For All of the Teachers Out There...

One of my coworkers, Misti Hillis, ordered this 11x14 for her classroom. She wanted black and white damask and a pale lime. I had this ribbon that was just made for this canvas. I love how it turned out! Thank you, Misti! I am so happy to have you at Bobby Ray!

Donna Vandygriff is teaching kindergarten at Eastside this year. She decided to decorate her classroom in bees. How cute! I added the touch of blue since that is one of her school colors. This sweet little 5x5 will fit anywhere in the room or look great on the door.

I had a really good day at school. We are studying nonfiction and are reading informational snake texts this week. You do what you gotta do to keep those boys interested! Rock Island State Park ranger, Jason Ramsey, visited the class with a harmless corn snake. He did a great job sharing snake facts and the kids were fascinated. Mrs. Corn Snake didn't have a name. She does now...Brandie!

The things we teachers do...

The Reeds

This shade of green is called "Avocado Dip". This one is so simple and just plain pretty. I love it!

It's been crazy busy for me lately. I'm still getting back in the swing of the school schedule, recovering from an ear infection, and Mike and I have both been battling allergies. Add to that painting, consignment sales, keeping the house "show ready", and preparing for my TTU class and there's not much time left in the day. I know you all feel the same way - I just wanted to get that out. Thanks for letting me vent!

Have a good week!

Get in the Spirit...

...the Christmas spirit, that is! It always seems too early to start painting things for Christmas, but they are always good sellers at the Autumn Street Fair. Here's a couple I've been working on that have turned out really cute!

The 5x5 ho-ho-ho trio is always a favorite. Kayla Morton ordered one and I just went ahead and did two. This one is currently available - $30.00.

This sweet 6x9 features green on green diamonds with hot pink trim and ribbon. I love the unexpected hot pink instead of red. This is a great size to use in a wreath. This one is also currently available - $20.00.

Little of This, Little of That

Little is the word! The 5x5 canvases are so small and cute. They will fit just about anywhere. Here's some of the ones I've done lately...

A Christmas present in red, black, and white paisley. The highlights in the thick cursive lettering are so pretty.

A cutie for a sweet boy in shades of blue. I love this design!

A monogram makes the perfect gift for a good friend. The black and pink gingham ribbon is the perfect topper!

This rainbow textured ribbon looks so good with these brightly colored polka dots. This is my favorite print font.

Winner!

Michelle was the big winner of the $50.00 Tip Junkie Giveaway. Lucky girl! She chose to use her winnings to get some custom artwork for her two children. She sent me lots of photos and details about their rooms. She specifically requested to have their names written in black print.

Ashley's room is all pastel flowers, bugs, and butterflies. Michelle liked the polka dots with highlights, so I took that idea and made them into flowers.

Alden's room is primary colors and had a "things that go" theme. Since Michelle was thinking long term, I decided just to use just the primary colors in case that theme changes as Alden grows. She mentioned that she liked this stripe design and it worked so well with these colors!

Congratulations, Michelle!

Who's Ready?

For Halloween! Kayla Morton is getting her front door all spruced up with this cute 8x24 witch legs canvas. This is one of my all time favorite designs - those striped tights are just too cute!

I've also whipped up these two for the Halloween season. Both the 5x5 "Boo" trio and the 11x14 "Happy Halloween" are currently available at Et Cetera. All of these and many more will also be available at Autumn Street Fair on October 2. Come see me!

Feelin' Dotty

Christie Allison ordered this for a relative who is starting teaching this year. She did her classroom in a light purple and teal (pretty choices!) and Christie wanted a canvas to match. She requested polka dots and my favorite cursive font, "Ballpark Wiener". I love that I had this perfectly matching teal ribbon!

Debbie Haley's baby girl is going off to college! She wanted something special for Kallie to take with her. She also requested polka dots and the colors lime, brown, and a robin's egg blue. I chose to use my favorite font this time! I hope it's perfect for you, Kallie. My best to you on this new chapter in your life.

The O'Connor Family

This is the standard family established canvas with a little some thing extra...

There's a little "the" in one corner and a little "family" in the other.

I did the extras in a slightly darker shade of brown than the background. It adds something special to this canvas ordered as a gift. I love all of the custom touches you guys come up with! Just when I think I can't do one of these any other way, you prove me wrong.

Sweet Love

Sweet little 5x5's to mark your anniversary. A wonderful gift no matter how long you've been together.

Fall Welcome

I love these simple yet beautiful welcome signs in those gorgeous fall colors. They are perfect for your door any time of the year. Wouldn't they look cute in a fall wreath? One of them has already been delivered to Christie Allison. The other is currently available at Et Cetera.

Party Time!

Can you tell that I almost forgot to take a picture of these two cuties? That's their bubble wrap in the background! They are on their way to your right now, Rachel!

Rachel Harvey is planning a birthday party. She ordered the little 5x5 "thank you" for the gift table and the 10x20 "celebrate" as party decoration. She will be putting these on easels. That's why there is no ribbon...she's a genius!

She asked for browns, greens, yellow, orange, and light blue. Her inspiration is the cover of the book "Where the Wild Things Are". What a cute party theme!

Again, this is completely unrelated, but sine I posted a picture of Carter's first day I figured I had better post Lauren's, too. She is loving kindergarten so far. She looks like such a big girl with her backpack and lunchbox. I get all misty just thinking about it!

Gorgeous G

A little peek here shows the antiquing glaze.

A little peek there shows the distressing - all hand rubbed with sandpaper.

Here's the complete finished product. The photos really do not do this one justice. It is a large 20x30 and has so many layers, textures, and details. The colors look a little washed out, but they are very rich.
It shipped you to you in West Virginia this afternoon, Bethany. I hope you love it as much as I do!

Little Princess

Off to Murfreesboro...
Such a sweet sentiment for a very special little girl. This is a 10x10 done in the requested colors of pink, sage, and white. I love it all topped off with the pink gingham ribbon.

Zebra With a New Twist

It seems like all of the zebra prints I've done are paired with fuchsia. It also seems like all of the little girls I see (in the Bobby Ray fifth grade anyway) love zebra print. When Jennifer Turner ordered this canvas for a young teen and requested "something trendy", this immediately popped into mind.
I had been wanting the chance to try zebra with some different colors. I love it with the hot pink, but you all know I like to try new things! Here it is with aqua. I love it!

Paisley Family Canvas

Can you match the pillows on your couch? Sure! I happen to love those pillows!

I think this one turned out really pretty and is definitely on my new favorites list.

These paisleys are sooooo pretty! Trust me, there is a lot of detail in each one. These beautiful earth tones go with any decor any season.
What a perfect wedding gift!

A New Season

Here's the first Halloween canvas of the year! For some reason, I love painting Halloween canvases. This cute little witch boot topped off with gingham ribbon is currently available at Et Cetera. I am hoping to have many more things up there soon.

This is completely unrelated, but I wanted to share a photo of Carter's first day of third grade. He is really looking forward to this year. Lauren's first day of kindergarten is tomorrow. I have mixed emotions about that. She is really excited, so I will be, too!

Pretty Little Monograms

I am struggling to find the energy to blog! This first week of school is always a killer. I will get in my groove...it just takes a few days!
Gwen McCormack ordered two pretty little monograms to give as gifts. I think these make a wonderful personalized gift. She chose the colors and wanted "little swirls down the sides". They turned out so well that I may have to put Gwen on my design staff!

Brothers

I don't get to post little boy stuff quite as often as little girl. I love the little boy stuff! That was one thing that got me started with all of this. I was having a hard time finding things for my little boy.

This isn't for my Carter, but for a new baby on the way. New customer Laura Childs of North Carolina is preparing for a second son. She ordered these two to match their different sets of bedding, but to also coordinate with each other.

I love how they turned out. Cute but not cutesy...if that makes sense! Enjoy the new sweet baby, Laura. Congratulations!

Pumpkin Patch

I am so over this heat and ready for fall to roll in. I am looking forward to the cooler weather, wearing jeans, the leaves, and especially the fall decorations.

Kayla Morton is getting ready for fall, too. She's got a new place and wanted a pumpkin for her front door. As she said, something to leave up September through November. The lime dotted ribbon matches the tiny lime border. This is a new design and I think it is so cute!

For those of you who are not so crazy about polka dots, here is a simpler version. It is topped off with an extra wide chocolate satin ribbon. This 16x16 square pumpkin is currently available - $40.

Here is an 8x10 version of Kayla's canvas. I did a little different wording but all of the colors are the same. This one is also available - $25.


If you are interested in either of these canvases or placing a custom order, please comment or email me. They will also be available for purchase at Et Cetera and the Autumn Street Fair.

Earth Tones

Kent Barnard ordered this monogram as a Christmas gift. Yes, it's that time again! I love the colors he chose and you all know that the monogram is in my favorite cursive font. The brown on brown swirl pattern down the sides just adds an extra little something. Very pretty!

Here's a sneak peek for Candace in North Carolina. Her order is on the way, but I know she is anxious to see it. I am excited to share it! I love this new paisley design!

Be The Example...

I adore the verse that Tonya Scott chose for her new classroom at Covenant Academy. It is such an inspiring message for the young people that pass through her door. It doesn't matter how old you are, you can always be an example for someone.
I love watching our youth group at church. We have so many young Christians who inspire me every time I see them or hear about what they are going through. We forget how hard it is to be in middle and high school. There's so much pressure!
Thank you, Tonya, for the order. I hope you and all of our new teachers out there have a wonderful school year!

Beware...

This canvas is perfect for my house! Seriously, have you seen my dog? Our border collie, Riley, is something like sixteen years old and wouldn't hurt a fly. My kids on the other hand...
It's not for me, though. It shipped out to new customer Lindsay Neal in Kansas City. It was her idea and I think it is such a good one!