Personal Artwork – Pencil Sketches

My mother-in-law gifted my hub and I a pencil sketch of our children for Christmas.  She had a local artist (Iven Robinson – find him on Facebook here) draw it from one of my favorite photographs, and then had it matted and framed.  It was such a wonderful surprise, and I’ve been cherishing it since Christmas Day.

He drew them so well it almost looks like a black and white photograph.

I think giving home decor as gifts, especially art, can be a little tricky as it is so personal.  Going with a personalized black and white sketch is a fairly safe bet.  What mother or grandmother, no matter their personal decor style, wouldn’t love to receive a pencil drawing of their sweet little babies?  This pencil sketch could work in any decor style – from traditional to modern.  I’d love to have silhouettes done and maybe even a sketch of the house.

This is currently my favorite vignette in our house.  Thanks to Emily’s heads up on the (not so) vintage trophy cups , I added a few silver cups to my small collection.

Would you give a pencil sketch as a gift?  Do you ever give home decor as gifts?  It can be a little tricky unless you know the person really well.

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  • I love a personal gift for my home if the buyer really knows me, I love gifts that tell a story and mean something to me. You're right you can never go wrong if you give me a photo or drawing of my kids! I would also love to have a watercolor painting of the exterior of my house. Your vignette looks beautiful!!!

  • funny i got one done for my Dad of 1 of our dogs who had past away – and then i got one done of me and my brother and gave it to him for his house for my Niece to see us at her age (i think it may of been charcol used tho) – stinks the guy i used is no longer in business he was THE best!!!!

    ps pass it along – giveaway going on at my blog :o)

  • It does look as though its a b/w photograph! I love how you have a frame inside a frame. Love the moss balls, too! I saw some of those at Hobby Lobs!

  • That is a wonderful, thoughtful gift from your Mother-in-Law. I'm sure you will treasure it always. Was it truly a surprise? And did you cry when you opened the package?

  • The drawing of your children is incredible! What a talented artist your mother in law found! I think anyone would be especially thrilled to recieve such a beautiful, heartfelt gift. YOu are quite lucky and your children are beautiful. If I had not read that it was a pencil sketch I would have thought it was a b/w photograph, without a doubt!

  • I love personal artwork like that…what a keepsake that will be for you :). Speaking of silhouettes, the best guy out there is Tim Arnold (http://silhouette-man.com). He makes regular visits to the Lex area or can do them off photos. I have had all 3 of my kiddos done when they were 1 year old…such sweet reminders!

  • What a thoughtful mother-in-law you have! However, remember it's she gave ME a gift not she gave I a gift.

  • Hey Carmel, this is Iven. I just wanted to stop by and say thanks for the shout out! Really glad your happy with it and nice blog!

  • Really love this vignette. Makes me want a cherry dresser and trophy cups with moss balls.The lamps look great with the corks. I might have to copy it all.And the sketches are amazing.

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