02/19/2026
A year ago my sweet friend Sara bought her first home, and I knew I wanted to make her something meaningful for it. She once sent me a random screenshot of a DIY dog-leash holder (screenshot in this post) and that was all the inspiration I needed. 🐾
Meet Finnigan (the sweetest golden retriever) and Bristol (the cuddliest brindle rescue). I hand-cut their silhouettes from pine, painted them in a modern style with acrylics, and built a reeded tongue-and-groove back panel with a walnut-stained frame—mitered corners and all, because every detail counts for me. Even the hooks are customized: brushed brass for Finnigan, matte black for Bristol.
Bristol’s fur marking secretly stole the show though… it looks like an upside-down wishbone—or maybe even Florida if you tilt your head. 😂
I’m completely obsessed with how this turned out and can’t wait to hang it on her wall. 🤍🐾🖼️
02/18/2026
One of my favorite things about living in Atlantic Beach (besides the ocean 🌊) is the treasure hidden in plain sight: discarded wood, old fence panels, scraps from renovations... Beauty hides in unexpected places. 💙🩵💚
When I was invited to create a piece for V for Victory, Mom and I did what we do best: we went scavenging!
Driving down Ocean Avenue, Mom suddenly said, “Stop! I see some wood!” And there it was: a pile of old tongue-and-groove heart pine paneling, rich with history and that unmistakable old-wood scent, discarded from one of AB’s old historic beach cottages.
That reclaimed wood became this octopus who was hand-cut with a jigsaw, sanded smooth, and painted using acrylics. The heart pine was sealed with an oil-based primer to prevent tannin bleed-through, layered with white chalk paint, then distressed to reveal the grain, knots, and imperfections that tell its story. A clear matte topcoat finished it off.
Living at the beach and my love for sea life inspired this design, but the soul of this artwork comes from the journey, the materials, and the belief that even discarded things can be transformed into something meaningful.
On Sunday night at the silent auction, the piece sold for $175, with every dollar supporting V for Victory and the incredible families they serve.
Art with a story. Wood with a past. Purpose in every layer.
Thank you to everyone who bid, supported, and believes in giving old things a new life. 🐙
02/18/2026