little breadcrumbs

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I was asked this week if there where items in my studio that had special meaning to me. I never really thought about it. It didn't take long to realize I was surrounded by meaningful pieces. An illustrated desk calendar by my daughter, inspirational books, oil paint and brushes to remind me to find some time to paint again, photos of grandparents here and there that remind me who helped mold the gal sitting behind this keyboard, and so many more comforts in nooks and crannies. I guess I subconsiously kept these little breadcrumbs, so that I would never lose site of how I got here. Do I still have my first "Learn how to Draw" book on these shelves? You better believe it! (That's a blog post in itself.) Wishing you all a weekend filled with special somethings.

studiocollage

Whatever it Takes

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whateverittakes Nine days away from the Philadelphia Marathon. Nine stinking days.

I got a call from my doctor telling me I can't run due to a recent MRI, and that I can cause much more injury bearing down on an additional 26.2 miles. First thing that comes to mind is my Dad always telling me that my grandfather instilled in him to do "whatever it takes".  Yes, my first impression was, "I'm still doing it. My foot is not hurting that bad, and I'm sure it can weather the storm. Let's do whatever it takes."

Then I got to thinking. What if "whatever it takes" is finding the patience to hang tight and rest my weary bones. Patience, a challenge that may impede most of our daily routines.

Ask any runner. Running the 26.2 miles is much easier than to have it be taken away nine days before the big day. Running is an addiction, and to remove it is like removing your morning coffee.

Tonight, I will rest my weary head knowing that my grandfather is looking down on me that I made the right choice. I'll put away my disappointment about not being able to participate in the marathon, and reach for every ounce of thankfulness in regards to the journey it took to get here. I'll be back to do whatever it takes in my next race.

PS...For those that aren't sure how this is relative to Silverbox and my design and photography, rest-assured running is where I find my inspiration and ideas for my business. I was once taught to keep your blog and business posts on topic, as that's why people follow you. Such a silly little rule. Running is so much a part of me, and I wouldn't be who I am today without it. Thanks for letting me bend your ear.

Thanks for reading my blog every single day Dad.

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our new home

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What a new start to 2013! After eight years, Silverbox is embarking upon a new chapter in life and moving it’s studio next week. Very bittersweet. While we're leaving behind a charming building full of lovely neighbors, along with the best breakfast and lunch you’d ever dreamed of from the Lederach Tea Room, we're packing up and headed to a quaint studio attached to a farmhouse, circa 1860, in Collegeville, Pa. The farmhouse is something my husband and I always envisioned and our dream became a reality two weeks ago. Just so happens there’s the cutest sun room tucked into the side that has Silverbox written all over it. Funny how things happen, huh?  We can't wait to share this new adventure with you.

So what will change you ask? Absolutely nothing. Same good service. Same products with new adventures on the horizon. They'll be beautiful places to photograph, and possibly some design inspiration turning a little old-world. I can't promise anything, but do know an artist is inspired by surroundings. While my grandmother always taught me to dress for success, if you show up and I'm still in my pjs, consider this an early apology.

Wishing you a dreamy day and night in hopes that all of your wishes come true too!

 

one merry experience

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Just design holiday cards? Huh? Oh, it's so much more than that. This past year we've introduced the Silverbox Experience.

What is this you ask? We photograph your family and then have a little get-together to design custom art just for you! Whether it's holiday cards, framed portraits, canvases, etc we can accommodate and have a bunch of fun along the way!

Here's an sample of one fantastic Experience. A holiday card enlarged into a five foot canvas print! Of course it's altered to match the playroom. We're all about custom, remember?