Like many of us, Ashlee Norton from The Rusted Arrow is a work-at-home mom whose office hours are scheduled for naptime and bedtime. With a love of clean, no-fuss design, Ashlee brings a fresh take to her love of traveling with her beloved world maps. Her work hangs in some killer nurseries like this one and this one and we were lucky enough to score a custom print in our January box. Here are a few thoughts from an up-and-comer that you’ll want to keep your eye on.
How would you describe your design esthetic?
No frills. Simple, clean, modern and I love black and white.
What inspires your designs?
Years ago, I heard the phrase, “the world is your playground” and I knew I wanted a piece of art with that on it. I looked everywhere but couldn’t find anything right so, even though I have no design experience, I just thought I’d try to design my own. I got exactly what I wanted! My husband talked me into selling them and it’s been great.
Where is your favorite place you’ve traveled?
I love France. I’m a hopeless romantic and I love how old it feels. My favorite place locally is Lake Powell.
Your little girl, London, is 15 months old. What has surprised you about motherhood?
Having a baby flooded me with emotion. Things just go straight to my heart these days. Every moment is so special and I am so sentimental about little things. London took her first steps while we were visiting her out-of-state grandparents and I was sobbing! Happy tears of course ☺
What’s an ideal day with London?
I’d take our everyday routine over the once-in-a-million-years days. We wake up, have breakfast, play on the floor, she naps, I work, and we love to take walks.
What’s the best piece of parenting advice you’ve been given?
My current motto is these words from my father-in-law, “Spend time in the present. Today is the day for butterfly kisses. Today is the day to breathe in the smells of your kitchen, and to listen to the wrestling and laughter from your little ones. Today is about holding hands with loved ones. Today is about praying and joining in, mentally, with the person who is saying the prayer. Today you will be ‘mom’ or ‘dad’ and very shortly you will become a rough ‘grandma’ or ‘grandpa’ from little London.”