Sunnyside Studio & Boutique

The painting area in Sunnyside Studio & Boutique

Amazing that it's been just over a YEAR since I wrote a blog post...mercy me!  But OH what a year it was!!  I could never adequately cover all the things that have happened since July 2014, but just to give you a quick taste:

• 4 weddings/receptions where I was involved with either the flowers, decor or everything
• 3 major showers where I was involved in every aspect
• Listed my home for sale as well as my parent's house next door
• Packed for-EVAH!
• Sold both houses - closed on the same day - MOVED both households out to our country property on the same weekend
• Unpacked for-EVAH!
• Dad had seizures/heart attack and had pacemaker installed - he's much better now, but that was all happening during the holidays
• Worked my art career in the midst of all...

So, that gives you just a little idea of my life for these many months...  During most of this time I was still working at Pinot's Palette in the Woodlands. After the move it became a bit more difficult to drive to the Woodlands from Plantersville, plus I was feeling a real tug toward taking a break from digital art and creating new mixed media paintings and fabric collages. SO, I began to pray about how I could still teach art, which I LOVE, but teach my own inspirational work on my own schedule, closer to home. I had the idea a couple of years ago about renting space in an antique/flea market shop and teaching small classes there and selling my art, but I tucked that idea away with so many others in journals of mine...but then back in May of this year I saw that exact concept done at huge antique/vintage decor shop in Louisiana. It was a real pivotal moment for me! I saw that it could be done, and right then and there I felt the Lord leading me to do just that for myself.

So I began the search for a place - long story short, after hearing all about the long waiting lists at all the usual shops I frequent in a nearby town, I revisited a sweet, beautiful 3500 sq. ft. shop just 5 minutes from my house called the Texas Jack Rabbit Emporium, and my idea for a studio space was greeted with GREAT enthusiasm by the owner! She wanted me to start almost right then and there! But we settled on a July 1st opening (this was the last week of May) - so I had 5 weeks to create all new art, develop all new kids and adult classes, and gather other decor and vintage stuff to use for display and for sale. With the Lord's help it all came together and we opened Sunnyside Studio & Boutique on July 1st!

My chalkboard informational sign in Sunnyside Studio - made this using an old bi-fold door and chalkboard paint.

I have had some lovely classes with the sweetest people and lots of interest in my classes going forward, plus I've made some nice sales so far, so I am very happy about our progress this month. PLUS, I have created A LOT of new art - these are pieces that I have had on my heart and in my journals for years, and it feels wonderful to make them. Here's a little sampling of the new work I have made these past few weeks:

Well, I sincerely hope it's not another year before I blog...  I look forward to sharing more about Sunnyside and all the other adventures that await...

Thank you for stopping by to check in - I appreciate you being here more than you'll ever know!!