A few more for Prairie Hearth...

Here are just a few more paintings that I've been working on for Prairie Hearth (a WONDERFUL boutique in Fremont, Nebraska). 

I am super excited to get to work on some ideas I have that combine painting with dimensional embellishments.  I can feel a Hobby Lobby or Michael's trip in my future!  :)  Importantly, I need to stretch a bit and try something new.  Stay tuned...

Twig Flags

Ready for some thrift store junkin' and nature walks?  Now is the time.  Here is your excuse:  TWIG FLAGS!

Show your Memorial Day and 4th of July spirit by making some of these fun twig flags.  They add a special pizazz  to pots or make a great display in an old watering can or Ball jar.  Here's how: 
1.  Hunt for flag picks at thrift stores.  (Remember that if you choose to tea-stain these, the fabric of the flag pick may/may not take the tea-stain.  I had the best of luck with the cotton-ish kind.)  I found mine for around 30-50 cents each.
2.  Go for a walk and pick up old sticks that are straight, dead and about 1/2"-5/8" in diameter.  Cut them to the desired length.
3.  Remove the flags from the dowels and get out the Lipton- -it's tea-staining time.  Squeeze excess tea-water and lay flat to dry.
4.  Once dry, get the glue gun fired up and attach the flags to the twigs.
5.  Sit back and smile at your creation!  Embrace the oooooos and ahhhhhhhs.  :)

I LOVE MY JOB!

The other night while shopping at a local Gordmans store I saw my plates!  Gordmans is carrying some of my designs that I created for The Hearthside Collection!  I saw my teacher's apple design, large house platter and plates from my Mud Room/Pantry/Kitchen/Laundry set.  I know this sounds so dorky, but I turned a few over just to see my signature on the back.  It was a great moment.  I had a smile from ear to ear and was able to take a good deep breath.  I can't tell you how much that moment meant to me.  I was, and am, so thankful and so thrilled. 

P.S.  Giddy, I immediately called my husband and my mom from my cell to relay the news.  :)

hail on our deck... the kids were in ahh

In sketching mode...

'Just a little pencil sketch that might be whispering to get painted...

GIANT coloring "page" mural

Living in the Midwest, we are used to heading to the tornado shelter...often.  Even with toys tucked into the emergency kit, it can be a challenge to keep the little ones occupied in the shelter for lengthy periods of time.  How could that dark, unattractive space under the stairs be more kid-friendly?
I took to the drywall, with pencil in-hand, and created a one-of-a-kind wall mural that is a GIANT coloring "page" - for them to actually color in!  I made sure to place most of the design on the bottom 1/3 of the wall (so the kids can reach it).  Then, the penciled mural was traced using large-tipped black markers (found at the Dollar Tree to save bucks).  The kids helped by erasing all remaining pencil lines.
Now, the tornado shelter is stocked with crayons and a new activity.  They can color in the mural while we wait for better weather.

*This GIANT coloring "page" idea could easily be done in any kids play space.

Okay...just one more...