Thursday, March 4, 2010

like finding a lucky penny



Long before discovering blogging, I knew about talented artist (and blogger) Penny Carlson.



I first saw Penny's mosaic work featured in the Summer 2007 issue of Creative Home* magazine. I had never seen anything like her sweet birdhouses adorned with birds and flowers and was smitten instantly.



When I did start blogging, Penny's blogs were among the first I ever visited and commented on.



So when I found out that Kelee at The Katillac Shack was hosting a custom mosaic giveaway and tutorial all graciously donated by Penny, I eagerly left my comment to enter and crossed my fingers ... tightly!

Kelee


I was beyond thrilled when Kelee congratulated me on my win and told me to contact Penny with my color preferences!



I told Penny that I love when she works with aqua and pink. Penny asked if I would like a bird and flowers added to my birdhouse. GASP!



In no time at all, I received a message from Penny that my birdhouse was on its way. I can still hardly believe that I have a birdhouse, custom-made for me by the talented, sweet and generous Penny. Only in the world of blogging! Warmest thank-yous again to Penny and Kelee.

Below are links to visit busy Penny's online sites:

Penny's blogs
Lavender Hill Studio
The Comforts of Home

Penny's online store
Lavender Hill Studio


Photo credit: Lavender Hill Studio

xo
elyse

*A favorite issue: also introduced me to Amy Butler; beautiful feature on Nikki LaBelle's home, also seen in Waterside Cottages. Yes, I am a magazine junkie.

39 comments:

Claudia said...

Oh my gosh, Elyse, you lucky girl, you! I love Penny's work, too. How fabulous to have your own custom-designed birdhouse. It is really, really lovely! Congratulations, my friend.

Oh, Olga's! I can still picture every detail of that wonderful morning. I wish we could do it all again this Saturday morning!

xo
Claudia

stefanie said...

that is the MOST gorgeous thing i have ever seen!!!! soooooo perfect!!! congrats

Hearts Turned said...

What a gorgeous birdhouse, Elyse--lucky girl! I'm sadly not familiar with Penny--I need to learn more about her! Her work is just beautiful!

Enjoy your win & have a wonderful day!

Pansy Cottage Girl said...

Congrats! That is really pretty. Swoon for sure!!

Unknown said...

Oh ELYSE!!! I am so excited for you! That birdhouse is amazing!! I am beyond jealous, lol! Penny is so amazing! Did you see the breadbox she did for Jenn? Jenn bought that sideboard you have shown too, lucky girl, lol!!! You deserved so much to win Elyse, your the sweetest!! I have never seen a more beautiful birdhouse!!
Love,
Amy

Theresa said...

Oh my goodness! I love that birdhouse. I was at the beauty shop when I read your blog. I tried to look at her online store but it wouldn't come up. I am home now and skipping over to take a peek. What a wonderful gift!

Have a blessed day!

Unknown said...

It's a lovely work. Also your little chair looks charming in that new color.!!!
Hugs

Charo

GardenOfDaisies said...

Elyse, that is the cutest birdhouse I have ever seen! I am heading over to her blog right now.

luckygirlgifts said...

Congratulations Elyse, what a wonderful bit of luck. What a fabulous birdhouse. I can't think of anyone sweeter to win it.
Have a fabulous day
Cari b.

Anonymous said...

Sweet! I'm happy for you! ♥

Eileen said...

Oh, wow, you are soooo lucky!! I just love Penny's work, too, and her blog was one of the first that I started reading, too. The birdhouse is just beautiful!

Julie Ann said...

Congratulations, Elyse!!! :D The birdhouse is Beautiful!!

Jessica Rodarte said...

Oh yay! It's a extra-special gift. :)

Garden Cats + Crafts said...

I'm very excited about this beautiful bird house. A wonderful work, Elyse!
xoxo Birgit

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

I am so glad you love it Elyse! Thank you for saying such sweet thinks about me in your post today. I am humbled and honored that a piece of my mosaic art is now living in your sweet home.
xoxo
Penny

Sarah Sarniak said...

Wow, I love it. So pretty!

LiLi M. said...

Too pretty!!! Lucky girl!!!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations, Elyse! It's adorable and it's aqua & pink!!!

Yay!!!

Anonymous said...

i love, love this creation..her stuff is beautiful...!! all that broken china is heartbreaking, but the creations make it worth the tragedy! lol

ciao bella
thanks for sharing this..it's very spring worthy!

Lori said...

you LUCKY thing you!!! that is SO sweet and precious...i love the colors...every little thing about your bird house is just gorgeous!!!

Karen said...

OMG Elyse - it's DROP DEAD GORGEOUS! You lucky duck you. How fun for you since you've admired her for so long - perfect!
I think I might need to drop by her blog now . . .
I need you to take an oath for me. "I promise not to tell Karen about any more awesome blogs or Etsy shops or websites that you can purchase pretty things from."
OK - I wanna hear this from you! GIRL! You are killin' me!
:) Hugs! Karen

Sandi said...

Oh Elyse! How lucky for you! That is just beautiful!! How fun that you won that beautiful piece of art!!
Blessings~

Lisa said...

Really great! Congrats! It is always great to get something you really want!
Hugs, Lisa

Jill said...

Congratulations, Elyse-- you lucky, lucky girl! Penny's work is so beautiful. I love how she uses the roses and the bird-- so pretty!
Hugs,
Jill

beachvintage.com said...

Oh my goodness I have never seen such beauty in a mosiac work! This is stunning.

Scrap for Joy said...

Oh Elyse, that birdhouse is just the perfect one for you. Is that a sugar bowl lid on the front? Any birdie would be proud to nest there...of course you won't be letting any real bird live there...just the fluffy, quiet, indoor type. Enjoy your gift..Penny is an extremely talented woman and do you love her new house and studio? Wowie! xoxo
Joyce

Elena Litvinova said...

Very nice!

Bethany said...

oh, no way!
Lucky you.
You deserve it though, you give such love out there in blog world.
And your blog is such a delight and pure eye candy.
I want to see this in person!
i think you need to do a display at the library!
please.....

Free Pretty Things For You said...

YAY!!! omg its SO Beautiful and SO YOU!!!

A Ruffled Nest said...

What a beautiful birdhouse! You are a lucky girl.
I also have a litle something for you over at my blog.come over and take a peek. Oh and I am also a major magazine junkie:)

aimee said...

its soooo you. what a treasure. im so glad your dream came true. i bet you pinch yourself every time you see it! enjoy it my friend.
blessings,
aimee

Kim said...

That is absolutely beautiful! What detail. You are a lucky girl to own such a lovely piece of art.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations. I love her work too and one day hope to get one. You are so lucky.

Willow

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Wow! Is that a full circle moment or what? No luck involved! You were definitely meant to have this beautiful little birdhouse made just for you. It is absolutely gorgeous! Congrats on receiving such a lovely gift. Best wishes, Tammy

Little Pink Studio said...

Lucky you! That birdhouse is gorgeous!
And, I too, am a magazine junkie.
:)
xoxo, Cerri

Cassandra said...

OH MY GOODNESS! How amazing! I am so so happy for you! You are such a sweet heart and well deserve it. CONGRATS xox Cassandra

fitty's pinky rose cottage said...

elsye.. you lucky duck! you won fabulous work of Penny.. and you choose the right colours! drools!!!

debi said...

Oooooh! What a lucky girl you are!! I love, love her work, and that birdhouse is tdf!

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

How wonderful! Penny is so talented and your sweet bird house is one of my favorite things that she makes! I'm lucky...she's my neighbor and we get to visit in person! She's a sweetheart! ♥