Ashlee Brotzell Designs

Art has always been an important part of my life. I could spend hours drawing and coloring as a child. I took as many art classes as allowed in high school and was able to take one semester of art in university.

I graduated from the University of Saskatchewan in 2008 with a BA in Psychology, with distinction. I was really pleased to be accepted into law school but after one term I decided it was not for me.

I utilized my psychology degree for a few years in paying jobs and now I use it everyday at home with my kids.

I could have an entire blog dedicated to our family but since this one is dedicated to crochet I’ll keep it short.

Mitch and I got married in 2009. He also graduated from the U of S; he’s a mechanical engineer. His career has taken us to a few different cities over the years and for the past 5 years I’ve been able to stay home, full-time.

Alice is almost 6, Remi is 3, and Melody is 10 months old. They require a lot of my energy and patience. Some days I feel like supermom and other days I’m sure I’m failing at everything.

**Their ages have changed but I’ve decided to leave it as is. In May of 2023, they are now 8, 6, and 3.**

I learned to crochet when I was 8 and finished my first blanket when I was 13. I didn’t know how to read a pattern and I didn’t know there were more stitches than single crochet and double crochet!

I picked up my crochet hooks again a few years ago to help manage my anxiety and post-partum depression. Learning how to read a pattern was the top skill I wanted to learn, but it didn’t end there! 

Suddenly, I had a whole new world opened up to me and I wanted more! I realized I could combine my art skills with my computer skills and maybe earn a buck on the side too!

Most importantly, I was able to find myself again. Crochet and art are definitely therapy for me. I’m so thankful to have this outlet where I can put my art to work.