Not another Black Friday email...
Fine Art Friday #34
FINE ART FRIDAY
I won’t bury the lede — click this link to see some beautiful pictures and shop small!
7 year old Courtney loved Barbies, American Girl dolls, board games, card games (not Old Maid — a story for another time), Disney princesses and reading.
7 year old Courtney did NOT like the idea of getting an ORNAMENT instead of a TOY. (Seriously, Mom?)
We were at a dance competition — our first one — poking around the gift shop between classes with the other girls in our dance team.
Each of them picked out a super cute beanie baby type toy — that was oh so cute.
After Cait and I had picked what we wanted, we were informed that no, in fact we would not be getting a toy. We would be getting an ornament.
Say what???
Tears, internal tantrums. But my mom did not surrender. We walked out of that gift shop with two matching (twins, remember?) ballerina ornaments, heads hung low and hearts full of dismay as we watched our friends all playing together with their new toys.
Fast forward 20 years…
My family and my twin sister’s family, have joined my parents for the annual tree trimming (now much simpler since their Balsam Hill tree basically turns on with a swish and a flick). Unwinding beads, unwrapping Mark Jacobs elves (more on this next week), and tossing the tissue aside from these ornaments and lo and behold…
I unwrap one of our two ballerina ornaments.
And instead of being upset, I tell my two year old daughter the story of how we got it, why we got it, and why it’s special.
And again with the sparkly animals in the woods glass bulb.
And the years of Fitz and Floyd ornaments — Santas, woodland animals, angels from years past.
The Washington DC ornament from when my twin lived in DC.
The Oklahoma Centennial ornament from 2007 where our Pom squad joined other Pom squads from across the state to dance onstage — and I met REBA. We’re not on a first name basis, but there’s hope for the future, I’m sure.
And the oat rice thing that was supposed to be a wreath that Cait and I made in preschool…
And so many more…
It was then that I realized the foresight my mother had — that a memory could be preserved in time through an ornament.
Ornaments have the capacity to remind us of days, moments, years that we might otherwise forget.
These things we get out once a year give us a unique way to treasure these moments that we’ve experienced. The ones we unpacked at my parents’ are truly heirlooms that my mom will pass down to us, and we will pass down to our kids. Heirlooms that come with nostalgia and stories and the joy of reliving them.
Yearly, I find myself anticipating unboxing OUR ornaments.
The 1989 from the year my husband was born.
The She Said Yes inscribed with our engagement.
The Theta kite.
And this year especially, the Edward and Bear ornaments — the ones we have for our FIRST dog-children — are very near and dear to us since Eddy passed in March 2022 and Bear passed away in October.
These ornaments carry stories and tales of those sweet special moments, frozen in time.
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
10 Questions to Ask Before Shopping Small:
A Guide to Meaningful Holiday Giving
The holiday season is the perfect time to embrace the charm and authenticity of shopping small. When you choose to support small businesses, you’re investing in more than just products—you’re supporting dreams, craftsmanship, and creativity. Whether you’re looking for live wedding paintings, hand-painted ornaments, or one-of-a-kind gifts, thoughtful shopping makes all the difference. Here are 10 key questions to ask before you shop small to ensure your gifts are as meaningful as the people you’re shopping for.
1. Who’s Behind the Business?
Small businesses are often run by passionate individuals who pour their hearts into every creation. Take a moment to learn about the artist or maker behind the products. When you know the story, your purchase becomes even more meaningful.
>>>For example: I hand-paint each ornament and create live wedding paintings to capture timeless moments. My work is personal, and each piece reflects my love for storytelling through art.
2. Is the Product Handcrafted or Curated?
Shopping small often means finding products made by hand or carefully curated by the business owner. Ask if the item is crafted with love or hand-selected for its uniqueness.
Pro tip: My hand-painted ornaments are not just decorations—they’re heirlooms designed to be cherished for years.
3. What Makes This Gift Unique?
Consider the story behind the product. Is it something you can’t find anywhere else? Small businesses excel at offering exclusive, bespoke pieces that you won’t find in big-box stores.
4. What’s the Quality Like?
Small businesses ARE NOT Amazon. Quality matters. When you shop small, you often get better craftsmanship and attention to detail. Ask what materials are used and how the product is made to ensure it’s built to last.
5. How Will the Packaging Reflect the Experience?
Small businesses often go above and beyond with thoughtful packaging that adds a special touch. Ask about the packaging to ensure the gift feels as beautiful on the outside as it is on the inside.
6. Is the Business Giving Back?
Many small businesses give back to their communities or support causes close to their hearts. Ask if a portion of sales goes to charity or if the business is involved in philanthropic efforts. As for me, that answer is 10% of all sales (art, live painting, and shop sales) is donated.
7. Can I Customize or Personalize the Gift?
Personalization makes a gift truly special. Ask if you can add a name, date, or custom message to make your purchase even more meaningful.
For example: all ribbons on our ornaments are custom, but if you want an EVEN MORE CUSTOM look – I got you. Grab a “Custom Monogram” at checkout.
8. What’s the Story Behind the Product?
Every small business product has a story. Ask about the inspiration, process, or meaning behind what you’re buying. Knowing the story adds depth and connection to your gift.
9. Can I Support the Business in Other Ways?
Supporting small businesses goes beyond purchases. Ask how you can help—whether it’s sharing their work on social media, writing a review, or subscribing to their email list.
10. Is There a Holiday Gift Guide?
Many small businesses create curated gift guides to make shopping easier. Ask if they have one to discover more unique, handcrafted options that fit your holiday list perfectly.
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. 🫶🏻
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– 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.