Hangin out on Hwy 49

I've been taking in the beautiful surroundings of the Sierra foothills these past few days. During the midweek a lot of the stores are closed giving most of the small towns a quiet, peaceful feel of days gone by.
The photo opportunities are endless and if one can break away from the local wineries just a bit you might capture a photo worthy of hanging on your wall.

Behind the Lense

We all have cameras and camera phones but all all of us don't take the time to be creative when taking our photographs.

My girlfriends were visiting me this weekend and one of them enjoys the art of photography and shared some of her recent work with me that I wanted to share as well.

She definitely has the "eye" for capturing the beauty of the subject but she also has the ability to enhance the photo to give it more of a artsy appeal.

I hope you enjoy viewing these as much as I do and I hope it inspires you to take some photos the next time you are out and have some fun with your creative side.

Finding My Inner Artist at Aran's Art Studio

One of the places I thoroughly enjoy spending time at is Aran's Art Studio located in Castro Valley, California. Her studio has ceramic and fused glass areas. I enjoy working in both areas depending on what my mood is. The selection of paints and colored glass is extensive and there is always help if you need it.

Aran's motto is "Finding your inner artist" and that is exactly what I feel like I'm doing. I can spend 4 to 5 hours there and I leave feeling relaxed.
These are just a few of the ceramics I've completed in the last few months.

We all have that "inner artist" in us. Send me some of your photos of your art and I will display them in my upcoming blogs.

Looking for Art in your Everyday

While driving to pick up my daughter's best friend from the airport I glanced out my window and noticed the San Francisco Oakland Bay Bridge, known locally as the Bay Bridge. The new bridge they are building is not only going to be structurally sound but beautiful as well. I wanted to share a few art prints from my online store that depict the Brooklyn Bridge as well as the Bay Bridge. Over the years I have framed many architectural art and photographic prints for customers' homes as well as their businesses.

Please post a comment or a photo if you have a favorite bridge of your own to share.

Flowers by Fairytales

My daughter and I gave her Aunt Julie a surprise visit yesterday to her Flower Shop in Elk Grove, California. She was happy to see us and we were thrilled to see her and her beautiful store.
It is located in the heart of Elk Grove in a charming, quaint home that greets you on the front porch with a swing. Her shop is filled with fragrant and colorful flowers that lift your spirits the minute you walk in. She also sells a collection of vintage jewelry, clothing, and other gifts.

FlowersbyFairytales.com is family owned and operated. They are committed to offering only the freshest floral arrangements, balloon bouquets and gifts. Customer satisfaction is a top priority. Browse their website & call if you want something special & unique. They also create gift baskets for any occasion. They will go the extra mile to make your floral gift perfect. They'd love to help you plan your next wedding or special event! Have an Enchanting day!

Looking for art in our everyday

My journey this morning....
Sunny, crisp morning air and a pleasant 63 degrees called me out this morning for a hike in the hills. As I climbed the hill that overlooks the lake I was thinking about what art I would be adding to my shop today and I stopped for a minute and realized that the beauty of the still water on the lake surrounded by oak and redwood trees was the only art that came to mind at that very moment.
Now that I'm back to work I would like to share some of the canvas art by artist Connie Haley. Her work is playful and inspirational.

I've just launched my online store, www.yourframelady.com after months of research!
Designing my site has been a fun and rewarding experience and I'm looking forward to sharing my knowledge in custom picture framing as well as helping others to look for art in their every day.

I'm here to answer any questions you may have about framing or wall decor. If I don't have an answer I will find a source that does. I believe everyone should have an environment in their home or work that reflects their life. The walls are the last thing people decorate but the first thing people notice when they walk into a room.

Please join me on this journey and send me your stories about your walls....who knows....
they may have something to talk about if we don't.