Jen Bowles Design

Just keeping reminding yourself...

Source: etsy.com via Jen on Pinterest

 

Happy Tuesday ☺ !

 

Valentine Wreaths & a new shop

Back in December when we got together with my crafty cousins to make wreaths, we had an idea.

For a new etsy shop.

A collaborative shop in which 4 artful women, 2 mothers and 2 daughters could showcase their creations.  And share inspiration, motivation and expertise.

After a few adjustments, Artful Hands Studios was born.

In theory, all 4 of us (me, my mom, my cousin Penny and her daughter Audrey) will be listing stuff in the shop and posting on a yet to be created blog.  In reality, currently anyway, my mom & Audrey are stocking the shop.  And doing a lovely job.

Just today, my mom listed 3 new Valentine themed wreaths. 

    Valentine Love Wreath

Pretty in Pink wreath

To My Valentine wreath

My favorite wreath of Audrey's sold last week, but she still has quite a few listed.  I'm particularly fond of the Blue Chenille Shimmer wreath

as well as the Pretty Bird wreath.

We're all getting together again this weekend for a post-holiday fete, an Artful Hands business meeting, and no doubt, a bit of crafting and creating--as long as the winter weather doesn't throw a monkey wrench into our plans (as happened last weekend).

Wish us luck, and do check out the AHS goodies at the shop :-)

Pup Portraits

This year I was challenged to get my husband a Christmas gift that would be "totally unexpected".

Can you guess who threw down this challenge?

While he may have thought the red fleece "hand holding mittens" (found at Ocean State Job Lot for $1.99) were my answer to his challenge, I went above and beyond winter wear.

The road I chose was: handpainted custom dog portraits of BGD's favorite canines, Jake & Maisy.

These adorable portraits were painted by the talented Denise Levy

I saw Denise's work on another blog (Kelly Lautenbach) and I fell in love & knew my husband would love portraits of his best friends.

Denise was very easy to work with and incorporated all my special requests (all the specific handpainted words, the color schemes and even the daisy for Daisy in Maisy's portrait).  I'm so happy with the paintings--I think they may be one of the best gifts I've ever given my husband.

Of course it doesn't hurt that I get to enjoy them too ;-)

 

visit Denise's etsy shop here: Mothball Charlie

Another Patriotic Etsy update

After arguing with my camera and iPhoto for what seemed like days, I finally downloaded pictures and listed more 4th of July themed goodies in my etsy shop.
I made another banner in a different style and a few mini spirit flags.  My mom is so cute, she came over the other day and scooped one of the flags right up.  When I went to her house the next day, there it was hanging on the door : )

That could be you, there's still 3 more.

Next up: baby banners.  I'm feeling very pink right now.
     
             

Patriotic Etsy Update

My summer job (not the entertaining the kids one) has officially begun.  I'm going to be an Etsian for the summer (and perhaps beyond).  Etsians list new items in their shop frequently, promote their items, give great customer service, and contribute to the family bank account so the mom can afford to buy groceries to make nutritious & exciting dinners like pasta, pancakes, and chicken dinos.
This afternoon I posted 3 new USA handmade banners and 1 new (old) fabric USA banner (on sale!).  Take a peek, tell your friends, neighbors and co-workers : )
Thank you kindly.       

I have a few more red, white & blue items in progress and then I'm going to move on to non-seasonal themed items (i.e. baby, birthday, wedding).  I've been rediscovering my stash over the past few days and this weekend our project involves cleaning out & organizing the garage.  Who knows what treasures have yet to be unpacked in there!