shanna murray

till soon

Good morning, sunshine.

The sun's out, and my studio is hopping with lots of fun projects! It's a good sort of Wednesday. I've been a little absent here - a sign that soon there will be plenty of things to share over the next few months. Though I've been having  great fun with work, no time to blog or hang out on twitter leaves me feeling a bit disconnected. It can be tough to find a good balance sometimes, don't you think?

So, I thought I'd quickly pop in to say hello! and I've missed you! I can't wait to share with you all I've been up to, and to catch up with all you've been up to, too. For now, a little peek at a sample from my spring line (launching in early April!!) that just came in...chalkboard decals! I'm over the moon excited about these and can't wait to share the entire collection of chalkboard designs with you (as well as everything else!). They make me do a happy dance.

Till soon...hope something makes you do a happy dance today, too, friends. xo, S

a token

From my grandfather to my grandmother, sent when he was stationed in India during the war, 1945:

Darling, 

Here's another remembrance for the most wonderful wife in the world...I wish more than anything else that I were with you but being as I cannot I'm sending this, along with all my love.

Forever yours, Bill

P.S. I love you

A few years ago I found this note. Folded neatly and tucked beneath the jewels he had sent in a little red box, it sat, carefully tucked in a drawer where my grandmother had stowed it. I shared with my grandfather my discovery. He was all tears, remembering the day he picked out the set of earrings and ring. He had spent what little savings he kept for himself while away, wanting to send her a token remembrance of how much he pined for her. My grandfather had no idea she had kept the red box and its contents for nearly 60 years. It was a sweet moment, both of us remembering her and how much she filled our lives with love. It's a memory I treasure, especially now they have both gone.

I'm wearing her earrings today, the ones he sent - a valentine of sorts to a prized grandmother. For I have loved very few souls more than she. 

Happy Saint Valentine's Day to you, dear people. xo, S

true blue

Happy February, friends!

I'm all smiles this morning. If you haven't already guessed just by looking at that stunner of a sweet photo, this month I've collaborated with Nikole of Herriot Grace. Hooray! I hope that little lone doughnut there won't torture you in the month to come. I had a pretty serious craving for sweets last night as I worked on this!  This morning I'm still wishing I could tuck into one of those powdered wonders.

Working with Nikole on little projects is truly one of my favorite things, it's how we became pals. As talented as she is (and, in my opinion she's off the charts) Nikole's an even better friend. Couldn't ask for better. She's seen me through some pretty rough days - which makes working together in happier times so special. Thanks, N, for this little bit of magic. I hope you love the calendar, friends - I so look forward to sharing these with you each month!

Some details: the photo above should be clicked two times for full laptop size (1000 pixels, set to center - not stretched). there's also a larger calendar (2400 pixels wide) on my calendar page for larger screens. Click HERE.

xoxo, S