I have many wonderful memories of watching my dad paint seascapes and landscapes of our beloved New England. I learned many painting techniques and would sit for hours watching and absorbing. I, however, took a different route - I enjoy painting florals on most everything and I love drinking from pretty glasses and mugs, so I combined the two to create the pretty glassware and mugs here on my site
. And a hand painted vase filled with a bouquet of flowers makes the perfect hostess gift. For many years, I was the owner/artist of a successful gift basket retail and Internet store located in Kensington and Farmington Connecticut. What set my company apart from other gift basket companies, was that I incorporated my hand painted glassware and gifts into the baskets theme -hand painted wine glasses with wine and chocolates...hand painted personalized coffee mugs in a basket overflowing with coffees and teas. Every item in my store was painted exclusively by me, which didn't leave time for much else! In between running the retail store and working in my studio to create the items sold, I was also able to paint some beautiful floral wall borders and murals in homes and businesses around the area. After a successful 12 year run, my retail store transitioned into The Gifted Lady, LLC - featuring the same unique hand painted gifts! Only this time, I work strictly out of my studio; listening to music and painting. All artwork is painted by me and signed "Nelle" - Ellen spelled backwards (and the nickname my husband gave me years ago!) Feel free to browse my Etsy store and remember I update regularly with new items, so be sure to bookmark my site and check back often! Ellen "Nelle"