Glittery shards spread across the floor.
Fine Art Friday #35
FINE ART FRIDAY
Two had already been dropped. Shattered to pieces. Shattered into glittery shards spreading across the floor.
Like tiny shards of disappointment and regret.
My hands were stiff and scratched from setting up the branches of the tree and untangling a mountain of Christmas lights.
I sat there in tears, surrounded by a tangle of Christmas lights, wondering “why did I decide to tackle this today?”
The crinkle of the paper seemed deafening in the chaos — tiny humans setting up a Christmas tree and unpacking ornaments is not for the faint of heart.
I sat there in silence for a moment, nodding that yes, I was okay.
I uncovered the floral ornament from my friend and fellow artist, Bambi, one I’d gotten years ago and have treasured, the soft, muted colors of the petals seemed to glow against the tree’s twinkling lights.
It was delicate yet solid in my palm, a stark contrast to the chaos around me. I traced the edge of the bauble, feeling the smooth, cool surface under my fingertips as I thought about how this ornament wasn’t just decoration—it was a memory preserved.
A sigh escaped me, the kind you let out when you finally remember why something matters.
This wasn’t about perfection.
Could setting up a tree with children ever be about perfection?
This moment was about the stories I was weaving for my family, one ornament at a time.
Last night at my pop-up with The Scout Guide, a sweet mama and I talked about how we didn’t really *care* about ornaments until we had children ourselves. We didn’t see the value. Now we do.
As she spotted two exquisite floral Nutcracker ornaments, she decided she wanted each one uniquely customized with her daughters’ name and 2024, the perfect way to celebrate this sweet season of life. She couldn’t wait to get them home last night and surprise her girls, envisioning their excitement as they hung their special ornaments on the tree.
That’s the magic of ornaments—they hold stories waiting to be unwrapped year after year.
As time passes, these treasures will carry memories of childhood Christmases, Nutcracker performances, and holiday traditions.
One day, those daughters may share these very ornaments with their own children, turning them into cherished heirlooms.
And the PERK of the ornaments I create with, is that most are wood or bisque, so as long as you’re careful, they’re not anywhere NEAR as fragile as that Christopher Radko that bit the dust on the hearth of our fireplace. I also shared how to take care of your ornaments here.
If you’re looking for a way to preserve your family’s special moments, a customized ornament could be the perfect place to start.
So even if you don’t buy an ornament from me this year, do your future self a favor and get one to commemorate 2024 — because whether this year has been good or bad, there are stories to tell for years to come.
ART TIP:
Art is Storytelling
If you’re into Christmas movies like I am, you *may* love them. I have a running list and every time I think I have my favorite, I remember another that is STILL my favorite. White Christmas, The Santa Clause come in first, but honorable mentions go out to Illumination’s The Grinch (if you haven’t seen it, you should because it’s clever and sweet, and I enjoy it more than my children) and Home Alone (as an adult, colnd’t stand it as a kid), and of course, The Holiday.
Nancy Meyers’ The Holiday tells the story of Amanda and Iris—two women seeking clarity through a life swap. Amanda’s polished Los Angeles lifestyle contrasts with Iris’s cozy English cottage, yet both embrace the value of artisan craftsmanship, meaningful customization, and quality experiences. These themes resonate deeply with the heart of Courtney Kibby Fine Art, a brand dedicated to bespoke live wedding paintings, fine art ornaments, and cozy art-forward sweatshirts.
Artisan Craftsmanship: Sleek Meets Cozy
Amanda’s LA home is sophisticated and polished, much like the five-star artistry behind my live wedding paintings. Each brushstroke captures the magic of your day with the precision and care that reflects Amanda’s modern sensibility.
In contrast, Iris’s warm English cottage mirrors the charm of my fine art ornaments. Every ornament is lovingly handcrafted, a nod to timeless beauty and nostalgia—qualities that appeal to those seeking heirloom treasures.
Customization: Tailored for You
The Holiday is about personal fulfillment, which is also central to my brand. Amanda finds love tailored to her fast-paced life, just as my live wedding paintings are uniquely crafted for each couple. Every painting captures their story with bespoke artistry.
Iris’s path to self-love reflects the joy of personalization. My fine art ornaments and sweatshirts, whether featuring a family crest or art that sparks joy, are designed to make everyone feel seen and celebrated.
Quality Over Quantity: A Lasting Impact
Amanda and Iris both learn to prioritize meaningful quality over quantity—be it relationships, environments, or experiences. This mindset is at the core of Courtney Kibby Fine Art.
Live wedding painting offers a deep, authentic keepsake, creating a lasting memory that couples cherish for a lifetime. My fine art ornaments are small but significant, crafted to become treasured heirlooms. And my sweatshirts? They blend artistry and comfort, ensuring everyday pieces feel extraordinary.
A Five-Star Experience
Amanda would adore the luxury of my services. From initial consultations to delivering the final painting, I aim for a seamless, five-star experience that reflects the polish she values.
Meanwhile, Iris would appreciate the heartfelt touches—the thought and care poured into every ornament and sweatshirt. She’d find joy in knowing each piece is created with love and authenticity.
Crafting Joy: A Timeless Holiday Ending
In The Holiday, Amanda and Iris embrace what truly matters: love, connection, and authenticity. These are the same values embedded in my brand.
Live wedding paintings immortalize moments of love and connection. Fine art ornaments transform memories into tangible treasures. Cozy art sweatshirts bring beauty to everyday life.
Whether you're an Amanda seeking modern luxury or an Iris craving heartfelt tradition, Courtney Kibby Fine Art offers something for everyone. With artisan craftsmanship, bespoke customization, and timeless quality, my art creates memories as meaningful as your own story.
Ready to Shop Small?
Make this holiday season one to remember by choosing gifts that matter. Download my Holiday Gift Guide for inspiration and explore my Holiday Collection featuring hand-painted ornaments, fine art, and more.
Also these sweatshirts I'm absolutely LIVING in.
I couldn't be more THANKFUL for you this holiday season. I'm so thankful to be invited into your inbox weekly, and so honored for your support. Every bit goes to our family and means the world to us.
My shop goes into winter mode December 9 – so grab your ornaments before then.
Let’s make your holidays unforgettable with gifts that tell a story.
xo, courtney
ICYMI
TEXTS FROM MY FRIENDS WHEN THEY SAW THE SWEATSHIRTS^
PS if you like the pretty and want to add some to your tree — tap the button below to shop.
» I’m always honored you’re inviting me to your inbox, and I’m equally honored you support my work. Thanks for being here. 🫶🏻
LOOKING FOR HELP WITH YOUR ART FOR YOUR HOME?!
I'm currently booking commissions for 2025
– click here to inquire about custom commissions! Or if you'd rather find something already made, check out my latest art collections at The Scouted Studio.