Little Wolf & Autumn

11/7/2017

"I have such an urge to create art and it is so fulfilling."

Shanna Lee Schultz is the artist behind Little Wolf & Autumn, and I am certain that I am her biggest fan! If you have ever stopped into shed you will see that I carry a wide range of Shanna's work. She is a multi-talented artist who paints, knits, sews, she even sings! Shanna paints the most enchanting cards for all seasons and occasions. Her newest Christmas themed cards are my favourite, so far. They will debuting at the shed and Friends Christmas Open House. She will also be bringing her rope products, which include: placemats, ornaments, coasters, bowls, baskets, bags, and more. She will also showcase her knitwear; hats, for adults and children; chunky christmas stockings, and mittens. I can't forget to mention her beautifully sewn linen and cotton napkins that pair so wonderfully with shed's Farmhouse dinnerware.
Shanna is a returning artist to the 2nd Annual Open House and a feature artist at shed year round, you can read more about her in last year's blog. I interviewed her this year, this is what she had to say:

Tell us about your business Little Wolf & Autumn...what do you make?
I started painting watercolours last summer, and as fall approached, I began knitting and opened up Little Wolf & Autumn. Now, a year later, I create knitwear, rope décor, and watercolour paintings.

What is the meaning behind your businessʼ name?
Little Wolf & Autumn is named after my two children. Both of my children's names are inspired by nature. My daughter, Gwendolynn, her middle name is Autumn. My son's name, Faelan, its orgin is gaelic and means "little wolf". I'm lucky to be able to stay home with them and also create so, I wanted to incorporate them somehow into my business name.

I know that among your many talents you are also a mom. How do you find the time to raise two young children and create your art?
Raising children is hard. I am continuously learning all about the art of raising children. I only have so many hours a day I can work, and nothing really goes as planned when you have kids. I take advantage of long nap times (when they happen), quiet play time, and not so quiet play time. My husband, a furniture maker, also works at home out in his workshop so, he is able to help out a lot with the kids, which is amazing! I usually don't accomplish everything I have planned in a day!

You live on a hobby farm. How many animals do you have and what are their
names?
Yes! We live on a 10 acre hobby farm and currently have 13 animals. There's Meera the indoor cat, Ari our komondor gaurdian dog, Piggly the pig, 4 bucks named Oscar, Otis, Loki, and Gorgeous George, 1 Ram named Rammy, 3 female goats called Plancee, Luna, and Pandora, and 2 sheep named Gaia and Little Lamby.

When I first met you, you were in a band. Tell us about that. Do you miss it?
I went to college for Music-Theatre Performance and after graduating, my three friends and I, started a three part harmony group. Our group was based on the Andrews Sisters music and music from the 30s and 40s, and we called ourselves The Scat'r Bugs. I miss it so much! I yearn to be up on a stage performing again. But, we all live a distance away from one another, and once I became a mama, traveling was too difficult. One day, I will be back up on that stage again!

What do you enjoy most about being an artist?
The freedom. I love that I have the freedom to create whatever I want in any form I want. I love everything about being an artist. I have such an urge to create art and it is so fulfilling.

Is there something you havenʼt pursued, that you have wanted to pursue in life, or in art?
One of my biggest problems I have, is that I want to try everything! I get rather unfocused at times. But, one of my dreams, that I have yet to muster up the courage to pursue, is to write and illustrate a children's story. In fact, I want to write a children's storybook called, "Little Wolf & Autumn" about the adventures of my children. One day I will sit down and do it. Maybe I will make that one of my goals for the new year!

Do you have a piece of work that you are bringing to the shed & Friends Open House that you secretly hope does not sell? If so, why?
I'm planning on bringing my newest original Christmas watercolours to the show. I haven't been able to list them on Etsy yet... I'm quite attached to them for some reason. I think because they are so magical and I feel connected to them. But, I love the idea of them bringing a little magic into somebody's home!

Can people order from you in advance and pick up at the shed Open House?
Absolutely! { You can e-mail Shanna for more details: shannaleeshultz@gmail.com }

Any final thoughts youʼd like to add to the people who will be visiting you at the shed & Friends Open House?
I'm so happy to be a part of Shed & Friends! This is a wonderful opportunity for me to meet people in person! I don't have my own shop where I can get to know my customers (which is another dream for my husband and I). I often sell things on Etsy, where I don't even get chat with the customers online. I am so excited to meet everyone in person, in this magical small shop setting!

Have a listen to The Scat'r Bugs ♬

Get into the Christmas spirit with this holiday ditty.

Shanna is the middle☝vocalist.