Without being too hard on myself,

I would like to share that I don’t feel like the best communicator. So here is some important information in the shortest way I know how to get the words out, bulleted:

Smile

The purpose of the Door Charms™️ is simply to bring a smile to your face.

As women, we carry the weight of the world on our shoulders. We weren’t given the nick name helicopter mom for nothing - it was for damn good, hard earned reason. We just want our children to make it through life, unscathed, so they can rock us to sleep when we are old and dying like the mom in, I’ll Love you Forever.

Polish

Art is polish, kitsh is cute.

I want to be polished with the least amount of effort possible. And for the record, there is nothing wrong with cute. There is something inherently more valuable about fine art than decoration. Maybe it is the implication that it will withstand changing trends or that there is more of a story to tell. For me, it meant I didn’t need anything else, just a great piece of art for the front door.

Heart Ache

Experiencing highs and lows is to be Alive.

My origin story involves deep heart ache that I only had the capacity to feel because of my life experiences. Have you ever seen fear, anxiety and pain in your mother’s eyes? The person who gave you life afraid she will outlive you? I have, from an ambulance stretcher to a Duke Pediatric Medical Hospital bed, she was a picture of poise, and grace under pressure… but she was so scared.

Let’s talk about curve balls and meditation.

Have you ever had the rug ripped right out from under you? As you find yourself flat on your back, wind knocked out of your chest, seeing stars, you wonder what the (blankety- blank) just happened?!? Honestly, I prefer to use an f bomb but I’m trying to keep it clean around here.

That’s how I felt last week. Truly, I wouldn’t wish that day on anyone. It was the kind of side swipe that is so finite there is literally nothing to do but get up, dust yourself off and go home.

Art brings me such peace. Being in a state of flow is the most blissful feeling, a moment of respite from the chaos of life. The only way to get to the other side of the mucky mud is to trudge through it, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take breaks from the pain and discomfort.

There are many types of meditation. My favorites are walking meditation, active meditation, and still guided meditation. In walking meditation, you slooooooooowly put one foot in front of the other feeling your connection to the ground with each step. Barefoot, you take the time to feel the way each part of your foot makes contact with the ground, how you shift your weight from one side of the body to the other and repeat on the other side. It’s painstakingly slow, but can be a great way to make you soften your stride while walking with small children when you just want to get where you need to go.

In an active meditation, like painting, you are in a deep state of flow. Your thoughts are able to process as you work your way around a canvas, choosing colors intuitively and placing them on a canvas in an ever so theraputic way. Sometimes the energy builds up and you need to dump the medium on the surface, or splash it, maybe you need to run your hands through the paint… or maybe the application needs to be slow, deliberate and quiet. This can depend on the type of release of control you need at that moment.

Still meditation whether guided by audio or guided by the breath is perceived to be the hardest by most people intimidated by being still with their thoughts. This method takes practice and is best to start by taking the pressure off of yourself to quiet your mind or control your thoughts. Start with 1 minute and work your way up.

Typically in a guided meditation you’ll be asked to imagine a place where you are safe, comfortable and calm. What do you feel when you are in this place? This week I transported myself to Santa Rosa Beach, Florida during my painting meditation. The fine sugary sand between my toes, the warm sun on my shoulders and the waves ever so gently rolling onto the beach no so surprisingly ended up in my paintings.

Here is a picture of a mini 4x4 painting that will be included in my Holiday Collection Release this Thursday, November 10th. Can you imagine being in this magical place?

Sugar Skulls celebrate life by honoring the deceased.

Painting a skull was not on my list of I can't wait to paint projects until I started researching the history. Shared experience is a recurring WHY in my work. Love, loss, celebration, honor, empathy are all boxes that the Sugar Skull checked! When I learned decorating a skull made out of sugar has been a tradition since the 1600s I decided to give it a whirl!

The Process:

An inspiration image is always a good place to start. I didn’t want to look at other Sugar Skull art work; instead, I wanted to see the anatomy of a human skull. A quick google search produced the perfect result. The image gave me the information I needed without feeling spooky or scary and without influencing my artistic interpretation.

In my studio I had some previously cut shapes that worked perfectly for the proportions of the skull. Using two different sizes I mapped the important features of the skull, eye sockets, nasal cavity, jaw bone and teeth. From here the painting began! Working quickly, I used color to build the form around the black eye sockets, nose and jawline. It actually reminded me of my days in cosmetics, it felt a lot like using makeup to contour a face!

First I needed the skull to look 3 dimensional. The trickiest part was embellishing the skull without giving it the illusion of having skin or being lifelike. A feeling that gave me the creeps! It’s one thing to honor a loved one by decorating a skull made out of sugar; Creating a symbol that represents this long standing tradition is another thing altogether! If I were decorating a skull in honor of my Grandmother I would embellish it with remnants of her favorite things to honor her life. The first experience of painting a skull was an exercise in letting go of the heeby-jeebies.

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It felt so good to be painting again!

With one Sugar Skull under my belt, and some positive reinforcement from my cheerleaders. I kept on going! Working on a collection all at once allows me to keep working while the paint is drying. In this process, some began to take shape more than others. It takes time to paint. And that is only the beginning of the process. When a painting is complete, it can then be photographed, digitized, edited and sent to the printer for testing, color matching… and finally, small batch printed. With the clock ticking, the paintings that had developed the most became my full focus! A very Heather Opal large colorful skull with hidden hearts and a mini skull with a more controlled color pallet.

A Glimpse into the Painting Process

Does this process fascinate you?

Once digitized, I have the flexibility to make changes to the original painting. One key factor of a skull design is the shape of the jawline and cheek bones and placement of the eye sockets, nasal cavity, teeth bones and teeth. I compared the shape of my digital image to the photograph of a skull and made changes to mirror the actual skull. After the colors and shape have been confirmed and approved, I create the necessary files to send to my printing partner. It has taken years to perfect this process! What once caused a tremendous amount of stress and anxiety has now become an enjoyable process. Learning new things and building confidence through practice and process improvement Lights. My. Soul. On. Fire. What is something in your life that once caused you extreme anxiety that now makes you stand a little taller? We are powerful beings and we can do hard things.

Practicing and improving your passion builds tremendous confidence. If this doesn’t seem that difficult, it’s because I make it look easy. Believe me, it is extraordinarily difficult. And I can do hard things.

This collection ended with 2 large Sugar Skulls and 1 mini Sugar skull. In the end, I decided to keep the large originals and only offer prints of the very “Heather Opal” version. The mini was purchased by a collector. Check out how we styled it!

Sugar Skull Styling

1. A glorious Sugar Skull with love at the forefront of the mind and a fire from within.

2. Black Feather Wreath (Commissionable Link)

3. Fuchsia 2 inch ribbon and bow - I use paper clips or safety pins for a no sew method of constructing the ribbon to wrap around the wreath and attach the bow.

Do you love a wreath? In the right size, a wreath can add a layer of dimension which creates more visual interest. It is also a way to combine a traditional look with a contemporary symbol on your door. Take it a step further by giving the illusion that the wreath is hanging on the door by a festive ribbon. Be sure to use your wreath hanger for the wreath and hanging wire for the Wreath Charm; the ribbon is just for looks!

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A huge Thank You to all of the people who have asked me to paint a Sugar Skull in the past and to my friend, Ginger for finally tipping me over the edge to go for it!

Sugar Skull Family activity

Click on the image below, save it to your computer or phone and send it to your home printer. Death is a part of life. Talk to your family about decorating a skull to honor someone who has passed. Want to keep the emotion out of it? Choose a historical figure instead of a family member. What would a sugar skull dedicated to George Washington look like? Not ready to go there? Just talk about the anatomy of a skull … or simply color and have fun!

A Glimpse into my Commission Agreement Process

Have you ever wondered what entering into a Commission Agreement with an artist looks like? Today, I’m going to give you a glimpse into my personal process, everything that is included and some unique benefits along the way.

On the Commission page of my website you will find a Request Form. This is where it all begins! You let me know you are interested in asking me to create a unique and special, one of a kind piece of artwork for you. Which is followed by a phone call to further discuss your vision and we create a plan for me to bring your vision to life.

Documenting the process is an important aspect of the Commission Agreement. A chronicle of the process is recorded and shared through a private webpage. It’s amazing to look back at the notes and pictures to watch the process unfold again and again. Today I am sharing some of the webpage details created for my most recent commission work.

*Personal details of the commission detailed below have been changed to respect the client’s privacy.

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A BUTTERFLY FOR Joy

Commissioned by Opal for her daughter Joy

Dear Opal,

Thank you for the opportunity to serve YOU and your family by painting these very special paintings. You shared with me your person conception journey and I am honored you trusted me with your story. The Mexican Monarch Butterfly is symbolic of your families heritage, transformation and the beauty of life.

THESE BUTTERFLIES PAINTED FOR JOY ARE EXCLUSIVELY FOR YOU.

Heather Opal Artwork Commissioned paintings are never reprinted for sale purposes. The commission agreement has the following benefits:

Phone Consultation to determine if I can exceed your expectations.

Sample Paintings are created with your unique story in my mind and on my heart.

Fabric samples, decor choices, and other considerations are provided for color matching.

Approval of the Sample Painting ensures the idea is being brought through fruition.

The commission process is personal. We have taken time to connect over the phone sharing our lives and our hearts with one another. I understand the purpose and meaning for the the painting and take on the responsibility of creating a beautiful butterfly painting to the best of my ability.

SWATCHES, PAINT MIXING AND SAMPLING

Step 1. The first step in ensuring the color pallet is on point is to use a digital editing app to select the main colors. In this case, I used Instagram! With the dropper tool in the stories editor I selected the colors one by one to create the pallet.

Step 2. It is time for paint mixing! You can see from the paint pallet, each color was created by mixing colors together to create the perfect shades of pink, teal, blue and green. *Opal, you decided you did not want black to be included in the pallet. Monarch Butterflies are typically orange, black and white. You gave me creative liberty with determining how to create depth without using black. A challenge I happily accepted!

Step 3. The colors are finalized and the color recipes are recorded.

Step 4. Paint an Initial Sketch.

Step 5. Send a picture of the sketch with the fabric samples for approval.

The approval process is vital. In our conversation I learned the positioning of the wings did not give you a positive uplifting feeling. Even though the size of the canvas we discussed was square, the butterfly was to be in an open, fully visible position. Back to the drawing board!

THE 8X10 SAMPLE PAINTING

With a new reference photo in mind, the recipe for the perfect color pallet and an early quiet morning, I got to work on the sample. Dipping into a glorious state of flow 3 hours felt like 15 minutes. With all of the decisions already determined, all I had to do was paint. After sending a photo of the sample the one piece of feedback was to keep the background white rather than sky blue.

THE FINAL PAINTING

At this stage, all creativity must go to executing the completion of final painting. This is not the time to have a wild hair. This is not the time to make changes or come up with new ideas. This is the time to create, on a larger scale, the final butterfly.

After consulting with the designer, 18x24 was the final decision on size. With a fresh new canvas ready for gesso I sought out to create a painting worthy of a beautiful room for a daughter who is loved beyond measure. This gravity of this task is not lost on me.

In order to avoid any mistakes, I used a tracing technique. I ordered the sample butterfly in 2 sizes to be printed on poster paper. When they arrived I decided which butterfly would fit on the canvas best, applied charcoal to the back side, positioned the butterfly on the freshly gessoed surface and applied pressure to the areas I wanted stamped onto the canvas. A general outline relieved the pressure to free hand a new butterfly. I was able to follow the recipe for the perfect colors, follow the color placement from the sample and simply paint.

My painting technique is a cross between gesture painting and stippling. This combination means there are small gestural strokes which build on top of one another to create the image. It looks simple but it is very time intensive as each selection of color and each stroke is carefully and intentionally placed onto the canvas… until finally it is complete.

I absolutely love the way the final piece came together. I love all of the hidden hearts inside the wings. I love the color combinations to create depth and how the white spots pop. I love the atmospheric background with its subtle range of white color and brush stroke texture. The markings on the butterfly were a final detail that felt important, hearts to signify how loved she is.

Opal,

Thank you so much for the opportunity to serve you by painting these special butterflies. It was a pleasure to get to know you in the process. What an honor it is to take on the responsibility of creating something that Joy will have for her lifetime. Something that can be a visual reminder to you of the love it took to bring Joy into the world. A visual reminder of your strength, perseverance and the grace and beauty with which you remain along your journey in motherhood.

It is my hope the 8x10 sample and the final painting will find their special places in your lives for many many years to come.

With gratitude,

Heather

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STEP BY STEP COMMISSION PROCESS

1. Commission Request Form

2. Phone Consultation: Vision, Timeline, Price Quote

3. Verbal or Contractional Agreement: Sample and Final Paintings

4. 50% of Quote is due at the time the agreement is made.

5. Sample Painting

6. Approval of Sample

7. Final Painting

8. Approval of Final Painting

9. Remaining Balance is Paid

10. Painting is Delivered

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

After reading, and seeing what the Commission Agreement Process is like, what are your thoughts? What questions can I answer for you? Was it what you expected? Leave a comment below or reach out to me at hello@heatheropal.com for more information.

This back to school season is bitter sweet.

The Dump

The pandemic was a disaster of epic proportions. We all know this. And even though we have slowly come out of lock down to regain our freedom and sense of certainty … does it not seem like suddenly the pandemic vanished into thin air? Sure, some people still choose to wear masks and the virus is still going around, but for all intents and purposes things seem to be back to some semblance of normal.

Only now, we deal with the down stream impacts of a global pandemic. The loss of family members, incredible sense of loneliness as we are no longer together in our social distancing, and for students the time spent out of organized instruction has gravely impacted literacy and grade level test scores.

I’m going to share a personal story for a selfish reason. I need to change my perspective. In order to change my perspective I need to unload the current to make way for the new. The only way I can think to model courage is to do what scares me so that I can feel, likely, what my child is feeling in order to show him how to be brave. Courage and bravery are feeling afraid but doing the thing anyway, right? Fear, shame, FOMO, inadequacy, are just the off the cuff emotions I can name for the way we are feeling. For us to do what we have to do, we need to process through these feelings, do the thing… thus being brave and courageous.

My son is not going to 3rd grade, instead he will take 2nd grade with instruction in English.

We live in an area where Spanish Immersion is offered in elementary school. Seeing this as a fantastic opportunity we decided to enroll knowing full well his instruction would be taught in Spanish, and English literacy would be the at home responsibility.

Enter, the pandemic.

I could spit. I could cuss. I could rant. I could rave. But truly, these actions would be masking the true feelings, guilt, shame and sadness. My child’s elementary school experience, like so many others’ was stolen by a global pandemic. His education, in another language, became my responsibility… and I failed.

I failed my son. I failed to teach my son a language I don’t know.

Things don’t change until the discomfort of the current situation is more unbearable than the unbearable change. This summer, we hit rock bottom. He told us he didn’t want to live. He’s 8. There is plenty of really hard life ahead of him. At this time, this is the hardest thing he has faced. Not being at a place where he can continue on the same trajectory as his peer group. Not being able to spend his days with them, share a meal, experiences, jokes, rumors of crushes and play time on the play ground… and thus FOMO. But in this case, he actually is missing out… on all of those things. It is no longer the fear of missing out, it is the pain of missing out. And it hurts, a lot, for all of us.

The Shift

Instead of tutors, we have been seeking help in other areas. Fundamental areas. My family became my full focus. Together we have been working on getting up off the cold hard floor of rock bottom and helping dust each other off. What does that actually look like though?

Well, for us, it looks like this:

• Putting away the phone

• Making time for physical exercise in an environment with other people

• Fun outings like Kate’s Skating Rink on Wednesday mornings, mini golf, the library

• 1:1 breakfast dates with mommy or daddy, playing endless rounds of UNO or Phase 10

• All About Reading Lessons, listening to books on Audible, reading to them, them reading to me

• Accepting help

• Taking Advice

• Making things beautiful

Sounds pretty amazing, huh! I didn’t want summer to end. I dreaded the decision to bow out of the Dual Language Program. I hoped we had made enough progress in English literacy over the summer to simply move into 3rd grade English. Instead, this year will be the first year of English at the 2nd grade level.

Do you know what will drive a person crazy? Shoulda, woulda, coulda… so the past in in the past and it can’t be changed. Perseverating on it is a waste of precious energy and time. The shift I’m working on is looking forward to the blessings that will come from this hard decision.

Race car drivers don’t think about the concrete wall as they are driving at top speed, because if they do, they will certainly crash right into it.

The New Perspective

I place my hand and my heart on Proverbs 31:25

She is clothed in strength and dignity and she laughs without fear of the future.

I will nurture my family and I will nurture my soul. I will continue to find joy in creating and prove to myself and my son that you can pave your own path. You have your own trajectory as unique as you are! You can laugh without fear of the future.

It is READY! It is finally ready!

The Spring Collection is here and it is really special. You all have been watching the Butterfly come together now for a very long time! I am so happy with the way it turned out. From the street, it looks like an explosion of vibrant color that is sure to bring a smile to everyones faces!

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Butterfly, Door Charm

Sale Price:$98.00 Original Price:$125.00

Inspired by the magic of possibility! When we think about butterflies we are reminded that beauty can come from unexpected places and experiences. We are reminded that transformation is absolutely possible with intention and rest. Butterflies carry a sense of magic and wonder. Have you ever had a butterfly land on or near you? From what I hear, it is a truly magical feeling to know a butterfly has brought you the gift of love from a special person.

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Palm Fronds Heart, Door Charm

Sale Price:$98.00 Original Price:$125.00

Inspired by the feeling you get when you see the light passing through intertwined palm prawns? Palm trees remind us of vacation, rest and relaxation…. where special memories are made with the people we love. The Palm Fronds Heart represents hope for the future because of the fond memories of past family vacations and the hope that one day you’ll return to the place where the palm fronds sway in the wind. The place where the hammock is tied between two trees. The place where you reconnected with the people you love the most.

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Cupcake, Door Charm

from $20.00

Inspired by the active pursuit of joy and glee of celebration. From birthdays to holidays this is the most delicious cupcake you’ll never eat.

Version 2: Changes include minor adjustments to the shape and a UV top coat for additional protection which adds a gloss finish.

Size: The cupcake is available in 3 sizes. Extra Large 18x28, Medium 13x20, Small 6.5x10.

Size:

Select Size LargeMediumMini

Large Medium Mini

Quantity:

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Long story, Longer…

My wonderful printing partner met me yesterday to deliver the samples and I did a happy dance in the gas station parking lot. We reviewed a few options for each sample and made some final decisions all while Jackson napped in the back seat. A wave of relief washed over me as I took a moment to eat my Chick-fil-a Cobb salad in the quiet calm of patience and perseverance paying off. Delays and set backs caused us to slow down, take a breath, remember what is most important… accept the things we cannot change and move on in the right direction.

My sister shared this quote with me, “Desperation can make a RED flag turn YELLOW.” Often times we want things to happen on a predetermined timeline. The stress and pressure of things not going according to plan can be crippling.

The lesson I learned through this experience is:

• My true Cheerleaders will be OK with the delay and happy when the collection is ready.

• In general people just want clear communication and honesty.

• Setting expectations is important; being flexible with said expectations is key.

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And the winner is… MELISSA!

A few weeks ago I asked my cheerleaders to post pictures of their Door Charms, share to Instagram and tag me. Thank you to everyone who took a moment to snap a quick picture! Additional entries were awarded for stories and reels! You all really are the best influencers and I appreciate you sharing so very much!

Congratulations Melissa! You have won the drawing for the Spring Butterfly Door Charm!

Are you so excited about the Spring Collection?!! If it feels like this collection has been in the making for years, you’re right! It has been in the making for a very long time! Here in North Carolina, Spring is a fleeting season. The chill of winter quickly fades into brisk mornings and the sun shining through a clear Carolina blue sky. It won’t be long until the dog days of summer are upon us.

What I have for you are 3 paintings representing new life, celebrations and hope for the future.

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THE BUTTERFLY

When we think about butterflies we are reminded of possibility! We are reminded that beauty can come from unexpected places and experiences. We are reminded that transformation is absolutely possible with intention and rest. Some imagine butterflies are God winks or special visits from passed loved ones. Butterflies carry a sense of magic and wonder. Have you ever had a butterfly land on or near you? From what I hear, it is a truly magical feeling to know a butterfly has brought you the gift of love from a special person.

The original butterfly is painted with acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas. At 36 by 36 inches it has an impressive wingspan full of color, layers and texture. I chose to look to a variety of butterflies as inspiration in order to create something unique and new. Because I knew I could create a mirror image in the editing process I focused on painting one side of the butterfly. To maintain its uniqueness, the original painting will not be symmetrical.

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Butterfly, Door Charm

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THE CUPCAKE

Have you ever met a person who didn’t like cake? Truly, I believe Publix has the secret sauce for delicious cake… Every. Single. Time. This weekend we celebrated my niece’s 5th birthday with all things Barbie.

This particular cupcake was purchased by my sister years ago. Recently, I asked her if I could have it photographed to be able to offer a printed version. Thankfully she said yes and I returned it in time for the birthday celebration this weekend!

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Cupcake, Door Charm

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THE PALM FRonds HEART

You know the feeling you get when you see the light passing through intertwined palm prawns? Palm trees remind us of vacation, rest and relaxation…. where special memories are made with the people we love. The Palm Heart represents hope for the future because of the fond memories of past family vacations. The hope that one day you’ll return to the place where the palm fronds sway in the wind. The place where the hammock is tied between two trees. The place where you reconnected with the people you love the most.

It amazes me to realize what God had in store for us long before we had any idea. This Palm Fronds Heart sat unfinished in my studio for a few years now. All the while we have visited my Mom in Florida many times. Palm trees, a gentle breeze and family time are what makes 30A hold a special place in my heart.

I have some really exciting news to share! This month my Mom is getting married! She will have the beach wedding she has always dreamed of! And, we bought a house in her neighborhood! This will be the place we call our home away from home when we go to 30A to visit … and it is a place we are happy to share with guests. More to come on that… for now, look deep into this palm fronds heart and feel hope for a bright future.

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Palm Fronds Heart, Door Charm

The WAITLIST

Under each of the new Spring paintings you see a button for the WAITLIST. By dropping your email address in the waitlist field you are signing up to be notified when that Door Charm is ready and available for purchase. You will be the first to know and alerted by email the moment it is available. I use the waitlist to gauge interest!

The Spring Collection will be available for preorder the first week of May!

The inspiration for this painting was a butterfly, light and whimsical. We feel a sense of magic when we see a butterfly, marvel in their beauty and watch them flutter on a very non linear path. Accompanied by a powerful quote, the painting exemplifies the juxtaposition between strength and beauty, grace and grit. "They whispered to her, you cannot withstand the storm. She whispered back... I am the storm."

My interpretation of the concept is a mirror image of the butterfly, physical body on the left and emotional/spiritual body on the right side. The physical body is deeper in color where the spiritual body has an overlay of gold. There are 16 hearts representing being 16 years old when the car accident happened. The anniversary of the accident on 7/3 is represented by the hearts between the butterflies 3 purple and 7 teal, the 3rd day of the 7th month. These hearts also represent the space between our physical experiences and how we respond to them. The spiritual/emotional butterfly contains the call and response quote on the top and bottom wings. "I am the storm" is repeated 11 times, for each inch of the Desmoid Tumor. Storm is the only word that is visible outside of the butterfly to catch the attention of the viewer... this isn't just a butterfly or pretty painting, it is symbolic of major life experiences that were hard. It felt like a storm and you and she fought the storm with storm like grace and grit.

As a whole the painting reads as one butterfly initially because we are both our physical and spiritual beings. It is very important that the bodies and wings are identical in heart placement and teal ribbon placement. The swoops on the wings are different because we process our experiences in both our physical bodies and our emotional bodies. The bodies have a heart open posture with chest and gaze lifted showing confidence, determination and power. They are full of color and life. The energy of the two being in sync flows freely from them depicted by the gold swoops.

Together they are a beautiful, graceful, light and airy storm.

“Love is the bond created at the heart of shared experience”

— Heather Opal Cole

Can you relate to the butterflies in this painting?

The Team Spirit Door Charms were inspired by our local pro football team. I was contacted early this summer by someone associated with the team looking for a special gift for their Football Family. It was an honor and a responsibility I didn’t take lightly!

Why do people love football? MAGIC … that’s why!

The larger than life players, the magnificent stadium, the fierce mascot and the pure love of the game are what makes football so exciting.

This collection of paintings includes 2 panthers, 1 helmet and 1 football. All hand painted from true to life inspiration.

While working on these paintings I imagined what the players could be thinking on the field and magic contained in the ball on game day. What goes through the mind of a player when they are on the field? When they have their game face on they must have one objective: winning! The football is the object of possession, both teams fighting for the goal. The ball is catapulted, tucked, kicked, buried and spiked bringing all the excitement, anticipation, and glory to the coaches, players, and fans invested in the game.

Hear Me Roar and Roaring Spiral on the left are available to you while supplies last.

Game Face and Brain Waves on the right were printed and numbered in a limited edition, exclusively for the client.

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Hear Me Roar Panther, Door Charm

Sale Price:$98.00 Original Price:$125.00

Inspired by the larger than life football players this panther is game day ready! Ears back, teeth showing, whiskers in tune and if you look closely eyes dilated with the reflection of the Carolinas… nothing says team spirit and beast mode quite like this Hear Me Roar Door Charm.

Dimensions: 22in wide 21in tall

Door Charms must be hung on the OUTERMOST door. Do not hang your door charm in between a glass storm door and entry door. The magnified heat will cause damage.

Quantity:

Only 3 available

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Roaring Spiral Football, Door Charm

Sale Price:$35.00 Original Price:$98.00

Inspired by the energy of the ball on game day. It is the object of attainment; catapulted, kicked, tucked under an arm and buried under players. The swirls represent the power that is infused into the ball on game day.

**Note: the last football is marked down to $35 because it is one of the original vinyl versions. (Which are VERY archival!!!)

Dimensions: 22in wide 13in tall

Door Charms must be hung on the OUTERMOST door.

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The idiom, apple of one’s eye, is a way of saying a person, pet or thing is loved very dearly.

In this way, the apple represents love.

These two boys are the apples of my eye, my little loves.

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Apples also represent the transition from Summer to Autumn as the peak of apple picking season is in August and September. School starts during this time and the apple has found its way into class rooms, on teacher’s desks, in back packs, in kids’ lunches and … on your front doors!

We come full circle with this quintessential symbol as it represents learning and love.

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Sweet Cameron on her first day of school last year with her original hand painted Fuji apple Door Charm.

There is something so special about a picture on the first day of school of our littles on the front porch with an Apple Door Charm in the back ground!

I love comparing front porch photos from the first and last day of school to see how much they have grown. There is something so nostalgic about the apple representing learning and love with our kids, back to school and changing season.

Even if your little ones are grown, hanging an apple on your door will always represent your little love leaving the nest, whether for a half day, school day, college, or to fly off to create their own place in the world.

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Honey Crisp Apples are available NOW!

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Long Story, Longer

As I was adding a fresh coat of juicy red paint to the solid Teacher’s Pet apples I couldn’t help but think about my Pappaw. I was the apple of his eye and I adored him endlessly. My grandfather was known as Happy Jack; he always wore smile on his face, horse riding belt buckle and an heirloom diamond cluster ring. When he passed the diamond ring was disassembled; 6 diamonds were made into 3 sets of earrings for his 3 daughters. Just before my wedding day, my mother and aunts presented me with a very special necklace. Sapphires, filigree and the 7th diamond from Pappaw’s diamond ring were used to create this very special necklace for me.

Instead of flowers, I carried a violin. Dating back to 1745 this is the oldest representation of my mother’s family, a special homage to my grandfather. The tiny delicate hand of my sweet niece in my other hand. When it was Hailey’s turn to spread flower petals and ring the bell she was too nervous to walk down the aisle alone. I embraced it and we walked together. I was escorted down the aisle by the oldest and youngest representations of my family.

As we usher our little treasures off to school this year I hope the Teacher’s Pet and Honey Crisp apples on our doors bring a smile to our hearts as we all continue to learn and grow, together.

My Mom, Aunt Carol and Aunt Dale sharing a very special gift with me; accompanied by my sister and niece.

Photo Credit: Critsey Rowe Photography