A Great Bunch of Gals

Today was my last day of school for the year. Not only was it the last day of school, it was also my last day in the second grade. I am moving to fifth grade next year. Yikes! Just kidding, I am really excited about the move. It is time for a change of pace.
However, I am really going to miss the great group of gals in the second grade. Our lunches together have been great "girl time". My job would not be nearly as fun as it is without them. Phyllis is our fearless leader, Virginia is always a lady, Lakeisha is my walking partner, and Sadie keeps us sweet. Girls...it's been fun. I will miss you!

A Family of Dots

Tammy Sliger is dot crazy! I mean that in a good way, Tammy! She ordered a small 5x5 canvas for each of her children. She had the cutest idea...she is going to hang each canvas over a hook in the bathroom. Now each child has a special place for his or her towel and PJ's. I love the boys in blue and the girl in pink, too.


She also ordered a dot canvas for her daughter's bedroom. this one is to hang centered over the bed. She chose the monogram for this one, which I think is just beautiful. The oval frame around the initials was her idea. She thought it gave it a more feminine feel, and she is right! I added the large satin chocolate ribbon. Thanks so much Tammy, enjoy your dots!

For the Coach

I did his one for Katrina Nunley to give to her son's baseball coach. She wanted the Pioneer colors, a baseball, and WC on there somewhere. To give it my touch, I added the words around the border. It is the dictionary definition of a coach. I have been wanting to try this, and I thought this was a great opportunity! I love it!

This is a new size, 6x9. I like this size because it is not too big for a desk or office, but it is big enough not to be crammed up or hard to read. It can be done for any sport or profession. The cost is a steal at $15.00!

Get In My Way...and I'll Paint You!

Sometimes I hold my paintbrush in my teeth when I need both hands for something else. With two kids running around my table, I always need my hands for something else! Lauren found out the hard way that if you get in my way, I will paint you! She ended up with a blue strip up her forehead and into her hair. She thought it was funny and loved having her picture taken anyway. We can learn so much from our children! Have a great Memorial Day!

Seven Going On Seventeen

Little girls can't wait to grow up! They love high heels, lipstick, glitter, and watching their big sisters, moms, and grandmas. Sweet little Crosley Smith is no different! Her aunt Candance and her grandma Joyce told me about her loving all things "grown up". While we wanted her canvas to reflect her personality, we also wanted it to appropriate for a little girl. I chose the fun colors and patterns to keep it youthful. Along the top of the shoe it reads, "I love shoes! I love lipstick! I love sunglasses!
I love being a girl!".
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Happy birthday, Crosley - don't be in too big of a hurry to grow up!

Reminisce Heirlooms

My very talented friend, Tabetha Sullens, has a very interesting pastime. She makes beautiful jewelry with photos, beads, fabric, and all kinds of little trinkets. She also makes key chains, ornaments, tie pins, and luggage tags, among other things.
She wanted a sign to hang in her studio, but also to take with her to craft shows and for display opportunities. What a great idea for any artist or small business!
She chose the color scheme and font. That is the great thing about ordering a sign for your business or hobby, it is very personal. There won't be another one just like it!

Ian's Plane

My kickboxing buddy, Anne, has a new nephew! He was born in North Carolina after a very difficult pregnancy. He has since had some health complications and is still in the hospital. On top of all of that, Ian's dad is having to leave for Iraq soon. Please add the Gregory family to your prayer lists.
Ian's dad is in the air force, so the plane was perfect. Anne wanted the monogram instead of the name, love it! I tried to find a new, more masculine font. This one is "Harrington". The plane is on an 11x14 canvas and costs $30.00.

Hanging Up My Brushes

I am hanging up my brushes, but only for a short time. I am taking a little summer break from painting from June 1 through June 20. I have several orders out right now and I will have them all done before the break. If you are needing something before June 1, it needs to be ordered as soon as possible.
Please call and email during that time to place orders. I just won't get started on them until the 21st. I will still be blogging, so please keep checking the site! Gift certificates will also be available during that time.
Thank you to everyone who has ordered. Also, a big thank you to all of my blog checkers. I am so glad all of you are enjoying the artwork and photos. Enjoy your summer!

There Are No Shortcuts

Tabetha Sullens had a great idea for a graduation gift. I love it when she emails - I know it is going to be something different! She chose this quote, "There is no shortcut to anywhere worth going". What great piece of advice for the new graduate!
I had seen this beautiful striped ribbon and had been saving it for something special. She requested teal and brown, so it automatically popped into my mind. Plus, it sort of looked like Tab!
In case you didn't know, this is the same Tabetha that does the beautiful photo jewelry, and so much more. There is a link to her site listed below. Check it out! I did a sign for her business as well, but I am saving it for a later post!

This would look great in any dorm room or apartment, or anywhere really. Any quote or name can be done in your choice of color scheme and font. This one is 8x10 and is $25.00, ribbon included.

Oh, To Be Famous!

Just kidding...I'm no where near famous! I am happy and flattered to be in this month's "Business Monthly" tab in the Southern Standard newspaper. I have to admit that it was really fun to do an interview and have a picture taken.
I think Charlie Johnson did a great job on the story and the photos. He chose a good variety of work to show. I am hoping this will help get the word out and I can continue doing what I love!
A big "thank you" to Brooke Totherow and Gary for squeezing me in and for letting us use your beautiful salon! You guys are the best!

Off Roading

A new customer, Paula Smith, called and requested a monster truck and a four wheeler for her boys' room. I love a challenge!
I have to admit that this was new territory for me. I had to do some research on this one. But like I said, I like a challenge. She wanted to use red and blue. She also did not want their names. To help fill the space with interest, I added the khaki framework and enlarged the images.
They are really pretty in person. I sealed them with a gloss spray and I couldn't get the camera to take a picture without the glare. I tried putting the four wheeler in the sun, and it washed it out. I bet I took a hundred pictures! Oh, well!

My Mom

My mom will probably hate this picture, but I love it. It's the real her...a camera in one hand and a baby in the other! What a picture of multi-tasking. Isn't that what moms are known for? Happy Mother's Day to my mom, and all of the hard working moms out there!

Jackson's Teddy Bear

This one is going to Vanderbilt Children's Hospital. Jackson, I hope it makes you smile.

~

Please add Jackson, Dietra, Joey, and their entire family to your prayer list.

Gift Certificates Available

Beth Newport called to order a birthday gift for Aiden and Anslee Miller. She knew they were doing some redecorating, but wasn't exactly sure of what they would need. A lot of people have that same problem. They want to get a special gift, but want them to be able to pick out exactly what they want! For this reason, I decided to offer gift certificates. These certificates can be purchased in any amount and can be redeemed for any canvas or mural.
They come color printed on this pretty cardstock paper in a nice envelope. I also include a business card. They do not have an expiration date - so order anytime! I am going to be taking some time off this summer, but the certificates will always be available.

Princess Perfect

Julie LaForte ordered this darling canvas for her little girl Halle. She emailed me a photo of a piece of fabric she really liked. I used that pattern as inspiration for this princess canvas.
Julie is the same Julie that does the really pretty frames. There is a link to her site under the "If You Like Mine, You Will Love..." section. Check it out!
I love getting new ideas from just about anywhere! I am happy to match bedding, wallpaper, and even fabric. Each piece is meant to be "custom"! Thanks, Julie!

Logan's Dots

The brown and pale blue color combo may be my new favorite! It has certainly turned out to be popular with many of my customers. This one was ordered by Brooke Totherow for her nephew. Logan is due in June!
Her sister had chosen crib bedding from J.C. Penney, so I was able to look at it online. It had a very modern feel to it. I alternated the sizes of the dots, took out the frame I usually use to separate the name from the dots, and put the first letter in a dot. I love how it turned out, especially with the "L" in inside the dot. A little change can make a big difference!
This one is on the large 12x24 size canvas and is $40.00. I am working on a pink and brown and a teal and brown order right now. The metallic dots are also posted below. These just look great in any size and color combo! Keep the dots coming!!

Junior Miss Warren County

Miss Monica Patel is the newest Junior Miss Warren County. There was a Dream Custom Artwork gift certificate in her prize bag. She called me and wanted something to match her bedroom. Her room is in shades of coffee, tan, and black with metallic accents. I thought that sounded very classy and modern. Her word was "contemporary".
She chose the black background and wanted metallic polka dots. She also liked the "Party" font. She told me that she has always written her name with a lower case "m" and and upper case "a" and wanted the canvas to look like that. I love a woman who knows what she wants!
When I stopped by to drop it off, she was just hanging out after school watching T.V. I had my camera with me and she let me take her picture. Look at that picture! I cannot imagine what it must feel like to just be sitting around that pretty! I posted the photo at the bottom as well to show it in color.
She really is as beautiful as she is sweet. Congratulations, Monica...you deserve it!

Today I am 32!

Today is my 32nd birthday. That sounds so old! Every year that new number takes some adjustment. I know that it is just a number, but it does take time to get used to! I went white water rafting last summer. Yes, that is me screaming on the front row. I also went snow skiing for the first time this past January. It was so scary! I didn't post a picture of me screaming down the mountsinside!!!

I love to try new things, be adventurous, and stay open minded to new experiences. That and marrying an older man;) remind me that I will always be young at heart!!!