Back To Reality...

We've been thoroughly enjoying our fall break!  It's so nice to have the week off with the kids.  We have gone to Perdido Key, Florida for the past few years and love it.  It's a really small town and there's nothing to do but go to the beach and relax.  Just what the doctor ordered!

I have a few paintings that I just haven't gotten around to sharing.  This one was shipped out a few weeks ago to one of my favorite customers!  I remember this song.  She asked for neutrals with a touch of crimson.  I think it turned out really pretty.

The masterpiece painting is the matching one to a sister piece that I did a long time ago.  I think it's sweet that little brother wanted one, too!

This zebra and hot pink print is a teacher canvas that went all the way to Texas!

This orange, white, and light blue canvas was ordered by a teacher friend for her niece's birthday.  She the ultimate Tennessee Vols fan!  I think the chevron background with the circle center is so cute!

While I am home from Florida, I am preparing for Pumpkinfest.  It is this coming Saturday!!!  That's soon and I've got a ton to do.  I'll be taking orders again on October 27.  Be getting those holiday lists ready!

Beach Wedding

Isn't this just the prettiest?  I love a beach wedding!  My sweet, sweet friends, Tristan and Justin Adcock, just got married last weekend.  I am so happy for them and their new life together!

 

Tristan's beautiful daughter, Demi, carried this sign down the aisle.  It was requested to be done in the wedding colors of aqua and salmon.  I did the handle in one piece of ribbon rather that tying a bow so she could carry it easier.  I think it turned out really pretty and wedding perfect!

This canvas was ordered for them as one of their shower gifts.  Tristan tells me that she already has it hanging in their house!  Yay!

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.

Weddings...

I've noticed that the last two weddings in the newspaper have been weddings that I've painted for.  I love it!

This one was for Ryan and Penny Crouch's beach wedding.  It was designed to hang over a basket for guests to drop their shoes in as they entered the beach.

The mother-of-the-groom is also one of my fellow teachers and good friends.  She sent me this picture of the finished product.  It turned out perfectly!

One of my very best customers, Joy Black, ordered this one as a wedding gift for the Hitchcocks.  She requested animal print but not the usual zebra.  She wanted leopard!

I don't do that very often so I had to do a little research!  She also asked for some sage green.  This is a 10x10 and will look so good on the front door.  Thank you, Joy!

Congrats to all you newlyweds!

Surf's Up!

Here's two 10x10's custom designed to match some really cute surfboard bedding. I love that this is not in what what I would consider traditional "beach colors". The navy blue makes it look so much for masculine.

I think they will be adorable hanging together and give the room just what it needs to be all pulled together. I'd love to see some pictures (hint, hint)!

Hey There, Sailor!

Tabetha Sullens ordered this super sweet set of four 8x10's for her sister-in-law's baby shower. I love the nautical there and am so happy with how they turned out!

All of the little lines, dots, and dashes compliment the simple colors. The shades of blue with the little pop of red are just so pretty. I know they look so good on the nursery wall. Thank you so much, Tabetha!

Summer!

Can you tell what I am dreaming of?

I am wearing the new fruity smelling Bath and Body Works lotions. I got a spray tan this afternoon. I ordered a new swimsuit.

That's right! School's out for summer! I do have some inservice time left, but I am dreaming of laying in the sun, the sand, and swimming.

I had all of this on my mind the other night and I have been thinking about a new summer design. I was browsing my very favorite place to get Lauren's personalized shirts and saw this one. It was perfect!

I haven't ordered this shirt yet, but I know it is fabulous! I did get Lauren's birthday shirt here and loved it so much that I ordered two more as gifts. She is that good!

Beach Blues

When I painted this little surprise for Susan Helms, I had the beach on my mind. Susan is a recent college graduate. I am so proud of of all of the ladies I know who are going back to college either for the first time or for an advanced degree.

I've got a bad traveling jones - it happens every year at about this same time and it always seems to have something to do with the beach. Do you all ever get that feeling where you've just gotta go somewhere?

Summer vacation is my bread and butter! I love the packing and the planning. Maybe I'll be a travel agent when I grow up.

I am planning all kinds of adventures in my head. I wonder where we'll end up?

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!

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!

mmm...the beach

I don't know about you all, but I am so ready for summer vacation. I was so happy to do this palm tree and beach scene for Tiffany Sadlon to give as a Mother's Day gift. It gave me a chance to think "beachy" thoughts! This will look really pretty in her salon.
The funny thing is, we are not even going to the beach this summer. The closest I will get is the Gilley pool! This summer is setting gas price records, so what does the Mansfield family have planned? A good old fashioned road trip up the east coast, of course! We are loading up in the van Griswald style for ten days of family togetherness. I wish we had one of those station wagons with wood on the side.
I may need a vacation when I get back from vacation!

Is it Summer Yet?

The warmer weather and being on Spring Break has gotten me in the mood for summer. I even got Mike to grill out for dinner the other night! I am wanting to wear flip flops and capris...but not bathing suits! Yikes!
When Anne Vance ordered a beach chair as a gift for her friend Claire Cochran, I jumped at the chance. Claire has the most beautiful pool and Anne wanted something for her to hang out there.

Florida Fun

Stephanie Keith ordered this tropical themed snowman as a gift for a friend. I am not sure if they live near the beach or if they are just big fans like me. Maybe someday I can retire to the beach!
I just appreciate all of my customers so much. It makes me feel so good when someone needs a gift for a close friend or loved one and they call me. I go to church with Stephanie and her family. They are just the best!

A Junior Auxiliary buddy, Jennifer Sain, needed a gift for her secret "Pumpkin Pal" at work. She drew Brent Estes and sometimes it is hard to shop for a guy, especially a surprise! She knew he was a Florida Gators fan. She asked me to do him a small snowman for his classroom in those colors. What a great idea! Thanks Jennifer!

At the Beach

The postings have been few and far between lately because I am at the beach. Luckily, our condo does have wi-fi. Is it sad that I am still using the computer while on vacation? It is raining today!! Anyway, we are having a great time and our condo is absolutely gorgeous. It belongs to long time family friends, Robert and Nancy Grooms. They are generous enough to let our entire family use it each year. More pics coming soon!
I did this one for them as a thank you gift. I love the aqua! I guess that is pretty obvious since I changed the entire blog's background to that color! I guess I am in a "beach phase"! I used one of my shells as inspiration. I also used a pretty sheer aqua ribbon with a little beige mixed in. I think pale yellows, tans, and beiges look pretty with the blue. This one is also in the new 6x9 size...not too big, not too little!