Not just a chair

When you look at a chair sitting lonely by itself in a shop, what do you think of?
The dust floating through the air in a shaft of sunlight?
Whether the chair is well-made or sturdy?
Do you wonder how well it would look with that layer of green paint stripped off?

Or, can you just stand there and let it take you to another place like Victoria of mercersdaughter.etsy.com?

Victoria says, "There are countless inspirations everywhere! I could see an old chair at an antique shop and notice how the light catches the texture and color which leads me to think about who made it, who used it and how did it end up at that shop. Then, I'll picture it in a setting, going over in my mind what other items would go with it, what colors and patterns."

As a young girl, Victoria created 'rooms of her own' by drawings, little handmade dollhouses created out of shoe boxes, or even sticks and stones outdoors underneath an old pine tree.

Victoria finds that balance makes her work so enjoyable. In balancing her work, she makes a "safe place" to ponder and explore.

"The art work I offer is my token of peace and assurance. It's a hug, a kind word of encouragement and a temporary escape from troubles. Like when someone makes up the guest room just for you."

Doesn't that sound marvelous? What an honor - to have someone make up a room just for you!

As you look at the work available from mercersdaughter.etsy.com you can picture yourself sitting in a cozy chair by a fireside reading a great book; or with the sun shining brightly through the pastel curtains as you slowly wake up in a beautiful room, knowing you will have a wonderful day ahead of you spending time with a good friend.

Now, we here at the Big Sky Montana Etsy Team have a little secret ... Victoria is not a member of our team . . . shhhhh. And we do love to hear about other states, even though we are a bit biased. (And, no, you do not need to currently reside in MT to be a team member, we love our Tumbleweeds).

Victoria tells us she calls Ohio her home, although her roots lie in England.
"I love the change of seasons which serves as a refresher to my memory of times gone by and heralds the coming of familiar traditions. I live in a small rural town of farmers where love of animals and land are a common bond. Though Ohio may not be famous for this; the sunrises and sunsets are spectaculor!!!"


We also have to make one more admission, Victoria was introduced to us by Juliana of JulianasJammin.etsy.com, a BSMET member, who stumbled upon a wonderful new friend through Etsy.

Juliana says, "I just felt a connection and we have been emailing ever since [she purchased a pendant]. I found such strength in this woman and her power of prayer, she is a kindred spirit, as in the kind you find in Anne of Green Gables! Victoria's work is just as comforting: handpainted mini pictures & cards that resemble a warm place to come home to.
I purchased her "daydreamer' painting as it reminds me of how I was as a little girl, always thinking about what I might be. Now I know and I believe Victoria helped me accomplish that."

What a wonderful person to find and just one of the many talented artists and crafters on Etsy. Thank you, Victoria and Thank you, Juliana!

A little added note .. stop by Victoria's blog: mercersdaughter.blogspot.com to see more about her inspirations and the wonderful place she calls home.