Happy Halloween . . .

I always wanted a fireplace in my own home, not to use, but so that Santa would have a way of coming into my house. Who cares if it is a fake/gas log type of fireplace!! All you need is a fireplace!! I'm actually in search for an awesome antique mantel - not that it will fit this honkin' wall, but if I can get enough pictures of what I like, Lonnie said he would build it! Of course if he can build it - I can make anything look old!! It will have to be authentic looking for my taste!! I love vintage!!! And I hate this mantel!!! It so does NOT go with my craftsman style home. It's way too traditional, but it will have to do for now!

I wanted to post a picture of the Halloween decor I did this for this year! I'm really excited to decorate for Christmas. I'm actually going to make stockings {with a pattern - yuck!} I've got big plans for it, so stay tuned - to see what I have in store!!

Here are the two paintings that I promised earlier . . .

Again, I can't wait till I see these in frames!! Both of these are for wedding gifts for 2 different people. If either of these find their way to you, send me a picture {please}!!

The "B" is from the classic collection. Its red with mixed gold, silver, chocolate swirls.

The "W" is from the classic collection. Its taupe and also has a mix of gold, silver and chocolate swirls.

Did you notice that I have put the "small words" on my pics?! I'm trying to master the ol' photoshop!! I did say I was trying!! I'll let you all know how it turns out!! Thanks Wendy for all the direction!!!

Something other than paints . . .

I did finish up 2 more paintings today, but didn't take a picture due to the fact it was sooooo late when I completed them. And with as bad as I am with taking pictures, I've got to have some type of natural light!! So, I'll post those in the morning. But I did create something else today {other than an utter mess} - my curtain over the kitchen sink!! Actually, I completed it yesterday - but got the "L" brackets on the board and it all hung up - nice and fancy!! I have long panels of the same fabric hung on the other, much larger windows in the kitchen, but needed something a little different for this window . . . but this little number was a big pain in my rumpus!!! Let me start off by saying that I hate using a pattern on most anything that I sew {sometimes it is inevitable, but I just deal with it when I have that issue!} Measurements - the only way to go when it is custom!! This should have been a very simple little number . . . for Pete's sake, I used a store bought, already lined panel!!! All I had to do was cut off the top at the appropriate measured length, sew loops down each side, staple to a board, attach to L brackets, hang it, then thread string into the loops and lastly tie them off!! {That would be the simple version - no need to go into specific details!!}

I really thought the fabric was stiff enough to hold a better shape than it did - well, it's NOT!! I got that "joker" hung up, looped up and it looked like a deflated balloon on a board - HORRIBLE, I tell ya!! I had to take it down and completely rethink my originally, great idea!! Okay, I'll use a dowel - simple enough - I had to pull out the sewing machine {because the original plan only called for the minor hand stitching of the loops} and sew a pocket all the way across the curtain. Well, the stupid pleats that I thought would look so great - caused their own little ordeal!! I had to measure, pin, remeasure, pin again, oh - I'd say 3 to - maybe - 9 times!!! What a crazy, hot mess!! But once I got past that, the dowel pocket was a snap. I {finally} put the dowel in and "VOILA!" You see what I got!! I like it, I really do, BUT I actually spent time sewing fringe on the bottom that you can't even see!!! {okay - I did use a sewing machine on that, but I did it forever ago when my machine was out for another reason - so that don't count!!}

I guess I could add another row of hoops down the middle and actually have it more like a roman shade. Heck, I could even screw in the hooky-dos on the board and use it as a roman shade, . . . but who cares. If I wanted a roman shade, I'd made that originally!! This is when a "simple project" takes way too much of my time and brain cells. I just hate that I wasted the time, money and effort on that stinkin' fringe!!! Lesson learned -

Enough of my aggravatedness, I figured I would start posting a few pictures of my house. So many of you guys are inquiring what it looks like and how it is decorated!! Nothing fancy, I mean - I do have kids - alot of them. But, I will start posting more of the inside of my house for all those "inquiring minds!!" I'm all about the greens, golds & chocolate browns right now. Are those colors even "in style" currently??? I don't really follow the trends so much in my decorating {for that matter, how I dress either - haha}, I just go with what I really like. Decor trends tend to change so quickly - who can afford to keep up with that!! Maybe if my name was "Oprah!!"

Once framed . . . .

these paintings look so good!! Check out another one that I did!! Melissa {in Georgia} just sent me an email with this picture attached. I love to see these in all the different frames!! This frame is awesome!!

Thanks - Melissa for sending me the picture!! I appreciate it!

More pics from the Carroll House . . .

When I first started this design, I didn't know how well it would sell. So, I made them for friends {"Gifters" - that is what I like to call the freebies} to see what type of feedback they could get for me. TONS, tons of great feedback!! You wouldn't believe how many of these I sell! Make great wedding gifts!!

That is cool "M" that I did up for MacKenzie's room. I wish I could show this bedroom in it's entirety. It is B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L!! The seamstress that makes all her bedding and window treatments out did herself on this one!! She probably needs to charge more!! ha!

True meaning of a Gifter = An unexpected gift and if you don't like it, you can gift it to someone else!! teehee

Thank you, Jennifer for sending me the picture!! It looks great with the shower curtain. I hope the girls like it!!

So, tell me . . .

what do you guys think?? Well, don't you love it!! I do!! Now, I need to know - how did I live without this beautiful blog!! Sara at Sadie Olive did it and she did a flippin', awesome job!! I can't believe how wonderful the completed blog looks!!! Did you guys notice my new LOGO at the left?? Groovy frame, simple color scheme, . . . perfect!! Jennifer at Pear Street Studios did that for me!! If you click on it, it will take you to my website - which totally needs some revamping. That is one of the many things on my list to do! I would recommend either of these amazing ladies for the job they did! Thanks to both of you!!

Since I came into the blog world, I've met some amazing and extremely talented people!! Seriously, I'm so mystified by these folks!! And so many that I would love to personally meet! When I read their blogs, I feel like I'm not doing enough around here, that my blog collects dust or that there just might be way too much {decorating or crafting} out there for me to keep up with or learn!!! WHAT is a GIRL to DO??? I'm feeling very overwhelmed at the moment!!! I've found new blogs lately that I like to peruse and need to list them to the left. So, be looking for them. I'm sure you too, will find some great and interesting "stuff" in them.

I've actually gotten several pictures from customers that I need to post of past paintings, but I can't seem to figure out this stupid scanner! So, it might be a while before you see them, because my husband is gone for 2 weeks for some stinkin' military training!! All the way in Mississippi. And that is a long way from Tennessee. Even longer when you have a 2 year old and two 1 year olds and Halloween is less than a week away!! I think we might bow out of the ol' trick-or-treating this year!! I really don't think my pregnant self can do it by myself - I'm not Wonder Woman!!! It hard enough to entertain all these kidlets, feed them, bath them and get them to bed before 9 pm! And I must do all this DAILY!?!? By MYSELF!?!? Just talking about it wears me out!! Saying all that, I should have a painting completed by tomorrow {I must do these in my sleep!} and I will try to get a picture posted. I said I would try!! Don't hold me to it!!

Well, after this long day {without a husband}, I'm BEAT!!! Please, leave me some comments about my "new look!" I want to know what all of you think - and I know that several people look and leave without making a peep - well start peeping!! I want to know what EVERYBODY thinks of this outfit!!!

Check this painting out . . .

So, I had to create a painting that matches this bedding. Easy you think?? Wrong!? The walls are painted 2 different shades of blue, meaning that I can't use blue as a background color. But with the painting that was picked out, I need 6 colors!!! Now, the baby is a boy & I just can't justify using purple in a boy's painting, but I need colors that coordinate with each other!
Personally, I don't think orange goes very well with teal, BUT with it on the side it gives just enough color to work - especially with the bedding!! This was bought as a gift. I hope that someone gives the soon-to-be-new-mommy some of the bedding or the guests at the shower are going to wonder how in the world all these colors are going to work together!!! I'm the "queen of matching colors" and this one seems to be right on (especially the teal!!) I really like the way it turned out & I hope the new mommy does, too!! Hopefully someone will let me know how well it works!!




*** got the call immediately following the shower - the soon to be mommy LOVED it!! She said it was "perfect" - - woohoo!!! I'm always a little nervous when they are given as gifts. And as always, I totally appreciate the feedback!!

The only thing to say is "WoW" . . .

so, pretty much immediately after the previous post, I began to receive emails - many emails & some phone calls. "Who made you mad?" "What happened?" "You've got to tell me who that is directed too!!" blah, blah, you get the picture. I actually think some of you might have thought is was you!! So, let me clarify the reason for the post . . .

I received an email through my website from someone that I've never met. An aspiring artist if you will. She wanted to know some info. I was assuming she wanted to know what paint I use, what type of brushes, about my canvases, etc. I replied back and said "sure, just get back to me what exactly you want to know." I mean, come on, she doesn't really want to hear EVERYTHING I can assure you & her. She responded with something like, "thanks, most people wouldn't do that" - you know, share their information.

Well, that got me to thinking. You know she is right, I've been there many times!! Some strangers and yes, some of them are from people who I consider friends. I don't mean super, close friends, but none the less friends. Someone I really expect would share information with me. Let me remind you from the previous post - People that I've given much direction, "trade secrets", how-to's, etc. Why would they not help me out?? Or at least that is what I'm thinking?! I love when you ask them a question and they act like they don't hear you or completely change the subject or say something like, "I can do it for you." First off, I know you heard me; second, you can change the subject, but I still know exactly what I asked you; and third, if I wanted you to do it for me, I would ask that question!! It normally hacks me a little, but my husband seems to think SOME of these people are somewhat intimidated and are quite concerned that I will excel quicker in that "whatever" than they have. "Thank you honey, for having that much faith and belief in me, but is that really the reason, or are you just trying to get me to stop talking about that situation??? I mean really?! There are not that many things that excel in - not in a money-maker way." The funny part is I only ask because of something I want for personal use, not to profit from!!! Trust me, I won't take any business away from you and normally after the "brush off" I'm not going to give you my business either! In that instance, I'd prefer to use a complete stranger that is equally or more talented. Of course, my husband also says, "the internet is BIG WORLD and I'm sure that is where they found the supplies, the source or the know how. Why don't you go look yourself." Which is always an awesome idea!!

I guess the true meaning of the post was to tell people to get up an over yourself. Yes, you must truly have talent, but you just don't have good business sense! And those are the two traits you must carry equally. If you slack in either, you will eventually fail. I've been on both sides of that fence. If someone ask you for help, for the love of God - give it to them. Because if you don't, they will find it elsewhere. There is no such thing as secrets.

Thanks to everyone with the concern - I do appreciate it. But it was more of a public announcement post not so much personal and my new friend Melissa J - I will answer all your questions tomorrow . . . it is 2 am and 5:30ish comes really quick!! I'm beat. Most of you want to know how I do it - that's how - Little sleep!! I still could use a couple or six more hours to get a "good day's" work in!!

What I've learned over time . . .

There is no such thing as a secret!!!

Let me start from the beginning . . . . I love a challenge. I mean, really LOVE a challenge!! Ask my husband if you don't believe me. Now, I'm not athletic, hate sports in general, matter-of-fact I hate to sweat!!! Roller skating is the only sport I can do extremely well {uhmmm - is that a sport??} I find myself attempting all types of things just to master it and then move on!! Just to name a few random things, at 5 years old, I completed my first cross-stitch piece. At 12, I completed my first quilt (and it fit a full size bed). At 19, I learned to tat (if you don't know what that is, I'll explain later.) Anything artsy, crafty, whatever - I can figure it out - MOSTLY on my own. But, someone has to be there to give you the inspiration, you know - to show you what you want to do. To get you started!! I honestly can't tell you every person that inspired me for all my ventures. But what I can tell you is that if I needed any type of advice, help, direction as to where to go to find the "products" that I need - each of the people would give it to me. Every single one. And they still do. They all still share their "Secrets."

That my friends - is a true business person. A "REAL" person. Haven't you noticed that all profitable women in the market share their knowledge. The difference is they have true confidence in their skill. That would be WHY they make so much money even when they spill the beans on all they know. I'm sure most of you can read between the lines and see what I'm saying about those who keep a "tight lip" on what they think are "Secrets" -

Which leads me back to the beginning of the post. I love a challenge and there are no secrets, just because I want to know where you got it, how you made it or whatever, doesn't mean I want to profit from it . . . I just want to try it, for fun. You know, conquer another "craft" and then move on. So, people get over yourselves, I mean really, their seems to be people out there willing to divulge in the same info you seem to think you got the patent on. In the big scheme of things - WHO CARES!!

Apparently, you don't have very much confidence in your skill! Are you afraid that person will be better at it than you?? Then your probably right. It always comes back around - the good and the bad!! And I too, have learned this the hard way.

Now with this said, I've also learned who to keep my mouth shut with and who to blow off when they ask for my "secrets" . . . Go find them elsewhere. I've divulged enough of me and you haven't let go of any info I could use from you.

The funny part, some people {probably} just figured out who this is directed too!! teehe

And to all the "REAL" people out there - Thanks!!

Another one finished!!!

Woohoo!!! Jenn - You've got to send me a picture when you get it up!!!

The results are in . . .

It is officially completed!!! Jennifer - your painting is next - I might just get it done today!!! Stay tuned for your picture!!

I'm on a roll . . .

here is another one somewhat completed!! We are debating if there should be a letter to personalized the 8x10 canvas??? Any suggestions??? If I do add a letter, where do I put it to not take away from the toe shoes?? I need some answers QUICK - I'm ready to seal this one and ship it!!! I've already started on 3 more!!!

After the delivery . . .

SHE LOVED THEM BOTH!!!

Can I just say, Stacey - You have one of the most beautiful house that I've been to in a very long time - G-O-R-G-E-O-U-S - she has great taste and I'm soooo flattered that you own not 1, but 2 of my paintings!! I posted a picture in the previous post of one of her bathrooms that one of the paintings is suppose to match.

Back to the delivery - she ripped off the plastic wrap long before I got out of the door and showed me that the "j" painting matched great!! I feel so much better!!

So, off to the next paintings!!

Alright, 2 more down . . .

yes, you heard right, two more completed!!! And like normal - I totally forgot to take a picture of either before they got wrapped up!!! I really hope the mother who bought these will graciously take some pictures for me so that I may post on the blog {or website}!!!!! I've got to stop doing that - at this rate there will be NO new pictures on the website. I hope you can see these through the cello and ribbon - which, hey, if you've never seen the way I package my art - this is a good time as any to see how it comes to you . . . . Wrapped all fancy!!

The 12x12 looks as if it is painted with obnoxious colors, but it's not. They're not subtle either, but definitely NOT as loud as the picture captures them!! I really had a hard time matching up the colors from the picture {of the room} that the painting goes in!!! B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L fabric, but it is so hard to match something with a sheen!! Surely to Pete, it will match. I think I will be slightly devastated if it doesn't!!! I will let all know the end result . . . stay tuned. They will be delivered tomorrow . . . . .


***by the way***

this is the shower curtain the "j" painting is suppose to match!!!

I'm back . . .

okay, so after an extended absence {sorry}, I'm now back in blogland!! Oh, how I've missed you all!!! So, I stretched myself out a little thin during this move . . . normally I always work on 2 paintings at a time. But not this time, I thought it would be a smart move to work on 7 paintings at one time!! Can I say one thing, "Retarded!!" I don't know what I was thinking!! Instead of a few days {like normal}, it took a few weeks!! So all that have been waiting - I'M SO SORRY!! But I've gotten several completed - Finally!! Melissa, these are for you . . . . I still have one more to complete and I'm working on it {as soon as I get off the computer!!}

Finally . . .

I found my paintbrushes!!! So, for all those waiting for your paintings - I will be back on it first thing in the morning!!!!

WE'RE HOME . . . .

Yes - we are finally in!! And I just got the computer up and running!!! I started to get the shakes several days ago as I was DTing from the computer!!! Give me a couple of days I will post some new pictures of the house (now that we are in!!!) I've been working night and day to get things unpacked!! I think it is time to yardsale some things!!! I've got way toooooo much stuff!!!