Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Mom is Back!...

Well, I have some fun news to share! My mom, that's Kathy Parker to you, is a new product designer for Primitives by Kathy! The first seven of her items just came out in PBK's 2010 Supplement. I have a sneak peek below of her charming designs along with their corresponding item numbers in case you want to order a few for yourself!

Kathy-Parker-Halloween-PBK

* Of course, I love this Spooky Pillow for Halloween!...

Mom is certainly the force behind my passion for folk art today. When I was little, I remember her weaving all sorts of unusual items from contemporary wall art to Santas. Her style evolved when the country movement hit the 1980s. She was always on the hunt for cutter quilts and accessories to add to her country dolls, and she taught me what to look for too. Soon, I was wanting to try my hand at crafting, and I found myself sewing samplers and patched art pillows. Together we sold our handmade items at local craft fairs, and really enjoyed sharing our creations with others who appreciated our work. Along the way, I branched off and grew fond of the papier mache and paints while mom continued to sew her one of a kind delights. So, we each have our own niche, but we certainly enjoy the art of crafting together.

When my family was relocated to Seattle about 8 years ago, mom's life drastically changed. Not knowing anyone in her surroundings, she poured her creative energy into making her new house a home, repainting room after room and decorating with her colonial touch. But soon she took on the honorable role as my grandfather's caregiver for the last few years of his life. He became her priority, and all else including her art were left in the past. After his passing, the house felt empty and mom was not in a place to create. Luckily with time there is healing, and I urged mom to delve back into her fabric arts and to tap back into that creative bliss that she now enjoys today. Obviously, she did, and I am so happy that her love for crafting has returned! She inspired me years ago, and I like to think that I have returned the favor by inspiring her :)

A big CONGRATS goes out to you Mom as you embark on this exciting creative path, and I know your sweet designs will bring many smiles to many people for years to come!

Kathy-Parker-Christmas-PBK

* These are too cute for the holidays! To see Kathy Parker's current line of products, CLICK HERE!

Kathy-Parker-Santa-Snowmen-PBK

What's next on her list you ask...? Well, I suggest she starts her own blog! Mom, it's about time :) Cheers to you!

With love,
~ Johanna

PS.... Did you see mom's holiday home feature in Country Sampler Magazine last year? If not, take a peek HERE!

* © 2010 Kathy Parker *Designs and concepts are the property of Kathy Parker and may not be used without permission

22 comments:

Iva Wilcox said...

Congratulations to her! She must be so proud. What a wonderfully supportive daughter you are too, Johanna! Cheers to the both of you!
~ Iva

Disgusted Cats said...

Whoo-hoo! That's excellent!
We are very familiar with Primitives by Kathy here in Lancaster County!

Donna Pizzi said...

Congratulations, Kathy!!! We're so excited for you. Thanks, Johanna, for showing her work here... Bet they'll be winners. I'll notify Donna Marcel, editor of Country Sampler, as well. She might want to do a giveaway!

Unknown said...

Congratulations to your mom Johanna!! What great news :)

Love all of her goodies! Wish her tons of luck with her new line :D

Vania

William Bezek said...

My oh my, talented family! Those Parkers are trend setters I tell ya!

Victorian Chocolate Molds said...

Wow! Those Parker Girls Rock!!
Have FUN...looking forward to seeing much more from both of you
:0)

Nancy Malay said...

It's not hard to see where you get your talent from, Johanna!

I really enjoyed the article and photos of your Mom's home last year in Country Sampler, and I'm just thrilled to see her wonderful creations grace the pages of PBK!!

I wonder how many Mother/Daughters design for the same company? (Mr. Bezek is right - you are trend setters, for sure!!)

Carolyn Stone said...

Congratulations,Kathy!!! I think of you all the time..and have of late been wondering how you were and when we might next get together. Now I can see for myself what you have been up to......you have been very very busy!!! What a wonderful thing for Johanna and you to share.....all my best to you in your new endeavor....Carolyn (and John)

Monkey-Cats Studio said...

Congratulations to your Mom, Johanna!!! I loved the article last fall in the Country Sampler and I knew then we would be seeing her work in the market somewhere. So glad the tree and her apple are so talented!!!
Laurie

Theresa MacNaughton said...

Congrats to mom! It's true when they say the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. I am loving that snowman (16509). He is just way too cute. :) Theresa

Kitty Forseth said...

Congratulations Kathy!! What an amazing talent you have :). Your home is so gorgeous, and shows off your sense of style and love of art. Now we can all share in a piece (or several) of your creative whimsy(ies)!

BIG hugs and kisses to you!!!!
xoxoxo Kitty

Unknown said...

Amazing talent runs in the family! Congratulations to your Mom! Very exciting! :-)
~ Deb

Anonymous said...

Way to go Mom!!! Congrats!

xoxox
Celeste

vintagepaletteart said...

Congratulations Kathy! I'll be seeing your things at some of the trade shows that PBK attends here in Ohio!

:) Lori

Gwen in CR said...

Congratulations on the new venture. Looking forward to seeing you in August.

Gwen

Elaine said...

Hey Johanna & Kathy,
Congratulations to you both on your beautiful, creative spirits! LOVE your Mother/Daughter inspiration story!! Elaine

softinthehead said...

Well you know what they say "a family that has creativity together stays together"....I might have changed it up a bit but this is GREAT news! Congrats to both of you on so many levels! Pam

Robin Armstrong Seeber said...

How fun Johanna and how lucky Primitives by Kathy is to have such talent with you and your mom! congrats mom Kathy!!

Anonymous said...

Yes....Mom is Back!!!

Thanks to you dear daughter, for all the encouragement you have given me to get back into my world of folk art once again.

Designing for PbK is an exciting new opportunity, and it is already bringing such joy to my life. I am now truly "following my bliss", and looking forward to each day creating in my studio.

Creating has always been such a HUGE part of my life. It is such a blessing that Johanna has inherited this creative spirit. And...yes, Johanna, you have inspired me to once again create my folk art designs. Thanks for cheering me on. :)

Many thanks to all of you for your sweet comments and words of encouragement.

Love,
Mom (Kathy Parker)

Christopher A. Klingler said...

I see the apple does not fall far!

Lovely items from Mom & thanx 4 sharing!

Chris :-)

Unknown said...

Hi Johanna! Yes your mom shared her exciting news! She is so talented~ it is fun to see her new stuff... and yours too of course! Hugs! Lynda

Carolee said...

What wonderful pieces - no surprise PBK snapped them up!! And I agree, Johanna - I'd LOVE to see a blog!!

(In fact, please let me know, so I can add the link to my blog roll!) :)

♥ Carolee