Art Galleries

More photos at http://www.elegantlyhaunted.com/galleries/

Sustainable Solutions

XL Black and White Trees

My problem solved through creativity and imagination

By Brandy Boswell, Artist & Owner of Elegantly Haunted

www.ElegantlyHaunted.com   - Hand painted Glassware for ALL Occasions!!!

Today there are many ways your make your home, gift giving, and entertaining greener. One of the best methods is through purchasing products that are repurposed. However, it can be difficult to find repurposed items that are artful, tasteful, and usable, all in one. If the piece doesn’t have value or give pleasure, your effort is wasted!

I found myself facing this dilemma when I was looking for a sensible and sustainable way to “WOW” my guests at my annual Halloween party. There were several points I wanted to address with my parties;

1. I wanted to limit the amount of waste my party produced,

2. I wanted to give my guests something they would value and appreciate,

3. I wanted something to match my theme and decor, &

4. I wanted to create!!!

My solution? Hand painted glassware!

Over the course of about a month, I visited my local community stores and purchased the best quality wine glasses possible. Next, I hand painted each glass with a one of a kind design using the best quality glass paint I could find. As my guests arrived at my party, I handed them their own unique piece of art. My guests where more than WOW’d, they were FLOORED!

My guests used their wine glasses all evening and then took them home as a truly memorable and pleasurable gift. This was the perfect solution for me!! I reduced my level of waste, and clean up all in one. Above all, my guests received a gift filled with value, beauty, and personal attention!

From this spark of imagination, I now have a thriving business. I create hand painted glassware for anyone looking for a unique gift and/or a sustainable option when entertaining! As it turns out my original design is my best seller. It is a simple black and white tree, proving less is more!

This custom glass was created for Steve Buckley, author of Blackbear the Pirate.

My hand painted glassware makes AMAZING gifts for all occasions! I hand paint party & wedding favors, wine glasses, beer steins, candle holders and so much more! The possibilities seem endless.

Buying repurposed hand painted glassware not only supports a sustainable lifestyle, it also supports an American business, and artist creating American made products. No need to buy cheap print press ‘Made in China’ glasses disguised as hand painted.  Truly a sensible solution!!!!

Artful, Personal & Durable! Just the way my clients and I like it!

hand painted party favors are a MUST for your next event and gathering

Article featured on http://craftmarketer.com/sustainable-solutions/

Buy LOCAL... Buy it here! Keep it HERE!

Last night was an amazing evening spent in and for the community.

Elegantly Haunted is a proud member of the Buy Local Coalition here in York, PA. Buy Local is movement we all should be participating in. Now! I am not one to tell anyone how to live and spend their own money, but this is something worth expressing. I speak frankly so please understand that I don’t mean to be harsh, but instead I intend to be honest!

Buying your products and service locally keeps your own local economy healthy and thriving! Want more money for your schools? ... support local business. Want better parks and recreation? ... support local business.

On top of your taxes and own personal contributions to the community, local businesses are the top supporters of local programs. A strong local economy thrives and gives way to strong schools, and a solid social structure.

The facts are clear. I am an Artist, numbers, financial reports, talk of the economy, etc. all make me zone out to another world. I doodled my way through economics class. But I get this!

Buying local saves our community from the turmoil of economic downfalls and recessions. When we choose to invest in our communities through local business, we ensure a strong fabric that will hold up against what happens elsewhere. What goes up will come down, but with a tightly stretched trampoline beneath us we will bounce back faster and higher than before!

Or you can think of it way, a strong local economy is a protective bubble that helps shield us from bad decisions made by larger and more reckless corporations. Small business is the backbone of our nation, without small businesses we would be at the mercy of a few select organizations. Have you read or seen the Lorax... then you will understand what I mean. Adding variety and choice to our lives allows us to remain diverse free thinkers, and reinforces our ideals of a free nation. Yes! It does go that deep!

So if you live in the York area, check out the Buy Local Coalition website. It is filled with fabulous local business and organizations that add value and wealth to our community.

Happy supporting!!!

April is Buzzing!!!!

WOW! April is busy! Really!!!

This month Elegantly Haunted is buzzing to bring you the best hand painted glassware. Check out Elegantly Haunted's Calendar of Events. 

OH! and... Mother’s Day is right around the corner!! Give Mom something fabulous and unique this year!!!

Check it out....

April 11, 2012
Buy Local Coalition Member Showcase!!!
6:30pm to 9:00pm
Wisehaven Banquet & Expo Center, 2985 East Prospect Road, York 

*There is no charge for admission thanks to the generosity of Wisehaven Banquet & Expo Center and our members. Over 50 local business will be available! Meet you local businesses and support your local economy!

April 14, 2012
Spring Vendor Event 
9:00am to 4:00pm
Parkville Fire Company, Hanover, PA
http://www.facebook.com/events/211672302267452/  

April 21, 2012
Go Green in the City
Elegantly Haunted will be showcasing reclaimed glassware. Artful and sustainable!!!
10:00am to 3:00pm
Downtown York, PA
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Downtown-York-Pa/102489659814405

April 21, 2012
Spring Fling Open House
1:00pm to 4:00pm
Manchester Township Community Building
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Manchester-Township-Building/162399403803205

April 28, 2012
YARCS Craft & Vendor Show
York, PA
_________________________________________________________________

Mother’s Day is not far away!!!
Sunday, May 13, 2012

Want something special for your Mom this Mother’s Day? 
How about flowers that will not die not wilt!!!!????
Sunflowers, Daisies & More!!! Check out this beautiful bouquet!!! 

Each piece is hand painted and ONE OF A KIND!!! OH! and here is the best part!!! THEY ARE DISHWASHER SAFE!!!!! 

Don’t forget! Custom orders are always welcome!!! Contact me today and we will create something fabulous for your Mom!!!

Phone: 717-855-2490
Email: elegantlyhaunted@gmail.com 
Website: www.ElegantlyHaunted.com 

Mock Wedding at Historic Shady Lane

Saturday night (March 24, 2012), I had the privilege to participate in a Mock wedding event hosted by Steve & Sue Kohr proprietors of Historic Shady Lane. If you have never visited Historic Shady Lane it is a must. The property is gorgeous and the owners are wonderful people! 

The entire evening was organized by Amy Herwig, owner of Party Belles, a local event planning and designing company. 

The rain poured on us throughout this wonderful evening, but Amy did such a fabulous job organizing all the food, music, and everything together the rain didn’t really matter. I want to tell you about this evening because it was so lovely and fun! If you are getting married or have a special event coming up these are the people to look to. They will make your special day wonderful!!!

Let me start with the decor! Beautiful!!!! That only partially sums it all up! The colors were Black and Cream, in a Vintage theme with plenty of sparkling crystals. The tents were draped with lovely black and cream tulle. Amy and her team hung these magical flower vases and candle holders from every possible location. It made everything sparkle and elegant!

Next the Dresses... Oh my they were fabulous. The Bride’s dress was a gorgeous vintage style and the bridesmaids had their own lovely vintage style dresses to match!!! I only wish I had taken pictures. (Palm to the face!)

The ceremony was also very lovely. It was short and beautiful. Something I would love to have at my own wedding if I were to ever do it all again. 

After the ceremony we enjoyed a fabulous reception with great food and drinks. The cake cutting was wonderful. We all gathered in the greenhouse for this portion of the evening! The cake itself was beautiful and delicious to top it all off. While the evening progressed and eventually wound down, we had the pleasure of listening to some fabulous blues. There were several moments when I forgot about the pouring rain!

So! Who are all these wonderful companies who made this night happen? I made a list below! I will not leave you guessing!! BUT FIRST!!!! Some pictures of the evening!

 Blue Light Special

 Reception

 Vintage Wedding Favors

Each vendor who participated in this event, donated their time and products to make this evening happen. Here is a list of all the vendors and their contact info! All of these companies made this evening Magical. I highly recommend them for your next event!

Hosted by  Historic Shady Lane www.historicshadylane.com
Party planning and decor by Party Belles  www.PartyBelles.com
Wedding Favors by Elegantly Haunted www.ElegantlyHaunted.com
Bridal gowns and dresses by Lilla’s Bridal Boutique www.Lillasbridalboutique.com
Makeup by Margaret Mae www.margaretmae.com
Hair styles by Brittany Wohkitel with Bella Cheveux  www.BellaCheveuxhairstudio.com
Ceremony conducted by Margaret Gladfelter with Lalitha www.LalithaYoga.com
Bridal party flowers provided by Foster’s Flower Shop www.FostersFlowerShop.com
Music provided by Blue LIght Special www.BlueLightSpecialBlues.com
The cake provided by Linda’s Cakery www.LIndascakery.com
Stationary provided by Love, Jessica www.LoveJessica.com
Portable toilets provided by Knaper’s Stop & Go http://www.knapersstopandgo.net/
Photography by Jeff Taylor Photography http://www.jefftaylorphotography.com/
Food and Beverages provided by Accomac Events with the Accomac Inn www.accomac.com
Party rentals provided by Gotcha Covered www.Gotcha-Covered.biz