Can you miss someone you’ve never met? I know I miss my babies who died before I had the chance to look into their eyes. Our Fiona died in utero eight whole weeks before she was born. She barely looked … Continue reading
The holidays can be the hardest times to be without our children. Empty chairs, missing giggles, and gifts that should have been weigh heavy on the hearts of parents whose little ones may have died this year. One thing that … Continue reading
I had the honor of sketching sweet baby Jase for his family last month. I’d love to create a sketch or a piece of artwork for you, too. See my last post for information about a 10% discount on all … Continue reading
From now until the end of May, I am having a sale on Their Names Prints. Usually $12, these prints will be $8 plus shipping while supplies last. They are wonderful as a gift to let someone know you … Continue reading
I love this quote from St. Zelie Martin. She was another mother familiar with child loss, as she lost four of her children within a three-year period. You can read a bit about her story here. I will be adding … Continue reading
If you know someone who may be interested in a sketch or another piece of artwork for Mother’s Day, a gift certificate is a perfect gift. I will hand letter and mail them out to your recipient with no charge … Continue reading
Don’t we all need this reminder sometimes? Even in our darkest days, we can’t forget that there is something special that only we can offer to the world. This piece is now available as a giclee print in my new RedBubble … Continue reading
The holidays can be some of the most difficult times without our little ones around. The void they leave in our hearts can feel even bigger during this season. This year, I am excited to be a part of a … Continue reading
I’m excited to announce the re-opening of my Etsy shop, just in time for Mother’s Day!
I’m currently selling 5″ x 7″ prints of my Their Names paintings that can be personalized with the name(s) and date(s) of your babies or children. These are prints of my watercolor paintings, made on heavy cardstock and ready for framing, and I just have to say that it is very hard to tell them from the originals. They turned out just beautifully.
There are two prints that are live in the shop today, and the third candle print will be live by the end of the week.
It is so special to see the names of our little ones written, and these prints make lovely gifts for someone who has lost a baby or child. Or you can give that gift to yourself and see their sweet name each and every day.
Thanks for being here!
Eileen
Hello, friends!
It has been a while since I’ve posted here and I just wanted to start by checking in and giving a big welcome to anyone who is new to this page. I am both sorry and thankful that you are here.
I have been taking a little break from my artwork and writing, as our family welcomed another little one in January. That makes five kids at home, the eldest of whom is eight years old. I have heard people liken having young children to being “in the trenches.” That sounds about right. Only the enemy is sleep and diapers and clutter and dishes and laundry. And your fellow troops are sweet and adorable and loving and funny, but are double agents – working for both sides – and don’t realize it. Our new little guy is so sweet, though, and we are all loving life with a new baby in the house.
Anyway, it is spring right now, and that means that I have my girls on my mind. And when my girls are on my mind, I think of ways that I can honor them and keep their memory alive.
Right now, finding ten minutes together to accomplish something is a challenge. I had to stop three times already just writing these first few paragraphs to kiss a boo on my toddler’s foot and return the binky twice to the baby’s mouth (I have a love/hate relationship with that binky!). It’s part of that aforementioned battle. So finding time to write and paint and sketch is difficult. But that doesn’t mean I can’t do it. It just means that I have to work harder to carve the time out. And I’ve been thinking about ways that I might be able to be more efficient about that process.
It occurred to me that I might be able to create some hand-painted Their Names artwork, make high quality prints of them, and then personalize those prints with names of little ones. The prints would be frame ready at 5″ x 7″ and would be available in my Etsy shop.
But I need some ideas, and that’s where you come in!
I am not yet able to do custom work, but I created a few of these pieces last March for giveaways in Fiona’s memory.
I would like to paint them again and include them among the options for prints. But I also thought I would include one more for now. I’d love it if you could give your vote for one of the following prints, or offer a suggestion if you have another idea.
Would you rather see
A- A candle with the words “Your light shines on,” as depicted here:
or
B – A yellow butterfly on a blue background with the words “Always in our hearts,” similar to what is depicted here (of course, these are pink and the phrase is spread between two paintings. The new version would be all on one 5×7 print, but it gives you the idea):
I would love it if you would offer your thoughts on this by placing a vote for A or B, or giving another idea if you have one. Just remember, the phrasing will not be customized. Only the names will be. Everyone who votes will be entered into a drawing to win their choice from the first batch of prints that is made, personalized with the name(s) of their own little winged one(s).
To vote, please leave a comment on this post (NOTE: not a comment on Facebook) by midnight on March 31, 2015. I will choose a winner on April 1.
Thank you for being here with me. I’m so grateful!
