The Heart Behind HaLu

HaLu Designs got its start back in 2009, a name stitched together from my twins' nicknames — because honestly, it all began with them. I was a young mama stitching up cozy quilts and doll carriers for my girls. Those two were my first designers, quality-testers, and toughest critics. Whenever they loved something, they'd tell me it "made their heart happy," and that little phrase has stuck with me ever since.

Those early days were all about the little ones — cuddle blankets, dolls and stuffies, a duck and a frog blanket my twins requested (still on their beds to this day). Before I knew it, friends and family were asking for items for their own littles, and for a little while a sweet local shop kept HaLu on its shelves.

Although they all still request quilts, my four are growing (13), growing (16), grown (21 - twins, remember?)! Since I no longer have to chase kidlings around, I have space to sort out what I actually enjoy doing. Art is still at the top of that list, as is crafting a piece to pass along a bit of joy to others.

I have dabbled in a variety of art mediums — fiber will always be my favorite. I love creating whatever my mind and heart decide needs creating. Not knowing if it will be a flop or a HaLu masterpiece. Along the way each piece can create its own story — what my head thought, my hands might make different. If I want to drip water this way, but it pulls the color that way…that’s a new line in the tale. Each piece is a story waiting to be told. 

One reminder I give myself for all art projects — it doesn’t have to be perfect! That isn’t what my art is about. It’s about the story behind the creation, the desire to try a new art form, the courage to put my art out there for others to see. It’s about me and what makes my heart happy.