Elegant Christmas Art

it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas
& if you are in need of some elegant holiday decor,
i have just what you need!

prints now available in the shop!

grace & peace,
julie

NEW stationery PSALMS set

the psalms note card set

i have designed a new set of encouraging notecards,
which are now available in the shop!

the promise note card set

thank you cards

the love & friendship note card set

all sets are a variety pack except the thank you cards (which are all the same design). in a variety pack, you will receive 8 cards total: 2 of each design, including envelopes. people love the quality & elegance of the designs & i am so happy to offer beautiful & sophisticated stationery with which people can really encourage one another with the truth of God's Word.

these would make great stocking stuffers or appreciation gifts for those in ministry, such as pastors, Bible study leaders, sunday school teachers, etc...

grace & peace,
julie

i just have to brag...

so, last night i had a little open house to allow people to come buy my work in my home & see where it all happens, and my kids went all out!

i just have to say, it warms my heart to see a piece of me in them.

if you remember their "sale for the poor" & how they created their own menu & artwork to sell in order to give to our compassion international child, i see how they see me selling art for God's kingdom and they want to follow along.

my favorite little mister was the hostess with the mostess... creating handwritten signs for everything, from "my mom's art", "this is more of my mom's art" to "hot apple cider" near the food spread, he was just so sweet.

he greeted the people & asked what he could get them.

sunshine girl & her bff spent 2 hours creating their own art for the sale, which THEY sold for FREE.

she would also point out to the people which images were of her!

and pumkin poos, well, she just smiled & looked adorable, wanting me to hold her as she was bewildered at who these people were at our house.

ok, gotta go. just had to brag on my sweet kiddos!

grace & peace,
julie

Christmas Cards {sneak a peek!}

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this year i designed new Christmas cards for our own family (above) & my photography clients (which you will see below...)

i was so excited to find out that my photo lab prints DOUBLE sided 5x7 cards on pearlescent paper. they turned out gorgeous, so i just wanted to share the joy!

if you have images that are hi-res which you would like put into my design, contact me for quotes!

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i hope to blog more of the shoots later, as they have been so much fun!

grace & peace,
julie

NEW! Photo Jewelry . . . Inspirational Art to Wear

i am soooooo happy, excited, & pleased to announce my new line of inspirational art to wear. these beautiful lockets are created in collaboration with the extraordinary jeweler lori patton of heartworksbylori.

The photographs are printed on gorgeous metallic paper. The colors are exceptionally vivid and the image has a unique three-dimensional quality. The paper has a lovely pearlescent sheen and it's simply stunning in it's brass frame. The image is mounted on an antique oxidized brass locket pendant which hangs on a brass rolo chain. It's sealed with a glass-like coating for protection and shine and the chain is finished with a lobster clasp. Length-16 inches but can be lengthened to 18 per your request!

Inside the locket, there are 2 empty recessed areas for you to mount your favorite pictures of your own choosing. These openings measure 3/4 of an inch around. The outside diameter of the locket measures 27mm (just over 1 inch).

This would make a fabulous gift for that special someone, just in time for Christmas!

it is my hope & prayer that as you wear these you would know deep in your soul that

you are free in Christ
you are loved & treasured
you have hope all the days of your life
you are full of joy, despite circumstances
you have peace that passes understanding
you are living your life to the fullest
you live by faith that transforms you

all lockets are now available
in my shop ... enjoy!

fill the center of the locket with images of your loved ones, or a loving note to yourself to meditate on.

grace & peace,
julie

behind the scenes: give thanks

as thanksgiving is upon us, i have been reflecting on what i am most thankful for. there are many things i can think of this year, specifically:

1. God's grace, love, strength, and evident presence in my life. especially in the little ways, like how He answered prayer today by having a friend call, pray for me over the phone, as God had put me on her heart, & encourage me & offer to help watch the girls in this crazy busy time before the holidays. God had literally placed her on MY heart last night!

2. Family~ not only my hubby & 3 adorable, fun-loving kiddos, but also our extended families & how much they show their love for us.

3. Nature & enjoying the outdoors (even in the burbs).

4. Friends & their support & fun.

5. My art & the outlet it is for me. It is such a joy for me to create. It has been amazing & mind-boggling this year what God has done with my art & how it is growing & reaching the world in new & different ways ... (more on this later this week i hope :)

i would love to hear what YOU are thankful for!

the chen side of the family has one of my favorite holiday traditions, in which after we have gorged ourselves with food (i am talking a full american thanksgiving meal mixed with chinese dishes), made fun of how aunt anne eats THE strangest parts of the turkey (you know, the ones you do not even want to see, least you throw up a little in your throat... or at least i do), we then go around the table one by one & share what we are most thankful for. it is always a very moving time, from laughter to tears. it is also a such a special bonding time with one another as we reflect on God's goodness.

i encourage you to begin this year!

grace & peace,
julie

1 beautiful family

i have had tons of fun photographing families in the local woods.
the forest was magical, as was...the chair.

the family (above) are friends from church.
the mommy & i actually knew each other in 3rd grade!
so fun to reconnect.

such beautiful kiddos.

just had to share to make you all smile.

now, back to printing & prepping for the big
FROST & FRIENDS show this weekend in rockford!
hope to see you there.

grace & peace,
julie