Celebrattions

I have these two 6x9 canvases ready to go to the craft show. I like them both because they remind us to celebrate the big and little things in life. The top one features brightly colored birthday themed glass beads. The bottom one has a glass bead for each month. I put one like this in a wreath last summer and it was too cute!

Speaking of finding something to celebrate, I am home today with pink eye myself. This morning I couldn't get my right eye open and my vision was blurry in the other. After a warm washcloth and some of Carter's drops, I felt much better. Still, it is so gross.

Jen's Tonic Parts I and II

Priscilla Wanamaker ordered the top canvas for her sister's horse, Tonic. Tonic liked it so much that he ate it. She ordered the second one as a replacement. Notice the new one has no ribbon. That seems to be what catches his eye!

After I posted this, I saw that it was Priscilla's birthday! Have a wonderful, special day!

At Home

I have another new addition available for your custom canvas, silk covered buttons. These beautiful buttons are much like the felt flowers in that they go completely through the canvas and are attached on the other side. They are not glued on. I think they are simple but elegant.

I also really like this quote that I found. My home is definitely built of love and dreams! I can feel that even on a day when Carter and I are both home sick. There is no where else I'd rather be right now. I think I may have strep and Carter may have pink eye. Yuck!
I left the gray space at the bottom to add a family name. This one is 8x10 and is available.

Coffee Lovers

For all of the coffee lovers out there. Are you looking, Paula? As I was painting these, I thought of you! I first found the colorful coffee mug beads and the canvases naturally followed. Both of these are available for immediate delivery.

Mother's Day is on the Way!

This sweet little 5x5 designed for Mother's Day is available. It features glass lampwork beading with a kitchen theme. The tee-tiny measuring cup is just the cutest thing.
I adore this quote. It can be done on any size and in any color or font, especially for the mother in your life.

For Katie

I hope you enjoy your new room!

May We Bear our Sorrow with Trustful Hearts

Eternal God, who sends consolation to all sorrowing hearts,
we turn to You for solace in this, our trying hour.
Though bowed in grief as our loved one departs from our midst to enter into peace of life eternal,
we reaffirm our faith in Your compassion and Your ever-present love.
May we bear our sorrow with trustful hearts,
and knowing You are near, may we not despair.
Into Your hands we commend the spirit of our beloved.
Body and soul are Yours, O God,
and in Your presence we cast off fear and are at peace.
"There is no death, what we call death.
Is but surcease from strife;
They do not die who we call dead,
They go from life ... to Life."

I had planned to blog about something else this afternoon, but all of my thoughts are filled with sweet Kaleb and his family. He was on Carter's all-star baseball team last year and was a healthy, vibrant boy who was a joy to be around. When I saw that Kim had posted this quote, it put into words several things that I am just not able to right now. I am going to go say a little prayer and then hold my babies for while...

The Smith Family

Here is the family canvas done in a beautiful selection of spring colors. Paula Smith needs to be credited for coming up with this palette. I love it, especially the little touch of lime in the lettering and the polka dot sheer ribbon. I have not had the time to do one of these for my family yet, but I think I will make the time now!

My Little Princess

Special Delivery for Avery

This is the most beautiful bedding. I would put this in my bedroom now! Kim in Illinois ordered an 8x10 made to match canvas. The only request was not to use the animal print.

I thought it best to keep it clean and simple, like the bedding itself, and put the details on the sides. I love the cool font for the name. I think it gives it a very modern feel.

Royalty

Perfect for a princess of any age. Brooke requested this verse, these colors, and a crown as a very special baby shower gift. I added a touch of bling! Just in case you can't tell, these is a small colored rhinestone at the top of each peak on the crown.

Felt Flowers

I found these tiny felt flowers in the scrapbooking department and had to have them. I don't scrapbook, but I do love to look at all of the beautiful papers and accessories for inspiration. I have a feeling that if I ever started that hobby I would get swept up in it!

To achieve my three dimensional flowers, I actually punched a hole in the canvas. The flowers are attached to the canvas with coordinating colored metal brads that go through to the backside. I am hoping to find the time to experiment with some other new materials as well!

This one is 6x9 and is available for immediate delivery. It will also be available at the craft show on May 2nd. Maybe it would make a good give away...

Fair Warning

I love this one! I often feel this way about solicitors, especially the ones that call right in the middle of dinner. This is off to Washington for Deborah to hang above her doorbell. She requested earth tones. I really like the background pattern I came up with and the new beads. Thank you so much! Enjoy!

Guess Who...

...is twenty nine! Happy Birthday, Sis!

Weekend Update

It has been a really busy past few days at the Mansfield house. It all started with ball practice Thursday night, a birthday party for my sister at our house Friday night, a birthday party for my niece in Murfreesboro Saturday night, and it all came to a head with Easter Sunday. Let's not even look at the calendar for this week! Plus, it is TCAP week. Mercy.
Amongst all of this chaos, life is happening. My son has learned a lesson in talking back. A hard lesson. We are also trying really hard to teach our children about personal responsibility. I can't always remember everything and I'm not always able to do everything for them. Another hard lesson for all of us.
By looking at the pictures, it does seem that we are managing to have some fun along the way. We went to the Titans Caravan tonight. Carter has a new friend in Jonathan Hutton, who just happens to work for the Titans. He is a very nice man and took the time to invite us onto the tour bus. I don't think my son will sleep for the rest of the week. His life is now complete.

I slipped in a picture of our colored Easter eggs. This was the first time I have ever colored real eggs with my kids. I know, it is a crime. They had a million questions, got dye literally everywhere, and had a good hour of pure fun. The only bad part was when they found out that they couldn't keep them forever.

"Bling" For Jennifer

The very talented Jennifer at The Trendy Spot wanted a little sign to put in her booth at craft shows. This cutie-pie 6x9 in her blog colors should be perfect! I've been experimenting with adding "bling" to my canvases. There are pale green and pale pink jewel accents added for extra eye-catching sparkle. I have jewels in several colors. Let me know if you would like them added to your custom order.

For The Teacher

Tiffany Bell ordered a canvas for her new-to-be sister-in-law as she is getting ready to graduate from college and begin a new career as an educator. I know of some really wonderful, talented people who are finishing up their student teaching and will be graduating in May as well. Congratulations! I know that is an exciting time!

This is the time to order end of the year gifts for your current teachers. Oh my goodness! I can't believe the last six weeks is already here!

God's Plans

Here they are! These are the graduation canvases that you all got a little sneak peek at a few weeks ago. All of these are already spoken for, but I am now taking your custom orders. I don't know about you, but I am always looking for an easy, not too expensive, but still special gift for all of those graduates. This is perfect for kindergarten, 8th grade, high school, and even college graduates! There is a tiny "Class of 2009" on the side.

I can do these in any color combination or size. There are 8x10's and 4x12's shown with black ribbon and 5x5's with beaded handles. See the pricing chart on the bottom left hand side for costs. There is a discount for bulk orders. Thanks!

Now, let's go enjoy this beautiful weather!

Special Occasions

These two little sweeties are currently available. They feature themed glass beading. I will have more of these (and lots of other things!) at the Craft Show on May 2nd.

Red, White, and Blue Weekend

Coach Ryan Smith ordered 15 quotes for his basketball team. No two are exactly alike, just like the players. I think the words he chose say it all:

Some people see obstacles as opportunities. They are called heroes.

Thanks, Coach!

Old Crow's Nest

For the couple who built a new sunroom and deck overlooking the beautiful mountain bluffs of North Carolina...what a cute gift!

I have noticed that I have several regular blog checkers in North Carolina. Thanks for looking and Go 'Heels!

Wedded Bliss

Amy Eaton is planning her wedding. I am so happy to be included in those plans. She ordered these two canvases as a part of her reception decorations and then to hang in their new home. I love the khaki and burnt orange color scheme! The top one is a line from their special song. I designed the swirls in the background to spell out the couples' names.
Don't worry if you can't read the one on the bottom. I can't either! I am hoping that Amy will leave me a comment to translate. It is is Hawaiian, which is their theme. I chose the hibiscus design for the background for that reason. I can't tell you how many times I checked Amy's notes to make sure I got that one right!