This is sort of turning into art week here on the blog.  There is just a lot happening with my artwork right now, so that’s what was in the hopper to share.  I do have some other home projects going on, though, and I’ll share some of those next week.  I really just need to take the time to get some photos of what I’ve been working on. Anyway, today I wanted to officially announce that I am offering commissioned paintings.  I’ve taken one or two here and there, but I always felt a little intimidated by them!  Actually, a lot intimidated!  But, I feel like I’ve grown as an artist both technically and in acknowledging my own abilities.  (It’s interesting that we have to nurture the ability to say, “Hey, I’m actually good enough to do this!”)  I feel more comfortable in my style and process and, while I

This is one of those you-just-never-know stories that goes all the way back to 2004 when I ordered a book from a home decor book club.  The book was called .  The cover of that book is unfortunate, but the interior is scrumptious.  I poured over that book and, almost 20 years later, it’s still a favorite home decor book to revisit.  The book features the homes and tips of shop owners, designers, and stylists.  And one of the shops featured in that book is Ekster Antiques. Fast forward to my first Lucketts Spring Market as a vendor in May of 2010.  As I milled around to look at other booths, I was so enamored with one particular tent that was filled with natural tones and European Antiques.  I snapped this picture, a little slice of the beautiful space curated and styled by Caroline of Ekster Antiques.  I didn’t make

The art side of my business has been slowly chugging along for a few years.  I go through spurts and seasons but didn’t really commit to producing enough to have regular art sales (about once every six weeks) until this year.  And, wow!  What a difference it’s made.  I know I shouldn’t be surprised that commitment and follow-through can have a significant impact on many aspects of growth, but it’s still surprising.  I find myself feeling more like an artist, like that might be the simple answer when someone asks what I do.  It’s not all I do, but it’s feeling more and more like it’s becoming the main thing I do.  Not only am I having regular art sales, but I am also getting more requests from clients who want custom work for specific projects or who would like to carry my work in their retail spaces.  More of