JOY

Joy is a family day out to the Titan's game.  We used the tickets we earned from participating in the Titan's 5K.  The Titans lost in overtime to the Colts, but it was still a great game.  It was also pretty cold, but it was fun to bundle up and drink hot chocolate.

I've been to the pediatrician with Lauren this morning and found out that she has pneumonia.  This is very scary for us since the whole ordeal with Carter last year that resulted in lung surgery and a week stay at Vanderbilt.  We caught it early and have high hopes for a quick recovery.  Joy is having a job that allows me to be home with her on days like this.  Joy is getting prescriptions and groceries and not worrying about how to pay for them.

Even on our worst days, there are so many things in our lives that should bring us joy.  This canvas set is designed for Christmas, but why not leave it out all year?

Show Us Your Life - Halloween Costumes

Today I am linking up with Kelly's Korner to show off some Halloween costumes.  I can't wait to go browse all of the other blogs!  Unfortunately, I haven't gotten it together enough to take pictures of this year's costumes.  I will share that Lauren is a candy fairy (her idea!) and that Carter has decided not to dress up.  This is his first year to go without a costume and I'm not sure how I feel about it!

This is from my first year blogging.  Lauren was Cinderella and Carter was a Titans football player.  He had the whole helmet and  uniform, but as the night wore on he shed those.

The next year, Lauren was a fairy and Carter was Indiana Jones.  I tried to get him to be Captain Hook and do one of those cute theme costumes.  He wouldn't go for it.

The following year Lauren was a snow princess (are you sensing a theme here?) and Carter was a werewolf.  This was the first year he wanted a "scary" costume.  I don't like the really scary ones, so we had to compromise.

Last year I made Lauren use her costume from her dance recital.  It was so cute and paid for!  She was a waitress so we added the cat-eye glasses, a tray with fake food, and an order pad.  She loved it!  Carter wore his dad's referee top with his black track pants, tennis shoes, and a whistle.  Easy and comfy!  He looked so cute and I hate that I couldn't find his picture.

I decided to also share some of my favorite Halloween canvases.  The witch legs were one of my very first Halloween designs and are always fun!

 

This special witch legs canvas was for a mother, daughter, and pet - how cute!

Here's my two favorite versions of BOO!  The three canvases strung together are perfect for the front door and I just love all the colors and patterns.  The larger canvas features my favorite Halloween decoration - spiderwebs!

 

The two little sweeties have the holiday polka dots are are perfect to go in a wreath.

 

Thanks for visiting today and Happy Halloween!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Being a Teacher...

This popped up on facebook and I just thought it was hilarious.  I sent the image to the Teacher's Center and they printed it our poster size for me.  I hung it in the classroom over fall break and when the kids came back, they loved it, too!

There are times when it is hard to be a teacher, really hard.  You basically have to show up with your game face every single day.  There's no hiding out in your office.  You have to be there, you have to be smart, and you have to be engaging.  The students don't really know when I'm sad, tired, or worrying about cleaning my house.  They don't know that sometimes they get on my nerves!  

They think that I love to teach and live for Science.  They think that they are each one my favorite.  I like it that way!  When I put my focus on the kids and not on all of the junky stuff (like paperwork and bus duty) that goes with the job, the job suddenly becomes easier to do.  It really is all about the kids.

Teachers don't teach for the money and fame.  However, it is nice to show some teacher appreciation every once in a while.  A mom, Glynn Simmons, ordered this hot pink a zebra canvas for her daughter who is a teacher in Texas.  I did my room in a theme like this last year and the kids went crazy for it!

Maybe your special teacher would like to choose something on his or her own.  You can always get a gift certificate - I love getting them as gifts!  This way the teacher can choose something for the classroom or the home.  Perfect.

Remember your teachers this Christmas!  The last day to order for the holidays is November 10th - sooner than you think!!

Song Lyrics

I did some Avett Brothers song lyrics a while back that I thought turned out beautifully.  I shared it on etsy and pinterest and have had lots of other song lyric orders.  It's so much for paint for these weddings, anniversaries, and sweet gifts!

This one is an etsy order requested in simple black and white.  I chose to top it off with the cute polka dot ribbon.  So sweet!

This etsy order is cream with black and burgundy.  This one specifically asked for the last name and date to be added at the bottom.  These special song lyric canvases make the perfect wedding gift and reception or shower decoration.  I think its a fabulous idea for the bride and groom the hang it in their new home with a collage of wedding photos.

Fall Break and Christmas Ordering Details

Happy Fall!  The trees here in Middle Tennessee have changed colors and they are so beautiful.  Fall is my absolute favorite season and I'm so glad that it's in full swing.  These two really cute "Happy Fall Ya'll" signs are etsy orders.  They both shipped out last week.  I know they are hanging on front doors somewhere!

We enjoyed our fall break in our favorite vacation spot, Perdido Key, Florida.  It's a very small town and it is very quiet and peaceful this time of the year.  I looked around on the gorgeous white sand beach and counted a grand total of eight other people!  It was in the 80's and sunny every day and we had a big fat relaxing ball!

Now we are home all safe and sound and I'm getting back to work.  Custom canvases always make the perfect gift.  If you are looking for a Christmas gift for a family member, teacher, secretary, or a friend then this is your one stop shop!  I am currently (and very happily!) taking holiday orders.  Please make your list and get with me before November 10 to guarantee Christmas delivery.  I am looking forward to hearing from you!

I've also listed several canvases that are ready for immediate personalization and delivery if you need a quick gift.  They are discounted - woo hoo!  Here's the link to check out that album.

Walker

Megan Clarke is one of my very best customers!  She orders for herself, but orders lots of custom wedding and baby gifts.  She's got fabulous taste and always gives me plenty of time.  I love painting for her! 

She ordered a baby gift a while back for a friend.  She was having a baby boy named Wyatt.  You can click here to see that order and the bedding.  Now Wyatt is becoming a big brother!

Megan wanted something that coordinated with Wyatt's for baby brother Walker.  She asked for stripes instead of dots but in the same colors since they were using the same bedding.  I kept the same basic design but changed up the font and the ticking around the border.

Fabulous as always!  Thank you, Megan!

 

Fancy Pumpkins

I wanted to do something a little different with the pumpkin design.  There are several couples that we know who were having weddings and wedding showers.  I decided to take the opportunity to experiment a little bit.  I chose to hand stamp a khaki/cream fleu-de-lis on a white background.  Then I painted my pumpkin over that.  Finally, I added the names in chocolate brown and topped it all off with a wide stain ribbon.

Congratulations to Ryan and Penny Crouch, Nick and Jacquelyn Self, and Jared and (soon to be!) Christa Foster.  I hope you all enjoy your fancy pumpkins!

Could I Be More Random?

Some of these are new and some of these I've been holding on to for a while.  I can't seem to find the right time to post them, so I am posting them all at once!  That works, right?  

This first set of three shipped out to Lindsey Chambers to go in a blue and yellow duck themed bathroom for the kids.  They turned out so cute and will look great hanging together.

This cute little 8x10 is for Elaine Alsup, who works with my husband, to hang in her office.  Apparently, she like to talk to herself but has a good reason!  I love this one!

This Kenny Chesney quote is a favorite and shipped out to Kentucky a while back.  This is a little larger version at 16x20.

Two of these UT canvases shipped out to a set of sisters who are proud graduates.  The other was a local order for a fan.  Either way, this canvas is perfect for anyone who loves their orange and white!

Whew!  I got all of that posted!  I've been painting like crazy and now I'm ready for some Fall Break!

 

Special Quotes

The "Christopher Robin" quote, which I just love to paint, has become one of my best sellers on etsy.  I can't seem to keep this one in stock!  It's just so sweet and I can see why so many people want it for their home and nursery.

The background is khaki with some hand stamped designs in cream.  The lettering is in chocolate brown cursive.  While this is the most common color combination and style, it can be done just about any way you like!  The size is an 8x24.

This one is the same style but with a custom quote.  It is designed for a lavender and purple shabby chic nursery.  I had never seen this quote before and think it is beautiful.  It will also be used on the table during the baby shower.  Love that idea!

Established...

There's been lots and lots of 8x24 "established" canvases being painted and shipped out all over the place lately.  I hope this design never gets old!

I don't think it will since it is so versatile.  It's perfect for newlyweds or those celebrating many years of marriage.  It also looks great in just about any color combination or writing style.  There is literally something for everyone!  This simple but so elegant black and white one was an etsy order.  I love the polka dot ribbon!

This one is chocolate brown with khaki and cream.  The big swooping capital F is so pretty!  This was a local order for Tera Fults.

This smaller size (4x12) is perfect for shorter names or if you have a smaller space.  This one shipped out a couple of weeks ago.  I just love the burlap ribbon!

Lindsey Chambers ordered this one in a simple print rather than the cursive.  This one is  black, khaki, and white and will never go out of style!

Finally, this design works perfectly for really short names on the 11x14 size.  This wedding gift shipped out to Murfreesboro, TN.

Dazzle Party Creations

I love painting signs for businesses.  I don't really know why, but I do!  This one was pretty easy because she had all sorts of business cards and things with this cute owl and beautiful color combination already designed.  All I had to do was translate it to a canvas!

This one is for craft show booths and that sort of thing.  If you've got a small business, you need one of these!  Here's a close up of that owl - love it!

Brodie

Here's a birth announcement for a little cowboy!  I just think this is so cute and it perfectly matches little Brodie's cowboy/western themed quilt.

This canvas set is a 6x9 on top and a 5x5 on the bottom.  This is ideal to have in the hospital and then take home with you for the nursery.  You can easily fill in the blanks with any color of Sharpie.