Beach Retreat

Priscilla Wanamaker wanted a family canvas for her beach retreat in Florida. This is the first one I've done in different colors from the usual black and khaki. You know me, I am always excited to try something new! I have to admit that I was a little intimidated because I have always thought of Priscilla as a lady of impeccable taste. She always looks so beautiful and put together!
This one has a Tuscany red background with the family name in hunter green. It is also outlined in black "squiggly" lines. The beach retreat lettering is in khaki. This one had a lot of steps and several coats of paint, but it was worth it. I used a coordinating striped ribbon and sheer hunter green ribbon.

Now, when is my beach retreat?? Just kidding, Priscilla! Enjoy the new place and congratulations!

Do They Rebel At Four?

Lauren is about to turn four and I am afraid that she has hit her rebellious stage. She has always been curious, inquisitive, fearless, and a bit of a diva. Lately, she has developed a sassy attitude and an increased interest in the alphabet. I am guessing that is why she has taken up graffiti. I keep finding little words written in hidden places. My favorite one is the recent discovery of "pig" on the bathroom shelf.
Her next act of rebellion was giving herself a radical new haircut. She had a free minute from sweeping at Brooke and Gary's and decided to chop off her pretty blond hair...only on one side of course. If she is trying to give her mother a heart attack, she is on the right track!

What's next? Tattoos? Piercings? Or is she saving that for kindergarten?

Bunnies Are Here!

I have round, oval, square, and rectangle big and small bunnies available for Easter. The bunnies can be done in any color or size with ribbons or beads. I can also do any little saying, quote, monogram, or name. Please see the price chart on the sidebar for pricing. The round and oval ones are $20 each.
*Please remember that if you order during the month of January, your bunnies and all other orders are $5.00 off. The square and oval bunnies pictured are already taken. The round one is available for immediate delivery. Thanks!

New Monogram Styles

These two monograms are a little different from what I have done in the past and turned out so pretty. I love trying new things! The fancy H has a lime green accent color instead of the usual cream or chocolate. The green ribbon has just enough iridesence to be an unexpected touch. The P below is in hunter green with chocolate accents. I found this sheer hunter green ribbon that matched perfectly. These monograms are just perfect for any time of the year!

Surprise!

I love surprises and flattery will get you everywhere with me! I am surprising all of the lovely ladies who left kind comments about my new blog design with treat bags. Each blue themed treat bags contains a pack of beautiful note cards, some coordinating stickers, and a blue toile clip for all of those important papers. So...Ashley, Paula M, Makayla, Stephanie, So Bella Creations, Tabetha, Paula W, Annie, Mandy, and Holly just let me know where to deliver them and they are all yours. Thank you is all I can say!

Weekend Images

Big and little...she wants to be just like me. We do this all the time, but for some reason this time seeing the big and little versions of the mop and the vacuum made me stop and think about the example I am setting for her. She is always watching me...and taking notes.

D was all tuckered out after watching me fold clothes. Aaahhh, to be a cat.

I had some sweet tea (with Splenda, of course!) looked at all of the new spring catalogs that are rolling in, and studied my Bible lesson. I am teaching the ladies' class next week and want to be prepared. I also picked up these tulips on clearance and am loving them on my kitchen table.

Hope you are having a good Saturday, too!

Ahhhh, Young Love

Katie Wanamaker ordered this special jersey canvas for her boyfriend, Slayden Rogers, for Christmas. What a sweet, thoughtful gift. Hopefully, this will become a keepsake for Slayden to remember his time as a Pioneer. Thank you, Katie and Dawn!

Keep your sweetie in mind for Valentine's Day. Order now!

I Heard Polka Dots Were In This Year!

New year, new blog design! I loved my old blog, but I thought it might be time for a fresh face. Thank you so much to Fabulous K Blog Design for taking such good care of me. She did a fantastic job and in no time flat! You can see more of her work and get your blog done up at fabulouskcreative.blogspot.com. 

Let me know what you all think!

Snowmen on a Snow Day

I thought it appropriate to post snowmen on a day like today. We are all still in our pajamas sadly watching the snow melt, even though the sun is beautiful and sure feels good. I may have to paint something for spring today!
Here are two snow cuties I've recently finished up. The tan one is for Stephanie Keith. You all that know Stephanie know that she is so funny! She told me not to put "the Keiths" on this one because she has that everywhere she turns. She said that if people don't know that we live here by now, it's too bad! I had to laugh out loud.
The pretty pastel one was for sweet Mrs. Jill Stubblefield. She ordered it as a Christmas gift for her son, John, and his wife. I love the soft colors she chose. They are perfect for winter. Both of these are 12x24 and cost $40.00.

The Maxwells

Ok, this picture is kind of blurry and I didn't realize it until after I got it ready to post.  Sorry!  I am trying to post all of the things I did before Christmas, but had to keep under wraps.  This was one of them.  It is really beautiful with all of that intricate lettering and the cream and black is a favorite color combination.  I hope the Maxwells loved it!  Thanks, Leanne!

I am so enjoying my extra long weekend.  It seems like I am getting a lot done and nothing at all done at the same time if that makes any sense.  I guess it is because I am still doing the things I normally do like cleaning, cooking, exercising, painting, and so on, but I still have time to lay on the couch and watch Law & Order with Mike, make a Play-Dough picnic with Lauren, and play the Wii with Carter.  I am getting pretty good at Mario Kart, but he is still better!

I've got a fresh new look coming soon!  Check back!

Abstract Beauty

An abstract piece especially designed for Tennille Davenport.  She chose harvest gold, chocolate brown, olive green, and tuscany red.  These beautiful colors blend together in swirls complimented with a textured background.  This is achieved by adding layers of handmade papers underneath the paint.

For The UT Fan

Robin Foster ordered the canvas in UT colors to give to a big fan for Christmas.  I did something a little different with putting the dots inside of the letters.  I think it turned out pretty cute.  I also liked using all three colors of ribbon for hanging.  This can be done on any size canvas and in any team colors.

The Boutte's

Susan Grandey ordered this family canvas as a wedding gift.  They ended up using it on the sign in table with this gorgeous photo of the gorgeous couple!  I love newlyweds.  It always makes me kind of wish I could go back and do my wedding all over again.  Everything would be the same - I wouldn't change it for the world - but just to have that exciting feeling.  It is a special time.  Congratulations, Rae!

Peachy Keen

I was so excited when Jamie Winnignham requested a peach canvas!  I get to use tons of pink in hundreds of shades, but peach is rare.  It is such a soft, beautiful color and it really stands out against the pale blue.  I even got to use some sheer peach ribbon for the finishing touch.

I also experimented a little with our new computer's special photo editing techniques!

Chicken Carbonara

Here is my family's new favorite recipe.  Mike says that I should "put it in the vault", but I like to share!
Ingredients:

4 slices cooked bacon, chopped (I use turkey bacon)

2 eggs

2 c spaghetti broken into smaller pieces

4 tbsp olive oil

1 c diced chicken breast

1/2 c frozen green peas

3 chopped green onion

3/4 c heavy whipping cream

1 1/2 c chicken broth

3 oz shaved parmesan cheese

1 tsp minced garlic

1 tbsp fresh chopped parsley

pinch of pepper

Directions:

While bacon is cooking in the microwave and spaghetti pieces are boiling, beat the eggs in a large bowl until frothy.  Cook spaghetti al dente and drain.  Pour into bowl of eggs and immediately begin tossing, the heat will cook the eggs.

In a large sauce pan, heat the oil and add the chicken cook for a few minutes and then add then peas, onions, and cook a few minutes longer.  Slowly add cream stirring.  Slowly add broth stirring again.  Heat for another five minutes under low heat.  Add the cheese, bacon, garlic, and pepper and stir until cheese is fully melted.  Add to the the spaghetti mixture, mix well, and serve hot.

My family loves this with focaccia bread with olive oil and italian herbs for dipping - just like in the restaurants!  It is also even better, if possible, the next day for lunch.

Signatures Salon

Sony Patterson at Signatures Salon received this gorgeous 12x24 turquoise and chocolate sign for Christmas from her sweet mother-in-law, Jackie.  I found that satin stripe ribbon in the same colors and knew it was meant to be!

More From School

Kim Davis ordered these three 6x9 canvases as Christmas gifts for all of the teachers on her team.  I thought that was a great idea and so sweet of her.  I actually saw the signs as I was walking the halls of the Middle School during inservice the other day.  I love it when that happens!

Back To School Blues

"I am so tired after my first few days back to school that I think I will put my socks on my hands and fall asleep sitting up," said Lauren.  Funny thing is, I feel exactly the same way.  Not only is going back to school after break enough to wear me out, I've also managed to get another ear infection and pull the muscles in the center of my back while putting away Christmas decorations.  Oh yeah, I've also been called for jury duty.  Can anyone say "snow day"?

Teachers know that this time after Christmas but before the weather gets warm is hard.  Snow days are the silver lining on that cloud!  I love my job and my students, but this time of the year kind of gets me down.  In honor of my fellow educators out there, here are a few bright and sunny apples I painted as gifts this year.  Hang in there!

Kendice's Quote

"To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived ~ that is to have succeeded."   

Ralph Waldo Emerson

My mother-in-law ordered this canvas for Kendice Panter as a Christmas gift.  It is absolutely perfect for a nurse like Kendice.

Welcome 2009

I have been looking at Tab and Toree's posts about the Word of the Year Contest from Tip Junkie and am feeling inspired! Tabetha's "relax" necklace is gorgeous and what a perfect word choice for the new year. Toree posted some good thoughts about her word choice, "believe". I enjoy visiting Tip Junkie as well. It is a great place to get new ideas and inspiration, especially for all of the "mom-prenuers"!

My word for 2009 is welcome. I paint this word over and over again and it never gets old. We think of it as welcome to my home, but there are so many things I want to be welcome and open to in my life. I didn't really make resolutions this year, but my word got me to thinking about things I could change and ways to better myself.

If you know me, you know I love lists! Here is a list of things I am going to be more welcoming of in the future: Bible study, time to do things for or with friends, individual time with each of my kids, talking to my grandmother regularly, branching out creatively, cooking healthier, and donating/giving more generously. I could go on and on, really!