Introducing Art By O'Neill

I had the pleasure of meeting Jessica O'Neill a few times over the last year at various events but I never truly had the opportunity to chat with her one on one.  I was thrilled to learn she would be creating a capsule collection for Waiting on Martha as the new artist in residence and they would be hosting an event so close to home.  I sharpied the date in my calendar and counted down the days until it appeared.

Introducing Steve McKenzie ...

I had the amazing pleasure of meeting Steve and his lovely wife Jill a few years ago at an industry event.  I don't recall which event it was, I just remember thinking how kind they both were and how much they seemed to adore working together.

Jill and Steve McKenzie own Steve McKenzies in West Midtown Atlanta. If you visit the store you will feel an incredible old world collected feel about it with the perfect blend of the lines they carry mixed in with Steve’s art and textiles. You can pick up amazing blue and white porcelain, fabulous fabrics and wallpapers from fellow industry artists, incredible china, design books and amazing gifts, and of course, all of Steve’s creations.  While you are there make sure you meet their adorable rescue pup Duke.

Over the past few years I would run into them at markets and events but we never had a true chance to sit and chat, it was simply one mingle event after another. I always left feeling the same way, such kind and talented people and a duo I needed to know more about.

Fast forward to this February at The Southern C Summit where I found myself seated next to Steve at dinner. I had the absolute honor to chat with Steve for more than an hour where we conversed about our businesses, our lives and the journey along the way. I was immediately smitten with his southern charm and his incredible passion for art. I knew I wanted to know more about Steve “the artist” and “the McKenzies” as shop owners and business partners and how it all fit together.

I interviewed Steve for my series with The Southern C which you can read here.  You will fall in love with him, the shop and his incredible talent. 

Happy Wednesday!

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for a $200 gift card to Waiting on Martha online boutique!

The Needlepoint Queen

Needlepoint has been around since the 15th century and has developed so much over the past 400 plus years.  From a learned "accomplishment" to a treasured gift for another the art has not lost its charm but in fact has only grown more popular.  With the help of Tory Burch, Jonathan Adler and antique auctions you can add some adorable pillows to your decor.  From Smathers & Branson you can purchase belts and key fobs and from Stubbs & Wooten you can snag amazing needlepoint loafers and darling bags.  Needlepoint has never been more popular!

Introducing ... Britt Ford

After writing the feature on Well + Wonder a lot of artists reached out to me to introduce themselves. Since I don't know a lot about art but am very drawn to artists I asked them all to share more about their work and themselves.  I was very excited to meet so many darling artists which I will be featuring over the next few months.

One of the first to reach out to me was the darling and super talented Britt Ford.  I truly loved Britt's email as she introduced herself and shared some of her work.  I think part of me always wanted to be an artist, letting the paint and the canvas take me wherever I wanted to go. In art class I always was excited to try out oils and watercolor.  I was never very good but I am thrilled to meet and share some of the best in their field.