In my studio

Tis the week before Thanksgiving and all through the house, I'm painting like crazy ~ there's even paint on my spouse!

This keepsake ornament for a grandmothers tree, is a portrait of granny with grand-daughter propped on her knee.

The sweet portrait ornament with the old dogs covered in gray, was made for a friend and kiln-fired today.

 

And for the best friend who's been there through the years, is a keepsake gift which is sure to bring laughter and tears.

The ornaments once fired are so cheery and bright, I know they'll be met with unbridled delight.

Now back to the studio, there's more work yet in store - but you can click here if you'd like to see more.

Tis the season

For days and evenings spent sketching and painting as Holiday orders start rolling in!

I love those wonderful customers who order their custom Christmas gifts before the holiday rush sets in! 

I just finished sketching and painting three custom ornaments for one customer - they will be going into the kiln tonight, along with an engagement and baby portrait ornament.

 I love the sense of fun expressed in this wedding portrait.  The couple is on a football field and you can see a school in the background.  This setting obviously holds a special place in the hearts of the bride and groom.  I would love to hear the story behind their special picture.

I adore this little girls hat, which is probably as tall as she is.  An outline pen is perfect for outlining the painted portraits.

 For this engagement ornament, I had to crop together a couple of different photographs to create an image of the couple in front of Disney Land - where they are set to be married come March 2012.

Now...off to the kiln for the firing process.   If you are interested in seeing more custom ornaments, or in placing an order ~ just click here   And thanks for stopping by!!

A Bridal Shower becomes a Family Affair

 

This past weekend we celebrated the engagement of my sister-in-law ~ the youngest, and last of my husbands six siblings, to get married ~ and her fiance - who is also one of seven children.

Her bridal shower gifts became a true combination of talents between my daughter, my husband and myself ~

My daughter drew a sweet sketch of the bride, groom and their puppy.

The image from her drawing was then used to create wine charms, a wine label 

and a button mirror for the bride.

I made a set of cuff-links for the groom,

hand painted and fired a pottery wine cooler,

while my husband cooked, chopped and mixed together this delicious roasted shrimp and orzo salad

(find the recipe here)

and creatively packaged together the handmade gifts.

Everyone chipping in their talents to help celebrate the marriage of this wonderful couple.