Auction Time

This is one of those times as a person that when it rains, it pours.  I hate having pushed my last work down on the blog roll - so if you haven't checked out my latest paintings, please scroll down I am so proud of them!

The reason I am posting so soon after my last post is that a painting I've done is being auctioned off on another blog.  Amy, the author of Calling for Justice, is a past client of mine.  I did one of my largest pieces for her earlier this summer, you can check it out here.  In any event, Amy is a stay at home mom of three little ones almost exactly the same age as mine.  She is an extremely faithful person and is an excellent representation of how we should act when called by God.  She is a supporter of the IJM or International Justice Mission.  This group is a watchdog and protector of oppressed individuals all over the world. I was stunned by some of the stories of the individuals they have helped and liberated.  It is so easy to become complacent and put blinders on to the world outside of our own.  Sure we're having one of the crappies financial times of our history, but most of us still have homes or a roof over our head, still have the free will to have or to look for a job.  Most of us don't have to send our children out to work or worse yet sell them because we can't afford to care for them ourselves.  It is tragic.  Amy is doing her part by starting a blog that just talks a bit about these atrocities and is a simple girl trying to raise money for a purpose higher than herself.  When she did her last auction, I was moved and immediately emailed her and asked if I could do a painting for her to auction off.  I would send the painting to whomever was the highest bidder.  I have been blessed and this was something so simple that I could do, for a greater good.  So without hesitate below is the painting up for auction.  

Noah's Window

The reason I chose the title is because I think the sense of hope that the dove gave to Noah and his family is very much the same type of hope that the money generated from this auction will bring.  The hope that IJM brings to so many that are oppressed in our world.  I'd like to think that Noah, although faithful, looked out a window of the ark and saw the dove with the olive branch and exclaimed, "Amen, Praise the Lord, for He is good and He will care for us all!"

So if you are interested please go to Amy's site, Calling for Justice, check out her links and if you really interested, place a bid.  The bidding begins now and ends on Thursday at 9 pm, PST. All of the proceeds of this auction are going to IJM, not a dime will go to me or to Amy, nor will it even go to shipping, so if you want to help, you can, every little bit does.  

Thanks again to Leslie for my wonderful photographs and thanks to you for checking me out, have a great day!

Tiny Angels

I am so excited to share these paintings with you!!!!!

I was contacted a few weeks ago by a wonderful woman named Robyn.  Robyn is expecting a little girl soon and wanted me to do a nursery piece for her daughter's room.  

The nursery piece was pretty straight forward, stripes and dots, I will tell you though, it was one of my toughest paintings.  Which seems ridiculous - but when working with straight lines and perfect circles, plus trying to give it a three dimensional look - well lets just say I had a bit of a temper tantrum and started over - but am so happy with the final result!

Rowyn's Nursery Piece

In addition to that, she wanted me to create a tribute piece to also hang in the nursery in honor of her twin daughters.  You see these two precious souls were born very premature, Robyn and her husband Keith lost Abigail after 6 weeks and Ameilia three weeks later.  I was so touched to be asked to do such an important piece for them.  One of Robyn's friends had written a beautiful poem for them referring to the girls as Tiny Angels.  Robyn wanted me to use this poem as a muse for my painting so that she could hang them up side by side.  I had to digest the poem and the idea of doing this painting for a few days, but was struck with the vision of a antique pram with two tiny angels helping guide to this bright white light, which represents heaven.  In the poem it talks about how these angels are so small there couldn't possibly be wings tiny enough to fit them, so they use balloons to help.  Robyn had asked if I would experiment with a bit of sparkle to add a bit of glow to the balloons, angel wings and heaven. Here is how it all turned out:

Tiny Angels

The Pram

Angel

Here is what Robyn had to say about her paintings:

Annie,
 
I just got the paintings, and they are absolutely perfect. You did such a fabulous job, I can't thank you enough. 
 
The "R" painting matched the bedding perfectly. I don't really think you know how exact the colors match, my husband and I were amazed. We are going to hang the R today, after we run to Home Depot for hanging materials. I will take a picture and send to you once we get it situated. It was exactly what I wanted.
 
The Tiny Angels is beautiful, it made me cry. This week has been a rough week for us, Wednesday was the anniversary of Ameilia's passing, so the painting came at a perfect time. This painting will get hung a little later, I am now going to get the poem printed on a different piece of paper that matches the painting a little better. The spot has already been picked out for this piece. The Angels have so much detail in the hair and wings, and I love the pram. I absolutely can't wait to show this to my family and especially my friend who wrote the poem. Everyone will love it. 
 
Thank you so much for these precious paintings, I will keep them forever! You clearly put your heart into every piece you do, and it's obvious. These two pieces are so special to me already, and I just know Rowyn is going to love them in her room. God has blessed you with a wonderful talent, and I appreciate it!
 
                                                                   Thank you,
                                                                    Robyn and Keith 

Robyn and Keith, I am touched beyond words to have been asked to do this painting for you.  I thank you for this opportunity and have been so moved by your experience.  I pray for a safe delivery of a very healthy baby and know that she will have extra "angels" looking out for her throughout life.  Thank you again!!!

Thanks for checking in and enjoy this weekend!

Contest Car Tracks

I am so excited to share with you some of my latest paintings.  As most or all of you know a few weeks back I ran a contest for new themes.  I was overwhelmed by the response and the ideas! They were phenomenal!  It was difficult but I was able to narrow it down to two winners - a boy and a girl theme.  I have finished the boy theme - a lovely woman by the name of Lori came up with car tire treads.  I just loved the idea - but I wasn't sure how I was going to do it.  Beyond that, Lori has two adorable little boys, so she ordered an additional canvas.  Being a mother of two boys myself, I understand the need at times for "2" of something.  I struggle initially with how I was going to incorporate the names - but after some brainstorming and playing around I got it and I am so happy with the outcome.  Without further ado - Jack's and Ben's Tracks...

Thank you again Lori, for your wonderful idea!  See contests are so fun!  

Coming up next Tuesday a painting I did goes up for auction.  One of my first clients, Amy Taylor, is the author of the blog below - she is a stay at home mom, like me, being called to do something greater than herself.  Here is the link if you want to check it out.  All proceeds will go to the International Justice Mission.  

Thanks again and have a great day!

Finished and Facebook

I did it, I did it!  I finished six pieces, sealed, framed, all done!  I am so very excited. I finished my nursery art and the tribute piece - those will ship out later today.  I also finished a surprise for a friend, and the painting that will be auctioned off (more details to follow).  I also completed my first contest give away, which the winner, Lori, also purchased an additional one for her other son - so I have both of those that I will deliver tomorrow afternoon!  It was a busy night of getting things just so, now all I have to do is wrap, package and ship - which I can't do until I photograph.  

Thank goodness Leslie is back and I will be invading her home this morning with paintings o'plenty.  I will admit that it is so nice to have someone else take the pictures - first because she does an amazing job, second because in my infancy in painting for people it is so nice to get a vote of confidence from someone other than my husband and kids.  I mean they HAVE to like what I do, don't they?  Leslie of course is so gracious and kind -so I don't know if she'd be honest if she hated something -but the fact that she nearly cried with my latest piece makes me pretty sure it turned out well.  I am excited to share these paintings with you over the course of this next week.  

If your name is Steph and you are wondering, "Where is my contest piece?" Do not worry - yours is sketched out and I will be starting it tonight.  I only have one other one that I am currently working on and it is a Christmas present, so it will sit on the shelf until yours is completed.  I am so excited to start this contest piece because I think it is going to be quite adorable! - At least my sketch is - so it has to get better from there!

On to Facebook.  So I am a bit of a 70 year old when it comes to these new fangled online communities.  I was reluctant to join a cloth diapering forum last year when I began to cloth diaper Penny (which I still do btw- go me!), but that turned out fine and I actually met a couple of really great friends as a result of that online forum.  So I am slowly a believer.  I have been dodging the Facebook train for a while - mostly because I am more of a person to person type of gal - I have a friend that is amazed that I have met up with so many of the people I have met online.  That's just me.  In any event - I thought I'll take a look - and I joined, now I sound like an E-Harmony commercial! Well it has been pretty neat to be connected with my old high school friends, to see them, their pictures, their families. I will say that I have been reluctant to invite friends - do they want to be my friend? do they like me?  All of my insecurities resurfacing and it isn't helping that a handful of people, mostly college, have not replied.  Either they aren't as "active" on Facebook, or I do in fact suck.  I had a friend from college excitedly contact me early in the summer. I responded and never heard from her again - I guess a stay at home mom of three, who paints isn't so exciting.  Maybe when Oprah highlights me (I wish) - I will finally have value to some.....  ;o)

So I have been sucked in, as has Ryan. See I have a modicum of control, whereas Ryan does not. He was up until too late last night uploading pictures and looking for old friends.  Now don't get me wrong, I get kind of involved, and check my email, my blog comments and my traffic on my website more than I should, but I can turn it off and move on.  Mostly because I have to and have three little chickens distracting me so.  With that, I am glad for having joined, I am connecting with some great people and surprise, surprise, planning coffee with an old friend for this weekend!  

Okay, I'm off to check on any new friends - check back each day this week - I will be posting all the new paintings I've done and what's up for Penny Pickles.  Thanks!

Productivity

Today is Monday - I believe it might be the beginning of fall - I'm not a 100% sure - you wouldn't be able to tell by the temperatures - be gone 80 degrees - I long for those upper 60's and low 40's at night.  Ahhh - when I graduated college, I really wanted to move to Minnesota - unfortunately there weren't any positions open at the time - how different life would have been...  Ah so I will have to wait to retire to Maine or someplace equally as cool and green.  Not in the trendy "green" you are thinking, but forests, mountains, plant green.  Anyway - I digress, big time!

I was terribly productive this weekend.  I finished four paintings, I have three more well on their way and one that is sketched out.  Leslie is out of town until late tomorrow so I will be connecting with her on Wednesday to see how here trip went and get a few photos snapped of the finished pieces.  One of my contest pieces, the car and tire tread one turned out AWESOME - Lori I can't wait for you to see it!  Oh my goodness, it is just better than I could have imagined.  It's funny some of the more simple paintings give me the most challenges- I believe it's because I want to be perfect with my lines or circles - its weird that they frustrate me so.  

It was a good weekend - Ryan is finally retired from the world of side jobs - it is just too much to juggle him working, side-working, me with all the kids all the time - I'm getting busier with Jon's school (if you attend the Haunted Woods in a few weeks - I will be face painting!), room mom and chairing a pancake breakfast (I am my mother's daughter!) not to mention being pretty busy with painting - so I am grateful he is hanging up his work boots - at least for a while and doing a bit around here.

Saturday, Jon and I went down to the new Nordstroms at the Keystone Mall.  Last March Jon painted a tile that was to be placed in the floor of the new store.  It was an event run through the Zoo, which we are members.  He painted two tiles, chose his primary and they fired it and well it turned out great.  It was so fun to see something he did in the middle of the store (it is located right at the end of the corridor of the kids shoes, outside the girls fitting rooms) - all of the tiles turned out great and how cool is it to shop and see something you did on the floor!  If anything ever happens to his first tile, they have his back-up to replace it.  Pretty neat huh? 

On the Savannah

The proud artist!

 We then went to his football game where he scored another touchdown.  He zigzags back and forth, its a riot. I asked him after the game - why don't you just go forward - you risk losing yards. His reply was, I'm tiring them out mom! Oh the psychology!  He just loves to play center though, which is hilarious since his a slight fella - but he does a great job snapping the ball - so go Jon!

Jon on the move!

We went to Conner Prairie later that day, which if you haven't gone and you live in the area, you should go - it is so much fun.  I had my first glimpse of our teenage years, with Jon moaning about what we were doing - look at historic buildings, are you kidding me???  Needless to say, Jon was the one that didn't want to leave, loved going around the homes, trying out the beds, talking to the docents (except the teacher - all I saw was fear!  I might have to buy Mrs. Bayer a switch for Christmas - that'll keep the kids in line!) But he loved sweeping, and of course sampling their food.  I was surprised how much fun he had, and the fact that he wants to go back again - we'll use that membership yet! 

Farmer Drew

Sunday is football day in our house, so we watched football and since both Ryan AND Jon have fantasy football teams, we watch ALL the games that are on cable - soon they will ship off to Uncle Tee Tee's house and watch every game on his NFL network.  We ate pizza and wings and ended the weekend well, except for the Colts losing.  I think my boy Freeney summed it up best...

  

I feel you buddy - I can't believe it either!

So tonight is Yoga and hopefully finishing up a piece or two.  If not today tomorrow!!!  I am so excited to share these pieces with you - this time I even surprised myself with these completed works.

Take care, have a great day and Thanks!

Babies

 

Penny and her babies

No not me - we're done, but Penny is obsessed with her babies - I couldn't resist an early am picture of Penny.  When she wakes up, she calls for me "Ma!" I come in her room and she is usually waiting for me at the door with both of her babies.  She sleeps with these babies, these babies come with us everywhere!  Usually I can convince her to leave one of the babies at home - one baby is enough to contend with.  The first baby is bitty baby, this was purchased by my mom when I was pregnant with Penny.  When Penny was born, she was smaller than bitty baby - I have pictures - it makes me melancholy to think about that.  The other baby was one that my mom had bought Jon on one of our sojourns to Zionsville, they had, not sure if they still have a killer doll store - mom loved dolls and didn't see any reason why a little boy of 18 months shouldn't have one.  So that is the other baby - now out of HIS boy clothes and into a girlie sleeper.  It is amazing to me the difference with boys and girls, just amazing.  Penny cares for her babies, feeds them, dresses them - pushes them around in the stroller - she even scolds them! (I have no idea where she learned that!) This isn't to say that she hasn't been seen going "Alien" with one of her brother's Ben Ten watches (which is hilarious to say the least).

Mom with my bitty baby Penny - four weeks old

-

Penny at 6 weeks

Wow- so different.  

Anyway - I was overcome with that realization this morning and wanted to share.  

Thanks!

New beginnings and an end

Today is Monday - I decided to title this post new beginnings because there are so many going on right now.  First up, Ryan left this morning to start his new job, almost six weeks to the day. I'd like to say that we spent a lot of time together over the last six weeks, but bless my husbands hardworkin' heart, he was busy most of the time with side jobs, projects, interviews and such. One thing I could count on was help in the morning.  He would get up and make the kids breakfast, while I helped get people ready.  The ultimate divide and conquer.  That ship has sailed so to speak, so now I fly solo or sail solo depending on how you look at it. I decided since I wouldn't have help, I should get up earlier than the kids (which is hard with my early risers) and get myself dressed and start my day.  We did that and it worked, but I am tired.  

It was a pretty lazy weekend, I painted a bit, got frustrated with one of my pieces, I decided to start over, but have to wait until my canvas' come in on Tuesday.  In the mean time I worked on a piece I am especially proud of, the inspiration is a bit heartbreaking, but I pray that it provides peace and a bit of joy to the recipients.  I started my contest paintings, I've gotten them sketched out and one of them started.  They are such cute ideas, I can't wait until I finish them.  When I first start a painting, I have a final image in my head and for a big chunk of the painting process I am frustrated because I want to get it to that point!  I also have to feel out some of the details.  The first time I do any theme it is so time consuming to get the process down, which is why it takes so much more time for custom work.  Once I have done it - additional pieces or replications take so much less time because my layering process and how I do certain aspects of the painting have been figured out.  So I hope to have my latest paintings done by this time next week.  So I can ship them out to their prospective homes.  I also have a few Christmas presents I need to get started on, so hopefully next week I will have a bit of time to flesh those out.  

In the mean time Ms. Leslie came over with her adorable daughter and shot a few pictures of my latest vignette that I finished up for Drew.  

The full piece!

Almost got it!

She also shot a few pics of my little drawers I painted last year for Penny for Christmas.  My mom wanted to get Penny something that would hold her doll stuff.  So we found this unfinished crate and drawer system.  Mom was my biggest cheerleader, so she entrusted me with the painting.  I am so happy with how it turned out and it was a special gift from my mom to Penny.  Something we will cherish.  I've wanted some pictures that do it justice and now I finally have them.  

Pretty purple vine flower

Thanks again to Leslie for being my photographer extraordinaire and turning them out so quickly.  

So for now the house is quiet, the little ones are busy playing together and I am enjoying some coffee, from my new coffee maker.  It was a surprise from Ryan that I am geeked to no end about.  Our other maker was on its way out and I have been ogling this little fella for a while. I love this coffee maker!!!!  

I had a great end to my birthday  - Ryan and I got a chance to see Burn after Reading.  It was great and in typical Cohen brothers style, very entertaining.  I recommend seeing it, if you are a black comedy type of person.  Brad Pitt's character is hilarious and I don't know if it was really as hilarious as I thought it was or if it was the fact that Brad Pitt was playing this type of character.  Anyway you slice it, he was great.  I enjoyed it immensely! 

So Annakah ended with a breakfast at Perkins, the Colts pulling a win out of you know where and seeing a great movie with my darling husband eating popcorn, raisinets and soda for dinner, the kids going to bed without a hitch and a great nights sleep.  What more can a girl ask for??

That's it for now, have a great day, thanks!

Penny's first day

Today was Penny's first day of school.  I was a bit nervous, only because she woke up at 5:30 and didn't fall back asleep until after six.  She got up for good around 7:20 - as did I  - it was a LOOONNNGGG night.  Anyway -so we got her ready and off we went.  Drew was so excited he waited by the door for nearly 20 minutes constantly asking - "can we go, can we go, is it time?"  This is a good thing.  So we went to school, met up with our friends Paige and Charlie and off to class we went.  Penny went into her class with no problems and was a pro at going to "school."  She soon set her place as the alpha female and male of the class and had a really good day.  The director of the program has deemed her "Captain Penny" because she is a girl that knows what she wants, and won't be pushed around.  From what I gather she didn't do any pushing either - so that makes me pretty happy as well.  

Big girl all ready to go!

Brand new shoes! (Thanks Silly Papa!)

Backpack, check. Baby dolls, check. Purse, check.  Yep, I'm ready to go!

CHEESE!

Sweet Girl and her baby!

She is a pretty tired girl right now, so it will be early bedtimes for all my chickens this evening. They are watching the movie Camp Rock (gotta love those Jonas Brothers) and some popcorn as a treat and then it is off to la la land.  I've got some painting to do - Leslie comes tomorrow to photograph, I have one done, one almost done and one that I am just not sure I'll get done.  I would rather err on the side of taking my time - there is always next week.

Tomorrow (or today, depending on when you read this) is my birthday - it is simple phrase - one that my dad would say all the time - either he is senile or hopeful, but alas most of the time tomorrow was not in fact his birthday.  It is however mine.  I will be 32.  I have to say that I really don't freak at birthdays, I enjoy them. I like who I am, and like wine, I get better each year.  I like the way I look, I just think age is a good thing.  I suppose you should ask me that when I am 42.  I digress... The last couple of years I have deemed the two weeks prior to my birthday as "Annakah," kind of like Hanukkah or Chanukah (however you like to spell it), but not religious in anyway and really not of much importance to anyone except me and my immediate family and few friends who get sucked in (so please do not be offended, I am not making light or a mockery of the Jewish faith in any way, shape or form). I don't ask for much, just about 14 days out of the year to be mine, all mine.  I'm not a selfish person, just silly and I love presents.  So tomorrow will official end of Annakah, and I will have to wait until next year, but that is the beauty of birthdays they always come back next year!

I hope you all have a great weekend and next week I'll have some new stuff to share!!!  Thanks!

Firsts and food

Yeah School!

So today was Drew's first day of school.  Now he's attended school in the past, since he was about 21 months old to be exact. He had attended a mom's day out program and loved it (as did I!).  But this year Drew is in bonafide preschool - he goes Tue/Thurs. and also attends lunch bunch, immediately following school.  It gives mommy a nice loooonnng break.  Drew was THRILLED to get up, shower and get ready for school.  He picked out his clothes, got his backpack just right and couldn't wait to leave.  

Shiny new backpack!

He had a great day at school, but for whatever reason he and his little buddy Paige wouldn't smile for ANYTHING.  So I had them do what comes naturally...pout.  So when they are 18 they can look back and laugh.

  

Pouty pusses

Now we're happy!

Penny and I ran some unnecessary errands and upon returning home Drew tells me that I shouldn't put Penny down for a nap because he wants to see her - awww, big brother missed his baby sister.  So they played famously the rest of the afternoon.  Jon came home from school and had a great day as well and tells me - mom you shouldn't have to cook dinner for us, you work so hard, maybe you should call the pizza man.  Ha!  While I would like to believe that my six year old has such tremendous empathy and to answer him by saying "Finally someone understands!"  I realize this is his ploy to get take out pizza.  Jon could eat pizza morning, noon and night, so I see right through his tricks.  So as a compromise we ate frozen pizza.  

On the job front - Ryan will be starting his new job on Monday. It is for a local GC - called RLTurner.  He is thrilled, as am I.  This is not just a job because he was laid off, it is a great opportunity for him personally and professionally.  I am so proud of him and his abilities and his amazing work ethic - it paid off and then some.  We are truly blessed - we relied on our faith to carry us through this challenge and outcome couldn't be better.  This is truly the year of faith for us!

Okay, I need to tuck my chickens in, I have four paintings downstairs all in the process of being painted, three more to start and I have my fabulous friend Leslie coming to photograph as many as I can get done by Friday!  Busy night for Annie!  Here is one that I did last week for my cousin, it was a quickie, she is a demonstrator for Uppercase Living and she did the baby expo downtown this past weekend - so I made her a sign for her booth.  

Anyway - enjoy and thanks! Oh and one final picture - I have tomatoes a plenty - I will be making more salsa and sauce soon!  But for now, enjoy this salad - now I haven't acquired a cow, so the mozzarella is store bought, but the tomatoes and basil are straight from the garden picked!  MMMMM!!!!

what'cha been up to?

It has been quite a few days since I've last post.  Let me fill you in on what I've been up to.  First off, my dad came down to celebrate my birthday early.  As some of you may or may not know, my birthday is next Friday and my sister in law's birthday is on Saturday, my dad's was last Saturday.  So we decided to have a birthday party for the three of us.  Dad came down, Ryan, Dad and I went out to dinner (sans kids) and then Saturday enjoyed Jon's football game (he scored a touch down and was grabbing flags left and right). After the game we came back here and had a big lunch and lots of dessert.  

So here it is Sunday - what have I been doing a la Penny Pickles?  Well, I finished my cousin's large logo sign and Drew's baseball vignette.  I am almost done with another nursery piece and have started a piece that will be auctioned off at my online friend Amy's blog.  All the proceeds of the auction will go to the IJM (International Justice Mission).  I am very excited for this piece.  I also have another piece that I will be starting this weekend that I am so honored to be asked to do.  

I don't have any pictures for now, so my writings and ramblings will have to suffice.  I hope everyone is enjoying this glorious weekend, and take care!

Thanks!

and the winner is...

If you haven't had a chance to see my latest work please scroll on down  to see it.  I feel terrible that it didn't a get a couple more days as "lead" post.  But I do have some anxious ladies who want to know who's won my first contest.  So with out further ado:

Lori G. - race car with car tread spelling out name or monogram

Stephanie K. - night fairies and imps

Now you may be saying that these are so similar to what I have.  Oh, but they aren't.  There were so many awesome entries, and it isn't to say that I won't be using them at a later date - (and the creators may get a little gift or discount when I do them).  My thought was that the race car zooming by, looking at it from up top and seeing the tire treads spell out a name would be such a cool look.  As far as fairies are concerned, well I have some, but this night fairy/imp image is something I envision being like the creatures of the Spiderwick Chronicles.  Where the fairies are actually the flowers, the bugs, kind of transform into these beautiful fairies if you look close enough. 

I will say I was inundated with boy themes - I have struggled with this from the beginning. It seems to be when thinking of themes and imagery it is so easy to conjure up a million things for boys.  Girls on the other hand after fairies, princesses, and butterflies - it gets tricky.  But you can vary the look and create something totally new.  

This was so fun!  I want to thank everyone who participated and took the time to email me. Thank you for your interest!  I will be contacting the winners and working with them, so check back to see what we come up with on those new themes.  If you didn't win, but still would like to see your idea become a reality I am offering a 15 % discount to participants, please email me if you are interested (ann@pennypickles.net).

As a reminder - all Christmas orders need to be in by November 14th.  Please check a few posts down for more details.  

Thanks again and have a great day!

in the jungle the mighty jungle....

I was contacted a bit ago by a lovely woman named Liz.  She had a request to do a canvas for a friend (lucky friend!) who was about to deliver her first. She photographed the bedding from the nursery and wanted me to use that as my inspiration and add the baby's name and birthday. We then discussed fonts and here's how it turned out:

The nursery bedding

My version!

Here is what Liz had to say about her painting:

The final product is WONDERFUL!  I'm very happy with how it turned out.  Thank you for your efforts to match the nursery...you did an excellent job.  I am certain that the new mommy and daddy will be thrilled when they see this new addition to their son's bedroom. Working with you was a delight. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

My favorite - the curious Mr. Hippo

Just hangin' with Mr. Monkey

This bedding was absolutely adorable and I loved its simplicity and the opportunity to add my own flare to it.  I was a bit nervous, since I had never done text like this, but I hope you'll agree it turned out great.  Thank you Liz for hiring me to do this for you and your friend.  It was a joy to work with you!

I haven't forgotten about the contest! I have chosen my winners and will be announcing them first thing tomorrow morning!  More about that later - for now - it's a jungle out there!

Thanks!

its over...

Well my first contest is officially over.  I have to tell you, I am absolutely floored by the submissions and the creativity that flowed from them.  Amazing!  Thank you so very much for all your ideas and the time it took to pull them together and send them to me.  

Now my plan is to review all the ideas and come up with a winner (or two).  Since there were so many awesome ideas, you will have to give me a day or so to digest them all and sketch them out. I will be undergoing a very technical voting system with the accounting offices of Page and Page (Jon and Drew) and results will be kept secret until I unveil them here on my blog.  I will contact you personally if you have won, and we can figure out the details of preferred colors, shipping info, etc. My goal is to announce the winners on Thursday, September 4th. 

In the meantime I am waiting for feedback on an adorable jungle themed tile for a nursery and have finally finished Drew's baseball vignette! I'm also just about done with a large logo sign.  It has been  a busy few days!  

Sunday night I had a bit of a panic attack about Christmas.  I mean I received such an awesome response with this contest, I am nervous about the holiday season.  Not to mention some of the not so subtle hints from friends and family about what they would like for Christmas. So lets talk about Christmas!  

I have decided that since it is now September 2nd, we can officially discuss the holiday season without seeming too obnoxious.  That being said, if you are interested in having a painting done for the holidays for yourself or as a gift here are my guidelines:

• All requests must be in by Friday, November 14, 2008.
  
• If your request is submitted after November 14th, we will need to discuss the nature of your painting and delivery date options.  
  
• My goal is to have all paintings out by Monday, December 15th, 2008.  That way you are insured of a Christmas Eve delivery.  
  
• Please don't think it is too early to think Christmas!!!! If you aren't sure if you are ready to order, we can at least start the collaborating process.  If you want a custom piece those usually take a few emails or conversations to get on the same page.  

I have several new projects in the works some very, very big and some a bit smaller.  I am so very excited with all of the variety that has been presented to me since I've started.  I want to thank all of my clients for their creativity and most of all trust and faith in me to deliver something special enough to hang in your home.

Thanks again and have a great day!!!