7 October 2011

Photography by Jonathan Hedrick
The past two years have gone by quickly.
Two years ago, Noble Rose Press started out as a simple idea for an Etsy shop. But it rapidly grew after a few emails, expressed interest, and business research… turning the idea into a larger project.
The idea began in May 2009 and turned into reality in October 2009 when a pallet of boxes containing paper doll books was delivered and moved into our home. Then it grew again in October 2010 when a load of new paper doll books, with the addition of coloring books, arrived at our door and moved in with us.
Those boxes have become a part of our lives, filled with tales of virtuous womanhood, illustrations of beautiful family life, and clothing from times past. (Boxes make for great end-tables in the living room, too!)
To celebrate the second anniversary of our publishing company, Noble Rose Press, we are having a sale…
Now through October 10th, you can save up to 40% off on our products, plus free shipping on US orders of $50+ when you use coupon code FREESHIP50. Click here to take a look!
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We are thankful to the Lord for the way He has provided opportunities and granted the strength to persevere in creating products that elevate virtue through history and art.
“But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession,
and
through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of Him everywhere.”
—II Corinthians 2:14

3 September 2011
Once upon a time there lived a little girl whose mum was an embroiderer. The little girl began to embroider, being taught by her Mum while sitting by her side watching every stitch and creation of detail.
When this little girl saw her mother’s box of embroidery floss, she was quite perplexed – how could someone find the color they needed when the colors were so terribly out of order? So she made up her mind to solve the problem.
She moved quickly, wanting to surprise her mum with a newly sorted embroidery box – in perfect color coordination.
As she finished, her mum entered the room to see what the little girl was working on. As the little girl looked up in delight, the mother’s response was one of great surprise!
As you might’ve guessed, years ago that little girl was me. A kind gesture, without all the facts, wasn’t exactly interpreted as kind. But the problem was easily solved. And, one by one, I put them back in order – by number – so that when it was time to work from a pattern, the colors would be easily discovered.
Yet now, after all these years of number-organized colors, we’ve switched them back to the way they seemed like they should’ve been all the while.
Organized by color.

3 July 2011
This is Will and Bethany Joy.
They were joined as husband and wife on June 25th. On that day was much joy, love, beauty, thanksgiving, and most importantly the love of Christ.
At their wedding they shared their first kiss. Their commitment to purity displayed the loveliness in keeping oneself pure until marriage for the one who the Lord has for you to marry.
The ceremony reflected the love of Christ, displayed the importance of serving one other, and was filled with the blessing of the parents as a new family was founded.
The sign welcoming the guests. There were three sections of chairs set up and in front of each section were quilts laid out on the ground for the children and a closer view.
Joy taking the arm of her father as they approach her groom.
Prayer for their new life together.
My dear father was a groomsman in the wedding (he is farthest left in the group of men at right.)
Their FIRST kiss.
Mr. & Mrs. William A. Smith, III. Happily wed.
Flower girls rejoicing with the bride and groom.
Although I was not an official photographer, Kristi was very kind to let me tag along and act as an unofficial second-shooter. It was delightful!
Only the beginning.
The stunningly beautiful bride, Mrs. Smith.
After the wedding the guests and wedding party boarded the “Dixie”, a paddle boat from the 1920’s, while the bride and groom’s portraits were taken. There was great cheering when the newlyweds appeared and boarded the boat.
The icing flowers were made by the bride, the cake was made by her mother, and the log-stand was decorated by my sister, Breezy.
The bride and groom’s first dance was choreographed to “Lucky.” (But, of course, everyone would agree that they are blessed.)
Instead of birdseed or bubbles, lavender was handed out to the guests to be tossed at Will & Bethany as they departed.
Mr. & Mrs. Wm A. Smith, III.
Balloons were released…
…and they “sailed” off on a speedboat.
We’re excited to see how the Lord will use this couple in the furtherance of His Kingdom!
(We love you, Will & Joy!)
[Find a few more pictures from the wedding here.]

27 June 2011
Saturday was a beautiful day… here’s a sneak peek of what happened:
Flower girls following the bride and groom… more photos to come!

25 April 2011
Wrap a little fabric and a strand of ribbon around a jar of homegrown flowers—and you’ll have an intentionally lovely table centerpiece or hospitality gift! (This array of spring beauties was made by one of my cousins for our grandparents at a family gathering.)
Simple touches like this add “a warmth of knowing that someone has taken thought and put some originality into preparing the place where food and conversation are going to be shared. It really does something which cannot be achieved otherwise.” (Hidden Art by Edith Schaeffer)
This is an easy and whimsical touch that adds “extra beauty” to any vase or jar!
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7 April 2011
It’s wonderful having an artist for a sister. She blesses our home with color and imagery that encourages, inspires and brings to life things of beauty that might otherwise have been overlooked.
Such as a pear, a letter, and a good book.
Artwork by my dear sister Breezy. You can visit her Etsy shop here.

18 February 2011
Some homes inspire me. Usually they’re the ones filled – and overflowing – with love, warmth, and joy. There is a special peacefulness that comes along with those characteristics.
We were able to spend an afternoon at the home of some dear friends. The Mrs. has blessed her home with a style that is warm, inviting, and eclectic. She has combined the cabin-feel that her husband desired with her vintage, rustic touch. And to top it all off, they built the home to have a large line-up of south-facing windows which let in the most beautiful natural lighting.
As I looked around the room and the set table before me, I couldn’t help but pick up my camera and capture just a few of the many frames and compositions that were racing through my mind.
It was a pleasure to capture the small, intentional details of a home filled with not only rich, organic foods, but also the joy that comes with knowing our Savior.
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8 January 2011
An old, painted crate from a rummage sale has made the perfect home for our handmade soap, making a cheerful display in our kitchen (especially with the little “sunshine” decoration).
Every batch of soap we’ve made in our home has been unique, but each and every bar of soap makes for a smooth, refreshing, and bubbly wash.
Crate: Inexpensive yard sale find
Soap: Homemade – plain & oatmeal
Decoration: Handmade and easy to make
(for a closer look, see them in a tree or basket)
P.S. You can find the recipe for this kind of soap on the Homestead Blessings: The Art of Soap Making DVD.
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27 November 2010
A tree in a room seems to bring attention to itself. Those who first have a glimpse usually turn their head to have a second look. Hm, how interesting . . . they think, but their thoughts quickly wander off.
But take a tree and give it a name, a purpose. Those who notice will take a gander to see what is so special about said tree. Why looky there! Notes on a tree – I wonder what they say . . . and on they think, and take a peak to see the other side of each note hanging on the branches.
What they find may stay in their minds and even bring a smile to their face. What could that be, listed on each piece of paper?
Why, notes of thankfulness, don’t you see?
Because the tree was called “The Thankful Tree” and on it hung reminders of grateful hearts, declaring their glad praise to the One who blessed them.
You can make your own with:
- Jar
- Sticks
- Scrapbook Paper
- Hole Punch
- Ribbons, for extra beauty
- Grateful Hearts
It’s that easy! Take joy in giving thanks in all things…
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