CULLMAN – Have you ever seen a quote that really stuck with you, or helped you through a difficult time? Most of us have, and a lot of us will write it down or print it out, and stick it on the fridge. Well if you happen to call on one local Cullmanite, Emily Karwoski, you can have that quote in beautiful scripts to frame at more than reasonable pricing.
Karwoski was just a kid when she started expressing herself artistically. What some might consider doodles have become a well rounded business for her where she can earn money doing what she loves.
“Growing up, I loved to doodle on any and everything like school binders, notebooks, my arms, my jeans,” she said. “I can remember people giving me compliments on my handwriting most of my life, but I never thought anything of it. I graduated with a degree in Speech Pathology that has never been used, and I spent the last several years working for a local non-profit mission organization, Kenya Relief. I continued to doodle in my journals; it became my little language to the Lord. I posted a few pictures of my journal to Instagram and soon people were asking me to letter their vows for them or design pieces for their homes.”
Since then, Karwoski has been asked to make all kinds of works, and eventually she decided to give selling her art a try.
“Last October of 2013, our church, St. John’s, announced they were going to host a German Christmas Market and they were asking for vendors to set up booths,” Karwoski said. “After much encouragement from my incredible husband, I decided to go out on a limb and sign up. I worked hard and handmade over 150 greeting cards and wall décor for the Market. I ended up selling all but a handful of my items, and before I knew it, I had a business up and running!”
The rest seemed to fall into place after that, and Joyful Papery was born. According to Karwoski, it was something unexpected that was placed in her life during a difficult time.
“Joyful Papery was born in a season of my life of learning to be content in all circumstances,” she said. “I clung to Paul’s words in the letter to the Philippians, “For I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.” (Philippians 4:11,12 ESV) The Lord brought deep and unspeakable joy to my heart in a season of infertility, turning my mourning into dancing, and Joyful Papery became somewhat of an offering back to Him. My prayer for my business and my art is to always create reminders of joy, bringing contentment in His presence through beautiful and inspiring paper goods.”
You can buy lots of different items on her Etsy shop, from cute planner downloads that you can print again and again, to home décor. She can do it all and more, with her talents using handlettering, calligraphy and watercolor. She is perfect for a unique gift, a beautiful card or for special events like weddings. Karwoski is thankful for her continued success, and says that God is blessing her all the way.
“The Lord has been blessing my business,” Karowski said. “I feel more like myself than I ever have before, and I’ve learned so much in the process. I’m learning to be brave and make mistakes, because those mistakes build character and perseverance into us, and subsequently, molds us into the people we are. I’m also learning to dream big, but to let my heart be okay with the baby steps and the tiny victories along the way. Life and art is all about the process, and I’m so enjoying every little step.”
You can follow and contact Emily Karwoski at Joyful Papery through any of these channels: Etsy Shop: joyfulpapery.etsy.com; email: joyfulpapery@gmail.com. Follow along with my creative process, updates, and promotional codes on Instagram at @joyfulpapery or at facebook.com/joyfulpapery.
