Q- How do I go about ordering a custom painting?A- E-mail me with the idea of what you want. Tell me size, colors, quote, or verse. I will write back and tell you sizes and prices (prices start at $40). We can e-mail back and forth until you decide on the perfect size and colors, etc. Some people email pictures of a curtain or paint color that they want the painting to match. (saramincy@gmail.com)
It is usually a 2 month wait. When you order I will give you a time frame.
As soon as I get done painting for you I will e-mail a picture. If you are happy with it you can pay via paypal or send me a check. When I get payment I will put your painting in the mail.
Q- Do I need to frame a custom painting?A- The painting is done on stretched canvas with the sides painted black. There is no need to frame it. I hang these canvases all over my house as is.
Q- Do you do custom prints? A- No, I only do custom painting on canvas.
Prints are copies made of a painting that will be sold in volume. Here is the process for making prints: paint a design that will be able to be enjoyed by a variety of people, take it to the printer who makes at least 20-30 copies at a time. List these prints on etsy. A print is a copy of an original done on cardstock.
Q- What is the process you go through when you decoupage?A- I am such a non-pro at this! But I really have fun with it and I am pleased enough with the results to use it in my home quite a bit. Here is what I do:
1. Get some fun scrapbook paper in a variety of prints and colors that work well together. (my favorite store is
Archiver's.)
2. Paint the surface (I use acrylic paint from Wal-Mart --
the Apple Barrel brand. This is the cheapest paint that I have found that still works very well)
3. Cut out your squares (or whatever shape you want), paint on a thin layer of Mod Podge and lay the paper on the glue. rub gently especially around the sides to get it to lay right. When this dries (I never want to wait long enough! I usually wait about 20 min.), paint on another layer of mod podge. After this step there is some controversy as to the correct way to seal this. If it is something that will get a lot of wear and tear like our coffee table, put on several more coats of Mod podge. I have had really good results with this and our coffee table has stood the test of time and many car races, tea parties, etc. Some people have said you need to use another sealer on top of this to give it proper protection. The Mod Podge bottle does say that is also a "finish".
Q- How do you hang your paper lanterns?A- I string the lanterns with fishing wire and hang from a cup hook screwed into the ceiling. I have never tried to put lights in the lanterns.
Q- How do you get everything done? A- I don't get everything done at all. The days when I get a lot of painting done, the house is usually a mess (the kids always have to do their chores, so at least the beds are made and the floors swept-- also, Dave does the supper dishes every evening- and some days he ends up doing a full days worth of dishes- he is an awesome husband :)
During the school year we just have to prioritize and make sure the school work gets done. After school is done (we are usually done by noon), painting or decorating is a way for me to relax- so usually that stuff gets done before things like ironing or dusting.
We try to have people over for dinner quite a bit so that the house
has to get clean - but I have lowered my standards and not everything is spotless even then. My goal when people come over is that things are clean enough and that people will feel cozy and comfortable.
Also, when you homeschool you eliminate things such as driving the kids to school, the time it takes to pack lunches, time to get school clothes ready. The kids wear whatever they want during the week unless we go somewhere or have someone over - then I try and get them to wear something nice and tuck in the shirt, etc.
Dave has been doing the grocery shopping lately as well, so I am very spoiled. And a scheduled night each week to paint has helped a lot.
My favorite life change has been getting up before the kids. I have been doing this for about 3 years now, and I could definitely not homeschool my kids without this. I do my devotions, get my shower and get completely ready before they get up. This has revolutionized my attitude to the kids (I am happy to see them when they get up) and given me a lot more energy.
And of course what should have gone first- I can do all things through Christ who gives me (and you) strength! (Phil. 4:13)
#1 Find t-shirts on sale at Target 
#4 attach more fabric and sew on more black thread...try to keep in line with using only red, white, & blue...add a little black (I think it needs some green and orange....)
#5 Make lots of mistakes and learn lots of lessons and have lots of fun mixed with some frustration....
#6 try and keep the stitches to the fabric patches and not the t-shirt only to ensure no more tears! (that could be interpreted "tears" or "tears" - how appropriate that they would be spelled the same- tear a shirt and you will be near tears :)
