Scrapbook Pictures and Guestbook Trees

The art bug has finally bitten me again.

This is a recent project.. I got the idea off of Etsy (I wish I could say that I thought of it myself!). It's called a Guestbook Thumbprint Tree. What I did was paint a tree with branches only.. instead of having just a regular guestbook, guest press their thumb on an ink pad and then place a thumb print as a leaf on the tree then they sign their name over it. After all guess have signed the tree will be "in full bloom" and it's a fun/different way to have a guestbook for the wedding. I can make these any size, with any color scheme, and can personalize to fit anything so as always, email me if you're interested (ovance1@gmail.com).

Also, I recently made this for a nursery! I call these scrapbook photos! These can also be made to fit any color scheme, age, style, etc!

I hope that everyone has had a great summer thus far! August 6th is approaching fast and Tyler and I are SO very excited about the wedding! I have a couple of more projects in mind so I'll try to post results of these ideas before then!

Happy Summer!

I've gone Greek, Geek, Sleek... whatever you call it.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I've gone greek. Sort of. I wouldn't really know what that's like... I never stay at a college long enough to do anything like that. (Ha)

Point is, I had a few new ideas.. having trouble loading all the pictures but I'll add them once I get it figured out.

For now, here's my latest project. It's a cork board that I spray painted then painted over that. Very simple, fairly cheap to do, and perfect for a college student... so, Happy Birthday Laura, you're the first of my "Greek" projects.

I think this board was 18 x 24 in or something close to that. But they come in all different sizes,, smaller and larger than this one.

Things That Make Winter Bearable.. well, somewhat bearable

Winter is, in my opinion, treacherous. I hate cold weather, I hate cold rain, I hate icy roads, I hate being cold, I hate looking out the window and it looking cold. Sheesh, it's just awful.

However, in an attempt to be a more positive person, I have compiled a list of 10 things that make winter a little better:

1. Cute winter clothes. There's nothing better than a great pair of boots, chic peacoat, or sexy sweater. I LOVE winter clothes. It's so much easier to make complete outfits than summer outfits. Scarves, hats, ear muffs, studded boots, leather jackets.. ahhh.. I can't get enough.

2. American Idol.... auditions. I never watch the whole show but I adore the auditions. They're hilarious and the raw talent that always shows up is so amazing. I've always dreamed of trying out... been waiting 10 seasons to work up the nerve. Eh, maybe next year.

3. Hot chocolate. With marshmallows. Yes ma'am.

4. Fireplaces. One of the best feelings in the world is curling up on the couch, reading a book, in front of the fireplace.

5. Legitimate call in excuses. If you call in to work on a nice summer day and say "cough cough, i'm sick" you're likely to get hung up on because they know you're on your way to the lake. If you call in when it's 27 degrees outside and say "cough cough, i'm sick" the likely reply you'll receive is "Aww, that's really going around. Get better!" Helllooo day laying in bed watching movies. (Not that I would EVER under any circumstances do this!)

6. Award season. Why I myself have never worn a red carpet gown and strutted my stuff for photographers... I feel as though my opinion about others ridiculous or perfect choices is extremely valid. It's red carpet days that i'm sure I should've been a stylist... Brittney Spears please call me, I COULD HELP YOU. You need it girl.

7. Snow days. Oh the anticipation of watching the news with the school closings at the bottom!

Tyler: "What are you doing sitting so close to the TV?" Me: "SHH! They're almost to the U's!" (For UALR of course).

8. Less hair washing/blow drying/straightening. Woke up late or do you simply not feel like messing with the rats nest that is your hair? Throw on a toboggan hat in a cute color or flower thing stuck on it and you're suddenly fabulous!

9. Benton Panther Basketball. My brothers are seniors this year and if I may say so myself they are awesome! Popcorn, airheads, bottled cokes, starburts, pickles (Laci), frito chili pies (Sarah)... we occasionally watch the game! Go Luke and Eddie!

10. Planning Spring Break/Summer getaways. All the googling, saving, day dreaming for the perfect vacation... be it big or small is always so fun. I've got a running list of places I want to visit, it grows longer every year. Italy, Australia, Jamaica, Beliz, Alaska, I could go on for days.. I guess i'll settle for daydreaming to pass the time on cold winter days until I become rich or a gypsy.

I hope everyone is having a great week! Bundle up!

It's 2011?

Is it just me or does 2011 feel just like 2010? I can't complain really.

I have a few pics from here and there to post. My camera is MIA so please excuse the poor quality iPhone photos.

Over the holiday I made a few Christmas themed pieces but i'll wait until I find my camera to post those.

For now, here are pics of 3 recent projects. I wouldn't call them "normal" paintings for me but I had some weird creative juices over the break so I just went with them..

On a random note:

I recently purchased a bunch of Christmas decorating supplies. My plan is to decorate houses for people next holiday season. I did a few houses this year but stupidly didn't take pictures. I'm posting 2 pictures from my house that I decorated... all of the pieces I put together. This is my parents house and my mom is pretty traditional so this may be a tad demure for some folks but never fear.. I stocked up on the light blues, lime greens, pink, red, brown, maroon, golds, and others. So I will be able to create anything from an updated traditional tree to an all out modern tree/mantle/door hanging/etc. in any color and as "out there" as you'd like.

I realize it's January but I just wanted to put a bug in everyones ear. I'll post about this again come Sept. or Oct. with pics of the supplies I have.

Wreath I made for Barbie's door

Best Nursing Quotes of Fall 2010

Some of you may know, others may not, but I am officially a nursing student. I go to school at UALR and I have loved every second of it! I can honestly say that I have learned more in the past semester than I have my whole college career thus far. This is my first semester so my peers and I are kind of newbies... ok, REALLY ignorant is probably a better term. I have made so many great new friends and we are all learning together. In honor of us passing our first semester, I've compiled a list of "Best Nursing Quotes from Fall 2010". The list is from quotes by me, friends, and family members. Some of these have names attached others are left anonymous (for obvious reasons)

This is not meant to be gross or inappropriate, it's suppose to be funny! So read with a light heart, we're beginners. Also, we've learned to have a sense of humor (thank goodness!) so laugh with us.. some things are just too hilarious to even try to take seriously!

Best Nursing Quotes of Fall 2010

1. Anonymous Student: Can I get someone in here? I think my patient stopped breathing and I’ve been trying to listen for heart sounds for a little bit and I can’t get anything… Everyone else: Is this a joke?
2. Mom: How was your day? Me: My patient pooped on the floor and all the way down the hall. How do you think my day was mom?
3. (Walk into patients room and they’re on the phone so I wait by the door out of eyesight) Patient: Yes, 911, I’m going to need you to come get me immediately and probably bring the bomb squad. There are crazy people in my house who keep bringing me things and asking me questions… they’re very suspicious! (I walk into the room) Patient: Hurry! Here comes one now!
4. Anonymous: You know those once in a lifetime million dollar ideas that people get and they become famous and rich… you know like RedBox inventions. Well I had the best one yet, Xanax lollipops! I think the market for them in nursing students alone would be thousands. If only we could figure out a way to get the FDA to let us put it in the lollipops. Group of students: You need SLEEP.
5. Mom: What did you learn about in class? Hannah: I never knew the intimate relationship one could have with their poop/feces. Oh, and you’ve got to listen to the best YouTube video ever (voice full of sincerity and excitement). It’s called Diarrhea!!
6. Student: How often do you go get a testicular exam? I need to know the recommended times to do that for my test this week. Dad: Talking about balls and poop at the dinner table is not ok. We are not having this conversation. Student: I guess that means you don’t go the recommended amount? (Dad gets up and starts leaving the dining room) You should really have that checked you know! You could get cancer and die!
7. (While learning to insert Foley Catheters in the SIM lab and checking out all the dummy parts) Amanda: Umm, Mr. X, mine does NOT look like that!
8. Boyfriend: My stomach hurts. Anonymous: Really, what did your last poop look like? Boyfriend: You’re really messed up you know… like beyond repair.
9. (While studying the night before the test) Hannah: I’m so confused. I’m going to call Mr. X and clarify this breast and testicular exam stuff. Me: (Under my breath) Boy, what a conversation.
10. Student: (Calling pharmacy) Hi, I just need to get some clarification on a dosage of di-pry, um, dun-prami, um, can I just spell it?
11. (Young looking student walks into patient’s room) Student: Hi! I’m a student nurse, I’m going to be helping take care of you today. Patient: Is this a joke? What are you, 14?
12. (Text Message) Friend: Hey girl, how’d clinicals go? Student: I’ll have to text you back… I thought I knew how to open Foley’s without getting pee everywhere… I was wrong. Do you think it’s ok to soak a name badge and shoes in bleach?

"As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love." Ephesians 4:1-2

Nursery Things

Here a few things that I did for Blakely's nursery...

I'm working on 2 more sets of letters and i'll post them as soon as i'm done.

As always, any new orders or any ideas e-mail to me at ovance1@gmail.com

Oh... and here's Blakely:

LETTERS

As some of you may of seen on Amber's blog, one of my favorite art things to do is letters. I've done several different types... for boys and girls. However, stupidly, I didn't take any pictures! Thankfully, Amber has taken some and I will try to get some pictures of the other ones i've done.

Thanks to everyone for all the nice messages and e-mails. If you sent me an e-mail regarding an order and I haven't gotten back to you yet, I'm sorry! It's finals! I'll be sure and write everyone back with prices and color ideas by Saturday.

And if you want to order some letters then e-mail me with the name, colors, and motifs you'd like me to use. Thank you and HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

ovance1@gmail.com