The Joy Cottage

50% Off Sale

noreply@blogger.com (Anna Joy) — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 07:01:14 PST

Everything listed in the shop is 50% off today. This only happens once a year so take advantage of it now. Sale will end 11:59pm CST tonight. Happy Cyber Monday!

xoxo,
Anna

Our Engagement Pictures

noreply@blogger.com (Anna Joy) — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 07:00:27 PST

Last month we did our engagement pics with Beyond The Blue Studios, the photography business I design for. Gara did such an amazing job. I was smiling head to toe looking through all of our pictures. I'm trying to decide which ones I should blow up to display during the reception. They're all amazing!

If you are in the DFW area and don't already have a photography, definitely come check out BTB. If you are a photographer in the DFW area, check out 3825 S. Bowen. You can rent out her studio space and 3.5 acres of land for your sessions! I've seen the photos that have come through there from multiple photographers and each one of them are amazing!

xo,
Anna Joy

It's Been Awhile

noreply@blogger.com (Anna Joy) — Sun, 21 Oct 2012 08:47:21 PDT

Family. School. Work. Wedding planning. That's been my life the last 2 months. I finally found time to sit down and edit the pictures on my camera. Enjoy.

xoxo,

Anna

New Prints For Sale

noreply@blogger.com (Anna Joy) — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 08:04:34 PDT

I made new prints. I love these prints and I think you will too.

These were made to look like the Child's Name Pillows.

And I just love initials.

And if your kiddos share a room with a sibling, these would be perfect for the decor.

This one is my fave:

You can pick out your colors and patterns for me to make. Isn't it awesome how you can customize anything in my shop? Wink, wink.

And if you own everything from me, your room might look a little something like this...

This is our guest room. I kind of wish it was my own room. :)

So these are my new items for the shop. Next month I have something else to showcase!

xo,
Anna Joy

Coming Up...

noreply@blogger.com (Anna Joy) — Sat, 08 Sep 2012 09:02:10 PDT

I haven't updated this blog much what with school starting and me getting engaged. Unless you follow me on Instagram, I've been too distracted to keep up with my social media stuff! But no worries, I am still up to date on everyone's orders and will post pictures next week. I also have NEW PRINTS that will go in the shop on Monday. Hooray! Happy Saturday!

xo,
Anna

6.5 Years

noreply@blogger.com (Anna Joy) — Wed, 05 Sep 2012 07:02:39 PDT

It took 2 days after what would've marked our 6.5 year anniversary. Meeting at the gym. Living in 2 different states. Attending 3 different schools. 1 college major change. Having a baby. Living in 5 apartments and 1 house. 3 promotions for him and a new business venture for me. Running away from the Lord for 5 years and coming back to Him a year ago. A year of prayer, learning, and trusting in Him when He clearly told me He would "save our family". A year of meditating on scripture over and over that He had given me. A year of leaning on friends who pulled me through. And then on September 3, the chains fell off and the Lord's will was done.

In the middle of a messy house, a rambunctious son, and dinner on the stove, he asked me to marry him.

And then we celebrated by going out to give our donkeys water and carrots. ;)

"Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!"

-Luke 1:45

xoxo,

Anna (soon to be) French!!!

I Finally Have Instagram

noreply@blogger.com (Anna Joy) — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 07:11:29 PDT

because I finally got an IPhone. 'Bout time, right? Follow me (@thejoycottage) and you can see pictures like this one of G's first day of school:

A couple of birthday quilts in progress:

Me and Brit eating Pho:

Me, my cousin, and my brother taking strange pictures:

And me decorating our guest bedroom.

Follow me and I'll follow you!

xo,

Anna

Meal Planning, Yes?

noreply@blogger.com (Anna Joy) — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 07:14:36 PDT

I made a meal planning list. I have a problem of buying things off my list but then forget that I have them and then don't use them and then they go to waste. Bummer.

I created this list to help me. So far so good.

And now you can have one of your own. Click here to download and then share with your friends.

xo,

Anna Joy

A Bow Tie Quilt

noreply@blogger.com (Anna Joy) — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 07:15:17 PDT

I made this quilt for my friend, Danielle. She was inspired by Rachel's quilt that was given to Ashley and asked me to make one. Rachel was probably the first one to inspire me to start quilting so of course I wanted to replicate one of her designs! Not to mention this was made out of almost all vintage materials. And I love the little knots. How can you not? They're so cute!

Thanks, Danielle, for allowing me to create this for you and your family!

You can find Rachel's pattern here.

xo,
Anna

Last Day for BTB Photography for a Year Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Anna Joy) — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 07:12:10 PDT

My photography/design business is giving away a whole year of photography. That's 4 micro sessions for the year that totals over $200. If you are in the DFW area or close to it, you should enter and win! Just comment on the picture on our Facebook page, telling us what your all-time favorite picture is and boom, you're entered. You can earn more entries by just reposting the image to your FB status. Easy right?! Ok, ready....set...GO!

xo,
Anna Joy

Work Stuff, Country Life, and Jane Eyre

noreply@blogger.com (Anna Joy) — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 06:59:33 PDT

First up, custom orders.

Second, our new home life in the country.

Our view from the front of the house. Ahhh....

This kid chooses playing outside over TV. Killing the TV became a lot easier than I thought.

He's loves to explore the land on his Strider.

Lastly, check out this Jane Eyre book I found at the library. It's a counting book for toddlers. I fell in love. Did you know I used to be an English major before I switched over to graphic design? Well, now you do. It has my love for classic lit and some killer awesome illustrations. I want to collect them all!

That's all for now. Have a good weekend. :)

xo,
Anna

Country Bumpkins

noreply@blogger.com (Anna Joy) — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 11:20:37 PDT

It's quiet over here because me and my family just moved out into the country! It is amazing out here. Peaceful and quiet with no busy streets nearby. We've seen a doe and her fawns walking on our yard twice now. At night, you can hear the coyotes howling which I think is pretty cool (just gotta lock up the cats!). Gavin loves being able to ride around on his Strider bike all over the land and it makes me happy to see my little boy play outside freely.

One of the first things we did when we got out here was put up a clothes line. It was my man's idea. How awesome is he to suggest it?

As we settle in our new place, it'll continue to be quiet but I'm still sewing and getting everyone's orders out. In the mean time, check out the stocking tutorial I did for Ann Kelle's Christmas in July Series!

xo,
Anna

Shop Orders

noreply@blogger.com (Anna Joy) — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 05:58:15 PDT

xoxo,
Anna Joy

Winners of the My Song Quilt Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Anna Joy) — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 05:05:00 PDT

Thank you everyone for playing! Picked from Random Number Generator, I have 3 winners for the My Song Giveaway and they are...

1. Dave and Brianna
2. Lulu
3. Diane Perin Hock

Congrats guys! Please email me at thejoycottage (at) gmail.com to get your pattern.

Thank you again!

xo,
Anna

July 4th

noreply@blogger.com (Anna Joy) — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 06:27:08 PDT

First, thank you to everybody's sweet comments about the quilt. It was so hard not to want to share it while I was making it but I knew I wanted to Ashley to be the first one to see it. I'm working hard on another quilt right now to make a pattern for! Should I share a sneak peek? Maybe...just maybe.

For the 4th, Ben had to work so me and the little guy headed over to our friend's house for some outside fun and grilling. My kiddo had so much fun with his friends in the little kiddie pool in the back yard.

I've owned a DSLR for 2 years now and finally decided to start putting it into good use. I had only been using it to take pics of my products. I had a friend teach me how a photographer thinks when setting up my camera to take pics. Then I edited them and put actions on them. I really like what I was able to capture for my first "real" time! I just ordered a 50mm f/1.4 lens and I am super pumped to play around some more when it comes in!

This is the newest kiddo in our group, Lydia Joy. Yes, she has my middle name. It's my bestie from college's little girl. My friends called me A.J. in high school and college so it only makes sense that I call her baby L.J., right? She is the cutest thing ever. Makes this boy mom want a little girl!

Don't forget, Wednesday is the last day to enter in the giveaway for a copy of the My Song Quilt Pattern. Good luck!

xo,
A.J.

Song's Quilt + Pattern (and giveaway)

noreply@blogger.com (Anna Joy) — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 05:05:38 PDT

Last year, Ashley asked if I would make a quilt for her and her daughter that she was adopting. Of course, I gladly said yes. We looked over a couple of quilt patterns and then I told her I was wanting to make a herringbone quilt and to write up a pattern for it. She was totally on board with the idea and that's how Song's quilt was born.

I've "known" Ashley for a while now. About 3 years and a half. I kind of have a sense of of what her style is. I knew she liked bold patterns and bright colors so I based that on the fabrics I chose. She is also a lover of vintage which was how I chose the vintage sheet for the back.

Photo by Ashley Ann Photography

During the time I was designing and making her quilt, she sent me a picture of Song so I could see who I was making this quilt for. I always kept Song in my heart while working but mostly I thought of Ashley. I don't know how it feels to wait for your child on the other side of the world. To know she is there for you to have but you can't go to her yet. To yearn for her to be in your arms but the time hasn't come for you to do that.

But in the midst of that pain when you are away from your child, such wonderful things have happened along the way. Thousands of dollars were donated to help fund life saving surgeries for children who were not able to afford it. Encouragement and prayers from strangers were said daily. And to read about the strength of a mother who continued on with her life of helping others and teaching her children to do the same was convicting, encouraging, and a blessing.

Photo by Ashley Ann Photography

I felt the herringbone pattern was the perfect metaphor of the "ups" and "downs" of waiting and being patient.

Rightfully so, I named the quilt "My Song".

~~I am giving away 3 patterns to 3 lucky winners. You have up to the 3 entries:~~

~~1. Leave me a comment telling me what was the hardest thing you had to wait for (serious or funny).~~
~~2. Follow my blog~~
~~3. Follow my FB page.~~

~~Giveaway will end next Wednesday, July 11 at 11:59 pm. I'll draw 3 names on July 12. Good luck!~~

Giveaway is done. Thank you!

~~And for those who don't feel like waiting (haha), the pattern is in the shop and is set at an intro price of $5 for the first 5 customers.~~ SOLD OUT! Now set at the original price.

And if you don't sew and would like me to make you this quilt, contact me!

Thank you, Ashley, for allowing me a part in your journey. I hope you, Little One, and the whole family will love this quilt for ages and ages.

xo,
Anna Joy

The Very Hot Days of Summer

noreply@blogger.com (Anna Joy) — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 05:52:55 PDT

Last week it's been 100+ degrees plus everyday. I believe the highest was 106. Hot, huh? I try not to complain. I have fully functioning A/C in my home and in my car. I am spoiled as spoiled can be. Even though this heat can get you down, I would take it over a freezing and snowy day any time. I lived in Ohio for over a year and got to experience a real winter. Yeah, I'm not strong enough for all that. Oh well, that's a Texas girl for ya!

My little Texas Ranger in training.

Buntings I made for my sweet friend, Gara's, baby girl!

He still naps everyday for at least 2-3 hours. He still sleeps with his arms up just like when he was a baby.

Looks so small!

I wanted to take a nice picture. This was as good as it can get.

My brother and I made lasagna. We are trying to do a really extensive recipe every week. This week: Shrimp Jambalaya!

My little fish. He's been swimming so well without his floaties on and has now learned to pop his head up to get some air while swimming.

We LOVE Which Wich!

Our annual summer buzz cut.

Trying a new beer.

Panera!

Happy Tuesday!

xoxo,
Anna

I Made Pretty Things

noreply@blogger.com (Anna Joy) — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 07:19:02 PDT

I'm blessed. I get to make pretty things to support my family. Thank you to ya'll who have helped me accomplish all this while I finish school and care for my family!

Pillows for sisters.

Love these colors.

My favorite nursery set of all time. Love the colors and feel of everything!

This is the crib skirt.

Cherishing these memories of creating.

xo,
Anna Joy

Huge Retirement Sale and Another Logo

noreply@blogger.com (Anna Joy) — Fri, 22 Jun 2012 09:03:20 PDT

I'm in the process of changing up the shop. In truth, I am slowly stepping away from sewing to focus on my passion of designing. I have lots of things in the works right now to bring to the table and hopefully they will be done soon. But for now, it is time to say goodbye to the old so I can bring in the new.

These items/combo packages are now for sale and once sold, they will no longer be offered anymore.

Pillow, Boppy, and Blanket. This is the best deal in the shop right now. Over $45 in savings or aka FREE Boppy cover.

Boppy and Blanket. $20 in savings.

Birthday Mini Quilt. $10 off.

Name and Patchwork Pillow. $20 off.

Snack Mat. $7 off.

It's sad to say good bye to these products. They truly have given me great joy to make for others. But the new road I'm on is very exciting and I know it will continue to bring joy to others as well as to me.

So with the new chapter playing into place for the shop, I made yet ANOTHER logo for the shop. But this time, I think I finally found "the one".

My logos in the past have been pretty detailed but I love this one because of the simplicity. And the "joy" is my handwriting.

And do you see that herringbone quilt in the middle? Well, I have a pattern coming out for that one and a story to go with it too next week!

Have a great weekend!

xo,
Anna Joy

You Plus Me Quilt Pattern

noreply@blogger.com (Anna Joy) — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 07:38:01 PDT

I had this quilt pattern out last year with my old company, Striped Feather. After we closed, the pattern was kind of forgotten by me but not by others. I had many requests to purchase it that I finally had to update the pattern PDF to reflect FTLOJ. Now it is ready for purchase again!

For a limited time, the pattern is on sale for $5 (originally $8) to the first 5 customers.

I have 2 more quilt patterns I'm designing right now. One will be debuting next week! Exciting times. :)

xo,

Anna Joy

[ All images by Beyond The Blue Studios]

A New Company

noreply@blogger.com (Anna Joy) — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 07:01:03 PDT

Good morning. I have a huge bit of news to share. An amazing photographer friend of mine, Gara, approached me a couple of months ago asking for new branding for her photography company and I was happy to do so. While working on it, she later told me she just bought a new studio to work out of and that she had a whole new vision for her company. Not only did she want to offer photography, but also designs for her clients and also other photographers. She asked if I wanted to be a part of that. How could I say no? Thus, Beyond The Blue Studios was born.

The inspiration for the name and logo was the studio house which was painted blue. She also wanted to incorporate a feel of vintage to it.

We played around with different layouts, set ups, and ideas until we felt we reached "the one". And you can always tell when it's "the one". My favorite is the "Blue" in the house.

The first thing I did after finishing the logo was make the FB Cover Photo. I think it reflects the feel of BTB well. Love how it all came together.

So as you can see, I've been a busy bee with not only sewing but launching the new company. I will share more about the design part of the company later. It's still in the works but I promise, it is going to be awesome.

Come "Like" our Beyond The Blue Studios on Facebook! :)

xo,
Anna Joy

Free Pattern | Ann Kelle IPad/Kindle/Nook Sleeve with

noreply@blogger.com (Anna Joy) — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 07:05:56 PDT

Me and Ann Kelle are at it again. :) I designed these sleeves/cases with a pocket using the new fabrics from her Remix fabric line. I love the simplicity of the linen and that bold pop of color and pattern from Remix. Don't you just love these?

There are 3 patterns:

The "Claire".

The "Penelope".

And The "Ruby".

Get one or all three free patterns here.

(Photos by me and Ann Kelle)

xo,
Anna Joy

Blogging Is Hard

noreply@blogger.com (Anna Joy) — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 07:18:10 PDT

It's quiet on the blog. I know. That is intentional. This summer has been one wild ride after another. A good wild ride. I've gotten a lot of design work which I am so thankful for because it is what I want to do. I've gotten a lot of quilt orders which I love because quilts are my passion. And I have long, hot, summer days to spend with my little guy which above all is the greatest blessing. So with my priorities in place, blogging has taken a back seat.

I wonder how the ladies out there do it. First a mom, then an artist, then a business woman, and able to keep up with their blogs and social media networks? I'm impressed.

And I know I just redesigned my blog but I'm thinking about doing it again. It's the curse of being a designer.

And I've decided to retire the Patchwork Baby Blanket. You know when you get tired of making something, it kind of robs the joy out of it? That's kind of how I feel about the blanket. The blanket sold out yesterday but I am dropping the price on any combo sets that have the blanket in it. If you want one, now is the time to get it.

So a couple of things I made so far this summer.

A Tooth Fairy Name Pillow. So sweet. Who says Tooth Fairy Pillows should look like a tooth?

And some other custom orders.

And there's so much more coming up for me to do and a lot of them have new combo colors. Can't wait to show them off!

xo,
Anna

My First Commissioned Design Job

noreply@blogger.com (Anna Joy) — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 06:28:03 PDT

So a couple months ago, I contacted Design Aglow because they were looking for designers. I did it just to see. I had no hopes for it but just wanted to try. Well, they contacted me a week later and now here we are. My first ever commissioned design job is in their shop.

Photo from Design Aglow

It is so surreal. To think photographers all over the nation and beyond will be using these templates I created. So grateful for DA to give me this chance. I am over the moon about it!

So if you're a photographer in need of some Multi-Purpose Cards, head over to DA because they have a great introductory price for the set right now!

xo,

Anna

Just As Busy

noreply@blogger.com (Anna Joy) — Thu, 31 May 2012 14:09:53 PDT

Whew. I thought having the summer off would cut my busy-ness in half. Nope not so much. The time I would've spent on school work I'm spending on designing for the shop, designing for clients and other designers (eek!), working on my website, and then getting G out of the house as much as I can.

Here we are waiting on our cousins at the airport.

Going to the sprinkler park.

And then the Art Festival watching the tap dancers and of course, having to join in.

And yes, I'm designing things for other designers. I love it. This is my favorite part of sewing/quilting. Dreaming of the product, producing it, and then writing it all down so someone else can make it. Sneak peek of the new Ann Kelle Ipad/Kindle/Nook sleeves.

There's another company I did some designs for. But I don't want to say who yet...not until it comes out in their shop. I'll just say whenever they accepted my project, I squealed and did a jig.

I still have so many more products to show but I'll wait til tomorrow.

xo,

Anna