The other day I was looking through etsy for some ornament ideas.  I know… i know!  it’s October.  But something about getting older has me anticipating the seasons more than ever.  I hope you’ll forgive me for thinking of Christmas in October after I share Laurel Leigh Designs.  She makes these gorgeous custom ornaments and paints your house on them.  Wouldn’t that make the sweetest house warming gift?  I had mine in blue because I’m into blue these days if you haven’t noticed (: Then I saw that she made gorgeous earrings, pumpkins, necklaces, and paints on canvas too.  I asked her some questions, so we could all get to know her a bit more…

Hometown: Knoxville, TN

Current Town:  Athens, GA

Were you always an artist?  How did you start your business?  

No. I am a new self-taught artist. I have had a professional career in Human Resources since 2000 and artist design is my second career. I just started painting a few years ago and I started designing jewelry this year. I made a huge custom order of chinoiserie ornaments for a friend last year and started my business on Etsy around that time.

Who were your role models growing up?

My mom and mother-in-law

What inspires you?

Colors, textures, patterns and other artists.

Favorite artist: 

Andrea Costa

What are you sipping on while you paint? 

Water or wine… I am an equal opportunity sipper (red and white), but it does depends on the time of day.

What does a normal day look like for you?

I love having a few leisure cups of coffee before I do anything else. I work from home and my days vary artistically. When I am not working on commissions or custom orders, I may be found on the tennis courts, having lunch with friends, decorating my new home, having adult play dates (painting sessions) or working on a project in my home office as an HR Consultant. My evenings these days are filled with painting my holiday ornaments.

Favorite Verse or quote:  

“I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become.” ~Jung
 Favorite Vacation Spot:

Ireland and Bermuda are tied as favorites for me.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?  

In ten years, I plan to be retired (early), creating pretty things that make people happy and traveling the world with my husband.