In the studio....

Some of my latest works..... 

Photography by Brooklyn Claudia McDaniel!

You can find her here.....

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Brooklyn-Claudia-Photography/193734098794?pnref=lhc

Day of Creating with Friends...

It was rainy outside, but inside we were all having a blast! Using Cosmo Cricket theme papers, the girls created their own story boards! Each one was so different and had its own story. They were encouraged to either bring their own "goodies" or go through my "stash" of goodies to personalize their pieces evens more. The girls came up with ideas that I hope to use in the future, including this little window box. Don't you just love it! She used different flowers until she came up with the perfect fit! I love it! The class was so successful that another has been planned on the 21st of this month!

Creating ~ Shower Gift for the Bride....

This weekend Whitney and I were invited to a wonderful Bridal Shower for her friend, Katelyn. Katelyn was one of the beautiful bridesmaids in Whit and JD's wedding.

I started thinking about what I could get her for some time now. Then it hit me, she loves the vintage look like me, I will create for her.

Cosmo Cricket has this wonderful theme paper and for Katelyn, it was perfect. I started with a 12" X 12" board with a 1-1/2" depth. I love these deep boards because it gives me the option of creating on the sides. On this piece I attached some chandelier parts on the side. I place a nest at the bottom representing the two starting their own little nest. I also placed a key and heart together. I really think I was able to capture Katelyn!

A Cool Picture....

Working in my studio, I looked down and thought,

"WOW, what a cool picture this would make. "

So, I took it!

We can find beauty in the most unusual things....

Look around and tell me where your beauty is found today?

Time to Bloom Mantle....

With all the cold weather here in Georgia.... I needed something to lift me up! I got up yesterday morning and decided to start decorating for Spring. It's my favorite time of the year. There is nothing better than walking the yard and seeing all the daffodils poking their little heads up from the soil. It gives me hope, makes me feel good.

My theme this season is Time to Bloom. This came from a piece that I created several weeks ago. I think this is probably my favorite piece that I have ever made.

5 Pay it Forward Gifts.....

My 5 Pay it Forward Gifts.....

Finding the Inspiration.....

A few more ChatterHangings..... When I am working on my ChatterHangings, I usually work of 3-4 at a time. This allows for the paint / paper to dry on each individual piece as I am working on another. The perfect work day for me is to have three pieces waiting for me in the morning that have been painted and the paper has been glued down the night before. I usually finish these three pieces and also by the end of the day have three more pieces painted and glued to work on the next day.

My inspiration for a piece usually comes from the paper that I use for the background, possibly a Bible verse or quote that I have read that day or sometimes the inspiration comes from the feelings that I am experiencing that day. I think each artist has a different place they find inspiration and I think that an artist is within all of us. The difference between me and someone who says they can't do it...... I broke down the wall that said, "I can't". I picked up a brush and just started, not fearing the final outcome but looking forward to the outcome.

The RIGHT motive....

A good friend of mine posted the most interesting post on facebook.

Pay it Forward 2011:

I promise to personally deliver something handmade to the first 5 people who leave a comment here. They must in turn post this and send/deliver something they make to the first 5 people who comment on their status. The rules are that it must be handmade by you and it must be sent to your 5 people sometime in 2011.

When I read this, I thought it was such an awesome idea. I immediately put my name down for a gift from Melinda and quickly went off to post the same rules on my facebook page. I was so excited to see the people commit on my page. I immediately started making gifts for each individual, thinking about their likes and their personalities. The more I thought about it I began to doubt my reasons for participating in this. Was I doing this out of the goodness of my heart or was I doing this simply to be part of the group? It has always bothered me to want to do something just to be a part of "the group". I tried to teach my children to create their own walk in life and if others wanted to follow, let them. If they didn't, enjoy what they were doing and stick to who they are deep inside.

All day this thought lingered over me, constantly asking myself why I was doing this. Then, WHAM... A God Moment..... I was checking my e-mail and there was an e-mail labeled YOUR VERSE FOR THE DAY! It caught my attention because this was the first day that I had received MY VERSE FOR THE DAY! Through all my doubt I was asking God to help me. HE knew the best way to show the answer.... placing it right on my computer screen. I slowly (and I mean slowly because that is the way my computer now works) pulled up the verse and to say the least I was shocked.....

Let all your things be done with charity....

I Corinthians 16:14

What a gentle reminder God gave me as I strive to keep reaching out to serve HIM.

I pray that charity not only reigns in my heart, but shines each and every day in my actions!

Chatter Hangings.....

Chatter Hangings ~ Little tiny art pieces to hang from your kitchen cabinet knobs.

I started making these little pieces years ago and today with all the wonderful fabric flowers that are offered, they work up so fast. The hardest thing is having the patience to allow all of the papers that you glue down to dry properly. I usually do all of my gluing at night and then by the morning they are ready to be sanded and finished. Many times I will use vintage necklaces for the chains. And as always, I love using scrabble tiles.

I always want each piece to tell a story. In the first piece, I used an old vintage love letter. You can tell at the bottom where it says, " love you and miss you". For me, art is a chance to motivate, encourage and inspire others. That is why I call everything my Chatter Art. I want to tell a story that will make the person receiving the art piece feel more encouraged and inspired.

Waiting for Prince Charming....

Ok... It is so true!!! I love the thoughts of love! Why not, I have my Prince Charming! I knew the first moment I met Reid that HE was the one God had waiting for me! In every respect HE was a Prince Charming and from our first blind date lunch, I knew I was going to make him mine. That day I even called my mother to tell her that I had found the young man that I was going to marry. It didn't take long for me to convince him that I was also the one that HE was waiting for! Within months we were engaged and within a year we were married in a big Church wedding.

So many times today girls and boys settle for less than what God has waiting for them. I always taught Chase to be someones Prince Charming and I always told Whit to wait patiently on her Prince Charming. I can tell you that both found their perfect match not only for them... But, for our family! I truly believe that God has a Prince Charming waiting for every young lady... We just have to teach them to wait upon the Lord for HIM to reveal their

Prince Charming!

Having fun finishing old projects.....