One Year Blog-versary and Shop Announcement!

One year ago today, I started this blog.  

(Well, it was technically yesterday, because it's already passed midnight here - zoinks!) 

I titled this blog, northfield gate (the name of our street), as a place for me to share my creative pursuits.

I was so lost in the midst of wonderful yet messy motherhood at the time, and this blog became the catalyst for finding my true self again through creativity. Along the way, I rediscovered my passion for art and storytelling, and I also found joy in decorating our home.

It all started here At the Barn event hosted by Emily Freeman and her family a little over a year ago. 

At the Barn in NC

You want to know how exactly I started this blog? While at the barn event, I was talking with Emily's sister, Myquillyn, the nester and she asked me if I had a blog. I told her that I had a blogger account but it had been sitting there for almost a year because I couldn't get up my nerve to start a blog. Then we both burst into laughter, because if you really think about it, it sounds absolutely ridiculous.

It was the moment I realized that my fear was keeping me from doing something I'd really wanted to do. A few days later and after much thinking and strong coffee, I wrote my first blog post ever and pressed the publish button with my trembling hand. 

And a year flew by so quickly, and I've enjoyed every moment of it. I've met some amazing people online and I've learned so many new things.

After a year of much creating and learning, I could not be more thrilled to announce the opening of our online shop, Studio Yuko Jones!

My husband, Steve, and I have put countless hours into it, and I can't get over that it's really happening. I'm so excited and anxious at the same time!!

We will have over 10 different art prints and several originals to start the shop, and we're going to expand along the way.

Here is a sneak peek of some of the prints we've prepared. This is exactly how they would look like when printed, minus the watermark, of course.

I had so much fun creating the "illustration" type of art. Aren't these pieces so sweet? I feel like I'm moving one stop closer to my dream of writing and illustrating children's books. Life is good!

We're going to have a giveaway on the opening day, so stay tuned!

This year has brought me so much joy and I've learned so much. I can't wait to see what the next year will bring.