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by Tas Holland

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September 19, 2022

Beginning Again… Again

If you have followed me anywhere for any amount of time, you have seen me shift gears. Probably more than once. I’m really good at it.

And here I go again!

I try not to look back when the road ahead seams uncertain, so as I charge forward, I hope you will come along.

It’s time to write a book.

Weird, I know. Not what you thought I was gonna say, huh?

Well, at the beginning of the year, when I felt like I needed to close down my business doors and focus on 3 main things: homeschooling my kids, my health and practicing my art, it all felt like I had given up on what I wanted. But now I’ve done those things, and I feel like I’m in a good place with those three things.

And on top of that, I don’t have the pressure of a business weighing me down and forcing me to make art. I am free to practice what I want to practice.

So amidst homeschool, and trying to be healthy, my practice for the time being (and the unforeseeable future) is writing and illustrating a novel. I’ve always wanted to and now seems like a pretty good time. And it also helps urge me on that my 8-year-old is obsessed with reading right now.

The story is an adventure story full of magic, wonder, deception, finding confidence, and learning to trust in others and yourself.

I’m very excited about this new phase of my art-making life!

And if you are intrigued and would like to get monthly sneak peaks and updates, join the mailing list! I will send character profiles, chapter snippets, sketches, and more! You can sign up here.

Filed in: Gardner Lane Shop, My Life | By Tas |

January 19, 2022

Is this what it feels like?

When women quit their day job to be stay-at-home moms, I’ve heard it’s a rough transition. I’ve heard they get the “go back to work” itch and it’s hard to adjust.

Is this what it feels like??

I’ve been a stay-at-home since I was 7 months pregnant with my oldest, Paislee. She’s turning 8 this year. And about the time all my babies get to be 9 months old, I feel like itch again to work on something.

I’ve started blogs, snail mail side hustles, weaving and crocheting shops, crochet pattern design, and finally my illustration business.

Guess how old Copper was when I started that?… 9 months.

And I always stopped to slow down before another baby arrives. No baby is currently in the oven, so stopping isn’t so I can slow down and rest. It’s so I can focus on the kids I already have!

But it also feels like I’m slowing down so I can unload the dishwasher and switch the laundry and that’s really just not what I had intended.

I feel like a house wife.

Like if someone were to ask me “what I do,” I’d just say… I’m a stay at home mom. Not an illustrator. Because what I do is teach my kids and sweep the floors.

Ok, that’s not all I do.

I have been reading more and drawing for myself. I’ve had plenty of time to do the Young Women and Girl’s Camp tasks. And life feels less stressful without deadlines.

But it’s still a really weird feeling. And I definitely think this is how people might feel when they leave the work force to come home. I know it will get better and I know I will enjoy the pace once we all settle in. But right now, I just feel a little aimless because homeschooling is a lot like laundry. There isn’t an end in sight.

And that’s what it feels like right now.

Filed in: My Life, Uncategorized | By Tas |

hey there

I'm Tas - Wifey, mama of three, french fry addict, and lover of art making.

Gardner Lane is the place where I keep all the magical, whimsical creations I've taken from my head and put on paper.

Stick around as I write a novel full of adventure and charm.

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The kids are in the living room singing weird lepr The kids are in the living room singing weird leprechaun songs they’re making up and playing horrible harmonica. So I decided to hang in the beanbag chair and work on some story illustrations this morning. 😂
Trying out something new. And I’m digging it. Trying out something new. And I’m digging it. 

Thanks to @art_side_of_life for the sketch pen set and @glanzgraphics for the beautiful paper! 😍❤️
Just drawing lines. It’s actually quite relaxing Just drawing lines. It’s actually quite relaxing. 

#linedrawing #floralsketch
If I could pick a happy place with absolutely no b If I could pick a happy place with absolutely no boundaries or limitations, this would definitely make the list. 📚 🌙
Just a little drawing play. Have a nice day! Just a little drawing play. Have a nice day!
Just a friendly reminder. Go write! I’m workin Just a friendly reminder.

Go write!

I’m working on mine! Over 10k words this month, feeling good about that.

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