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~

Doing the Happy Dance!

2010-04-20T22:02:00.004-05:00

Oh yes, you read that right! I am over the mooooooon about it.

And I have the BEST husband EVER!

Oh winner, winner where art thou?

2010-04-20T14:15:00.003-05:00

OK girls. Our winner Chelsea is MIA at this point. I am trying to contact her by the only means I can come up with since there was no email. {If you're out there Chelsea, email me: obd4kids at gmail dot com} BUT if I don't hear from her by Friday I'm going to pull another winner. I hate to do that but that will have been a week....contact information people- always leave it! :P

I have two 9 x 12s I'm working on finishing up ASAP. They are so cute! And the 12 x 24 I donated to the UBP Blog Party? I got the winner's information yesterday and heard from her this morning. It's for a baby boy and I can't wait to get started on it- and show you all. I love the bedding and have lots of ideas I need to nail down....

I've had some sort of yucky/crud/flu stuff the past few days so please, please pray for a quick recovery. We are taking the kids for a 'weekend' vacation Friday- to the beach! Yes, we only live an hour away BUT we never go- seriously. So they are excited, I'm excited....and sick. We need healthy family members and NO RAIN. {Seriously, it's 60% chance Saturday. You think the Lord is telling us to stay home? I'm beginning to wonder}

And the winner is...

2010-04-17T15:02:00.003-05:00

Chelsea!!!

{My version of fireworks for the lucky winner}

Congrats Chelsea {check your Twitter DMs!} and thanks for everyone who took a shot :) June is the one year anniversary of this blog so I'm planning giveaways for that week....as in plural giveaways so you still have a chance!

T-Ball is done, gym class is over and birthday party is finished! I think we are about to attempt the Parade of Homes....with all three kids. Yikes. Enjoy your Saturday afternoon and pray mine goes smoothly, ha!

*I use random dot org to select winners for giveaway/promotions*

Hurry, hurry, hurry!

2010-04-16T21:53:00.001-05:00

My giveaway for a 9x12 ends tonight {Friday} at midnight so hurry and leave a comment to be entered! We have a super busy day tomorrow with T-Ball, birthday parties, etc etc etc BUT I will post & notify the winner by Monday morning....Good luck!

Sometimes I have problems...

2010-04-12T21:42:00.004-05:00

So here is my nephew's bedding:

This was my genius idea:

*sigh*

Yes, there really is a name on there. It's kinda like those pictures you have to stare at until you see what's hidden. It's obvious now that it should have been gray and green stripes, name in navy. But it's not....so I've gotta figure it out! Right along with a bazillion others....now that I go back and look at the bedding I wish I'd have done something with the airplane. Hmmmm....

By the way, the giveaway for the 9 x 12 will be this Saturday by random dot org {nice to know when it ends, huh?}

Gonna ponder painting issues tomorrow while sitting on the beach :) Have a great week!

Welcome folks!

2010-04-08T18:19:00.011-05:00

**Edited to ad giveaway HERE. See bottom of this post**

Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the bloggy world! I'm Mirinda~ owner, decorator and artist behind October Belle Designs. You can read more about me here and visit my website {which is about to get a mahy-jor overhaul!} I'm thrilled to be a part of Ultimate Blog Party 2010! This is my first year participating and I cannot wait to visit YOUR blog along with making some new friends on Twitter!

I have been a blogger since 2005 but without any joy or purpose in it. That is one big reason I had hesitated to start this blog, separate from my

personal one. But I really wanted a place to share everyday life, pictures, home school stuff, blessings, etc. So a couple of weeks ago I caved :) If you'd like to join me there as well, come on over!

This blog was originally started specifically for kid's artwork and design. It's become a conglomerate of all sorts of things design related and after almost a year, is really just getting 'on it's feet' I believe. The Lord has definitely been sifting me where work is concerned and only now am I beginning to see what direction He would have me go with it. Only then shall it be blessed ~ His will, not mine ~ but oh, that's such a hard one isn't it?!

If you haven't been by, be sure to visit Ultimate Blog Party, look through all the prizes, blogs and good stuff~ AND have fun! I donated a 12 x 24 custom canvas for one lucky winner. It will be coordinated to your child's nursery/bedroom with his or her name on it. It's prize number 56 and is only eligible for someone within the continental U.S. Below you will find a couple of sample pictures of my favorite

12 x24s I've done.

Happy Ultimate Blogging!!

I am giving away a 9 x 12 Classic Canvas customized with your initial! You get to choose the four colors and letter you want. It comes with coordinated ribbon and free shipping!

There are several ways to enter. Be sure to leave a comment for each entry!

* Leave a comment on this post for one entry

*Subscribe to this blog

*Become a Follower

*Join my Facebook group

*Follow on Twitter @OctBelleDesigns

There are tons of prizes to win but I would love to have:

72 – Your Shape for Nintendo Wii A fitness video game featuring Jenny McCarthy Comes with a motion tracking camera! All for one lucky winner!
Provided by: Kristie’s List
Follow here: KristiesList

67 – DaySpring’s Blessings Unlimited Blessings Blocks – A distressed white-finish frame holds nine colorful blocks with letters and symbols. Key-hole slots allow for vertical or horizontal display. Value $39.00
Provided by: Sandra Joseph
Visit Our Fan Page: DaySprings Blessings Unlimited ~ Sandra Joseph

6 – Hand Stamped Personalized Necklace valued at $48 The Double Stacked A Lot Of Love.
Provided by: Kristen’s Custom Creations
Follow here: KLA Custom or Visit Our Fan Page: Kristen’s Custom Creations

If these are taken I'd love: 32, 50, 55, 64, 87

Gearing up....

2010-04-08T10:24:00.003-05:00

Tomorrow is the Ultimate Blog Party! This is my first year participating and I'm so excited! I've already met many wonderful participants through Twitter. It's gonna be fun perusing everyone's blogs AND trying to win some of the great prizes! Speaking of which, I am giving away a custom 12 x 24 painting for a baby/kid/tween/teen/whatever else you can think of room, so be sure to enter!

Here is the latest 9 x 12 Classic that will adorn the front door of a lovely chick's home:

She is a Thirty~One consultant, so if you are familiar with their products you'll know this was done to coordinate with one of their lines :) I really want one for myself now {as usual} but so does Myrick {my daughter} Her room is in blues, cream and browns....but I've got something up my sleeve for her {insert wicked Mommy laugh here} She's gonna love it....once I find the time to actually do it!

GOOD NEWS: It looks like I'm much closer to putting that Relevant '10 I'M GOING button up on my sidebar! I've got jobs to do two girl's rooms AND finish up helping with a farmhouse that's getting a major re-do. Throw in some painting orders that have come up....and I'm getting closer!! Yes, I'll do my best to put up posts and pictures of actual design stuff....I stink at it. That office I alluded to months ago has BEEN done so I will get that up as well. Too much to do and so little time :)

~Price List~

2010-04-06T13:06:00.004-05:00

I'm so sorry about confusion with prices. Totally my fault! The good thing is I've had time to figure out what to charge so painting was worth my time, effort and the money I was putting in to a painting....and what sizes are the most popular. So this is what I've come to. I'm always willing to give you a quote on a larger canvas or a specific size that I don't have listed. Just email! :)

I will be removing all other price lists. So if you go looking, they will have vanished! Hopefully that will keep us all on the same page!

Canvas Price List

Classic Wrap Canvas ~ These two sizes come with coordinating ribbon to be hung on your front door {or wherever you choose} They are back-stapled, regular canvas depth, not gallery-style wrap.

9 x 12 ....... $28.00.... 1 Letter Max...Up to four colors

8 x 16 ..... $32.00 ....Contact for letter max ....Up to four colors

Gallery-Style Canvas ~ 1.5" depth, back stapled canvas.
I offer the 8x10 and 12x12 in classic wrap canvas so they can be framed or placed on an easel. Contact me for those prices.

8 x 10 ....$32.00....1 Letter Max

12 x 12....$45.00....3 Letter Max

10 x 20....$55.00....Contact for letter Max

16 x 20....$62.00....Contact for letter max

12 x 24....$75.00....Contact for Letter Max

12 x 36.....$85.00 Contact for Letter Max

15 x 30....$85.00 Contact for Letter Max

Shipping rates are based on size of your order as well as size of the canvas. Please contact for shipping quote.

Did she really do that?

2010-04-02T05:15:00.003-05:00

Yep. I love Blue Cricket Designs and OMGosh why did I not think of this idea? Especially with two little boys running around! Click here to go see it finished. She also has a link to the Etsy shop where you can get your own. Too cute!

Remember, free shipping on all paintings 'til the end of April! And let me address something quickly~ I've gotten a couple of emails in the last week about pricing. Seems that I've got different pricing lists scattered all over this blog {with Christmas, special orders, etc} and it gets a bit confusing. I'm {hoping} to have up today the final sizes and prices, no matter what the occasion/holiday/style/etc. So sorry about the confusion! Please email me {thanks girls} if you have any questions! :P

Have a blessed Good Friday!

As promised....

2010-04-01T10:12:00.020-05:00

We've only been in this house 4 months and continue trying to figure out exactly where everything needs to go. Originally our fourth bedroom was used as Ethan's office. Now it's our schoolroom and I took over the closet as my own. So last week when organizing all of THAT mess {pics later this week} I shifted a ton of it into mine and Ethan's new office. Which just happens to be the 'dining room' and when you walk in our front door BOOM there it is. Thankfully we had no visitors in the past few days. Cause this was what you got when you came in the front door!

Yeah, it was a nightmare. So bad I didn't even want to touch it, just live like this until we move again. Overwhelmed doesn't even touch how I felt about this mess! Not to mention the fact that I was not getting much work done. How could I ?!?!
Yesterday I felt it. That moving inside you. And not the kind you're thinking of. The kind that means motivation is on the way. I began tackling the room but I have a disease. It causes me to be unable to just clean. I must rearrange furniture in the process. I decided to give Ethan my large table {our old dining table} so I could reclaim the cabinet for our copy machine {it was by E's desk with his printer on it} and get it OFF my art table! But when I cleaned it off and drug it to the middle of the room I figured why not just go ahead and paint it black first?? Of course, why not. I had been dieing to get it done for months. So in the midst of this mess, that's what I do.
Once that was done and looking great I got the wild idea to go ahead and paint THE ROOM. It had to be done but I've put it off cause of the disaster going on in there. It was well worth the long afternoon and aching back today. Now if we can just keep it this clean! I did not get a good picture of the table before I piled Ethan's stuff on it. It looks good and now I've got the FEVER of furniture painting!
Two paintings I'm working on and a pile of canvases that I NEED to be working on....
My happy corner. And a desk filled with stuff I need to finish ASAP....
An OK picture of the table....with all of Ethan's junk and Mac that's the size of a small truck....and oh the WIRES!!! Yep, the mirror is hung too low. But by the time Ethan got the massive hangers in I didn't have it in me to make more holes. Plus that mirror weighs more than my car. No joke...
So that's it for the office and I'm SO RELIEVED. Now if I can get the rest of my house to cooperate I'll be doing good!

OHHH~ before I forget :) I have really struggled about this blog vs. personal blog etc etc etc. I really did not enjoy my 'personal' blog but have LOVED this one. I made the decision to start posting personal life/kid stuff on here and have done so. But it's never felt right so I've just refrained from posting AT ALL. You don't want to hear this, do you? So cut to the chase....I will only be posting decorating/craft/art/home stuff on here from this point on....which was the point of the blog to begin with!!!

If you want to see pictures of adorable kids and read about the untangling of mess in my head, rather than my house {or both- you choose} please come see me OVER HERE. It's lonely. Come visit :)

Some motivation....

2010-03-27T21:17:00.004-05:00

Need some motivation to order a painting? Until the end of April I'm offering free shipping. Considering most paintings I mail come with a shipping total of around $20 ~ $25 that's a sweet deal. So order away! I am raising $$$ to attend Relevant 2010. What's that you ask? Well, it's a blog conference put together by the precious Sarah Mae over at Like a Warm Cup of Coffee and a couple of other fabulous gals. A brief description is this:

"The Relevant Conference exists to offer a place of face to face interaction with Christian women bloggers who want to be relevant in the larger blog and social media world. Our goal is to go beyond the surface into intentional blogging and real life living. We support women turning their hearts toward home and using their blogs to bless their families while also engaging the world for the glory of God. Relevant is a one-of-a-kind conference that seeks to engage women by teaching blogging techniques and social media skill while also urging and encouraging women to live fully integrated lives with their faith and family."

See why I really wanna go? Sounds like tons of fun, right?! So help a girl out. And if you own a small {or large} business that would like to sponsor my trip I wouldn't be opposed to that either :) In return I would promote your business online along with a few other things that would make sponsorship worthwhile!

Anyway, I promised my friend Wendy that I had a post coming up that would dispel all myths of a decorator's home always looking fabulous. It doesn't. Or at least mine does not! We live here and it's messy 99% of the time. I haven't gotten around to A. Uploading all the pics of my house a few days ago when it looked like a bomb had gone off {as it usually does} and B. Finished taking after pics. I need to do this quickly because pretty soon it'll once again look awful. So it's coming. In the meantime visit Wendy, she's hilarious. {and after you order your painting, order her book. thanks}

I'm finishing up three paintings tomorrow. Well, that is the plan but reality tends to stray far from my plans. I will also have a giveaway coming up in a couple of weeks on another blog so keep an eye out for that post :)

I planned on throwing in some pictures of our field trip to New Orleans {Audubon Zoo and French Quarter....and of course the Apple store where my husband bought me a MACBOOK PRO. Yes, I'm totally hip now.} But I cannot figure out how to download pictures on the new Mac onto blogger and Ethan refuses to get off the couch and come help me. Yes, I'm angry about it but choosing to let it go. Ha! Maybe pictures tomorrow? Let's hope.

Late night with some rambling...

2010-03-18T00:54:00.007-05:00

At least I am betting on the rambling part. It's been rare lately for me to be up at 1am. My old body has just quit going there! But my little man is up with a horrible cough and we've done the rounds outside...hoping that cool air will help him. Now that he's tucked back in bed and the coughs are spacing out a bit, why not blog?! Why, indeed.

So I've got this huge, blank wall in my living room. I've been struggling about what to plop up there on it. I really, really like the idea of a 'frame' wall. Like this:
{ swiped from Holly Mathis Interiors, which is awesome. I think she swiped it from somebody else but haaaay, it's late and I ain't got time to look that up}

OR if I want to do a wall of actual pictures. So I got to thinking that maybe I could frame some of my drawings. To do that required pulling my ancient portfolio out from under the bed, giving it a good dusting {not kidding} and digging through stuff. Here is what I found!Chic is done with pen and ink....and all figure eights...no line there folks, promise!

Pen and ink as well but no eights this go round....Pencil and my favorite....and last but not least, a tiger. My kids like this one the best, go figure.

The hand picture up top is in my kitchen. I first drew that my freshman year of junior college. Throughout the years I've had people beg and plead {and a few offers to pay!} for it....but there was no way. Instead, I've drawn it several times over but the original is sticking with me. Funny thing is, it was a Neutragena {sp?} magazine ad for lotion! Actually, all of the black and white sketches I do are from advertisements....I hate drawing people for the most part and do not like to do still life's but love black and white photography so it works well for me!

I'm going to continue debating what to do with this massive wall...until then, the few folks who've made back handed comments to me about how easy it is to paint names on canvases- you know who you are LADIES :) {which yeah, it's not rocket science} know that somewhere I do have some bit of talent tucked away, heeeee.

The coughing has stopped so I'm off to bed, hopefully!

Living it, not typing it....

2010-03-01T13:50:00.009-06:00

My addiction to all things Internet has been broken. Which is why you have and will be seeing a lot less of me round all the social media sites....but I'll keep up here some as well :)

So what's been going on, you ask? Life. Wonderful, blessed life. To steal the tag line from a little unknown show on TLC 'It's a crazy life but it's our life'!

A few things that have gone down: First, I painted the kitchen. Well, let me clarify. Part of our rental agreement was that we would paint- the whole house. It needed it desperately and I wanted to be in charge...of course. So I painted the kitchen, which is open to the living room....and hall...and foyer. So I went with a blue/gray color which looks REALLY blue in these pictures. It's not so BLUE. I was nervous about it being EVERYWHERE! We had some good friends come help last weekend and finish up in the living/foyer/halls....I really like it! I'll get some pictures up as soon as I put my house back together again. But here is one I stopped quickly to take....bye bye flesh-tone tan {vomit} and hello blue....I've got the fabric to make a valance and that dining set will soon be BLACK. Stay tuned for that cause it could get interesting...

Had some arts and crafts in our new blue kitchen. Gotta teach the kiddos early how to paint. Love how my 5 year old chose to paint his name. He may have seen that done a few times round here before!No, I don't have 4 children. The friend that came to paint? His daughter stayed with us Friday night....and he owns a construction company. Little Bit declared a few months ago that when he 'turns 18' he is 'going to build houses with Mr. Benny'. You gotta start small so here is his first 'house' for all the birds in our backyard. We have great friends :)

In the past 5 days I've also managed to paint/decorate the kids' bathroom {looks fab but this post is getting long} and paint the boys' bedroom. We'll save that for the next update! Oh and another painting coming up :)

Little Princess

2010-02-14T18:02:00.006-06:00

It took a few days {haha} but here is the full picture of my last sneak peek. It will go in a room with this sweet and oh-so-girly bedding. Like I try to do with most of the my kiddo paintings, it should transition well when she's out of the baby bedding stage.

This traveled a long way from me and word is the mommy-to-be loved it! Hopefully {wink wink} I'll get pictures of it in her room. Thanks for the order, Jess!

Getting ready for the week ahead. Praying everyone has a blessed Monday!

Let it snow, let it snow....

2010-02-13T17:11:00.009-06:00

I spent the better part of December and January explaining to my children {over and over and over like I do EVERY year} that it does NOT snow in Mobile. It just doesn't. Well, I got proven wrong, much to my kiddos delight.
It was about 2 hours past when the ever reliable weathermen said it would arrive, but it started slowly....then picked up into big, fat flakes. It snowed pretty good for a little over an hour, stuck on the ground enough to make a few snowballs, then promptly ended {and melted- thank heavens!}

{They may have had a thing with eating it}

Think they were excited? That'd be the understatement of the year!!

Overwhelmed.

2010-01-31T21:01:00.003-06:00

You want to know what all is on my plate this week? Well, you can't. It would take too long to type out so I'm not going to bother. Just know it's a lot.

A LOT.

So I'm praying the Lord will stretch my time this week while giving me patience with my children. When stressed I tend to take it out on those closest {as in physically close} and since they are with me all day...well, lucky them. So no snippy mom this week, please Lord. Give me some control over my tongue!

Along with homeschool, a million doctors appointments and my regular chaos, I'm decorating an office. I'll tell you later who it's for and what it's for. {along with some pictures from start til finish} For now I'll share this kicking rug I found at TJ Maxx for $99! Now, that may seem like a lot. If it does, it's been a LONG TIME since you've bought a rug. That, my friends, was a steal. Not only that, but about 10 minutes before buying this rug I found a canvas on sale at Pier 1. When I say it matches the rug exactly, it would be no lie. I'll get a picture of that later too. So I'm going to paint a large canvas to coordinate with both- you know, in my spare time.

And see that floor? Concrete with some sort of treatment on it. Not sure what it was but it's gorgeous!

Hope everyone else has a fabulous Monday tomorrow!

Tweet Tweet

2010-01-27T16:50:00.004-06:00

{Complimentary sneak peek. Shown in all it's glory very soon}

OK, I'm going to give Twitter another try. It was so nice to take a break from it and THIS time, there will be no compulsive checking of status updates {we are hoping}

If you were following me before or vice-verse, you can now catch me again at

OctBelleDesigns.

Love is in the air!

2010-01-26T07:52:00.006-06:00

It's that time of year again! Valentine's Day is fast approaching and we are excited in the Dawe House. I have never been one to expect, or even really want, presents for Valentine's. Keep the roses and 3 hour wait in a restaurant! But I have fallen in love with this holiday since having kids. {excuse the pun} It is mine and Myrick's favorite- we even have a party each year for it!

It's also close to another big event down South- Mardi Gras. Now I personally do not care a thing about it or participate but it is a BIG DEAL here in Mobile. Most people associate New Orleans with Mardi Gras but it actually originated here! So both sizes of my Valentine's canvases can be Mardi Gras instead only with the colors green, yellow & purple!

First up:

8 x 16 ~ stripes

*pinks and chocolate brown OR
*pinks and red
Will include coordinating ribbon
10 characters max
$30.00

I am already taking orders on this size, with the ribbon, for teacher gifts.
For any type {Valentine's, Mardi Gras, teacher, etc} the basic background will be stripes BUT each will be made to look different- no two alike is my goal! I wanted ours simple with two hearts but others I can jazz up more :) Email me now to be sure you get your teacher order in for those end-of-the-year parties! Believe me, teachers love having these on their doors or somewhere in their room!

Next is:

9 x 12 ~ Polka Dots
* pinks and chocolate OR
*pinks and red
Can include ribbon at your request but these are the perfect size for easels!
1 character max
$25.00

Remember, those can be in Mardi Gras colors- and it's almost here!! Email me with questions and orders:

obd4kids@gmail.com

Have a great Tuesday- off to teach my kiddos some school :) And if you didn't get the chance to enter over a Sarah Mae's yesterday for an apron, be sure to get over there before Friday!

Flirty Apron Giveaway!

2010-01-25T12:15:00.003-06:00

OK gals, head over to Like a Warm Cup of Coffee where Sarah Mae is giving away a Flirty Apron to one lucky winner this Friday!

My favorite is the Original Blue Chocolate {it matches my kitchen and home colors} but there are several to choose from and ALL are adorable! They also have aprons for men and children- I see Myrick and I with matching aprons in the very near future!

Good luck to all of us crossing our fingers!

Speaking of farm animals...

2010-01-24T20:25:00.011-06:00

Looking at my pig post and reference to Old MacDonald I realized I never shared pics from my {now} 5 year old son's birthday.

I know you've all been stomping your feet in frustration while huffing about it. So calm down, here you are.

Drew has been telling me since last January, when he turned 4, that he wanted a 'tractor' cake for his 5th birthday party. See, in our house we celebrate the birth of our children on their birthday. We do NOT however celebrate each birthday with a major party that breaks the bank to mainly impress other parents and make sure the other little boogers attending get a fabulous 'goody bag'. Instead they get those kind of parties at certain milestone birthdays {1, 5, 10, 13 and 16 to be exact}. Now before you go telling me how that is awful!!! and I'm depriving the children!!! let me say {I don't care- with a smile of course!} and also we do have a family party each year. Satisfied? Great!
So we had a tractor cake {that I made, thank-you-very-much} with a farm themed birthday. No petting zoo was rented or real tractors brought in. Sorry! We played games, {Moosical chairs, Pin the Wheel on the Tractor, Mystery Barnyard Animal} had a coloring table with farm pictures and ate cake. *gasp* And guess what?! The kids really had a great time!

And guess what? I did send them home with somewhat of a 'goody bag'. Home grown jelly BEANS from Drew Farms, INC :)
So my baby is five years old. Let me repeat that: My BABY is FIVE YEARS OLD. Someone get me an infant fast...this is the longest I've gone in 9 years without being pregnant AND/OR having an infant {Cause once that happened at the same time. Yo.}

For his birthday we got him all the 'goods' he needs to play T-Ball this Spring. We have a pretty good feeling that Drew is most definitely our athletic child and he's been begging to play baseball since he was 3. {We also deprive our children of organized sports until they are older} While 5 years old is still a bit young for my husband to be totally gung-ho about him being on a team sport, he is signed up and VERY excited.

Love you Drewbie-Doo!

Old McDonald had a pig....

2010-01-22T21:21:00.004-06:00

There was a pig in our yard today. At first I believed my children to be mistaken. Surely it was a dog or cat they had mistaken for a pig. Yet when I turned the corner to peek around the side of our house there he was. Or at least I think it was a 'he'. We never got that personal in our time together.

So I learned several things today. Because I'm so gracious I'm going to share them with you just in case you find yourself in a similar situation, mkay?

1. Animal control does not 'handle livestock'. They take great offense when you assure them said pig is not 'livestock' but obviously some one's pet. They will then get rude and tell you to call the sheriff's office.

2. At this point you will pause for a moment to imagine a sheriff pulling up, handcuffing the pig and putting him in the back of a squad car.

3. When you actually call the sheriff's department- you know, the one that handles things like CRIME- they will enjoy the best laugh of the day, compliments of you and your new pig. They will then ask what time the barbecue is.

4. The sheriff's department sometimes lucks up and realizes your address is actually the city police's jurisdiction. So you will make another call.

5. The city police station will not think a pig in your yard is funny. AT. ALL. They will, however, promise to send someone out to 'help'.

6. Two hours later you realize that the local cops must have more pressing matters than a runaway pig.

Get all that?

Ok, so I babysat this pig for TWO hours. He ate two new bags of baby carrots, 5 bananas and 4 apples. {Tossed to him from a safe distance because he had a thing for charging at you} He also rooted around in the backyard of the house next door. {It's empty} We live on a one street cul-de-sac where only our side of the street actually even HAS houses, so around 10 tops! I could not imagine this pig belonging to anyone in our neighborhood...but there he/she was.

Highlight of the day for my children: The pig charging me as I ran as fast as I could into the house, slamming the front door right before he bit my foot off. OK, he didn't try to eat my foot but that's only cause I got away {home school lesson: Pigs can run. FAST} Where is someone with a video camera when you need them???

I had to leave and Ethan came home to watch the pig. {Read: UPS was making a signature required delivery so someone had to be here.}

Highlight of MY day. Watching my husband sit trapped in his car for 15 minutes because the pig was standing by the car door, charging at him anytime he started to get out. HYSTERICAL.

Under said husbands care the pig A. Poops all over my front yard and B. Digs up several holes while rolling in the mud from our recent rain. It looks like we tilled the yard up so at least we got a start on our spring gardening.

Sad end to this weird {funny. long.} story. Apparently the police never showed, piggy wandered a street over, charged someone's kid and word on the street is someone shot him. Then they find out he IS a pet belonging to someone nearby. MORON. Who shoots a little pig? Crud, I babysat the thing for TWO HOURS, fed it all the produce I had to keep it out of the street and getting run over {because we have two cars a day come down the road} and the first thing they do is walk out and kill him!?!?!

I'm really sad about this.

Point of this post is I spent my afternoon doing the above and not sealing my last Valentine painting. But I have one, so here you go:

What a slacker.

2010-01-21T14:31:00.002-06:00

I'm sure that's what you are thinking. However, you'd be wrong! Each painting I'm doing this month is a gift. Meaning I cannot post pics/info until it's been received. And I'm beginning to think that every child in the world is a girl and her name begins with 'A'. Cause I've done about a million paintings for those girls!!

I finished up my two Valentine samples last night! I will have those up by the weekend. Considering one is for my front door, they are SUPER cute. {I'm biased, OK}

I am a slacker on the blog front, though. This month has been about my family and getting back into a routine after the holidays. I home school our three kiddos and really want our days to run more smoothly than they did at the first of our school year. So no more 'work' during our daytime together which means blogging will take the brunt of that. Cause at night I paint {and I'll admit it, American Idol is back, so.....} and sometimes sleep :)

I stopped blogging on my personal blog a few months back and have decided to bring more of our life here cause most folks reading do know us 'in real life' so you can look forward to that- HA!

Also, there is still time to join Simple Mom's book club! Click on the link to the right for more information. I found the book at the library and it's really insightful so join us!

Bye Bye 2009, Hello 2010!!!

2010-01-04T19:45:00.011-06:00

Isn't it weird to put down 2010?! I can honestly remember being a teenager and thinking I'd never live to see 2000- ha!

2009 was a really rough year for our family, in many ways. Yet in thinking of all the bad I am able to see all the blessings, as well as how the Lord was with us through it all....which makes it hard to say it was a 'bad year'. Rather, I've grown and that is wonderful!

I am so grateful to have the support of my husband Ethan and the greatest friend in the world, Lisa. Without you two I would never have made it the past few years, this year especially. So a huge THANK YOU. I am so blessed to have you in my life. And I am eagerly looking forward to what 2010 will bring, not only to my family but all of yours. Of course a huge thank you to all my Internet pals who have been encouraging and supportive in my venture into the business blog world!

I still have not received any of the pics I was promised of paintings in rooms {that's OK you guys, I know where you live, MWAAAHHAHAAH!} so I'm going to throw in some totally random stuff here. Also, I would love some opinions on Etsy. I had signed up for a store well before Christmas but have not done anything with it. Do you think what I offer would do well there? Or be a total waste of time? I can't figure it out...

So this mammoth painting {30x40!!!} was a Christmas painting with, obviously, Luke 2:14. I was so excited about doing this and put a lot of time into it...only to have myself, the day before I had promised completion/delivery, screw up the font. This after sitting at my desk for about, oh 10 hours working up to that point. I cried. A lot. Thankfully my rational husband steered me to bed and I woke up the next day resolved to fix the problem. I ended up having to paint over the part where the text went and start over. I actually like the font I ended up using much better than the one that went wrong....however, I do realize there are some....um, let's call them 'spacing' issues. I learned a lot with this- first painting in my life I've done this big- and know how to avoid those tear jerking issues in the future! All in all I really like it and think she did as well!

OK, that chic Lisa I just thanked up there for being so supportive?? Well, she's also the crazy woman who calls me a week before Christmas to whip out four paintings.....and oh they need to be shipped to MINNESOTA in a few days. I love her, I really do. As apparent in the fact that I actually did it {in the midst of a breakdown over the above verse one....I may have cried out to God for a Xanax a few times....just saying} I must say that A. I really enjoyed doing these and B. Love each one and C. I work really well under pressure.

Now, two of these got pretty frames and two were on easels. She'll send me pictures eventually and I'll share, until then you have to do with my generic pics with the lovely white blinds {and copier} in the background.

This reads "Good Health" in Chinese. Looks fabulous framed, if I do say so myself. It's new home will be in an acupuncture clinic!

LOVE this. Love it. You do, too. So well in fact that you need to order them in different colors. It is a gallery canvas so it's thick and can stand on its own...or put on an easel. You decide.

Last but not least....this one got popped in a frame and I can't wait to show the picture. I think it turned out really well!So that's how I wrapped up 2009! I'm already working on new orders for 2010 and samples for Valentine's day. I'm only doing two sizes for Valentine's Day instead of the gazillions I did for Christmas. More to come later this week on that cause my hubby is about to swipe the laptop until Sunday :( Technically it is his work computer AND this means I'll get to use the ultra-cool Mac while he's got this one...but it takes my saved/bookmarked stuff and that stinks. Somehow, I'll make it through.

Now THAT is one long post!

The Sister Paintings

2009-12-20T15:37:00.005-06:00

This is what I've dubbed this group of paintings from the beginning. They were for three adorable sisters {who also have one really sweet mom} and as you can see, they are all different! I think it's so neat how older kids you can guess their personality by what they like in their rooms.

First up, 'The Baby'. I saw this in her room when I delivered the last one the other day. I love it! {though I'm a bit biased} I don't have pictures of any bedding because my computer being fried, so for now, these will have to do!She {the mommy} wanted all three to have their initials instead of full names. I think they turned out great with this because of the size {12x16} She also likes the Curlz font so I did a variation of that on each one.

Second, we have 'the robe painting' from the sister group. My kids named it this because- and I swear it's the truth, will get you a picture up if needed- I have a robe that looks just like it! So I'm a bit partial to this one cause it's got two things I love: Polka dots and the colors!

Last, we have 'the paisley'. It just occurred to me that I could swipe a pic of the bedding from Target, so where we have it:The first go I took at this one did not work so well....can't really tell you why but I didn't like it. So I painted over it and started again! This is the final version:

I know, I know it looks red in the picture. This is only because my skills with our fancy pants camera are zilch. It's pink, I promise. This SO would have been in my room as a teen. Remember my tween post about my bedroom? It was that exact turquoise color. Love it!

Speaking of colors, the previous post with the 'Allison'. The picture from Wal-Mart looks all peachy pink and soft. Thank HEAVENS I went to the store first so I could see it in person. It was not at all peachy or soft. The colors are more true to what I painted....

Ok, I'm going to hold off on Christmas paintings until tomorrow. I'm finishing up a 30x40 that I had an...ummm...we will call it an 'accident' on Friday night that has put me behind a couple of days with it. Thankfully, I was able to fix the 'accident' and move on. {After a good night's sleep and lots of tears. My poor husband....bless his heart} I've been in my PJs all day today trying to finish it but my eyes were literally crossing! So the break is over, my blog is updated, now back to painting!

It's a Christmas miracle!

2009-12-20T15:23:00.004-06:00

My computer is working so here we go. Somewhere in the midst of this post I will decide whether to do one long update or break it up!

I am supposed to get pictures of each painting below in their actual rooms. I saw one of the 'sister' paintings the other day in the nursery and it was so cute! So hopefully I'll have all four soon to share. In the meantime you have to deal with my awful photography!

First up I had a 12x24 order to coordinate with this bedding:
This is from Wal-Mart and is SO adorable! When scrolling through just now on their site to find this pic, I saw several on there I loved! They didn't have that great of a selection when I was popping out babies so I'm impressed. Anywho, here is what I came up with:

I really wanted a couple of those bunnies sitting on the hill but then wouldn't have been able to fit her name. Decisions, decisions :) But I really like the flowers so it worked out!

So there is update post numero uno! I just made the official decision to break this stuff up so on to the next one!

This is no joke...

2009-12-19T09:27:00.001-06:00

Do you ever feel like you are missing a message about something? I'm starting to feel that way about my computer and internet. After posting that this week would be filled with posts and updates our modem quit working. The BRAND NEW one that had just been installed. It was out for 3 days, we got a new one and THAT one has been going in and out. Is God trying to tell me something??? :)

Anyway, I'm off to carol with Girl Scouts which should be way fun! However, I wanted to bring a family to your attention that really needs prayer. See that side button over on the right, the one that says "pray for Andrew"??? Well, they lost their sweet son earlier this week. Since my internet was out I didn't know this until late last night....and have found myself just crying ever since. Please visit her site if you get the chance but more importantly, pray for their family. I cannot imagine ever losing one of my children. Even with strong faith, it would be incredibly hard....

Have a great weekend and I WILL have other stuff up before Monday morning- Lord willing my internet cooperate! ;)

Don't faint.

2009-12-13T21:24:00.000-06:00

I now have wireless and a laptop. Prepare yourself for an influx of posts and pictures this week!!! I've missed you all!!

Please don't leave me :(

2009-11-30T21:17:00.002-06:00

I promise I'm still here! I always hate when my kids give me 50 different excuses so the fact that I'm about to do the same on here...well, just don't tell them.

We got moved. I'm over moving. Don't want to do it again for a L.O.N.G time. However, we are renting for the first time EVAH. So our luck they'll put it up for sale. But until then I'm sticking to my guns of DO NOT WANT TO MOVE AGAIN.

So that took a week of chaos....then Thanksgiving came and went. {and with it a wonderful meal provided by my bestest friend in the world, Lisa, via Cracker Barrel !! Gift. From. Heaven. MWAH GIRL!}

So as soon as we got settled in I got to painting. I have 3 paintings for three sisters that have been delayed due to my surgery then the move. Booted up my laptop yesterday to look at some more pics of the bedding for one canvas and my 4 year old got crafty in the 30 seconds I was gone from the room. My darn laptop will not even TURN ON now. Geek Squad sounded very UN-hopeful in a chance of revival. Do you know how much stuff I have on that thing? Forget all the work information but THREE YEARS of pictures. Why oh why do I not back stuff up.

This is your daily advice: Back up your computer and for the love of Pete DO IT NOW.

So I had one painting go out last week, the 3 girl paintings for the siblings, a Christmas door canvas and a ginormous canvas {30x40, it's local so don't even ask me to ship a baby that big!} with a Bible verse on it for Christmas. Can I show you any of it?

No.

I'm on my husband's Mac computer. Which is like so fabulous I should not even be allowed to touch the keys but he is cowering in the corner mumbling incoherently while I do important things like catch up on Facebook. Oh, and blog :)

So maybe by this weekend I'll have some pictures up....but stick around, promise to be up and running in all my glory very soon. Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!!!

A quick note....

2009-11-13T07:56:00.003-06:00

Two things:

1. We are in the middle of moving and will be until next weekend. So I will be scarce and paintings will be delayed a week or so, though I promise you guys I am still working on them in the middle of this chaos. And if I've promised yours by a specific day, you will get it :)

2. I deleted my Twitter account. It was time to re-evaluate my priorities and I have been spending way too much time on the internet just playing around. Twitter was the biggest "time sucker" of all....so if you were following me there, you just have to come here now :)

Have a great weekend!

back to our regularly scheduled program....

2009-11-06T18:55:00.005-06:00

Let's get back to art, shall we?

I had two paintings this week that were won off 'giveaways' and both were Christmas! The first was for Christine, who wanted 'Joy to the World' incorporated with a Christmas tree.
The next was Lyndsi who wanted a Santa with 'The Parkers' on it.
They got all pretty, snuggled in bubble-wrap and sent on their way. Hope they like them! :)

and to prove that yes, I am actually working...
There are several others that I didn't get in the picture. But it's proof, people! Have a great weekend :)

Do you hear angels singing?

2009-11-04T15:29:00.001-06:00

Cause I sure do! Just back from the doctor with the relief of knowing there was NO CANCER. I honestly didn't realize how heavy the anxiety was inside me until it was lifted! I can breathe again....thank you Lord! And thank you all again for the many prayers!

The results are in...

2009-11-03T20:45:00.004-06:00

and hopefully the DR will be giving them to me tomorrow! After much anticipation I was informed yesterday that no, he would not speak to me about the test results over the phone. Good or bad. Which is the complete opposite of what my discharge nurse told me, coupled with the fact that I have yet to receive a follow-up-how-ya-doing phone call from her a week later, she had no clue if my stitches will dissolve or need taking out and didn't tell me how I was to care for the incision other than take a shower the day after surgery....this kinda tells me this girl might be walking down the wrong career path. Yet, I digress.

Thank you all so much for the prayers! All the emails, posts and Tweets were encouraging :) I am doing well, hanging out with stitches that may or may not suddenly disappear on their own and anxious to hear the results. And I was also given an unexpected Halloween costume which I nicknamed Boob of Frankenstein. Thankfully I decided to stay at home....

I have been spending the past few days catching up on blogs and really felt that I should share with you some folks who are in serious need of prayer. Totally not design related yet totally God related- which is always better! Please visit these blogs, read their stories and PRAY. We sometimes get so wrapped up in our own 'stuff' it's hard to forget others are going through so much more. I'm awful at this so a reality check is always good for my soul :)

I have the giveaway paintings finished and will post pics later this week. Also have 4 little girl paintings that I can put up sneak peeks on very soon! In the meantime I'll give share a pic of some angels I know...{in which we are celebrating 'Biscuits' birthday and yes I did make him a cake. That'd be my 4 year old's stuffed dog whom as of today was 'visiting Africa'.}

Bella ~ Mella
Miracle Mason
Terrible and Beautiful

Asking for prayers....

2009-10-26T13:28:00.002-05:00

So I was not going to put this 'out there' for all the world to know....but the more I think about it I realized that I would be a fool not to. Why? Because you sweet girls (and guys) would pray for me if I asked!

Tomorrow morning I am going in to have an open breast biopsy. The purpose is to rule out a rare form of breast cancer, Paget's. Funny thing is, I feel peace about the results being good. The thing I am freaking out about is is being put under! The surgery takes about an hour...and the thought of being out at all, much less for an hour, is giving me serious panic attacks. I haven't slept for the past few nights. At all. So please pray for peace and that I will calm down, all will go well and the results will be good.

And for the giveaway paintings I have going out....I finished each one this weekend, they are drying today and I'll get them sealed at the end of this week. {possibly I can seal them tonight and mail them Friday or Saturday if they dry fast enough!} Just know I haven't forgotten you...and OMGosh 'The Parkers' that I have done....{winner from 100 days til Christmas} is so stinking cute I cannot WAIT to show you all!

Thanks for the prayers guys!

Oh the places you'll go....

2009-10-20T16:39:00.002-05:00

Design Dazzle

Sorry to be MIA so much around here! When I say that I have a lot of my plate that would be the understatement of the year. On top of our normal chaotic lives we are moving and dealing with a {possible} serious health issue with yours truly. Oh yeah, and I have 8 paintings I'm working on....so prayers are totally welcome at this point! Well any point....so send them our way!

I'll put some pics up later this week of my paintings in the making {read: after I clean the room enough to not die of embarrassment from showing you} but in the meantime I'm linking back over to Design Dazzle. Yes, again. Why? Because I wish that for one of my kiddos I'd have had this as my shower theme!

And could someone out there with that Dr. Seuss bedding PLEASE give me the hook-up on doing a painting for the room ?! Love it!

Christmas is Coming!

2009-10-13T12:00:00.001-05:00

Do you guys realize how close we are to CHRISTMAS!? I have really enjoyed reading this site and taking the tips each day on how to prepare. It's chock full of great information and not only that, I have a giveaway over there this week! So head on over to 100 Days to Christmas and start getting your holiday groove on!

Dazzling Indeed!

2009-10-10T08:55:00.005-05:00

Design Dazzle

I heart the Design Dazzle blog. They share some awesome rooms over there and I wanted you to see this one. I just love it! What a great way to put 'art' on the wall. {I'm a huge fan of Uppercase Living} and this was hand-painted !!! Go check out the other pics as well....

Christmas Giveaway

2009-10-09T08:22:00.002-05:00

Good morning, guys! I promised to send you over to my friend Jen's today for a chance to win a Christmas canvas personalized just for the winner, so here you go. While there you can start following Jen and read about her precious family. They are some of the sweetest people I have ever met- honestly! So good luck and if you don't win....well, there might be a chance out there next week somewhere...I'm just saying...so stay tuned ;)

Have a great weekend!!!

Hot and humid...

2009-10-08T16:04:00.004-05:00

It's days like today I wish we lived just a bit more north. You know, so you could actually tell it's fall. The humidity is what I'm blaming on a blah mood. But at least I'm enjoying the heat in my freshly painted kitchen :)

I forgot to put up pictures of the canvas sent out last week. This was an 18 x 24 for a sweet little girl named Natalie. Her bedding was pink, green, black and white....with a hint of red. The sheets were covered in tiny red and pink flowers. The crib bumper had a little ladybug here and there. So this is what I came up with! They really liked it and I'm so glad. Her walls are a light pink...I can't wait to get some pictures that I can share with you of it in the room!

Yes, my flower bed in the front of my house is the only place I've found to take OK pictures at. Someone needs to show me how to use this fancy-schmancy camera I have and cannot work. Oh well!

Tomorrow I'm giving away an 8x10 Christmas canvas on my friend Jen's blog. Actually, she has a few going on this week to celebrate her birthday. I'm not sure if some have closed out yet or not but go check it out. And be sure to pop back over tomorrow for a chance to win a canvas!

We survived.

2009-10-04T20:14:00.005-05:00

It's done....just in time for a new week to begin. Wishing I had started on Friday....ha!

BEFORE

DURING {I hate priming walls. Confession: This is the first time I've actually bothered doing it}

AFTER

I am not even going to attempt showing pics of the other side of my kitchen. It's currently in disaster mode. Once the floor dries from a good mopping I'm going to clean. Until then, this is the only pic going up!

I LOVE THE GREEN! It's actually called "barrel" and when I popped the paint can lid there was panic. Thankfully, it looks better on the wall than in the can. I'm very pleased...and tired...and really sore. {I did this all by myself- even fresh, white trim! Ethan can supervise but is not allowed to paint a wall in my home. He stinks at it and knows it}

So next I need to get more fabric for my curtains. They are going back up right against the ceiling so they'll need to be extended to reach the floor. I have a window mistreatment in mind, ala The Nester. And I'll also be refinishing the table that's going in...distressed black. This will all hopefully happen...by the end of the year ??? One can hope!

Kitchen Time.

2009-10-03T07:18:00.003-05:00

This is currently what my kitchen looks like. {minus those curtains that look like they are walking in high water- currently I have up some chocolate brown ones- that reach the floor}
When we moved just over three years ago, dark colors were all the rage {you know: gold, red, browns, etc}

I am so over it.

I've wanted to paint my kitchen for a year now, especially because it's been on the market- FOR A YEAR. But I've been talked out of it....

Last night I decided to do some furniture moving as far as the kitchen table is concerned. The table you see pictured is about 6 years old from Pier 1. And it's super TINY. So once I got it out of the breakfast area I thought 'what the heck, let's paint'. So today, that is what I will be doing.

I have no clue what color at this moment. Have to make the trip after breakfast. And if anyone would love to help distress those cabinets....well, give me a call! I want the bottom ones black and the top ones cream so come on over!! I would also love to move that rod up and extend my curtains with fabric so they will still puddle...

....and then we will address the 'table issue'. Cause the new one I'm moving in? Well, I think it needs to be painted....

{My husband may want a place to stay for the next couple of weeks so he doesn't kill me}

I love me some fall.

2009-09-29T11:50:00.006-05:00

Today we woke up to our first day of cool weather! I'm enjoying it while it lasts, cause no doubt in a few more days it'll be back up to 90 until sometime in November. But I love this time of year, it has always been my favorite season. Something about the crispness is just lovely...

So here are my candles I got finished and then forgot to put up for you! They were simple and fast. I just printed out a section of the Bible {Hosea to be exact} in some fancy font. Then I tore the paper and used a makeup sponge to "age" then with watered-down paint {they used an ink pad on HGTV but alas, I do not own any ink pads}. Next, tape it or glue on the candle then tie on your fave ribbons. I put a couple of pieces of my fall potpourri in there but on the show they had little flowers. Just whatever cranks your tractor! :) I haven't quite figured out my mantel display for fall either....so for now, this is what it looks like!

And here is a sneak peek of my most currently finished canvas:

I'll have pictures up as soon as it's delivered. Spending the rest of my week painting up a storm for the Preview Party on Saturday~ have a great week!

Giveaway painting revealed!

2009-09-21T17:26:00.004-05:00

Found out today the giveaway painting was received so now I can show you what it looks like! First, the bedding was this:

Isn't this just adorable! The giveaway was for up to four coordinated colors but I have a weakness for stripes. SO I had to do this:

And then sent it on it's way! Glad it got there safely- I really enjoyed doing this. And I think it's so cool that the only guy to enter won- bet your wife was so happy with you! ;)

Stuffed Saturday

2009-09-19T11:01:00.004-05:00

What exactly is my Saturday stuffed with, you ask? Well, just look at the pictures and you'll see! I have got to get all these canvases finished THIS WEEK. How? Hmmmm...I'll let you know when I figure it out. As you can see coffee is already involved {and I did an RPM class this morning cause that's waaaaay better than caffeine!} so after a good shower this is how my Saturday looks. Notice Little Bit is already hanging out wanting to watch what's going down. No doubt the other two will make their way in....

So what am I MOST excited about doing? A little craft I just happened to catch at the end of an HGTV show a couple of days ago. {think it was Curb Appeal but not sure} These are going to be perfect with my fall decor!

little man gus

2009-09-17T21:46:00.003-05:00

Yesterday I finished up this painting for a new blessing in the world, Gus! It will go in his room that is decorated with construction trucks in red, green, blue, brown and yellow. I normally do stripes on the side and dots on top but decided to change it up this time and really like how it turned out!

The giveaway canvas should be arriving at its home any day now. Once it's there I'll be showing it off ~ LOTS of stripes, that one was. I just love the bedding they had picked out for their new baby boy and cannot wait to see pics of the final room!

I'm up tonight trying to get all ~well, most~ of my fall decorations up. I have a lot of work to do before next Saturday and am feeling a bit overwhelmed! If you are in the Mobile area please stop by to see the Christmas line and other goodies I'll have available :)

Life is crazy.

2009-09-14T14:06:00.005-05:00

My promised postings were pushed back a bit from last week and I apologize. My grandmother went in for emergency {meaning we didn't know it was happening until it was...well, happening} open heart surgery last Wednesday. The thing is, she lives almost 7 hours away from me so I have been out of town. I am happy to report she is doing well and should be released from the hospital sometime this weekend.

Many thanks to those of you who offered up prayers for her via Twitter {that was the only place I took time to make the need of prayer known!}

OK, so back to the business of painting. I've included a snapshot of a current work-in-progress that will be shown after completion and delivery {as usual} This is also the reason I am not showing any other paintings- they need to be delivered first, before a sneak peek! I'm also getting together several Christmas samples together. I had thought they would be long since done by now but life is crazy that way.

But I have a deadline now, which will help! If you are in the Mobile area I am hosting a Preview Party on Saturday, September 26th. Email me for more information!

We also have a group on Facebook now: October Belle Designs, LLC.

I am going to do a separate post with the new sizes available and new pricing. I realize there are several options but feel this is beneficial to my customers. Please contact me if you have any questions regarding canvas sizes.

Fancy Pants Blog!

2009-09-02T13:21:00.003-05:00

I'm almost done adding new sizes and pricing to what we already offer. Should have it up later today or tomorrow. This will hopefully help accommodate more of you with what you're looking for!

Now, do you love the design of this blog or what?! Seriously, it's adorable and I'm not just saying that cause it's mine.

{Though I do get a bit of swelled head when looking at how cute it is- even though I didn't do it!}

I had been wanting to start a business blog for quite some time. I wanted it personalized to match my style, personality and my business card/logo. If you've done any searching online for a blog designer you know that they can get a bit...*ahem*...pricey. And there are several out there. I was confused on who to use and also didn't feel like selling a car to have the blog done was reasonable.

I came across Jackie one day by visiting a blog she had designed. I loved the header she had done so I immediately headed on over to her site.

This fabulous blog is what I got from that visit! I cannot sing Jackie's praises enough! She was so accommodating, sweet, knowledgeable, creative....and didn't make fun of me for being so ignorant about all things computer/blog related! And just LOOK at her prices. So reasonable you cannot afford to NOT have your blog done by her!

So head over to Jackie's place and get hooked up with a new blog look, not a cookie cutter template!! I promise it is worth it :)

Still here!

2009-08-29T17:48:00.002-05:00

Blogging has taken a backseat this week but I promise that I am still very much here! This was our first week as a homeschool family and it was quite an adjustment for us all. So work took a bit of a backseat BUT I had the best Saturday shopping. Clothes? No. Shoes? No.

What else could a woman shop for that is so enjoyable?!

Paint supplies. Namely, canvases. Lots of them.

I have a sneaking suspicion I will be up a wee bit late tonight! Check back next week to see what new things I have going on. Also, I have new sizes with pricing to put up and Christmas canvases that can be pre-ordered until the middle of October {will have a definite date next week}

Have a great weekend!

And the winner is.....

2009-08-24T06:39:00.003-05:00

Good morning! Thank you all so much for entering the giveaway. I was overwhelmed with the responses- and there is no way I could pick one! So instead a lovely computer program randomly selected the winner {and a second one in case our winner disappears or changes his mind- as if!}

and the winner is: Angel Arch!

Thanks again to all who entered. I hope you stick around and please let me know if I can help you with a painting for your child or special someone!

Hurry back soon to see samples of my custom Christmas canvases. These will be available for order until September 11th!

The Giveaway!

2009-08-19T08:08:00.003-05:00

OK, so here is the deal! Just leave a comment on this post regarding why you would like to win, who you would want it for, etc. and you are then entered! Comments can be left until 10pm Central time Sunday, August 23rd. The winner will be announced here on Monday, August 24th!

Giveaway is for a custom 12 x 12 canvas, up to four colors with a three letter max, $52.00 value. This is open to residents within the continental U.S. only!

If you left a comment on yesterday's post I will consider you entered so please do not post twice :)

Last but not least, a huge, grateful 'thank you' to Sarah Mae.

*the picture above is of a 12 x 12 that I painted to match my business card*

Ladybugs buzzing & Tractors rolling ~ and a Giveaway!

2009-08-18T08:09:00.010-05:00

So yesterday I got to deliver the 'ladybug painting' and the 'tractor' canvas. While they haven't made their way home yet I wanted to go ahead and post final pics so that the Mom {hi Michelle!} could see them.

First, the ladybugs for little Ava.....

Next, we have Evan's canvas to coordinate with his John Deere room. I'm *hoping* that this will match well and they like it! The walls are yellow so I didn't want too much yellow in there, just a bit of accent. Let me know what you think!

Come back tomorrow, August 18th for a chance to win a 12 x 12 personalized canvas, up to four colors and three letters {$52 value}. To be entered you must post a comment on The Giveaway Post. One winner will be selected by random and announced Monday, August 24th.

{Contest open to residents within the continental United States, only}

Little Men and their Tractors.

2009-08-15T08:12:00.006-05:00

What is the deal with little boys loving John Deere? It's like they come out of the womb wondering where their farm equipment is at! Both of our boys have been equally in love with the green tractor yet my four year old wins in the obsessive department on this one!

So imagine my delight when I found out that another little four year old man has a room in John Deere~ and that I got to do a canvas to go in it! When my middle son was 2 our youngest was born and they shared a room. The theme was tractors and I painted a few canvases to go throughout {it was a huge room} but cannot find where I ever took pictures! So for this one I worked with a fresh idea. I was told the walls were yellow, the bedding denim blue & John Deere. I really wanted to stay away from sticking a tractor on this. What if a year from now he finds himself with a burning hate against all things farm equipment with large wheels?! So I took the colors and went with it....
I was up extra early to put the finishing touches on this. It's looking fantastic! Once it dries and I get the sealant on we'll be good to go. This is one of those that will have to wait on the final picture until it's delivered! I can't wait for you to see it....

Tween Dream

2009-08-15T07:00:00.005-05:00

better homes & gardens

Let me start this off by saying I would have loved for this to be my room as a teenager. The colors are just beautiful! That pink and blue? Yum, yum, yum!

I wanted to write about designing a room for tweens/teens {really, what is the difference?} to give you some tips that will help make designing their room a great experience. I highly recommend that your son or daughter be in on the planning. I came across this picture on Better Homes & Gardens. This room was actually designed by the teenager who occupies it! The article states that she took inspiration from her favorite drink bottle {I see a career in design for this girl's future} and this is the end result.

As a teenager my room was the one place I could express myself. Never one to have expensive, trendy clothes {my parents just could not afford this luxury- and yes kids, it is a luxury!} I showed my style throughout my bedroom. Thankfully, this was something my mother was OK with! I once painted the walls a bright turquoise and everything else a deep purple. And I mean everything! {I'm pretty sure a lamp turned victim to that can of spray paint} It expressed my personality and budding creativity. And it was mine!

Let your teenager create a retreat that shows his or her personality & style. Keep in mind along the way these four tips:

* Purchase furniture they can take with them.

Unless you plan on Junior leaving his bedroom suite at home, buy something that will work well in college- and perhaps beyond. Try not to go too childish or narrow the look down to a style that cannot be adapted to future designs. I also recommend purchasing at least a full size bed. That young man is going to grow several inches that will make that twin bed quite uncomfortable in the long run. And that young ladies set could possibly go with her into a marriage! So consider this when debating which bed & what pieces for purchase.

* Allow for several storage options.

It amazes me at almost 8 years old how much stuff my daughter already has. Remembering how much stuff I had when a teenager confirms that storage is a very important part of a teen room! I was constantly in trouble for shoving 'junk' under my bed but there was no other solution. Allow for adequate storage and their room will have a place for everything, remaining nice & tidy. {We can all dream!}

*Personalize with Personality.

What does your child love and enjoy? Are they quite and contemplative? Or loud and expressive? Their room should reflect their personality and style. After all, this is their retreat from the world. If you are panicked at the thought, don't be! Remember, you are in control of the final decisions & can make sure the room flows well with the rest of your home~ if that's important. Guide them to make choices that reflect their style without being too outlandish or tacky! Use the complimentary design services in most home furnishing stores~ even paint centers sometime offer this. Get online and search together. Let their personality shine while keeping it fun!

*Infuse a bit of the sophisticated.

Bring in pieces that are more 'grown up' and turn the room into a more sophisticated space rather than a child's room. Get rid of items that they have long since outgrown. That turquoise and purple room of mine? Covered it in posters of my favorite teen sensations! I do not recommend this at all. Chances are six months later they will have moved on to a new 'favorite'. Instead, find some really cool wall art that looks nice or have a mural done such as the one above {or a personalized canvas from yours truly :P } The room will look more Divine Design instead of Spongebob. And for this, you will thank me!

The Name Game!

2009-08-13T12:26:00.011-05:00

OK, so we had this post about the baby girl painting I was doing but didn't have a name for! Yesterday, she made her arrival and I got to work finishing up the canvas. Meet 'Elise'! Remember, this was custom coordinated to her bedding, which you can view here.

I'm having a hard time getting the light good enough so you can see the actual colors. {probably cause my office has a window that takes up one wall letting in massive quantities of sunlight and 2 years later I still don't know how to work the macked out camera my husband bought me. This will be a recurring issue on this blog so be warned} The sides are done in little pink and white daisies with the top and bottom in pink dots. I'm really hoping they like this and can't wait to see it in her nursery!

I also finished the 'Ava' painting. Were it not for coffee and afternoon naps, I would not have survived the past few days! And if you can recommend a good chiropractor in the Mobile, Alabama area, my back would thank you :) I don't want to show the final picture of 'Ava' until it's been delivered. But here's a sneak peek of what the transformation of the red polka dots involved. This painting is ADORABLE. And no, I'm not bragging, as my daughter says. I'm so blessed to have this talent and know Who gave it to me! But it really is cute and I love it...let's hope the mom & dad do as well!

Coffee is my friend.

2009-08-11T23:18:00.000-05:00

I'm up late, waiting for my friend Mr. Coffee to work his magic. I'll be jamming on into the night with Natalie Grant, working on this sweet little gem. Hopefully, the finished project will be posted tomorrow. And those red polka dots? They won't be polka dots once this is done!

Two Peas in a Pod!

2009-08-11T12:45:00.000-05:00

Here are two custom paintings done for two precious little twins, Abigail & Aiden. Both were done to match bedding from Land of Nod. The girl's bedding can be seen here and the boys bedding here.

I just snapped each picture quickly in my office before sending them on home, so these are not the best pics! My hope is that some day soon I can get over to take pictures of each baby with his/her painting. Wouldn't that just be adorable !?

Please put Abigail & Aiden- and their parents, Ben & Katie, in your prayers. The twins arrived early on May 1st, with Abigail having the most issues. Aiden came home fairly early but Abigail was in the NICU for several weeks and continues to have a lot of problems, many of which have the DRs stumped. Pray wisdom for the many DRs involved and strength, patience and peace for Ben and Katie.

{in}courage

2009-08-10T09:40:00.000-05:00

Good morning! I wanted to take a moment to share a new {site} that I find just lovely. It's not necessarily design related but rather focuses on us as women, as daughters of the King. It's called {in}courage and I hope that's what it does for you!

You can also read my post about what encourages me, here on my personal blog. Have a blessed day!

Sugar and Spice

2009-08-05T03:51:00.000-05:00

It's always fun to go from one project to another that is completely different in all aspects! Life never gets boring around here, that's for sure !!!

While I was finishing up the 'anchor t' I started on a painting for a sweet baby girl who will make her arrival in this world any day now. This is the first canvas I've done for a baby that has yet to be named! The mom-to-be mentioned that her 6 year old son likes the name 'Ellie'. So for creativity's sake, I named the baby 'Ellie' and got to sketching. It's almost complete {minus her name, which I still don't know!} and I'll post finished pictures before it goes to it's home! Here's a sneak peek to tide you over until then. This will coordinate with her adorable bedding that you can see here. The reason I don't post full pictures before delivery is simple: I want it to be a surprise to the receiver! Sometimes paintings are a gift and I wouldn't want to spoil the fun :)

While many parents want a canvas to coordinate with their child's bedding, many are hesitant to make such an investment in a piece that can only "go so far" with their babies room. Once the little one gets a room redo their painting could possibly not match. For this I recommend going with something that includes the colors you prefer but doesn't necessarily reflect the exact bedding your precious one is sleeping in at the moment! I am about to start a baby boy canvas that reflects this perfectly. Should have that up by the end of next week. It's going to be adorable!

Smooth sailing

2009-08-04T21:20:00.000-05:00

Today I finished a painting that has been sitting on the table for a couple of weeks. I had everything done but the stripes. Had to work up the initiative to paint these stripes and I just couldn't find it in me. But my kids are all sick and I don't feel too hot myself so why not have a paint in your PJs day? Exactly.

This is actually a gift for a girl I go to church with. Her little man will be sleeping in a precious sailboat themed nursery so I thought a little 't' for baby Tyler would be perfect. The stripes came in to play when I saw the lining of his crib bedding was red & white striped. So this is how it turned out- tell me what you think. I picked the font because the lower case 't' made me think of an anchor!

Contact

2009-06-01T18:14:00.000-05:00

obd4kids at gmail dot com

251.605.2890

About Me

2009-06-01T18:13:00.002-05:00

Welcome! I am Mirinda Dawe, the owner of October Belle Designs. You can read my bio on our home site here. But I can give you the laid back, straight-talk version which is always more fun! {You can also read about the exciting daily chaos of my life, over here}

In the 10th grade I took my very first art class. I had heard the teacher was really cool and it was an easy grade. Both were true and somewhere in the midst of having a grand time with my awesome teacher, we realized I could draw. Like, anything I wanted. This got me a fully paid scholarship to our wee little junior college which made my parents very happy and me very ill. I had grander plans than junior college yet there I was.

Fast forward a few years to an incomplete fine art degree (I hated college), a massage therapy license (what else was I going to do?!) and a new husband. Soon after the husband came the new baby. Then another baby 10 months after the first. (this is not a joke.) Drawing was history, as was painting, unless it involved my walls. Within 3 ½ years I had three babies. Thank goodness I didn’t spend the time and $$ to get that art degree.

In late 2006 I was itching all over. It was the itch of a mom who has done nothing but diapers and babies for five years and lost a whole lot of herself. Don’t get me wrong- I love my children and thank the Lord every day for them! But something had to give. Creativity needs an outlet and mine had been stifled for too long. An opportunity was presented to me and October Belle Designs LLC was formed!

I have been successful in the condominium industry and really love my job. Over the past year it’s taken a turn to more personal interior decorating and- finally!!- brought me back to my original talent & love: Art. It seems like everyone I know is having, or has just had, a baby & it kept me busy. Therefore, OBD for Kids was born.

I’m so glad you are here! Take a look around and please contact me if you have any questions. I would love to help you create that special piece of art for your baby or child- even your tween or teen! I also do design consultations locally as well as thru email. Be blessed!