http://www.nelleykelley.com/rss.aspx?t=p&c=75&p=05These are my "little women" - not to be confused with my hometown heroine, Louisa May Alcott's, Little Women. Although I must admit that I was inspired to do a series of little mixed media women when I was walking by Miss Alcott's very own Orchard House. http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1166&y=2012&c=75http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1166&y=2012&c=75Fri, 23 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT" ... Love in your heart wasn't put there to stay -Love isn't love, 'til it's given away - " Oscar HammersteinThis is one of my favorite quotes that really does ring true and in that spirit, I wanted to come up with two sweet gifts that are easy to make and give away to those you love this Valentine's Day.http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1147&y=2012&c=75http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1147&y=2012&c=75Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMTHappy New Year to everyone. Still no snow in the Northeast but we do have plenty of gloominess to remind us that we are indeed in the dark days of winter. I find that it is hard to find inspiration in the weeks that follow the sparkle and delight of the Christmas/holiday season. In a way, you have to actively search out things to bring you out of your creative slump and get yourself moving in the right direction.http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1148&y=2012&c=75http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1148&y=2012&c=75Fri, 13 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT... 'tis the season for trying your hand at some homemade gifts and embellishments. Each year I try to create all of my own gift tags, holiday cards and homemade gifts. There is a satisfying feeling knowing that you can craft many of the things that you see in the stores especially paper items like cards, tags and wrapping paper.http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1139&y=2011&c=75http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1139&y=2011&c=75Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMTI was inspired by an ornament that I spied in a BHG magazine posting a while back and thought I would put my own creative spin on an ornament or two. I used some balsam wood hearts and stars and decoupaged them with pieces of vintage sheet music. http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1138&y=2011&c=75http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1138&y=2011&c=75Tue, 22 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMTI am happy to share with you a peek at a new little item I am working on for the upcoming holiday season. http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1126&y=2011&c=75http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1126&y=2011&c=75Fri, 04 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMTDon't you just love a good find? I was rummaging through a bin over at the Cambridge Antique Market last week and came upon this vintage galvanized tin water jug. For some reason it just called to me. Maybe the under $25 price tag was doing all the calling. I thought it might make the perfect prop for my front porch but it needed a little makeover first.http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1118&y=2011&c=75http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1118&y=2011&c=75Mon, 24 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMTBlack and White photography can elevate the lowliest of objects to "artwork" status. If you are in the market for some original artwork for your home - why not grab your camera and take a hike? Did you know that you can set your digital camera to "black and white" before you point and shoot. By starting in a black and white mode, your camera will do all the work for you in terms of settings and light.http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1120&y=2011&c=75http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1120&y=2011&c=75Mon, 17 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMTTerrariums are glass or transparent enclosures where plants or nature's beauty reside. They run the gamut from a simple topiary under glass to an entire miniature world existing in an elaborate container. The trend over the last few years has been a return to an appreciation for hand-crafted goods and repurposing items for home decor.http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1119&y=2011&c=75http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1119&y=2011&c=75Fri, 07 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMTI wanted to share with you our summer project now that I have downloaded about 3 months worth of photos from my digital camera. We knew we needed a portico for our "flat-faced" house after the never ending winter of last year. The relentless snow and ice made entering our home a mission impossible particularly on our front porch.http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1121&y=2011&c=75http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1121&y=2011&c=75Fri, 30 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMTIt has been quite some time since my last post. I blame it all on the summer. Once upon a time, summer seemed endless but now it is action packed and frightfully quick. Most of our summer was spent doing renovations on the house - now that seemed endless! I'm pulling those photos together and will showcase those before and after pics next week.http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1113&y=2011&c=75http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1113&y=2011&c=75Wed, 21 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMTBirds - I love them and I don't love them. I love to hear their song and watch them frolic in our fountain in the garden. The bird feeder is always full thanks to my husband. I think the cardinals actually talk to him and tell him when the food needs to be replenished. As a show of thanks, they hang around the garden and build their nests and treat us to a colorful show of reds, yellows, blues and greens.http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1112&y=2011&c=75http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1112&y=2011&c=75Tue, 26 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMTJust back from a wonderful vacation in London and Paris. We had the good fortune of some pretty spectacular weather. Who knew you could get a tan in London or in my case - a sun burn? I thought I would share some of my favorite pictures of our trip - who knows - it just might inspire you to visit.http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1111&y=2011&c=75http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1111&y=2011&c=75Mon, 18 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMTCSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. Summer is moving into full swing as the school year winds down and our local farms are getting ready to harvest the first of their crops.  If you were lucky enough to buy a "share" in your local CSA then you are only a few weeks away from your first delivery of freshly picked produce.http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1103&y=2011&c=75http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1103&y=2011&c=75Thu, 09 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMTThere is quite a bit of excitement in Concord, Massachusetts today.  After a two year effort by The Drinking Gourd Project of Concord, The Caeser Robbins house is on the move and heading to it's new location.  The house formerly on Bedford Street is the home built and inhabited by the descendants of a former slave and Revolutionary War veteran, Caeser Robbins.http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1102&y=2011&c=75http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1102&y=2011&c=75Sat, 21 May 2011 00:00:00 GMTWe are back from our "Moms Day Out" at the Brimfield Antiques Market.  A great time was had by all but - man - are my feet killing me from all that walking!  It was a glorious day weather wise and that would probably account for the numerous people flooding into Brimfield on Thursday.  There is always too much to see and take in - you can't get around to everything and you vow each season to begin in a different locale.http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1101&y=2011&c=75http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1101&y=2011&c=75Fri, 13 May 2011 00:00:00 GMTIf it's May then it must be time for the Brimfield Antique Show!  For some people April showers bring May flowers but for me, the warm days of May tell me that it is time to dust off my shopping cart and head out to Brimfield in search of some treasure!http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1098&y=2011&c=75http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1098&y=2011&c=75Thu, 28 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMTSolar prints, sunlight art, sun prints, cyanotypes are all ways to describe the process of capturing shadows on light sensitive paper.  Its like taking a photograph but without a camera and the image captured is a shadow of the object that you placed on the paper.  This is a fabulous way to create some spectacular artwork for your home and it is relatively easy to do.http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1095&y=2011&c=75http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1095&y=2011&c=75Fri, 08 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMTSpring finally arrived this week but somehow forgot to pack it's warmth and sunshine for the trip. One can't despair because there are signs of Spring all around - we just have to look carefully and don't forget to bundle up because "Baby, it's cold outside"!http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1091&y=2011&c=75http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1091&y=2011&c=75Fri, 25 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMTI guess I can't have a company with the name of Nelley Kelley and not have a little posting on St. Patrick's Day - can I?  So here is a fail-proof recipe for Irish Soda Bread to help you celebrate the day.http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1090&y=2011&c=75http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1090&y=2011&c=75Thu, 17 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMTI have had a good deal of sitting around time and thought that I would share with you what I'm currently  reading to keep my spirits high and my creative juices flowing.http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1088&y=2011&c=75http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1088&y=2011&c=75Sat, 12 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMTGive it a try especially if you find yourself with a plethora of Meyer Lemons like I did.  It is simple to make and requires few ingredients and is totally worth it.http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1085&y=2011&c=75http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1085&y=2011&c=75Tue, 01 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMTMid-Winter break begins today,  pretty much as soon as the kids get off the bus at 3:00pm.  It has me thinking about some of my favorite places that we have travelled over these years - some during February break, others in April and many during the summertime.  I gathered a few of my favorite pictures and some of my artwork that was inspired by our travels to share with you.http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1077&y=2011&c=75http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1077&y=2011&c=75Fri, 18 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMTValentine's Day is right around the corner and if you are looking for a sweet gift to make for your "food-loving-valentine" than this is a delight to make.  It is oh-so-pretty in it's presentation and it is also the kind of gift that keeps on giving.http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1074&y=2011&c=75http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1074&y=2011&c=75Fri, 11 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMTYes, this is me or at least how I feel during this very cold, very long and very snowy winter.  Each week a new blizzard bullies us and keeps our kids home from school.  The sky mocks us with glorious sunshine and glistening snow piles but once it lures us out of our home - the ice and freezing cold reach deep into our pockets and steal whatever warmth we have hidden.http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1073&y=2011&c=75http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1073&y=2011&c=75Wed, 02 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMTThe creative process is an interesting thing.  You start out making one thing and the next thing you know you are off in a million different directions.  I have been thinking about doing a series using letters or the alphabet as my inspiration. First, I needed to come up with my alphabet and see how the letters felt to me.http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1069&y=2011&c=75http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1069&y=2011&c=75Fri, 21 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMTHappy New Year!  I most often celebrate the New Year by reorganizing our house and my studio.  It's the feeling of starting fresh with a sense of purpose that I'm seeking when I'm hauling out the tree and begging my husband to move just one more piece of furniture for me.  After the excess of the holidays, it is rather nice to have things more spare and pared down.http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1066&y=2011&c=75http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1066&y=2011&c=75Fri, 07 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMTWishing you all a Merry Christmas.  Thank you to all who have taken the time to read my blog and support my artistic endeavors.  Your uplifting comments and enthusiasm for what I'm creating is so meaningful to me.  I am so appreciative.  I'll leave you with a few of my favorite images of the...http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1064&y=2010&c=75http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1064&y=2010&c=75Fri, 24 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMTA gift from the kitchen is always welcome at this time of year.  What could be better than a beautifully packaged container of homemade granola?  This granola is better than anything you can buy from the grocery store, it is relatively easy to make and it is absolutely delicious spooned over yogurt or...http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1063&y=2010&c=75http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1063&y=2010&c=75Fri, 17 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMTNelley Kelley Studio was featured at a Holiday Market home show last week - hosted by Valerie Thayer.  It was a wonderful event and got me thinking about just how special "handcrafted" gifts are.  Most often when you buy handcrafted - you are buying locally although there are some fantastic catalogs and online markets that offer up some truly inspirational pieces.http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1060&y=2010&c=75http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1060&y=2010&c=75Mon, 06 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMTWe were in NYC last weekend to celebrate our son's 14th birthday.  He brought along two of his best friends for the adventure.  For 14 year olds a visit to NYC is excitement enough but we were able to squeeze in a little surprise during our whirlwind adventure.http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1059&y=2010&c=75http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1059&y=2010&c=75Mon, 29 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMTWith the holidays rapidly approaching, the pressure is on to find meaningful and creative gifts.  A gift from the kitchen is always appreciated and more so when you take the time to package your "kitchen creation" with flair. This Thanksgiving each of my guests will go home with my Cranberry-Orange Chutney in beautiful canning jars by The Concord Shop.http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1051&y=2010&c=75http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1051&y=2010&c=75Tue, 16 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMTWe are so excited to have been included and in honor of Daily Candy's 10th birthday - Nelley Kelley is offering the same Cardinal Bookplates to the first 10 people who post a comment in this blog's comments box.  Happy Birthday Daily Candy - here's to another amazing 10!http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1049&y=2010&c=75http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1049&y=2010&c=75Wed, 03 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMTWelcome to a "bird's eye view" of the metamorphosis of a small room in my house.  We all seem to have a room in our home that is in need of a makeover.  The room I chose needed a new identity. http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1048&y=2010&c=75http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1048&y=2010&c=75Thu, 28 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMTSave $5.00 on an order of $30.00 or more at PhotoWeights.com. Enter coupon code 'NelleyKelley' during checkout. (Excludes wholesale orders.)http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1046&y=2010&c=75http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1046&y=2010&c=75Wed, 27 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMTI thought I could send us off to the weekend with a fun project that could be created with gift-giving in mind.  Silhouette art or "shadow art" seems to be making a comeback of late and I thought the paperweight might just be the perfect place to show off these little treasures.  Here at the Nelley Kelley Studio, I use french crystal paperweights for much of my art work.http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1045&y=2010&c=75http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1045&y=2010&c=75Mon, 25 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMTI set out on a hike today - in search of inspiration, motivation and connection.  It was such a beautiful Autumn day in New England with blue skies, crisp air and falling leaves.  Camera in hand,  I decided to take note of all the beauty surrounding me on an ordinary day.http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1044&y=2010&c=75http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1044&y=2010&c=75Tue, 19 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT From Daily Grommet an online marketplace where you can discover and buy inventive, new products and learn their true stories. Artist Ellen McHale has elevated the lowly night light to pure art form with her handcrafted glass tile fixtures. Her Nelley Kelley night lights are great for the bathroom, bedroom, living room, hallway – anywhere you need a little extra light.http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1035&y=2010&c=75http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1035&y=2010&c=75Tue, 12 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMTI finally get to share my exciting news with you.  Daily Grommet is going to feature my company,  Nelley Kelley, on Tuesday October 12th beginning around noon ET.  Who is Daily Grommet you ask?http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1034&y=2010&c=75http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1034&y=2010&c=75Sun, 10 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMTI was, as they say, "having myself a good think" these last few days of summer.  Thinking about a new school year, a new Fall that leads into Winter, a new opportunity to grow my business and the importance of our family and friends in our life.  Of all the seasons, Fall seems to be the most reflective month for me.http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1033&y=2010&c=75http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1033&y=2010&c=75Fri, 01 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMTWe had a great trip to the Brimfield antique market last week.  The weather was so beautiful - just perfect for a day of bargain hunting and hanging out with your friends.  We had some good finds and saw some hilarious items that we did not buy but did provide us with endless discussions over lunch.http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1023&y=2010&c=75http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1023&y=2010&c=75Fri, 17 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMTThe Brimfield antique and flea market is back this week until the 12th of September. Read my inspired to create blog post another brimfield excursion.http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1019&y=2010&c=75http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1019&y=2010&c=75Tue, 07 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMTStay Connected! Join Nelley Kelley on Facebook. http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1020&y=2010&c=75http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=1020&y=2010&c=75Sat, 02 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMTNelley Kelley began offering its “little luxuries” via a website that was launched in late August 2009. The site gives everyone a chance to view the wide range of different products that are all based on Ellen’s unique paste paper collage artwork. As Ellen continues to create new pieces of art, they will become available on vintage tins, glass night-lights, children’s tees and onesies and as signed prints.http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=356&y=2009&c=75http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=356&y=2009&c=75Sat, 01 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT Nelley Kelley has begun offering a custom product that is based on a persons own photograph. Utilizing the picture of a baby or someone special, Ellen transfers an image of the photograph to a vintage tin. It s mounted on a piece of wood and can hang proudly in a home offering a very special view of a loved one.http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=355&y=2009&c=75http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=355&y=2009&c=75Mon, 01 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT Nelley Kelley began offering her products via home shows in the Concord area. Over one hundred people attended this show just before Thanksgiving, including people looking for special gifts, as well as interior designers looking for artwork that can adorn their clients homes.http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=357&y=2008&c=75http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=357&y=2008&c=75Tue, 11 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT Nelley Kelley, a new company started by Ellen Kelley McHale, has started selling a variety of different products, all based on Ellen’s original paste-paper collage artwork. The products include her unique artwork on vintage tins, night lights, or onesies and tees. Nelley Kelley’s focus is to provide these “little luxuries” that are ideal as gifts that make a special statement when presented to loved ones.http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=353&y=2008&c=75http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=353&y=2008&c=75Sat, 01 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT Nelley Kelley has expanded its line of products to include prints of Ellen’s original artwork. These beautiful prints are printed with archival fine ink on heavy weight watercolor paper.http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=354&y=2008&c=75http://www.nelleykelley.com//news.aspx?q=354&y=2008&c=75Tue, 01 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT