Arctic Buckeye

05/28/2026

05/25/2026

On this Memorial Day and every day, we remember, honor, and never forget the brave Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we hold so dearly.

Wishing everyone a safe, peaceful, and meaningful Memorial Day.

🇺🇸

05/20/2026

I’ve been exploring embroidery on paper lately, starting with a book of black-and-white cardstock designs meant for perforation and stitched embellishment. That experiment led me into watercolor greeting cards—and then stitching right into the paint.

It’s been a lesson in patience: spacing perforations carefully, keeping holes delicate, and learning to guide the thread without tearing the paper.

Slow work. Soft hands. Calm mind. CREATE!

05/12/2026

SEA-TAC vibes! Jazz, doggies and crochet…at the airport. Keep calm and crochet on!

05/09/2026

Got to spend some time with this beautiful lady today and gift her this flower holder, filled with flowers of course.

I hope it brings you joy Iris as you continue to beautify your space as you navigate this new journey. ❤️

This pattern by is called “Farmers Market Sling”. I think we’ll appropriately name this one “The Iris Sling”. 💐

05/05/2026

In Cincinnati…where pigs fly! 🐷🪽

I’ve been busy and am just now getting a chance to post about my favorite weekend of the year—Flying Pig Marathon weekend!

If you know me, you know this has always been my holiday. And in true “me” fashion, I’ve completed every single Flying Pig Marathon since its inaugural run in 1999—officially making me a “streaker” (fully clothed 😂). In 2024 there were 64 streakers total, only 9 of them women!

This past weekend marked #28, and it was AMAZING.

The fun kicks off Friday night with the 50 West 1-Mile Run. Saturday is packed with events—the 10K, 5K, 26th Mile, Little Piglet Run, PigAbilities, and Flying Fur (yes, the doggos! 🐕). Then it all builds to Sunday’s main events: the half marathon, full marathon, and relay.

The course winds through Cincinnati, Newport, and Covington, and this year brought a new route thanks to bridge repairs in Newport. Add in perfect weather, incredible volunteers, and unmatched community support, and it made for an unforgettable weekend.

I may be a little biased, but I HIGHLY recommend experiencing this event—whether you run it or just come out to cheer and soak in the energy. There’s truly nothing like it.

I’ve also raised funds for (formerly LLS) over the last 28 “Pigs”. This year…over $2600! How and why I started this journey.

Already looking forward to #29 on May 2, 2027!

OINK on, friends!! 🐽

04/30/2026

Loved making this custom pom beanie for a fan! Finished in time for the dipping Ohio temps too.

Julia AI is modeling. 😁

04/23/2026

I’ve been making progress on one of my more challenging projects. It’s a blanket pattern called “Love Is Enough” by the talented

I’m excited to start arranging this “bouquet”. Perfect project to celebrate Spring. 🌺

04/16/2026

To all the small business owners and employees affected by the closing of Painted Tree stores—

My heart goes out to you.

What you built wasn’t just inventory on shelves—it was creativity, risk, long hours, and belief in something of your own. You showed up day after day, not just to sell products, but to share pieces of yourselves with your community. That matters. It always will.

Closures like this hit deeper than business. They disrupt routines, relationships, and dreams that were actively in motion. It’s okay to feel frustrated, uncertain, or even discouraged. That’s a human response to something meaningful being taken away.

But this moment doesn’t erase what you’ve accomplished. It proves you had the courage to start—and that’s something many people never do. The skills you’ve built, the connections you’ve made, and the resilience you’ve developed don’t disappear with a storefront.

There will be new spaces, new opportunities, and new ways to share what you create—whether that’s online, in different markets, or through entirely new ventures. The path may shift, but your ability to adapt and rebuild is still very much intact.

If there’s one thing to hold onto right now, it’s this: what made your business special didn’t come from the building—it came from you.

Wishing you strength, clarity, and the next opportunity that truly values what you bring.

May God bless you with abundant opportunities. Please comment with your websites, sm links or any contact info so it may be shared with others.

~Billie Jo

❤️