Connor's Tractor

Ashley Williams ordered this tractor as a gift for baby Connor. I matched it to his bedding. I love the tractor done in these soft neutral colors. I also like the burlap ribbon that matches so well. Very cool!

A Trip to the Aquarium

We really didn't do very much during our two week spring break. I did get several orders filled, exercise regularly, get the fridge and pantry cleaned out, and the closets switched over for warm weather. We did have a few "jammy days" however!
Our one big event was a visit to the Aquarium in Chattanooga. I haven't been there in forever and it has grown! I was very impressed. The kids especially liked the new penguin and frog exhibits. I like the butterfly habitat. If you have a free day, I recommend this as a way to spend it! Back to work tomorrow!












































There are several tanks that you can go under and then inside a tunnel in the center. This is the "Nemo" tank full of clown fish, blue tangs, angelfish, and all of the others from the movie.

Someone's in the Kitchen with Paula!

Here is Paula Smith's adorable kitchen! Look at those polka dotted valances.

It is hard to see here, but this is the doorway from her kitchen to her den. She wanted a quote painted in a deep coral color on her sage green walls. Here it is sketched out in pencil for a pre-paint check!

This is the almost finished product. We've decided that a few polka dots in colors that coordinate with the valances would be cute. I haven't forgotten you, Paula! I will be out to do your dots soon:)!

Calling All Artists!

If you enjoy painting or have always wanted to give it a try, then you need to clear your calendar for Saturday morning. Our ladies' painting class is firing up again and we would love to have you! We had so much fun last time! This time we will be focusing on Georgia O'Keefe and spring flowers. No experience necessary, all supplies included in the class fee, no excuses!
Just email me, call me, or go to Chole's link to sign up. If you can't make it this time but want to plan ahead, our next meeting will be on April 26th.

Is it Summer Yet?

The warmer weather and being on Spring Break has gotten me in the mood for summer. I even got Mike to grill out for dinner the other night! I am wanting to wear flip flops and capris...but not bathing suits! Yikes!
When Anne Vance ordered a beach chair as a gift for her friend Claire Cochran, I jumped at the chance. Claire has the most beautiful pool and Anne wanted something for her to hang out there.

Pam's Quote

Pam Shelton ordered this beautiful quote for her home. She wanted it to go over the doorway to her living room, so she needed a long, skinny canvas. This one is 12x48 and fits just right!
Her walls are a rich taupe color, but the has an oriental rug in that room with a plum background and taupe accents. I picked up that plum color for the background of the canvas as well. It barely shows up in the photo, but there are darker plum swirls and designs in there as well.
The lettering is in that pretty taupe color. I also chose a new font just for this project. I wanted a script that was easy to read, but not cursive. This is called "Adorable".
If you know Pam, you know this is the perfect quote for her. She is a cancer survivor who dedicates much of her time to raising money and awareness for the American Cancer Society. We love you, Pam!

Hoop Dreams

Mike took Carter to Birmingham to the NCAA Basketball Tournament. They are both big Vols fans, so were thrilled to get to see them play...twice! They got to have some "guy time". Lauren and I got the opportunity to do some really important "girl stuff" as well.

Carter is like his Mama in the fact that he likes to watch the crowd. That is how I entertain myself when I get roped into these events. He gave me a full rundown on what all of the mascots were doing during the games. He has decided that is what he wants to be when he grows up!

Happy Easter!

We enjoyed the Hopping Into Health egg hunt last weekend. Let's hope this beautiful weather continues for tomorrow. Everyone have a wonderful Easter!

Personalized Alphabets

ABC's for boys...

and for girls!

You can have an alphabet created just for you, whatever you like. You've seen the cowboy alphabet...how about baseball, pirates, insects, jungle, or fairy tales? The possibilities are endless.
The large center block is reserved for your child's name, monogram, or your favorite saying or quote.
The alphabets shown are 16x20 and cost $60.00. Other sizes are available.

Baby Channing

Baby Channing is on her way and mom is getting ready! Alison ordered this 16x20 canvas to go with her pretty pink and chocolate brown nursery.
This canvas will look so good with her crib in her nursery, but can't you see this in a teenager's room, too? I love thinking that this artwork can grow with you.
Good luck Alison! We can't wait to meet her!

Small Wonders

Carter found a bird's nest and brought it in to me. He knows I like them. Lauren picked baby buttercups in a styrofoam cup and brought them to me. These really are small wonders.
Enjoy your spring break.

Chinese Takeout

Ashley Gillentine ordered this unusual canvas for a friend. If you watch Gilmore Girls, you know there is a reference there. I personally love that show!
This is the first time I've gotten to paint sushi. I was a little apprehensive about it, but ended up really enjoying this project.
There is a lot of texture in the rice and I liked doing a new font. It is called "Chinese Takeout". I also love the red, black, and white together.


I've finally gotten the new look all put together. I am so proud! I say that like I did any of the work. Honestly, all I did was approve it! All props go to Jennisa and Theresa over at "Once Upon a Blog". If you want your blog done up as well, just click on their logo and check them out. Thanks girls!

Our Anniversary

Yesterday was my eleventh wedding anniversary. We celebrated with a day out without the children. My thoughtful husband took the me see an art exhibit at the Frist and to dinner at Maggiano's, my favorite Italian place. They brought this to the table after dinner. Amore!

My Other Budding Artist

I featured some of Carter's artwork earlier. To keep things somewhat even, I thought I'd show you what my other little Picasso can do. Lauren is more into "expressionism", mostly expressing herself on chairs, tables, walls, and skin. I still haven't cleaned this off...maybe I never will.

Sneak Peek...

I am thrilled to have a new look in the works and I couldn't wait another second to share. I love makeovers and decided that it was time for one for my blog! Here is the sample header that the very talented Jennisa and Theresa sent me! What do you think so far?

Bunnies for Sale!

I made these two bunnies to sell at the craft show that was postponed. I don't want them to go to waste! They are up for grabs...first come first serve. They make great last minute teacher gifts, Easter basket stuffers, for yourself, or to make a special friend's day. They are $15 each and come personalized and gift wrapped. I'll even deliver it for you!
Please specify which one you want and the personalization. Thanks!

Getting Ready for Spring

I think we are all getting ready for Spring. I myself have yet to get my Easter stuff out. Honestly, I don't think I am going to make it this year. I guess that's not the end of the world!
Christy Mize, however, is on top of things. She ordered these really sweet Easter egg colored polka dots way back at Christmas time. I told her I was going to save it to post closer to Spring, so here it is! If this doesn't make you ready for warmer weather, budding flowers, and sprouting grass I don't know what will!

My Budding Artist

My little artist, Carter, drew these little masterpieces on the back of attendance cards during church last Sunday. I guess he was commemorating the three current major holidays. I thought they were just so cute that I had to share, proud mom that I am. Check out the rabbit's teeth!

Spelling might not be his gift! Luckily, he has the art thing as a back-up! I am just kidding. I know I am biased, but I think he is pretty bright.

Okay, I adore the big, fat cupid! If you have kids' artwork I challenge all of my blog buddies out there to share it. We all love to see the world through children's eyes. It is always simple, funny, colorful, and happy...the way it should be!

Madelyn's Horse

Randi ordered this darling (that's Lauren's new word:) horse canvas for a friend with a new baby. Randi says they are horse show people and she really wanted a girly version of the horse for them. I chose the hot pink and light pink background. You don't get much girlier than that! I love the white polka dots and the wavy line for the trim. It reminds me of ric-rac that used to be on some of my dresses as a little girl. The horse in all colors for boys and girls has proven to be a top seller. Thank you all!

Black Diamonds

Ashley Gillentine ordered this welcome canvas as a gift for a newlywed friend. She liked the black and tan because it goes with their current house colors, but it also goes with just about anything in case they move or redecorate. How smart!
Ashley also wanted it to have a more masculine feel. I did the black on black diamonds in the background along with the burlap ribbon to accommodate this request. I think it came off as very clean and classy.

Easter Eggs

All of these bright, beautiful colors remind me of Easter eggs. Coloring eggs is one of our favorite things to do. We are really looking forward to it, even though it does seem too early.




















This rainbow of canvases and ribbons are my efforts to prepare for the Bobby Ray craft show. It has now been postponed due to weather and will now be on Saturday, April 5th from 10:00-4:00. We do still have a few spaces left. Now that you have a little more time to get ready, if you decide you want a booth please call the school at 473-9006 A.S.A.P.

Spring Flowers

Ashley Barnes ordered this special canvas for her mother-in-law's birthday gift. Pat has added a sunroom on to her house and decorated in one of my favorite color schemes, blue, white, and yellow. Ashley wanted something to go in that room that had all of the grandchildren's names on it. We came up with this adorable daisy design. It looks "springy" but can be left up all year round. I love the pretty ribbon and the stripes at the top and the bottom. I also left a few blank daisies for growing room!
It is a very versatile design, so when you are thinking about yourself or the grandmother in your life, remember that this can be done in any color and size. This one is my new size, 8x24. Also remember that it doesn't have to be daisies...we can work out just about anything!

Marlee and Maggie

Tammy Sliger ordered a couple of little canvases for the new baby in her family, Maggie. She also ordered one to match for Maggie's big sister, Marlee. I think it is so sweet when the new big brother or sister gets a gift, too.
Tammy asked for pink, lime green, and yellow with a butterfly and a ladybug. I think these might just fit the bill!

An Early Easter

Easter comes so early this year. Many of us are taking down our winter and Valentine stuff and putting up rabbits!
Shannon Shelton from Cookeville ordered this pretty gray bunny for her home for spring. She likes aqua and lime so those are the colors I tried to emphasize. I think this bunny is not just Easter and could really be left up all spring...unless you are like my mom. She has a rabbit kitchen all year round!
If you need a bunny for Easter or just for spring, have your order ready on the 8th to be sure you get it in plenty of time to enjoy it!