Blog - Heart Blossom

The Hardest Place

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 19:53:00 GMT

The hardest place to go is where we’ve never gone before. It takes a brave soul but it makes you so much stronger.

I was so nervous to host an event where Mother Nature needed to cooperate, where people needed to show up to even make it an event, where most things were out of my control and oh man, that wasn’t super comfy. But it all worked out. It rained. We moved to our back up location. Vendors showed up. People came to support them. Quilts were hung. People came to admire them. Hot dogs were grilled and lemonade was made. Volunteers served them and people ate them. There was love everywhere and it was then that I realized you just have to be brave and sometimes the hardest place to go is where we’ve never gone before.

Months and months ago, I rented a studio space. I gave tours yesterday and let people in, which I haven’t done before. I was being brave because in all honesty, I haven’t figured out the purpose for the space yet. But I will. So far, I’ve created in there; I’ve hosted a fat quarter folding day there; I’ve folded and stuffed over 800 patterns in there; I’ve made kits in there; I planned the 1st annual FLIP event in there; I store extra inventory that I don’t have room for in the shop there; I’ve sat on the couch and stitched; I’ve stared out the windows and soaked in the sunlight; we set up lights for our live recordings that will be coming soon and maybe one day, we’ll have a ‘Stitch in the Studio’ day there. So I guess maybe I do have a purpose, I just need to be a brave soul and keep going.

The hardest place to go is where we’ve never gone before, but in the end, you just have to be brave and it will all come together. Love, K

Pause

Mon, 27 Mar 2023 17:03:00 GMT

This necklace was a gift from a dear friend and today I was not wearing it, but I often do. I had a customer ask me where my “gold necklace with the lines on it” was this morning and that she had seen it on me and had to Google it to see what it meant. It made me smile to realize something so small was noticed. It means “pause”.

Often we are battling with something – kids, coworkers, schedules, obligations, deadlines – when all we want to do is rest and regain our peace and strength. We want to be able to breathe and sometimes it’s hard. We want to be creative, but life is interfering and it gets harder to breathe. If you pause the crazy to just breathe, let your chest rise and fall, close your eyes for a minute and give yourself grace, it will become clear that the small battles aren’t important and don’t define you. Everything isn’t black and white. It’s ok to skip a meeting so you can stitch or take a class or do something for you, even if it’s as simple as a well-deserved nap or a slow stroll through the aisles of Hobby Lobby. The world will not end if you pause.

It’s a hard concept, and every time I wear this necklace, I find myself trying to make a conscious effort to pause. In the midst of your battles, whatever they may be, find time to pause. Always try to understand that everyone we meet has their own battles to fight, insecurities to face, loves to contend and goals to attain, and that a moment of pause for a simple display of kindness and grace, will help the world be a gentler place. Be kind to each other, and especially to yourself.

Pause. Breathe. Stitch. Repeat.

Love, K

Taking Risks... Choosing Courage

Thu, 06 Aug 2020 16:21:00 GMT

Thinking “Here goes nothing” could be the start of everything.

We’ve all dropped anchor in places that suited us for a time. It’s comfortable…..it’s easy…..but then the day comes when we sense it is time to experience new and different things, to step out of our comfort zones, to choose courage and embrace the changes and challenges that come with entering the unknown.

This summer, I hope you have the courage to take some risks, to try new things and to keep calm in a seemingly ever-changing world.

Courage is contagious. Every time we choose courage, we make everyone around us a little better and the world a little braver.

Without risk, I wonder if we can ever experience growth?

Something to think about. Happy Stitching!

Love, Karen

How Do We Change The World?

Wed, 19 Feb 2020 12:39:00 GMT

One random act of kindness at a time.

Celebrated on February 17th, National Random Acts of Kindness Day has grown in popularity each year. It is celebrated by individuals, groups, organizations and even QUILTERS nationwide to encourage acts of kindness.
Kindness is one of the most forgotten, yet most wonderful gifts you can give. It heals wounds and brightens days. It brings us together and reminds us that we are more similar than we are different. Sometimes it’s easier to be cold and distant and harder to be warm and vulnerable. Choose kindness always. Be an encourager. Be someone who helps others. Give love. Have compassion. Stay humble. It is the little acts of kindness that make the biggest difference.
So this month, I’m asking you all to carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.
One of my favorite quotes is from Maya Angelou…..People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.
Now, be kind and go change the world.

From my heart to yours,

Karen xoxoxo

Love makes a family.

Sun, 20 Jan 2019 15:28:00 GMT

Family might be defined as a group of people who are related to each other, but it’s more than that.

It’s a meaningful connection, an experience. It’s an incredible and unbeatable bond – created by mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends. It’s comfort in a world of uncertainty. It’s a shoulder to lean on. It’s a source of inspiration. It’s love and support. It’s that warm and fuzzy feeling. It’s safe. It’s wonderful and it’s necessary.

It’s here. In this community. This community of quilters who we have related to, learned from, laughed and cried with, bonded with, shared inspiration and crazy ideas with and who we love.

In 2012, we started with an idea about an extraordinary place in our tiny little town filled with laugher, charm, personal style, love…….and fabric.

2019 marks our 7th year in business thanks to you. We’ve grown a lot since then, but some things have never changed:

We’re unapologetically feminine, we adore color and take pride in being clever. We think of our Heart Blossom family as a community of interesting souls living interesting lives and are so grateful that we have connected and are sharing our common bond of color, fabric, friendship and so much more.

Thank you for your continued love, support, kindness and inspiration. Thank you for taking our hand and being part of the Heart Blossom family.

With love from my family to yours,

Karen

Not All Who Wander Are Lost

Mon, 05 Nov 2018 16:28:00 GMT

Have you ever really thought about that?

I had the opportunity to share a cocktail with a friend this weekend and in typical fashion, we day dreamed from the living room and vowed to keep each other on a path to hopefully discover our destinations someday. Where or what that is, neither one of us knows, but the journey getting there will certainly be a blast. Or at least I hope so.

I think to wander off the beaten path is evidence of having the faith to follow one’s heart. It takes a courageous soul to carve their own path, do their own thing, explore, try new things and satisfy their own curiosities. It makes me believe that the value of life is in the journey, and not necessarily the destination.

Quilts, like friends, are different, colorful, fun, warm and comforting – we don’t all use the same pattern or follow the same path – but our creations, like our friendships, are all masterpieces. They are unique and beautiful in their own way and we wouldn’t trade them for the world. At least I wouldn’t.

Believe in yourself and your ability to succeed no matter where your path takes you. Follow your heart, stitch your own path and enjoy the journey. Even if it takes you to the living room with a friend, a girly drink and a plan swirling in your head. You’re not lost. You’re just wandering down your own path and I think it’s awesome.

Not All Who Wander Are Lost. Remember That. Happy Stitching, Karen

The Greatest Risk

Mon, 17 Jul 2017 19:35:00 GMT

I believe that today is a gift

A strange and unexpected gift, but a gift. What started out as a day I planned out just perfectly, arranged my work schedule so I could be a couple of hours late, suddenly changed. In between raindrops at baseball tryouts, I saw my perfectly-planned-down-to-the-minute day, get a rain delay. A 4 hour delay at that. As panic set in, I remembered today is a gift. I have an awesome employer who will hopefully understand, customers who will (hopefully) reschedule and a little boy so thankful we can stay, even though a part of him is scared to death and he wonders how he got himself into this. At our house, we believe in courage and trying different things, even though it often means stepping out of our "boxes". Will he make the team? I don't know and really, it doesn't matter. He's trying - and that's what matters - at least to me. Sometimes the greatest risk is never trying. When is the last time you tried something new or different? If it's been awhile, maybe today's the day? Today is a gift - go make the most of it! Don't doubt yourself - whether whatever you try is a success or an epic fail - at least you tried. Don't forget that.

Robin Ellen

Wed, 26 Apr 2017 10:34:00 GMT

Every time she came to visit, she brought me fat quarters that she happened to find. Now, she wasn't a quilter and didn't just "happen to find" them. I knew better. It made me smile and I never said anything other than thank you. And I made her a quilt. But my favorite memory is when I was in the hospital after having my second son. I could hear them coming down the hall, giggling between themselves and telling the sweet nurses how excited they were to be seeing me and that no, I wasn't expecting them, it was a surprise. They came bursting through the door and the room came alive instantly, like magic. There was a gift bag with at least 25 outfits inside, because she couldn't decide and just bought them all. I still have them. Once we had oohed and aaahed over the outfits, I noticed a suitcase on wheels and had to ask if they were staying, since they had traveled a long way to get to us. Turned out it was a Bloody Mary bar smuggled in in a suitcase so the nurses wouldn't know. They set it up and we toasted that new little bundle of blue! Until the nurses came in and busted up the party. We laughed for years after and I will never forget the kindness that surrounded her always. She spent so much time caring for others, she forgot about herself. Stage 4 ovarian cancer, they said. I can beat it, she said. A few weeks ago, I called to set up a lunch date. What's your hurry, she said, I'm in remission and we've got time. I emailed her instead to catch her up on my job, the quilt shop, my boys, who she called her boys, and the Bloody Mary bar. Turns out she wasn't in remission, but protecting my heart. She passed away yesterday.

hen I told the boys last night that Ellen has passed away, my youngest asked why I called her just Ellen. Not following, I asked him to explain. He thought her name all these years was Robin Ellen. Rob and Ellen always visited and sent birthday and Christmas presents, but to him, the two became one, and that's how he knew them. Instead of Rob and Ellen, he knew her as Robin Ellen. Rob never came without Ellen and Ellen never came without Rob and if you say it fast, he's right.

got a message at work yesterday letting me know and as I stared out my window with tears running down my face, there was a robin sitting on the window box outside my office window. Now I understand why.

o, buy the fat quarters, make the lunch date, hug your friends and do something nice for someone. That's what Ellen would do. Thanks for the memories, my friend. xoxoxox

This Girl Can

Fri, 17 Mar 2017 10:36:00 GMT

Confidence is something you create within yourself by believing in who you are.

It's just you, your mind and your machine. What you do and how you combine the 3, is up to you.

ream of color combinations, warmth and love. Close your eyes and think of something different. Be you. Express you. Have confidence and see what happens. If this girl can, you can, too.

ake a deep breath and get creating! I can't wait to see what you come up with.....Karen

The Journey Continues

Sat, 07 Jan 2017 11:38:00 GMT

As I look back on 2016, I realize I've learned a lot and have so much to be grateful for. I learned things don't always turn out like you think they should or how you plan. I've learned you can get through anything with the right people by your side. I've learned that friends are truly lifes treasures. Sometimes they know us better than we know ourselves. They are there to guide and support us; to share our laughter and our tears; to frantically help make samples and kits when you have lost all hope of finishing EVER !; their presence reminds us we are never alone - and for all of that I am grateful.

With the New Year here, many of us have set goals and made plans for the year. Me? Nope. I'm going to wing it for another year and continue on my crazy journey! It just works better that way for me. Whether I know you from the quilt shop, from my day job, from my kids' school or sporting events, my community or if you're part of my family - thank you for being in my life......my heart is full.

As we look into 2017, take some time to slow down and be grateful. Take some classes; try a new technique (wool - embroidery - paper piecing....the possibilities are endless and oh, so fun!); meet new people; be inspired and be present. Look around and see all the good people in your life and be grateful. I know I am.

This is the beginning of anything you want. It's your journey. Happy New Year!

With a grateful heart always,
Karen

Bus Trip

Sat, 19 Mar 2016 10:40:00 GMT

If you’ve got cabin fever, we’ve got a field trip planned that you won’t want to miss! We’re going on a Bus Trip…….grab your friends and jump on board…..it’s the 2nd Annual Poker Run Shop Hop.

Sign up to join us on Wednesday, April 27th for a coach bus ride to visit the 9 shops listed below. We will leave Sand Creek at 7:45 am and return at 7:30 pm Cost is $45 per person and includes lunch, supper will be on your own.

There is room for 40 people (and overhead compartments for lots of fabric!). Due to the cost of the bus, payment is due at signup and is non-refundable unless we can fill your spot from a waiting list.

Call 715.658.1333 to register or email us at heartblossom@mosaictelecom.net . Payment must be received within 5 days if registering over phone or email to secure your spot.

We need a minimum of 35 people for the bus to go so please spread the word!

The 9 shops are:
Bolts of Fun – Thorp
CB Styles – Clear Lake
Forever Gifts Boutique & Quilt Shop – Prescott
Knot Sew Perfect Quilting – Deer Park
Little Piece of Mind – New Richmond
Magnolia’s – Hudson
Riverside Quilting – River Falls
Sew & Sew Quilts & Fabrics – Stanley
Heart Blossom – Sand Creek

At each shop, you will get a card to complete your poker hand. There will be a Grand Prize drawing for the best and the worst poker hand. Each shop will have a sign-up for a $25 gift card. You will also have the opportunity to draw a joker at each shop which immediately means you win a free fat quarter from that shop. We can’t wait J

Blog On!

Sat, 16 Jan 2016 11:41:00 GMT

So I have this friend. She’s a little crazy, like me. We try to motivate, inspire and kick start each other.

She’s on me to blog. Really?? I’m a banker, not a blogger so the whole concept is rather scary to me. It’s right up there with snorkeling – ever done it? You just have to jump in before you chicken out. Trust me….

I’m not exactly sure what you do with a blog, but I guess we’ll see and learn together. It is a new year after all, and what better thing to do than to learn something new. For me, it’s a blog and who knows exactly what else?!

If you’d like to learn something new this year, here are a couple of classes to consider:

Smittens Class (aka Sweater Mittens!)

Join Aimee on January 30th from 9 am to 3 pm where she will walk you through the process of recycling a sweater or 2 into an awesome pair of mittens. Cost is $10 and includes lunch. You will also need ¼ yard of fleece for the lining, your machine, pins, needle and thread and coordinating buttons to bling the cuffs if you want. Email, Call or Message us on Facebook to register.

Prismatic Star Class

Join us on February 20th from 9 am to 4 pm at the Sand Creek Senior Center to make Judy Neimeyers stunning Prismatic Star quilt. Quilt is 64” x 64”. Jodie Madison will be the instructor. Class is $40 and includes lunch. Call, Email or Facebook message to reserve your spot! The sample is hanging in the shop – one look and you’ll be hooked!Click here to edit.

May your coming year be filled with magic and dreams and good craziness. I hope you read some good books and kiss someone who thinks you’re wonderful, and please don’t forget to make some quilts. And, I hope, somewhere in this year, you surprise yourself. Xoxox

Blog on, girlfriends! Karen & Bonnie

The Front Door

Tue, 15 Dec 2015 11:45:00 GMT

Ah. The front door. The thing everyone sees.
Friends, strangers, neighbors walking the dog…..they all see it. So we had to decide between an eye sore, a “regular” door, or eye candy. Guess what we picked?! Hopefully the color makes you smile and each time you reach for our door, please keep hope for the fighters, peace & admiration for the survivors and prayers for the taken in your hearts. Yes, a little pink can go a long way.

Happy Stitching, Karen and Bonnie

Giving Thanks with Grateful Hearts

Fri, 06 Nov 2015 11:46:00 GMT

Happy Thanksgiving! It’s getting close to that one day of the year when everyone should be sitting down to take stock of the good in life and say thank you. If it were a perfect world, we’d all express our gratitude daily…..

Thank you for the new friends we’ve made and for the smiling, cheery faces that keep coming through our door. (And yes, the new door will be here soon….) Your excitement is addicting and your projects and ideas inspiring.

It’s hard to believe, but November 20th marks the 3rd Anniversary of Heart Blossom Quilt Shop! To celebrate, we are having a “we are thankful for you” sale – November 20th from 10-5 and November 21st from 10-3 (note the extended hours these dates only). We will have 25% off fabric on bolts*, (including sale fabric)*1/2 yard minimum; and 25% off in stock patterns and books. Mark your calendars and we hope to see you!

So thank you for always supporting us. Thank you for being excited about crazy things we want to try. Thank you for being patient as we’ve been, and continue to be, remodeling. Thank you for letting us be the place you come to for help. Thank you for sharing your lives with us. Who knew when we opened that we’d come to share more than just quilting with our customers? Thank you for 3 incredible years so far.

If you have an extra minute this month, walk outside, stand there, in silence, look up at the sky and contemplate how amazing this life is. And remember, there is always something to be thankful for. Happy Thanksgiving.

Giving thanks for you with grateful hearts, Karen and Bonnie

Think Pink and Inspire Hope

Fri, 06 Nov 2015 10:48:00 GMT

"What’s your drug of choice?” she asked. “Hope,” he said. “The most addicting one of all.”

As a mom, if there is one thing I wish to give my kids, it is hope. Hope is a great motivator; it gives us faith that we can change the world for the better. Sadly, most of us have been affected by breast cancer in one way or another and have witnessed the power this disease carries. But there is hope. October was the perfect month to reflect on hope, wasn’t it?

As many of you know, my love for quilting started with an ironing board and my sister in law (read more under the “About Me” tab). Although she lost her battle with breast cancer, hope and love remain strong in our family. The hope that we will never have to worry about losing another friend, wife, daughter, sister or granddaughter to breast cancer, thanks to the dedication and research devoted to this disease by multiple organizations.

Did you know that 10% of the proceeds of Heart Blossom Design original pattern sales are donated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation? Yes, a little pink can do a lot of good and when there is hope, anything can be endured.

Thank you for being our inspiration on this journey. Think Pink and Inspire Hope.

Binding Friendships

Sun, 20 Sep 2015 10:49:00 GMT

     Quilting is more than just sewing and even more than creating usable art. Since long before my time, quilters have created community. Quilting is about getting together and helping each other, sharing life, cheering one another on through good times and bad.
     Last Thursday night was a prime example of why life at Heart Blossom makes my heart swell and exceeds all my wildest dreams. I won’t get into all the details, but for those that stayed to the end of embroidery club, you know. Not only do I love the community we are in, I love the community you have helped us create. It’s the place where hearts and hands connect and we are bound together in our community, much like the binding on a quilt.
     The sales rep that ended up joining us unexpectedly that night, sent me an email that I will share with you. Here’s part:
“It was so much fun to be in your community, at your table and you made me feel right at home. Your shop, your friends and you are a delight. I will be back for club….I really enjoyed the company of everyone there. It’s so much more than fabric. Thank you, it was the highlight of my week.”
     Now, did she want to sell me fabric? Yes, but she also stayed and fit right in, and had never seen any of us before that night. She had a glass of wine, talked about her grandchildren, her home, shared pictures and bonded with the community around the table. Did she sell me fabric? Yes, but she also did so much more and started the binding of another friendship in our little community.
     That night during club, I stood back and just watched for a few minutes. Yes, we’re all different and no, we don’t all like the same patterns and designs. Just like there are no two quilts alike, nobody at that table was doing the same thing, yet all were bound together. From wool applique, to hand stitching hexi’s, to thumbing through library books, to drinking wine, to ditching stitching to be my in house IT support staff (thank you, Julie!), to sharing pictures and lifes challenges……thanks, for all of it. It was a perfect example of a quilters community – where Hearts and Hands are connected. I wonder if my mom could foresee that when she came up with the name of our group way back when? Somehow, I don’t think so but it sure is a great place to be the 2nd Thursday of every month. You should try coming sometime.