It’s Gracie Lee’s anniversary!

Today marks the one year anniversary of the release of The Accidental Salvation of Gracie Lee. To those of you who are still with me on this journey (and if you’re reading, I suppose you are), a humongous thank you all the way from the bottom of my heart.

No really.

THANK YOU.

On Gracie Lee’s anniversary, the book is selling well and may even be picking up steam. That’s a cool thing, especially for a first-time author one year later. And I have you to thank for it. Because when you tell a friend about it or write a review or post something on Facebook, the buzz builds little by little.

Of course, we must celebrate. Right?

Celebrate = cool GIVEAWAY! (Woodworx Workshop is sponsoring this giveaway, but all opinions are my own.)

But first, a few thoughts on the year.

One year later, I have lots to say about the experience. Continue Reading

This! Check out the whimsical, tiny clay version of our house. Our mini-me house.

I’m a big believer in supporting local artisans whether the artist is a painter, writer, potter, jeweler, cheese-maker, basket weaver, etc. Handmade artisans work hard, and they do it for the love of their craft. One of a kind, handmade items add a special something-something to a home. Cookie cutter decor? No way. Think outside the mall. It’s so much more fun.

Beth Macre of Beth S. Macre Studio (Springdale, Ar) made our clay ceramic mini-me home based on the picture below.

She completely exceeded my expectations, so much so that I felt compelled to blog about it. Look at the porch detail. In the picture below, our tiny clay house is sitting on the front porch rail. A porch on a porch:)

Beth makes all sorts of whimsical clay art and can custom make a version of your house, too. (Ours is featured on her blog, along with a peek of her other fanciful creations.) She’s a true, meticulous artist who even worked to get the paint colors just right.

I’m thinking this would be a great gift idea for a new homeowner. Also, what a perfect hostess gift for folks on home tour (Munger Place, Swiss Ave, Washington-Willow, etc.). In fact, I can probably think of a ton of reasons everyone needs a one-of-a-kind miniature house. Because the sun is shining. Because I didn’t eat ice cream last night when I really wanted it. Lots.Of.Reasons.

Beth’s clay homes are small. Tiny, really. As with most handmade items, sizes vary. Mine is smaller than the width of a clothespin.

tiny whimsical clay houses by Beth S. Macre Studios

Back of our house. Such detail!

Check out Beth’s HeartHomes Etsy shop for lots of cute, ready-to-buy little houses, clay bowls, and other items. Or go the custom route like I did. And, p.s., I just discovered she also makes clay trees which I may need around my house.

I’m not kidding when I say this little house makes me happy. Sometimes it’s the tiniest of things that put a smile on my face.

Fyi, this is not a sponsored post. I’m spreading the word because I love Beth’s work. And guess what? Through the end of June, Beth S. Macre Studio is offering a 15% discount off any purchase, including custom listings. Use the code BLOG15 at checkout to get your discount at HeartHomes, Beth’s Etsy shop.

I can’t wait to see your happy mini-me house. Yay!

Grace Grits and Gardening

Farm. Food. Garden. Life.

[tweetthis]Because everyone needs a miniature version of their home! @bmacre #ceramic #ArkansasArtisan #clay #SupportLocalArt[/tweetthis]

Musical Pairing:

Happy, Pharrell Williams