The Perfect Snow...

...for sledding! This hard packed icy snow just begged the whole family to bundle up and join in the fun. Our backyard is a steep hill so we didn't have to travel far.

These are my favorite shots from the day.

Just when I start thinking about moving somewhere warm and tropical, a day like yesterday has to happen!

Harper's Butterfly

Nancy Golden ordered this butterfly canvas for her new niece, Harper. She wanted it to coordinate with one that I did for Harper's sisters a while back. I can't find a picture of Hannah's, but click here to see Haleigh's from way back in 2007.

Haleigh's is all pink and purple with small and large polka dots. I decided to stay in the pastel family, but go with the mint green, peach, and pale yellow. I also decided to repeat the polka dots, but to include a flower design. I would love to see all three hanging together!

Show Us Your Life - Fashion Tips

The past few "Show Us Your Life" events and Kelly's Korner have sort of snuck up on me and I didn't participate. I did enjoy looking! Since I am home today, I decided to get it together and share some fashion tips. I am by no means a fashionista, but I do enjoy fashion and try to stay on top of things. I wait for my monthly "InStyle" magazine! I also love all of the dresses that come out around Hollywood's awards season.

There won't be any stilettos or ballgowns in my future...let's just be real. My style is more laid back, relaxed, and comfort is key. Many of you know that I am a teacher and on my feet all day. I am also up down and all around. I am an artist, so I like to be a little creative with colors and am drawn to more bohemian things.
I like to pick a few good basics like chinos, trouser jeans, knee-length skirts, good t-shirts in black, gray, and white and mix and match. Throw in some funky cute accessories to stretch your wardrobe. These two necklaces, one long and one short, from Reminisce Heirlooms are my favorites. They add just the right amount of spice to any outfit and go with everything.

Shoes are the other way to add interest to an otherwise boring outfit. These navy and lime Pumas are so comfortable and cute. You can see that I am all about ballet flats. I get a lot from Target in funky colors and patterns but I will spend more for quality basics. Those shiny black ones (Nine West) and those silver ones (vacation souvenir from Spain) have been well worth it!

I do love my classic navy Jack Purcell's and natural Converse All-Stars. They literally go with everything!

I am new to scarves. I like them, but am still learning what works best for me and what goes with what. The Mickey one was my souvenir from our trip this fall. The monogrammed one was my Christmas gift from the in-laws.

Well, that's about all I've got for you. I hope you enjoyed the visit and will come back soon!

Snowmen For A Snow Day

I'm at home today watching this beautiful snow fall. It really is a pretty snow. It is amazing how fast everything turns white. I had been wondering what to post today. I've got some really cute recent projects to choose from, but the snowmen seemed appropriate.
This sweet little 5x5 snowman went to Mileah Knowles. I love the pink touches and tiny hearts. I also like the pink gingham ribbon combined with the sheer. Perfect for Valentine's!

Tammy McClain ordered this 8x24 snowman family for her daughter, Courtney, as a Christmas gift. She requested that beautiful beaded handle. I love the way she included the family pet!

I am hoping for enough to make a real snowman!

Many, Many Monograms

Monogram in black, white, and red. Love that polka dotted ribbon!

Monogram in cream with black. That fancy font is a favorite.

Monogram in black, khaki, and white. Ooohhh, a touch of leopard!

Monogram in black, white, and lime. Yum!

These 11x14 monograms in any color you can dream of are only $25.00 if you order before February 14th.

Imperfections

before

after


My mom told me the other day that my blog "made me look perfect". I've been thinking about that and it may just be true. We all want to focus on the good and not even mention the bad. Everyone who knows me knows that I am no where near perfect. Even my mom.
Just to prove my point, here are a few imperfections that were perfected. Again, this is just a few!

before

after

For the Maddi canvas, I was sent a picture of the bedroom. There is no pink in it anywhere. Where did I get pink? I don't know.

Rhonda specifically asked for lime green. Where did I get aqua? I don't know.

Both of these ladies were so kind when they came to tell me that they were not exactly pleased with their artwork. Of course, I was frustrated with myself for making mistakes, but not them. I want all of my customers to be happy and to feel comfortable talking to me. Just remember...I'm not perfect!

Baby Kylie

Baby Kyle will be here soon! Thank you, Rachel, for ordering something special for her nursery. This canvas was designed to compliment the colors and patterns in her ladybug bedding. So pretty and so feminine.

Winter Sale!!

What's that...there's only one project on my table? I don't know what to do with myself! I was looking at last January's posts to see what was going on and noticed that I had a very successful sale. Let's do it again!

With all of the snow days and sick days, I have gotten all caught up. Look at that big stack awaiting delivery.

Today until February 14th, each canvas is $5.00 off.
That's $5.00 off each canvas, not the whole order. That's a great deal! Those little 5x5's are now just $10.00. Those ever popular "established" canvases are just $25.00. Plan ahead and get your gifts at a great price!

Remember that I also have three Valentine's canvases and one little wooden sign available immediately!

Country Chic

When this Christmas gift was ordered, I was told to use blue and khaki. I was also told that their home had sort of a "country chic" decor theme.

I used the blue and khaki with the white accent. I love this font, which is both country and chic! I also special ordered the wide burlap ribbon. It was too wide to tie in a pretty bow, but it looks great in a knot.
It looks pretty cute with my dishes!

Pastels

Sweet little Mara Wanamaker ordered a special canvas for her teacher as a Christmas gift. She told me that Mrs. Byars liked pastels. I think these colors look so pretty together and I happened to have this matching ribbon. I loved Mara's face when I gave it to her!

Brandy Prater also ordered a Christmas gift for her niece. These pretty pastels matched Kami's room and a big pale pink satin bow and this font were requested. Don't you just love custom gifts?

Chocolate Covered Cherry

I am so excited about this new Valentine themed design. It is just so cute! It is absolutely perfect for this time of the year, but really could be left up anytime. Wouldn't this be cute in a little girl's room?

I had settled on black as the accent color for the pinks, but as I was popping that last chocolate covered cherry from Christmas in my mouth, I changed my mind. Chocolate brown seemed yummier! I got to try it out on my giveaway winner, Tanya Jones. She emailed me to let me know how much she liked it and that it was a hit while waiting for pick up at Et Cetera. Good to know!

Tanya chose the 11x14 chocolate for her prize. I have an 11x14 pink, 10x10 pink, and 8x10 chocolate immediately available. Do you need a Valentine's gift or sweet little decoration for your home?

If you don't see exactly what you want, just place a custom order. There is plenty of time to get your Valentine orders in....now that's sweet!

Pretty Paisley

This paisley monogram is just so pretty! When Rachel limited my color palette to brown, tan, and cream, I worried about it having enough "pop". It turned out prettier that I had ever imagined and I love the monochramatic look.

Best wishes to the Harvey family today who should be welcoming baby Weston anytime now. (That's his canvas on the new header!)

I Heart Fabulous K

Fabulous K Creative did my new blog design! Woo hoo! It's like the "blog fairy" comes in the night and gives me a new look! She always seems to know what I want, even when I don't describe it so well. I wanted something fresh, a little funky, and clean...yet professional. Thanks, Kelly! I love it!

Also, Paige gave me a blog award. That's always nice! Thank you!

MLK Day and Looking Ahead

I guess I don't really think about Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as much as I should. In my line of work issues with race do come up occasionally. Lauren brought home this paper Friday afternoon and I thought it was just so sweet and innocent. I am not one to keep every little thing that comes home, but this one is going in keeper box. Our children are lucky to be "living the dream".

The green, lavender, and yellow are taken. Pink is still available!

I decided to spend the day off doing something special with Lauren. She and I took off for a girl's morning in Murfreesboro. We had all of our errands finished in time to pick Emily up for her lunch hour.

I found these adorable pastel colored signs at Hobby Lobby. The larger ones are wooden and measure about 3" x 16". They are available in pink, green, yellow, and lavender and have coordinating sheer ribbon. They are currently available with whatever you would like on them for only $10.00! That's a deal! Plan ahead for Easter, spring, teacher gifts, Mother's Day...whatever!

These smaller ones are tin and measure about 2" x 5". The are available in pink, yellow, cream, and lavender and have a metal wire for hanging. All of these are also currently available with your personalization for only $5.00 each. Another deal! Wouldn't these be cute labeling your Easter baskets? How about just organizing in general...

I only have one each in these sizes and colors so it is first come, first serve!

Birthday Plans

Lauren's fifth birthday is coming up soon and I've started making plans. Instead of a party this year, she wants to go to the American Girl Place in Atlanta. She has a Bitty Baby, but we've told her she has to be five to get a "big girl doll".

I ordered her a birthday shirt from the etsy shop "made for you tees". It is the cutest birthday shirt ever. Period. The end. The best part is that you get to design your shirt...hair color, skin color, eyes, everything. Too cute! Plus, the people are super nice!

We've decided that this little trip to Atlanta will be a girl's weekend. I've got the American Girl package at the Marriott booked. You even get this doll bed! I've also got lunch reservations and the American Girl Cafe. I know a lot of you have been and taken your little sweeties. Do you have anymore good tips for a first timer? I really want this to be a special birthday!

Torrye

A Christmas gift to Torrye from her mother. I am so happy to be able to finally post all of these things I did before Christmas! I hope Torrye loved her black, white, and hot pink. I think this one is so youthful and pretty...and how about that matching ribbon?

The Red Door Salon

My sweet friends, Bethany and Rachel Crouch, have started a new salon here in town. I drive by it every morning and it is so pretty. These girls have seriously improved that street corner!

Bethany asked me to make some signs for the doors inside the salon. She said that walls colors were red, pumpkin, and citron green. I was sort of panicking untile she said that there were brown and black accents and that is what she wanted to bring out in the signs. Whew!

With my color palette browns and blacks, I did brown on brown dots and black lettering with black ribbon. I thought that would show up well on a brightly colored wall. I wanted them to be sophisticated, but a little bit funky. I haven't been in to see the place yet...I can't wait!

Khaki

Before all of the giveaways started, I had been posting all of the new snowmen. I shared the hot pink and the sky blue. Today is khaki's turn. I really like the khaki (or taupe) with the black, white, and little touch of chocolate brown in the scarf. It is very neutral and simple, but classy.

This 10x10 ($25) and little 5x5 ($15) are both available at Et Cetera. They are perfect for a quick gift or if you need something on your front door right now! As always, I am happy to do a custom snowman just for you.

Giveaway Winner #12

I have officially rung in the new year in the best way possible. I gave everything I could think of to give, but what I have gotten is so much more. Thank you, thank you, thank you for taking the time to stop by and leave a nice comment. I have enjoyed reading them every night, but especially tonight. I combed through and pick out a few favorites...

Brandie,
You are such a creative person and a wonderful wife and mommy who I admire and feel lucky to call a friend.
Anne Vance

I think Brandie is as sweet as she is talented!
Lindsey Matheny

I enjoy reading your blog daily, and look forward to all your postings. You've inspired me to make some custom artwork for my own home, and I just love the way it has turned out.
Amy Wilkey

I want to thank you and all the other talented women who offered their time and talent for making this so enjoyable. And to you for putting this whole thing together, it has been so much fun.
Rennie Cantrell-Topper

You are so talented! I love seeing what new ideas you develop! And great idea on the prize! It's like the gift that keeps giving!
Denise Skelton

You are going to do this every year, right?? GREAT way to start the year off!!
Wesley Hillis

She better do this every year! Too much fun! Even if you don’t win, its still fun trying!
Kristin Green

I have been waiting for today and you are doing an awesome giveaway.
Thanks.
Holly Hodges

I stumbled upon your blog from someone else late last year - too late to get my Christmas order in to you :( Now I'd LOVE to win something, but if I don't I will be just as excited to purchase one of your beautiful creations!
Jeni H

I love your story!!! Glad you are doing what you love!!!! I would like to win and have one of your pieces of art!! I hope I win!!!
Leelea

I read your blog daily and drool over the things you paint. I would love to win this. Thanks for being such a generous person and doing this wonderful thing!
Holly Bailey

Love you and ALL your special talents:) You’re an amazing mom, sister, daughter, teacher, and friend:)
Paula Wanamaker

What a phenomenal giveaway! wowza!!! LOVE it!
Angela

Wow! This is a fabulous giveaway. The gift that keeps on giving!!!! A new canvas every season, that would be just awesome! I'm glad you shared about Nancy being your first customer. I didn't know that. I love her so much! She's a sweetie!
Patty Boyd

I love all the canvases that you done for me!! You are a VERY talented young mother, wife, sister, etc!!
Tiffany Sadlon

This really would be an amazing gift to win!!! You truly are an awesome artist--I love your work!
Pam Johnston

Thank you so much for doing this giveaway. I have had the most wonderful time...on BOTH sides of the fence! Your art is fabulous...you are fabulous...and I hope you are fortunate enough to see how special your talent is as the rest of us do! Thanks again!!!
Kelly Roberts

Anytime I am feeling blue I am going to revisit this post. Anytime I need an ego boost or feel like quitting I am going to revisit this post. Anytime I need to be reminded of what wonderful friends I have I am going to revisit this post. Maybe I do need to do this every year!

Some of you entered bunches tonight and I knew it was going to be interesting. The luckiest number of them all is eleven. The eleventh comment belongs to Tanya Jones! Congratulations, Tanya! I know you've been visiting and commenting through the whole twelve days. Thank you for hanging in there!

I am sad that it is ending, but I do have lot of artwork photos piling up that are just begging to be shared!

Ringing in the New Year Right - Giveaway #12

This is our last day of giveaways. If you haven't won anything yet, don't give up. There are so many of you who have regularly been visiting and entering, and even if you haven't won, I hope you've had fun. I sure have! I have so enjoyed reading the comments, seeing who has stopped by, talking with the featured bloggers, and composing the posts. Today is my day and you all know my link and what I look like so I am skipping that part!

I've always painted...always. My mom put me in art classes with Ann Haley in elementary school. I remember going every Saturday morning from 10:00 - 12:00. I went for several years, rarely missed, and loved it. I didn't play ball. I wasn't a cheerleader. I felt like I had found a place where I could shine.
When I went to college, I started out in advertising. I wasn't happy, so I switched to graphic design. I picked up a major in book illustration. Again, I loved what I was doing. We lived and worked in Nashville for a while, but it was time to move back home and start a family. I had a hard time finding work and that is when I sort of stumbled into teaching.

I went back to school and ended up with my license and a master's degree. I love teaching because I like something new every day. I found a place where I can mix variety and structure. I can also incorporate creativity and art in my classroom. The kids love it and so do I. I am now also teaching "Art for Educators" for Tennessee Tech, which I so enjoy.
Now I paint just about every night from 8:00 - 10:00. The kids go to bed and eight and I have to go to bed at ten to function properly. I am a busy bee until eight, then I sit down and let myself unwind over a bottle of paint.

Nancy Golden was my first customer. She called me out of the blue one day and said she has some canvases she had picked up at Big Lots. She asked me to paint something for her nieces for their birthday. When I delivered them to her, she told me that I should start a business. I thought about it for a while and talked to my husband about it. I started the blog shortly after and am consistently busy. I owe a lot to Nancy for that initial spark, for that encouragement. The encouragement, support, and kind words I get from you all is immeasurable.

So, what am I giving away today? I wanted to give something special, something to really say thank you. You can see that my desk is ready for this project. I've got a fresh shipment of canvases waiting.
I am giving away four canvases, one for each season to be delivered throughout the year. I have your winter one ready, but it is a new design and I'm not ready to show it just yet. The winner will receive that winter one immediately, a spring surprise in April, a summer surprise in July, and a fall surprise in September. How's that for sharing the love?