October Belle Designs for Kids

You can find me....

2010-12-22T00:46:00.006-06:00

WAR EAGLE!

Over here if you still want to keep up with all the craziness in my life. I will no longer be blogging on this site {{YES, I'm still painting}} and will miss its cuteness for sure! After much prayer {for quite awhile as you can see from my last post}

I really feel pulled towards my focus and heart being at home, with my family.

I still paint. But only when convenient for my family.

I still do turn-key packages for condos. But only when convenient for my family.

Get the theme!? It should have been that way from the beginning.

Along with finding me at my personal blog you can also find October Belle Designs on Facebook.

*I no longer do personalized paintings for promotional giveaways- my blog or yours.

*I will consider giveaway paintings for charitable purposes only. Email me @ octoberbelledesigns at gmail dot com if you have a charity/auction you would like considered.

*I will no longer be participating in blog ads. Thank you for considering me but I have to pass at this time.

*I currently have a waiting list for paintings that I am slowly dwindling down, at my own {family prioritized} pace. Please feel free to contact me through email or on Facebook if you would like to place an order or have questions!

Thanks to everyone who has supported me in this venture here ~ but God has other plans for me.....I just want to follow Him down the right road!

Work and Life.

2010-09-13T22:21:00.004-05:00

Here's some recent work:

And go here for some recent life. Hope to be back in the swing here soon!

Hello, hello, hello!

2010-08-26T10:32:00.003-05:00

I've been taking a much needed {in more than one way} break from the internet and it has been SO nice! One reason is I don't have much time to be online....which brings me to orders: I am swamped! It's become a bit stressful so until I get caught up I'm not accepting any new orders. I've set that date as September 20th...so that hopefully having that deadline will make me catch up quickly! I really appreciate all the business being sent my way so THANK YOU!

When I start taking orders again know that October 31st will be the final date to place orders for Christmas- and be guaranteed to get them in time! If you are thinking about a Christmas gift for someone, go ahead and email me {obd4kids at gmail dot com} so I can start a contact list. That way you'll be good to go ;)

And just cause, a couple of pics of recent stuff being thrown in for you! Have a great weekend.

Giveaway HEADS UP!

2010-08-12T07:02:00.004-05:00

Being a reader of this blog you obviously love all things cute and adorable {harharhar} so I wanted to send you over to my other blog for today's giveaway!

Get over there now and enter because Doodle Bugs Paper has some precious product for 'ya! Be sure to check out their website as well!

If you're looking for a chance to win a little something from ME, head over here to Brooke's blog. You won't be sorry you did! She is a precious girl after the Lord's heart and a super gifted writer!

It's soooo hot....

2010-08-09T09:09:00.002-05:00

Seriously, August on the Gulf Coast is miserable. Pretty soon we'll be begging for warm weather again...but for now I could use a cold snap!

I've got several things to cover on this Monday morning. First, my blogaversary and birthday party is happening over at my other blog, Rejoicing in His Presence. Each day this week there will be different items featured and one will pertain to this blog :) Keep checking and enter to win!

Next up, thanks to everyone who ordered a painting from my 30 in 30 for $30. While it looks like The Relevant Conference is out for me this year, I'm going to honor this special until the end of August because it's a REALLY great deal! Basically you are getting shipping anywhere in the continental US for TWO BUCKS!! {if you're local you pay the normal price of $28 which is still a great bargain for a custom painting!} Bring on some more orders....just a little over half of the 30 spots remain so hurry!

Lastly, tomorrow is my 33rd birthday. I just wanted to give you advance notice so you can plan to celebrate in your own special way! ;) Have a happy Monday!!

They're in!

2010-08-05T15:13:00.003-05:00

You can now purchase a gift certificate from October Belle Designs. This makes it super easy to give a custom painting when you have no clue what your recipient might prefer- so order yours today in whatever amount you'd like! Our paintings make a great gift for baby showers, wedding, birthdays- or just because you wanna give! And don't forget, Christmas is right around the corner. *gasp*

You can view our price list here.

Email me with any questions or orders at:

obd4kids at gmail dot com

Love and Support.

2010-07-23T07:22:00.004-05:00

First I want to thank everyone who has shown some serious promotion love and support for my 30 in 30 for $30! You know who you are and I'm giving you a huge, virtual hug! For those who have actually placed orders, you get a hug too- and a painting so double score for you!! I've got 24 more to go before the promotion ends so get on it people- Christmas is right around the corner! So is college football {which is like a religion here in the South} and I can whip one up for your team- which your husband would probably prefer on the front door anyway!!!

Things might look a little wonky here for a bit. I've removed all the links under 'Mirinda Recommends' and will be placing ads. Originally I was going to charge for ad placement but was inspired by Ginger at Here's My Cup Lord to do it differently....so instead I'm going to place ads for blogs and businesses who have blessed me- either by ordering from me, donating to giveaways, or just being a fabulous online friend. {friend support is the best kind of all!} I'll have that up hopefully later today but am having trouble with Blogger this morning.

Also, tomorrow is my 11 year anniversary. Just thought I'd share because my husband actually- are you ready for this- now follows my blog. Well, this one anyway so that link takes him to my personal blog- you're welcome honey. So now each time I come here I see his little head smiling at me in the sidebar. Awwwww.

Have a great weekend- and order a painting! :)

30 paintings in 30 days for $30!!

2010-07-15T20:12:00.014-05:00

OK, I've been brainstorming- which can be dangerous around here! I have spent several weeks in prayer over the Relevant Conference. I truly feel drawn to go! The funny thing is I really want to go~ not to promote my business side necessarily but to grow my personal blog and reach more women that I can connect with! BUT I do own a business....AND I've started actively seeking sponsorship...BUT I think there is a way that my business can help me out on this one!

The only catch: I need YOUR help!

I've come up with 30 paintings in

30 days for $30.00!

What I'm offering is this: Order my classic 9x12 monogramed painting with coordinating ribbon for $30.00- and that INCLUDES shipping! {continental US please} So you are getting a great deal and an adorable painting to hang on your front door, or for your kiddo's room, or your office....you get the idea!

My goal is to sell 30 of these in 30 days! Please help me out anyway you feel led- even if it's just linking back to here on your blog, tweeting about this or giving me a shout out on your Facebook page. I would be so grateful!

The canvas can be done in any four colors you like and I always use the cutest ribbon around! Email me with your order at obd4kids at gmail dot com

I will then send you a PayPal invoice and let you know when you can expect your painting! That simple :)

I'll close out this deal at the end of August- but I'd be willing to start taking orders now so get them in! ;)

Also coming up in August is my birthday/BlogaVersary giveaway week!

Good-bye gimp arm, Hello intoxicated sewer.

2010-07-08T15:32:00.005-05:00

My arm/wrist issue is not fully gone...but is better enough that I finally started painting again yesterday! Guess what else I started last night? A sewing class.

I had 2 years of Home Economics in high school during which I could use a sewing machine like it was nobodies business. It helped that I had an awesome teacher-a sweet little lady named Mrs. Mac who was all business about Home Ec- and you would learn. Take Home Ec for an easy grade? Not in her class!

Unfortunately I didn't have a machine at home to keep using. 7 years later I find out that my first baby is a girl. This meant I just had to run out and purchase a $500 sewing machine. Just picture all those smocked dresses coming forth from my hands!!! Yeah, it never happened.

In fact, I've used that $500 machine less than 10 times in 9 years. So now that my first-born, precious daughter is at an age where SHE wants to learn how to sew {{frightening}} I figure it's time to sharpen {remember} the skills.

I must say that being the entertainment for the sewing class was fun. {ok, it's only me and another lady right now so competition for Biggest Dunce is slim} Never before have I had to preface every move I make with "I promise I didn't drink before this." And eventually I hope to sew....in a straight line.

Mrs. Mac would be so disappointed in me.

*sigh*

The Relevant Conference

2010-07-01T16:22:00.005-05:00

random picture of my daughter looking very happy

Can you all believe it is July 1st today? Wow. I cannot. We started back to school today and it was so weird....school time!! I feel like life is flying by these days.

I have been seriously absent from here and apologies offered all around. If you follow me anywhere on the web you probably already know that I was hit with raging carpal tunnel a little over a week ago. This is the first time for me to experience carpal tunnel and it is not fun. Painting has virtually stopped...and so did blogging!

I wanted to pop in to say what's up?! and to ask to be joined in prayer over my {potentially} attendance at The Relevant Conference. I would love, love, love to be there. In fact, planned on being there. But our tax return was to pay the way....and the US government stiffed us over $3000. Yes, you read that right. While we are hoping the problem will be fixed, it's likely to not be anytime soon. They aren't really on our time schedule, 'ya know!

Basically, I cannot put the kind of financial burden this would cause, on my family. I have begun seeking sponsorships and have seen some interest, but no commitment at this point. So I'm asking my loyal readers and friends to join me in prayer over my attendance- or lack of! If the Lord doesn't want me there- for whatever reason- I am OK with that! I just need an answer :)

Like I said, painting has been put on hold except for a bit here and there each day. Slowly I'm finishing up a couple of pieces....and getting ready for my blog par-tay in August- which happens to also be my birthday month!

{{If you'd like to contribute to my Blogaversary Party in August by donating a giveaway, I'd love to work with you!}}

So to recap:

*Prayer over Relevant Conference- to go or not to go, that is the question.

*Raging carpal tunnel. Open to prayer on this as well. Paintings delayed.

*Blogaversary/Birthday Bash going down with Giveaways needed. Help.

Have a safe and happy 4th this weekend!!

Yowza!

2010-06-23T22:47:00.005-05:00

Trying to whip out these babies as quick as I can! 3 orders in today...with 4 I'm trying to finish up before I can start those. Not complaining- love it!!! Just need to squeeze in some time to work on lesson plans but oh well....it'll happen.

Hopefully if you've been waiting on something from me you'll see it here. If not, it's coming soon, I promise ya! And hooray, I finally finished my nephew's painting. Now just gotta get it to north Alabama and in his room!

Ordinary Inspirations- Giveaway!

2010-06-22T08:51:00.003-05:00

I'm trying to get moving and motivated on this cloudy day. The gym is calling but for some reason I can't get up from the computer....hmmm. So thinking just staying here might work!

I wanted to share with you guys a fabulous giveaway over at Ordinary Inspirations to celebrate Traci's one year blogaversary! Traci is the sweetest gal and has the cutest blog. You just might find something in her list of giveaways from me!! :)

Now have a 5 year old insisting we get moving....nothing works like whining. Have a great day!

Half Pint House- Meet Megan

2010-06-21T21:17:00.003-05:00

Remember a couple of weeks ago I posted about some handmade items I really, really wanted?! Well, one was Megan's monogrammed zipper bag {ordered one this weekend, can't wait to get it!!} and she has some SUPER cute stuff in her shop! She is offering a sweet deal to Relevant 10 attendees but even if you are not coming to Relevant in October be sure to check out her amazing creations! My favorite thing is the adorable, funky fabric choices- plus Megan is pretty sweet too :)

Living with a Southern Obsession

2010-06-20T21:07:00.005-05:00

Confession: I have copies of Southern Living dating more than 10 years back. And I still read through them for recipes and decorating tips! It is a great magazine and even if you do not dream of living like a true southern belle, you need a subscription. Trust me.

I love when their 'idea houses' come out. Even better, I love looking through all the pics in one easy step on their website. While trying to strike some inspiration for a bedroom I'm working on, I came across this playroom:

Those are my ABSOLUTE most favorite colors, all right there in one room! My entire house is painted a shade of blue that is almost the same as the light stripe. But I love how they used the apple greens and melon. Though I doubt my kids would be allowed in it were it our playroom. One thing I do not like: That wooden daybed thing. What IS that? Why the massive headboard behind it? Weird.

Well, I finished two paintings this weekend and am almost done with another! My precious sister-in-law will be happy that one I finally finished was my nephew's. Pictures to come later, my husband thinks I'm watching a movie with him and I need to pay better attention!

Now open for advertising!

2010-06-14T22:20:00.002-05:00

complimentary peek at what I'm working on this week

After my first full year here I am opening up my blog for ad spaces! Please contact me via email if you'd be interested in having your blog button over there on that cute sidebar. I'm not a pricey date, promise! Right now all funds will be going towards Relevant 10 :P

Email me at obd4kids at gmail dot com

While June is a year since I opened this blog, August is when I actually started posting on it! So I've got something coming up for my loyal readers/followers/groupies AND something especially for fellow bloggers who have been the most kind and supportive on this journey.

Until then I'm gonna keep on painting, watching junk TV and enjoying the rest of my summer! We officially start back school here at the "Dawe Academy" on July 1st so that's underway as well! Visit me here to keep up with life other than art :)

Oh to be a winner....

2010-06-04T07:15:00.011-05:00

Winning a fabulous giveaway online seems to be the equivalent chances of winning the lottery! I can't tell you how many I've entered....and lost. Hopefully one day I'll get that email making my day but until then, let's celebrate the lucky lady who won a 12x24 canvas from the UBP10 party!

Jill has been such a sweetie to work with! She has a wonderful blog, Women Who Do It All, which you should promptly visit after reading here :) I got the pleasure of creating a painting for her little guy, Sam.

Here is a picture of his quilt...and no, I didn't take the time to move it into iPhoto and rotate- sorry!

But I got the most inspiration from his sheet....

If you've been around here long you know I love stripes...and polka dots! The dots took the prize on this one. What do you think?! I personally love it but I'm a bit biased!! The colors in the bedding are brighter than they seem in these two pictures...which is why my dots are RED not burgundy. Hopefully I matched all colors well!

And here are a couple of my 9x12 hanging canvases I've finished up....I always hesitate to post these cause it seems like if you've seen one...well then you've seen them all! But I try to keep them somewhat different.

And because there most definitely is NOT enough pictures in this post....do you think I missed my calling as a coffee house chalkboard artist?!

Have a great weekend! Also, be sure to hop over to my 'other' blog and visit!

Fabulous guest room and.....

2010-05-31T18:10:00.004-05:00

While wasting time online, browsing through some of my favorite sites, I came across this room on Restoration Hardware. I love this. So cool, crisp and chic. It'd be lovely as a teenage girl's room {look at that dress-gorgeous!} but I imagine it more as a guest room.

They actually have several designer rooms you can look through...it can be dangerous though!

We've enjoyed the long holiday weekend...now it's time to get back in the swing of things! I've gotten going on a few new paintings today so that'll be work for the week. I can't wait to share the UBP10 painting with you all- hopefully she'll receive it tomorrow!

Speaking of giveaways....{this will be my AND from the title} I am currently not participating in any because I'm so behind on current ones! I love being able to help out a good cause or a sweet blogger...but each painting I do is just that- done by me, by hand. Generally, it takes several hours of my time to get a painting out...unlike most giveaways that can be zipped off in the mail :) My favor I'd like to ask is this: Please, if you've gotten a painting of mine won through a giveaway, please consider mentioning it/October Belle Designs in a post. Mah fehlins ah hurtin, dahlins! It would help a girl out, 'ya know? I appreciate those that have done so- much love to you!

I'll let you know when I'm back open for donations....but this girl has got to do some catching up on orders first! Thanks for understanding- and have a great week!

Lost painting....

2010-05-25T20:43:00.007-05:00

Brandy, who won the 9x12 here a couple of months ago, finally received her painting! There were a few stressful {for me} days where it was MIA. So glad she got it- and I can show you!

Here is his bedroom. Isn't it adorable?

And this is what I did...

For the Ultimate Blog Party 2010 the 9x12 was the prize I gave away here. However, I donated a 12x24 to the prize list. I finished it up this weekend. It's gotta make its way all the way across the country...so until it gets there, here is a sneak peek. I have to say it's one of my favorites I've ever done. Can't wait for Jill to get it!

I'm in the middle of switching my daughter's room with our school room. Since I had to move all the furniture a decision was made to surprise her with a room makeover- new paint, bedding, art, etc. She got to see it today and was so excited. Once I get it ALL done there will be pictures to share. Let's just say any 8 year old on the planet will love it! :)

Me wants.

2010-05-21T00:55:00.003-05:00

I would love to say that I'm not into material things. But I'd just be telling you a big 'ole lie. I like pretty things. These are currently at the top of my 'Me Wants' list:

Modern Bird Studios I covet a photo turned fabulous by Modern Bird. Lovely!

The Pleated Poppy I'll take a set of each posy pin, please!
Half Pint House Made
I really, really want a couple of these for coupons. I can never keep them together once I walk in a store. It doesn't hurt that I am obsessed with Little House on the Prairie so as soon as I saw "half pint" I immediately liked Megan!
Just Simply Southern She's Southern. I have to like her, it's the law.
Fish Wrappers T-Shirts
Too cool. One of each style? Yes, please.
So what have you seen around lately that you really want?

Cross-eyed Painter.

2010-05-13T21:13:00.009-05:00

Cause that is 'bout what I am! Did you know that if you stare at a canvas for two days straight, focusing on the details and never, ever looking off in the distance, you suffer for it? Or rather, your poor eyes suffer.

Someone could have shared this with me. Instead I'm learning the hard way but that's OK.

Took a break from the massive amount of painting I'm doing to share

a couple of pics...and stare at the computer for a bit!

The 9x12s are H.O.T. right now, people! I'm loving coming up with such fun designs {typically inspired by whatever adorable ribbon I come across} The one up top is my current fave!

I also have one ready to ship out to our winner here at OBD, Brandy. But since I want it to be a surprise you only get to see it like this!

Have a Happy Friday y'all :)

~Roll Tide~

2010-05-03T23:53:00.003-05:00

Yes, that kills me to type. My husband may have a heart attack if he actually sees it on my blog!

{Huge Auburn fans here in our home. Only if you live in Alabama will you likely understand the significance of that!}

Aren't these fun?! If you are unaware, they are in University of Alabama colors. What is your favorite sports team? These would make a great gift {for example, these were ordered for teacher gifts!} and could also be done on a canvas. Hang them on your front door or around your house to support the team!

So behind but please visit...

2010-04-30T22:23:00.003-05:00

These two amazing blogs! It's been a crazy week and only until now did I realize I hadn't actually posted about either on THIS blog! I've Tweeted, Facebook'd and posted on my personal blog...so if you've visited from Gather Inspirit or So I Married a Mennonite just know that I'm sometimes a bit ditzy :)

First up, I'm sharing the love over at Gather Inspirit! Head on over there for your chance to win a canvas by yours truly. While there get to know the wonderful women who make up the forum. I cannot wait until Relevant 2010 to meet so many of them....and talk, talk, talk!!

Next, go see Michelle over at So I Married a Mennonite. She has lots of fabulous give-a-ways {including a painting from me} to raise money for Brittany's Hope- an amazing organization that facilitates adoption of special needs orphans. All it takes is $1 to be entered in the give-a-way of your choice...but you can always give more! HURRY, 7 Days of Love ends soon!

And just for fun I threw in a pic of the last 9x12 to be finished. I'm almost done with the 9x12 giveaway for Brandy so stay tuned :)

I'm not punctual. I apologize!

2010-04-25T21:31:00.002-05:00

It's a couple of days late, but here is the other sample wooden monogram!

I have a super busy week, which is a good thing. Tomorrow I am meeting with a client to discuss her daughter's {surprise} room makeover. It's a graduation present....my parents never did stuff like that for me! I am also back to working on the farmhouse {that is 4 hours away} via internet so that will be fun as well. Not to mention painting- if you've won a giveaway in the past week please know I'm painting my little fingertips off for you! And if you ordered one, same as well ;P

Have a blessed Monday!

And the new winner is....

2010-04-22T13:40:00.003-05:00

random{dot}org chose lucky 13!

Brandy

Congratulations Brandy on winning the 9x12 and thanks to everyone who stopped by from the UBP 2010. I enjoyed visiting each of your blogs from the comment section and now have several new favorites! It's always fun to find new blogs with great people and content. I hope you all will be stopping back by soon!

Picture laden post...and new product!

2010-04-22T12:16:00.007-05:00

So here is the last 8 x 16 door hanger to be completed. Teachers love these as gifts! They can hang them on their room door for decoration with their name. {Hard to believe it's that time of year for teacher gifts} Shipping on these is only $4.99 in the continental US :) Unless you order before the end of April and it's FREE!

Oh, and I fixed my nephew's name! With being so sick, tons of other orders AND trying to get ready to leave for vacation...I haven't done anything else since. But the name you can finally see. Whew!

And last but not least, my newest product! I am trying to get my Etsy shop up and running with samples but wanted more monogram products that weren't canvas paintings. Shown is the a circle plaque with 'chunky font'. I will also be offering these on square plaques and the 'curlz font' as an option.

{I will have the picture of the square sample up tomorrow morning}

To order these you would need to:

A. Pick your plaque shape- circle or square

B. Pick your font- Chunky or Curlz

C. Pick up to four colors.

D. Let me paint it for you!

These are $16.50 plus shipping. Ribbon is included. Plaque comes ready to hang and is sealed with protective sealant!

Actual size for circle and square is around 7"x7" without ribbon.

We are off to the beach tomorrow! Before leaving it looks like I'll be drawing another winner for my 9 x 12 giveaway so check your email tomorrow! Have a great weekend everyone~