday April 29 while the convention is happening.
It has been so busy around here….more busy than I think I have ever been in my life! BUT, it has been a good busy. Both my kids are now doing homeschool and so I am guiding the education of a 10th grader and a 3rd grader. It is wild! It is a lot of work but also really fun. We’ve gotten to do some really wonderful projects and field trips together.
I am also a catechist in a Level 1 and a Level 2 Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program, and that has also been a really fruitful and satisfying part of my life! We just finished Lent and are striding happily into the Easter season. We’ve also got a TON of babies either newly born or very much on their way at our parish, and within the CGS program—- three catechists are welcoming little ones this spring and summer! The sheep fold just keeps on growing! Which is awesome <3
Our parish also welcomed around 50 new catechumens into the church at Easter Vigil, which was so amazing to see. Two of which were beloved members of my family. So yes….SO MUCH has been happening, and in the between times, a bit of art!
I thank you for joining me here on this platform, and I hope to have it work close in tandem with my blog. I miss blogging like in ‘the old days’, but I know that old set up isnt as easy and fluid as it used to be. With Substack, however, these notes will come ever so often into your inbox, or you can read them on my substack page.
I am looking forward to some time to paint more, and am eager to see where my brush will lead me next! And to thank you for being here, I have a treat for you! Use the coupon code NEWSLETTER15 at check-out in my etsy shop and recieve 15% off your whole order!
Thanks so much! I hope you and yours are happy and well!
~Heather
Sleightholm Folk Art
What a delight to open my email and see this update! I love a quick, peaceful perusal without the "noise" and distraction of instagram.
So glad to see you here! I love your art and hearing about your hobbies.