Love is Sweet with Rhinestones

Because I paint each and every sign order as the orders are placed, I am able to paint just about any color I'm asked for.  It's challenging to match up colors online, I must admit, as photographed colors often just are not true colors online.  But usually the wedding or event colors blend well, and that's what matters.

 

Once in a while a buyer will request a glitter glaze on the lettering, as shown in the following sign:

Love is Sweet

So Take a Treat

(sold here...) 

This buyer also request rhinestones!  I had never attached them to a sign before.  I wanted to make sure the rhinestones would not fall off (with cheap glue), nor could perhaps be picked off by some sweet little 3 year old child! I asked Mark (my husband) what glue he thought would be good.  He knew immediately that I should use what is called "PRO CA Cyanoacrylate Glue".  It's make by a company called "Great Planes".  You can order it through Amazon if you can't find it at a local store.  This glue is incredible.  But DO NOT let it get on your fingers, it adheres almost instantly and permanently.

 

This photo (from Amazon) shows "THICK", but the one I used was "MEDIUM".  They also have a "THIN". (You can click on the glue to get to Amazon.)

Just wanted to share a very good product.  Again, let's review what NOT to do with this glue---let it touch your skin!!!

 

My outdoor photography....but inside?  I have some lighting issues....
 

Advise, please?  I spend a lot of time painting, which leaves me little time to actually photograph my work.  I have lighting issues (obviously!) and wonder if anyone has some lighting tips? I take most of my photos at night and use every light available, but I'm not satisfied with the lighting.  Please don't suggest photographing during the day, as here in Oregon...well let's just say I could never be a "Natural Light" photographer!

 

Blessings,

~Heidi

I *heart* you!

Some Pinterest Interest here...
In looking for some Sunday School kids crafts via Pinterest I found this paper heart. I've seen this around, probably for years, but never have tried myself to make one.  They are called "Swedish Hearts".

I cut the paper a few times and sure did feel like a dummy...it's not as easy as it looks.  Maybe I needed better instructions than the site gave.  I'll keep working on that.

But through this I found a lovely new-to-me blog called "Three Pixie Lane".  I just love the home decor photos she blogs about.  I'll be spending more time on Christie's blog for sure! Here is her header photo:

If you like to blog-surf I think the best time of the year to do that is February, there are SO MANY yummy Valentine's photos and ideas posted this month! I'm inspired now to decorated for Valentine's Day. (Yes, I'm way behind so many of you!) I just stacked a bunch of red and/or romantic books in a corner.  And I'm hanging my vintage sheet music hearts together as my window banners. 

I *heart* you all!  Here's a heart you can cut out for a card:

(Directions: Copy to computer and enlarge as desired.

Only cut the SOLID lines, fold dotted lines.

Can be sandwiched in a solid paper to make the

pop out "I *love* you" show up even better.)

And you all know, "Love is Sweet"...

Now to get my hands on some chocolate!

        Hearts and Hugs, Heidi

(the Google search I did for hearts and cuts outs was very helpful, too!)

What? Monthly? Not good!

I realized the pace I'm blogging is monthly now. I don't like that, but until I can get blogging back to top priority on my daily lists I guess monthly it'll have to be!  Anyone out there struggling with this too? Throw in way too much time on Pinterest....don't get me started on that distraction,...err...wonderful place!

So, a few photos of signs I painted in January:

For a precious baby girl on the way.....a princess, for sure!

"Our Little Princes...." with custom name.

 This is a must for all couples.....and for children and babies, too!

"Always Kiss Me Goodnight" (shown in black lettering)

 Home is....

where your horses are!

(A sign for a horse lover!)

 This sign was given as a gift. I paint a lot of this type of sign.

You can add any words, names, dates, etc.

"Love is Sweet".....this continues to now be my top selling sign.

I can paint it in any color and any font!

Ice Cream Parlor.....an event coordinator ordered a few of these

signs for her event.  I loved painting this....wanted ice cream that night!

What else?  How about "Cupcakes"....can you think of a sign for a cupcake table?

Welcome to Our Home, layered over the family name, with the date.

I loved painting this sign, I've done a few and enjoy seeing the color

combinations the buyers select.

 Snips & Snails and Puppy Dog Tails...perfect for a baby boy shower!

Both the girl and boy signs in this set have been very popular lately!

Those sayings are making a come-back, I guess!

To The Beach......I have so many "beach" signs to paint,

but just not enough time!

Sugar & Spice and Everything Nice......

perfect for a baby girl shower gift!

 A dream is a wish your heart makes.  A Disney sign?

See the three reasons I love being a grandmother?

Blessings, Heidi

Love is sweet.... forever and ever....

Oh my goodness there must be a lot of sweet stuff happening at weddings these days.  I continue to sell more "Love is Sweet" signs than any other sign currently.  Some of the girls tell me they are buying it for their wedding reception candy bars.  I have to admit, I wish I could follow along with the sign straight to the candy bar, I'm a candy lover.  

Some of the brides are buying them for their cake tables, or cupcake tables.  Some for other areas of their wedding.

Last week I painted a custom rustic "Love is Sweet" sign with the wedding date and last name.  This is really getting fun now:

I just wish I had more hours in the day to paint all the wonderful ideas regarding "love is sweet".  I do love to paint these custom signs!