To Have, To Hold, To Serve

So much about life and marriage is about service.
Self sacrifice and loving even when it's hard.

Our students take a family and relationships class at the school and they always interview married couples at different stages in life.  We were interviewed again today, and this time we found ourselves stressing the need for selflessness and loving service.  Not because we have been extra greedy or selfish, but I think it was because we have been pulled in so many different directions lately.  When you are running around like crazy people, that the best way to show love to each other is to help and sacrifice for one another.  Life doesn't always allow us to be romantic, but when the Hubbard helps with the dishes or I sit and label uniforms, we are showing love to each other.  A love that lasts and will continue to bless.

Our marriage is a choice.
Love is a choice.
And we have chosen "yes" to sacrificing for each other.

But more importantly, for our family, we strive to serve the Lord in all that we say and do.  It's not a very popular position, and it's not always easy.  Sometimes I would rather be selfish and do things my way, but that is not what The Hubbard and I have committed to do with our lives.

I made this calligraphy print for our little home (Joshua 24:15) as a continual reminder of this promise that we have made, but I am considering offering it as an instant download in my shop... what do you think? Do I need to add a "wall art" section to the shop? I think this print (or something like it) would make a great wedding/shower art, or gift to a newly married couple!



Are there any other prints/verses that you would like to see in the shop? Let me know in the comments!

The Most Wonderful Time... Is on it's way!

Wow, it's hard to believe that it's already that time of year.
You know, the time when the air is brisk, hot chocolate is decorated with marshmallows and that little feeling of excitement inside your chest is starting to flutter?

Yep, holiday season has begun again—don't worry, you still have plenty of time :)  But why not get a head start on your Christmas decor / shopping?  I know that I'm ready to cross a few names off my list!  (like my "wonderful-but-hard-to-shop-for-Hubbard")

My Etsy shop is already bustling with fall and Christmas activity, some of which are shown above!  A few favorites from last year, as well as some new pieces for you to consider this year.  I'll be posting new items over the next few weeks—so stay tuned!  There will even be a holiday card with the option of a custom portrait soon!


All Items are (c) Katrina Crouch. Do not use without permission

Etsy Update: Botanical Memory Verses

Here is a little collection that I created for myself over the past few weeks or so.  I've had a few verses, hymns and songs on my heart and mind and so they made their way into my personal art.
For example, I needed a more constant reminder that I don't have to be "good enough"—that before I even knew Jesus as my Lord and Savior, He died for me.  His Grace and sacrifice is sufficient!  So the first card was born—displaying the main section of the verse, while having the entire verse on the back for reference.
This experiment was shortly followed by a few others and before you know it, my desk and home are littered with beautified verses.

Now I want to share a few with you, my friends.  And I am offering the 3 prints above in my etsy shop!  Be sure to check it out here.

All Items are (c) Katrina Crouch. Do not use without permission

Kitchen Art

Doesn't that title make you wince?
For some reason, "kitchen art" is the equivalent of "bathroom art" to me.  It can be corny, tends to be very "theme" orientated, and mass produced.
However! As an artist, I do want to have art in my kitchen!  So I made something of my own, that I would not be too embarrassed to have hanging on the wall.  Just a little something that is cute, food/dining appropriate, and not an apple or cow in sight.

So I created the above piece.
I did this after working on a similar piece that will be released to your viewing enjoyment shortly, but until then you will just have to endure the suspense and ponder this piece.
And of course, I had to try some colored versions::

Well...
what do you think?
Am I still crossing the line of corny-kitchen-theme-art?
Or is this piece humbly acceptable as "just above par"?
Would you purchase a printable of it?  Because it's available in my Etsy Shop at this very moment!



All Items are (c) Katrina Crouch. Do not use without permission

Printable:: Falling For You

Like the new desktop calendar this month?
Now's your chance to get some more of it with this printable, available from my etsy shop!


All Items are (c) Katrina Crouch. Do not use without permission

Let's Have A Giveaway

Pssst!  The lovely Britney, is currently hosting a giveaway on her blog (Mint Chocolate Chip Moments)for my etsy shop!

The giveaway will last for a single week (ending Oct 17th, 2014) and the winner will receive $20 of store credit that can be used on any item in the shop—from stationery, to custom portraits, to printables—all are available to the winner!
Not sure what's in the shop? Take a look at a few items below::

So... Interested in winning $20 for my shop??
Enter in the rafflecopter::
a Rafflecopter giveaway




Also, it's FabHER Friday!  Link up below!!

An InLinkz Link-up

All Items are (c) Katrina Crouch. Do not use without permission

Typography: Greatest of These Print

I just finished this piece last week between dinner and dishes (hah! I totally didn't do the dishes), and I'm really happy with it.
And as much as I wouldn't like to admit it—I'm not often very happy with what I make.  Just like anyone who has tried to draw or design something, everything looks a lot better in my head.  And while this one can be included among the bunch, I feel like I saved it just enough to satisfy me.

Want one of these beauties hanging in your own home?  It's almost embarrassing how easy we can make that for you.  This piece is available in my etsy shop as an INSTANT DOWNLOAD.  For only $10!

Long story short, you could have this for your very own in about 5 minutes.
Or less.

All Items are (c) Katrina Crouch. Do not use without permission