Big Announcement!

Art classes are coming soon!  I've decided to combine two of my very favorite things, teaching and art.  I am so thrilled to be planning some art classes and mini art camps for this coming summer.  I'd LOVE to hear your ideas, suggestions, and requests.  

I'm currently working on the schedule, painting designs, and a class blog so you can check offerings.  I also want to show off all of our wonderful artwork!  I'll let you know as soon as it is up an running.

Thanks to you all for your love and support.  Let's make some beautiful art together!

Lily

I love repeat customers!  It's such a wonderful feeling when someone chooses to come back to Dream Custom Artwork and order again.  Lots of times it is because I did a canvas for a little boy or girl room and now there is about to be a new baby in the house!  This is the case with Lily's canvas.

Rachael Graves ordered this one for her niece a while back.  Now that niece is going to be a big sister!  Rachael wanted something for the new baby.  She asked for pale pink and gray in stripes and dots.  I love that color combination and think this one turned out so pretty!

I added the swirly frame in a pink metallic paint to give it a little shimmer and to make it really feminine.  Thank you, Rachael, and congratulations!

Little Sweeties

These little 4x12 canvases are just so sweet.  They are the perfect size to give as a gift and fit just about anywhere.  They are big enough for a door but small enough for those hard to fit spaces and doorknobs.  They are also really pretty in a photo collage.

Both of these shipped out recently.  I love those pretty pastel flowers in the background on the top one.  The second one features beautiful cursive writing with lots of highlighting.

 

Do you need a little Valentine gift for your sweetie?  This size is only $20.00.  What little girl wouldn't love one of these in her room?

Time to Adjust Your Sails

I just love this quote!  It's true that the wind doesn't always blow your way.  When that happens, some people sit still or fuss and complain.  The thing to do it adjust your sails.  Be proactive and make it work for you - easier said than done sometimes.

My friend and coworker from way back when, Jackie Reed, ordered one of these for herself.  She love the stamped work in the background and asked for burgundy lettering.  The next day she emailed me back and asked for another one for her daughter.  She is in college and just needed a little reminder about adjusting her sails, too! 

I just attended a PBS (Positive Behavior Support) conference in Knoxville.  These are some of the wonderful people that I work with.  I've only been at my school a year and a half, but I feel like I've known them forever.  I had gotten sort of worn out being a teacher.  It felt routine and I'll just say it, I was bored and frustrated.  I adjusted my sails a bit and made the move.  It was scary, but I am so glad that I did it.  The wind is definitely blowing my way.

Jackson

Lacey Jones recently ordered a banjo and a guitar for her son Jackson's room.  I had to do a little research on this one!

After looking at lots of pictures of banjos and guitars, this is the design that I came up with.  I am hoping that in this closer up photo you can see all of the dark blue detailing on the instruments.  I tried to keep it simple but at the same time intricate.

Here's the pillow that I was given to match.  I picked up one the light and dark blue. tan, brown, and just a bit of maroon.  I hope Jackson is loving his new big boy room!

Lacey is expecting another baby soon.  I know the name but I have to keep it under wraps a bit longer.  This is the first of several pieces for that nursery.

The color and design showed up better in the first picture, but you can really read the quote in this one.  It's so sweet!  I can't wait to get to the rest.  Thank you, Lacey!

Catching Up...

There's a lot going on in my life right now.  I have to admit that painting often falls by the wayside during busy times like this.  I don't get to sit down and allow the creative process to take place.  If you are waiting for an order, please be patient with me!  

Not only am I back at Tennessee Tech this semester to teach art, I am also taking on the Centertown Archery Team.  This is our first year to have a team and I am super excited about it.  I am getting to leave this afternoon to go to Knoxville for two days for a PBS (Positive Behavior Support) training session.  I love my job and the people with whom I work.  I just have to really work on maintaining a balance in my life.

I have had fun participating in "Pay It Forward"!  I am looking forward to creating five unique items in 2013 for each of my fellow artists.  My five are going out to Brittany Hodges, Erica Flatt, Carol Roberts, Michaela Goodwin, and Lindsey Chambers.

I've really been making a effort to be more social.  I know that sounds funny that I have to make an effort to do that, but I do.  I am a bit of a homebody and love time alone.  I don't really have people over a lot and don't accept many invitations.  It's nothing personal.  I guess I am an introvert at heart.  

I've been in my house for almost a year and haven't really had anyone over.  I decided to host a Miss America viewing party.  My girls' night was so much fun!  Why don't I do this more often?  Next up - our church youth group is coming over in a couple of weeks and a birthday party for Lauren!

Finally, I am thinking (just thinking!) about having some art mini-camps this summer.  A lot of people ask me about lessons and I always say no.  It might be fun!  I think it might work better for me after school is out.  If you are local and have any ideas or suggestions, I'd love to hear them!

Do you think I have enough on my plate?  I'm not sure, but I do know that my cup runs over!

Names, Names, Names...

Lots and lots of names...here are some of my favorites from the Christmas gift giving season!  This one was a gift ordered by Kayla Young.  She wanted the maroon lettering on a khaki background.  Clean and simple...can't go wrong!

I really like this family version that shipped out to Renee Lively.  She requested to have the family members' first names added across the bottom. I just love that polka dot ribbon!

I have done this design before and it is definitely a favorite.  The tone on tone swirls in the background are so pretty.  The name is in large cream letters with a chocolate brown date over the top.  This is perfect for those of you who like a little texture in your background.  It has also been distressed and topped off with burlap ribbon for a vintage look.

For a more classic look, this fancy khaki H is on a cream background.  The name and date is over the whole thing in navy blue.  I usually do this in black or chocolate brown, but I am loving the navy!

Thank you all so much for all of your orders this Christmas season.  I hope you all loved giving your artwork as much as I enjoyed painting it.

Here's to a wonderful 2013!