Hope

I look to the New Year with much hope.

Hope for so much, for so many. 

My husband gave me a lovely book of quotes

 as I love words in the same way I love all beautiful things... 

A sweet smile, a clever quip, a gentle touch, a birds song, a bees wings.

Hope is the thing with feathers,

that perches in the soul,

and sings the tune without words,

and never stops at all.

--Emily Dickinson

Here is a toast to you.  May this year bring you all that you hope.

Happy Holidays

Our shop ready for Christmas

Oh my, it is almost Christmas and I am just now updating my little site. I hope you know this means I have been happily creating and full of holiday cheer. Here are some pictures to show you what I have been up to these days.

October Sale Time

Loads of original art and lovely furnishings...you just have to come see.

Our October Sale at Chartreuse and Co.

Hand Painted Tavern Sign

This is a large scale art piece that makes a statement. Inspired from signs from a day gone by...simple and elegant with a rustic charm. I painted this on a old barn door that had a perfect aged patina.

Loads of Fall and Halloween Goodies...Always Good Finds for Everyone!

Handmade votive with vintage flare...

Server just perfect for a party...Cider anyone?

Perfect black table and a Spell Book for some seasonal magic...

Enchanted Love Bits...Candy Corn for Lovers...

So much new to see...

Gourds, sunflower topiaries, hanging baskets of mums and great hand painted furniture...

Is it Fall already?

Here it is fall. I find it hard to believe. So much happening and so much to do and see. Just a quickie note as time is so limited these days. Dex is off at college leading a perfectly grand and independent lifestyle. Ahh hhh...help to all parents on this one. My girls are back to their schools and starting each day with too many distractions, what to wear, how to do their hair and oh yes, school too.

I have been a buzy bee for Just B -- Home, Art, Life. Creating in a frenzy of fall goodness and thoughts of cider and fresh doughnuts (It's a Michigan thing!). Halloween inspired, fall arrangements, loading in moss, hay and leaves and much more. The air, cool and crisp, even felt right today for all the primping Gail and I did at our little shop. Sale is Sept. 18-20 so come see us.

Here is a peek!

Summer is ending but the fall is full of possibilities.

What a summer I have had. Very full of so much. Almost a month in Maine, cool sea breezes hanging on my screen porch with the people I love most in the world. Painting and hunting for the "find" for our little shop at Chartreuse and Co. Many laughs with my dear friend Gail as we sweat or as we like to pretend..."glow" setting up our shop and helping clients. Another great sale weekend closed and new friends made. (Rita and Fran like me best Gail!) I feel so lucky to be surrounded by this creative group of ladies. Many talks, advice shared and much cackling laughter. But I know there are many friendships to grow that I will hold dear.

Bitter sweet is the goodbye to my oldest as we dropped him off at William & Mary. He has so much to look forward to, so much to learn and live. I am thrilled for his adventure to have begun.

AND I have a new tenant in my Robin nest. A beautiful turtle dove. I can't wait to see her babies!

So, I am glad to start the fall with much excitement for back-to-school, football games, crunching leaves and my new dove babies hatching.

Molly

My Baby Graduates

I was off to work and this song came on and I promptly sobbed. As my smart, sweet and handsome boy moves on to the next chapter in his life...I hope you dance my Dex.

I Hope You Dance

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder

You get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger

May you never take one single breath for granted

God forbid love ever leave you empty handed

I hope you still feel small when you stand by the ocean

Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens

Promise me you'll give faith a fighting chance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance

I hope you dance... I hope you dance

I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance

Never settle for the path of least resistance

Living might mean taking chances but they're worth taking

Lovin' might be a mistake but it's worth making

Don't let some hell bent heart leave you bitter

When you come close to selling out reconsider

Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance I hope you dance

Time is a real and constant motion always

Rolling us along, tell me who wants to look back on their youth and wonder,

where those years have gone

Dance

Graduation was a perfect and lovely day. I am forever proud of my first born. I love you Dex!

New Paintings

Inspired by summers days, lovely flowers and very buzzzy bees!

Our First Big Sale

We did it. We really, really did it. In just three weeks we rallied, created, moved and sweat...and then sweat some more. Bottom line is we had a fabulous first weekend at Chartreuse and Co. The sale was a huge success and fun to boot.

I love chatting with my potential clients. My kids were not there to ask why I would talk to someone I do not even know (a common shopping trip complaint!) Meeting my com padres who love to look and see all the "eye candy" of home furnishings. I have missed, on some level, the buzz of retail days...everyone looking for "the find". I will miss most of our July sale but have managed to create a few original paintings to add to the mix of loads of new goodies.

So off to enjoy Maine for several weeks. I decided to leave the old paint brushes at home. I think I will create in new ways...and maybe with a cold one in hand!

Just B -- Home, Art, Life

Before and After shots

Gail and I met today at our new place of adventure...Chartreuse and Co. We had many laughs lugging our treasures to our new trove, Just B--Home, Art, Life. I love the venue and the thought of all the possibilities.

I was in fashion retail forever. I was a buyer and specialized in merchandising and planning for Woodward & Lothrup and John Wannamakers. I also did a long stint in small specialty boutiques, very high end classic wear. For years everyone has asked me why I do not want my own store? I know what it takes (major dedication) and I was busy having babies, enjoying that time in our life and discovering the artist and decorator within.

Well, now I have my own mini version and am thrilled. I couldn't ask for a more wonderful pal in this adventure either! Our first sale is June 19, 20 and 21st. We still have much tweaking to do. I have to bring all my art and jewelry. Gail's mannequin "Pearl", seen in the picture, will be wearing some of course. Gail has more wonderful and unique furniture and accessories to load in too. Oh, come see us!! Sunday the 21st mimosas will be served!

Molly

More Pendants

Oh My June it is...

So onto a new month. My baby robins have flown away...after some drama and an attack by a starling! I am about to start another new adventure with my friend Gail. We will be joining http://chartreuseandco.com/

Please come take a look and see all the glorious things you can find there. Our first sale is June 19, 20 and 21. I will have a lot of my art and necklaces along with many home goods. My family is joking that if they stand still I will paint them too!

My son graduates from high school and will attend William & Mary this fall. Just as my robins have flown away it is now Dex's turn. I have fed him all his "worms" and taught him to "fly". What a time for him. I think he is ready...I know he is.

Pendants...

I can't stop with designs. I am having a ball and no, I barely sleep for my little brain is always going, going and going. I have had a thing for pendants, quirky, funny, meaningful and inspiring. And do not forget all things nature, especially bees and nests. So, why not make my own pendants? I am in process and will soon add to my etsy site. Stay tuned for more.

Also, my Robin's babies hatched...pic to follow. Oh my babies.

Morning Glory, Tell me your story...

Oh yes...a moment of sunshine

Finally today a burst of sun and a warm swell that had my vines reaching, my birds chirping and my bees-a-buzzing. Yes, I call them "my" as they feel like mine... my little spring companions. I took a moment from my latest endeavor (Etsy) and did one of the things I love best. I puttered, painted, planted, seeded, arranged and loved every minute. I repainted my table and chairs in bright summer hues. I fussed about planting little climbing seeds to watch and wonder. I arranged my patio and then did it some more.


For me, there is something about being outside, digging in the earth, talking to my plants and birds that makes me feel just great. Peaceful. It is how the colors look in the spring, so crisp and alive. It is the smell of nature bursting.



My etsy site is getting lots of views and I am collecting "hearts" daily. I have had seven sales and have heard back wonderful reviews from all. I will post my first international sale, Rebecca of Canada, photo of my original art in her living room as soon as I get more time. Very exiting.

It also makes me feel a bit vulnerable putting my stuff out there like that. It is exciting and a bit scary all in one. Come take a peek...

Mollysusanstrong.etsy.com

May bring on the flowers...

I am DONE with showers...
I have added some new pieces to my Etsy account and hope to spread the word. I am amazed at the encouragement from friends and strangers alike. Etsy is a great place to have a shopping adventure. I love the unique finds, the level of service and meeting other artists. I may be managing to spend as much as I make.

This is a new side of art for me to explore. I love the mix of graphic art, original art and inspirational words. The end result of many steps to distress and add patina, is one of warm age like an old piece that has hung around for generations.

I am officially up and running. I have had two sales my very first day! Come check out my Etsy.

Mollysusanstrong.etsy.com

More Art...

Here are some additional pieces.

Something from nothing...

Here we go! I am a definite newbie to the whole blogging thing.

I have dabbled in all things art from the very beginning of my time. Mom and Grandmother, both artists, had encouraged me to create. I think it is a genetic bug to "make something from nothing". My favorite motto...sometimes out of necessity and sometimes for fun.After corporate world and babies, I decided to explore my more creative edge. Suits be damned. I started painting in my own home, and for family and friends. Soon I was a full blown Decorative Painter specializing in faux finishes, murals, design consulting and staging. Today I continue my decor business but want to expand my more personal art; original acrylic on canvas, original graphic art on wood and much more. I have much to do but come back and enjoy my world of art!

Molly