Me & D love art.

That’s why whenever gift giving arises = it’s always a good option for me to take with my guy.

So, a couple months ago, I bought a boat . . .

I first saw this wooden piece at one of my favorite Anthropologie locations in The Forum Carlsbad. It was completely out of my price range, but I was still drawn to it, as I adore adding little bits and pieces of nautical-themed items throughout our home. I stood my ground, however. I just could not afford to buy this boat at that price. Plus, I knew it was missing the pizazz factor I look for in most items, so I left it on the shelf. Well, until I found it ON SALE via Anthropologie’s website 😉 then it was a must buy!

My purchasing high didn’t last long, though.

As soon as I opened the UPS box, I quickly remembered how drab it really was – interesting, yes, but not something I could completely see in our place. So, I got the creative itch and reached out to a favorite local artist named Bryan Snyder of Snyder Art and Design. If you don’t know Mr. Snyder’s work, you need to familiarize yourself with it, as he is the creator of Doodle, and because you’re definitely missing out! Anyway, Bryan absolutely loved the idea of using his unique painting technique on the boat. [His brush actually never touches the canvas!] My only other request was for him to name the boat “Music” after one of D’s favorite songs, Southern Cross, by Crosby, Stills & Nash.

“No great artist ever sees things as they really are. If he did, he would cease to be an artist.“ – Oscar Wilde

Needless to say, I was over the moon with the final result AND it was a huge hit for D’s birthday – that’s what I call a WIN-WIN!