Artist Spotlight
I have always loved any kind of art. I was always drawing some happy little creature of some sort. I can also sew up a storm, or at least I did when I had more time. In junior high school, I won the top sewing awards in 8th and 9th grades. I sewed everything I wore. Now I sew more crafts than clothes.
I grew up in Kearns, Utah. I am the youngest of four children. I have two sisters, Carol (who loves to paint and has her own website ) and Sandra, and one brother, Wayne. I was blessed with wonderful parents, Bob and Verona Balle, who have been great examples throughout my life. Though my father passed away nearly 19 years ago, His example and memory are always with me.
After I was married and began having children, the need for some personal time and growth became important for my sanity. I decided to take a tole painting class. Life has never been the same since! That may sound funny, but it's true. I even learned to cut and prepare my own wood after my husband bought me a band saw and tools for Mother's Day one year. I even put the band saw together myself! I painted and painted and painted. Work relocated us to Reno, Nevada. I began to teach painting classes for a little extra income and to design my own projects. I sold my work at a country furniture and gift shop. I grew so much from that experience. Some time later we returned to Utah, where I continued my designing, painting, and selling. People that would buy my work encouraged me to publish my designs. I took my designs to Provo Craft. My opportunities there were just beginning! They began to publish my designs in painting instruction books. My most popular being the "Bearing All Seasons" books, which is where my company name originates. I have other books and combined artist books published. It didn't stop there! I have had the opportunity to design plush, figurines, scrapbook papers, stickers, rub-ons, CD's, and more.
The most important thing in my life isn’t my love for designing but for my family; for my husband, Jeff, who is the love of my life, and best friend for twenty-three years; for our nine beautiful children and three wonderful son-in-laws. We have had three marriages in our family over the past two years! Becky (21) and her honey Jim on March 30, 2001, Angie (20) and her sweetheart Coley on August 4, 2001, Mindy (19) recently married her perfect match Ben on December 13, 2002. Tyler (almost 16) is in the tenth grade and Drivers Ed! He plays the piano and saxophone well and receives good grades in school. Cody (12) is playing the tuba in his school band and plays the piano well. Shana (11) and Kelsee (9) are enjoying playing the piano and violin. They are beginning to get into the scrapbooking craze! Matthew (5) is in kindergarten. He is a smart little boy, we are really enjoying watching him grow and learn. Levi (1 ½) was born on August 17, 2001, less than two weeks after our second daughter’s marriage. He was almost born on her birthday (August 18th)!
Life is busy but wonderful! Making time to be with this special family is my greatest priority. I am so thankful for their help and encouragement in my artwork. I hope that as you experience this new website that you will find something that will make you SMILE!
— Colleen
To view more of Colleen's art CLICK HERE:
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