You can dance if you want to...

I am so excited!

I once posted a photo just like this of a print I wanted with these lyrics from Men Without Hats' popular song, The Safety Dance. Of course, true to form, I misplaced the link so I couldn't find the source of the art. Lucky for me, Etsy posted this exact image and the shop where it came from on their blog last week and I whooped with delight!

I immediately contacted the seller, Marianne from The Color Bee, who agreed to make one for me in a cheery yellow and white, for the art wall I want to create in my home. I have been collecting some fun pieces from Etsy artists and have quite a collection of great finds. And as soon as I can figure out where I want this art wall to be, I will have a great way to showcase my finds.

But I LOVE this one!

Because really, if you won't get up and dance you really are missing out on all of the fun!

Artiste Extraordinaire...

I am no artist. The extent of my art collection is paintings and drawings by my kids that I stick to my fridge, or frame in a Walmart frame and beam with pride as I pass. Still, I'd have to be a complete ding dong not to know when good art is before me - especially great art like that of Lara Harris. I discovered Lara awhile back and marvelled as I pored over her amazing portfolio, on display at her website and blog. In fact, the minute I saw the incredibly life-like paintings of various people's pets, I knew her art would make the perfect gift for Matthew and Jenny Mead when they came to visit. Graciously, Lara pulled a high-speed miracle out of her hat by painting the Mead's sweet pup, Oscar, in record time and it landed in my happy hands just days before they arrived.

I knew I had hit the gift-giving jackpot when they tore off the wrapping and saw their beloved pet before them against a backdrop very familiar to them - in fact, Lara painted the image from a photo I had sent to her that I lifted from their site. Tell me, is this not the perfect duplicate of their little Oscar?

If you desire a painting done by a true professional (on so many levels) then head on over to Lara's studio and see for yourself what unbelievable talent she possesses. In fact, Lara has sweetly offered to paint something of mine (inanimate..any suggestions?!) and I am on the hunt to find the perfect image. Again, any and all suggestions are welcome!

According to Lara's profile, she is a naturally gifted artist who has only been painting at a professional level for three years!! Check it out:

"I am a primarily self-taught artist from Michigan. After teaching 3rd grade for 6 years, I married an Aussie and moved to live first in Cairns and then Sydney for over a year. It was at this time that I was able to start pursuing my art full-time. I actually never thought I could paint, but 3 years ago picked up a brush and have been painting ever since! I paint mainly in oils, but have done some work in colored pencil, pen & ink, and pastel. My favorite subjects include dogs, wildlife, people, and objects from everyday life. Although I do believe some of my ability comes from my mother who is also an artist, I believe it is a true gift from God. My work is in private collections throughout the United States, Canada,the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. To view more of my work visit: http://www.studiolara.com." - Lara Harris

Stuck on Wall Art...

Many of us debate what we should hang on our walls. Art, family photos, plates, collectibles, sculpture? Well, I have another option for you! Check out the affordable (and I do mean affordable) and unique options that this talented artist has to offer, and what he has to say about his designs. This will especially appeal to those of you whose spouses balk at the thoughts of hammering a nail into your walls.

You know who you are...!!

A longtime art lover, Paul Wilson, of Wilson Graphics, followed a long and winding path to the business he has now. Fresh out of college, Paul worked for sign shops, a newspaper, and eventually wound up working for the Air Force developing publications, magazines and other printed media.

Over time, Paul advanced up the design ladder to become a Marketing Director, but soon discovered that Marketing Directors don't get to do the "hands on" design work he was used to. Nine months later, deciding it was time for a change, he left his stable job to become a full time freelancer.

Paul enjoys creating new designs, and in addition to watching current trends he also draws inspiration from his children and nature. In fact, the porthole design he made for his son's pirate-themed room is one of his most popular sellers and clients are using them to complete their own themed rooms. Another favorite has been the photo-realistic butterfly decals, even drawing the attention of Romantic Country magazine, which has expressed interest in featuring the butterflies in an upcoming issue.

Although Paul wishes he had more time to design, as he has a long list of ideas that he would like to develop, he has met the challenge head on by hiring a second artist in order to broaden the pool of talent and be able to offer an even greater diversity of designs.

The decals they design are printed on a variety of materials. According to Paul, different vinyls offer different uses. Some vinyl is designed to be removed and reapplied several times for those seeking a temporary wall application. Other vinyl is designed to be applied a single time. Clear vinyl is a great option for windows, shower doors, and situations where you would like background colors to show through the designs.

Paul Wilson loves what he does now. He has found his design and artistic niche, and now spends his days doing work that matters to him...which brings him satisfaction as an artist and business owner. As a small business owner, Paul enjoys the direct contact he he has with his clients and learns from their feedback, always striving to improve his business and deliver what clients want...

You can visit his online shop where he offer over 150 vinyl wall decal designs at: http://www.wilsongraphics.etsy.com/

If you are in need of any design services/custom banners, signage for your business or home you can contact Paul through his website at: http://www.wilsongraphics.net/

And look at the one that they are sending me!!

Check him out...and tell him I sent you! Because we all love affordable design solutions, don't we?

What Oprah, Martha and I have in common...

• What if a product you designed and created was on the wish list of celebrities and dignitaries?
• Can you imagine being invited to the Martha Stewart show(among others) to share it?
• As an artist, have you ever dreamed that big?

Well, Jera Deal of Sticks and Stones and her unique art is, was and has. Jera (along with her husband, Brad) is the owner and artist behind Sticks and Stones

In her own words, "Sticks and Stones started in a neat way: We would take our girls 'letter hunting' when they were learning the alphabet. We'd look for letters in our environment. When I needed that perfect gift for a teacher's wedding, I decided to frame her new last name using our 'letters'. It was a huge hit and life hasn't been the same since. I've been a guest on Martha Stewart and Rachael Ray...we've also been featured in BHG, O Magazine, People, and NPR."

(above two photos: courtesy, CreateSticks and Stones.com)

According to their website, "Sticks and Stones began as an alphabet lesson for Brad and Jera Deal's daughters. The family began 'letter hunting' while on walks or while spending the day at the park. They would look for different "letters" in nature (STICKS) and architecture (STONES). They began taking photographs to remember their adventures, creating a collection of letters based on the family's hobby."

Jera contacted me recently about her product, and graciously offered to make me a Sticks and Stones original. The process involved choosing a word to be matted, then selecting the individual letters from her gallery - each photographed from architectural elements seen on their family walks. The final product can be done in black and white or sepia (mine is black and white). I love not only the finished product, but also the creative process that lies behind it. I also love that a mum who, in the beginning, was simply trying to further her children's learning of the alphabet and spend time with them in nature, has been able to build a multi-million dollar company by doing something she loves.

Imagine my delight when my Sticks and Stones original arrived in the mail recently, wrapped beautifully, and bearing a nickname that is very special to me: Sweet Pea. I am so proud of my gift, and have hung it in my bedroom where I can be reminded of the thoughtfulness and generosity of someone so very far away. I salute Jera the entrepreneur, mother and wildly successful business woman. I hope you will check out her website, and if you have someone in your life who is difficult to buy for; or are simply looking for the perfect Valentine's, wedding, anniversary or birthday gift, then you just might have found it! Like Jera says, "It is less expensive than most fine jewelry, lasts longer than flowers...and Martha and Oprah like it!"

Here is my framed Sweet Pea...please disregard my terrible photography skills.

Now, you knew there was something in it for you, didn't you? Jera and Brad have offered a $15.00 discount to all of my readers who wish to own one of their own Sticks and Stones creation. Simply visit their website and enter the following code: "Home". While you are there, have a look through their letters gallery. I am impressed that they are observant enough to notice all of those hidden letters within the architectural features sitting so quietly...