Good-Bye from PURSuE Your Art!

“No one who achieves success does so without acknowledging the help of others. The wise and confident acknowledge this help with gratitude.”

With great sadness and regret we are forced to close our doors. Our changeable art purse is made from a petroleum base product and has been hit with an incredible 60% increase from our Manufacturer. We feel we cannot pass that increase onto our customers. We want to thank you all for your support, help and friendship over the past few years!

We still have the Clutch Art purses available along with some artwork for a limited time. Stop by Mary’s Etsy site, Rhinestone and Rust for jewelry, mixed media sculpture, and cool found objects you can use in your art!

Sometimes we need to hold our head high, blink back the tears, and just say Good-Bye!

Erin & Mary

FREE Purse Panel Template to use with digital scrapbooking kits, digital art or photographs.

Attention digital and hybrid customers! FREE Digital panel templates for our changeable art purse. Use with your digital art papers, photographs or digital scrapbooking kits!

Click here for our one pocket purse template

Click here for our two pocket purse template
Click here for our eight pocket purse template


If you are interested in being featured as a guest designer on our site just submit your purse photos along with your digital kit information and a link to your site to: sales@PursueYourArt.com

Kathy Roper's, Stampin' Up! Purse Class

Front view of the finished purses

Creating & having fun!

Last Saturday a PURSuE Your Art! purse class was held to celebrate Mother’s Day at the Fire & Friends Z Art Studio in Peoria, AZ… taught by Kathy Roper, a local Stampin’ Up!Demonstrator.

They spent a lovely morning stamping up inserts and mini cards for the PursueYourArt 8-pocket changeable art purses. Not only were those attending pampered with delectable chocolate dipped treats & frappaccino…..but everything was prekitted for them, using coordinating Stampin’ Up! designer papers, rubber stamps & embellishments.

Students learned many basic card-making & scrapbooking techniques as they decorated their purses with artwork they created themselves! Making these purses really got their creative wheels turning. They all love their new purses…and why not? They are Gor-geous, Dahling!!! Attached are the rest of the photos from the class itself. Only 3 of the 4 registered showed up, but we all had a great time! More beautiful purses doning the streets of AZ!!!

A young helper, Jenny Stewart, took the professional looking pictures. She is a sophomore in high school and has started her own photography business doing mostly senior portraits, but also branching out into sports photos and now stamping projects!!!

A side note from Kathy......"While carrying my new purse the following Monday, I took my youngest in to the pediatrician’s office for his annual checkup. Two gals working there spied my purse and practically tackled me to find out if I made it….I had to admit that I only decorated it….I left them my card and they both are registered to attend my next Stampin’ Up! Workshop…and can not wait until I teach another purse class so they can sign up for that!! These purses are great advertising ladies! Women love these purses—show ‘em off!"

To all our customers who offer a PURSuE Your Art! purse class, we would love to feature you in our blog too! Just email us photos and your article to sales@PursueYourArt.com

Whether you're searching for an elegant clutch, a colorful prom or evening bag or an artsy purse, this is it! New from PURSuE Your Art!

The new Clutch Art Purse from PURSuE Your Art! is the ideal companion to evening apparel. Whether you are dressing up for a gala event or simply meeting girlfriends for cocktails at the bar, the sleek design of these purses are both elegant and contemporary. Often, a good clutch is all you need to transition an office outfit to an evening out.

Are you looking for an unforgettable bridesmaid gift? The clutch art purse beautifully shows off your taste in gifts and it's the perfect accessory to that glamorous dress! We offer a wide range of vibrant colors and unique designs that were created by Mary Welch.

Want to be the envy at Prom? Everyone will want to know... "where did you get that stunning clutch?" The glass beaded handle adds to the beauty of the purse.

If you're searching for an elegant clutch, a colorful prom or evening bag or an artsy purse, look no farther. We have a clutch for you!

Visit our website to view the entire collection of Clutch Art Purses. http://www.pursueyourart.com/

Take a peek at the new Clutch Art Purse from PURSuE Your Art! Clutch art designs by Mary Welch

Coming in May to PURSuE Your Art! Take a peek at our new Clutch Art Purse! The perfect clutch for any occassion...prom, wedding, or an evening out with girlfriends!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Mary's article was published in the Spring 2008 Haute Handbags edition

Okay Ladies you need to pre-order your spring 2008 Haute Handbags edition. Stampington & Company is pleased to announce a brand NEW special publication for handbag enthusiasts!

Haute Handbags is now twice a year! As with previous editions, this exciting issue features stylish and unique handbags, as well as sharing techniques on how to create them your self. Contributing artists have come up with dozens of amazing handbags using all sorts of materials and styles, including: Interchangeable ATC bags by Mary L. Welch

Mary Welch, Co-founder of PURSuE Your Art! had her article published! She is featured on pages 17-19 with her Angel ATC purse and her Tim Holtz Adirondack Alcohol inks purse. An amazing article with step-by-step technique and instructions so you can be inspired to create your own PURSuE Your Art! Changeable art purse.

Pre-Order your copy of Haute Handbags Spring '08 here

A Cool way to market your artwork!

Start with a blank Purse and
the possibilities are endless!
Mary Welch created this beautiful digital art purse
as a Christmas gift for me using a print from
Shabby Cottage Studio

Our friend Gail Schmidt, over at Shabby Cottage Studio wrote a wonderful story about using a PURSuE Your Art! Changeable art purse to market your artwork.

We met Gail through the internet after Mary brought a digital art print and Decorative papers from Gail to create a Christmas gift for me! We now share a great cyber-space friendship.

Just wanted to share the article with you. Click here and you will be taken to Gail's Blog.

Want to order your own changeable art purse? Place your order today at http://www.pursueyourart.com/

Drum Roll Please...............

And the WINNER is ..................Monica from Clarksville, Tennessee

The winning Purse design was by Erika Martin - using the Pretty Petals Stamp Set from Kitchen Sink Stamps.

Thanks to the Five women from the Kitchen Sink Design team that were chosen to come up with a unique purse design, using a PURSuE Your Art! Changeable art purse and a set of Kitchen sink stamps. Julie, Rebecca, Nicole, Tracy & Erica all did an awesome job creating their purse masterpieces!

Thanks to all our readers who took the time to vote.

Didn't win? .... don't feel sad....stop by our website and order your own changeable art purse today! When you PURSuE Your Art! Everyone is a winner.
http://www.pursueyourart.com/

Help us pick the winning Purse Design! And win some cool prizes.

Five designers were given a PURSuE Your Art! Changeable art purse

and a Kitchen Sink Stamp Set.

Here are the fabulous designs they came up with.

You can only vote for one!

Julie Masse - 3 Step Holly & Mistletoe Stamp Set

Rebecca Olehlers - Pretty Petals Stamp Set

Tracy Durcan - Playful Christmas Stamp Set

Nicole Cooke - 3 Step Daisy Stamp Set

Erika Martin - Pretty Petals Stamp Set

PURSuE Your Art! Changeable art purse along with Kitchen Sink Stamps have teamed up for a "designer purse" contest.

Five women from the Kitchen Sink Design team were chosen to come up with a unique purse design, using a PURSuE Your Art! Changeable art purse and a set of Kitchen sink stamps. You get to vote for the best design.

Just leave a comment and your name will be put into a drawing to win our new one pocket style purse, the purse design that gets the most votes will determine which Kitchen Sink Stamp set will be given away.

Voting ends Friday, March 14th. A random number will be picked for the winner.

So please don’t forget to come back to see if you won!

The winner has until Monday, March 17th (Midnight EST), to claim their prize. After this date, another winner will be selected.

Good Luck everyone and remember your comment is your vote!

Want to design your own purse? Order today at http://www.pursueyourart.com/

Help Bernie Berlin win a $50,000 grant for her dog rescue

A Place to Bark is participating in a challenge being offered Six Degrees, partnered with the Case Foundation and Parade on America's Giving Challenge. The four USA charity badges that have the most unique donors through the America's Giving Challenge will receive $50,000 for their cause. We are entered in this contest and need the help of each and every one of you. The Challenge ends on January 31, 2008 at 3:00 pm EST. Each $10 donation gets Bernie one step closer to winning a grant of $50,000!!!

Bernie Berlin, a friend and fellow artist.....a mixed media artist specializing in Faberge Style Eggs runs a full-time dog rescue, taking in the dogs that have been abandoned, abused or police confiscated. She fosters, retrains, transports & adopts. Cats are also welcome at her rescue. She is drawn to the unwanted, unloved and misunderstood. Hoping to educate and effect change for the animals that do not have a voice of their own. Visit her web site at http://www.aplacetobark.com/

Promote your children's sports & music passion in a fun, fashionable purse!

Sports purse created in Debbie's
purse-onality workshop





Mom's brag bag using Photoshop

A few of our customers are finding ways to promote their children's passion of sports, music and school spirit in a PURSuE Your Art! Changeble art purse.

Debbie from the the Bee Hive Studio, located approximately 30 miles NW of Nashville, offers a Purse-onality class. All you need is pics of your child participating in their favorite sport and she supplies the fun sport-themed scrapbook paper. Debbie designed this basketball purse for her customer...Go Panthers! Check out her blog for details: http://studiobeecreations.blogspot.com/

This is what Kelly has to say about her purse; Here are 2 photos of my purse. I call it my "Mom Purse." I designed the background paper in Photoshop. I typed in the word mother in different languages. I designed the Dance Mom, Band Mom and Soccer Mom also in Photoshop. The pictures are of my 2 daughters and our dog. My husband wanted to know why his picture was included and I told him I’m not his mom! I’ve received lots of complements and had fun making it! Thanks for a great way to display our creativity!

Thank you Debbie & Kelly for sharing your purse making story! If you have a story and photos you would like to share with us please email us at: sales@PursueYourArt.com

PURSuE Your Art! Changeable art purse makes a great fundraising idea for your school, booster club or private sports club. Call us for information on a ten pack discount pack.

Get ready for Digital Scapbooking Day!

The first-ever Digital Scrapbooking Day (sponsored by Triscape, makers of FxFoto photo editing software) is coming up!

Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 3 and get ready for a crazy day of photo tweaking, layout designing and product sharing.

To celebrate, Digital Scrapbooking Magazine is hosting a layout contest at the photo sharing site Flickr. They are looking for layouts on the theme of "Why I Love Digital Scrapbooking." Upload your own and vote for your favorites--they'll have prizes for the most popular layouts, plus those selected as standouts by the editorial team.

Here's what you'll need to do to enter:

If you don't have one already, set up a Flickr account. (It's free, and takes just a few minutes.)Visit their Flickr page and click "Join This Group." Read our simple posting rules and join.Upload photos to your Flickr account. Choose the layout you want to enter and click "Send to Group" to share it with us.Thanks for playing--we can't wait to see how you will PURSuE Your Art! (Plus: check out the cute T-shirt designed by 2007 Digital Scrapbooking board member Clara Wallace just for the occasion.

You can easily design a PURSuE Your Art! Changeable art purse, using digital software. It's fun, easy and a great way to show off your photos! Order your purse today http://www.pursueyourart.com/

World Card Making Day

World Card Making Day is October 6th

Want to join in on the fun? Here are a few ideas to help you celebrate World Card Making Day in style!

Check to see if your local scrapbook store (LSS), craft store, or stamp store is hosting special activities for the day. If not, express interest in their doing so or join in the activities of an Official Retailer.

Gather with fellow card makers and host a party using one of these themes:

Holiday card making. Play some Christmas tunes, serve tasty holiday treats (such as cookies, wassail, and candy canes), and put on your favorite Christmas movie to have a holiday card-making extravaganza. There’s nothing so satisfying as knowing all of your holiday cards are made before the hustle and bustle of the season sets in.

Card swap. Choose a card theme or occasion and ask your guests to come with enough cards for everyone in attendance to trade. Be sure to allow plenty of time for those attending to create the cards in advance. If possible, coordinate your refreshments and decorations to match the theme.

Supplies swap. Refresh your collection of card-making supplies by hosting a trade. Invite your guests to bring enough supplies for everyone in attendance. Set at theme for the supplies (punches, stickers, etc.) and coordinate the treats to match the theme. For example, have a ribbon swap and serve ribbon candy, shoestring licorice, and blue-ribbon apple pie. Or swap chipboard accents and serve chips and dip. You may also theme the products you swap. So you can have a birthday themed product swap (where you exchange patterned paper, stickers, rub-ons, etc.) serve cupcakes

Take advantage of a 35% discount when you purchase a PURSuE Your Art! Changeable art purse 10 Pack purse class set for any of these theme parties! The two pocket style purse is perfect for showing off your "new" cards! Click here to place an order.

For more ideas and information please click here:
World Card Making official website

Craft critique reviews PURSuE Your Art!

PURSuE Your Art! Changeable art purse will be reviewed all week by Craft Critique. Craft Critique is the brain child of Sarah Moore, who is a Rubber Stamper, Papercrafter, blogger, mommy... artist type. She lives in Illinois with her Hubby Rick and 3 year old son. She spends her days avoiding housework and being a crafty mom.

Sarah and her staff are a collective of experienced crafters (some professional, most not) with strong opinions to share on the craft supplies you want to learn more about. The staff is entirely volunteer.

Would you like to be reviewed on Craft Critique? They want to inspect and play with your newly released wares. Experienced crafters and chatty bloggers from a multitude of mediums await! Experience word of mouth marketing for yourself. Email them today for more information. info@craftcritique.com

Craft Critique Reviews PURSuE Your Art!

Click on each staff members name to read their review.

Tuesday: Sarah Moore's Review & Stampin' Up Purse

Wednesday: Melissa Norris's Review & Pampered Chef purse

Thursday: Donna Lannerd's Review using Fiber Art

Friday: Amy Westerman's Review & showcasing Scenic Route paper

Saturday: Sarah Moore's one last design ...Punk/Rock and Roll meets renegade Crafter Bag

PURSuE Your Art! Featured in Digital Scrapbooking Magazine

It was such an honor to be contacted by Digital Scrapbooking Magazine editor, Molly Newman, back in January. She asked us to send her four PURSuE Your Art!purses so she and her design team could display their digital artwork and creativity in a never-ending variety of personal purse looks for an article they were working on .....get hip.

The featured story is about using digital scrapbooking skills and style to make personalized fashion accessories from handbags to hair clips! The purse design team was made up of Angie Pedersen, Martha Tredway, Tia Bennett and Molly Newman. Each of these talented ladies created a one-of-a-kind digital masterpiece.

To read the entire story and see photos, pick up the August/September issue. Page 60!

Happy Mother's Day

Mary created this beautiful collage
card for her mom for mother's day.

Erin's brag bag

My 3 sweet kids when they were little.

Back view of the original 8 pocket style purse.
Perfect for displaying artwork & photos.

Mary's photo purse.
Her 2 adorable furry, four-legged children

Back view of the original 8 pocket style purse.

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms of two- legged and four-legged children.....enjoy your day. Hope you can find time to PURSuE Your Art!

Why God Made Moms
Answers given by 2nd grade school children to the following questions:

Why did God make mothers?
1. She's the only one who knows where the scotch tape is.
2. Mostly to clean the house.
3. To help us out of there when we were getting born.

How did God make mothers?
1. He used dirt, just like for the rest of us.
2. Magic plus super powers and a lot of stirring.
3. God made my Mom just the same like he made me. He just used bigger parts.

What ingredients are mothers made of?
1. God makes mothers out of clouds and angel hair and everything nice in the world and one dab of mean.
2. They had to get their start from men's bones. Then they mostly use string, I think.

Why did God give you Your mother & not some other mom?
1. We're related.
2. God knew she likes me a lot more than other people's moms like me.

What kind of little girl was your mom?
1. My Mom has always been my Mom and none of that other stuff.
2. I don't know because I wasn't there, but my guess would be pretty bossy.
3. They say she used to be nice.

What did Mom need to know about dad before she married him?
1. His last name.
2. She had to know his background. Like is he a crook? Does he get drunk on beer? Does he make at least $800 a year? Did he say NO to drugs and YES to chores?

Why did your Mom marry your dad?
1. My dad makes the best spaghetti in the world. And my Mom eats a lot.
2. She got too old to do anything else with him.
3. My grandma says that Mom didn't have her thinking cap on.

Who's the boss at your house?
1. Mom doesn't want to be boss, but she has to because dad's such a goofball.
2. Mom. You can tell by room inspection. She sees the stuff under the bed.
3. I guess Mom is, but only because she has a lot more to do than dad.

What's the difference between Moms & Dads?
1 . Moms work at work and work at home & Dads just go to work at work.
2. Moms know how to talk to teachers without scaring them.
3. Dads are taller & stronger, but Moms have all the real power 'cause that's who you got to ask if you want to sleep over at your friend's.
4. Moms have magic, they make you feel better without medicine.

What does your Mom do in her spare time?
1. Mothers don't do spare time.
2. To hear her tell it, she pays bills all day long.

What would it take to make your Mom perfect?
1. On the inside she's already perfect. Outside, I think some kind of plastic surgery.
2. Diet. You know, her hair. I'd diet, maybe blue.

If you could change one thing about your Mom, what would it be?
1. She has this weird thing about me keeping my room clean. I'd get rid of that.
2. I'd make my Mom smarter. Then she would know it was my sister who did it and not me.
3. I would like for her to get rid of those invisible eyes on the back of her head.

PURSuE Your Art! Changeable art purse is a fun, fashionable way of expressing your artistic side. Perfect for displaying your artwork, photos and more! It's a miniature art gallery in a purse. Perfect for self expression or self promotion.

Visit our website to place your order today!

Oprah's search for the Next Big Idea

Mary designed an Oprah purse using magazine

covers from past issues

Looking inside the purse

Back view of the Oprah purse

Oprah announcing she is looking for the Next Big Idea!

Mary and I confess to being huge Oprah fans and try to watch her show as often as we can. We both plan our work schedule around it. For me it means processing orders from 4:00 to5:00 p.m. so I can be near my kitchen television. I couldn’t have been more stunned or excited to hear Oprah asking, “Do you have an original idea that you want the world to know about?” “Do you have a unique and creative product?”

I’m shouting at Oprah. “Yes, yes and yes!”

I quickly call Mary to make sure she heard Oprah announce that she has teamed up with QVC, the world’s largest televised shopping network to launch her search for the next big idea! It took us less than ten seconds to convince ourselves that our changeable art purse is the perfect new idea and deserves the chance to be seen by the QVC judges. Mary clicks on oprah.com to download the necessary forms that we will need to fill out and submit. Lucky for us, one of the three audition locations is in Chicago. Just a short trek over the Wisconsin border and the cost of a tank of gas is all it will take for a chance of a lifetime!

Within 24 hours we received an email confirming our time-slot. Fast, efficient and organized were our first thoughts of the contest. This proved to be true for the entire audition process.

March 23, one o’clock in the afternoon is our check-in time. We arrive promptly, which is an amazing feat for Mary and me. We had ten minutes to take in our surroundings before being called to get in line along with 60 other hopefuls who also shared our time-slot. You could feel the energy and see the excitement in each participant’s face. One common thread bonded us together…. having a dream, passion and belief that our product is the next big idea! We follow the QVC representative as if he is the pied piper. We make nervous small talk to everyone around us, showing off our purse, getting a sneak peek at our competition and exchanging business cards as we snake around making our way to a small room to be briefed on our final destination. The grand ballroom!

We are instructed that the QVC judges are awaiting the next batch of inventors and our product will be judged based on its ability to be demonstrated, its level of broad appeal, and its creative and unique nature, as well as its meeting certain QVC legal requirements. We will all have 10 minutes to make an impression while being evaluated by a QVC representative.

“Good luck,” says this nameless representative as he ushers our group into the ballroom.

The enormous room is filled with long rows of tables draped in white linen tablecloths. There are hundreds of inventors and entrepreneurs in this room scurrying around either setting up or tearing down their display for the judges. A quite hum fills the room. The anticipation and perspiration is starting to show on each of us. So much for an intimate room with just you and the judge as I had envisioned from watching endless hours of “American Idol!”

One by one people ahead of us our being led off to their appropriate area, we wave good-bye and give the thumbs up to our new acquaintances. A woman with a clipboard decides we need to be in the arts and craft area and leads us down a long row of tables that has to be at least sixty feet long. We are given a six-foot section to display our purses. With instructions to be set up in ten minutes and to hang our sign at the edge of the table to let our judge know when we are ready.

Mary and I quickly, quietly and nervously set up our display of blank and finished purses we have brought with us. I wonder if Oprah will stop by, but it didn’t seem too likely. Mary designed an Oprah purse using pictures from her magazine covers to grab some attention. We notice photographers and camera crews from Oprah’s studio walking by. Of course I can’t resist shouting at them….“Look, Oprah’s here!” As they turn around I’m standing there holding the Oprah purse. We do get a few of them to snap our picture.

Our judge approaches our table and asked us if we were ready to demonstrate our product. The moment we have been waiting for, the moment that could change our lives! We take one look at our very young judge who looks maybe old enough to be one of our daughters. Panic comes over Mary and me. This young girl holds our fate. Is she even old enough to shop on QVC? Mary does our spiel as I demonstrate how our changeable art purse works. We both notice our neighbors are distracting our judge. She politely asks us some questions as she keeps her head down to write. Before we know it, she is thanking us for our time and walks away. We are left just a little bit stunned.

“Maybe that’s just her poker face,” Mary surmises.
We pack up our purses and head for the door a little disappointed.

Our mood soon changes as we find ourselves in yet another line to have a five-minute consultation with business professionals who are there compliments of QVC. We are allowed to ask one question regarding manufacturing, marketing or outsourcing. Mary and I become aware of all the attention our purses are getting as we wait in line. We find ourselves giving our spiel to a group of fellow entrepreneurs gathered around to see the endless possibilities of our changeable art purse.

“You’re next” we hear, as John shakes our hand and is immediately drawn to our purse. He’s so enthusiastic by our clever design that he is surprised to hear about our judge’s reaction to us. He leaves us to find the head buyer for the arts and crafts section on QVC. Together they give us great feedback on our purse and some useful information for us to think about if we want to take the necessary steps towards having our purse on QVC.

We leave feeling positive and a little hopeful that we may have a chance at being one of the ten finalists! We head home knowing we did our best. We will just have to wait out the next four weeks while the judges make their decision.

Mary and I have since learned that more than 6,000 people from across the country had the same dreams and hopes that we did. We were notified on Friday, April 27th that we were not chosen. It is disappointing to try so hard and not be picked, but at the same time we feel so blessed to have been given the opportunity and the experience that we will remember forever.

Thanks Oprah for the incredible experience!

Please visit our website to order your PURSuE Your Art! Changeable art purse today!

Interview with Customer and Stampin' Up Demonstrator Jan Tinklenberg

Jan Tinklenberg

Jan's latest Stampin' Up design

Back of Jan's 8 pocket purse


Front view of Jan's
second purse created with Stampin' Up products

Back view

The first purse design Jan submitted

Back of Jan's purse

Mary and I decided it was time to feature a customer from our Customer Gallery here in our blog. It was a hard decision..who would be our first? After looking at all the wonderful photos that so many of our customers sent us, one women stood out...one customer who appears in our Customer Gallery three times!!! We chose Stampin' Up! Demonstrator, Jan Tinklenberg! She has sent us photos of three different purse designs. We wanted to learn more about Jan, so she agreed to do an interview with PURSuE Your Art!


Erin: How long have you been scrapbooking?
Jan: I've been scrapbooking 9 years.

Erin: What got you interested in Scrapbooking?
Jan: I started out making greeting cards with rubber stamps 11 years ago and was perfectly happy to just be a stamper. I'd go into the local store that sold both stamps and scrapbooking supplies, look at the scrapbooking stuff and say, "Nuh UH! I'm not going to do that!" Then my in-laws had their 50th wedding anniversary and since we weren't throwing their party for them, I decided to volunteer to do a memory book. I included a note in the invitations asking people to send me pictures and memories, but I didn't get enough back to make a book out of, so I raided my in-law's photos and did the book mostly with those. It got a lot of attention at the party. After that, I had all those tools and things I had brought for their book..it seemed only natural to continue by making scrapbooks.

Erin: How long have you been with Stampin' Up!
Jan: I signed up in March 2003, so it's been 4 years.

Erin: Do you have a team of ladies under you? How many?
Jan: I have a very small downline of 3. I used to have 7 in 2 levels, but women sign up for different reasons and drop out for different reasons. I'm not a big recruiter, so I'm happy with the downline I have. I certainly wouldn't turn anyone down that wanted to sign up!

Erin: Are you married? Do you have Children?
Jan: I have 3 children( 2 girls and a boy), but only 1 husband. We've been married almost 24 years and our kids are 12,10, and 8.

Erin: Were you creative as a child? If yes..do you have a story you want to share?
Jan: I've always loved making things. My mom was always knitting or sewing or doing something...she encouraged me by buying me things to craft with from the time I was around 7 years old. I have always enjoyed drawing, painting and doing all different kinds of arts and crafts. I can remember the day I decided I would be an artist: I was probably 11 or 12 and was at my grandparents' house. They lived opposite an old farmhouse. I was looking at the farmhouse,its clapboard sides white against the blue sky and thought, "I'd like to paint a picture of that." And that's when I knew that I would be an artist someday, I went on to get my degree in art at Western Michigan University with an emphasis in watercolor. But making a living painting watercolors is not very easy...I've only sold a few paintings since then.

Erin: Would you like to share with us your purse making experience? What type of adhesive did you use? Any tips you want to share?
Jan: I have done 3 different versions of my purse since I got it. Every time I finish I feel I've done the best version yet, but when it's time to freshen it up I have as much or more fun the next time! I used EK Success' Dotto, which is a temporary to permanent adhesive, it makes it easy to peel the paper off when it's time to change my purse.

Erin: Do you prefer the 2 pocket purse over the 8 pocket purse?
Jan: I like the 8 pocket purse best because I can showcase more stamp sets and/or techniques.


Erin: When you are out and about do you get stopped by strangers asking about your purse?
Jan: All the time! Not a day goes by that I don't get at least 1 comment on the purse. People love it! Not only the artwork I put in my purse, but the purse itself....people like the handle especially. I call my purse my little billboard. In direct sales, your business is primarily expanded just by talking to people, so my purse being the natural conversation piece that it is, is a great tool for me.

Erin: When you get stopped does it make it easier for you to pass out your business card or book a class?
Jan: I've passed out a lot of mini catalogs and business cards since I started carrying it; more than ever before! I have gotten at least one new customer, plus a teaching job at one of the local scrapbook stores, just from carrying my purse with me everywhere.


Erin: Would you be interested in offering purse classes to your customers?
Jan: I have had customers and some store owners where I shop who have been interested, so yes, I would be.

Erin: Do have anything else you would like to say or share?
Jan: I like the design for the purse a lot, even though a vinyl purse was a big departure from my usual style! It is just the right size and the best thing about it is that it does not slide down my shoulder and arm all the time; it stays put! I have given your website out to a lot of people and I highly recommend your purses to anyone who loves to show off their artwork or just likes to have something unique and different.

Erin: Thank you Jan for taking the time to do this interview. We always look forward to seeing how you will PURSuE Your Art! We look forward to seeing more of your purse designs in our Customer Gallery. Please visit Jan's website to learn more about her and her Stampin' Up products. She has a great blog too!

If you would like to be featured here in our blog make sure your purse photos are in our Customer Gallery. We may be calling you next.... as a thank you for your time we will send you a set of replacement panels and pocket cards to create another look for your purse.

Visit us at PursueYourArt.com to order your purse today!

Discount Pack Now Available

PURSuE Your Art! Changeable art purse

Take advantage of a 35% Discount!

Purse Class - 10 Pack Set

How could you benefit
from purchasing a 10 Pack?

* Start a purse class business.
Charge retail for materials plus a class fee.
* Incorporate into your existing scrapbooking classes.
* Offer as an incentive to your downline, create a promotional purse.
* Gather your girlfriends for a purse making “girls night out” or scrapbooking retreat.

Purse Class - 10 Pack $236.92

Each pack includes:
10 purses
10 sets of Replacement Panels
and Pocket Cards

Pack A Includes:
8 Pocket Purse Style - Color Cream
Replacement Panels and Pocket Cards - Color Black

OR

Pack B Includes:
2 Pocket Purse Style - Color Cream
Replacement Panels and Pocket Cards - Color Black

Retail Value of 10 Pack is $364.50
Suggested Purse retail $29.95 Replacements retail $6.50
Total Retail Value of Set $36.45

Your Cost $236.92
Your Profit $127.58
(plus your fees for class and decorating materials)

Shipping, handling, and sales tax if applicable, will be added to total pack cost.

For more information or to place an order call:
(262) 242-6119
or email us any questions.

PURSuE Your Art!
Co-founders Mary Welch & Erin Mueller

My Birthday Thoughts

Birthday dinner at Benihana's with my husband and 3 kids

My beautiful birthday purse
Chocolate cake for everyone!

It's my Birthday today. I'm 49 years young! I try to live by Oprah's advice..."you just need to own it and embrace it!" I just want to know where did all those years go?? I don’t feel 49. I feel like I'm in my 20's, but my mirror tells me otherwise. I see lines, wrinkles and of course the gray hair that now needs to be dyed every four weeks instead of six. And the fact that I just received an invitation to my 31st High School Class Reunion. Okay, 31 is a little odd, let's just say it was the 70's and leave it at that!

Birthdays to me are meant to be celebrated, to revel in the fact that for whatever reason, we are still here on this earth. So I enjoy each moment of each precious year. My journey is intended to continue. This path I travel is filled with many wonderful and incredible people. People I am destined to have a connection with. I have always believed that people come into our lives for a reason, it’s no accident that our paths crossed. When you meet someone and have a connection with them two things are meant to happen: Either you are here to learn from them or they are to learn from you.

Here are a few things I have learned

in my 49 years:

To put God first, trust in him, and have unwavering faith that all will be well.

Treat yourself the way you want to be treated by others. Love yourself and you will be loved.

No matter what happens, how bad it seems today, Life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.

You can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles four things: A rainy day, the elderly, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.

Regardless of your relationship with your parents,you'll miss them when they're gone from your life.

Making a "living" is not the same thing as making a "life…"

Smile at everyone you meet.

Laugh at yourself and with yourself.

When you're feeling depressed put some music on and dance!

It’s okay to make a mistake or fail, just learn from it.

You shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back.

If you pursue happiness, it will elude you. But if you focus on your family, your friends, the needs of others, your work and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you.

Even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.

What you focus on with your thoughts and feelings is what you attract into your experience.

In all things, always remember to give thanks. You might not be where you want to be, but neither are you where you used to be. If it hasn't happened yet, that doesn't mean it won't happen.

Eating a little chocolate everyday is good for you.

I've learned I still have alot to learn yet!

I Love my new birthday purse. Mary created it using hand-made papers she designed! Mary also added a Miram Robert art print to the pocket card. Mary and I both agree she is one of our favorite artist. Can't wait to take my beautiful purse out tonight.

To purchase a PURSuE Your Art! Changeable art purse, please visit our website.

Our New Press Release

Art as an Accessory: New Customizable Purse Allows Crafters to Display Creativity

“Changeable Art Purse” clearly reveals

crafters’ artwork and passions

Pursue Your Art has created an innovative “changeable art purse” that allows crafters, artists and entrepreneurs to creatively display artwork, artist trading cards, photos, promotional materials, and more. Available in 8-pocket and 2-pocket styles, the purse’s unique design features clear vinyl pockets that hold slip-in artwork pieces. The pockets make it easy to update instantly for any fashion occasion. It’s “changeable art” that you wear as an accessory.

Starting with a precut blank pulpboard base (available in black or cream), crafters can create distinctive art pieces to insert into the purse’s high-quality vinyl frame. You can work with a variety of artistic mediums – decorative papers, photos, fabric, paints, stamps, and even digital artwork. Build your artwork on the blank panels and pocket cards; slip them inside the frame, and go. Additional sets of panels and pocket cards are available to create a variety of looks using the same purse body.

Pursue Your Art! founders Mary Welch and Erin Mueller offer the following purse theme ideas:

• Print family photos and slip into the pockets in front of a cheerful print background. Tip:Black& White photos make the purse POP!)
• Decorate panels with papers and embellishments related to an upcoming holiday.
• Print out reduced scans of children’s artwork to highlight a special artist in your life.
• Create samples featuring products you sell as an independent consultant. Store business cards in one of the pockets for easy access (and word-of-mouth advertising).
• Gather memorabilia from a school or military career and take along to special ceremonies.
  

Pursue Your Art! offers a gallery of customers’ creations at their website, www.pursueyourart.com. The founders also maintain a blog with frequently updated tips and ideas for using the purse: http://wwwpursueyourart.blogspot.com/

About Pursue Your Art!Founders (and friends) Mary Welch and Erin Mueller admit their purses should come with the warning, "Do not use if you don't want to talk to anyone or you don't like compliments". They formed their business in 2006, and now operate from satellite offices in Thiensville and Mukwonago, Wisconsin.

Win Some Crafty Stuff!!!

No not here! One of our very good customers and supporters of PURSuE Your Art! Changeable art purse, Sarah Moore, is hosting the game on her blog. http://stampstars.blogspot.com/

So here is the game; you will find seven "sneak peak" pictures of door prize and goodie bag donations for the Big Splitcoaststamper event being hosted by Sarah ..... All you have to do is name seven wonderful companies who donated! (Hint..Hint)

Good luck to all who participate!

Four friends each make a PURSuE Your Art masterpiece!

All four art purses

Tamara's Mona Lisa purse

Front view of Mona Lisa Purse

Alice's Monet purse

Front view

Shelley's Georgia O'Keeffe's purseBack view of purse

Susan's art sculpture purse

Mary and I met Tamara over a year ago through an on-line Yahoo Artist Trading Card group. I had made a post to the group looking for women in the Milwaukee area who would be interested in being part of a focus group for our purse. Tamara was the first to respond and from our initial meeting the three of us have been friends ever since. She’s not only become a friend, but also one of our biggest supporters…… Always promoting our purse business to her many artist groups or passing out our business cards to anyone who comments on her ever-changing art purse.

Tamara works with three women who also have a passion for arts and crafts. Together they decided they would stay after work along with Leonardo De Vinci, Claude Monet, Georgia O’Keeffe and art sculpture inspirations for an evening of creative purse designing.

These four artistically talented women thought it would be enriching to have an art purse theme party. Inspired by one of Tamara’s many rubber stamps, they were in agreement to use this powerful quote somewhere in their purse design: “Art washes away from the soul the dust of every day life.” Each would also choose a famous artist they admired to portray in their purse. Like the marriage of a fine wine and great dinner, the quotation and artist focus enhanced each other. What a beautiful blend!

A unanimous vote for our two-pocket style purse by the group turned out to be the perfect choice and pocket size to depict their much-adored famous artist. Three hours of laughter, supply sharing, gluing, cutting and stamping produced four amazing handbag masterpieces!

Each purse is as unique as the person who created it. Monet inspired Alice. Susan’s trip to a San Antonio art sculpture museum sparked her creativity. Shelley’s admiration for Georgia O’Keeffe reflects that in her purse and Tamara’s love for the Mona Lisa is a wonderful tribute to Da Vinci.

Awesome work, ladies! Thank you so much for sharing your story and pictures with us. To show them our appreciation, we gave them each a set of complimentary replacement panels and pocket cards to create yet another look for their purse. Tamara told me they are already thinking of a “new” theme for their changeable art purses.

Feel free to send us your story and photos. We love hearing about friends gathering for a “girls night out, purse making party!” You and your group could receive a set of replacement panels and pocket cards too!



Please visit our Website to purchase your purse today!
www.PURSuEYourArt.com