Tuesday

When you realize that your desk mess matches your logo...



My desk may be a mess, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I want the things that inspire me right out where I can see ’em! The framed photo is of my sweet baby Lulu at age 2, fingerpainting in our sun room. That lovely young lady is now 11 1/2, and her creativity and giving heart wow me at every turn. And that sun room will soon be Power Poppy’s shipping HQ, where Lulu and her little brother, Finn, who’s a very stately 8 years old, will be helping me put good vibes into the packages we mail out with our unabashedly upbeat designs.

I envision it like so: Finn and Lulu take turns playing DJ while we carefully fold tissue and select the ribbons and the Washi tape. Finn will get us super pumped with back-to-back plays of “Eye of the Tiger”—our productivity level is off the charts. We take a smoothie break. Kids complain that there is kale in the smoothie. I beg to differ, but you know, kale is hard to hide. We switch to cookies. Lulu is up next, playing “Cool for Cats” by Squeeze, and her singalong British accent joyfully accompanies our package addressing. As our team wraps up the last few parcels, a disco ball drops from the sun room’s ceiling and “Please, Mr. Postman” signals it’s time for us to get to the post office.

What? That doesn’t sound realistic? Well, maybe not. But you haven’t met these kiddos. And come to think of it, you may not really know me very well either.

So, hello there! Thank you so much for popping over to Power Poppy. In addition to being Lulu and Finn’s mama, I’m an illustrator and graphic designer in St. Louis, Missouri, who takes total delight in the small moments of life. In this blog and online shop, I hope to be more than a source for cardmaking imagery. This is a place to share the artwork, stories, and photos of things, people, and places that rev my engine and inspire my work, presented in a way that’s vibrant and fun (and hopefully makes you giggle). Gardening, decorating, grooving to music, making, collecting, cooking, and looking—discovering new sources of wonder and curiosity and delight—Power Poppy celebrates life in full bloom!

Amidst the inspiration and information, I’ll share snippets of real family life, the somewhat futile attempt at balance, laughter at the daily goings on, the need to recharge and relax. Finding the love of my life (Hi, Doug, I adore you!). Passages from writers and teachers and visionaries that motivate joyful, peaceful thinking. Encouragement to try something new (have I mentioned learning to ride a motorcycle at age 40?). I hope to create a place where you may come to buy a stamp - but you also learn about the flower that was illustrated, and perhaps that will spark a desire to plant that flower, and maybe the nudge to plant a community garden. Who knows what we’re capable of? For as we soak up all this goodness, we’ll be giving back, too. I hope to help empower women to make positive change in their own lives, and the lives of others. I’ll share more about these goals in upcoming posts, and I’m very excited about the possibilities.

At Power Poppy, you’ll also get to know the supremely talented designers who bring my stamp designs to life in such imaginative ways, and get insight into the beauty and spirit within each of them. (Hi, Bloom Brigade!) We’ll showcase their stunning creations (sometimes I literally drool reviewing the galleries) and share how-tos, host creative challenges, and all that fun stuff! We’re all learners here. Maybe I’ll finally figure out how to stamp a card myself? I get such a charge from seeing my illustrations transformed in the eyes of creative artists and crafters, and I cannot wait to see what you do with my designs. (By the way, have an idea for a favorite flower or image you’d like to see made into a stamp? Drop me a line!)

I’ve always loved to draw. Inspired and encouraged by parents (my mother was an illustrator for Hallmark among her many other awesomenesses - Hi, Mom!), I was never far from a sketchbook or paint palette, and was thoroughly taken with design, decorating, and magazines. My illustrations for a central Illinois plant catalog at the age of 23 caught the eye of Martha Stewart’s art director, who hired me to work at Martha Stewart Living magazine in the early 90s. After leaving NYC (I am a midwestern girl at heart), I was enjoying life as a freelance botanical illustrator and designer, when I was contacted by one of my greatest childhood idols, Mary Engelbreit, to head up the design of her new magazine, Mary Engelbreit’s Home Companion. As a part of that exceptionally talented team (Hi, Mary!), we created a groundbreaking keepsake magazine that inspired our readers to “Lead the Artful Life.” Surrounded by color, decorating and craft ideas, laughter, and of course, artwork—I lug out the issues and marvel at all the fun we had, the artists we showcased, the can-do attitude we lived and breathed.

I’m ready to kickstart that creative spirit within. My kids and family and friends are with me on this ride, and with that, we’re letting good times roll at Power Poppy! Look for a release of all new stamp sets in the coming days, and surprises throughout the week! I wholeheartedly welcome you to join us for the fun.

Living in full bloom — and with full bags under my eyes because I’ve been up really late getting this website ready to greet you! Thank you so much for coming by!






77 comments:

Dawn B. said...

Soooo happy for you. I know this is a dream come true not only for you but for all of us too. Thank you for taking us along for the ride. Your creativity is endless and I know the future holds great things. The sky is the limit.

Alina said...

lovely story, Marcella, good luck!!!

BeckyTE said...

Congratulations on your new endeavor a thank you for sharing your talents and story!

KimCreate said...

Best Wishes! can't wait to see the stamps. :)

Shaunna Lasley said...

Thank you for sharing with us. I can't wait to join in the joy and am excited for the new goodies! Congratulations and Blessings to you!

Tracy said...

You can hear the excitement you have for your new adventure in every word you've written. So looking forward to seeing the new stamps. Congratulations and best wishes for Power Poppy!

Bridget said...

So good to hear your story and about the journey that brought you to this exciting place! I'm delighted for you. I've enjoyed your beautiful designs and look forward to enjoying many more!

Catherine Pooler said...

I really enjoyed reading your post today, Marcella! Congrats on your journey and I can't wait to see what's in store in your STORE! ;)

dpkennedy said...

You rock Marcy! This is so exciting and couldn't be happening for a more wonderful person! MWAH!!

Lisa's Creative Niche said...

yay! Congratulations, can not wait to see what's to come!

Tricia T said...

I look forward to seeing what you have in store and SO glad you'll still be illustrating stamps! I love the ones of yours that I have from Flourishes!!!

Tricia

Vladuška said...

I´m really excited about what is coming :) Congratulations and I wish you all the best

Alshandra said...

Congratulations and I cannot wait to see all Power Poppy has in store! Elizabeth

LaurieJ said...

Best wishes on your new adventure! I'm looking forward to seeing what you have in store for us.

Diane said...

As they say "When one door closes, another opens"...and I think this door opening for "you" will be fantastic!!! I love your "art" and can't wait to see it in "full bloom"!! Congrats to you and your team, I am looking forward to all that is to come!!!

Allison Cope said...

Congrats Marcella! We're so proud of you! You took the biggest step and put yourself out there and you know, it's going to be awe inspiring and amazing adventure! So glad to be along with you on this journey. Big hugs coming from Alberta to you this morning! Congrats again chickie!!!

Davi said...

Your fun post already has me waiting with baited breath!! Sounds exciting and the future for Power Poppy is looking bright! Cograts on your new journey. Looking forward to trying them :)

Polly said...

What fun! 11 and you live right here in St. Louis! I'm looking forward to tagging along with you. Congratulations on stepping out to do your ow thing.

Renee Collier said...

I thouroughly enjoyed reading this post. You sound like my kinda gal....in a little bit of everything...as excited as a kid on Christmas morning. I smiled the entire time I was reading. Congratulations on living your dream! I look forward to joing you on this journey...

Queen Mary said...

Marcella, what a wonderful life story for such a young woman! I have a college classmate who wrote for Hallmark just after graduation and I did some tax work for them in my early days with the IRS (they asked through a professionally known process)! A lovely break into NYC (writes the city girl at heart) and courageous of you to work freelance (writes the tax lawyer taking baby steps in that direction herself now in her dotage), and I LOVE Mary Englebreit's work and you have been my favorite illustrator at Flourishes! So exciting! And if I come to St. Louis I'm coming by the sun room to fold tissue paper with the DJs!

Anonymous said...

Can't wait to see the new stamps, good luck. Mary L Schreiber

Misti said...

Thanks for sharing your story! I'm so excited! Love, love your designs!

Barbara said...

Love your illustrations, Marcy, and I'm looking so forward to seeing what you will have for us in the future! Best of wishes for all kinds of success in your new venture!!

Stacy Morgan said...

Squeel... Marcy girl you are wonderful and to see all this for everyone to see is just heart warming. You are going to be so sucessful my sweet friend. Power to the Poppies!!! ;-) Leslie will like that one. hee hee

Dee in N.H. said...

This sounds like fun! Great introduction and I'm looking forward to what's to come!

Ravengirl said...

So nice to finally meet you (of course, via your blog). I have long admired your work and can't wait to see what Power Poppy brings to the stamping world!

Kathi said...

Thank you for sharing your story with us, it was so fun to read about you and your family! And I can totally relate to trying new things, I learned to ride a motorcycle at 49! I'm so excited to see what you have in store for us!

Suz said...

Hi, Marcella,
Been coloring your designs and following your bloom team for years. Looking forward to this new venture. Best of luck, Suzanne

Julie Koerber said...

Oh Marcy, Even though I've known for quite some time how marvelous and talented you are -- I can't wait to see you share it with the world! Now the Bloom Brigade gets to shout it from the mountain tops!!!! Oh... the places you'll go sweet lady! ~Signed, your biggest fan!

Sally-Ann Huson said...

So excited about what you have on your "drawing board" looking forward to more of your wonderful illustrations.

ChristineCreations said...

What a beautiful day! I’m so proud of you Marcy lady...who beams sunshine. All of your beautiful dreams and hard work are taking root. Thank you on so many levels for choosing joy and for inviting us on the journey with you! So happy! Now...try and get a quick nap in! :)

Chitra Nair said...

I can't wait to see your illustrations!!! Beat of luck for your new endeavor...

Tosha Leyendekker said...

How exciting is this Marcy!! What a beautiful way to share your vision of life. I'm so honored to be along for the ride and am looking forward to what's around each corner!!

Anonymous said...

You GO girls!! Super exciting! LOVED your story, very inspiring, and can't wait to see the inspiration coming down the pike! Joleen

Karen said...

I can't wait. I followed your designers on Flourishes and loved every one of them. Your floral stamps are amazingly awesome. I own several and purchased several at The Ink Spot near St Louis, Mo.
Good luck with the new things you choose to do! I am excited!

Mary said...

So enjoyed your story of your life and the highlights that have prepared you for this wonderful new adventure of sharing the up beatness of life as well as the marvelous stamp creations that will flow from your heart to us. Thank you.

Wanda Cullen said...

It was great getting to know you, Marcella, through this lovely blog post! I'm one of those papercrafters who reaches for flower images all the time when I'm creating, so am anxious to see what's in store! (pun intended) :-)

Leslie Miller said...

Marcy, I know that everyone will come to love you as we do. You are MOST amazing and I'm so happy to be on this ride with you. Vroom vroom! Congratulations!

Deborah Anton said...

Looking forward in seeing this new adventure you have taken on, bloom! Congratulations Marcella!

Joan V said...

Marcella, congrats on your new adventure. I have so many of your designs from Flourishes, Inc and just love your art. Can't wait to see what you have designed. Thanks for sharing you life story. You have a fantastic lineup of designers on your Bloom Brigade. Oooh, can't wait to see all the pretty stamp images and cards. Bring it on. Have a wonderful day. PS, St. Louis is a GREAT place to live and play.

Unknown said...

Congratulations on your new adventure! I adore new beginnings! Can't wait to see your new creations. I have 14 of your beautifully illustrated stamp sets, I love what you do! Thank You and Best Wishes! (I hope you also create a Face Book Page!)

Peanut said...

Beautiful post, Marcella. More power to the poppies!
xxx Asha

Tammy Hershberger said...

ALWAYS loved working with your images in the past... wish I was part of those supremely talented designers getting to kick-start your new adventure! Best wishes to you and your team!

Gracie said...

Hi Marcella

Great story . . .your energy just jumps off the screen. I can't wait to take this ride with you. Like others, I have many of your stamps from Flourishes and look forward to seeing what new beauties you've created. Ohhh, this is going to be fun!!!

Anonymous said...

Looking forward to seeing your stamp line.

Melanie Ann MacKenzie said...

So happy for you in this wonderful adventure. Cannot wait to see what wonderful creations you have come up with. Cheers.

Cindy Lawrence said...

Dearest Marcy Poppins, Your spirit shines through in everything you do, in one word, REFRESHING! You are a joy and a blessing to all who come into contact with you. The fulfillment of your dream is OUR reward! Sooo happy to be along for the ride on this Power Poppy journey! Love you, sweet lady!

Cheryl W said...

I am so looking forward to seeing your products and following your blog. I wish you much success and happiness in this newest endeavor.

JoanneO said...

Can't wait to see what you have come up with........I love flower stamps and can never find enough!Thanks for sharing your story.

CASTOWNE said...

Congratulations. Can't wait to see new blogs entries and inspiration from you and your fabulous team.

Sherri said...

After reading your story, I have to say I can see why 2 of the people I admire & adore most have joined your team. I want to stand up & cheer & shout just reading about the journey you are taking! Good for you!!! It's about time someone started to celebrate all there is about this wonderful life we have been given! I'm looking forward to see what amazing things you come up with!

Michelle Rodgers said...

I have been a fan of yours for a very long time! Huge congratulations to you and your fabulous Blooom Brigade. I know several of them personally, and they ARE the best! Wishing you much joy and success! ♥

Anonymous said...

Congrats on your new endeavor, so excited to see what you will be having in your store. Loved your story you shared this morning. Looking forward to following your blog.

D- said...

CONGRATS!
Thanks for sharing a little bit about your self.
Can't wait to see your beautiful designs.
The sets you designed during your former adventure are among my favorites.
Crafty hugs,
D~
DesignsByDragonfly.bogspot

Teresa Kline said...

bring on the blooms! congrats and wishing you abundant success, can't wait to see what you and the team will share...what a line up of talent!

sparkle & shine *~*

Pauline said...

I truly enjoyed your story today and look forward to so many more. Congratulations on your new endeavor and wishing you all the best for Power Poppy. You have a great line up of designers and can't wait to be inspired.

Unknown said...

Wow! How exciting this is. I don't want to miss a minute. Best of luck!

Helen said...

Hi Marcella. Congratulations on beginning a great new chapter in your life story. I'm a huge fan of your wonderful artwork and can't wait to see "what happens next". All the very best to you and the Bloom Brigade. Go For It, Girls!

Carol Southern said...

Sitting here reading your wonderfully written, exciting story was a pleasure.
Over the years I have collected many of your stamp images and love them.
Congratulations Power Poppy.

Bobbi Miller said...

Marcella, I adore your designs and have many stamps of yours. It is an honor and such FUN to hear the excitement oozing off the blog page! I also follow most of the people on your Team, including Leslie and Christine, so I am excited myself, to see everything come to life! I am from Chicago myself, and spent many hours drooling over Martha's and Mary E's books. Congratulations on this new adventure and I look forward to sharing in your happiness!

okiedee said...

Wonderful story and really looking forward to seeing fresh new stamps and ideas.

Grace said...

I so enjoyed reading your story! I have always enjoyed your designs and marveled at your talent... so I look forward to seeing all your creativity will be bringing our way! Best wishes in this new endeavor... and God Bless!

Sue from Oregon said...

So excited to see what each day will bring! Congrats and my best to you!

Liz Williams said...

After reading your wonderful story, I see the passion in which you work, live, and breath. It is no wonder that you became an instant favorite of mine as I always looked forward to what new sets you came out with for Flourishes! Count me in on the fun. I will be checking in daily!

Anonymous said...

Looking forward to the goodness!!

AllieB said...

I'm hooked already.

Katie Sims said...

What a way to make an entrance, lady! Love your opening blog post, all of your beautiful images, your infectious enthusiasm for what you do and life in general, and most of all...that enormous heart of yours! Your illustrations certainly speak to my heart and I am sure that many others feel the same way. Feeling so blessed to be a part of this with you and all of these other amazingly talented ladies. So happy to see you shine here! Big hugs, Marcy! Really big! :)

Donna Ellis said...

looking forward to seeing your new images! Great DT line up, and I've already signed up to receive your news!

Sharyn Polesel said...

I so enjoyed reading about all of your accomplishments. I have several of your stamp sets, and I love them all! So glad to have found you at this new site. Good luck with this new adventure. I'm sure it will be a great success!

Barbara said...

What a fun and very exciting post this morning. I love your story and now it will be even more amazing! I am so pumped for all that will come in the future. Congratulations and best wishes. I am in for the ride!

Theresa's Studio said...

Enjoyed reading your story. Congrats and best wishes on your new endeavor. Love your illustrations....am a big fan of your talent! Looking forward to your new designs.

Jerri Jimenez said...

We met several years ago at CHA in Chicago. You were a petite bundle of delight! I'm so happy for you Marcy and cannot wait to see your newest designs! I'll be following you and the brigade closely. You've got just the sweetest girls ever on your team, I adore them all and am a big fan of their work! I wish you the very, very best. You go girl! Power Poppy to you!!!

Iwona Palamountain (Chupa) said...

You're SUCH an inspiration!

CherylQuilts said...

Oh, my, Marcella, what a delight to read all about you and your precious family! I have LONG loved your beautiful floral creations, and just about anything you do has been amazing! You do indeed have the most wonderful designers, and I really look forward with excitement to your first release! It sounds like we'll all have such fun and delight at your artwork and what we'll do with them! Coloring is my most relaxing things, and that's why I love your artwork! Warm hugs, and looking forward! Cheryl

Colleen Dietrich said...

Marcella, so nice to get to know you! I've loved your stamps at Flourishes from the get-go. Your illustrations are so beautiful. Can't wait to see what you've got in store here at PP!

p.s., I have signed up three times with feedburner to subscribe to your blog, but I've gotten none of your posts. They're not even in spam. :(

Unknown said...

LOVE! LOVE! LOVE! Your sunny personality and creativity really shine through the website design. Looking forward to seeing more......

Crafty Auntie said...

Hello, Marcella...you have managed to make quite the impression on me: first with your awesome drawings, then with your awesome spirit-filled posts. I've been looking for just the right images to get more use out of my Copics, and I think I have a new problem: I want every image I've seen of yours so far! I did end up buying my first digital stamp and I think I'm hooked. I now 'need' lots more markers, too! Thank you for sharing your delightful spirit through your words & artwork. I cannot wait to send my bloomin' cards as I know my friends will be delighted. Thanks for giving us some Springtime Cheer here in still-very-chilly Chicagoland!!