Well, hello!! It's been awhile!

Yes, it been awhile, hasn't it?!?!

Well, where have I been?? I've pretty much been lost in my own little world. I'm sorry to say that I can't blame my lack of posts on being overwhelmingly busy filling orders. Oh, sure, I always have orders to process, but as of late they are trickling in since the holiday season passed. But that's okay...I'm very grateful that my little business is still moving along...slow but sure.

Since it's been calm and quiet on the name sign front most of my attention has been directed toward getting my home life together...something that was a big necessity! We recently bought a new dishwasher and a washer and dryer. Next on our list is a new refrigerator. I never thought I'd be so excited over new appliances, but most of them were getting really old and worn out.

Along with the new appliances my husband relocated his office space right after the new year so that took my time and attention, too. But that's how life is...change...change...change, right? There's always something! Needless to say, the result of my redirected focus has left me with a very neglected blog.

But I'm working on getting myself back in the swing of things and I plan to keep my nose to the grindstone regarding my business. I love to create and share things on my blog and I plan to get posts out on a much more regular basis. So you'll be hearing from me more often in the coming weeks and months.

Meanwhile I wanted to share a name sign I created for a customer a couple weeks ago...the theme was based on my "Horse in Pasture" theme that is displayed on my site. The customer asked me to tweak that design a bit by adding a sunset sky with a couple more horses...

I was pleased with the outcome. I love to blend colors like in this sample.

Okay...on my way. I have some family coming over soon to visit. More sharing to come soon...until then,

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My Biggest Selling 'Girly' Theme

Today I want to share some samples of my biggest selling name plaque design for girls...I call it my fairy name sign or the Flowers, Fairy and Butterfly theme.

The very first plaque I created with this theme was made for a close friend. Her co-worker had just given birth to a baby girl and she wanted to give a unique personalized new baby gift. My friend requested that I do whatever design I wanted just make sure it's girly and pink! So I went to town and this is how it turned out:

The 'Sophie Grace' design has a pale pink background, fuschia trim, yellow flowers and purple butterflies.

Ever since I created the infamous 'Sophie Grace' name sign and subsequently posted it on my website the design has taken on a life of it's own. I've painted many name signs that were requested to be exactly the same.

I've also had many other customers decide that they like the theme but requested to have the colors tweaked to match their little girl's room. Well, that's my 'schtick' so I gladly honored their requests!

Here are several samples of how I can adapt this theme to suit your needs...bear with me...there are several of them!

'Amanda' is very similar to the original only with pink flowers...

'Ansley' has a white background, lilac trim, daisy style flowers and a blue fairy...

'Ava Victoria' has a pale lilac background, fuschia trim and multi-colored flowers...

'Bridget' has a pale pink background, bright green trim and multi-colored flowers...

'Emma' has a pale lilac background, yellow trim, multi-colored flowers and a yellow fairy...

'Katherine Shea' has white background, lilac trim, pink and purple flowers and a light green fairy...

'Lola Marie' has a pale pink background, light blue trim, pink flowers and a light blue fairy...

And finally...

'Penelope' has a yellow background, lilac trim, pink and lilac flowers and a light pink fairy...

By looking over these photos I'm sure you get the idea that I can adjust any design to suit your needs! I've even had customers request the fairy have darker hair or darker skin. I can adjust that for you as well. It's a very simple process...just let me know when you place your order. My goal is to please so don't hesitate to let me know your thoughts.

Next, I will compile a handful of name sign themes created for boys. The most popular selling theme for little boys? Well, I have to say it's a toss up between 'Sports' and 'Big Trucks'. But I'll address those themes next!

More sharing to come...until then,

Wine Making - Our New Hobby

My husband and I recently bought a wine making kit. At first it was something we both expressed an interest in, but now I'm the one who has done most of the wine making work. Not to make my husband sound bad...I just think as time has passed I've developed more of an interest in it. Besides he's more of a beer drinker. Perhaps if we bought a beer making kit he'd be more interested. But whatever...it's all good!

Meanwhile regarding the wine making...I'm hoping perhaps it will become my new hobby. I certainly love to drink the stuff! But I'll have to try the first batch before I get too involved. If it's an epic fail then I guess I'll have to find something else with which to entertain myself when I'm not working on painting and filling orders!

Meanwhile as the wine ferments over the next few weeks we are (more like 'I am') thinking up a name for our wine as well as a label design. I have a few different ideas stirring around in my mind for the name, but no big decisions yet.

But I do have an idea for the label. Many years ago I hand painted a decorative little stool...here's a photo of it:

I sold the step stool a few years back but thankfully kept a few pictures of it. I've always loved that design! The colors are warm and bright yet somewhat distressed...right up my alley where decorative tastes are concerned. When we first bought our wine making kit that design was the first idea that came to mind for our own personal labels for the wine bottles. I'll be playing around with the design I'm sure, but I have a feeling this will end up as our little logo...even if it's just a part of the overall design.

I'll be sure to keep you posted on the many decisions relating to our wine making hobby. Even if it doesn't pan out at least I'm having fun and learning something new!

More fun to come soon...

Creative Name Signs Holiday Ordering Cutoff

As we all know the holiday shopping season will be in full force very soon! Being that all of the items I sell from Creative Name Signs are custom created and hand painted just for you I have a holiday ordering cutoff.

Here's a link to my webpage that details everything:

Holiday 2012 Ordering Information for Creative Name Signs

http://www.creativenamesigns.com/holiday12.html

If you have any questions please feel free to let me know. I am always glad to help however I can. Over the years I've pretty much bent over backwards to get orders shipped out even if it's at the last minute. Christmas has always been one of my favorite seasons and I understand when you find a great gift idea and it's only days away from the big day. If you are willing to pay expedited shipping...or at the very least push your luck with regular priority shipping...then I'm willing to do what I can on my end. Just don't be afraid to ask!

Okay...gotta run now...

More to come very soon...until then,

Beach, Dolphins, Seashells and Surfing!

Here's a graphic that I made that has all (4) personalized signs combined into one image.

Let me know...thanks!

Seashells, Surfing, Dolphins and Beach Sample Photos

Here are a variety of name and door sign photos that have beach holiday home themes...seashells, surfing, dolphins, beach and boat...

Seashell theme door sign and step stool:

Surfing theme door sign and kid's room decoration:

Dolphin themed door knob hanger and room door plaque:

Beach and boat themed nursery name sign and custom size sign:

Please keep in mind that the colors can be adjusted to suit your requests.

I hope these help to see my style and I'll be glad to email you photos of how your signs turn out before I ship them.

Thanks!

Name Signs and More with a Turtle Theme

Today's post relates to a post from a few weeks ago -- http://creativenamesignsblog.blogspot.com/2012/08/im-in-mood-for-some-stripes.html. If you recall I shared that I was planning to set up posts that feature photos of my hand painted products according to their themes.

So here we go...my latest product themed post shares photos of items that have TURTLES as the theme.

I love, love, love to paint turtles! I honestly can't explain why...I just love them! Maybe it's because a turtle's shell spots are sort of like a finger print...or a snowflake...no two are exactly alike. Perhaps acknowledging this fact gives my sometimes rusty imagination a chance to flow a bit?? Who knows! I just like painting turtles.

These first two photos are name signs...one has a sweet little turtle family walking along the beach. The other has a cute turtle by a pond along with a frog. The second one also has a ribbon hanger which can be attached to any name sign, door sign or wall plaque at no extra charge.

This is a large custom size sign measuring about 12" x 30" and features a bunch of cute turtles hanging out by a little lake or pond...

This one is a 7"x9" custom wall plaque that was made for a turtle named Ruby. And, yes, Ruby had her own room!

And this last photo shows (2) turtle themed growth charts...one for a girl and one for a boy! You can easily see how this theme can easily be tweaked just by changing a few colors around and adding some little flowers.

So there you have it...a nice variety of turtle themed items I've painted and sold over the years through my Creative Name Signs website.

I'll be sharing more soon so stay tuned! Until then,