I have friends from different parts of my life, and I truly cherish the relationship I have with each and every one of them.  They are all so different, but the one thing my friends seem to have in common is that they are all so talented. I thought I would take a few minutes today to tell you about a few people, and highlight their amazing small businesses.  Anyone who knows me knows that I am the Queen of the Amazon, since I do the majority of my shopping through Amazon Prime, but I also love supporting small businesses.  Businesses that mean something to me. People that mean something to me.

THOUGHTS ON A WALL

My friend Amber has a small business that is so much fun.  She makes beautiful wooden artwork to be hung on walls, displayed at holidays, etc.  She recently went to a craft fair during the holiday season, and was widely successful.  I am so proud of her.  I have a favorite saying, which is actually part of a Tim McGraw song.  It is Always Stay Humble and Kind. Taylor and I sing the song together, and I have taught her the meaning behind it.  I really think they are good words to live by and really wanted it as a prominent piece in our house in some way.  I gave Amber the saying and asked to see what she could come up with, and she made me a gorgeous sign that is hanging up in my dining room.  Not only is the quote special to me, but the sign itself is beautiful, sturdy, and well made. Amber also posted a video on her Facebook page with a tutorial of a way to hang her signs without putting holes in your walls.  I was skeptical at first, but since I trust her immensely, I went for it, and I am happy to say that our sign is still hanging.  You will have to check it out on her Facebook page!  In addition to signs with sayings, at Thoughts on a Wall, you can find a variety of other items.  Some of my favorites include a height chart (which would be an awesome new baby / first birthday gift), Merry Mail (for displaying holiday cards), flour sack towels, and toilet paper with sayings on them. I kid you not about the toilet paper.  She is so creative, and the toilet paper gag gifts are hilarious.  You can check out her page here and see for yourself.  I can not wait to order my next item from her!

CRAFTY DUCK

Mary has always been so supportive of me and is so creative.  She has finally started to put some of that creative energy into making cute pillows and hair accessories.  Anyone who knows Taylor knows that she has a slight pony obsession.  Mary sent Taylor the cutest little pillow for her room.  It goes perfectly with all of her decor, and as Taylor says “It’s the most cozy pillow ever and the perfect size for ponies?” She sleeps with it every single night.  Mary also makes pillows with various sports themes, which I am sure will be a big hit for Super Bowl season.  If it’s not hockey, I don’t understand it, but I am sure she will be able to make pillows for all of your various team needs! Contact her on Facebook at Crafty Duck and have her make something for you!

THE YELLOW DOG SHOP

One of my childhood friends, Lauren, started this etsy shop, and I am so impressed with what she’s done.  She is passionate about dogs and is spreading awareness, as well as outfitting dogs with really cute collars!  Her shop is inspired by the Yellow Dog Project (which I personally knew nothing about before Lauren began talking about it).  This is what Lauren has to say about her business: Welcome to The Yellow Dog Shop, inspired by The Yellow Dog Project. If you are not familiar with TYDP, it is a concept that was started in 2012 to use the color yellow to indicate that a dog needs extra space (if they are shy around dogs, people, sick, in training, etc.) Since the project was started I have been actively promoting it locally, but I would like to reach communities all over the country as well. There are a number of other places you can purchase items to promote/support the project, but I noticed there was no where to buy the very basics … like a yellow ribbon! So please enjoy and spread the word. If you would like more information about TYDP, please visit their website: http://www.TheYellowDogProject.com

So many times, people just assume it is okay to pet our dog and just go for it.  While Ranger is okay with this, many other dogs are not and people need to understand and be accepting of that.  I have been teaching this to the kids and they know that they are not allowed to touch someone else’s dog unless they ask both us and the dog’s owner.  Having something identifying, like a yellow collar or ribbon, is an amazing way to share the notion that the dog needs some space.  I really hope this catches on and people spread awareness of this. Lauren has beautiful collars for all dogs; not just dogs who need extra space.  They are durable and beautiful! Check out her shop to get something special for your pup!

5 LITTLE MONKEYS

Rhonda’s page makes me so happy. I love flipping through and seeing what new things she has come up with.  She makes a lot of fun shirts for her own children’s special events (holidays, first days of school, etc.) and has even made some for my kids.  Last year, Taylor was celebrating her 100th day at school and wanted a special shirt to wear for it, and Rhonda pulled through and came up with something so cute, that both Taylor and I loved! She makes the most incredible glitter mugs, ornaments, onesies, etc.  You name it, she can figure it out!  She does everything with love, and it is evident in her work.  Check out her page 5 Little Monkeys on Facebook to see what she is all about. I really love that everything she does is so customizable so it can be one of a kind.  So often, Taylor and her friends are caught wearing the same shirt (not a big deal when you are five years old) but with Rhonda’s unique creations, that doesn’t happen!

CAT CHASE DOG STUDIO

Cat Chase Dog Studio is run by my friend Lindsey.  She makes gorgeous works of art from mostly colored pencils and pens; I’ve even seen seriously impressive things she’s done with sidewalk chalk. I can not adequately express how talented she is and how beautifully intricate her work is.  I have trouble making stick figures with faces when the kids ask me to draw something, but Lindsey makes vibrant paintings and drawings…and she makes it look effortless.  Everything she creates is simply gorgeous.  The Christmas card she and her husband (and furry babies) sent us is the only one we still have on display because it is so beautiful. Her work conditions may be hampered by a curious cat or two, but that doesn’t stop her.  If you would like to see more of her work, you can check her out on Instagram @catchasedogstudio.  She can also be reached via email at catchasedogstudio@gmail.com. I am surely going to have Lindsey make a picture of our boy, Ranger at some point.  How gorgeous would his little face look on canvas?