A Beauiful B

Anne Vance ordered this beautiful B monogram as a wedding gift. She requested neutral colors, which is a great idea when you aren't sure what colors are being used. This B would look wonderful on any front door!
This one is 10x10 and is taupe, white, and chocolate.

Follow Your Own Path

Tonya Scott ordered this Bible quote as a teacher gift for Robin Burton. She told me that when Robin was making the decision to teach for Covenant Academy, this verse kept coming to mind and helped her make the best choice for her and her family.

It is hard sometimes to give it all to God and to see the bigger picture. I know I think I can do it all myself! I admire Robin for having the faith to pray about those big decisions in life and then to listen to the answer. I also admire Tonya for being such a supportive friend.

Hadley

Dana Simpson ordered these stripes and dots for her sweet little granddaughter, Hadley. She sent me this picture to match the shades of pink and green. I think this might be a new favorite for me!

Look at this beautiful baby girl!

Giving Special Gifts

Two special friends are getting surprise gifts today. The taupe, black, and white hand painted candlestick is going to Pam Shelton. She is always bringing Lauren sweet little dresses and shoes that Mallory has outgrown. We always appreciate that! Pam has a truly giving heart.
The burgundy, black, and white candlestick is going to Anne Vance. Anne is my book supplier! She brings me a book or two (or three) to read and return. She is the first one to volunteer to take the kids somewhere, offer to babysit, or to offer a ride. I have never known anyone so giving of their time and so happy to do it.
As you can tell, I have a giving theme going on today. I guess you could call that my back-to-school resolution, to be more giving of myself, my time, and my heart. I am starting with these very simple gifts and kind words from my heart. I hope the colors match you kitchen, Pam, and your newly painted office, Anne.
I've been thinking about this verse: Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
II Corinthians 8:24

New Beads!

I was so excited to get the beads I had ordered in the mail today that I had to share them right away. I chose some for the upcoming holidays, some just for the Autumn Street Fair, and some just because they were too cute. The beads work well on any size canvas up to 11x14. Anything larger needs larger beads and a doubled wire.

Here are the pretty Christmas beads. I will have several gingerbread and candy themed canvases this year.





These are little coffee mugs. What a great gift for your coffee loving friends!










Scarecrows, owls, pumpkins, squash, and blackbirds all for fall.









Lots of pumpkins and candy corn (my favorite!) for Halloween. I also have some ghosts and witch's hats.







Birthday beads! I thought these brightly colored cakes, gifts, candles and balloons would make a really cute handle for a special birthday gift.








These "sweet" little beads are cooking themed. The tiny clear glass measuring cup is the one I especially like. This would make a cute canvas for any cook and match any kitchen. They actually have all kinds of profession themed beads like a dentist, doctor, police, etc. Let me know if you are interested in any special orders.



I also have all occasion, wedding, snowman, and new baby beads. Keep these bead choices in mind when placing your orders. Ribbons can be added to canvases for no extra charge. Beads are $2.00 extra.

One Cute Apple

Jennifer Carter at West Elementary is getting this cute dotted apple for her room. She wanted something with polka dots and primary colors. She also wanted something a little different. I love it when someone says that! That means I get to sit down and put on my thinking cap.

When I am looking for a new idea, I sketch out original ideas, look at magazines and websites, and I have a folder full of little snippets of things I like that I have collected over the years. Sometimes it is really hard not to just copy something I like. I think the thing to do, to be truly inspired and not just duplicate, is to look at the original and decide what it is that appeals to you. Once you have that, spend some time applying that to what you already do and really making it your own. Inspiring someone is flattering, being copied is disrespectful.

This apple is inspired by my new MiniBoden catalogue. I love Boden clothes for women, but the kid's clothes are what I have to have! Click here to see for yourself. I love their big dotted strawberry tank top (the apple), the shape of the apple on the apple swimsuit, the stripe on the french hen t-shirt (stem and leaf), and all of the striped towling shorts (background). You will not find my exact apple anywhere on that site. Hopefully, my apple looks like it belongs there though!

Thank you, Jennifer, for your order. I hope you enjoy your one-of-a-kind apple and have a wonderful school year.

The Vits Family

Shelly Vits in Mount Juliet, Tennessee ordered a smaller version of the family canvas. This is a gift for a fiftieth wedding anniversary. I added the beautiful champagne raw silk ribbon. This one is a petite 6x9 and costs $20.00.

Junior Miss

Caitlin McClain is the 2008 Junior Miss Warren County. She redeemed the gift certificate that was in her prize basket for this 16x20 pink and brown polka dot canvas. I did something a little different with the big circle frame instead if the usual square. I also used this pretty cursive font for a little more sophisticated look. Congratulations, Caitlin!

A Lovely Gift

Christy Partain ordered a special gift for a friend. She requested their last name, neutral colors, and a butterfly.
This is the 4x12 size canvas. It looks great on the front door, but is small enough to fit just about anywhere.

The Greens

Kristin Green was the drawing winner and chose the yellow canvas. She wanted their family name in navy blue. Pretty!
Do you need a last minute gift? The 8x24 aqua canvas and the 4x12 lime green canvas are still available for immediate personalization and delivery.

Palm Tree Dreams

Angela Cargile in Rockvale, Tennessee will be getting this bright and cheery palm tree in the mail this week. I love the fun, summery polka dot border and ribbon. I don't get to go to the beach until October, so I am still dreaming!

New Ribbons!

I did manage to squeeze in a little shopping during my weekend in Murfreesboro! I picked up these beautiful ribbons. I am planning ahead for the busy holiday season and preparing for the Autumn Street Fair on October 4th.

Here are some new Christmas choices...










for Halloween...












and for anytime! These brown and white and navy and white patterned ribbons are my favorites.
Please let me know if you would like any of these ribbons used on your canvases.

All Star Tournament

We have spent the weekend in Murfreesboro at a baseball tournament. Carter made the five and six year old coach pitch all star team this year. I have never been on an all star anything, much less to a tournament! This is a whole new world for me! There are some very impressive and dedicated parents and kids out there. We won one game and lost two. We play again today.
We are all hot and tired, but have had a good time.

The Cravens

I actually did this one last summer for Toree Craven. I came across it during my organizing spree. I had forgotten how much I liked this one, and it just looked like a good one to share again this summer.
My summer break is winding down, but I have to say that this has been a good one. I have done a lot of relaxing, resting, and reading. I have spent more time at home than I ever have! I have gotten to go to all of Carter's ballgames, on one nice long trip, and regularly to the pool. Now if I can start making myself go to school and get started on my room!

The Kings

Tenara King ordered this family canvas for her home. I just love Kenneth, Tenara, and their sweet family. They seem so young, or maybe I'm old! I knew Tenara back when she was in high school and I was teaching a Boyd School. Anyway, I was happy to do it and I hope they enjoy it.

And the Winner Is...

Kristin Green! Please email me with your canvas choice. Congratulations!!!

Thank you very much to everyone who entered. I loved hearing about your special summers! All of you will be receiving a special coupon, so please make sure I have your email address. My contest was so much fun that I think I will do it again for one of my favorite times of the year, Halloween. Stay tuned!

Mrs. Hillis

Monti Hillis is getting ready for school to start. She ordered this canvas in Pioneer red, white, and blue for her classroom.
It's almost that time!

Sunday Morning Blues

We were getting ready for church this morning and Lauren took a coloring break. I snapped this sweet little picture. It was just a moment, but I felt like capturing it.
As I was fixing her hair, I noticed that she felt warm. Turns out she had a 102 temperature and I had to stay home with her. She has spent the afternoon sleeping. Maybe it is just a little bug and will soon pass.

Thinking Back...

I was going back through my iPhoto files doing some organizing. It is so neat to see all of the artwork and to think about all of the stories that go along with them. I am so very thankful to be using my talent to give gifts to newlyweds, new babies, and just to cheer your homes and businesses. What more could I want?
I found this old favorite to share. I think this one started the whole chocolate polka dot thing for me! I love the brown with the light blue.

A Beach Welcome

This pretty beach canvas completes Kandice Patrick's ordered. She requested white, pink, and aqua with a few shells for her canvas. I drug out my shell collection and went to work! I even found this cute new font to keep with the casual feel.

I am so enjoying reading about all your best, and now worst, summers. Laura Kate, bless your heart! Keep them coming...just a few more days until the drawing.
Here are my top five best summer moments, in no particular order, of course:
1. Last summer when Mike and I went to Europe to celebrate our tenth anniversary.
2. Summer 2001 Carter was born.
3. Summer circa 1986 My mom, dad, sister (Em wasn't born yet!), Granny, and Papa loaded up in a station wagon and drove to California. I know I've talked about the Griswald's before, but this is exact.
4. Summer 1987 Emily was born. I was twelve and she rocked my little world.
5. Summer 1994 I spent the summer college semester in Italy. It was time for me to figure out my priorities and what I wanted out of life. Plus, I had a really good time!