Baby steps

I said it before and you will here it again, I love creating unique and custom pieces!  I hope you enjoy looking at these new pieces. 

 Let me know your thoughts!   

Babies...aren't they beautiful.  This little beauty is Amelia.  She is being christened today. 

Her great Aunt wanted something special and thought of me.  

I got a little more creative after we put Amelia's in the frame and wanted to share.  

Then there are the twins.  Two little miracles that share an animal themed room. 

 So we found out their colors and got creative!  

A dear friend of Ashley's family wanted to give her something special for her high school graduation.  So we created a personalized matted collage (5 x 7).  "Friends become your chosen family" is my clients standard quote. 

I think it is a wonderful way to add your personal touch to your gifts!

  

Some of Andy's favorite things, fond memories and a little inspiration all wrapped in a personalized collage.  His special aunt and uncle who thinks he is a terrific young man!  

The Dance of the Butterflies

My mom and I took the kids to see the butterfly exhibit.  One of our first summer excursions.

Since it was the exhibits last days, traffic was nuts, people everywhere and the heat squelching.

The fluttering of a butterfly's wings can effect climate changes on the other side of the planet. ~Paul Erlich

Then we arrived to the exhibit.  Everyone relaxed and enjoyed the experience. Simply watching as butterflies danced and chasing each other.  Children and adults waiting patiently hopeful for one to land on their hand.

Love is like a butterfly:

It goes where it pleases and it pleases wherever it goes. ~Author Unknown 

  

A sleeping sculpture looked so peaceful.  

Just like the butterfly, I too will awaken in my own time. ~Deborah Chaskin

As our little summer outing continues this summer I learn a litte more.

To simply sieze the moment & enjoy time.  I am filling my inspirational well...a drop at a time. 

The butterfly counts not months but moments, and has time enough. ~Rabindranath Tagore

The need to BREATHE

I am a Capricorn.  I looked up "Capricorn" and found we are perfectionist, usually ambitious and have a sense of purpose and a great faith in their own ability.  We are thinkers, and usually successful in business.  As a rule very independent and serious, beneath our reserve we are sympathetic to anyone who needs a strong shoulder to lean on.  We also have a striking sense of humor..I do like that part of me.

 

I find the astrological thing pretty interesting.  Then I read "Fear is at the root of all Capricorn troubles. It is necessary for them to chip away at those fears. They must try to be gentle with themselves, but do the work".  WOW, that hit home.  Lately I have been struggling with every letter in the word F E A R .  Thus my title, "The need to Breathe".  I need to do it more.  Thanks to my friend Kim for the reminder!  Take time.  Spend time with the ones I hold most dear. 

Be gentler with myself. 

  

So I am. wish me luck!  I will share some of my journey along the way.  If I am writing to myself, then that is okay too.  But if not, thanks for being here!  Taking baby steps this summer...in my flip flops of course!    

   

Talk soon and live colorfully,

Darla

Fresh from the Farmer's Market

When I was 16 we moved from the city to the almost country.  Well I thought it was the country considering our high school was next to a farm...with real cows and sheep.  In fact they are still there!  

After college I moved to a small southern town then back north to the windy city and full circle back home.  A lot has changed here, but we still have that small town feel.  I took my daughter to the local farmer's market to be inspired and bring home some homemade goodies too. 

Irons Fruit Farm is a local farm with luscious fresh picked strawberries.

 I want some now...yum!

Arn't they beautiful?  Fresh from Gravel Knolls Farm

She was such a pretty girl!  This is how you wear orange and turquoise!

"Peaceful Acres" is located  in Martinsville, OH.  I am planning to visit this summer...I will share after my visit.  I am looking forward to lots of inspirations there!   

I love lavender...isn't it beautiful?  You can almost smell it.  Can't you?

A personal touch

I love to create custom pieces for very special occassions! Over the years I have created quite a few. I am truly honored when a client puts their trust in me. Usually we sit down and chat about what the recipiant is like, their favorite colors, style, etc. Here are a few recent pieces.

Our popular monogram trivet and hand beaded spreader

Mrs. G has three girls, one already received a custom platter for her wedding. Now Kristin is getting married. So the tradition continues! A special wedding shower platter from wonderful parents their daughter and new son in law. She borrowed the new plate so we could be inspired. That's a mom's love for you!

A very special 50th anniversary gift... One of a kind too!