Meet Annette Stewart
I am so happy you stopped by my website.
Who am I? I’m a Christian, Wife, Mom, Daughter, Sister, Friend
I have been married to my husband, Mark, for 34 years. I grew up in a big Italian family where we all lived on the same street with my grandparents. Years ago, we purchased my grandparents’ farm house where we raised our children and still live. I am one of 8 children and love being close and surrounded by family.
I am a Mom to two young adults, Matthew and Samantha, and Nonna to a beautiful granddaughter.
I am passionate about Jesus and Crafting.
I have been a crafter my entire life. I love to experiment with all types of crafting and new mediums, learn new techniques, and try new products. For many years I taught ceramics both in my home studio as well as private classes for groups of people in their homes and at public venues. I am a certified Ceramic Teacher, which means I went through their training programs and learned from their experts. I still own and operate two kilns and continue to learn and share ceramics with others.
I have a passion for sharing art with others. Sadly, through the years, I watched art classes and programs nearly disappear from our schools. “Art on a Cart” was how my children were introduced to art in school. It was a few supplies on a cart that the Art teacher wheeled into the classroom. Art was not considered important enough to have a designated room anymore or time slot in their day.
I consider art and crafting important as an activity that helps people relieve stress and do something that has no rules… whatever you create is an expression of yourself. It gives you the opportunity to think outside the box and try new things…
I volunteer with Bring Smiles to Seniors, a non-profit organization that understands the need that our Senior community has to stay connected with people and to see that they are loved. For years, I taught card making with seniors at several senior assisted living facilities in my area. They loved being able to create cards for their families and friends. They enjoyed getting together and sharing stories while they created.
Sadly, there are many seniors that feel alone and unloved because they no longer have family and friends. Many are the last surviving person in their family or they spend many days alone while their family are busy working and raising their families.
Bring Smiles to Seniors is aware of this and strives to address it. They work with many organizations and individuals like myself to create cards and write notes inside. These cards are mailed and hand delivered to thousands of seniors every day.
I create, write notes, & mail hundreds of cards a month to seniors. Along with “thinking of you” cards, we send birthday cards, and cards for all major and minor holidays throughout the year. It has quickly become the best part of my day.
Many of my fellow crafters have helped me by donating cards and supplies to help me send out as many as possible each month. It’s so nice to hear how much these cards and notes mean to seniors. I get cards and notes back telling me how much they look forward to getting their mail everyday…anticipating another card.
I have been able to use the proceeds from my classes and your Stampin’ Up! purchases to help with the supplies needed to continue to make a difference in the lives of our seniors.
Crafting is my passion. I love helping others see how creative they can be. Showing them how important it is for your mind to sit, let go, and create. How rewarding it is to make that perfect personalized card and or gift for family and friends. It’s about sharing a part of yourself with the people that are important to you.
Whether you use your Creative Downtime for yourself or make something to give, it is essential to spend time away from the stresses in our life. Life is not a race or a competition. We need downtime. We need to step back from the stresses in our lives and find healthy ways to re-energize and enjoy life so we can be our best selves.
I am here to support, encourage, & provide you with inspiration.
I look forward to sharing my passion for creating with you.
Thank you for taking the time to read a little bit about me.
Blessings,
Annette