darling bows

i've always always been a short hair person. except for right now, my locks are the longest they've ever been!
i grew it long for a pretty updo for my wedding, and even though that special day is behind me, i still haven't made it in to see my hairdresser. i think im resisting a little because the grow-out stage was such a long process for me, i know once i go short again it will most likely stay that way forever!

lately, i've been obsessed with the thought of wearing sweet little bows in my hair! i am in desperate need to spice things up. check out these darlings:

 these are by Hunter Gatherer, on etsy. i seriously want one of everything in the shop.
(also see them here)

(from pinterest)

(make your own, here!)

(another great tutorial)

grandma's ring

this ring belonged to my hubby's grandmother. it is the ring he proposed to me with! i wore it until we picked out a ring together. i normally only get it out on special occasions because it is so delicate and precious!
can't you almost hear it telling a story?

xxo

a weekend full of goodness

the hubby and i spent a wonderfully long and relaxing holiday weekend at his parent's home in florence. on top of the delicious food and fun games, one of the best parts was being there with loved ones.
i feel so fortunate that both sets of parents get along so well - having everyone gathered at one place is the best!

 
i'm totally digging my bro's beard! he's so cute.
oh. and please excuse the bangs. i'm in that weird grow-out stage right now - it is so hard! still contemplating chopping them short so i get them out of my eyes.

i was in charge of the beverages over the weekend and just had to try these festive brews! tasty. and cute.

my boss surprised me at the end of the day on wednesday with the news that i could have (black) friday off!
so i joined in the millions of crazed individuals searching for good deals much too early in the morning. i found this beauty on sale from $60 to $20. hooray! it is the prettiest color blue, and sooo soft! love it. compartments for the things i lose the most. cell phone and keys.

i hope you all had an exraordinary weekend!
xxo

in the studio

this weekend was full of to-dos. you should have seen my list! fortunately, my energy level was able to keep up as i scrambled around to tidy the house, had my studded tires put on the car, finished up a few little christmas goodies for friends, and worked in the studio. oh yeah, and got to see breaking dawn with the hubby. what did you all think? (of course, the books were way better! but i'd be lying if i said i wasnt excited to see part 2!)

this is what i accomplished with studio time on saturday. a custom piece - for a woman whose first granddaughter was recently born! so sweet.

'a granddaughter fills a place in your heart you didn't even know was there'.

happy monday, friends!
xxo

giveaway winner, snow, and egg nog

drum roll please!
a big 'thank you' is in order to all of you who participated in this giveaway. i appreciate you (so much).

i used this handy little tool to randomly generate two numbers...and the winners are:
samantha taplin and kelly keese! (please contact me with your mailing addresses, and let me know which print you would like!)

yipee! i just love giveaways. <3

in other news, it snowed today in mill city! i had the pleasure of waking up to a winter wonderland. too bad i have yet to put my studded tires on...and now i have to drive to work. wish me luck! ill be listening to florence and the machine, and drinking egg nog in my coffee.


happy friday!
xxo

meeting miss daisy

last saturday, i had the pleasure of meeting the beautiful, wildly talented Katie Daisy! ♥ she is even sweeter than i could have imagined. i'm still trying to wrap my head around all of the goodness - that one of my long time dreams is now a reality. yipee!

(and she was wearing the cutest red shoes!)

xxo
happy wednesday, friends!

sweet vintage

recently, my dear friend haley and i became pen pals. i cant quite remember how or why, but i am definitely loving that we are getting back to letter-writing. it seems so old-fashioned these days. it is such a joy to anticipate a little something waiting in the mailbox, and to read a hand-written note. nothing could be better.

well, except for maybe this!! look what she sent me.

it is fancy enough to wear to a party, but i am definitely wearing this little gem for all occasions. there are even pearls on it.

yep, i am definitely in love. thank you, haley!

xxo

a little treat, just for you!

our holiday giveaway is here, friends! this could be the perfect gift for a loved one (or yourself!).

this giveaway is on my blog, as Facebook has some strict new rules about giveaways, so please note that Facebook does not endorse and it in no way liable for this giveaway.

to enter you must:

1. "like" Mary Wangerin Artwork on Facebook. (already a fan? you're golden!) 

2. share your favorite painting from my etsy shop on your facebook page, pinterest, twitter, or blog!

3. leave me a note here on the blog to let me know!

i will randomly choose not one, but TWO lucky winners on november 18th.
both prints are approx 8" x 10", and look gorgeous framed with or without a mat.


****pssst! for those of you who already made facebook comments, never fear! you are all entered to win: jennifer eaton, amanda murphy, amy miller, stephanie gross, greta leontiev, mish glazier, maria gammon, tori cowdrey, stacie reimer, hannah mahler - thank you, so much.

santa's helpers

i am a huge fan of adopting a slower pace this time of year... taking time to truly enjoy each season as it comes (which is sometimes difficult when store shelves are lined with christmas displays before halloween!).

this year has been a bit different! i'm in a rather jolly spirit lately, already listening to christmas music and drinking egg nog lattes. so, this weekend, mom and i got our craft on and made darling little christmas elves!

 

you can make them, too! these little guys are somewhat tedious, but very worthwhile.

 what are you crafting this holiday season?
xxo

holiday packaging!

it's that time of year again, which means gift giving season is almost upon us! i've been obsessed lately dreaming of holiday packaging ideas for my artwork. how cute is this look? best of all, it is super easy to make yourself. and! after unwrapped, you are left with a darling little string of garland to brighten your home.

DIY garland supplies: 

string

glue

1" round paper punch

paper scraps

(here, i used paint swatches, accumulated through years of design/DIY projects!)

oh, the color combinations to be had! i can't wait to start wrapping up artwork orders with these little gems.

what is your favorite way to wrap gifts? any other ideas i should try? i've been thinking of ways to incorporate maps and lace...:)

xxo