January News 2018

Hi Friends!

***Happy New Year***

I hope you all enjoyed a wonderful holiday season 

and the new year is off to a great start.

This newsletter marks the first for 2018 

and I'm excited for this new direction after nearly 11 years with blogspot.

Here in Texas we are really feeling the cold.

It's been a colder then normal winter for us and I know for most of the country

it's been snowy and very cold too.

Of course we never see this scene here, but I love to paint them!!

Hand painted snow scene ornament!

With the weather keeping us inside, It's been the perfect time to refresh

and get organized.

Each new year I catch the redecorating bug after the Christmas decor is put away. 

I love to get organized, clean out, refresh and update.

The above vintage chair, got a repaint in Lace chalk paint and my sewn cushions got an accent

using my grandmother's crocheted lace edging.

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This season I've been busy recreating my studio

taking the look from years of black French toile to blush pink and black for a shabby chic style.

Well, I guess I'm going back to that look in  my studio since my etsy shop has reflected 

this style of decor for my customers who love it, 

and who, I appreciate more then I can say!!

So cottage roses and more blush pink with white has made it's way back

to my studio and I love the fresh new look.

It is easily worked into the Farmhouse style too!

I hope next month's newsletter I'll be able share my finished studio with you here.

I still love the French toile in black, but needed an update.

However I will always have a touch of black as an anchor in my studio and cottage.

This year I've adapted a state of being to

"Be Grateful"

Instead of concentrating on a word, I'm going for an everyday Grateful

way of living.

Do you choose a word for the year?

I want to pin the blessings on my heart as I create.

Lots of new items are on the way to my etsy shop.

Small tables, shelves, sewing boxes, and more.

I've heard from you that these are items you are interested in,

so I will treasure hunt to bring them your way.

 Hand painted and designing in a pink blush shabby style.

The fresh color of blush has made it's way to our homes

in winter styling and more.

I am loving it too and traded my aqua for blush as well.

During the winter months, there's more time for reading

and I'm always near by my books which give me tons of inspiration

that I can bring to my shop.

This year marks another year with my long membership in

The Society of Decorative Painters since 1988.

I continue to study, learn and grow from that long association.

The decorative arts has been a joy and a blessing over the years.

I've met so many wonderful folks that have become lifelong friends,

all because I swing a paint brush.

To stop by the Society of Decorative Painters

the link is on my sidebar and we'd love for you to visit anytime.

In the next several weeks and months, I will continue

designing for VIDA and Co. bringing home decor and more to customers around the world.

There is always discounts going on and special sales at VIDA.

All the while, the makers using the designs of many artists like myself,

employee and bring jobs and a trade to so many!!

I love giving back and this is a wonderful way to do that.

The link to my collection of 300 plus items is located on the sidebar here.

The above scarf is made from one of my designs.

Many of you have also asked for more vintage items.

I will be adding a section in my shop for that category.

A few items were tried last season and it was well received.

You've also asked for more neutrals in white.

So I will be adding pretties for that category too.

In the next few weeks,

Jemma from At Home with Jemma

will be sharing a post for Valentine shoppers.

Specials and more will be offered from etsy sellers

including myself.

Check back here for the date which will be located on the sidebar.

I also invite you to visit my gallery on Instagram.

Each day I post photos for inspiration

on my home decor account.

It's a beautiful venue to share 

and keep the conversation going

 while keeping in touch with many good friends.

Pinterest also is a great source for inspiration 

and I continue to add to my boards there along with a board

for both my shop and collections.

In other current news,

Did you know that to shop etsy, you no longer have to be a member.

Yes, that's right. Guest shoppers can visit shops without signing up to membership.

This has really increased traffic and sales for many shop owners.

As always, I have sales going on throughout the shop or in  certain shop sections.

A new sale is coming for the next month and I hope you will visit

my SHOP to find out what I have in store!!!!

In the meantime, if you have any questions, feel free to contact me through my etsy shop.

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Before I go for the month, I want to share an email my hubby received from a work associate.

 The author is unknown but I was given permission to share. 

If anyone reading this can claim it as their own, please let me know so I can give you the credit.

MAKE ME A BLESSING IN 2018

Life is better when you are happy, but life is at its best when others are happy because of you: Be faithful in touching other's hearts. Be an inspiration. Nothing in nature lives for itself. Rivers do not drink their own water. Trees do not eat their own fruit. The Sun does not shine for itself and Flowers do not spread their fragrance for themselves. Living for others is a rule of nature. We were all born to help each other. No matter how difficult the situation you find yourself in, Still do good to others. May our prayer for 2018 be, “Lord make my life a blessing so that the world can be blessed through me” Jesus said he that loses his life shall find it and this principle works throughout all of nature and is described by the phrase, you are the salt of the earth. 
Make me a blessing in 2018!

God Bless You All!!

 Best Regards for a great new year!!