usan Branch is the self-taught artist and author of the fourteen (so far) best-selling "Heart of the Home" lifestyle BOOKS all published by Little Brown and Company. From her studio overlooking her picket-fence garden in Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, Susan writes and paints about the "home arts" of cooking, gardening, sewing, family, best friends, entertaining and the little things that make life sweet. Her books are "homemade" as in, watercolored and completely hand-written. She has a monthly newsletter she’s been sending out since 1995, called WILLARD, named after her grandfather. It goes to 42,000+ (mostly) women, sisters of the heart, all over the world, who’ve signed up to receive it. These are "the girlfriends," as Susan calls them…she walks through the studio and says "What do we have for the girlfriends today?" and we know who she’s talking about. Through LICENSING, her artwork has been used to design many products. Besides her yearly wall calendars, Susan’s art has decorated lots of stationery things, from shelf paper to greeting cards; she’s designed pajamas, teapots, hooked rugs, scrapbooks and stickers, and quilting fabrics. Her web site has been up and running for fourteen years; and it now includes her BLOG. See FAQ for more information on Susan’s products, or SHOPPING to see what what’s new from the studio today.
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I love all that you do! You’re such an inspiration and a welcome to my day!
Thank you for sharing your many gifts and talents with the rest of us,
especially those of us in the mitten.
I’m in agreement with you Kass. Susan, I too thank you for the joy your talent and gift has brought to me and my girls. We love you.
I decided to write on your comment Kass because, like Susan, I too am curious. “In the mitten” does that refer to the state of Michigan? I looked it up and all I got was Michigan. The name “in the mitten” was given to Michigan because of it’s shape? I wait patiently for your response.
This is an excerpt of what it reads:
Outline of the State of Michigan and the Great Lakes
Michigan’s two peninsulas are so distinctive in shape that they are easily identified by astronauts more than 100 miles up in space, unlike other states whose borders are often political lines drawn on a map. The Lower Peninsula is often called “The Mitten” because its shape is similar to that of a hand held upward. The Upper Peninsula resembles a left hand with the fingers extending eastward. Michigan is the only state divided into two major peninsulas.
Yes it really is called The Mitten! I too wanted to make sure
Not that I know of — the company that designed the pajamas stopped doing it. Maybe someday we will be approached by another company — that would be fun!
I would love to see you work with another company to come up with a line of pajamas and nightgowns! If you do I hope you will include plus sizes. Not only do big girls love your art but we want to be comfy in jammies that speak to our hearts!
Dear Susan, I have been a longtime fan of your wonderful work. I’ve just discovered your website and blog, however. You can only imagine my glee at seeing all of the English treats that await me. (Perhaps my email address will give you a hint!)
Enjoy this wonderful holiday weekend! Best, Linda
Good morning Susan!
My first issue of UK Country Living arrived yesterday..I love it! I even read the ads! (Especially like one for sheets…”the long lasting durable fibres are less prone to bobbling”). Thank you for letting us know about this lovely magazine. The subscription was a splurge for me, but worth every cent. I’ve let my subscription to the US version of Country Living lapse. The quality and content of that publication have been rather disappointing lately.
Hugs!!!!
Hi Susan ~ I have been a fan for over 20 years and counting. My cousin gifted my husband and I two of your cookbooks (in 1993) and from that moment on, I’ve been collecting your books and other various things. I use your recipes most all the time & continue to love the new ones too! Thanks so much for all the inspiration you’ve brought to my life. I see it everyday on my calendar – I’ve been a regular calendar customer (my annual Christmas gift from family) for, I don’t know… for as long as I can remember. I got the long calendar one year and was in LOVE. I wish that calendar would be available again. I haven’t looked yet to see if it is, but any how ~ the reason I’m finally writing today is to ask if you have ever designed checks? I would LOVE to be able to write checks and spread your joy you portray in your artwork and words to whomever I send to. When you have a moment, will you please let me know if you have or will have checks offered…Please??? Thanks so much for everything! I simply LOVE LOVE love all of it! Yours truly, Michelle D., Duvall WA.
I love your work, and I have just recently set down my needle (Old-timey redwork) and picked up some brushes and watercolors…My sister says I have inspired her to get back to pottery because I sound so very happy when I have been painting! We all can inspire each other-thank you for your inspiration. (I LOVE red too!!)
Dear Susan,
I saw you a few years ago (maybe 10) on Simply Quilts. I was so interested in your fabric. I loved your designs. Are you still designing fabric? If so, where can I buy it in Indiana?
I discovered you Susan, quite by accident when I was browsing the Beatrix Potter Society website. They had a Twitter account, and invited people to tweet etc. I clicked on your tweet and I don’t even know why, then cried all the way through your blog post of your trip to Hilltop. I googled you after that, and have visited your blog and and videos etc. ever since. I just signed up for Willard and am going to order some goodies from your website. I live in Canada however, I hope there won’t be an issue with getting anything. I’ll be so disappointed. I was only able to manage getting your recipe book, the From Mother to Daughter one, but if I can’t have anything else, I simply must have the Fall Season cookbook. I was able to look inside one online, and it is to die for. Any ideas where I can order it from. Indigo Books here in Canada suggested contacting the publisher for overstock, but perhaps you know. I love your website and blog, I’m just a newcomer, but please don’t stop doing what you are doing. My 84 year old Mum wants your 2014 calendar. Now, faithfully yours, Charice.
usan Branch is the self-taught artist and author of the fourteen (so far) best-selling "Heart of the Home" lifestyle BOOKS all published by Little Brown and Company. From her studio overlooking her picket-fence garden in Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, Susan writes and paints about the "home arts" of cooking, gardening, sewing, family, best friends, entertaining and the little things that make life sweet. Her books are "homemade" as in, watercolored and completely hand-written. She has a monthly newsletter she’s been sending out since 1995, called WILLARD, named after her grandfather. It goes to 42,000+ (mostly) women, sisters of the heart, all over the world, who’ve signed up to receive it. These are "the girlfriends," as Susan calls them…she walks through the studio and says "What do we have for the girlfriends today?" and we know who she’s talking about. Through LICENSING, her artwork has been used to design many products. Besides her yearly wall calendars, Susan’s art has decorated lots of stationery things, from shelf paper to greeting cards; she’s designed pajamas, teapots, hooked rugs, scrapbooks and stickers, and quilting fabrics. Her web site has been up and running for fourteen years; and it now includes her BLOG. See FAQ for more information on Susan’s products, or SHOPPING to see what what’s new from the studio today.
I love all that you do! You’re such an inspiration and a welcome to my day!
Thank you for sharing your many gifts and talents with the rest of us,
especially those of us in the mitten.
Thank you Kass, but what is the mitten?
Maybe the “mitten” has to do with cooking?
I’m in agreement with you Kass. Susan, I too thank you for the joy your talent and gift has brought to me and my girls. We love you.
I decided to write on your comment Kass because, like Susan, I too am curious. “In the mitten” does that refer to the state of Michigan? I looked it up and all I got was Michigan. The name “in the mitten” was given to Michigan because of it’s shape? I wait patiently for your response.
All the best.
You are so sweet Arlinda, thank you. And thanks about Michigan and the shape, I didn’t know that!
The mitten is referring to the beautiful Michigan
So the shape, is that right?
Hi Susan,
I went to Michigan.gov to research “The Mitten”.
This is an excerpt of what it reads:
Outline of the State of Michigan and the Great Lakes
Michigan’s two peninsulas are so distinctive in shape that they are easily identified by astronauts more than 100 miles up in space, unlike other states whose borders are often political lines drawn on a map. The Lower Peninsula is often called “The Mitten” because its shape is similar to that of a hand held upward. The Upper Peninsula resembles a left hand with the fingers extending eastward. Michigan is the only state divided into two major peninsulas.
Oh the link is http://michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-54463_54466_22364-24399–,00.html
I tested the link, but I don’t know if it will work on the blog.
And I live in “The Thumb” of Michigan on Lake Huron. It is easy to show someone exactly where I live using my hand as a prop.
your website is delightful and I love your recipe for Blueberry Corn Cakes.
Cm
Thank you, they are pretty yummy!
Susan, I just read this and noticed that you designed pajamas. Will there be any more available again soon?
Not that I know of — the company that designed the pajamas stopped doing it. Maybe someday we will be approached by another company — that would be fun!
I would love to see you work with another company to come up with a line of pajamas and nightgowns! If you do I hope you will include plus sizes. Not only do big girls love your art but we want to be comfy in jammies that speak to our hearts!
I would love to do that!
Dear Susan, I have been a longtime fan of your wonderful work. I’ve just discovered your website and blog, however. You can only imagine my glee at seeing all of the English treats that await me. (Perhaps my email address will give you a hint!)
Enjoy this wonderful holiday weekend! Best, Linda
Yes it’s a giveaway!
Are you IN England, or here dreaming?
I am dreaming too!!!!
Good morning Susan!
My first issue of UK Country Living arrived yesterday..I love it! I even read the ads! (Especially like one for sheets…”the long lasting durable fibres are less prone to bobbling”). Thank you for letting us know about this lovely magazine. The subscription was a splurge for me, but worth every cent. I’ve let my subscription to the US version of Country Living lapse. The quality and content of that publication have been rather disappointing lately.
Hugs!!!!
Less prone to bobbling! Perfect!
It’s definitely a splurge, but so worth it. You’ll find a wonderful gift in the mail every month!
Hi Susan ~ I have been a fan for over 20 years and counting. My cousin gifted my husband and I two of your cookbooks (in 1993) and from that moment on, I’ve been collecting your books and other various things. I use your recipes most all the time & continue to love the new ones too! Thanks so much for all the inspiration you’ve brought to my life. I see it everyday on my calendar – I’ve been a regular calendar customer (my annual Christmas gift from family) for, I don’t know… for as long as I can remember. I got the long calendar one year and was in LOVE. I wish that calendar would be available again. I haven’t looked yet to see if it is, but any how ~ the reason I’m finally writing today is to ask if you have ever designed checks? I would LOVE to be able to write checks and spread your joy you portray in your artwork and words to whomever I send to. When you have a moment, will you please let me know if you have or will have checks offered…Please??? Thanks so much for everything! I simply LOVE LOVE love all of it! Yours truly, Michelle D., Duvall WA.
I did have them at one time, but not now, I’m sorry to say. Maybe someday. So nice to hear from you Michelle!
I love your work, and I have just recently set down my needle (Old-timey redwork) and picked up some brushes and watercolors…My sister says I have inspired her to get back to pottery because I sound so very happy when I have been painting! We all can inspire each other-thank you for your inspiration. (I LOVE red too!!)
How great for both of you … to inspire each other! Thank you Kathryn!
Dear Susan,
I saw you a few years ago (maybe 10) on Simply Quilts. I was so interested in your fabric. I loved your designs. Are you still designing fabric? If so, where can I buy it in Indiana?
We might still have a bit of it left in my web store (and some free patterns too) but I’m not designing fabric for anyone at this time.
I love your site! Someone posted your “Summer Is” artwork that used to be in Family Circle. Is there any way to get a copy or poster of it? I love it!
It’s not been made into a poster, but I will keep that in mind Katherine! Thank you!
I discovered you Susan, quite by accident when I was browsing the Beatrix Potter Society website. They had a Twitter account, and invited people to tweet etc. I clicked on your tweet and I don’t even know why, then cried all the way through your blog post of your trip to Hilltop. I googled you after that, and have visited your blog and and videos etc. ever since. I just signed up for Willard and am going to order some goodies from your website. I live in Canada however, I hope there won’t be an issue with getting anything. I’ll be so disappointed. I was only able to manage getting your recipe book, the From Mother to Daughter one, but if I can’t have anything else, I simply must have the Fall Season cookbook. I was able to look inside one online, and it is to die for. Any ideas where I can order it from. Indigo Books here in Canada suggested contacting the publisher for overstock, but perhaps you know. I love your website and blog, I’m just a newcomer, but please don’t stop doing what you are doing. My 84 year old Mum wants your 2014 calendar. Now, faithfully yours, Charice.
Oh so nice to have you here Charice! Small world! Hello to your mom. We send things to Canada all the time, no problem at all. xoxo