Aunt Lisa's Paintings

My Aunt Lisa came to visit me this summer. We had a fantastic time. We made a trip to a craft store and she bought me three canvases to paint. She wanted art that meant something in her home. I kinda feel the same way. It is hard for me to pick up something from a chain and hang it in my home. I felt honored that she thought something I did would be special. This fall we went down for her son's, my cousin, wedding. I made sure that her paintings were ready for the trip. Each canvas is 2' x 3'. I didn't want to ship them. Not to mention that I wanted to see her face when she saw them for the first time. I can't wait for her to frame them and hang them in the perfect place in her home. I am sure I will add the polished pictures to this post. 

fancy C step stool

Every home needs a step stool, especially one with kids. This was a Christmas present for my sister-in-law. I did one for my mother a few years ago and she has asked for one ever since. It was our turn to have her name for Christmas. It was one person this year I didn't think about what to buy. She was happy to finally have her stool.

John Deere 4020

A watercolor and ink drawing of a John Deere tractor. My parent's asked me to do this painting for their friends. Their friend was a farmer and owned one of these tractors many years ago. This was commissioned when I was raising money for the "Keep Pounding 5K" I did in the spring. 

A is for... Airplane, Apple, and of course Alex.

A family at church adopted a baby boy. It was time for the shower and I wanted to do something special. my "go to" handmade gift for a new baby are hairbows. This didn't quite work. Then I remember, "Hello, I can do a picture." I tried to keep it simple and something that could fit in his room in the future too. At the shower today the painting received lots of Oh's and Ah's. Sometimes I think people are just being polite with their reactions. The best thing is when the mom really likes it and she did. 

"Mature" Hairbows

A few weeks ago my friend called wanting to know if I could make her some bows. Her problem was she wore a white shirt to work everyday and needed a splash of color. Looking at the cost of bows, she thought she would rather pay me to do them then give her money to the stores. So I gladly helped her out. 

I was really happy with the way the collection turned out. But it doesn't hurt when you have a great friend in mind when you are making the bows. 

 These are the satin burned edges that are oh so popular. And I must say, fun to make.

Here is the link for the tutorial for these roses. I pulled them tighter which made them more ruffly.

http://asewingodyssey.blogspot.com/2010/06/felt-rose-tutorial.html

 Who doesn't love a good flower?

These are gathered by pulling the existing wire or from a running stitch.

And of course an adorable model. 

freezer paper ballerina stencil

Custom tote. This is the silhouette that the dance studio uses. I drew it on freezer paper and cut it out. Although the image the studio uses doesn't have the tutu, I used my artistic license to embellish. 

Keep Pounding 5K fundraiser artwork

Every time I put paint on my brush it is as if I am taking a deep breath. I do get painter's block as I stare at a blank canvas, but as soon as the color touches the page the magic begins. Some pieces are stronger then other, but the joy is in the process. 

These paintings were for a purpose. To raise money for the Levine Children's Hospital Cancer Center. They are using the money to bring the best treatments and trails here to Charlotte. This will allow patients to get the newest and best treatment here at home. 

The 5K was great. I ran the entire race with my 9 year old niece. She set the pace in the beginning. I don't think she slowed down till the 2nd mile for the water table. I was a great experience and one that I won't forget. And what a great way to finish the race than to run across the football field.

 For a Clemson fan for their Clemson room!

For my friend and her three daughters.

A Hibiscus flower painting with added texture.

An underwater scene for a girl's room.

Thanks patrons for all your support in this great cause!