The NorthWesternBelle

It's Monday, so I'm not actually getting muddy today, so this is going to have to be a decent substitute. Writing about mud is the second best thing to actually being in it, I figure. I like to make functional pottery more than anything. Stuff that's both pretty and useful, you know. That's my kink, so spending time on artistic pieces has never been high on my to-do list. Especially now that I'm trying to be a full-time potter while also running a small business on top of that, it's hard to find time for artistic expression for the sake of art. But, I still have been trying because I know it's important for my sake. Back in the summer, my friend and fellow potter, Jeannie Awesome, asked if I wanted a lot of slip cast molds from an estate that was looking to donate them. Of course I said yes. She showed up with a whole grip of them shortly after, and there was much rejoicing. No, seriously a WHOLE GRIP of them. That's after we got them all conso

The monthly newsletter thing lasted 11/12 months. I'm calling it a win, and we're back to our sporadically scheduled periodic updates. We've been hustling over at Craft & STEM, and we've been seeing results. If you build it, they will come. And though the flow is really still a trickle, it's picking up. I'm channeling all of my panic over cash flow (and there's a lot, trust me) into even more ways to hustle hustle HUSTLE! The problem, as ever, is finding time to fit it all in. Today's update is brought to you by: The first day off I've taken in...uh...some time. Like, actually staying at home in my new pjs (thanks, momma!) and pretending that I'm going to get housework done, but mostly still working from home on my computer for just another hour until it's time for bed. You know, entrepreneurial stuff. No rest for the weary, I mumble into my fourth cup of coffee. Truth be told I was planning on running all my errands today, but

Turns out I skipped right over Issue 11, September 2018. So, let's start there! First of all let me say, I am so enjoying the colder weather. I mean, it's that time of year where you think it'll be okay to wear warm clothes because it's chilly af in the morning, but then the afternoon rolls around and you regret it very much, but I am grateful that it's no longer ridiculously hot and humid.  Honey B's birthday is on September 11, so we got crafty for her! Lil Boy helped me make bath bombs for her, then ruined the surprise when he talked to her on the phone a few days before her birthday. She still loved them, though. They smell AMAZING.  C made her some soap, which was his first time working with soap. It turned out incredibly, of course, because his chef skills cross over to soap making quite nicely.  Do NOT Eat. This is soap. And how freaking cute are the little berries on top?? Those are molds we've got at Craft and STEM; he a

Hey there! What? It's August 4? Oh, well you're gonna have to excuse me for being a little late. I'm sure you understand. You're awesome, and thanks for reading! We kept plenty busy in July, with Craft and STEM opening on the 10th, exactly three months after we signed the lease for the space. Three months of construction is really not bad, though it took longer than we would have liked. But the space is up and running, functioning beautifully, and you should definitely stop by if you haven't already. We welcomed a new member of the Belnap Family on July 7! Sir Aaron <3 He's such a sweetie! We now have kiddos' birthdays on July 6, 7, 8 and 15. Still no July 4 birthday. Maybe next time. Speaking of birthdays...this lil guy turned 7 in July: aka Finn the Human We also had an early birthday party for this lil gal: Complete with custom-made Jessie shirt He's not the youngest nibling anymore, but dang is he cute!

Hey! I know I'm five days late. We've been super busy over at Craft and STEM. Our final inspection happened today, and we passed! The shop will officially be open on Tuesday, July 10. Head over to CraftStem.com for all the exciting details! Colt's 7th birthday is this weekend, and we're having a party for him at the shop on Saturday, July 7. It will also function as an open house/sneak peak, because I love to multitask. Please feel free to stop by between 2 and 5 pm for cake, food and a tour! Anyhow. June just flew by, as it does when you're working hard. Here are some highlights: Honey B came home! Grandmommy visited for a few days. She is so helpful around the shop! Not a fan of the ponytail. Lots of trips to the pool. And to the Ikea. The kids and I surprised my dad for Father's Day weekend (also his birthday) by showing up in Twin Falls without warning. It was fabulous! I just love hanging out with my niblings. Max <