Initial Designs - Inspirational Artwork

New Pics!

2011-12-03T07:37:00.000-08:00

This is my friend, Nikki's, station at The Beauty Bar Salon & Boutique here in Smyrna; see her painting??!!

Gettin' It Done

2011-11-21T09:05:00.000-08:00

Here are some paintings that I have been working on that are almost done. I got quite a bit of good painting done last night.

This one still needs another layer on the name and it will have some fun monkeys.

Jayla's is practically done. It's all cleaned up, but I think I am going to re-do the nose and then varnish.

This is for Jayla's baby sister, Aubrey, who took over her Love Bug room. This one need a bit of cleaning up on the edges, but is pretty much done.

This 3 piece set of damask swirls for my friend, Stephanie, for her new office at Fifth Third Bank here in Smyrna. I cleaned up the swirls last night with the cream color. Now, I just need to go back with the black and Clean them up a bit more and refine it a bit.
Should be back with some more pics here soon. Got several other paintings that I am about to get started on as well. God Bless!

So Thankful for Faithful Strokes

2011-11-21T08:39:00.000-08:00

I am so blessed to Have met Lisa Butler, owner and artist of Faithful Strokes, about 2 years ago when I went to her studio to paint for a wedding shower. I spoke to her back then about my art business and she said if she ever expanded she would be in touch. Recently Faithful Strokes expanded from one store in Murfreesboro to a second store in Smyrna. She and I emailed back and forth and she asked me to assist with instructing some classes. I started going to some of her classes about a month ago. Had my trial run this past Wednesday with some friends and then my first class this past Saturday as an instructor. Things are going so well. I really feel like I fit in well there with Lisa and Lori, the other instructor. Thank you to the ladies at Faithful Strokes and Leslie, with Shine Ettiquette, for making me feel so welcome and comfortable. Check out www.faithfulstrokes.com for more information. They offer many different painting classes for adults and children. You do the painting along with the instructor and leave with your painting that day. You can have parties of all kinds there as well.

My trial run with friends on Wednesday, November 16th. Thanks to all those that participated; their paintings were awesome.

My first actual class with a church group on Saturday, November 19th. It went really well and all the ladies' paintings turned out great.This painting is the one I chose for my first class and it's a design of Lisa's called Merry Christmas Darling. I love this painting!This is a painting I went in and done with Lisa. Beautiful fall scene!This is a beautiful cross design of Lisa's that I went in and practiced with her and a class a few weeks ago.

I hope you all will go check out www.faithfulstrokes.com and check out all her designs and, if you are local, come visit a class. It has been awesome being a part of this awesome place.

Fun at Faithful Strokes

2011-11-06T17:58:00.000-08:00

I wanted to tell you all about Faithful Strokes in Murfreesboro, TN. Lisa Butler is the artist there and designer of these two paintings. I painted these along with her and had a blast. Check out www.faithfulstrokes.com to see all her designs and sign up for a fun class with friends, family or co-workers. She does paintings for birthday parties, showers, team-building, children and much more. Host your next event with her and do something fun and different. You will walk out with a painting of your own that night to keep or give as a gift. Go check it out!

Updated Pics, monkeys, fairies, flowers, oh my

2011-09-30T02:56:00.000-07:00

Tink still needs a little work on her face and the pixie dust is not quite finished, but this one's close.

Chloe got another layer and some cleaning up; bout to do some mini white dots in the brown areas to match the bedding.

This one is still very rough, but designed to match Love Bug bedding and Jayla's original one from where she was a baby. Jayla is now about to be 3 and Aubrey is her baby sister who took over her baby room; that's why I've got the Tink one going for Jayla.

Original Jayla one. I painted the faces on the monkeys, though, you really can't see it all that great in the pic, but I cleaned this one up too and it's about ready for delivery.

Been a Busy Bee...

2011-09-19T18:39:00.000-07:00

Bad pic, but this was my set up at the consignment sale. Painted this in the hallway at my house...not quite done yet. This is above our front door on the inside.

This is a Southern Living at HOME 4 piece iron set that I traced the outlines, took them off, the painted behind to look like stained glass; I finished tonight. Gonna probably do some white lines to make it look like reflection.

New October Ad

2011-09-18T21:32:00.000-07:00

Oct Ad
Click on the title or the link to be taken to docstoc.com so you can see the ad. Not sure why it won't embed.

My Own Stained Glass Window

2011-09-18T20:07:00.000-07:00

This is a four-piece Southern Living at HOME set that is on my wall in my dining room. I traced the lines and am now in the process of painting it to look like a stained glass window. Can't wait until it's done.

Late Night and Early Morning Painting Prove Productive!

2011-09-09T03:04:00.000-07:00

Haven't been able to sleep because I got a benedryl shot earlier for my allergies, so...I painted...

And painted...

And painted some more...

Tinkerbell and the monkeys still need faces, but are very close to being done. More pics soon. Getting really excited about the consignment sale Saturday where I'm going to be a vendor.

More pics and An Announcement

2011-09-05T19:59:00.001-07:00

***NOTE: I'm having to take all pics in the kitchen under bright light with my webcam because my USB port is messed up so please forgive the quality of my pics :) ***
Here are some pics of some orders/gifts I am finishing. Trying to get alot done because I an a vendor at the Parents of Multiples Club's consignment sale at Middle Tennessee Christian School this coming Saturday, Sept 10th from 8-2. If you live in Middle TN, you should come out.
1 Corinthians 13 for my friends, Brandie and MT, who announced they are getting married Sept 23rd.

Here is an updated pic for my friend, Nikki, who works at The Beauty Bar here in Smyrna. It will have a martini glass with scissors and a comb on one side of the name as well as coloring bowl and brush on the other side to hang above her station.

Here is a placemat I am doing a painting of the design for my friend, Angie's, daughter Jayla.

Here is the painting itself. It's not quite done, but it's a start. FYI, I've painted for like 10 hours today! Whew, got a lot done!

Here's a close up of her slippers; see what I did on the puffy things on her slippers! So fun to paint.

Here is the updated Madden painting for my friend, Tiffany. The monkeys will have light brown faces and bellies when they are completely done.

The bedding and decals can be scene by clicking on the words. It's gonna be so cute when it's done.

I just want to say that the bedding pics and Tinkerbell belong to other people and only the paintings were made my me using their designs as inspiration.

Thanks to all my friends and family for supporting my business for almost 4 years now. October will be one year and I'm going to have a big party on here with a lot of giveaways! Tell your friends to stop by and become a follower.

Stylin' and Profilin'...fun pics

2011-09-01T04:38:00.000-07:00

Going...

Going...

Gone...(almost to the owner, Nikki, to go above her station at The Beauty Bar here in Smyrna, TN. She did my hair and I absolutely love it!! I should tell you the lettering is not actually on the paiting yet; that is my practice lettering.

This set is almost done as well. I did the thinner lines around some of the shapes to make it look a little more classy and a little less elementary since eit is for an adult...LOL! That's not a shot at the owner; the pillow for the bedding is very cool and actually something I would pick for myself.

Here is the pillow to remind you...

Hope you like all the pics I've been posting lately. I will be back with DONE pics of all these very soon.

Pictures...

2011-08-31T05:45:00.001-07:00

Here's the mural on the 8x12ft garage door...still working, but almost done.

This is a cornhole board (1 of 2) that I did for some friends.

Here is a picture of a utility box and lightswitch that is painted like the asian "window" picture below. My aunt wanted to hide/massk this giant utility box, so this is what she chose. Picture needs to be rotated; sorry.

This is what the "window" above will look like when it's complete.

Be back with more soon. Hope everyone has a great day.

Check Out My Ad Through the Link or on Facebook

2011-08-23T22:12:00.000-07:00

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"I'm So Excited...And I just Can't Hide it!!"

2011-08-22T20:08:00.001-07:00

Today while doing marketing research for my full time job, I ran into an awesome opportunity to have a 1/2 page ad in a publication that goes out to 15,000 apartment residents in the middle Tennessee area. Look at what they came up with...

Yes, a terrible picture of it, I know, but they created the most beautiful 1/2 page laylout at Lewis Letterworks. As soon as I can either get this USB port fixed or figure out how to upload a PDF file, I will have a better pic. Same goes for the mural I am almost done with.

This is that painting I am doing for my friend; I was trying to capture the colors better, but still no luck. I wish you all could see how bright and beautiful these colors are.

This is a painting I did for my husband a while back and last night he said he thought I should post it. It's the police officer's prayer and that prayer is awesome. Please pray for those who protect our lives and freedoms everyday. Police, firemen/women, soldiers, those who support them and even those who make our world a better place like teachers, mothers and fathers, those who really intend on doing God's work and good works in the earth so we can live better while we are here.

Well, I'll be back soon with some more and BETTER pics! Have a blessed day! Truly!

On the Horizon...

2011-08-19T06:04:00.000-07:00

Good morning everone...(all 3 of you, LOL!!!)

Here is a pic of a pic b/c my USB port is broken on my laptop of a 12x8 FOOT garage door I am painting a beach mural on...it's not done yet, but will be soon and I will have good pics!

This is one I'm starting for a very good friend; may as well be family. Nikki, at Smyrna Beauty Bar, did my hair and as a thank you I am doing a painting for above her booth. It will be cool when it's done. A lil zebra print here and there, some whited out area in the middle, some cool saying...

This is my new haircut thanks to Nikki!!! :) Soooo very happy!

Here's a pic of my baby boy who just started pre-K. So sweet and such a blessing. I love my baby boy so very much. Thank you, God, for his life.

Ummmm....new car...that's all I gotta say 'bout that!

Painting I am working on for a friend...this will be done soon and will have more fun monkeys.

Here's a 3-piece set I have been working on for a while and actually stared over on...they will be done soon.

Ok, so I will be back very soon with more pics...

I'm planning on having a contest to see who can get the most # of friend/family referals over to my FB and Blog site soon...back with details. There will be a GOOD prize!

Getting Organized

2011-07-20T05:53:00.000-07:00

Ok, so over the course of the past week, I have gotten my list of art that is ready to be completed, started on, or in the works on a list with what needs to be done and a timeline. I'm feeling good. I'm off work today so I'm going to get some materials and fully intend to get some stuff done on them. Hope fully I will have some pics posted soon. Thanks for the welcome back messages Kristin, Bethany, and Pam. I hope you all aare doing great. I know ya'll have had some great stuff going on with your families; let me know how you are! Missed ya'll! BTW, Preston says hellooooo! He's into taking pics himself now, so this is fun and funny!

One of the Many Reasons I Know God Exists

2011-07-07T11:41:00.000-07:00

This is a painting I have been working on for a friend of mine on a 28x36 inch canvas. It is actually of a vase of daisies that her boyfriend bought for her. When I see the beauty that God creates whether it is through the birth of a baby, a healing miracle, or the beauty of nature, as in this case, it reminds me that He is the creator of all things that are good and true. This painting was very fun to do and was a learning experience for me. The colors are actually very bright and bold; this green is a subdued but cool lime color. My camera captures them well, but when I upload them it looks different?? Anyways, the large flowers in the center are about 6-8 inches in diameter and all of them are texturized, so they are pretty cool in person. You can kind of see the depth that creates in the blue flower on the right. When this is complete, there will be very little, if any, white space in the background. I also posted a few pictures of the original flowers and the painting is very close in color except for the purple which I am still needing another coat to make it right.

I hope to have updated pics very soon.

Back...and Better Than Ever!

2011-07-06T16:24:00.000-07:00

Hey friends, followers, and supporters of Initial Designs...long time no "see"?? I hope things have been better for you all these past several months than they have been here. Not trying to be a Debbie Downer because things are looking up with all thanks to God, which brings me to the point of this post. I have taken about a 6 month break from my business and painting (for the most part) because too much was going on and I really couldn't even commit to doing a painting. Sorry to Shirlee, Weeza, and Stephanie, but thanks for your understanding and support. I will get started on your paintings. Anyways, I am back and, with the help of God, better than ever. The past year has had its ups and downs, but God has pulled me through and I am emerging on the other side stronger and more faithful than ever. As a thank you to God and a commitment to Him, I am re-aligning my business and its purpose. My purpose with Initial Designs originally was to glorify God by using the talent He gave me, but now I want to have that idea be the drive behind the business and use most all profits to go to Christian support services, volunteer organizations, and not-for-profits. Over the next few weeks expect to see some changes in the lines of artwork offered, more specific descriptions of the places I plan to make donations and support, and even a calendar of events so my readers can start helping some great causes as well. I also plan to do some posting, as I have some in the past, about issues that concern me, families/people/blogs I come across that inspire me to be a better person, and even, God willing, some events that I might try to lead to raise additonal money for good causes. Stay tuned...a lot of great things are coming from Initial Designs!

Corbin's Room (and additional pics of the plaques)

2011-01-08T18:08:00.001-08:00

These were so fun to do...7x9inch wooden plaques. Let me know what you think...

Not Feeling Creative...

2010-12-02T17:27:00.000-08:00

So, I couldn't even come up with a name for this post...man, I am getting lame! Here are a few updated pics of the paintings I have been working on FOREVER!!

These will be done soon if I can finally try to match the lime color!!

This one I actually sent off to it's owner in Illinois today! Whew! Thanks to Raggedy Smiles for the use of their logo for this design. It was not my design/idea, but the winner of this painting likes prim dolls and this was a cute one we found.

These need another coat or two on the lettering, some refining, and then jungle animals will be painted on the "O" and the "I".

Hope you like! Should be back with some more pics soon. Should is the operative word there, though! :)

"Feast" Your Eyes on These...

2010-11-18T19:18:00.000-08:00

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I thought I would finally come back and post some new pics as I said I would OVER A MONTH AGO!! Aren't I sweet...LOL!! No, really though, I am thankful for each and every one of you that reads, follows, supports, comments on, etc...my blog. I love you all!! Here are the pics I promised the the last post. I have been working on paintings, but have VERY limited Internet access here lately and have a VERY slow computer when I do get to use it! I am blessed, though, so I really CANNOT complain!

Here is the one for my aunt..needs a bit of cleaning up, but almost done.

Here is the 3 piece abstract set for my friend-still need A LOT of work, so I'll have more pics of this one some time in the next century!

The next two are the wooden plaques for my friend from high school. These still need the lettering and then the plain ones will have a few jungle animals. So cute!

This one is for one of the winners of my BOOST contest way back in the summer...we decided to go a different direction than the star that you saw before.

Anyways, everyone have a GREAT THANKSGIVING!!! I hope to be back soon with more pics, but I won't promise when! :) Maybe then I will get back sooner than later. (Everytime I type "than" I am questioning if I should be putting "then"...maybe I should just quit blogging...NO WAY!!)

"One Week"...hah, It's been a month!

2010-10-12T16:41:00.001-07:00

Ok, so exactly one month ago I said I'd be back within a week with an updated picture of Jonathan's painting! If anyone out there still reads this blog, you may be wondering if I fell off the face of the earth!? I'm still here, just been crazy as I am sure everyone else can relate to, right!!

Anyways, here is the final picture of Jonathan's painting which I FINALLY delivered to Jennifer here in Tennessee last Sunday. She was very kind and patient. Her sister actually won the painting several months ago and just (back in July) cashed it in for her sister when she had her son.

Now, I promise I have been working on other paintings in the meantime. Mostly just purchasing canvas, paint, wood plaques, etc...but getting ready to get started on several, so here we go...

1. This is for Cindi who was one of the two winners of my "BOOST" giveaway also back in July. This is a very preliminary pic. There will be a few simple angels "flying"around the star in white robes/dresses with wings that resemble the design of the star. Then above the star will say, "Welcome to" and below the star will say, "Our Home." Hopefully... I can get this done within the week or this weekend, but I do have to work the rest of the week and Saturday, so we'll see...fingers crossed!

2. I purchased 6 wooden wall plaques tonight that I will start soon for CORBIN that will match this adorable bedding for a friend from high school. CONGRATS, Amanda!

3. I have already started on the background for a 12x36 inch painting for my aunt that will say "THE" to go in her game room. It will go with this previously done set.

4. I have purchased 2 12x16's and a 16x20 for a three piece abstract set I am doing for my friend Stephanie to match her bedding.

5. I have another 12x36 inch that I will be starting soon for my softball coach, Weeza, that will have the scripture "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord" in burgandy and tan.

6. Jessica, I haven't forgotten about you as the 2nd BOOST giveaway winner. You still have an unlimited amount of time to pick the design for your 16x20.

So, here is what I have going and hope to have some pics of some more paintings VERY soon.

If the wooden plaques are a hit I may start offering those as a line of work. They were relatively inexpensive and offer a new way to have some fun with lettering. They will run about $12.50 each as of now. I will have to see how much work they take, though, to reach a final price.

Hope you all are doing well...I have missed blogging this past month...it FLEW by!! God Bless!

Jonathan's Painting

2010-09-12T19:26:00.000-07:00

Here is a preliminary pic of Jonanthan's painting. It is fairly close to being completed, but needs another coat or two of paint on the name and then some outlining in the darkest brown. I also need to clean up the lines and add blue "boxes" on the corners of the brown border (it matched the example room and was cute). Outside of that, it will be done soon and I will have a new pic within the week.

On another note, sorry I haven't been posting much lately (if anyone still reads this blog and cares), I have started a new job and have had very limited access to the internet (and painting time). Miss u all!

Preslee's Story and Song

2010-08-18T08:49:00.000-07:00

I did a re-post a day or two ago of an email that Gina over at Dang Gina sent me about Preslee. I had made a note that I tried to go the the blog and was not able to get on. I went there today and read this tragic yet amazing story about the loss and love of this precious little girl and her family as well as all those that have been affected by this story. This little girl fell into a canal and was rescued by a stranger. She held on to life in the hospital for a week and a half until she was called to her Heavenly Father on 7/16/2010. As I read this story I thought of my own son who is 3 and how in the blink of an eye he could not be here anymore and I just cried. Since I started doing this blog I have read many stories of people that have lost children and in each one while there is such pain there is amazing hope and faith in God and Jesus Christ. Please pray for this family as well as all those that have lost children in this world. May they each find peace in God His word and promise. You can read their family story before and since this tragic accident at http://patrickandashley.blogspot.com/. You can click on the link below to hear the song Molly Swank wrote about Preslee; she was inspired by a post that Preslee's father, Patrick, wrote on the blog. You can download the song for a donation of $1 that will go towards helping the family with hospital expenses. Thank you!

Preslee's Song

Brooklyn's Bears

2010-08-18T08:01:00.000-07:00

My friend had her baby in July and sent me this picture today. I can't say enough how much I love getting pics of the room and painting hung up. I love the way they did this too with the shelves and paintings diagonal from each other. The little statuettes are so cute as well with their little bows in the bears' hair! I'm so glad she shared this with me! Thanks Amanda!