Pinkalicious

Don't you just love that Pinkalicious book? If you have a little girl and you haven't read it, then i highly recommend it. It's one of our nightly favorites. It came to mind when i was deciding what to post today! All this pink!

The 4x12 Haley canvas is nothing but pink. My friend, Kent, ordered it as a birthday gift for his niece. She's the same age as Lauren, so I let her help me with the design. Pretty cute!

This hot pink and zebra 8x10 canvas was shipped way out west as a birthday gift as well. I think all little girls love things with their names on them. Tea has a hard time finding personalized things, so this was perfect for her.

Modern Monogram

Farrah Griffith ordered a custom monogram for a friend for Christmas. She sent me this artwork as inspiration. She wanted these colors and designs. I have to admit, this one was a challenge!

It took a while to get the colors right, especially the unusual shades of teal and rust. I also had to try some new techniques to get that streaked/distressed look. I usually blend and smooth things out, so it was hard for me to leave it! In the end, I think it is a pretty close to perfect match.

Thank you, Farrah! I hope it made the perfect gift!

Wild Things

Rachel Harvey just had her son's "Wild Things" themed birthday party. What a cute idea! She ordered an 11x14 canvas based on the famous book cover by Maurice Sendak. She wanted the wording across the bottom changed to fit her needs. I just noticed that Rachel posted party details today. What a coincidence! Click here to see more.

Here is the finished product. I love how it turned out!

Seek Happiness

Before

After

I had taken down most of my pictures to clean the walls and make things look wide open while we are trying to sell the house. I loved it at first, but now I am itching to hang things back up. This is the little foyer between the kitchen and garage. It needed some color!
Veronica Stepien is a Ballard Designs lover just like me! They really do have the most beautiful things for your home. I had admired this print in there for a while and jumped at the opportunity to try it.

I love the antiquing process. I use an antiquing glaze and sand paper. It takes a lot of work, but all that rubbing and scrubbing is such a stress reliever! I ordered three 24x24 canvases and ended up doing three of this same design. One for Veronica, one for my foyer, and one is my donation to the Junior Auxiliary Crown Jewel Gala silent auction. I was a JA girl and love to support their cause.

Stylish Bogger Award

Yay! I got an award! Thank you so much to Kelly at Just the Two of Us. A little recognition always feels good. Here are the rules for acceptance of the award:

1. Thank and link back to the person who awarded you the award.
2. Share 7 things about yourself.
3. Award other bloggers.
4. Contact bloggers and tell them about the award.




So, here's the 7 things about myself:

1. I am in the house shopping/selling process. It is more stressful that I thought.
2. I want to go hang gliding so bad! Zip lining was just the beginning.
3. I like to dip pizza in ranch dressing.
4. I love all kinds of music and I work better with it on. There's always music playing in my classroom. I just won a "Limeades for Learning" grant and got a Bose Sound System for my room!
5. My favorite day ever was when my whole family went snorkeling in Mexico.
6. I am dreaming of a opening a store. Just a dream...
7. I am going to be in my sister's wedding in June. Let the dress shopping begin!



I picked some blogs I'm in love with and some that our new to the blog world. I think this is a great way to get your blog out there. Now go visit!
Here are some I heart...

Kelly's Korner
Customizing Kiddos
Donors Choose
Dawn Winton Photography
Natalie's Sentiments
The Harveys

Teacher Gifts

First, I need to say that I love, love, love this pink, green, and black design. It is so clean and crisp with a little bit of funky. Too cute!

Next, I need to say that all of these were painted as Christmas gifts. I haven't seen them in a while! I am happy to be going back and looking at them and sharing them with you today. These were done to match the ones in my header. I love this font for school!

Red, white, and blue are Pioneer colors here in Warren County! I love the red rhinestones in each one of the polka dots.
Orange, white, and light blue are Lady Vols colors here in Tennessee. A super cute monkey was added by request. I topped it off with sparkly orange polka dotted ribbon!

Finally, I need to add that there are times when I am so thankful to be a teacher. I am at home today (and much of the rest of the week) with a sick little girl. We went to the doctor this morning and she was diagnosed with N1H1...the flu. I know she'll be high stepping again soon!

Owls

I came up with this owl design for the Autumn Street Fair back in October. They were really popular and several were ordered as Christmas gifts. I had to wait to post the pictures until after the holidays and then all of the giveaways started. So...I am just now getting around to posting Christmas gift pictures!

My sister, Emily, wanted an owl done in earth tones. It was fun to take a design that I had painted so many times and change it up a bit. Even though it has a fall-ish feel to it, it can certainly be used all year round. It looks pretty cute on my front door right now! I love the green burlap ribbon, too.

All 10x10's are $25.00 and I am currently taking orders!

Valentine's, Baby!

I love Valentine's Day! I know it's kind of corny, but I've always loved the romantic stuff. I want every day to be Valentine's Day!

I think these heart canvases are so pretty. The shades of pink just go with the brown so well. They are so cute on the front door or in a wreath. Well, they are cute just about anywhere!

If you are needing a little something special for Valentine's Day, then here it is. What a great gift for a teacher, secret sister, or secretary. Please be sure to order in time for the big day!

Dandelion

This 11x14 canvas is off to Rachel in Georgia! She sent me this idea and I thought it was just beautiful. Simple is the best way to go in my book. This is such a pretty shade of green, too.

Although it looks gorgeous plain, I can just picture "welcome", a monogram, or a favorite verse over the design in chocolate brown.

I have an 11x14 oval ($30) and a 5x5 square ($15) currently available. Rachel's had white ribbon, but I left the ribbon off of these just in case you would like a different color to match your lettering.

Winner!

It's been another wonderful day of giveaways! I always love reading through all of the comments. Some of them are so funny! It was great to be on Tip Junkie, too. This is the last feature and giveaway that I have planned for a while. They're a lot of work!
Tonight's winner is comment number 27...Ashley! I know you will be super excited and have been trying to win both times. Congratulations to you!
I ended things a bit early tonight because I am headed to bed. It's back to work tomorrow after an extended break. I have a feeling that morning is not going to be a pretty sight!

Good night!

Result: 27

Welcome Tip Junkies!

Today I am a featured blogger on Tip Junkie! I am excited because I just love this site. If you've ever wanted to make anything (literally!) this is where you go to find out how. Laurie's also got giveaways and lots of "mompreneur" shops that I like to browse. It's worth a visit!

In honor of my Tip Junkie feature, Laurie asked me to host a giveaway. I am loving this new family rules canvas so much that I have decided to give away another one! All of you who entered a few days ago have a second chance.

All of you new visitors today can also enter simply by leaving a nice comment. Please feel free to browse the blog and email me if you have any questions. I will randomly choose a comment tonight at about 8:00 p.m. Thank you for stopping by!

Fun, Fluff, and Sparkle!

Robin Bell placed an order for some truly custom 5x5's for Christmas. I have to say they are definitely one of a kind!

She gave me the wording and a few color requests, but pretty much just told me to have fun with it. Love it!

Have fun, I did! I got out all of the jewels, sequins, glitter, and ribbon that I have stored up. Sometimes I see things that are really fun or pretty and know that the right project for them will come along. I got to use lots of them for Robin!

I don't even know who all of these are for, but I hope they made the perfect gift. If they are enjoying them half as much as I did, then I did all right!

Thank you so much for the order, Robin!

Giveaway WInner #13

Before I announce tonight's winner, I want to thank each of you for stopping by and for leaving such nice comments. I've been feeling a bit down today and they really gave me the little boost that I needed. My sister also sent me an email that had a really lovely quote. Isn't it funny how when you need a pick me up, someone says just the right thing? Here it is...

"May today there be peace within. May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others. May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content with yourself just the way you are. Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us."


Isn't that nice? It is also a nice night for commenter number 209. Leann, you are the lucky winner tonight! I'm not sure which "Leann" you are, so please leave me a comment or send me an email with your contact information. I so look forward to working with you and congratulations!
Well, tomorrow is back to regular posting. I've got all kinds of new artwork photos stored up that I can't wait to share!

Good night!

Result: 209

Ten Days of Giveaways #13

(My Granny P, me, Carter and Lauren...on Halloween in case you noticed Carter's hairy chest. He was a wolfman!)

It's the final giveaway! Today is my day. It's been so much fun hosting these giveaways. My schedule has revolved around posting in the morning and choosing a winner at night. I am going to miss it!
Well, most of you already know all there is to know about me. I am busy with church activities at Central church of Christ. I am a fifth grade teacher at Bobby Ray Elementary. I am an adjunct professor for Tennessee Tech University. I am a wife and a mom of two. In my spare time, I paint!

My family and being a good mom are so important to me. When I was deciding on my giveaway, I wanted something that reflected that. One of my most creative customers, Angela Cargile, ordered this set of family rules a while back. Even though I loved it, I never got the chance to post it in all of the Christmas craziness. I decided that it was perfect for my giveaway item!

This is an 8x24 canvas that will come with ribbon. Angela requested shades of green, but you can choose any color combination to match your home. The wording will stay the same, with the exception of your last name instead of the Cargile's!
I hope you all like what I chose. I know I am excited about having the opportunity to paint another one. As always, enter by leaving a nice comment and enter as many times as you would like. I'll randomly choose a winner at about 8:00 p.m.

Good luck!

Giveaway WInner #12

Oh, tonight's winner is going to be sooo happy! She's entered every night (I think) this year and last year. This is the first time she's won. Congratulations to you, Lara Kate Haley! You left comment number 176, the lucky comment!
Thank you so much, Randi! And you were afraid no one would enter!

Tomorrow is the last day of the giveaway series. I will be giving away something really special. Please come back one more time and enter.
Good night!

Result: 176

Ten Days of Giveaways #12

There's a new business on the block! I love helping someone get started and introducing new products. I think it is a good thing to encourage and support other artists. Randi Fuston just emailed me (literally yesterday!) and wanted to know if she could participate in the giveaway series. Of course you can, Randi! She has started Customizing Kiddos and makes all of the adorable little accessories.

Randi adds, "All personalization is done in vinyl. Some of my items available for personalization now are pictured. Be sure to check the blog in the future for new items to be personalized!
I have the personalized wipes cases for $10.00 and they can choose the lettering and dots in two or three colors. The metal container with Henslea's name is available in white, blue, or pink. The
party buckets are available in purple, teal, lime, and orange. The piggy banks are my favorite. they are electronic so you always know how much is in there".

Randi also adds, "I put the piggy banks on the blog and will have lots of new stuff posted soon"!

So, what can you win today? Randi has so thoughtfully decided to let the winner pick their prize.
She was originally going to give away a custom wipe case. Not everyone needs or wants a wipe case, so the winner today can choose a personalized wipe case, personalized zebra tray, party bucket, or the oval tin! How exciting!
I would choose the oval tin! These are perfect for magazines, books, puzzles, etc. Randi says that there are lots of color and customizing choices for all of the prizes and will be happy to work out the details with the winner.
Oohh, I know this is going to get a ton of comments! Let's welcome Randi to her new venture and leave a nice comment to be entered and enter and much as you like. I'll randomly choose a number tonight to find the winner. Good luck!

Giveaway WInner #11

I'm a little early tonight because Lauren and I are settling in to start a movie. Don't you just love snow days? Things are so much more relaxed.

I did the random number generator and it came up with an early entry...number nine. The ninth comment was left by Lucrecia! I know about three Lucrecia's and I'm not sure which one this is. If you will please either email me or leave a comment with your contact information, Kathy and I would appreciate it. Congrats to you!

Thank you so much, Kathy! I love the market totes, and it looks like lots of others do, too!

I've got a brand new giveaway for you tomorrow and then I'll be wrapping things up on Thursday.
Good night!

Ten Days of Giveaways #11

I've got another great giveaway for you today! Kathy's Bridal is featured today. If it's from Kathy's, you all know it's going to be good! I know I love going in there because she's got the cutest stuff, but also because she's always got something new. Kathy's is known for the gorgeous dresses, but she offers much more.

Kathy's has been in business for well over twenty years. Kathy started her own business right out of college after earning a degree in marketing and a minor in business. She says that her favorite part about being a small business owner is enjoying all the people she has met over the years. Kathy adds that many "prom girls" will end up returning to her to buy their bridal gown when the time comes. Kathy is doing so much more than selling dresses!

Kathy recently posted this herself and I just love what she had to say, "Well, as we sweep up the tinsel & holiday "fluff" here at the shoppe it's time to reflect, and it's been a GOOD YEAR ! Not a record breaker by no means but eventful, nonetheless . I want to sincerely THANK ALL MY CUSTOMERS who stopped by this year. I know that the economy has made us all make changes but I truly am striving to provide GREAT PRICED ITEMS which are affordable for all!
We had a GREAT RESPONSE to RELAY for LIFE, our SCHOLARSHIP PAGEANT was wonderful, PROM SEASON was as HECTIC /CRAZY as always (in a good way), SUMMER was too short and ballgames too long ! The lake was a sanctuary for rest and renewal, outdoors with the boys was great, school has been good, fall was pretty, everyone has been reasonably healthy (except my two week stint with sinus). So in conclusion, LIFE IS GOOD and I look forward to the next year with optimism and grace, never knowing what may lie ahead but willing to face it. That's LIFE so ENJOY IT. Here's to another YEAR"!

Kathy is so generously giving away a market tote with monogramming today. Oh, I love monogramming! Be sure to leave a nice comment to be entered. I have to say that I have one of these things and use it all the time. They are so convenient for cleaning out the van, taking a load of stuff to school, and carrying food to get-togethers. Right now it is all loaded up with my Wednesday night Bible School stuff! Good luck!