Big Stick Studio….

Hi, I’m Kristi. 

I am a Mom, an Artist, an Art Teacher, a friend, a dog lover, and forever inspired by nature.  This is my AHA! story…

AHA! #1 - When I started Big Stick Studio, I searched and searched for the perfect name for my business. Something that would be memorable, that involved something dear to me, and that wasn’t too serious (as it is a puzzle business after all).  Beyla, my yellow lab encompassed all of these things.  At the time, Beyla would carry gigantic sticks around Staring Lake on our daily walks nearly knee-capping our friends who traveled the opposite way… The logo became Beyla with her enormous trophy for the day, and Big Stick Studio was born!

AHA! #2 - As an Artist and Art Teacher I love the process of creating.  I found that I could create high quality whimsical puzzles that were interactive and challenging.  I poured my energy into creating a unique experience from the meticulous detailing of the boxes (pretty enough to display on your coffee table or give to grandparents), to the uniquely themed pieces of MN iconography, playful dogs, cats, and bikes.  Always working on the next challenge feeds my artist soul.

AHA! #3 - The “Mom” in me loves the fact that the puzzles are something that can be done while the real work of connecting with family and friends is happening. There’s nothing better than having either a nonsense interaction or truly heartfelt conversation while you’re working on a common goal! The tag line for Big Stick Studio, “Quality time with those we love.”

AHA! #4 - As a Nature lover,  I have been feeling pretty defeated with all of the horrible news about climate change, species extinction, wild fires, drought, oil spills, urban sprawl…  I’ve been struggling with how/what I can do as a small business owner.  Big Stick Studio is a WOODEN puzzle business, I drew from a family vacation to the US national parks of Zion, Bryce, and the Grand Canyon.  Once again filling my nature loving soul, I launched an initiative with the US Forest Service.  I continue to be excited that BIG STICK STUDIO donates a tree for each puzzle sold!  The trees are planted by Forest Service volunteers around the country.