I don’t know if this happens to other people but there are times when I get an idea and the only way it will stop bouncing around in my brain is to paint it! Sometimes this involves finding a person to paint on and sometimes it is just about doing a quick painting in my sketchbook. This is about one of those times and how a quick painting took on a life of its own.
I belong to a women’s business group called BW Nice that I’ve mentioned here in the past. This year is the second time we’ve held The Red Shoe fundraiser for SAFE in Hunterdon, a local women’s shelter organization. I signed up to be on the decor committee, which decides on decorating themes and make the centerpieces, as I find it to be the most fun. This year during our first meeting, I was having one of those blank moments. You know the ones…nothing comes to mind, you have no ideas to contribute, you feel like “Why am I even here?”! On the way home, however, I got an idea…which started bouncing around in my head…which led to this…
We use real red shoes as our centerpieces and change what is in them each year. One of the ladies had talked about a garden theme and I think that is what stuck with me. I also happen to love butterflies (see here and here). 
After emailing the sketch to our committee head, I heard back that not only were we going to use the design for the centerpieces but that the board members wanted to use the actual sketch on the front of the programs as well as on the signs at the event.
This was a huge honor for me since I just thought of it as a “quick painting in my sketchbook”! The reality of seeing it as a big sign was a little overwhelming but I was very happy to be able to add a one-of-a-kind element to the occasion since the purpose of the fundraiser is one I support wholeheartedly.
The programs added a lovely touch to the tables and showed the guests where the idea for the centerpieces came from.
Our centerpieces were a combination of live vinca in the toe and silk ivy in the back. We added some gold curly ting ting for height and glued on tiny butterflies punched out of colored vellum. Wire ribbon bows were added to some, while other centerpieces had different size butterflies wired in. They really came out great!
The event was another success and I am looking forward to seeing what we come up with for next year!
So, what ideas do you have bouncing around inside your head and what is your favorite way of dealing with them? Leave me a comment below!
I link up at these great parties!
That turned out amazing…congrats…xo
Thanks, Lucy! Means alot coming from a fab artist like you!
All I can say is WOW! Fabulous centerpieces and your painting of the shoe theme is fabulous.
Love, MA
Thanks, Ma! Kind of back to my dried flower roots, don’t ya think?!
What an awesome painting! It definitely fits the event it was used for. You have some talent!
Thanks, Elise! I enjoy visiting your blog to see your work! Very pretty!
Congrats on your recognition and honor! I’m not very artistic and am thankful there are artists like yourself who help create beautiful things in our lives.
Thanks, Kim! Looking forward to getting to know you in the buddy group!
Wow, amazing picture! I like it more than the centerpieces themselves! We would love it if you would link up at our linky party:
Two Girls and a Party
Live every Wednesday to Sunday. Hosted by:
Dana @ This Silly Girl’s Life
Parrish @ Life with the Crust Cut Off
We hope to see you there!
Thanks, Dana! Your link party is already on my list! Will be adding this next week!
Looks great Consie….luv it! Another fabulous job!
Thanks, Pam!! So good to hear from you!
Your work is fantastic! I can’t believe I know someone with so much talent!!!!!!
Thanks, Lisa! And all this talent can be applied to you!!! LOL!!!
It’s so cool seeing your sketch turned into a full-blown 3d centrepiece! Congratulations, it must have been such an honour 🙂
Thanks, Katie. It was fun to make a 3d version. Thank goodness it worked!
How lovely!!! Absolutely love that sketch, it has so much personality! Gorgeous!
Wow, you and you artwork are awesome! The powers that be were right to use your sketch for the programs. It’s all lovely, and a nice surprise to see the actual show centerpiece. Thanks for sharing this with us. 🙂
His blessings,
Kim @ Curtain Queen
Hello! Stopping in from SITS. Love the contrast between the red and green. The centerpieces turned out amazing!
Thanks for stopping by Andrea! The centerpieces did look really great with the color combination!
Soooo creative! I love it.
Thanks, Marquita! It was fun to see my work come to life!
What a beautiful piece of art! Life to the full! Melissa
Thanks for the compliment, Melissa! I am looking forward to seeing what we come up with for next year!
I love it. How beautiful. What a awesome drawing and how even more awesome that your drawing was used throughout the entire event. The centerpiece turned out just lovely.
Thanks, Sharon! It was a lovely honor for me.
All projects pinned!! Hope others will discover your talent! Thanks for sharen with us at One Sharendipity Place this weekend!
Sue @ thet2women.com
Those ideas bouncing around in your head turned out absolutely gorgeous! Thanks for sharing at Inspire Us Thursday at Organized 31.
What a beautiful painting! I’m not surprised that the committee wanted to used it on their sign! The finished centerpiece looks great!
Thanks, Clare! It was indeed a surprise to me! But a very nice one.
So interesting and eye catching! And yes, I get it, oftentimes when I get an idea, everything else takes a fast back seat until I can at least get enough done to satisfy me temporarily~just like your red shoe! luckily you got that brilliant idea on paper right away, what a stunning centerpiece for your event!
Jenna
Thanks, Jenna! Glad someone else shares the craziness that is bouncing around in our brains!
What a sassy red shoe! You are incredibly talented to be able to create such beautiful art!
Thanks, Jeanette. That is a great word…sassy! Fits the occasion and many of the women involved!!
Beautiful and such a wonderful idea! I have so many shoes that I buy and never wear because they’re not comfy. I should put them on display! 🙂
Navy Wifey Peters @ Submarine Sunday Link Party #36
Lol! Thanks, T’onna. They would certainly make a fun centerpiece at your next party!!
So impressive!!
I found your website from Southern Lovely. I just started a new blog and I would love for you to follow me, too! http://naptimenothings.blogspot.com/
Looking forward to more posts!
Sarah@
Naptime Nothings
Thanks, Sarah! Good luck with your blog and I will be sure to check it out!!
Hello,
Would you consider hand painting two tuxedo shirts with nature scenes that I pick out-one image on the right front chest and the other on the left back shoulder area?
I have two already and I am looking for an artist to paint two more.
Thank you
Kathy Ditto
Hi Kathy, I emailed you privately. Thanks.