The Busy Brush

It's that time of year!

2011-11-04T13:59:00.000-07:00

Well, it's not Christmas yet, but I started getting Christmas orders in September this year! Some people are much more on top of their Christmas game than I am. These are a few things I made for a local store in Rogers. I usually don't do that and just stick to custom orders, but I was excited to help them out. The profits from their sales are going to help the NWA Women's Shelter and the portion I am making will go to Amazima.

This is my house looking like a Christmas tornado hit it while I was painting:

These are the Christmas count down plaques I made
with little erasable chalkboards.

I couldn't get the lighting right on this picture. It's a slight limey green with dark green distressing.

They are starting their open house tomorrow.

Here's their information if you are local and would like to help out those awesome causes:

Gracious Living Interiors
1502 W. Pleasant Grove Rd. Lowell, Ar.

479-659-5920

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 5th

9:30am-5:00pm

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 6th

12:00pm-5:00pm

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 11th

9:30am-5:00pm

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 12th

9:30am-5:00pm

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 13th

12:00pm-5:00pm

Oval Personalized Razorback Canvas

2011-09-25T19:56:00.000-07:00

I thought this canvas turned out really fun!
I may have to make one for our door. : )

House Divided Canvas

2011-09-25T19:50:00.000-07:00

This was my first House Divided canvas.
It took quite a bit of time to paint the mascots,
so it costs a bit more than the teacher canvas
($30-35 ribbon included).

Baby Hudson

2011-09-25T19:45:00.000-07:00

I got to make this sweet canvas for a sweet baby boy
named Hudson. He had a fish room, so we did a little
water/ bubbles theme to match his cute room.

More Wedding Canvases!

2011-09-25T19:44:00.000-07:00

Ripple Effect Teacher canvas

2011-09-25T19:42:00.000-07:00

My sweet friend Cory's mom retired this year.
She wanted to get her mom something to celebrate
all of the lives her mom had touched,'
so I had an idea for a ripple effect canvas.

It says, "Thank you for giving to the Lord,
for I am a life, that was changed.
Thank you for giving to the Lord. I am so glad you gave"
but we wanted it to blend in so that it just looked like art.

I had a hard time getting my camera
to capture the colors and the metallics.

Large Circle Canvas

2011-09-25T19:39:00.000-07:00

I got to do a really fun canvas for a lady named Michelle,
that LOVES color.
I actually got to go visit her house and it
was so fun...full of color.
I put this picture on here, so you could get a gist
of how big these canvases were.

She wanted blues, yellows, reds, oranges, etc.
Her only requirement...no earth tones. : )

I couldn't get all of the shading,
so I tried to get a sideways picture to capture it.

Abstract paintings are so fun!

Jane and Mae Mae

2011-09-24T20:09:00.000-07:00

These were one of my best friend's sweet daughters.
So thankful for these sweet chickadees. : )

Ugh...couldn't capture the color.
The green isn't quite that neon looking in real life.

See what your money is supporting!!!!!

2011-09-22T18:23:00.000-07:00

Sweet Katie from Amazima just finished her book. I cannot wait to read it. I am sure I will bawl like a baby through the whole thing. I wanted to give you all a glimpse of what your money for these canvases has been supporting. Please check it out. It's totally worth your time. : )
Thank you for helping me love on these kiddos.

Rocking Chair Makeover

2011-07-01T22:17:00.000-07:00

One of my old college friends called me to see if I could paint an old family rocking chair for her sister's baby shower gift. I LOVE traditions and keepsakes, so I thought this was a great idea!
I think her sister will really appreciate the gift.

The rocking chair had a lot of old varnish on it, so it took me quite a while to get it all sanded down. There were still a few places that I could get as perfect as I would've liked to...little nooks and crannies are hard to reach.

She gave me the shower invitations for help with color. The invitations were antiqued teal, brown and yellow with white polkas...ADORABLE! She also asked me to add some pink since it was a girl. I think it turned out really cute. I hope she loves it!

Wonderful Wednesday Canvas

2011-06-30T22:26:00.000-07:00

Here's the fun e-mail from my client:
"...Here's what I want it for. My husband and I want to start doing something 2-3 times a year called Wonderful Wednesday. Whenever we decide on a Wonderful Wednesday, we will hang the canvas in a spot, the boys will see it and know what it means..skip school for a day of fun! "
What a fun idea!
I know I would have loved that as a kiddo.
I love to see families making memories together...what lucky boys!

Graduation Gifts

2011-06-18T21:15:00.000-07:00

A high school teacher in North Carolina always gets these sweet keepsakes for her girls that are graduating each year. I know that when I was in college, it was so fun to have anything personal and fun to put up in my room. I hope they love them. : )

Letters for Emma Kate

2011-05-28T22:03:00.000-07:00

These letters were actually letters that had already been painted. Emma Kate's not a baby anymore, so they wanted more "big girl" letters for her new room.
I loved how they turned out! So fun!

This picture isn't as good, as far as detail, but you can see all the letters together.

Teal Swirls for Sweet Girls

2011-05-28T22:00:00.000-07:00

This canvas was done for two sweet girls that are sharing a room. I have known them for a while, but haven't had a chance to really hang out. When they came to pick up the canvas our girls had a great time playing together...what a sweet family!

Baby Information Canvas for Max

2011-05-10T21:13:00.000-07:00

Wedding Vows - Happy Anniversary Gift

2011-05-10T20:50:00.000-07:00

An old friend from high school recently got married (to a sweet guy that I also know from high school) and had a sweet baby boy. She and her husband are celebrating their 1 year anniversary, so she wanted to have these made for her husband. I thought this was such a sweet idea.
We picked a font that was unusual and a little more masculine.
It took a long time to paint the lettering, but I think it turned out pretty well.
I hope she was happy with it. : )
Happy Anniversary A & A!

Personalized Verses

2011-05-10T20:40:00.000-07:00

A lady from Wyoming found my website and wanted to get something special for her bible study leaders. She's doing a Beth Moore study, so we immediately had a lot to talk about. I don't think it's possible to experience Beth Moore and not love her. : )

Amelia's baby brother : )

2011-05-10T20:31:00.000-07:00

Paisley Fun!

2011-05-10T20:26:00.000-07:00

This client had a painting similar to this one and was unable to find another on in the size that she needed. This was a 30 x 40 and was SO fun to paint!!!

30th Birthday Present

2011-05-10T20:20:00.000-07:00

This was done for a sweet friend of mine that lives in North Carolina.
She wanted to get her best friend something special for her 30th, so we brainstormed some ideas and came up with "30 of our best memories".
She found a neat quote that went with our tree theme and I used a new medium to make the tree life like and actually carved the quote into the tree.
I think it turned out really neat. : )

Matthew

2011-05-10T20:17:00.000-07:00

Sweet Baby Graham

2011-05-10T19:59:00.000-07:00

My long time friend Abby had a precious baby boy and she requested a painting that would match his cute bedding. They didn't find out whether it was a boy or girl until they had him, but both of their names began with a G, so it worked either way.
Congratulations Abby & Chris!

Princess Rylee

2011-05-10T19:58:00.000-07:00

Sweet Baby Jules!

2011-03-04T00:07:00.001-08:00

I got to paint this canvas for a sweet little baby named Jules and her precious mama! I was crying right along side her, but for some reason you cant' tell. I am normally all splotchy...not a pretty crier, but my friend Amy must have had a magical camera. ha!! And yes...another miracle...my hair is down. A rare sight indeed. I hate wearing it down, but I like to mix it up every now and then.

Chandelier Canvas

2011-03-03T23:58:00.000-08:00

My mother in law, lovingly referred to as Mama Sue or Nanna, did not leave people wondering what she wanted for Christmas. She was cracking us all up by asking, "You know what I want for Christmas don't you? That canvas? Did someone tell you that I wanted you to paint me something for Christmas?"

A little hard to surprise someone like that. ha!!
She had seen a canvas somewhere with a chandelier on it and couldn't get it out of her mind. Gotta love a gal that knows what she wants. : )
So...this is the canvas I painted for her with a neat verse and colors that go with her decor.
I hope she loves it!

Baptism Canvas

2011-03-03T23:51:00.000-08:00

I have done some baby baptism canvases before, but this was my first opportunity to do something for a young man. What a privilege to be able to play even a small part in such a special day. This particular guy belongs to a precious family at the school I teach at.
I am rejoicing with them!

Baby Brayden's Canvas

2011-02-06T23:11:00.000-08:00

Way out of my comfort zone!

2011-02-06T22:21:00.000-08:00

Alright all you boys mamas, this post is for you. ha!
I had a sweet friend ask me to do some transformers for her son's room.
When I started looking at all the detail in a transformer, I won't lie, I freaked out a little. ha!
I didn't think there was any way I could do it justice.
My husband was laughing at my lack of Transformer knowledge, but we are all girls over here.
Luckily, she ended up wanting their faces (still pretty detailed) and his name.

For those of you not well versed in your Transformer knowledge,
here are the pictures she sent me: Bumble Bee and Optimus Prime.

I had to first draw each one free hand and then paint each little detail.
It took a while and I was nervous that they would end up looking horrible,
but the time was worth it when I finished.
I can't say that they are perfect, but I think they turned out pretty well.

Tweet Dreams Little Lady

2011-02-03T15:30:00.000-08:00

I am in love with this little canvas. I did it for a sweet little lady that is almost here.
I love the vibrant colors, the flowered branches, the sweet bird, and the cute saying.
I was pretty tempted to keep them. : )

I also did this one for her.
She wanted a sunny scene with a little girl and wanted the little girl
to have brown hair and brown eyes (like her daughter will probably have).
For some reason the pictures didn't turn out very well. I'm sorry they are so hard to see.

a little closer view

Sweet Birdies

2011-02-03T15:16:00.000-08:00

I did these sweet paintings for my sister-in-law. She just had a precious baby boy (her 4th kiddo)
and he will be sharing a room with her daughter (who is probably one of the cutest girls I've ever seen!).
She wanted to have some art that would tie their separate sides of the room together, so this is what we came up with.
They also have the meanings of their names and Destin's has his bible verse on it as well.

Fun Girly Paintings

2011-01-22T09:59:00.000-08:00

I met a really sweet lady at a baby shower a few weeks ago. We had such a good time visiting and then a few weeks later, she contacted me about doing some paintings for her girls. For the first one she totally gave me the idea. I think it came out really well. The last one was done with a specific saying that her daughter always says to her. Isn't that sweet? What a special keepsake gift! She is turning into a big girl now, so she didn't want anything too little kiddish. I hope she loved it. : )

Fun clipboard for an AWESOME teacher

2011-01-22T09:55:00.000-08:00

Personalized Razorback Canvases

2011-01-22T09:33:00.000-08:00

Everyone was definitely HOG WILD this year. Hog canvases galore! I love it! There's something so fun about everyone being excited about a big game together...comradery. I may not be huge into sports, but I love that part of it.

This canvas was done for some brand new hog fans, sweet twins. : )

This was for another wonderful hog lovin' family

And this was ordered by a boyfriend for his girlfriend.
He wanted something personalized for her. Who wouldn't love a gift like that?!
I love anything with some thought and time put into it.
I don't know why the coloring did that in the picture. The hog is black as well. We did get a new camera though, so hopefully, weird pictures will be happening less often. : )

More Christmas Gifts for Teachers

2011-01-22T09:23:00.000-08:00

This canvas was done for a mom 's classroom. Her daughter wanted to help her cutesy it up. I hope my girls grow up to be that thoughtful and sweet. : )

This Rooster was done for a sweet friend that I have known for many years but almost never get to see. Her son's teacher decorated her kitchen in roosters, so she wanted to give her something she'd actually use. This was a first for me, but it was actually really fun to paint. I am so sorry for the quality of the picture. I wish you could see the border and the details more clearly.

Personalized Cross Ornaments

2011-01-22T09:19:00.000-08:00

Teacher Canvases

2010-10-01T21:52:00.000-07:00

Here are some more fun teacher canvases:

Another Bird canvas for a sweet little thing

2010-10-01T21:09:00.000-07:00

My sister in law, who was a wee bit infatuated with the bird painting I did for our living room, is having a little girl in November!!!! We couldn't be more excited for this little girl's arrival! Every one in Dasun's family has kiddos except Daspri, until now, and she has been an exceptional aunt. We can't wait to return the favor. I wanted to do a canvas for her baby's room and she decided she wanted a bird painting like mine, but tailored to her bedding. She bought some really fun fabric for her bedding and she's pairing it with some light gray fabric.
Here's a sample:

Here's the canvas I painted for her. You can't see it really well,
but there is dark gray distressing around the edges.

I also wanted to add a verse along the branches that I have been praying for this little one.
I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.
Ephesians 3: 17b-18

Hog Canvases Galore

2010-10-01T21:03:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year...FOOTBALL SEASON! Time to cheer on those Razorbacks and show your school spirit!

I have been cranking out a ton of hog canvases which are so fun to do. I forgot to take a picture of some of them, but here are the last three I did.

One is a 36x48 (about the same size as our dining room table), 1 is a 16x20 and the other is an 11x14.

Fun Cross Canvas

2010-08-02T02:20:00.000-07:00

I painted this cross canvas for a woman that works with youth in Alabama. She just wanted a fun colorful cross with one of her favorite verses on it. I hope this is just what she was wanting.

Sweet Caroline

2010-08-02T02:16:00.000-07:00

Beautiful baby Caroline is finally here and her mama and daddy couldn't be more thrilled!
Congratulations Emily!!!

Hoakies Wedding Canvas

2010-08-02T02:15:00.000-07:00

This wedding date canvas was done as a gift for some Virginia Tech Hoakies!
Congratulations on your marriage!

24x36 Arkansas Fight Song Canvas

2010-08-02T02:13:00.000-07:00

Wedding Date Canvas

2010-07-05T01:45:00.000-07:00

Teacher Clip Board

2010-07-05T01:35:00.000-07:00

Another fun teacher gift idea! This one is only $17.

Graduation Gifts

2010-07-05T01:24:00.000-07:00

These Door Hangers were made as a gift from a teacher to some special students that were graduating. I LOVED getting stuff to decorate my dorm. It's the first space that's completely yours, so this was really fun to do. She gave me their initials, styles, and favorite colors and I went from there. I am so glad they liked them!

There's also plenty of room of the back for a personal not from the giver, so that's a bonus.

Teacher Canvas

2010-07-05T01:21:00.000-07:00

A great teacher gift...personal, special, but still totally affordable at $22. : )

Sweet Corban

2010-07-05T01:08:00.000-07:00

I did another mixed media board for my best friends sister who had a little boy named Corban. Corban means, "A gift devoted to God"...what a precious name. : )
I forgot to take a picture, but luckily Jess took this one.

Bird Painting

2010-06-12T13:45:00.001-07:00

I have been working on redoing my living room for a while now. I needed something with these colors for the mantle and I had a scrap piece of MDF out in the garage.
I really like how it turned out. Hope you do too. : )

Personalized Football Canvas

2010-05-23T00:06:00.001-07:00

Rooted Canvas for The Murrays

2010-05-12T01:37:00.000-07:00

I have had privilege of being able to get to know a precious family since we have been going to our church. They are moving away soon to do awesome things and this was painted for the benefit concert/ silent auction to help them raise funds. It was fun to do, because I got to do anything I wanted to do. I wanted to do something with one of my favorite verses.

Colossians 2:6-7
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

It's a little hard to see in this picture, but it has scripture written along the branches, some fun texture, and some metallic elements. I had a great time painting it. : )

Personalized Wedding Canvas

2010-05-12T01:28:00.000-07:00

I got to do this sweet canvas as a wedding present for a couple that got married on the beach. Her sister wanted me to paint a picture of the beach they got married on, the pier that was next to them, and of her bouquet. She even picked the font she wanted. I would have loved to have a keepsake like that from my wedding. I thought that was such a sweet idea.

Large Personalized Razorback Canvas

2010-05-12T01:17:00.000-07:00

Little Man Canvas

2010-03-08T22:51:00.000-08:00

Madi Claire's Birthday

2010-03-08T22:48:00.000-08:00

Sweet Tyler

2010-03-08T22:41:00.000-08:00

This was painted in honor of sweet Tyler. I asked Jen what some verses were that have meant a lot to her as they've walked through this and wrote some of them around the cross for her.
They planned a really neat celebration of his life for what would have been his birthday. If you don't know about this family's story, here's the link to their blog. I am in constant amazement at how they are bringing God glory through this situation. They don't just speak religious words because it's what they are supposed to do, they are very real about the pain they feel and the healing that they are still seeking the Lord for, they just bring Him glory in the process.
Because of that, Tyler's life has touched so many people.

I put a little envelope on the back so they could write him letters if they chose to do so.

Canvas for the Parsleys

2010-03-08T22:17:00.000-08:00

Our sweet friends Stephanie and Travis had a sweet baby boy. He's such a cutie! This canvas was done to match some custom bedding they had made. I forgot to take a picture, so they were sweet enough to send me this one.

Family Creed Canvases

2010-03-08T22:14:00.000-08:00

I got to do some more family creed canvases for some precious families.

Red Cross Canvas

2010-03-08T22:09:00.000-08:00

I had the chance to paint this for an incredible family I know, along with the G family creed canvas above. I was their son's Kindergarten teacher and he was such a sweet boy. After meeting his momma, you immediately know where he gets it from...She is truly one of the neatest, most giving, women I know.

I also got to paint this Initial Canvas for her. It was a wedding present for some of their friends. It had Romans 12:10 written around the edges. I apologize for the picture. The red was darker and you can't see any of the distressing due to the flash.

True Beauty Canvas

2010-03-08T22:08:00.000-08:00

I did this 24 x 48 canvas for some GREAT friends of ours, The Rainers. They have two girls and this is for their bathroom. I love that they are teaching their children what true beauty is.

We had been learning this verse at our house as well. Not only does it apply to beauty, but we brought it up because when we would tell Kennedy to change her attitude, she would try really hard to grin (which was actually pretty funny). We told her that just because she puts a smile on her face, doesn't mean her attitude has actually changed. I think it's important for us to remember that God looks at the heart. Even if we do the "right thing," God is not honored unless it was done with the right heart.
I wanted to do something with this verse for our girls, so I went through some old scrap book stuff and found a 12x12 frame at Hobby Lobby (50% off!!) and made this with some ribbons and scraps. It was super easy. You should try it with your favorite verse. :)
( K & A are the girls' initials for those of you that don't know me.)

Stand on the Rock

2010-03-08T20:05:00.000-08:00

This was painted on a rock for a momma that is going through a really hard time. I realize it's not beautiful, but it wasn't easy to paint on this puppy. I am only posting it because of the fact that we all need to know He's able to pull us out of the "mud" and set us on a firm place.

Portion of Sales - help the 147 million (orphans)

2010-03-06T23:08:00.000-08:00

Dear friends and family-
I have been plagued the last few months with a burden on my heart for the poor, the broken, & the hungry (especially the children). The Lord has been laying it on my heart to do something to help. I have not had a clear answer from Him yet, as to what all that entails, but I do know this. I HAVE TO DO SOMETHING. God's word doesn't tell us to take care of the needy IF He speaks to us about it personally. He tells us ALL to do it. It states it very clearly in His word. It says, if we don't, "How can the love of God be in us?"It is not an option to sit idly by and pretend there isn't a need. It's hard to see it, but turning your head or clicking off the screen doesn't make it go away.

My friend Sara posted a video on her blog that made me sick. I was both thankful that I knew the reality so I could help, and also unable to continue watching because of the horrendous images. I sobbed and cried out to the Lord. I hate that it is a reality, but I hate even more the fact that we can help and choose to do very little. I am included in that. I have been guilty of ignorance and ego centrism. So focused on my own little world, that I let even trivial things ruin my day. I am ashamed, but it's true. I for one KNOW that we can be more intentional with our spending so that we can give more to help. I am not working this year, but even on the tightest of budgets, we are so blessed. Regardless, the Lord tells us that if we help the poor we will lack nothing. We can all do little things.... a few less snacks, going out to eat a bit less, taking a few unnecessary items off our budget (for instance, we didn't really need our home phone and really only got solicitors anyway, so we decided to get rid of it). There are so many things. I know that we live here and have to function here, but when you think about the fact that .42 cents can provide a child with 3 meals (according to amazima.org), you no longer have to feel helpless. Even little sacrifices add up and can literally save lives.

I want to make a commitment to donate a large portion of all of my Busy Brush sales to Amazima.org. It's an amazing organization that is truly being the hands and feet of Christ. They are there in the trenches helping these children and families....teaching them how to farm, providing them with what they need to be sustainable, feeding them, giving them medical care, and sharing the gospel as they do it. All of my prices are different, so I can't really state a percentage, but my goal is to cover the cost of my work and donate as much as I can with what's left over. I know it's not much, but every little bit helps. My friend Sara was challenging her friends to be creative and think of ways that we can help. I would love to hear what your ideas are. My e-mail is ashley.keylor@gmail.com.

“ If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity
on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with
words or tongue but with actions and in truth.” — 1 John 3:17,18

more verses:
“ They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry
or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’ He will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these,
you did not do for me.’ Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”
— Matthew 25:44-46

“ He who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but he who
closes his eyes to them receives many curses.”
— Proverbs 28:27

“ Command those who are rich in this present world not to be
arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain,
but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with
everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good,
to be rich in good deeds, to be generous and willing to share.”
— 1 Timothy 6:17,18

“ Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless
is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress
and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”
— James 1:27

“ He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will
reward him for what he has done.” — Proverbs 19:17

“ Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.
If one of you says to him, ‘Go, I wish you well; keep warm
and well fed,’ but does nothing about his physical needs,
what good is it?” —James 2:15,16

“’ He defended the cause of the poor and needy, and so all
went well. Is that not what it means to know me?’ declares
the LORD.” — Jeremiah 22:16

“ He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker,
but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.”
— Proverbs 14:31

Boys Growth Charts

2010-01-06T00:14:00.000-08:00

This picture was taken before they were finished,

but the colors showed up a little better in this picture.

Orange trees canvas

2010-01-05T23:25:00.000-08:00

These were done for one of my best friends, my sweet Marinel.

Christmas sign for the yard

2010-01-05T23:23:00.000-08:00

Christmas ornaments

2010-01-05T23:20:00.000-08:00

Courage Plaque

2010-01-05T11:00:00.000-08:00

I made this for my mom. The final product had a pretty hanging ribbon, but I forgot to take a picture.
Some of you that read my blog know that this was a quote that really helped her when she geared up for her mastectomy. She was so scared. I hated seeing her that way, but when I went in to see her before surgery, she told me about this quote that a woman in her sunday school had shared with her. I knew I wanted to make this for her for Christmas. I also wrote a little note to her on the back, but that's just for her. I am so proud of her and so ready for all of this mess to be over for her.

Bliss Cupcake Cafe...yummm!!!

2009-12-07T20:14:00.000-08:00

Bliss Cupcake Cafe' opened a few weeks ago and the owner asked me to paint a sign for the outside of their shop. I took the girls by on their opening day and we got to try one of the yummiest cupcakes I have ever had (lemon). It was also the prettiest. Go by and visit them at their cute shop in downtown Fayetteville (www.blisscupcakecafe.com).

Teacher Canvas

2009-12-07T20:11:00.000-08:00

Teen Verse canvas

2009-12-07T20:03:00.000-08:00

Golden Fleur di lis

2009-12-07T20:00:00.000-08:00

Zeta Canvases (ZTA)

2009-12-07T19:57:00.001-08:00

Door Hangers -Baby Information Gifts

2009-12-07T19:46:00.000-08:00

Christmas Door Canvas

2009-12-07T18:48:00.000-08:00

This was done for a very sweet friend of mine named Kristi. It has her favorite Christmas saying, "It's the most wonderful time of the year." around the initial.

Baby information canvases

2009-12-07T18:45:00.000-08:00

Go Hogs Razorback Canvas

2009-10-21T23:18:00.000-07:00

Cross Canvas

2009-10-11T01:50:00.000-07:00

This was done for a silent auction at my school. I forgot to take a picture of it, but Alicia was so sweet to send one to me. I hope it helps out a little. I love doing children's art, but it's been fun doing a few different things lately.

"Pieces"

2009-10-11T01:49:00.000-07:00

I had a sweet mom e-mail me and tell me that she and her 11 year old daughter have a special saying "Love you to pieces, 'cause then there's more." She wanted me to come up with something for her daughter's birthday. I love that they have such a special relationship. I hope her daughter loves it!

Razorback Canvas -Arkansas Fight Song

2009-10-11T01:44:00.000-07:00

Cartoon Canvas

2009-10-11T01:40:00.000-07:00

My version

original cartoon

A woman found this cartoon and said it was just like her father in laws dog named George. She had an idea to paint this on a canvas for him. This one took a while and I probably still missed some details, but I think it turned out pretty well. I hope he loves it!

Abstract Initial Canvas

2009-10-11T01:39:00.000-07:00

Personalized Razorback Canvas

2009-10-11T01:16:00.001-07:00

A sweet Kappa friend of mine, that I haven't talked to in such a long time, found my website and had me do these for her and a friend of hers. She's a big Hog fan. I'm glad they won for you Alison!

Personalized luggage

2009-10-11T01:14:00.000-07:00

Cat Canvas

2009-10-11T01:12:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine asked me to do this for her little girl who wants her room to be "cats" now. Instead of redoing her entire room, we made this to coordinate with the colors she already had in her room. I think it was a great compromise! : )

I also did this one for a sweet baby girl's room (sorry for the bad picture).

New Mixed Media Art

2009-10-11T00:33:00.001-07:00

I was just messing around with some paint, paper, and a piece of wood I had and came up with this. Since finding out that my mom had cancer, this is one of the biblical truths I keep reminding myself of (Matt. 19:26). Nothing is too big for Him to handle. As much as I hate the unknown, He is in complete control.
I think these would also be cute with last names on them for your entry way or above a little table. I love doing new things!!! So fun! You can't see the colors very well...they are much brighter. I apologize for the picture quality.

Fleur di lis canvas

2009-10-11T00:31:00.000-07:00

This was for my sweet friend Casey. Love ya'!

Diva Canvas

2009-10-10T01:14:00.000-07:00

Back in the saddle again : )

2009-09-08T19:18:00.000-07:00

I was a little worried about getting started again, not sure how much time I would be able to devote to painting, but things have gone really well so far. I just have to be better about spreading projects out instead of trying to pull all nighters all the time. : ) Here are some things I have done recently (some right before she was born and some this week).

This is a teacher canvas I painted for a little girl's teacher. I love all the beginning of the year excitement. Meeting new teachers, school supplies, etc... This is the first year I haven't been a part of that. I miss it, but I am loving being home with my two girls. : )

This was a sweet canvas done for a couple in Louisiana expecting their first baby

One of my best friends, from Kindergarten through now, ordered this for a friend of hers.
I hope she loves it. : )

These little soap dispensers were painted for my very good friend Lydia. She is all about black, white, and pink and is redoing her little girl's bathroom to match her nursery (which is adorable!!!). Love you Lydia!

Back in Business : )

2009-09-02T10:22:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe how quickly September 1st came! Adelynn is already 4 weeks old and it's time to get started painting again. I am a little nervous about balancing everything, but also really excited to be painting again. I will have to figure out my new schedule, but we are getting better at our new routines everyday.

Short Break : )

2009-07-03T09:32:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe we are so close to having our baby! With just a few weeks left, I am taking a break from painting, so that I can finish a few things before she arrives and have a little adjustment time afterward. I will continue to take orders, but will not begin completing them until after the 1st of September. I love painting and am excited to continue, but I know my limits. ha! When she arrives, we'll post updates on our family blog.

Lots of new things

2009-06-13T10:52:00.000-07:00

These letters were done for a family that goes to my school. I had their daughter last year and she is such a sweetheart. This is for her little brother's room.

This was done to match Kennedy's new big girl room.

This canvas was done for a really sweet girl in Tennessee. She has such a great personality. I know we'd probably be friends if we got to know each other. This was for their new house.

This was done for a couple getting married in North Carolina.

This canvas was done for another couple getting married in North Carolina.

This was painted for a friend's mom who loves this verse and also loves, yellow, red, and black.

My friend Jenny Bunger asked me to paint this letter B (24") and write a verse on it. She came up with this cute idea.

This was painted for our good friends Kyle and Shannon, who just had a beautiful baby girl!

This is another teacher canvas:

The 2 canvas groupings were done for a neat family in Ft. Smith who has just adopted these sweet kiddos. It's a great story and they are so excited to get these children.

This was done for a baby gift for a little girl:

This was another baby gift, for a baby's baptism:

Gowth chart, canvas, and letters

2009-06-10T06:46:00.000-07:00

This momma asked me to add a verse about growth. I came across this verse and loved it!

These letters were made for a good friend of mine. She wanted each letter to be different. I think they turned out pretty fun. : )

Family ABC Canvas

2009-04-24T07:37:00.000-07:00

This canvas was done for a sweet, sweet family! I have their little girl in my Kindergarten class. They also have an older son and 2 infant twin boys. This woman amazes me! She is so busy, but she takes everything in such joyful stride. I have loved getting to know her this year. She wanted me to do an ABC's canvas, but make it "adult" for their living room. We brainstormed all the things she wanted on it and then it was time to get started. It's 36x48, so it's pretty large and took up our whole dining room table. ha! Here are some pictures:

Custom Growth Chart

2009-04-24T07:35:00.000-07:00

This growth chart was done for a very nice woman who had an idea for a wider growth chart. I went to Lowe's to see what I could find, but I couldn't find any wood the size she was looking for. I had so much fun cutting the wood, sanding it, etc... I think I have loved doing things like that ever since I was a little girl in our garage. It is 12 inches across and really did turn out fun. I'm glad she was happy with it.

Teacher Canvases Galore!

2009-04-24T07:30:00.000-07:00

Being that it's the end of school, I have been making a ton of teacher canvases and graduation gifts. I just finished 15 of them. Here are a picture of some of my favorites. :)
Teacher Canvases ($20)

Graduation/ Initial Canvases ($20)
Some of these were done in school colors and some were done to match favorite colors
or dorm room decor.

I also made a couple for little babies. Here's one of them:

New Art

2009-03-30T15:37:00.001-07:00

These were done for a new friend of mine. After talking to her the first time, we realized that we know a ton of the same people. I'm so glad to have met her. She's so sweet.

Teacher Gifts

2009-03-20T15:38:00.000-07:00

With the end of the year quickly approaching, many people are looking for fun, unique, and affordable teacher gift ideas. Both of these gifts range from $17-20 and are also fun keepsakes for the teachers. See this post for more teacher canvas examples (Other teacher canvases).
Teacher canvases: ($20)

Personalized Clip Boards: ($17):

Dog Portraits & Guitars

2009-02-19T20:24:00.000-08:00

What a sweet dog! You couldn't ask for anything cuter to paint. One of our friends had this painted for his wife's birthday to surprise her! The picture isn't wonderful, but I was really happy with how it turned out. It's so funny how things happen. I never thought I would be painting animal portraits, but thankfully someone gave me a chance to push myself and though I'm still learning, I really enjoy it.

A sweet lady from our school gave me a ton of orders for family members, some of which really challenged my skill level. I warned her ahead of time that I don't have any training and she didn't have to pay me if she wasn't satisfied. She wanted me to do canvases that matched pictures of her nieces jumping on their horses, some of her nephews guitar (they have matching guitars), and also some pictures of their dogs. I was nervous, but excited to try. I'm still working on some others for her, but here are a few I finished.

A few fun things

2009-02-18T20:22:00.000-08:00

These are a few fun things I've been working on...

This was a fun idea I did for my mom's Valentine present. I'm pretty sure I didn't come up with this idea, and can't take credit, but I have no idea where it came from. Kennedy seemed to be drawn to it, so I can't believe there were no injuries and that it made it there in one piece. ha! My mom was so excited.

These were some canvases I did for a sweet girl I teach with. She has twins and they are about the get their very own big girl and big boy rooms. :)

I thought this was such a wonderful idea! My friend Ashley Wanted to do some canvases with their family creed on them. They have such a neat marriage and 4 great kiddos. We have known their family for a long time and she is always a wealth of knowledge to me and everyone else who knows her. : )
(p.s. sorry for the bad picture)

Sweet Dreams Canvas

2008-09-27T14:09:00.000-07:00

This painting was done for the Brilliant Strokes silent auction, in Fayetteville, AR., to benefit United Cerebral Palsy children’s program Conductive Education of Northwest Arkansas. The program assists children with cerebral palsy in finding greater independence.

Canvas for Brandy

2008-09-27T13:55:00.000-07:00

This is for my friend Brandy's little girl and her new big girl room. :)
I love this one. It turned out so fun!

This one is for her new little boy