Yesterday, for the first time I experienced my first white Christmas in Atlanta. I wanted to share a few ornaments that I made as gifts for a few people. I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and a blessed new year!

I was playing around with this design to offer to a friend who is looking for a personalized gift for family member. I also want to show a local gallery that carries some of my paintings what they think of my designs. Next, I will make an ornament for a little boy. What should I use for a little boy's ornament? A boat, car, or teddy bear. What do you suggest?

Frosty the Snowman

I know many of you have been going to Thanksgiving programs and feast this past week. So have I, but in the midst of it all I find sometime to squeeze a few creative projects along the way. All I need to do is add some ribbon and this gift is complete!

Christmas is Near

I have been busily working on Christmas gifts for teachers and neighbors. I decided to get a jump start before all the craziness of the season begins .

I even added a few of the ornaments to my shop. After I painted these little snowmen, I added some glitter to give it that frosty feel.

Christmas Gifts

Here is a sneak peek of some teachers' gifts I am making before the rush of the holidays begin. I was inspired to create this gift when I visited my youngest son's classroom. The teacher had a framed picture with a nostalgic blackboard with an apple and a few other class items. I decided to try to make an ornament with that same feel. My mom who is a retired teacher gave me some helpful suggestions for my second sample . What do you think? I like the way it turned out!

Here is a little snowman who can't wait to adorn himself on a Christmas tree.

Mini paintings

I wanted to show you some of my new paintings that I prepared for my show this past weekend. I decided to make more mini landscapes that are similar to my larger paintings, so to fit every budget. I will be making more very soon. Enjoy your hopefully beautiful autumn day!

Art Blocks

This week has been busy week getting ready for my show that will be in two weeks. I have been working on some new paintings and creating some art blocks from some of my existing paintings. I want to make sure I have different price points to fit every budget.

New painting

I was experimenting with creating a flower with a patterened border around the edges. I am also thinking of using this design as a clock.

New Painting

I am working a new painting that I had to show you. Just a few more finishing touches, then the painting is all complete.

New Totes!!

It has been a while since I have last posted since I been busy keeping my kids entertained during the last month of summer break. Today is there first day of school, so I am able to start creating more while they are at away. Here are a few totes that I have worked on this past weekend. I will post them in my shop within a few days. What do you think?

New Mini Sculpture

I wanted to show you a sculpture I submitted this for a holiday issue at Somerset Magazine. I will keep you updated if they decide to use it for their issue.

Block Printing

I created a new block print with one of my designs that I just had to show you. I did not get a solid color all over liked I had hoped, but the sketchy effect turned the design into an interesting new image.

New Piece

I wanted to show you a few new seasonal pieces I am working on for my portfolio. I am hoping to get some freelance work in the near future with these new images. I will keep you posted on my future progress.

Art Journaling

I have been taking this wonderful online calligraphy class by Martha Lever called Calligrafun. Here is my attempt to master this fine skill. I have always wanted to take a calligraphy class for a long time, so I finally decided to go for it. I made the book out of watercolor paper, folded it in half to make my very own journal book.

Tick Tock

I have been thinking about making my birds into clocks for a while now, so I finally took the time...hehe to put this idea into action. I will have these available in my shop later this week.

Flag Bird?

I have had this idea in my head for awhile, so I had to finally put it down on watercolor paper. As you can see this birdie is very patriotic. Just a few more finishing touches then I will be all done.

Enjoy your day!

Studio Time

This new painting was inspired by the upcoming Mother's Day holiday. I will probably make a card from this image to add to my shop this week. I painted the images on watercolor paper with acrylic paints.

Treasure Box Tutorial

I painted a little paper mache box that I thought would make a great gift for Mother's Day or Teacher's gift. I wanted to share with you how I painted the box.

I applied purple and white Liquetex acrylic paint on the box. I made sure not to mix the colors together entirely, so you can see a little of the white to show through the purple. This gives it a sort of marbelized effect.

Next I applied the paint on the outside using angled brushstrokes.

Now it is all painted and ready to apply the image.

I glue the photo on and allow it to dry. The last step is to paint very carefully around the bird to cover the blue background. I apply a coat or two of varnish to seal in the paint.

New Painting

Just a few more finishing touches on my painting before it is complete.

Doodling Away

I am working on some new sketches and painting some new pieces on canvas. I will show you my progress in a future post. Have a great day!

Spring Treasury

One of my fellow team members from Etsypaper chose my treasure box and other beautiful spring themed items from our group to be in this Etsy treasury. Have a great first day of spring!

Packing Up an Order

I am packing up this order to go to the Netherlands in the mail today. It is such an honor to know someone appreciates my work and to think that a small part of what I created will be all the way across the Atlantic! Thanks Etsy for this global handmade community!

New magnets!

Here are some new magnets that I have available in my Etsy shop. Just in time for the spring season. Come spring come!

Back to painting

It has been a while since I have painted I am ashamed to say. I have been focusing on my design and leaving my poor painting on a shelf for some time. I have been floating some ideas in my head but have not taken the plunge to put those ideas to the canvas. Hopefully I will allow life to slow down just for a few, to explore my passion for painting. I will keep you posted!

Design Work

I used an existing design, changed the color to make a new journal book. I'm also thinking of creating some cards with this pattern design. Look back at your old sketches or designs change or alter them some way to create an almost fresh new design. I will show you the finish product later.

Journal Book

I have been enjoying working on another journal/notebook. I am using the Japenese stab binding technique. This journal will be available in my shop by the end of the week.

New Valentines Card

Since Valentine's Day is just around the corner I created a card for the holiday. I also have stickers. They are available in my shop now.

Doodle book

I got this cute little book at a gift shop several years ago. I decided to add a little flair to the notebook with one of my images. It is available at my Etsy shop.