T E N Years of Blogging

Hello! 

How are you, my long lost blogging community? We haven't talked in ages! To be honest, it has been almost close to a year since my last post. What?! This little corner of the internet was once my spot to share home projects both big and small, furniture makeovers, recipes, family updates and more. 

September 27 marked TEN YEARS since I first started blogging here at Sohl Design. A whole decade! I'm not sure how that's true. I couldn't let this anniversary pass by without even a mention. As well as a huge THANK YOU to my friends, family, and followers, near and far, who read my words, left kind comments and cheered me on over the years. It meant the world me to know that you cared enough to support me.

It's bittersweet to say that I probably won't be continuing to blog, at least not regularly or any time soon. Taking care of my family is my main priority and I love my role as a wife and mother. I'm also running my design business, Sohl Design, which is fun and challenging and fulfilling as well. I will be maintaining my website www.sohldesign.com so you may visit me there and contact me if you have a project or if you'd just like to say hello, please do!

When I started blogging in 2009, I was working full time at my corporate job as a packaging and graphic designer. Blogs were "the thing" back then, more so than social media, and I used to read, follow and bookmark inspiration before Pinterest was even a thing! Ha! My, how things have changed. I still follow a few favorite blogs, but Instagram and Facebook have changed so much and replaced the platform that blogs once were. I'm amazed that I have published over 600 posts. How is that even possible?! Clearly I had a LOT more free time before becoming a parent!

Working on projects at home on nights and weekends were my creative outlet. I dreamed of one day being a freelance designer, running my own business, with the flexibility of working from home, making my own hours and selecting projects. It's amazing to say that I'm living that dream! When I left my full time job to start a family I also hoped to one day be able to design from home and create a business that would help support my family, and still be able to do what I love. I'll be the first to say that it's no easy task running a business from home, with two rambunctious little boys are running around and knocking on my office door! But, the flexibility and freedom and ability to choose how much or how little I want to work is so wonderful for me right now, because I know my kids won't be little for very long! And I'm getting to see and experience every bit of it, which is such a gift.

Thank you, to those who have read my blog and encouraged me along the way! And thank you, friends and clients, for your trust in me to design your projects and for referring me to others. I work with such wonderful clients and I'm so very thankful for every one of you! It has been a blessing sharing bits and pieces of my life with you, keeping in touch, and meeting many amazing bloggers in this online community. I pray for God's very best for each of you and that we will meet again and keep in touch in other ways! 

Hugs,
Sarah

Look Who's...

Today is the second anniversary of the day I started blogging, here at Sohl Design. 260 posts later...wow! This has become such a fun creative outlet for me. I really enjoy it. I like sharing projects that I'm proud of, my favorite recipes and celebrating time spent with my family and friends. I know in blog land, they tell you not to look at your stats or fool yourself into thinking that people care about your little 'ol blog, which is one of millions out there, or that people actually read it. But I can't tell you how encouraging it is when I get emails from you, or you tell me in person that you liked something you saw on Sohl Design. I get a happy butterfly feeling and it brings a huge smile to my day. It makes me feel like in some small way I've connected with you, or shared something worthwhile or maybe even inspired you to try something new. I gobble up your comments like the last piece of chocolate cake. And when I do look at audience stats ('cause I can't help it), it blows my mind that someone in Ireland (Mairead?), Australia, India, or even South Korea would be interested in what I have to say.

So, I want to say to each of you, wherever you are, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for taking an interest in Sohl Design, for cheering me on and for being a blessing to me! Here's to another year of Sohl Design! 


xoxo

New Year, New Look...Not So Fast

Hello 2011! I had high hopes of having a new blog design rolled out byJanuary 1st, but I wasn't quite ready. I decided it was time to design my own background and header, seeing as I'm a designer and all. But it was more challenging than I thought! I still have some work to do, but it's a start right? Stay tuned for more updates...

In the mean time, I can reveal my new Sohl Design business card, which I am incorporating into the new blog look as well. I couldn't wait for them to arrive in the mail! I'm on a pink and brown kick right now, but I change my mind so often, we'll see if it lasts. What do you think? Is it a keeper?

Sohl Design, Open for Business

I am happy to announce that Sohl Design is officially open for business!

I recently designated some tabs on my blog, including design samples, pricing and how to contact me. I have been meaning to do this for a while. Once I started putting the framework together, it was harder than I thought it would be. Some things may change down the road, but it's a start. I think it's often easier to market other people's products and services than your own. You don't feel quite as vulnerable.

The craft is always personal though. I take my work to heart. Even though I have developed a pretty thick skin (or so I think), design is what I do. It's what I enjoy. Every element and detail. I love the challenge of translating ideas and visually communicating messages. Weather it's designing your child's first birthday party invitation or a logo that will represent your new business venture, I take pride in every design that I compose.  

I am excited and ready to take on new projects!  

First Blogiversary!

 
It's hard to believe that I have been blogging for a whole year! Sohl Design turns one today. I feel like a proud parent. I discovered the land of blogs sometime last summer, when I was looking for sewing patterns and craft ideas online. I was introduced to "a whole new world" (feel free to sing along...) of crafters, designers, antique collectors, home decorators, cooks, fashionistas, foodies, moms and people I could relate to, sharing their talents, lives, struggles and joys. My daily blog list grew and grew. As many of you know, one blog leads to another. And another. Each one interesting and inspiring. People with DIY projects, life experiences and honest and useful information. It was eye-opening. And addicting. I caught the blog bug. So I decided to start one of my own.

And thus, Sohl Design was born. A combination of my name, Sarah Ohl and my profession, graphic design. But also a play on "soul," in the sense that my soul belongs to the Greatest Designer of All, Jesus Christ. He gets all the credit for any gifts and talents He has given me. I get so much joy out of making things, capturing the beauty in this world, re-purposing old stuff, and being creative.

What's amazing to me, is that people out there, you reading this, are interested in what I'm up to and are incredibly supportive. I can't thank you enough for "following" and leaving such wonderful comments. Just when I think no cares or this is just a silly little hobby, one of you will make my day. Weather you tell me in person, or take the time to write a comment, it means more than you know. Thank you for making this first year of blogging a great one!

It started with my first ever furniture project, refinishing my childhood desk. I shared my tote bag and baby bib making obsession. I was featured on Someday Crafts, for my foam core wall letters. Which I was completely ecstatic about! I shared my trip to Arizona with you. Some good recipes, like vegetarian lasagna. Our HUGE bathroom remodel. A little bit about my husband and our home. And many projects and random information in between. 102 posts to be exact. I can't believe it's that many! Wow.

I plan on keeping Sohl Design going strong, so stay tuned for year numero dos. I hope to keep posting at least once a week. But don't hold me to it. I may post more. You'll just have to keep following to find out! I have a pretty good idea that many of you check my blog, but are not official "followers." That's OK. I am so blessed and amazed to have 26 followers! But, I'm not gonna lie, it's pretty exciting each time someone new is added. However, if "following" is too much of a commitment, you do not have to be a follower or have a google account to post a comment. Just select "anonymous" from the comment box drop down menu. In other words, don't keep your comments to yourself (well, the nice ones that is). I'd love to hear what you think, your suggestions and questions. So bring it on! It will make me feel like we're growing closer in our blog relationship :-)