Velvet Lime Designs

Happy Birthday!

2012-02-02T12:08:00.004-05:00

Happy Birthday to our "Platinum Advisor" (aka James Rhodes) from the Velvet Lime Girls. Your inspiration, support and art direction are so appreciated and we celebrate you today on your 60th birthday. We have to admit, you have the creative energy of a 30 year old and your funny, sharp-witted humor with a trace of witty sarcasm, brings joy into our studio and each of our lives.

Marybeth was inspired to create this original artwork with an assortment of varied fonts and descriptions of James. It's a fun design that may serve as a springboard for future artwork.

Happy Birthday James!!!

The Velvet Lime Girls

SHINE BRIGHT

2012-01-14T14:12:00.008-05:00

“The ways of right-living people glow with light; the longer they live, the brighter they shine.” Proverbs 4:18

This proverb was the inspiration behind our sunflower artwork and with the sun shining bright in Atlanta today, it’s a promise that is warming our hearts.

We had originally used a translation of this proverb with the expression of living life in a brighter and brighter manner, because of our right standing, our connection with God, made available all because of His Son, Jesus. Today, when we read the Message translation, we glowed with a new illuminated insight. We felt like little lightning bugs pulsing with the presence of God within us.

Warm little lights glowing brighter and brighter and shining the longer they live. That’s God’s description of how our lives should be. Wow, it’s enough to give you a hot flash even if you’re not a woman.

We hope you feel the warmth in our new, slightly revised sunflower. We’re only able to give you a peek, to protect our original work. For a fuller view visit http://www.paintedplanetlicensing.com/velvet-lime-girls.html

Shine bright today,

The Velvet Lime Girls

Snow and Sunny Expectations

2012-01-13T10:08:00.007-05:00

It’s snowing in Atlanta this morning! As Southern girls, we can’t believe it’s snowing (actually more of a light dusting) and find ourselves peeking out of our windows every five minutes, just to make sure it’s still falling. J Normally, we’d be outside letting the snowflakes fall on our faces, but today is a special day for the Velvet Lime Girls… more about that in a moment. This surprise dusting of snow this morning has made Laura recall one of her favorite songs of all time, “Somewhere It’s Snowing” by David Stearman. A beautiful soft, snowy sort of song, that she and her husband, James, first heard sung by David himself in the early ‘70’s, while they were all college students together. James & Laura say the words still embrace their hearts like they did years ago and we’d like to share it with you today as the snowflakes fall in Atlanta. http://www.davidstearmanministries.org/getmusic.html

We hope you take a moment to pause and let the words carry their message to your heart.

Now, back to our special day today. Do you remember being a kid and trying to go to sleep the night before something really fun and exciting? Maybe it was anticipating a birthday, a favorite relative’s visit, summer vacation, Christmas, or the circus coming to town. Whatever it may have been, it kept you fully alive and charged … ready for the big day to arrive.

That’s how we feel right now. We’ve been kind of quiet about it lately, but, our art collection will be making a debut this weekend at the Atlanta Mart. We’ll be on display at the Painted Planet booth on the License & Design floor. They were kind enough to even feature us in an ad that is pictured above.

Our new little home on the License & Design floor features art and design for license or sale to a variety of industries including: apparel, linens, decorative textiles, needlework, wall & floor coverings, tabletop, giftware, home decor, greeting cards, gift wrap, stationery, scrapbooking and much more.

We feel like kindergarteners with our pack of crayons, standing next to some Michelangelo type of artists. Really. The creativity that surrounds us is amazing and we have deep respect for these experienced artists. And still, we know, that our artistic message of inspiration and encouragement is unique. There’s no one who expresses it quite like we do. And we are thrilled to see the designs we’ve worked on in our studio for several months placed on display this week in Atlanta.

It’s like being all dressed up for a first date.

We’ll be showing glimpses of our work this week on our blog. To see the entire portfolio, register with Painted Planet Licensing Group, or stop by the booth this week at AmericasMart, Building 2, 774WW.

Thanks to all of you who have supported us and encouraged us. Our hope is that our artwork will draw people like a magnet to the inspiration and encouragement that comes from God… and the “good grace”, mentioned in the song above.

The Velvet Lime Girls

P.S. Sun is coming out and the last of the feathery snowflakes just blew out of here!

If you have a little time, here are the words to the snowy song:

“Somewhere it's Snowing”
by Stephanie Boosahda & David Stearman

I once read in a poem
When snow covers the earth
That it hides the world's scars and
Gives nature new birth.
And they say when a man turns
From sin to the Lord
That forgiveness like snow
covers him evermore.

(chorus)
And somewhere it's snowing,
See the soft drifting down
As the snowflakes surrender
To the hardening ground.
Like the good grace of Jesus
That now covers our sin
In the kingdom of heaven
it's snowing again.

And it's told that the angels lift
Their hearts and rejoice
When one traveler turns homeward
From his way to the Lord's.
If somewhere someone's turning,
He's giving his all,
Then God's grace like the snow,
Is beginning to fall.

(chorus)
And somewhere it's snowing,
See the soft drifting down
As the snowflakes surrender
To the hardening ground.
Like the good grace of Jesus
That now covers our sin
In the kingdom of heaven
it's snowing again.

Joy

2012-01-02T23:44:00.019-05:00

“There are souls in this world which have the gift of finding joy everywhere and leaving it behind them when they go.” Frederick William Faber

Ditto

These little joy bundles are Laura’s granddaughters, Sophia, Lilly and Alexa. They’re often the source of inspiration around here, along with Marybeth’s daughters, Madison and Katie. The effervescent joy they all seem to have bubbling inside is not only contagious,it lingers, long after they’ve buzzed off to brighten a new landscape.

We love it when they are around the studio and their little positive ions recharge the entire spectrum of our lives.

We’re transformed into joy bundles ourselves.

Sunbeams lifting the fog of any day.

All because of a few sparks of joy.

We hope you’ll look for the little joys in life today. Yours may not be the simple pleasure of a swing on a new swingset, or a smile at the first snowfall, but joys are out there, just waiting to turn your plain ordinary, tap water day into a sparkling, effervescent day of seltzer smiles.

The Velvet Lime Girls

New Doors

2012-01-01T01:11:00.009-05:00

Doors. They serve as entries and exits. Beginnings and endings. These old doors, along the Outer Banks of North Carolina, have a little history and Laura’s Dad, Clarence Skinner, tells their story best in his own words and photographs:

“These old garage pictures are representative samples that still remain along the old beach road in parts of Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills. The garages were built very close to the road and used wooden ramps to connect the garage to the road. Beach houses were located closer to the ocean, often over three hundred feet behind the garage. Autos of that era, 30’s and 40’s, were two wheel drive and did not do well in sand, without skilled drivers and some preparation, like reducing tire pressure. Normal operation was to avoid getting your car in the sand, thus the wooden pallet type driveways and the garages close to the road. City folks also did not want their cars left exposed to the salt air. Of course, this meant that everything that was taken down by auto had to be hand carried from the garage to the beach house, through loose sand.”

These rough, beaten down, barely standing garage doors, have a rustic, nostalgic beauty about them. Like the tough times and challenges that many people have weathered this past year, these old relics are still standing. And the old doors with their rusty, salt-crusted hinges almost make you think they can still swing open. But, they don’t have to anymore. A new day has come. A better way of doing things. And although the old ways have been put aside for new ways, they have not been put aside.

They stand.

Salty reminders of silent strength.

So, if you’ve weathered a “north-eastern” storm of sorts this year, take a good look at these old structures. They stood when times were tough. And they lived to see better days. Days when doors opened to a better way.

“I see what you've done. Now see what I've done. I've opened a door before you that no one can slam shut. You don't have much strength, I know that; you used what you had to keep my Word. You didn't deny me when times were rough.” Revelation 3:8

The Velvet Lime Girls

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

2011-12-24T17:02:00.010-05:00

Merry Christmas from the Velvet Lime Girls!

Here's Marybeth and family...
And here's the photo that didn't make the card, but is our favorite :-)

Here's Rebecca and family:
And here's Laura and family (she's the one in the back, behind all the children & grandchildren!)

We hope you have a wonderful Christmas!

A Tranquil Spot

2011-12-19T08:51:00.007-05:00

We discovered a creative company with a kindred spirit. It’s called pure gratitude and carries this tagline, “because everyone has something to be thankful for”. We love expressions of gratitude and we were moved by the way this artist expressed gratitude, love, peace, hope and encouragement through her hand-stamped silver jewelry. Each handcrafted piece, embellished at times with pearl, gemstones, leather or natural elements, seems to tell a story. The website alone is a tranquil spot to visit. Lovely quotes float around the site such as, “i would maintain that thanks is the greatest form of thought and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” gk chesterton

And with descriptions of selected pieces sounding more like an excerpt from a favorite book, you’ll find yourself reading about each delicate creation.

Here’s a favorite description that accompanies the piece in the photo above:

“He calls you His beloved. He laid down everything, His very life because He loved you first. this Christmas be assured of His unending, deep affection for you. through the ages this has never changed, you are still cherished, treasured and greatly loved by a God that is so much larger than life.”

Zephaniah 3:17 “The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.”

We think we like the description as much as the necklace.

Thoughtful shoppers have discovered the site and buzzed in like bees finding a patch of unknown clover in a meadow, so a delivery before Christmas may be slim. The site is, however, a resource filled with ideas for year-round gift giving. So, we wanted to share, even if it was just for the pure pleasure of reading the sentiments.

The Velvet Lime Girls

P.S. The artist at pure gratitude is Michelle Harpur, a dear friend of Laura's. www.puregratitude.net

Christmas has come.

2011-12-14T09:25:00.004-05:00

Yesterday afternoon we all received this message from Marybeth. “Well, Katie & I have accomplished one thing for Christmas!” Attached was this photo of their Nativity scene. It was, as if, regardless of whether anything else was accomplished, the most important thing about Christmas in their family had been done. The manger scene that tells the story of Christmas was up. Christmas had arrived in their home. And in the hearts of us who received her message.

Earlier in the day, as we had all worked in the studio on our new collection for 2012 we had laughed at how none of us had really prepared our homes for Christmas yet. Well, Rebecca, had decorated a bit, but Christmas cards were not done. Marybeth & I (Laura) had mailed Christmas cards, but there wasn’t even a speck of tinsel or sprig of greenery in either of our homes yet. These comments came from girls who normally have everything up the day after Thanksgiving J.

In the absolute joy of creating a new collection of artwork for Velvet Lime Girls ((it debuts in January at the Atlanta Mart) and working at our regular jobs, we’ve all looked up in pleasant surprise and realized… it’s almost Christmas.

And yet, when we all received this text and photo from Marybeth, we realized how simple it is to allow Christmas to arrive in our homes. A single nativity set, placed on a mantle, brought a pause and stillness to our hearts. Each piece gently placed on the ledge now retold the story of Christmas and calmed our hearts.

The Christmas trees will be put up, the lights hung, the presents wrapped … eventually. But, after the nativity photo came, a new sense of calm came. It caused us to reflect and remember the real story of Christmas … to remind ourselves what this wonderful celebration is really all about. The birth of Jesus Christ.

So, for all of you, like us, who have yet to complete your lists for Christmas, we hope you will pause and enjoy the simple scene in the photo above that tells the real story of Christmas. And let Christmas arrive in your heart.

The Velvet Lime Girls

P.S. The stocking in the photo with the “B” is for Biscuit, the guinea pig. Marybeth's daughter, Katie, was afraid no one would get him anything for Christmas and she asked for a stocking. Slightly lower, but not pictured, is Maggie Waggie Wydock's stocking, which belongs to their dog. And there may be more! A stocking request from Madison, her other daughter, has recently been presented ... for her fish "Spa".

Baby Feet

2011-12-13T10:27:00.003-05:00

“But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not worthy to carry his sandals.”Matthew 3:11

Lord of lords

2011-12-12T11:29:00.005-05:00

Lord of Lords. It’s a term that may bring to mind tales of medieval times, regal lifestyles and rulers of grand estates. Not mangers, humble beginnings and living life with a servant heart.

And yet, that is the life lived by the bearer of this name.

This title contains an unexpected contrast … a juxtaposition of sorts. Juxtapositions are often seen in the design world when a mix of two opposites creates something never before seen and never before expected. Rough burlap paired with soft velvet, or smooth silk layered on textured wool. The combinations are unusual, unexpected, unimagined. The results however explode the lid off of traditional patterns and conventional thinking and open the way for new realms of thought and creativity.

Lord of lords, is a crowning display of juxtaposition. This Lord, the Lord of lords, humbled himself, took on mortal flesh and came and lived among us. His arrival was announced by a host of angels and yet occurred in a manger. Respected intellectuals with lavish gifts welcomed Him as well as hard-working ordinary people. And although He was of royal descent, history records that one of his last acts was washing the feet of his disciples.

He was a servant Lord. A Lord who cared enough to come down and live among us. A Lord who “came down and moved into the neighborhood.” John 1:14

The Velvet Lime Girls

Prince of Peace

2011-12-10T14:18:00.004-05:00

Prince of Peace. It’s the second piece in our descriptive name & crown series we created and one of our favorites. Most people understand the concept of a Prince, but the definition of peace is quite inspiring when you go back and look at the original Hebrew word. The word is shalom. It’s meaning encompasses much more than calm peace. Like a mother gathering up all her children in her arms and carrying them away to a safer place, when shalom is spoken, it extends an embrace of complete wholeness to the recipient. It gathers up meanings of good welfare, health, safety, soundness, tranquility, harmony, absence of discord, favor, prosperity, rest, and well being and carries them into the life of the receiver. The expression of shalom brings them to a place where things are made whole … nothing missing, nothing broken, a place of restoration.

That’s the kind of peace that comes when the Prince of Peace arrives in your life. Regardless of your situations and surroundings, His presence, the very meaning of His name, brings a change. Brings wholeness. Brings Shalom.

“He will be called, Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” Isaiah 9:6

The Velvet Lime Girls

King of kings

2011-12-09T10:51:00.003-05:00

This artwork came out of our hearts a couple years ago and we thought it was fitting to share it again as we prepare to celebrate Christmas.

Names say a lot about a person. Parents often spend months selecting a name that will convey the essence of all their hopes and dreams for that child. They know names are important. It’s the manner in which a child will be addressed and referred to for life and often serves as a remembrance long after they are gone.

Sometimes a person can have a descriptive name that kind of sums up what their life is all about. Thoughtful Thomas, Caring Cathy, Insightful Ian, Wise William … you can easily add to the list.

But a descriptive name like the King of kings is an entirely different category. You’ll notice the dictionary even points out that when using this phrase in reference to Christ, that the first King is to be capitalized. It denotes an authority that is higher than any king in history. The KING of kings.

We wanted to weave the historical record of this King’s birth in the background of our artwork, wash it in a symbolic red glaze and crown it with a reference to His royal lineage. We love the way Marybeth took all these ideas and distilled them into this creative birth announcement/name declaration that creates a powerful remembrance.

We have a few more descriptive names we captured in artwork and we will share them over the next few days. Come back and be inspired this week, as you see just how powerful a name can be.

The Velvet Lime Girls

Christmas Dog

2011-12-08T15:21:00.005-05:00

This is Dakota. He’s a very secure and content dog. He knows his purpose in life.

The “son” of Laura’s brother, Bud, he lives a life of luxury. This photo was taken by Laura’s sister-in-law, Laura Belle Skinner, and we’re impressed that she also did the photo styling for this shoot, and even more impressed that Dakota cooperated.

One might think, looking at this photo that all Dakota does is calmly lie around on softly padded L. L. Bean dog beds, occasionally eating healthy dog treats, and enjoying a daily jaunt around the neighborhood. He does do this, (remember, he lives a life of luxury J), but the REAL Dakota is hidden inside and it’s a sight to behold when it emerges.

If you take Dakota out early in the morning, when the temperature has dipped overnight into the ‘30’s, with frost still on the ground and let him loose in a field, another power within him takes over. The laid back, calm dog you see in the picture becomes a tornado of amazing power and strength. The reason he was born becomes clearly evident. His purpose presents itself loud and clear. He was born to hunt. He was bred to hunt. He was trained to hunt. And that purpose, that passion, totally takes over and he slips out of his Clark Kent demeanor and becomes a Superman of sorts in the wide, open field.

Tilling the ground and frosty turf below him, he becomes a streak of fur, soaring at electric, breakneck speed, working the field and seeming to leave the world behind as he relishes living life doing what he was created to do… HUNT!

It’s great when you know your purpose in life, the reason you were born. An energy beyond you often grips you and carries you, especially if you stay connected to your source. We like the way the Message explains it, “ Those who wait for God, get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles… they run and don’t get tired.” Isaiah 40:31

“That transforming power that overtakes Dakota is a slim streak compared to the swath of power just waiting to infuse each of us. You may have forgotten about it, living your everyday life, relying on your own strength. But the reality is, it’s available. You just have to make the connection to activate it. Your purpose, your passion and your reason for being born flow out of that connection too.

So if you’re feeling a little tired, worn-out or weary, there’s a source of strength just waiting to fill you with a fresh vigor that would make Dakota look like he’s just doing a warm-up.

Simply soaring,

The Velvet Lime Girls

P.S. We're pushing for a cover shot of Dakota on the cover of Garden & Gun magazine...don't you think he's ready? Here's a photo of his softer side:

Yum!

2011-12-07T12:30:00.007-05:00

Inspiration is everywhere! That’s one of our favorite sayings and last night the inspiration came from the soft opening of Bua, a Thai and Sushi restaurant in the Brookhaven area just outside of Atlanta. We hope you are not hungry when you look at these photos ☺
The colors, the flavors, the atmosphere was simply a plunge into creative waters for us. The photos above of the large “flowers” are actually carved watermelons and the “leaves” are the carved underside of the watermelon rinds. Even the food presentation was a work of art! Fabulous Thai spring rolls came out wrapped in a palm leaf presentation that had us scrambling for our cameras and the entrées were framed in floral displays of orchids. Photography, furnishings and art from Thailand simply swept us away from the South for a few hours … and I think we started humming in delight with a soft Thai twang before the evening was over.
It’s great to have a little of the “eat, drink and be merry” life once in awhile. It refreshes us and reminds us that “Every one should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor…it is the gift of God” Ecclesiastes 3:12

The Velvet Lime Girls
P.S. We focus on inspiration for the soul here, but for more food inspiration visit http://www.Buaatlanta.com and a little more design inspiration visit http://www.rhodesdesigngroup.com

Real Comfort

2011-12-06T11:41:00.008-05:00

Yesterday Rebecca was driving in the car with Alexa, her 22 month old daughter. Alexa is the tiniest little fan of the Velvet Lime Girls. She often provides her artistic opinion on our upcoming artwork (see Sept. 30^th blog). As their short trip progressed, Alexa became restless and a bit fussy. A series of questions began, to help comfort her.

Did she want juice? “No”.

Did she want gummy bears? “No”.

Did she want her paci? (pacifier)? Again the answer was surprisingly, “No.

Finally Rebecca asked, “Alexa, tell me what you want.” A long pause occurred in the car… and then, her tiny little voice replied from the carseat … “hand”.

She wanted her mother’s hand. She just wanted to have her mom hold her hand. Nothing else could bring the comfort, the solace, the calm like her mother’s hand …not even the revered “paci”.

A hand. Sometimes it’s all that’s really needed. A hand to comfort, to calm, to care.

As soothing to the soul as a hand extended may be, it’s a mere glimpse of the powerful hand continually extended to help us. A hand that actually has us engraved on it, or, in other words, “indelibly imprinted (tattooed a picture of) us on the palms of each of His hands.”

Now, that’s real comfort. Talk about a tight hold … why, you’re tattooed on God hands! J

The Velvet Lime Girls

“I have indelibly imprinted (tattooed a picture of) you on the palm of each of My hands.” Isaiah 49:16

Photo of Alexa's hand in the palm of her grandmother Laura's hand taken days after her birth.

Rhythms of Grace

2011-12-05T11:26:00.008-05:00

“Live in the unhurried rhythms of grace” … we loved this phrase the first time we read it in The Message years ago. Last year we began creating artwork to convey this thought and a lovely blue heron came to mind. The blue heron is recognized as a solitary feeder. Her nourishment comes in moments of solitude, as she silently seeks her food ... a quiet reminder for us to also receive nourishment in moments of solitude with God. Our heron, with her graceful long neck and calm stance, was washed in watercolor shades of coastal colors. We wanted her to convey the calm, deliberate, simple life that is available to us. The life not weighed down with cares and unnecessary obligations. The life lived in the unhurried rhythms of grace.

Imagine our delight at discovering an entire book about living in the rhythms of grace! (We found a book review of this treasure in life:beautiful magazine.) The book is Abundant Simplicity - Discovering the unhurried rhythms of grace. The author, Jan Johnson, has drawn a picture with her writing pen of the stillness, the calm, and the peace that comes as we begin to live simply and in connection with God. Here’s one of our favorite quotes from the book ... “To live deliberately means to move slowly, to look people in the eyes when they speak to us and to follow up on the ideas that the Spirit has possibly nudged us with.”

We can’t tell you how this inspired us and we hope it inspires you! So, since we’ve been nudged to follow up on the ideas the Spirit has given us…we are dusting off our blue heron and finishing her! When she’s finished, she’ll have a lot to say, dressed in her simple stance and calm colors. And we hope her sentiment will “look you in the eyes when they speak” and remind you to “live in the unhurried rhythms of grace”. She’ll make an unhurried debut in our 2012 coastal collection. (We think she must somehow be related to the elegant swan above.)

Living simply,

The Velvet Lime Girls

P.S. More inspiration from the book and Jan Johnson @ http://janjohnson.org/book_table.html

Christmas Get-Away

2011-12-04T11:19:00.010-05:00

Have you ever anticipated a gift before it arrived? Counted the days until you could open and enjoy it? That’s how we feel every three months as we wait for our subscription to life:beautiful magazine.

It’s more than a magazine… it’s a little vacation packaged in print.

Gorgeous photography, uplifting articles, yummy recipes, fresh ideas for the home and float-away moments of connecting with God, in the most elegant environment, lie within each issue. We absolutely lose ourselves for long periods of time wrapped within its pages. Relaxing, refreshing and restoring ourselves with the messages on each page that come straight from the heart of God. It’s a little bit of heaven on earth for over an hour.

How can a publication make you feel like you’ve spent the day at a luxurious spa or refreshing retreat? We think it’s because it feeds your spirit and celebrates the abundant life that God desires for each of us.

The current holiday issue is so full of treasures that you’ll keep it filed away like a precious resource guide … referring back to it for lovely ways to nurture your home, your family and yourself. And you just can’t imagine what a wonderful gift it is to receive … inspiration all year long!

So find yourself a copy and slowly fix a cup of tea. Believe us, you will just want to do this once you open the first page. Then, take a little vacation during this Christmas season to refresh, restore and revive yourself in spirit, mind and body.

Sipping cups of tea with life:beautiful, The Velvet Lime Girls

Find an issue at Barnes & Noble, Jo-Ann’s or @ www.lifebeautifulmagazine.com

The Birds Knew

2011-12-03T09:23:00.010-05:00

We wonder if the birds knew? Did they anticipate the arrival of the Savior? The stars knew He was coming. The Wise Men knew. The animals gathered at his birth knew. And his mother knew He had arrived within her. Surely the birds knew.

Creatures often seem to know ahead of time when a change is coming. Reports abound of animals taking actions prior to a change in climate or environment. Why wouldn't the greatest change, the greatest shift that ever occurred in history not alert little birds?

We think they knew.

Perhaps they looked a bit like this little bird. He's looking out over the bleak, harsh, cold environment surrounding him, to the spring. New life is coming! A new beginning is coming, a better way. He knows it and waits for it. And the calm assurance in his little face reflects this.

We think his ancestors may have looked like this just before Christmas Day. They had to know He was coming and they must have waited and watched with calm assurance, just like this little bird.

We hope the quiet expectation that the world and little birds held years ago on the starry nights before Christmas will envelope you and your family this season, as we wait to remember the greatest birthday ever.

The Velvet Lime Girls

The watercolor study of the Christmas cardinal is by Marybeth Wydock.

All is Calm

2011-12-02T07:52:00.005-05:00

Intercessory Hands … that’s what the artist who created this piece of artwork calls her creation. We were fortunate to have a glimpse of this moving piece two years ago and it totally captured our hearts. The artist is Sarah Beth Cowart, the daughter of a dear friend of Laura’s, and she currently holds a degree in Studio Art.

The word “intercessory” may not be a word you hear often, but it means “the act of offering prayer to God on behalf of others.” It’s such a humble and noble act … whether you’re on the receiving end or the praying end.

We were especially drawn to the position of the hands in this artwork. Many artists portray hands in prayer from an outside view, tightly folded, in earnest effort. But this artist went straight to the heart of the matter …. the hands, wrinkled with worry and concern, have opened up, let go and released all their ability and faith to God.

You can almost feel the calm that has come.

As we begin this busy and wonderful season of Christmas, we wanted to bring a sense of calm into the lives of all who visit our site… and these hands do it so beautifully. We hope the artwork inspires you to open up, let go and release your ability and faith to God. And we hope you feel the calm that will come.

The Velvet Lime Girls

Christmas Seed Story

2011-12-01T10:29:00.008-05:00

Christmas Seed Story

This slender seedpod graced our lives this past month. Gathered on a walk with a granddaughter, it found a home among a collection of natural fall decorations. The slim, tight green husk sat silently, in obscurity, among the collection.

Early one morning a silent explosion occurred and the green husk was split from top to bottom, bursting and birthing light, airy seeds too numerous to count. Fine cotton candy puffs, holding rainbows of light in each lash exploded from the gathered grip of each tiny seed. They could no longer be contained inside the tight green husk. Their time had come. Their season had arrived. They were ready to multiply, replenish, and take dominion over their new dwelling places.

It seemed fitting to have this seedpod arrive so close to Christmas. Like the child born in a manger years ago, who carried a unique seed potential within … son of God and son of man, this “seed” also produced a harvest too numerous to count. When he left this earth, history records that like the seedpod, a veil was torn from top to bottom. A new season, a new arrangement, began and endless numbers of seeds like him were born.

We’ll look at seedpods differently now. They echo an eternal love story. God giving his only Son for us … opening the door for us all to join His family … a family of little seeds too numerous to count.

The Velvet Lime Girls

The Word (Christ) became flesh and blood; and moved into the neighborhood.” John 1:14

He Knows Your Name

2011-11-14T07:17:00.005-05:00

This solitary flower still blooming in mid November holds an intimate love story in its petals. Created beautiful enough to stop a casual gaze across the barren pre-winter landscape, it creates a standstill when viewed up close. Intricate detail and exquisite color palettes reveal the work of a master. One who is interested in every single, solitary, tiny detail … down to the last star-studded stamen. Who would take time to sculpt such a petite fireworks display and place it in the heart of a flower? Someone with a connection to that flower… someone who knows it by name.

The flower served as a gentle reminder that God knows us by name. We have a connection with Him. We are not forgotten. The One who poured such creativity into a flower like this, pours infinite care, concern and attention into each of our lives. He actually says that He knows us by name. A powerful thought. Talk about name-dropping! The Creator of the universe… He knows my name. He actually calls me by my name, (Isaiah 45:3). It’s enough to create a little fireworks display in your own heart.

The Velvet Lime Girls

Painted Planet Licensing Group

2011-11-03T22:08:00.009-04:00

Gratitude. It’s the overwhelming emotion that mounts in our spirits, swells up through our expressions and spills out into every crevice of our lives lately.

G R A T I T U D E.

Here’s one of the reasons why…

Painted Planted Licensing Group is now representing our artwork!

http://www.paintedplanetlicensing.com/velvet-lime-girls.html

We’re thrilled beyond expression as we busy ourselves around our design studio pouring out new artwork in a continual stream. Like young mothers about to give birth, we’re filled with that amazing burst of energy that comes shortly before their little “dream” meets the world. Overwhelming, overflowing, creative energy just floods our studio each day as we begin to give birth to the dream we’ve nurtured for over 4 years … creating artwork to encourage & inspire.

It’s so moving when other people believe in your dream. We honored that Jan Draheim, President of Painted Planet Licensing Group, picked us to be a part of the team. And we’re soaking up the art direction that Creative Director & Art Licensing Consultant, Julie Hosley, is providing. We love working with these girls!

So, if you feel a little breeze lately, it’s just the whirlwind of creativity we’re stirring up here in our studio under our new licensing name … Velvet Lime Girls. We hope you’ll be seeing a lot of us! J

Thanks for all the encouragement so many of you have given us. We have treasured every phone call, email, comment, tweet and expression you have given!

With Gratitude,

The Velvet Lime Girls

Treasures in the Trash

2011-10-29T18:55:00.008-04:00

We discovered these treasures in a bucket of trash. Old broken bottles, jars, trash and dirty junk with rough, rusty hard edges were the origins of these exquisite jewels. The local recycling plant had received them in their hopeless state and buffed them into sparkling gems. Now, precious stone shades of sapphire, jasper, emerald, chalcedony and topaz glimmer from this bucket and the tiny bits of trashy paper are faint reminders that treasures can come out of trash.

This trash transformation into treasure made us think of some of the hard times, challenges and rough patches that can come in life. When life's edges are rough, rusty and a bit broken, it's hard to see the good that can eventually come out of these times. In the midst of them one can wonder, "what can I do?" or "what will I do?"

A line from an old story can point us in the right direction:

"look instead for what God can do" ( John 9:3- The Message)

Those old broken bottles and jars probably thought it was really all over when life sent them to the trash, to a rough spot, to a desperate place. But now as they grace the finest spots in flower gardens, the focal points in art creations and this little blog spot, they'd probably be the first to shout "look what God can do!"

Finding the treasures in rough spots,

The Velvet Lime Girls

What to Wear

2011-10-10T09:36:00.003-04:00

Dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you …

compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline ...

and wear love. Colossians 3:12-14

Living Water

2011-10-07T10:13:00.006-04:00

This waterfall in a private garden on Roanoke Island was bubbling, rippling and pouring life-giving, thirst-quenching water all over the place on a hot, dry summer afternoon. The sound of the splashing water filled the air with an expectation of abundant provision … this waterfall was connected to an eternal spring … it would never run dry. The waterfall just had to stay connected and open and this refreshing supply would always flow.

We could relate.

Bubbling over … that’s how we’ve felt lately.

We’re little conduits, waterfalls in a sense. Overflowing with ideas, images and creations.

Swirling.

Swelling.

Cascading waves of creativity surge inside us…spilling out onto the canvases in our studio and our lives.

We’re amazed. We do little to produce this flow. We just stay connected to our Source.

It’s so thrilling that we just want to shout an invite to anyone in a dry patch … “Come on over and be refreshed … connect with the Source of real life and never be thirsty again!”

So refresh yourself today in our waterfall photo. Wash away any dry spells and splash around with the Source of life giving water.

Laura & the Velvet Lime Girls

“All who are thirsty should come to me! Streams of life-giving water will pour out from anyone who believes in me.” John 7:37-38

Run Your Race

2011-10-06T15:40:00.007-04:00

“Let us throw off every weight and run with endurance the race marked out for us.” Hebrews 12:1

We’ve all been running a lot this summer and that makes us think of feet. Those wonderful workhorses of our body that move us through our journey here on earth. This photo of a magnificent sculpture in south Louisiana had a magnetic pull on me last summer. A swift runner captured in flight. Running her race with determination and tenacity. Sure of her course and the prize ahead. The sculptor fashioned the delicate feet with attention to detail and the layers of weathered years, moss and lichen, now etched into her surface, only added a depth to her message … "Run your race with diligence."

We’ve been running our races with diligence lately. Always checking to make sure we are hearing God clearly and doing exactly what he has created us to do on this earth. (We’re learning a clue to this is usually doing what we find great joy in… kind of what’s already in our DNA from God). This passage has been our running fuel and the sideline cheering force to some of our new artwork. We brainstormed about it recently and Marybeth began creating again … the result is a celadon and sea glass colored palette of artwork that just makes your spirit soar and with the sentiment attached, it is heavenly. It’s kind of under wraps now and will be peeking out in 2012, but you can take its inspiration below today and begin to run your race with new enthusiasm. Especially when you realize that your path has already been marked out for you.

As every runner knows, one of the great things about running is that exhilaration that infuses your entire body at the end of the race. You did it! You finished! What a great feeling! It’s the kind of feeling expressed years ago by a man shortly before he moved to heaven … “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” II Timothy 4:7

So find that path that’s been marked out just for you and enjoy your journey today… really enjoy it. Travel it knowing that it's been pre-arranged just for you. No one else can run this one except YOU.

Laura & the Velvet Lime Girls

Leftovers

2011-10-05T16:37:00.003-04:00

“Leftovers” … that’s what the salesperson called them. The scraggly end-of-the season flowers left in a corner at the local gardening store. They were dry, brittle, and tossed on a refuse pile. I saw their potential and wanted to rescue them and give them a chance to flourish. I did. These leftovers are now the stars in my garden! Thick dark green succulent stems now hold buttery yellow faces that shimmer in the sunlight. They make me smile each time I look at them, because they remind me of the value and beauty that can be found in every “leftover”.

They also bring to mind a sentiment Marybeth expressed recently.

Marybeth has been a quiet inspiration to all of us over the past few years as she has said good-bye to three loved ones. She has traveled through these valleys of loss with her soul anchored to a strength that comes only from God … and journeyed on to mountains of joy with family, friends, faith and the creative expressions of Velvet Lime Designs. Recently she penned a few thoughts regarding the last good-by and they seem to fit in with the sentiment of finding beauty in leftovers that really matter. Here it is in her own words:

“I recently spent a few days helping go through what I term "the leftovers" -- what you leave behind when you are gone. This is the third time I've had to do it in my life and it never gets any easier. Sure, people make provisions for insurance policies, stocks, homes...that's all written on paper. It's the "leftovers" that bother me the most. Obviously, they meant something or they wouldn't have been kept. What about that high school track medal your son earned in 1974? Will he want it now? Or the mementos of your children's birth? Will it mean anything to them? What happens when you find that envelope with YOUR name on it and it contains mementos of YOU? Sometimes it's a little tough to swallow...these “leftovers." Deciding what stays and what goes.

I've decided when I am old and gray and it's my time to go, I will tell my family to happily throw it all away and remember me for the immaterial leftovers in my life. Keep what you must...but I want to be remembered for those things pertaining to the heart.”

“A good and honest life is a blessed memorial” Psalms 10:7

Marybeth & Laura

Accolades for Velvet Lime Designs!

2011-09-30T13:07:00.004-04:00

Velvet Lime Designs received accolades last week from a very discriminating art collector. We thought we'd share the photos taken in our studio as this art collector pointed out her top choice in our new collection.

For those of you who haven’t met this art collector before, we’d like to point out that she is also Rebecca’s daughter and my youngest granddaughter, Alexa! We just love it when she gives us her opinion!

Some of our new artwork is blurred out for now in these photos and will be making it’s debut at a later date ... but we just love celebrating a compliment from such a discriminating audience!J

THIRSTY

2011-09-21T13:50:00.007-04:00

Thirsty

Early each morning before the sun wakes up the elephant ears are still cradling little liquid jewels. They are nestled in the valleys of the broad plains of each green expanse. These diamond drops dance across the surface. Hovering, floating in a mercury motion, their slightly suspended form seems to shimmer a call to anyone who is thirsty … “drink me, I’ll quench your thirst!”

These water drops of morning dew make me thirsty each time I see them and remind me of Rebecca’s favorite verse, “As a deer thirsts for streams of water, so I thirst for you, God.” Psalms 42:1. We like the way The Message says it:

“A white-tailed deer drinks from the creek;

I want to drink God,

deep draughts of God.

I'm thirsty for God”

Thirsty. These little dewdrops carry a refreshing message. Our thirst can be quenched and filled with living water each day as we drink in time with God.

The Velvet Lime Girls

P.S. Thank-you to my sister-in-law, Sarah-Lynne, for reminding me of the beauty of dewdrops (and these photos taken in 2008).

Sweet Inspiration

2011-09-16T13:01:00.009-04:00

Sweet Inspiration

Layers. We’ve been creating, dreaming and thinking of layers lately. We’re working on a new collection of artwork and developing the background layers that will accompany each piece. So much fun!

We find ourselves noticing the intricate layers that surround us each day in the ordinary things of life. This one caught our eye. A last vestige of summer that was reluctant to leave. Its slippery lazy layers beckoned us to slow down and enjoy the last moments of a sunny day. In the south, these layers are always sweet, dark and draped in condensation on a porch. Encased in glass with ice cubes lazily melting in a sweet nectar of summer, it’s a layer you just can’t pass up… and we didn’t! We captured it in photos and in long slow sips. Mmm… a glass of ice cold southern sweet tea. Just drink in its layers.

We’ve noticed the layers in ourselves lately too. The wonderful intricate ways in which we have all been created, woven together and formed. We are layers of walking wonders and a psalmist expressed best … "Nothing about me is hidden from you! I was secretly woven together as if embroidered with various colors" Psalms 139:15

So celebrate your layers today and enjoy a sip of some southern sweet tea.

The Velvet Lime Girls

A Season of Greater Things

2011-09-03T12:19:00.017-04:00

The seven foot tall swamp flowers in our summer garden are bent over now. All the way to the ground. Along with the other flowers in the garden, they gave everything they had in a show of color and fragrance all summer long. Hosted hummingbird visits, bumble bee sleep-overs, caresses & sniffs from granddaughters.

The flowers in the garden have a burned-out kind of beauty. Their show is over. They gave every drop of color, fragrance, and effort they could give. They think the best days in the garden have passed.

Right in the middle of this weary expanse a fresh new flower emerges. It thinks it’s springtime! It wraps and curls itself around everything in sight and it’s little green bud ends burst into hundreds of delicate white flowers. White puffy clouds of blooms envelope the entire garden. Floating over the skeletons of rose bushes, dried up trellises and anything that hints of fading. This autumn clematis blankets the garden every September bringing a fresh burst of life just when things looked faded and finished.

It brings multiple messages. A reminder that there are seasons for everything. Seasons to grow and seasons to rest. We captured this sentiment in an earlier piece pictured above.

A second sentiment has emerged now, with these white clouds of fresh flowers bringing new life to a garden that was spent. The latter state of the garden is far more glorious than the beginning… It’s latter is greater than it’s past.

So if you’ve gone through a weary patch, felt like you’ve given your all and the landscape of your life still looks a bit barren, let our artwork remind you that a new season can come. Good things are still ahead and your latter can be greater than your past. (Job 8:7)

The Velvet Lime Girls

Clematis climbing all over everything is a pass-along plant...originating in Pattie Lee Smith's garden, Laura's great-grandmother, dug up and passed along by Clarence Skinner, Laura's Dad.

ROYAL SEATING

2011-08-29T13:19:00.007-04:00

Seating affects everything. Have you ever sat in a large arena or stadium near the top? Although you can be very involved in the event, the activities played out below you are distant and removed. You are far above them. It’s as if you are seated in another realm… and yet you are there. Your perspective from that altitude changes and you become constantly aware that there is a bigger picture beyond what is being played out below. Your vision broadens when you’re seated higher.

Being seated in a higher place is the red carpet thought being rolled out in this artwork. We took that noble thought and draped it in royal colors. Anchored it with aristocratic seating. Sprinkled it with a phrase and stars from a divine scepter. A phrase that lifts us from living below our destiny. “ He seats us in heavenly places.” What a lofty thought for everyday life.

Reigning. Majestic. Elevated. That’s the kind of seating we’ve been given. It broadens your vision and makes you realize there is a bigger picture being played out beyond everyday life. You are seated in another realm… far above.

Take a seat in our chair today. Rest for a moment in the luxury of this divine sentiment. May you begin to reign in life today from the place that has been reserved for you… a heavenly place.

Take your seat please.

The Velvet Lime Girls

Enjoy the Journey

2011-08-23T17:49:00.011-04:00

Enjoy the journey. It’s a phrase that has traveled around the world and now has journeyed its way into one of our upcoming pieces of artwork. It’s such a refreshing thought …. to pause, embrace and enjoy the passing moments within each day.

This phrase was the flashing yellow light thought on the highway we traveled today. It eventually slowed us down and eased us off our trip to a site we’ve passed numerous times …Bellingrath Gardens in Alabama. How many times have responsibilities, schedules and commitments kept you from pausing a moment to enjoy something you’ve always wanted to do? Always thinking, “Oh, I’ll do that next time.” Today, on a trip to check on my dear father-in-law, we paused … and for one hour experienced that out of this world feeling that comes from entering a place of beauty in nature and taking a moment to enjoy the journey.

James snapped a few photos in the gardens today and we hope they inspire you to take a moment to pause. To do that something you’ve always wanted to do.

Enjoy your journey.

The Velvet Lime girls

Laura & James pictured in middle photo (wishing for Rebecca & Marybeth)

Sunflower Smiles

2011-08-19T12:31:00.005-04:00

Sunflowers make us smile. Every time. Their perky little faces bright with noonday sun just sunbathe you in happiness. When they first uncover their little faces, releasing their solar flare, the whole world lights up. They stand there in the rain, wind, heat and neglect … sunshine spears, unmoved by circumstances. Then, something amazing happens … they sink their roots down deep into their source and grow. They grow tall … I mean really tall. A towering presence in the flower garden, they become lighthouse beacons shooting down every melancholy thought with their shafts of light. They become bigger and bigger everyday … better and better.

We can be like them. An ancient writing of prose says, “our paths will be brighter and brighter” (Proverbs 4: 18). It means better and better. Like sunflowers, we can begin to tower over circumstances and challenges as we let our roots sink down deep into our source, our God. No matter how challenging a day may have been, we can pull from our source and become a shaft of towering sunshine in our own little world.

We hope our sunflowers make you smile today ... and shine. J

The Velvet Lime girls

The Giant Oak Inside of You

2011-08-18T12:31:00.005-04:00

Acorns. They’ve been a tiny participant in our design studio for several years. They first arrived a couple years ago following a walk . Acorns with their little “hats” were scattered under all the trees. I picked up one of these tiny little seeds and looked up at the massive tree canopy above, amazed that this would be the destiny of this tiny creation. James & I gathered several of these “message carriers” and he placed them on Marybeth’s desk. They sparked a creative force inside of her that was first seen in our photographic acorn series and now revealed in this fresh graphic artwork.

An acorn still amazes all of us. This tiny seed becomes a giant oak. By faith it “sees” its potential. Its future is always on its mind …looming over it while it is at its smallest point. It just sinks its tender roots down deeper into the soil when times are tough … it knows its destiny. It’s a destiny that is always clearly visible. No matter how small the acorn may begin, it knows it will become a majestic oak.

We hope you are encouraged to have faith to see beyond the things that may be sleeping in your life. Things that have the power and potential to change when fueled by faith. Faith does see the giant oak in the sleeping acorn.

Let the giant oak within you awaken today.

Laura

HOPE

2011-08-17T06:37:00.005-04:00

Weave HOPE into your heart today. Hope – an earnest expectation, an anticipation, a belief or a trust. It’s more than a word. It’s a force that undergirds you and carries you forward with a strength that is beyond yourself. Hope is the silent strength that supports your dreams. When it’s woven into your heart it enables you to soar above any obstacle. Let this new artwork send you soaring with new hope today.

"Hope does not disappoint us ..." Romans 5:5

Laura

HAPPY Winner!

2011-08-16T20:13:00.005-04:00

HAPPY! That's how we hope the winner of our Bloom necklace will feel tonight. We've had a full day of creating designs for our new collection in the studio today and the drawing occurred a little after 8:00 tonight. Thank-you to those of you who took the time to friend us, comment to us or like us. We also appreciated the emails and phone calls.

We'd like to announce that the winner is ... Lynn Weatherly Davis!

Congratulations Lynn! We hope you enjoy wearing our necklace as much as we enjoyed creating it and that it always reminds you to "Bloom where you are planted".

We LOVED doing this giveaway and are already planning another one for next month!

Marybeth, Laura and Rebecca - The Velvet Lime Girls

A Give-Away!

2011-08-09T13:41:00.005-04:00

Our first ever Velvet Lime Designs give-away begins today. There really are some things in life that are free and this is one of them. Here’s a photo of our give-away, a “seed-thought” necklace featuring one of our favorite new designs, BLOOM. It’s a nice reminder to “bloom where you are planted”.

Our friend, K & M Originals, will handcraft our BLOOM artwork onto the surface of a Scrabble piece. You can even pick the letter that appears on the back!

Here are the details and how you enter. The give-away begins today and will last one week, (August 9-16^th). Just make a comment here on our Velvet Lime Designs blog http://velvetlimedesign.blogspot.com and you are automatically entered. One entry per person please.

The winner will be selected from a random drawing in our studio next Tuesday, August 16th. Our “seed thought” necklace with the BLOOM design will be mailed to the winner after the drawing.

So, make a comment and enter our contest … and while you’re there, “like” us, become a friend and share us with your friends! Thanks!

Someone Cares

2011-08-08T11:29:00.005-04:00

This feathery branch transcended all of its garden neighbors on Roanoke Island. The garden was filled with proud roses, boisterous bougainvillias and flowers everywhere who were absolutely misbehaving in an out -of -control explosion of color. This one though, softly spoke louder than all of them. Each tiny branch thread, covered with short strands of hair whispered a message of calm. It knew it was a creation that had been fashioned tenderly with great attention to detail. It was loved and cared for … someone had taken the time to dress it in countless wisps of smoky color.

It reminded me of us. Regardless of what is going on around us, we are loved and cared for. We’ve been tenderly fashioned with great attention to detail. I like the way a doctor named Luke said it years ago, “the very hairs of your head are all numbered, don’t be afraid” Luke 12:7

With the noise in our world today, it’s comforting to remind ourselves that there really is someone who cares for us. Someone who watches over every detail of our life … down to the number of hairs on our head.

Laura

P.S. Our landscape architect friend, Alex Brunson, believes our photo is of a Royal Purple Smokebrush. www.brunsonandco.com

Thank-you.

2011-08-06T08:21:00.004-04:00

Thank-you.

It’s a word straight from the language of the heart.

When it’s expressed through the creativity of two young girls, it’s as refreshing as a bright open-faced sunflower. Marybeth’s daughters, Madison & Katie, gave me these hand-crafted cards yesterday and I was thrilled! (The girls have been a secret source of inspiration at Velvet Lime Designs on several occasions). As they handed me the cards with a giant bouquet of sunflowers, I was touched by the detail in the cards. The hand drawn letters became a canvas for their tiny drawings of grapes, tomatoes, flowers, and stars. And their color combinations were absolutely spontaneous and inspiring.

We love it when our inspiration comes from places like this … no need for a fancy inspiration conference, expensive get-away, or luxurious vacation (although we would graciously accept any of these) J … our inspiration was carried to us by two little sets of hands.

Inspiration really is everywhere. We hope you find yours in the small things today.

Laura

Beach Trip

2011-08-04T14:56:00.007-04:00

Some thoughts just refresh you. This one floats over the most relaxing place we know … a slouchy, comfortable chair on the beach. Just sit in it for a minute. You can feel the tension seep out through your toes as they sink in soft sand, every care melting away in a caress of sunlight.

A beach rest is a ripple compared to the overpowering wave of deep rest God offers. It envelopes our cares and pulls them out to sea with a strong rip-tide…. leaving us refreshed and restored.

We’re sparkling sea glass lying on the beach.

Washed. Fresh. Clean. Reflections of peace.

So, sit down in our beach chair today and wrap yourself up in the big thirsty blanket of thought conveyed in our art image … a thought about real rest. We like the way The Message says it:

“Are you tired and worn out? Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me … Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly” Matthew 11:28 & 29

Laura

What I’ve Learned...

2011-08-03T20:11:00.002-04:00

Life has seemed a little complicated and overwhelming the past few weeks. I’ve struggled with how to put it into words here. I really can’t so I gave up trying and pushed it away. Today, I came across this Maya Angelou quote posted on the Kind Over Matter blog (a very inspirational blog and I highly recommend them!). And I love what it says. I’ve seen it before. It seems fitting right now. So I am reposting.

~~~~~~

I’ve learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow. I’ve learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights. I’ve learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you’ll miss them when they’re gone from your life. I’ve learned that making a “living” is not the same thing as making a “life.” I’ve learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance. I’ve learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back. I’ve learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision. I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one. I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back. I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn. I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.

~~~~~~
Ah, my inspiration for the day. And now back to dreaming about and making art.

~Marybeth

THRIVE

2011-08-03T11:43:00.005-04:00

Thrive … it’s such an encouraging word. It just makes you want to pull yourself up and reach for the stars again … like this little passion flower growing in my garden. She’s growing in a forlorn section of my garden, an area overlooked and covered with weeds. Who would ever think that such beauty could come out of this mess? But here she is, with her perky little head adorned with enthusiasm, dressed and ready to go, as if she’s strolling into a grand gala.

Wow, what an entrance she makes! She barely notices the desolation around her and instead brightens her entire surroundings.

We’re encouraged to live this way. And we can, when our strength finds its roots in the nourishment that comes from connecting with God. Years ago, a psalmist said it this way ... You’re a tree planted by streams of water… your leaf does not wither…whatever you do prospers. Psalms 1:3

So, no matter what surroundings or circumstances you find yourself in, sink your roots down deep, nourish yourself in connection with God... and begin to flourish and thrive again.

Laura

Ballast Rocks

2011-07-25T15:47:00.010-04:00

I have a collection of prized possessions in my garden … three ballast rocks from the Outer Banks.

A few years ago, my Dad would regularly dive down and haul these heavy rocks from the waters off Roanoke Island to use as borders in his garden.The rocks are protected today and only the “old-timers” seem to have any in their yards. I admired their beauty and recently my Dad gave me a small collection. According to Dad, ballast rocks were used to stabilize the early ships and counterbalance the stress and strain of wind on the sails, giving the ships stability and enabling them to sail without danger of capsizing. I’m told that these rocks, so essential for safe voyage, had to later be thrown off for safe passage into the new land. The throwing off of the ballast rocks created a lighter vessel that could safely navigate the shallow, rocky waters that encircled the new land and new opportunities. Had the ships held on to the things that had once provided security, they would have never been able to arrive at their destination safely.

Ballast rocks are a great reminder to let go of things…even things that may have brought security… and embrace change. Change that can bring about new opportunities and “new land”. Change that will never come without letting go of the old way of doing things and navigating into new thoughts and new visions.

“Forget the former things.. I will do a new thing.” Isaiah 43:18-19

Laura

Squash Blossoms

2011-07-21T11:04:00.005-04:00

Each morning in my summer garden a series of squash blossoms unfurl and show off their bright little faces. They are a fleeting show and by late morning they pull their shades down and close up … the show is over until tomorrow morning when a fresh new group arrives. I’ve learned to respect their timing if I want to catch a glimpse of them in their full glory.

Timing is even more important if they are to be enjoyed as a divine culinary experience … known here in the South as, fried squash blossoms. Umm, just the thought of these lightly crisped, creamy morsels makes me swoon. These beautiful airy blossoms wrap their delicate petals around a savory cream cheese filling, swan dive into an egg batter and then frolic around in a dusting of flour & bread crumbs before they are glorified with a quick olive oil flash fry. Whoa … just brace yourself for the first bite and the explosion of creamy flavor that fills your mouth. There’s just nothing like it … and it’s only found in a rare commodity…fresh squash blossoms.

Timing is everything with squash blossoms. Picked too early, they can’t contain the filling … picked too late, they shrivel and lose the filling.

Squash blossoms are a little like the opportunities God gives us each day… and timing is important here too. Opportunities of giving time, giving a smile, giving an encouragement will present themselves each day and we can fill them if we are looking and don’t let them pass us by. The explosion of flavor from these filled opportunities doesn’t even compare to the fried squash blossoms.

Laura

P.S. Recipes for fried squash blossoms abound on the internet, but if you’d like mine, just send us an email @ info@velvetlimedesigns.com

New Artwork!

2011-07-20T16:39:00.005-04:00

It’s been a busy summer for us... traveling, staying home with the kids (and trying to find just one spare hour a day to be creative), swimming, playing....you get the idea. We’ve been busy creating and thinking and planning. And we couldn’t wait any longer to show you some new artwork. Remember when you were a kid in art class and you’d weave paper or make mosaics? (We sometimes get the best inspiration from their ideas!) This is just the beginning...there’s more to be uploaded. And we’ll be offering prints soon on Etsy.

Sallie’s Seeds

2011-07-17T21:17:00.005-04:00

A packet of zinnia seeds has slept quietly in my kitchen drawer for almost two years. Given to me by my friend, Sallie, they weren’t entirely forgotten, just neglected by daily schedules… the intent to plant them was always there, I just never seemed to find the time. Early this summer I was thrilled to have a morning free and eagerly clasped the packet of seeds and planted them in the rich soil of my flower garden. Ahhh, … I could just feel their relief to be in their new home … a place where they could flourish and become everything that was hidden inside of them. How amazing that these dry, brittle, unimpressive seeds that I thought might not even be alive could produce the creations that now cover my flowerbed. Brilliant, vibrant, expressive colors with little yellow faces have exploded from these unassuming little seeds. Who would have thought such beauty could be contained inside? It made me think of how God views us …. His little seeds on this earth. Many of us have yet to flourish and become everything that has been hidden inside of us. We need to plant ourselves in rich soil and that takes a little time. This week, find time to nourish yourself with a little time with your Creator. Sink yourself in the rich soil of prayer and reading His Word …. And get ready for the quiet explosion that will come. You are a seed just waiting to bloom.

Laura

A season of singing...

2011-04-27T16:27:00.003-04:00

Winter is over ... Spring is here! The daffodils have bloomed and paved the way for lilies of the valley, lilacs and the first roses. Fragrance fills our garden right now and just wraps itself around everything in sight. The promise of brighter days is evidenced everywhere. I love spring and the refreshing covering it brings to all of the harsh winter. There are only more fragrant and beautiful blooms to come and a walk through our garden holds secret little whispers of great things about to come. This classic passage seems to echo the garden voices:

“The winter has past, the rains are gone. Flowers appear on the earth, the season of singing has come” -Solomon’s Song 2:11

Be encouraged today! No matter how hard your winter has been, it is past. A season of singing has come.

*Laura*

I wish....

2011-04-14T16:01:00.004-04:00

So here I am sitting today and doing some thinking (oh yes, here comes the brain dump!). How often during your week do you say "I wish...", followed by whatever phrase it is you're wishing for at the time? These are small, inconsequential things, I know, compared to the plight of a lot of people in our country and the world right now...but they are my wishes and I'm writing them down to share with you. They are in no particular order -- well, except for maybe that first one. That one's pretty important in my life right now. These are just how they came out.

I wish

... people used kinder words towards each other...especially to the ones they love.

... things that are SUPPOSED to be easy WERE actually easy and that you didn't have to fight for what was right.

... that dogs aged at the same rate as humans.

... that I could eat anything I want and not gain weight.

... there was an endless amount of time in my day so I could CREATE the art that I want to create everyday.

... I could do more to lift the burden off the shoulders of the people that I love and care about.

... there were easier instructions to get from Point A to Point B.

... my internet connection was always 100% reliable.

... that summer never ended and I could wear shorts and flip flops year-round (without moving!)

... I could go to Italy (and Europe, in general) some day to study in person all the artwork I studied in books.

... I could step back in time about 5 years and change the course of just a FEW things to make it better now.

... that sometimes I could freeze my kids in time so they wouldn't have to grow up.

... that politicians and salepeople would stop calling my house.

... I had more time to sleep at night (maybe that should be GIVING myself enough time to sleep).

... I could close my eyes and be physically transported instantly to the beach whenever I wanted!

... I didn't wear my heart on my sleeve so much.

... I didn't trust people so much to take them at their word. Sometimes it comes back to bite me.

... that I had learned earlier in life to put even more trust in God for everything (I've had some pretty good teachers for that along the way).

... my husband would stop trying to talk me out of that new Camaro that I want (not that we're even getting a new car any time soon...but it's fun to WISH!).

So that's my list...for now. I think my next blog needs to be about what I am thankful for – and that's a pretty good list. I am leaving you with some quick artwork I did. Kind words to share with someone who needs it today. And kind words for the people I love and care about and need to hear it today...they know who they are (at least I hope they do!).

*Marybeth*

Bloom Where You Stand.

2011-03-22T12:27:00.002-04:00

Flowers have a way of conveying great truths. This one silently shouts outside of our design studio. In an abandoned area not owned by us and no longer maintained due to economic cutbacks, this little pansy defied all odds. It bloomed. Despite hard times, economic cut-backs, neglect and total abandonment ...it bloomed. The first day my eyes landed on it’s perky little smiling face in the hard, rocky ground, I burst out laughing in celebration of it’s perseverance. The phrase from Ephesians 6 seemed to emanate from this little flower ... “having done all, STAND” and with it a promise from Isaiah 43, “ I will make a way in the wilderness ... I am doing a new thing ... Now it springs up”

So, stand today, in whatever your circumstances, knowing that God will supply the strength and make a way... and expect a “new thing” to spring up.

Standing,
Laura

She talked to an angel...

2011-03-17T23:34:00.004-04:00

We lost a dear friend this morning to brain cancer. While I am sad at losing her, the story I heard this morning only reinforces my faith and belief in the fact that when God says "He will send his angels..." HE MEANS IT!!

Donna had been fighting brain cancer for almost 3 years. I remember when she first told me she was going in for surgery to remove the tumor (and I almost fell off my chair). I went to see her at the hospital a few days after that...she was extremely optimistic because the doctors had removed most of the tumor (note they could not remove all). And we talked about how they had to cut off her long, beautiful blond hair. Donna continued on to chemo and then maxed out her radiation treatments in both Atlanta and at Duke University. I'd go visit her every once in while and watched the slow downhill progression. It robbed her of balance, walking, writing, talking and her eyesight in one eye. What was always amazing about Donna was the constant smile on her face and the fact that I never once heard her complain about her predicament.

December was the last time I talked to her on the phone. She had pretty much lost her ability to speak clearly. I sent her a few e-mails and cards...we let her know we were praying for her.

Last week, I got the news she had been moved to Hospice. I had planned to go visit her long before that happened. But you know...life gets in the way sometimes. Stupid excuse. Honestly, I was afraid I'd cry in front of her and I wanted to know I could be strong for her. So I made the decision that, no matter how hard it would be, I would go see her before I got too scared to go do it. So I did. And I'm adding that to the list of the top 10 hardest things I've ever had to do in my life.

The Hospice room she was in was calm and peaceful. She was surrounded by friends and family. I think I was surprised when I walked in because, although she could barely talk anymore, she turned her head to look at me and said my name. Funny as it sounds, I know “Donna” was still “Donna” at that point because of the inflection in her voice, even though I couldn't understand it clearly...it was the way she always said my name when I used to walk into her office. And of all things, she asked where my girls were at (that was translated for me by those that had been around her the most – she was pretty hard to understand). It was all I could do to hold myself together in there to talk with her. Hold her hands. Her hands were warmer than mine.

When I got the call this morning, it was both a feeling of sadness and relief for her. But what really gave me goosebumps was what Brenda told me happened on Monday. Donna had friends standing in the room. Donna lifted her head off the pillow, turned her head to look at another part of the room and said, “Yes. (pause) No. (pause). Yes.” Her friends said, “Donna, who are you talking to?” And she simply said, “An angel.”

Donna was definitely a believer and she was ready to go to Heaven...

I firmly believe that when my time comes to leave this Earth, God will send his angels to guide me to Heaven. From Psalms 91:11-12: “For He will give His angels charge concerning you, To guard you in all your ways. They will bear you up in their hands..”

Rest in God's peace, Donna.

What do graded dinners have to do with humming?

2011-02-24T15:20:00.004-05:00

We have a funny tradition at the dinner table around our house. The meals I cook get graded. I wish I could remember how it started. I think it's our version of Top Chef. Anyway, the kids almost always give me a 100. The husband is a little harder nut to crack. He once gave me a 75 because I made sweet potato fries as a side and he doesn't like sweet potatoes. This does not hurt my feelings...in fact, we laugh about it and I tell him he's outnumbered so it doesn't matter. So the other night, I tried a new recipe... fettuccine with proscuitto and sage cream. The girls immediately gave me a 100. The husband takes his second bite and says, "Wow! This may be the best dinner you've ever made." So I said, "Well, what's my grade?" He replied, "Well, there's no bread item with it." Again, this is all in jest and we laughed about it. He FINALLY gave me a 100!

But the real reason I'm telling you this story is what one of my girls said and the inspiration that comes into our artwork everyday. My oldest daughter, Madison, has had this habit of humming since she was a baby. She used to hum in the car...then she hummed when she was coloring (concentrating). NOW, she's STILL humming but she only hums when she's eating something she thinks is REALLY good. So when I made the infamous 100 on my dinner the other night, I said, “Madison -- you weren't humming but you gave me a 100." So my 9-year-old speaks right up and says, "Mommy....she's humming in her heart." WOW! I about fell over...as the old saying goes "out of the mouths of babes." That child has an old soul in a kid's body. I feel pretty certain you will be seeing that saying on some of our artwork.

*Marybeth*

P.S. We have some very big news we hope to be able to share with you soon!!!! Stay tuned...

G R A T I T U D E

2011-01-17T19:38:00.008-05:00

GRATITUDE – the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.

Have you ever been really inspired by someone that you thought you’d never have had the chance to meet and thank? We have ... this entire year. Our inspiration came from another creator and dreamer like us named Kelly Rae Roberts. Right about the time that we were wondering how do we pull all these creative ideas together and do it all, we discovered a course by Kelly Rae that would tell us everything we needed to know. Marybeth discovered her Flying Lessons e-course, enrolled and the mind expansion began! Imagine our excitement when we realized she would be at the Demdaco showroom in Atlanta ... Just a short drive from our studio! We flew downtown and stood in line to just say “Thank-you, Thank-you, Thank-you”. What a great feeling it is to express gratitude to someone significant in your life:-) And just so you know ... Kelly Rae was as gracious and warm as we imagined. Here’s a photo of our Gratitude Moment.

We hope our photo will encourage you to think of someone you can express gratitude to today.

Reaching Healthy Goals Together

2011-01-07T16:26:00.004-05:00

The start of a new year always brings new goals and resolutions. It is a time to take a deep breath and really focus on what we want to achieve in the next 365 days. I think everyone, whether they want to admit it or not, feels renewed after making their resolutions. My goal this year is strive toward being in the best shape of my life. My goal is two-fold. I had a baby this past February, so I want to get beach-ready and I need to be able to run around and chase my daughter.

Our intention at Velvet Lime Designs is to encourage and uplift through our art and in words. I feel that everyone feels better after they have started taking steps towards their goals. That is why I will be posting tips and encouragement throughout my journey this year. We all know that we can accomplish so much more with the help of others. I would love to know what you are doing to meet your resolutions and together we will accomplish those goals!

My first tip is one of the easiest... Add lemon to your water. We all know that water is a must in staying healthy... think about our bodies as a fish tank... water helps filter our systems. Lemons add an extra detox element and help our bodies in becoming more alkaline.

*Rebecca*

Birdhouse Thoughts

2011-01-06T12:22:00.003-05:00

We have a fancy birdhouse in our backyard … a gift to me from my husband, James. It’s refreshing to look at this time of year when the landscape is barren, cold and a bit dreary … to think ahead of the little birds who will in a few short months discover this little “mansion” of a birdhouse and call it home. It’s a beautiful home for a bird, much more extravagant than a mere straw, stick or mud house … and it’s just waiting for them … all prepared and ready for their enjoyment.

It makes me think of the good plans God has ahead for those who love Him. He actually talks about this and says, “I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

So, the fancy birdhouse is a little seed thought of what is ahead for the birds and all of us in 2011. Be expectant about the plans and places God has already prepared for you this year … and don’t forget to enjoy them when you get there.

*Laura*

Photo is a watercolor study of the birdhouse by James Rhodes in 2002.

Being carefree...

2010-11-08T08:55:00.001-05:00

CIMG1725_2, originally uploaded by Velvet Lime Designs.

Fall arrived a few weeks ago in Georgia and the azalea blooms of spring and summer have long since slipped away and prepared for their upcoming winter’s nap. Perhaps that’s why this photo of Sophia and azaleas taken in the spring was so refreshing. I captured Sophia, one of our three granddaughters, twirling in our back yard ….carefree, arms outstretched, filled with overflowing joy … and giggling contagiously.

I love to look at this photo of her in total abandonment to any worries or cares … completely immersed in this moment of enjoyment, playing with “LaLa” (that’s me).

It’s how God wants us to live…. carefree, lighthearted and with joy. No worries, no cares, immersed in His love.

Go twirl in the yard today.

~ Laura

my soul waits in silence.

2010-10-07T06:16:00.001-04:00

my soul waits in silence., originally uploaded by Velvet Lime Designs.

Have you ever waited for...wished for...prayed for...something? That’s where we are at right now. Waiting, wishing, praying for the right opportunities to come along. We’re being faithful -- one foot in front of the other. We KNOW this is what we're supposed to do..what we're called to do. We're listening to our hearts. Our hope is from Him.

Windows of Heaven

2010-09-29T11:22:00.001-04:00

Velvet Lime Designs Windows of Heaven, originally uploaded by Velvet Lime Designs.

Some images speak loudly from the first glance. When I saw this simple window nestled in a tiny garden on Roanoke Island I heard the phrase “I will open the windows of heaven for you and pour out a blessing”. My husband James captured the moment on camera and Marybeth, our art director/graphic designer transformed it into a beautiful art image. Her creative use of wispy flourishes to convey the “blessings pouring through the window” is a glimpse into her creative treasury. I believe there are windows around us each day … with blessings waiting to come through. Look with expectant hope for yours today.

*Laura*

Blessed are those whose lives you touch...

2010-09-07T13:46:00.001-04:00

Blessed are those whose lives you touch..., originally uploaded by Velvet Lime Designs.

How does one pay tribute to the woman who raised a great son that grew up to became my husband? Beautiful pictures and eloquent words all seem to fall short, but, Marybeth somehow captured the essence of a tribute worthy of my mother-in-love and placed it in our most recent image. We presented to my dear mother-in-love, Anne Rhodes, on the occasion of her 80th birthday celebration last week.

I will be forever grateful to my mother-in-love and the gift she has given me in my husband. Many of the character traits that caused me to fall in love with him over 36 years ago are the very traits that she instilled into him at a young age. She planted great seeds as a young mother and she has continued to plant good seeds into all of our lives. So, the words on this image that say “Blessed are those whose lives you touch” simply become more true each day.

Here’s a photo of the new image and a photo of the woman who inspired this new image, my mother-in-love, Anne Rhodes ... accompanied by Rebecca and Alexa.

– Laura

The crown series is finished...

2010-08-26T14:17:00.001-04:00

VelvetLimeCrownSeries, originally uploaded by Velvet Lime Designs.

Wanted to share with you our final “piece of the puzzle” in our crown series. We’ve recently designed “Lord of Lords.” We really love the crowns and hope you will, too. We’ll have these on our website soon and then prints will be available on our Etsy site. We’ll keep you posted...

Running Through The Trees

2010-08-05T11:50:00.001-04:00

Running Through the Trees, originally uploaded by Velvet Lime Designs.

I started seriously running again thanks to a reunited friendship. It was about half way though our run, as my legs felt like they were on fire, that I had the realization that some friendships are so valuable that we have to make the effort to cultivate them.
We live in a culture of keeping friendships easy. Checking on facebook and commenting on status updates. For many relationships this is great. We get to keep in touch and reconnect with old friends. But then there are those friendships that uplift and challenge us to be better in life. This takes time and effort and in the end it is worth it.
It is with this type of friend you share your true dreams and passions. They challenge you to pursue all dreams and can normally make you laugh harder than anyone else. As we ran last Saturday on the path winding though the trees, my friend challenged me to push myself to run one more mile to get closer to my next larger goal. It may not be a marathon it may just be adding a little adventure to your life!

“Life is either a great adventure or nothing.” Helen Keller

-Rebecca

Silliness...just for the creativeness of it!

2010-08-03T19:39:00.002-04:00

Shiny happy acorn people!, originally uploaded by Velvet Lime Designs.

So here's a peek at what we do when we're supposed to be doing WORK....or just when someone needs an inspirational lift! James came in with a handful of burr oak acorns – complete with their “hairy” caps, knowing that I would completely embrace them. And well, here you have it! Our acorn people. I made each of these on challenging days for Laura.

The one on the left with red lips was for her birthday (OK, that wasn't a challenging day). The second one is a knight in armor (painted silver, mind you)....he’s holding a flag that says “I will put on His armor today.” The third one is an angel (complete with wings and halo) that says “He shall give His angels charge over you.”

And the last one, I think, was for a budget day. It was really how The Acorn People started. I am, by nature, a people pleaser. When I saw Laura on this particular day, I decided to create an art project to make her smile. So I “dressed up” the acorn in a Hawaiian shirt and waving a flag that said ““Don't worry. Be Happy.” Usually, I make it and leave it when she’s not at her desk or not looking. Then I go back and sit at my desk and wait for the laughter.

Simple distractions every now and then...no major art talent needed. Just seriously fun stuff.

*Marybeth*

Heaven on Earth...

2010-07-30T14:10:00.001-04:00

Wisteria, originally uploaded by Velvet Lime Designs.

Lying underneath the wisteria growing near our stone wall last spring I heard the phrase “days of heaven on earth” on each inhale of the magnificent aroma. The broad spectrum of lavender showcased in each bloom is beautiful enough even without the fragrance, but the addition of that permeating infusion of natural aromatherapy brings it to a new level of “divine.” It is a glimpse of heaven … a peek into the eternal realm … a little bit of heaven on earth with every exhale from its drooping bloom clusters.

We’re working on capturing some of this aroma in a new image and hope that its fragrance fills the heart of each viewer as they pause to notice the little glimpses of heaven on earth each day.

Laura

He is my rock.

2010-07-27T14:53:00.001-04:00

He is my rock., originally uploaded by Velvet Lime Designs.

We are working on some new ideas that involve rocks and, more specifically, ballast rocks. Laura has taken some photos of ballast rocks from the coast of North Carolina (Roanoke Island) that were retrieved from underwater by Laura’s dad (there’s that strong man again!). We’d like to develop this idea a little bit more... adding ballast/balance to your life. We’ll see where it takes us. Looking forward to showing you more artwork soon.

A symphony of praise

2010-07-27T13:15:00.001-04:00

Laura & her dad, originally uploaded by Velvet Lime Designs.

Many of the flowers used in our images have their beginnings in my father’s garden. My parents, Clarence & Rose Skinner, live on Roanoke Island in the quaint town of Manteo, North Carolina … a “Mayberry” type of setting and a perfect environment for flowers as well as family memories to grow. This photo came at the end of a full day of planting flowers & vegetables in his garden. As we placed the last tender seed into the fertile soil, Dad said “You know Laura, when I plant seeds I hear music … and when I plant an entire bed like this, I hear a symphony … a beautiful, full symphony. It’s as if each one of those seeds is a musical instrument and together they make a wonderful song.” He paused, smiled, and “listened” to the symphony that surrounded us. A symphony of praise.

Perhaps this is where the beginning of hearing flowers “speak” to me came from … my father. The turned up, outstretched heads of poppies talk of “hope and faith,” the fragrance of wisteria whispers “days of heaven on earth” and the morning drops of dew on caladium leaves speak of the “thirsting of my soul.” How rewarding it is to see these expressions take form as Marybeth gives them life beyond the garden.

We hope you hear the symphony in the images we’ve created and are inspired to listen to the songs around you each day.

– Laura

P.S. The rusted steam engine flywheel in the photo was physically moved by my father to add to his collection of interesting “objets d’art”…( that mother has yet to appreciate.) At 78, he’s still as strong as an old steam engine.

Poppies for inspiration...

2010-07-21T15:44:00.001-04:00

PoppyFaithfulSprings72, originally uploaded by Velvet Lime Designs.

We love poppies! Just like Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz running through the field of poppies...except they don't make us sleepy! :-) This was inspired by one of the beautiful photos Laura took in her backyard.

*Marybeth*

Singing with grace...

2010-07-15T12:50:00.001-04:00

SingWithGrace/LoveSong, originally uploaded by Velvet Lime Designs.

As promised, the full version of our “sneak peek” is the bottom image. Seems like birds have been the theme lately...Finally getting a chance to post “Sing with Grace” and “Sing My Love Song”....a lot of elements here by painted/drawn by hand and the scanned in and digitally collaged. We will have prints available on Etsy soon!

Just when you're on a roll...

2010-07-06T10:36:00.001-04:00

Photo0227, originally uploaded by Velvet Lime Designs.

...it all comes to a grinding halt. Had almost finished this mixed media piece when I decided to go to the doctor. I wrecked on my bike a month ago and my hands were really sore then. Thought I had just sprained them. So I go about my busy mom life, but wondering why my hands are still hurting a month later...why I can't pick up a watermelon in the grocery store, why I can't twist the new cap off the Gatorade bottle...so yesterday I went to the doctor. Turns out I have been walking around with a broken bone in my left wrist and a broken bone at the base of my right thumb...and I now have a splint on both hands and will probably end up with a cast on each. I am left-handed. One of my biggest fears has been doing something bad to my hands...the way I make a living. Apparently that bone in the wrist is "critical" and it needs to heal correctly. So, instead of doing some exploring at the drawing desk where I can get my hands really messy, I am back to digital collage for a few weeks. At least I can still do something!! This sort of thing certainly makes you appreciate those who can't use their hands.

On another note, almost done with that "sneak peek" I showed on the last blog entry. Some of that was by hand and then digitally collaged...I can keep working on that at least!!!

*Marybeth*

A sneak peek at some new artwork...

2010-07-02T12:37:00.001-04:00

QuickPeek, originally uploaded by Velvet Lime Designs.

OK...so just a quick note today. I've been working on some artwork for the past week. Not quite done yet so we don't want to give the whole piece away. Hopefully I can get back to this over the weekend and finish it up... Summer is GREAT but sometimes I feel so much busier -- between swim practice, swim meets and being the all-around general taxi for my kids, finding the time to work on my passion seems hard! But I manage to sqeak in some time...so look for the finished artwork within the next week! Happy 4th of July everybody!

*Marybeth*

Just Breathe...

2010-07-01T16:38:00.001-04:00

Alexa playing, originally uploaded by Velvet Lime Designs.

Just Breathe…

Three steps behind. That is how I have felt since becoming a new mom. There is always something to get done and tasks that I fail to complete. I have been so focused on what I wasn’t accomplishing that I missed the small things that renew me.

We get so caught up in changing diapers, running errands and trying to make everything perfect that we fail to notice the wonderful blessings that we all have. I am learning to stop in my hectic day and just watch my daughter play. There is such a joy and peace that washes over me.

We all lead extremely busy lives…that is the nature of being a mom, wife, sister and friend. I know God uses the little things… our babies, an afternoon rain or just one minute of absolute silence to refresh and remind us just to breathe.

I may not get to the laundry, but I know I have accomplished so much just seeing my daughter’s feet kick with excitement!

"I'll refresh tired bodies; I'll restore tired souls." Jeremiah 31:25

Rebecca

On being thankful...

2010-06-22T22:50:00.002-04:00

BiscuitForBlog, originally uploaded by Velvet Lime Designs.

So, my “then” 8-year-old wrote a persuasive essay in school a few months back on how she REALLY wanted a guinea pig. And she gave REALLY great reasons and I believed she would take care of it. But I put my foot down..."NO rodents in my house!!" Besides, we already have an 80 lb yellow Lab who would probably not take so kindly to small animals. My daughter never bugged me about it...she'd mentioned it a time or two. Her birthday was coming up and her friends asked what she wanted. I guess she resigned herself to the fact that she would not be getting a “real“ guinea pig so she asked for a Webkinz guinea pig (that's an expensive stuffed animal for your newbies). A few days before her birthday, my husband found a gift card on my desk that we hadn't used yet. God knows we could have used that on other things right now but he wanted to get her a guinea pig.

On her 9th birthday (yesterday), we surprised my daughter! We blindfolded her and told her we were taking her somewhere special to celebrate her birthday. We took her to the front doors of Petco and took the blindfold off. The look on her face was absolutely priceless and she had big tears in her eyes (which in turn made me tear up!). She couldn't believe it! She got to choose the guinea pig she wanted...and after throwing some names around, she settled on Biscuit.

Of course, she and her sister spent the rest of the day playing with Biscuit. She came downstairs THREE times that afternoon to tell me how HAPPY she was...“Mommy, I am SO happy!” with the biggest grin on her face. And each time, she'd give us a big hug to go with it. It made me happy to see that she got something her heart really desired. And it's just this little ol' rodent...you can see how happy she is by that grin!

She's got that “old soul” in a kid's body. She wrote us a note earlier this year saying she was grateful for food on the table and a roof over our heads. And as challenging as the last year has been, I am grateful for that, too. I think we could all benefit from standing back and thinking about the little things that most people overlook....the stuff that most people take for granted...And realize how lucky and blessed we are for what we have because there's a lot of people who aren't so lucky.

So, my big 9-year-old girl, you are MOST WELCOME for your guinea pig. Thank you for putting it all into perspective...

*Marybeth*

Letting The Light Shine Through ...

2010-06-15T11:28:00.001-04:00

WhatIsASaint, originally uploaded by Velvet Lime Designs.

A little child on a summer morning stood in a great cathedral church. The sunlight streamed through the beautiful stained glass windows and the figures on them were bright with brilliant color. A little later the question was asked, "What is a saint?" and the child replied, "a saint is a person who lets the light shine through."

Letting the light shine through is what we aspire to do each day ... in our lives and in our work. We're nurturing this thought and plan to bring it into a new design image.

Here's a view of the original source of the above quote ... an inscription in a book from my husband during our engagement. The pencil lines are courtesy of Rebecca at the age of 3.

Laura

2010-06-08T13:38:00.004-04:00

WallOfPromises, originally uploaded by Velvet Lime Designs.

One more post today...we just recently had a photoshoot at Laura's house. We’re calling our collection a “Wall of Promises©”...after all, if you read all of them, they really are promises to you. "He will send His angels...", "Having hope gives us courage“, “the smallest seed of faith...” There's more coming. We have notebooks full of ideas and our brains are brimming with even more. We’d love to have feedback on our artwork. What are some of your favorite PROMISES????

The girls of summer

2010-06-08T13:16:00.002-04:00

GirlsOfSummer, originally uploaded by Velvet Lime Designs.

My two daughters and a friend, Olivia, yesterday in the backyard...on a beautiful, sunny day. They love running barefoot (who doesn't??) in the backyard on the zoysia grass that my husband so loves to take care of (seriously!). I made them gather around so I could take a quick photo. They make me laugh. They are like those comedians on “Whose Line Is It Anyway?“ They can play with or make a game out of anything. No jump rope? No problem...we'll use the garden hose. Doing a TV interview? Let's move around the deck furniture to create the studio and we'll have Oprah show up to do the interview. Seriously creative kids here and they can do this for hours (thankfully). I wish it were as easy for adults to get that lost in creativity and no worries for a while. Some good lessons to be learned by watching them...

When you’re at the beach...

2010-06-07T11:06:00.002-04:00

....take photos of your bike ride instead! Well, I did take photos on the beach, too. But I decided to take some early morning bike rides when the sun was coming up. The sun was shining through these GORGEOUS trees along the bike path! I felt like God was shining His light right on me that morning so I stopped and snapped a few photos... This is the kind of continued inspiration for our artwork that I don't even go out looking for. It's right there in front of you when you slow down to take it all in. I went a little farther down the bike path after this and fed the horses at the stable some carrots. I wish I had gotten some photos of them, too.

A bird’s nest...

2010-05-13T17:51:00.003-04:00

Love this bird's nest we found in the backyard. Not sure what kind it is...Laura says maybe from a wren?? It's made out of mud and twigs. This is just the kind of inspiration I sometimes need. Somehow my husband knows that and called me out into the backyard when he found it. I ran and got my camera! You never know where this will end up in our artwork.

“For a long time
it had seemed to me
that life was about to begin --
real life.
But there was always some obstacle in the way,
something to be got through first,
some unfinished business,
time still to be served,
a debt to be paid.
Then life would begin.
At last it dawned on me that these obstacles
were my life.”

– Fr. Alfred D’Souza

I posted that quote on our Facebook page yesterday but I think it's worth repeating here. It does make you pause and think. Everybody’s day is busy...there's always going to be “one more thing to finish” before you can get on with life. Then you realize this is the life God planned out for you and you must roll with the punches. You keep moving forward doing the best you can and making the most out of good times and bad times. This hit me today when I talked to a friend of mine who has brain cancer. I call her every now and then to see how she's doing. She always sounds so upbeat in spite of the fact that the brain tumor has affected her speech, writing and balance. She mentioned to me that she and her husband were going on a trip to Switzerland the first part of June...she'd always wanted to see it and they'd already bought the tickets. I thought that was really cool...moving aside those obstacles and getting on with life. I am excited to hear how the trip goes for her! No regrets for her, that's for sure.

Look at our ad in Gwinnett Magazine this month!

2010-05-11T10:33:00.004-04:00

We are happy to have an ad this month in Gwinnett Magazine! We thought it was especially appropriate since it was their issue dedicated to Relay for Life. They are doing great things at the magazine -- especially with The Heroes Project.

A company with social responsibility at the core

2010-04-19T15:51:00.002-04:00

Just checking my Facebook account this afternoon and got an interesting link from an article in Advertising Age. We hope to be included and recognized among these companies some day since our goal (as mentioned in previous blogs) has always been sustainability. We are proud of the fact that we produce our artwork locally – within 13 miles of our office. We searched for a long time to find someone who could help us meet this goal...and they literally fell right into our laps! It has saved not only on our carbon footprint, but helps our local economy as well. We're also putting our artwork on bamboo plywood... a highly sustainable, eco-friendly product. See our previous posts on that also.

Cheers to these companies!

http://adage.com/cmostrategy/article?article_id=143323

Everyone needs a little....INSPIRATION!

2010-04-14T09:19:00.003-04:00

Was just listening to Kari Jobe's song “Everyone Needs a Little” in the car on the way to the office this morning. This happens to be one of our favorite songs and we've listened to it a lot lately! We find a lot of inspiration not only in what is around us but in music, too. Close your eyes and listen!

A quote and a sponsorship...

2010-04-08T07:47:00.003-04:00

Marybeth was recently quoted on April 2 by Six Sigma and Quality Improvement blogger Nadine Owens Burton at www.powerofcare.com under “Small Business Shoulda Coulda Woulda’s.” Here's what Marybeth said:

“You’ve got your vision...your ‘pie in the sky’, but getting in front of retail people and getting yourself into a showroom is literally a dog-eat-dog world. You're fighting trying to make yourself completely different and stand out from the crowd so that people notice you. I think a lot of it is about networking and getting the most opinions -- good and bad -- from anybody you can. Once you go through the whole process for a while, what you originally envisioned might be completely different from what you end up with and that can be a very good thing sometimes!“

We're out to show potential wholesalers and retail buyers that Velvet Lime Designs is committed to quality, creative artwork and inspirational products. We’ve got a lot of new products in development and hope to release those within a few weeks. As always, we welcome any comments...good or bad!

Velvet Lime Designs is also a proud sponsor of the 1st Annual LUNAFEST® presented by Faith's House (www.FaithsHouseInc.org) in Cumming, GA. We are happy to share some inspiration with single moms!

Inspirational décor for baby or child’s room

2010-03-29T10:08:00.005-04:00

Have you seen our inspirational series created specifically with kids in mind? We believe the choices made for artwork in a child’s room are as important as anywhere else in your house...what your kids see every day guides their thoughts and actions. It brings inspiration to their OWN living space! We currently have these in a baby nursery and they look GREAT! We'll try to post some photos later this week of those.

Having hope gives your courage...

2010-03-22T15:40:00.004-04:00

A new image we’re releasing today...and we LOVE it on the bamboo...It's not on the website yet, so if you are interested, e-mail us!

Velvet Lime Designs gets first press!

2010-03-22T11:44:00.004-04:00

We’re really excited today! Just received the layouts for our first nationwide press in a magazine.... Materials Handling Illustrated picked up our press release. It's at the printer right now and will be mailed out to over 18,000 subscribers by April 1. They were intrigued by the fact that we are using a local manufacturer – thus the headline and subhead: “Oriental Rub: Georgia peaches opt for local manufacturing over fine China”...

In case you might be interested, here is the full text:

Velvet Lime Designs, based in Suwanee, Georgia, has taken the proverbial lemons of the Great Recession and made lemonade. A collaboration of three women, Laura Rhodes, Rebecca Rhodes Ladikos and Marybeth Wydock, who once kicked around the “idea” of creating artwork from photos they took as a hobby, Velvet Lime Designs introduced their line at the America’s Mart in Atlanta this past January and recently opened up their store online.

With all three working for Rhodes Design Group, a design/build firm specializing in entrance and amenities packages for new communities, the homebuilding industry they catered to was devastated by the recent economic downturn. Needing inspiration themselves, the trio decided to take a leap of faith and put more energy into creating uplifting artwork for others. “This company has been a dream in our hearts for many years. It took hard economic times for us to combine our talents and plant the seed for Velvet Lime Designs,” said Laura Rhodes, one of the partners.

The team spent a year making prototypes, researching products and seeking feedback from prospective buyers and gift shops before finally creating some finished products. One important goal (mostly because of the economic crisis) for Velvet Lime Designs was to keep the manufacturing process in the United States. They succeeded in this endeavor for the table art using a local cabinet maker for the wood pieces and then adding the finishing touches on their own in the office – literally turning their studio space into a production line.

The gallery prints proved a little more challenging. It was quite cost-prohibitive to use a local printer and print on canvas paper unless the company could print a quantity in the hundreds. With three weeks before the America’s Mart show and a small budget, the team decided to have prototypes made by a company in California who first had the canvases printed in China and then shipped back to California for stretching. Rebecca Rhodes, the partner who worked on product price commented, “After a lot of research, this particular company came within the range of what we knew our price point should be and we had a deadline to meet.”

With gallery prints in hand from California for display at America’s Mart, the company was introduced to Art Effects Framing, a local company in Norcross, Georgia, just a few days before the show. Dave Nanney, Vice President of Operations, was more than willing to meet the price constraints as well as offer a novel idea for stretching the gallery prints. After Art Effects provided some prototypes, the partners felt confident taking orders at the show. The product has since proven far superior in quality to what the company in California offered.

The inaugural showing at the Mart for Velvet Lime Designs was a success! The team received initial orders and great feedback from store owners, especially on the children’s line. They are currently shipping the orders, as well as taking orders online. And, most importantly, Velvet Lime Designs is supporting the local economy with that tiny seed of faith.

Velvet Lime Designs is a company dedicated to planting seeds of inspiration in others through images and words. For more information, visit www.velvetlimedesigns.com.

Velvet Lime Designs adds artwork to bamboo

2010-03-19T13:50:00.005-04:00

Getting ready to roll out our images on FSC-certified – meaning eco-friendly – bamboo! The option will be added to our website next week. And we have more plans for bigger pieces on bamboo, too! Watch for more details on this coming soon. Using a “green” option for our artwork has always been a big goal for us. We LOVE the way it looks and hope you do, too!

Arise my love...

2010-02-16T12:36:00.003-05:00

Just added this image to our repertoire! It’s the same tree/same angle as the “all the trees of the field shall clap their hands”...only this time there’s SNOW! We get snow about twice a year in Georgia so we took full advantage of taking photographs after getting 3"! We can’t wait to take this same photograph again when the leaves are coming out...

New series for the kids gallery prints!

2010-02-12T10:12:00.007-05:00

We had such a positive response to our “pink” series for girls that we decided to do something for little boys...something rough and tumble! We are selling these in our 1-1/2" gallery wrapped format...printed on 11" x 14" canvases. And we’re not limited to red! Ask us about different colors... See this link on our website to purchase!

Shopping Cart is now active!!

2010-02-10T13:21:00.002-05:00

Great news! We’ve worked hard on it and our shopping cart is now active on the website! We’re adding new stuff all the time...check it out!

Great Feedback at The Mart!

2010-01-11T10:31:00.003-05:00

We've had a FABULOUS, fun weekend at The Mart here in Atlanta! We've talked with lots of great store owners and taken some orders! Looks like the "original" Velvet Lime Designs artwork "The smallest seed of faith sprouts the impossible" has been a best-seller (pictured at left with the watermark)... but we all knew that! James and Laura are "manning" the booth today and finishing up tomorrow. Rebecca and Marybeth are back working hard at the office to finish up getting online ordering up and running and to start fulfilling orders. Thanks to all the store owners and buyers who have stopped by so far to listen to our story, look at our artwork and buy our products! We have even more ideas coming so stay tuned!!

New Framed Pieces!!

2010-01-08T14:16:00.005-05:00

Getting GREAT feedback today at The Mart! Here's our newest arrivals (on the top shelf). They are actual framed prints of any of the designs. We are working on getting those added to the website.

We're at The Atlanta Mart!

2010-01-08T08:32:00.002-05:00

Finally!!! After about 2 years of thinking.. planning... praying... creating, we have launched Velvet Lime Designs! We're at the Mart downtown today...cross your fingers for lots of sales! We are VERY excited!

Come by our booth and check us out... Building 3, Floor 2, Booth 610. This is Laura in our booth yesterday after she and James were done hanging the giclees! Isn't it COOL???

Velvet Lime Designs

Happy Birthday!

SHINE BRIGHT

Snow and Sunny Expectations

Joy

New Doors

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

A Tranquil Spot

Christmas has come.

Baby Feet

Lord of lords

Prince of Peace

King of kings

Christmas Dog

Yum!

Real Comfort

Rhythms of Grace

Christmas Get-Away

The Birds Knew

All is Calm

Christmas Seed Story

He Knows Your Name

Painted Planet Licensing Group

Treasures in the Trash

What to Wear

Living Water

Run Your Race

Leftovers

Accolades for Velvet Lime Designs!

THIRSTY

Sweet Inspiration

A Season of Greater Things

ROYAL SEATING

Enjoy the Journey

Sunflower Smiles

The Giant Oak Inside of You

HOPE

HAPPY Winner!

A Give-Away!

Someone Cares

Thank-you.

Beach Trip

What I’ve Learned...

THRIVE

Ballast Rocks

Squash Blossoms

New Artwork!

Sallie’s Seeds

A season of singing...

I wish....

Bloom Where You Stand.

She talked to an angel...

What do graded dinners have to do with humming?

G R A T I T U D E

Reaching Healthy Goals Together

Birdhouse Thoughts

Being carefree...

my soul waits in silence.

Windows of Heaven

Blessed are those whose lives you touch...

The crown series is finished...

Running Through The Trees

Silliness...just for the creativeness of it!

Heaven on Earth...

He is my rock.

A symphony of praise

Poppies for inspiration...

Singing with grace...

Just when you're on a roll...

A sneak peek at some new artwork...

Just Breathe...

On being thankful...

Letting The Light Shine Through ...

Our Wall of Promises©

The girls of summer

When you’re at the beach...

A bird’s nest...

“For a long time

it had seemed to me

that life was about to begin --