It's Time.

Hi everyone :)

This is something I've been thinking about for awhile now. For many reasons, it's time for me to stop painting as a business.

This isn't life-changing news, and nothing weird has happened. I just have way, way too much on my plate. Evy is getting to an age where she's nearly mobile, and she just can't sit in the bouncy seat while I paint anymore. My house, husband, time with the Lord, baby, etc. etc. etc. need my attention. I really desire to sit and enjoy my family in the evenings, instead of painting like I have to do sometimes.

We'll also be putting our house on the market, packing, and moving in the next 6-7 months or so, and the thought of that alone is overwhelming. I need for these last few months here to be as stress-free and enjoyable as possible.

Don't get me wrong, it's not like I've had traffic pouring in and I'm painting 10 canvases a week. It's actually pretty manageable. But combined with the other things that I do, it's something I need to let go. I really do have a peace that this is the time.

It still blows me away that people would actually want to buy my artwork. I'll let you in on a little secret: I have terrible insecurities when it comes to my painting. When I start a new one, I am terrified that the person I'm painting for will hate it. That's why I rarely give my paintings as gifts. I am convinced that the person will inwardly groan and say "Oh, great. A painting." The whole reason I started this business was to help contribute to my grandfather's ministry, Ventures for Christ. Kurt and I will soon be in a position to where we can freely contribute to Ventures without me painting. Please understand me: I have loved painting for you. I'm honored to paint for you! But so many factors are telling me it's time to stop.

So, with that said, here's the deal: I will still take Christmas orders until Monday, December 7th. I will take regular canvas orders until January 15th, and then I will no longer take any new orders. I feel comfortable with that date, and it will be a good time to end.

I don't know if I will start painting again as a business--you never know! The plan right now is that I will put a few pieces for sale in Bloom, a boutique in Cape Girardeau. That way I can still have the creative outlet of painting, but it will be when I feel like it and I can paint any design I think up. My friend Michaelyn manages the store, and we've talked about it here and there. So we shall see!

Obviously, if you reallyreallyreally want a canvas in the future and my style suits you, feel free to email me. I'm not going into hibernation! :) But officially, my business will be closed after January 15th.

Thank you for affirming me and my work!

xoxo,
Ashley

Sparkly Star

I created this for my friend Julie, and I LOVE how it turned out! This is a 12x12 square wrapped canvas.

First Dance...

This is a line from the song that this couple danced to for their first dance at their wedding reception. Isn't that a neat idea?!

Size: 16x20 wrapped canvas

For a Bon Jovi Fan....

More Happy Ornaments :)

For 3 ornaments, an 8x10 wrapped canvas can be used. For larger ornaments, or if you need four or more, the size needs to be at least an 11x14.

Aren't they cheery?!

Christmas Orders

Hi everyone :)

Christmas is very quickly approaching, and I've been painting a lot lately! In order to make sure that you get your canvases in time and I get some free time during the holidays, I'm asking that all Christmas orders be made no later than Monday, December 7th. Please only place an order right now if you're needing it by Christmas or for a Christmas gift.

Thank you for understanding, and I so appreciate your business. It means so much to me that you would want to give a piece of my art to someone, or have it in your home. I'm really honored by that!

Happy Thanksgiving this week!

Very Special Ornaments

I've been painting several Christmas canvases for my sweet friend Julie, and here's one of them! This is an 11x14 wrapped canvas with gold edging. Of course, the colors can be changed to match any room or decorating theme.


Merry Christmas, Julie--lots of love!