give it away

I love this season.

It is truly all about giving.

Are you ready to give it away?

Simply select something from my etsy shop, and I will announce the winner Christmas eve.
Pick anything and I will give-it-away.
The more we give, the more we receive.

Winner announced 12-24 Vivienne Strauss, pop in to see her blog here and her wonderful artwork!

pve design - etsy - pve shop

Block Party

Last weekend we were invited to attend an annual block party of a nearby street.  It's one thing our street would never really be able to emulate as we live on a steep hill.  One of my favorite things about the party is to see how everyone gathers to close the door to summer and welcome the Autumn season.
There's always an array of food, drink, games, bouncy castles, karaoke and even a"chocolate fountain" which provide entertainment for many hours.

I really love knowing that every year there will be new neighbors, new faces, newborns as well as some of the older generation who look forward to rocking around a nearby block.  I call it the "chip off the ole block" party.

beachside thanks

pve design illustration of a beach club for j.mclaughlin

Ever since I was a little girl, the beach has always been such a truly special place to go to.  As I was raised in Kentucky, we had special trips with my Mom to the beach in South Carolina.  The summers were a busy time for my Father with his work at the market.  I remember spending days at the beachside fondly.  My Mother reminded me of how I climbed up to a window which looked out onto the ocean and said, "Thank you God for bringing the beach to me."  I have no recollection of saying that but whenever I am given time to be near any beach, I still give thanks.

local florist (pve shop note-card giveaway)

Do you have a local florist or nursery nearby where you are on a first name basis?

I recommend it highly to visit a shop near you and ask about weekly specials.

Many florists have items that need to be moved and often you can find a plant or blossoms that need to be taken home and given a good sunny window or tender loving care.

Today- I will give a set of 8 note-cards of the above work of art.

I was inspired by a florist shop all decked in spring green brimming with topiaries, potted plants and items 

Leave me a comment. and tell me what is your favorite, cut flowers or a plant to bring home?

cheers

A rousing Cheers to this fantastic couple for celebrating 50 fabulous years of marriage.  This commission was done as a gift and I loved hearing back from my client as soon as the artwork arrived.

 LOVE, LOVE the art work you did of my parents!!!!  You captured their expressions perfectly!!!  The detail and design is so darling and whimsical......just what they will LOVE!!!!!!  The french style scroll work around the picture of my parents faces is wonderful.  I also adore the painting of them in in front of the Eiffle Tower with their beloved puppies.  You captured my mothers long legs and my fathers magnanimous personality.  You are a true artist and the wait well well worth it:). THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART!  Just know tonight that when my parents open this amazing gift that you will be making two very special people extremely happy.

The package just arrived and your artwork is wrapped beautifully!!!!  Once again, Thank YOU!

potted garden

A friend of mine loves to keep her deck full of potted veggies for a bountiful harvest. She has herbs and tomatoes galore planned for a lovely Summer ahead. Evenings with a chilled glass of wine and some home made bruschetta!

Are you planting your potted garden or do you have a full blown bounty already in the ground?

keepsakes

Now that the holidays are over and we are all getting into the routine of life, I ask each of you to think about the coming year and the "keepsakes" in your world that you cherish.

For many of us, it is our home, a place to enjoy all the seasons and where we find comfort.

Is there a place or a season you are longing to keep an image of long after your visit or stay?

Perhaps a gift of art that serves as a memory for an experience shared?

A childhood home or a place you now call home.

Custom hand drawn illustrations last a lifetime and are a wonderful way to cherish the memory

of a special occasion.

I would love to hear all about your special place that you would like to have artwork to serve as a keepsake?

Custom, hand-drawn illustrations are an exceptional way to celebrate life's special moments and capture the very soul of each and every one.

home for the holidays

I'll be drawn for Christmas

You can plan on a pve

Please have snow

and mistletoe

and presents under the tree.

perfect patio

The perfect patio for a Summer party. This illustration I did last summer for Jen who you can find over here, but I wanted to share it with those of you who are new to my blog. Welcome, take a seat and help yourself to a cool drink. Hope you have a lovely weekend wherever you are.

upward spiral

Spiral-bound note books are handy for notes.  Here is one that I had a pve design illustration printed on and am thinking about selling these on-line too.  What sorts of notes would you keep in a spiral notebook?

apron strings

Anyone who knows me, knows that I love aprons.  They are great for wearing while painting, cooking, or working to protect your clothing.  Here is one that I had a little pve design illustration printed on which I think would make a sweet gift for a Dad on Father's Day!

What is printed on your apron or who is tied to your apron strings?