At my age, gifts have become more functional than they are luxuries. Whether it’s something I put on my wishlist or something I buy friends, I try to find gifts that are meaningful and useful.
Last month, I did a search for calling cards on Etsy, and not surprisingly, there were hundreds of results. The best shop I found, though, is by a seller called Avie. She will custom print your name and information on stationery sets, mailing labels and calling cards. Everything she makes is so pretty and I had the hardest time picking something for my friend. When the cards arrived (a mere three days after I placed the order) I was impressed! I mean I paid only $12.50 for 50 cards (two designs, set of 25) and she used really good, thick card stock, and the print job was superb!
My friend loved her cards and I, in turn, got print envy. SO! I did what a normal shopaholic would do, I ordered myself a set too. But not before spending way too much time trying to picture how my name would look and if I would like doling out green cards vs. pink vs. blue vs. striped vs. leafy. I had recalled a couple of designs Avie had the first time I placed an order, and emailed her asking if she’d make those again and God love her, she said yes, she’d put them back on the list.
They were up within 24 hours, and I ordered my cards. Because of the “holiday” on Monday, she couldn’t send them when she wanted to. Like a good vendor of good products, she sent a personal email to all her customers awaiting their orders informing us of the delay.
I think they were worth the day’s wait!
Avie Designs
Life á la mode enjoys supporting local creativity. Still on the topic of art (because that is what the *ahem* staff here is obsessed with right now) I would like to introduce you to Jami Harris.
I first met Jami when she did my make up for my wedding. Her artistic ability is so apparent in the way she carries herself and the painstaking way she applied color to my blank canvas of a face.
When she told me she also painted and did fine art, I had no doubt her pieces would be as phenomenal as the brides and clients she beautifies.
Gawk Magazine dot com just did a piece on her here. Jami’s art can be seen (and purchased) from her website. Her mediums are bees wax and oil on canvas or wood, and the finished pieces are indicative of her free-spirited, artistic personality.
My favorite series is titled Greater Than, comprised of five 5″x5″ pieces (and I want ALL of them!).
I think those would look SO good on my living room wall!!
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The Nashville Scene Readers’ Poll results are out and I would like to congratulate a long-time friend of mine, Brenan Sharp. For the third time, he has been voted Nashville’s Best Visual Artist and I have to agree – Brenan knows how to capture a pop-culture aficionado’s heart by putting to canvas what we love.
This, for example, is one of my favorites:
There’s no pretense with Brenan – if it’s something he likes and enjoys looking at, he’ll share it with you by means of his paintbrush and talent. He throws the best art shows at Jacksons, usually with a theme (“Madonna: Like an Art Show” or “Aloha! Nashville”) and free sloppy joes.
My favorite art show was when he painted toys. From rubber duckies to atari to old-school nintendo, that show got everyone squealing with glee.
His works don’t break the bank either, with prices ranging from $50 – $1,000. You can visit his website to look at his gallery, and see the pieces that are still for sale. Unfortunately the Mini painting is gone, but these, which I covet, are still available.
Congratulations B-Sharp!!!!!
Visit Art By Brenan
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