What I love about Beckie...

This morning I am so excited to introduce one of my favorite people - Beckie! Having been friends for a long time, I was so fortunate to have her became a part of the Winget Art family almost ten years ago.

Beckie is an amazing woman with many talents. Without her the studio would not run as smoothly as it does. She performs all kinds of tasks from preparing presentation boards and scheduling appointments to serving refreshments - and all with a wonderful spirit! Her quick wit and humor give us all a fresh perspective on whatever task is at hand. I often describe Beckie as my right - and my left - hand woman!

Beckie is a wonderful hostess and cook, a talented wedding director at our church, and she loves her family dearly. An amazing daughter and mother, she is always there for her parents, 2 sons, and daughter-in-law. Being a true care-giver is definitely one of her spiritual gifts. She took care of her husband, Rob, with her whole heart and is the kind of friend anyone would be so fortunate to have. I am always amazed by Beckie's bright outlook and perspective during even the toughest of times. She handles every situation with grace and always thinks of others before herself. I think it all begins with her faith.

The studio benefits everyday from Beckie's amazing eye for decor. She keeps us decorated for every holiday and arranges all of our product displays.

Beckie is also in charge of a very important task that keeps the studio happy -

serving refreshments every afternoon!

(no we don't have as many refreshments as you see above EVERY day...)

Here she is with her family at her son's wedding - it was a beautiful celebration!

I can't write this post without mentioning her love for our four-legged friends... Beckie loves hunting dogs and has a very special one at home named Lucy. Here is Lucy with her best pal, Beckie's late husband Rob. This dog always has and always will live the good life!!

A quick interview with Beckie -

What is your favorite part of working at Winget Art?

The people I work with and the people I get to meet - I also enjoy serving refreshments!

Do you have a favorite Susan Winget Product?

I love the Keller Charles melamine collections - especially the beach themes. I also love all of the Enchante boxes at Jo-Ann Fabrics.

Decorating Tip?

I like to use something old with something new or modern. This is a tip my son Eric gave me!

Best Advice you've been given?

Always try your best!

Thank you for sharing yourself everyday, Beckie. Your friendship is so very dear to me. I love you!!

What I love about Stephanie...

I have had the pleasure of knowing Stephanie since she was a little girl growing up down the street from our farm. We have been through a lot together and I feel so blessed to have her working in my studio! Stephanie is a wonderful mom - so devoted to her husband and children - yet "magically" seems to be in 2 places at once, as she manages to hold everything together at home and at the studio too. A woman of deep faith, I have always respected how much she cares for the people of her church. Her passion for the children's programs there is so inspiring to see.

Stephanie is creative and imaginative in so many ways! Simply put, she "gets it" and understands immediately what needs to be done for any project. I often think that she knows what I'm thinking before I do! Always coming up with new ideas for projects and in social media outlets, Stephanie has taught us to embrace the technology that is essential to the future of the studio. Stephanie is also a true "people person" who communicates beautifully with all of our clients through her laughter and sweet spirit. Years ago, my agent described her as the "heartbeat of the studio" and I could not agree more!

Since it is Valentine's week - I thought I would include this Valentine Stephanie gave Al and I. It has been bent, crinkled, and spilled on over the years - but is far too precious not to hold onto!

Stephanie first worked for me as a babysitter for my 3 kids!

I have said many times that she "raised my children" and I am so proud of all that she instilled in them.

Stephanie always knows how to strike a pose! She keeps everyone in stitches with her funny stories, expressions and wild sense of humor.

Here we are for a studio lunch at one of Stephanie's favorite places -

Cracker Barrel!

Our studio isn't too far from one of Stephanie's favorite places - Carowinds. I came back from an appointment one day to this picture of everyone "playing hookey." Did I mention Stephanie is an extremely talented photoshop artist??

A quick interview with Stephanie -

When and how did you start working at Winget Art?

I grew up on the same road as Susan's family and when I was 12, I started babysitting for her children on a regular basis. I can remember putting her youngest son Sam to bed in his crib and he would ask me to sing him songs about tractors and guns - such is life on the farm, I guess! After her children "outgrew" me, Susan asked if I would like to help out in her art studio tracing images on the light table. The other ladies in the studio called me "Tracy" since that was all I did! Little by little I began to learn the tricks of the trade on the computer and in graphic arts. When I graduated from college, Susan asked me to work for her full time - truly my dream job! I have loved every minute of my time here!

Do you have a favorite Product or Collection?

I love Susan's scrapbooking collections and all of the awesome little embellishments that come with them! I especially love her Botanical collection with K & Company. The purple, teal and green colorway has my name written all over it!

Decorating Tip?

Declutter, declutter, declutter! It makes everything (and everyone) feel better!

Favorite Quote?

"Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Thank you for all of your hard work over the years - I love you, Stephanie!

What I love about Mary Beth...

Mary Beth is truly a one-of-a-kind friend! She is so very thoughtful and giving and I have always admired her love for family. A fabulous grandmother and devoted sister, she is the kind of woman that takes care of everyone. And I cannot write this post without mentioning the great chicken pie and lasagna that she makes... it defines comfort food if you're ever in need.

Did I mention that she is a wonderful artist too?? She has an eye for design and is so valuable to the early stages of each painting we create. Outside of the studio she stays busy with many creative projects... from calligraphy (I will always treasure her beautiful gift to my daughter Erin when she addressed her wedding invitations) to painting murals on her grandchildren's walls like the one below.

Mary Beth also loves to create hand-stitched quilts. They are wonderful and I think it ties her love for family and her love for art together in a beautiful way! Below is one of her Baby Bear quilts, she made this one for her first granddaughter Keenan!

The original gang!

Some things never change... pizza remains a lunchtime staple around the studio!

Mary Beth and her husband Bill are tried and true Panthers fans. Yes, she made the Panthers skirt that she is wearing on the far right!

A quick interview with Mary Beth -

What is your favorite part of working at Winget Art?

We laugh all the time!

Do you have a favorite memory?

Having our baby boys just 9 days apart, and then 30 years later having our granddaughters born 2 weeks apart!

What is your personal home dec style?

At my house we love comfortable, cozy, "roll around on the carpet with our grandkids" decor!

Somewhere you have always wanted to go?

Heaven, God willing!

Favorite Quote?

The Serenity Prayer:

God grant me the serenity

to accept the things I cannot change;

courage to change the things I can;

and wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;

Enjoying one moment at a time;

Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;

Taking, as He did, this sinful world

as it is, not as I would have it;

Trusting that He will make all things right

if I surrender to His Will;

That I may be reasonably happy in this life

and supremely happy with Him

Forever in the next.

Amen.

I love you, Mary Beth!

Thank you for all that you give to the life of our studio each day!

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!!

What I love about Jeannie...

This week I will be posting each day about one of the wonderful women at Winget Art! Over the last two weeks I have had so much fun digging through old photos, reminiscing on the early days of the studio, and interviewing my staff for this series of blogs.

I'm so excited to share the stories of each of these ladies with you!

First up - my dear friend Jeannie who has been by my side from the very beginning!

Simply put, Jeannie is fabulous! She is an extremely talented artist who can paint and draw as beautifully as anyone I know. Her wonderful sense of humor keeps our studio happy and grounded. One of the things I love most about her is that she can always see the bright side of a situation or person. Jeannie is my friend, painting buddy, and travel partner. She always has my back and supports the studio in every way possible. I love how she tells me to "get over it" if I ever feel nervous or insecure and she meets me at the gym three mornings a week whether I want to or not!

Okay, get ready for some 80s hair, y'all... :)

Jeannie and I became instant friends when we met in 1979.

We always had so much fun with Halloween! Jeannie is an incredible seamstress and would always make our costumes herself!

Jeannie as Larry Johnson! Remember the good ole days of the Charlotte Hornets!??

Here is an example of one of her lovely watercolors, she painted this one for her daughter Ana.

Jeannie also has an eye for fabulous and creative home decor. She found this old fireplace mantle and made it into a beautiful headboard.

A quick interview with Jeannie -

How would you describe your job at Winget Art?

It's the greatest job EVER! Always fun and always changing - that's what keeps it interesting!

What's your favorite part?

The family atmosphere and the laughter that constantly surrounds us.

What are your interests outside of work?

Cooking, Wine, Music, Gardening, and Hiking.

Decorating Tip?

Less is more - keep it simple!

Favorite quote?

"The richness I achieve comes from Nature, the source of my inspiration."

~ Claude Monet

I love you, Jeannie! Thanks for the many years of memories -

I can't wait to see what we get into next!

Bunny Basket at Cracker Barrel!

I just got back from a wonderful lunch at Cracker Barrel with my staff! We also got to see our newest dinnerware collection in The Old Country Store. It is a collection for Easter, called Bunny Basket. I so enjoyed painting these sweet little bunnies, I hope you enjoy them too!

Be sure to stop by soon to see the collection for yourself!

Give them a Valentine Centerpiece!

Celebrating Home has a wonderful item called a Gratitude Tree... I just love this idea! It is made to tie little thoughts of gratitude to as a home dec piece.

Why not turn it into a living Valentine this year!? Rummage through your craft drawers and pull out any scraps of different pink and red papers, cut out paper hearts of various sizes and write the names of those who you hold dear! Then tie them to your Gratitude Tree! What a beautiful expression of love this Valentine's Day for all to see! Now, let's see who can get the most hearts on their tree!! Let me know!

Mary's Baptism

May the Lord give his angel charge over you, to guide you in all your ways.

Psalm 91:11

On Sunday, my precious granddaughter Mary was baptized at our church. It was a sweet, sweet gathering as we all made promises to love and support her throughout her faith journey. Mary was baptized with water my son Mac bottled from his trip to the Holy Land where he was baptized in the Jordan River. Afterwards, we had a little celebration together at the studio, what a beautiful day it was!

Beautiful Mary with her beautiful momma, Megan.

Megan's Family!

Megan and Mac cutting the fabulous cake from Ella Art.

Mary always lights up when she sees her Uncle Sam! So precious.

Mia and Grandpa :)

Grandchildren are one of God's greatest gifts - may we always remember and cherish the time we have together!