Gracefully Made Art

The incredibly talented Melissa Gullatte is the creative force behind Gracefully Made Art. Creating has always been apart of her for as long as she can remember. She would always have her sketchbook nearby, and she would find inspiration from the world around her. She loved  her art classes in school, and one thing led to another and Melissa majored in Studio Art and Business at Auburn University. The courses she took at Auburn really opened her eyes to different mediums of art and different ways of creating art that she wasn't exposed to prior to attending college. 

After years of convincing from various friends and satisfied customers, Melissa took the leap and created an Etsy shop for her business. She's constantly thinking about what she will create next because creating is such a big part of her life, and it's what makes her who she is. She incorporates God's Word into most of her creations. She stated that, "getting to immerse myself in a Bible verse for a living is incredible, and I'm so thankful this is what I get to do."

All of Melissa's creations are truly spectacular works art. Her love for art and creating definitely translates to all of her pieces. We had the privilege of partnering with Melissa for Bustle's 3rd Anniversary VIP Bride giveaway. She donated the most beautiful hand painted calligraphy wedding hangers. Melissa has such a kind and joyful spirit, and we absolutely love all of her work. This chick is so talented! 

Bustle Bride: Abby Lucy Bettencourt

Our newest Bustle bride feature is Abby Lucy Bettencourt! She and her hubby, Taylor, said their vows at St. Paul's Cathedral in Birmingham, Alabama. After they tied the knot, the bridal party and guests headed over to Iron City for reception full of laughter and dancing.

Abby has such a joyful spirit and we loved helping her find the perfect gown for her special day. She chose a beautiful Ellis gown with full sleeves and gorgeous lace detailing. Abby looking nothing short of stunning on her big day, and we were so excited she found her gown at Bustle!

Images courtesy of Love Be Photography

A.joy Cakes &Co.

Amanda Hinton is the creative mind behind A.joy Cakes & Co. Amanda and her family moved from Louisiana to Birmingham at the beginning of this year, and wanted to re-brand her business, and thus, A.joy Cakes & Co. was born! Hinton was born in Texas, and she made her first creative cake at the young age of 17, and since then her love of making and decorating cakes has blossomed. She creates the most gorgeous wedding cakes, as well as fun and quirky birthday cakes. She has a knack for paying attention to detail and creating the most unique cakes for each of her clients! 

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Watercolor Workshop with Abby Little

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Earlier this month, we had the privilege of hosting a watercolor workshop with our talented friend, Abby Little. Abby made sure every detail was considered, from yummy treats and a beautiful tablescape by Full Pantry, to the highest quality paint supplies from Alabama Art Supply. 

Because of the intimate class size, Abby was able to offer one-on-one instruction and critique to each of the workshop attendees. Abby is a sweet friend who has such a heart for all kinds of art media and we are so thankful she could share her gift with us. We had so much fun and really learned a lot about watercolor technique and style.

Photos by Meghan Murphy.

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Newly Scripted

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Newly Scripted is a hand lettering art company based right here in Birmingham, Alabama. It was created "to celebrate life's moments with personalized decor while you live well and travel often!" 

Amber Rosenberg created the business out of her love for hand lettering. After decided to be a stay at home mom for her son, her "creative juices just started flowing." She began fiddling with different medias and fonts, and her love for hand lettering grew. She instantly fell in love with globes and maps after she painted a globe for her son's room. Soon after, she started to create map decoupage signs and map decoupage globes.

Amber and her husband, Michael, dropped everything and began working full-time on their hand lettering business and the company grew through their Etsy shop. They began adding globe stand finish options, any continent and ocean color combinations, and quotes along with names and special dates. The customization of the globes was what really started to grow their business, and they love creating one of a kind pieces that are meaningful to their clients.

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Susan Gordon Pottery

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The lovely Susan Gordon has such an incredible talent with pottery. She creates the most beautiful artwork by hand. She realized her love for clay while studying to be a graphic designer at Auburn University. One thing led to another, and Susan Gordon Pottery LLC was created. She makes everything from dinnerware to jewelry. We're so in love with all of Susan's phenomenal work!

Rosegolden Flowers

Holly Carlisle is the creative mastermind behind Rosegolden Flowers. The company is based right here in Birmingham, Alabama. From a young age Holly enjoyed expressing creativity by drawing and painting. One thing led to another, and her love for art turned into pursuing a fine arts education in college and obtaining a degree in fibers and mixed media.

Holly loves the way flowers can set a mood and tell a story and brighten any environment. She explains her style to be, "uniquely expressive, romantic and natural."

Her work has been featured in various publications such as, Once Wed, Style Me Pretty, Wedding Unveiled, 100 Layer Cake, Green Wedding Shoes, and Flower Magazine. 

Images courtesy of Rylee Hitchner

Images courtesy of Ryan Ray

Image courtesy of A Bryan Photo

Images courtesy of Odalys Mendez

Bustle Bride: Caroline

Caroline Wheeler was such a beautiful bride on her big day. She tied the knot at Trinity United Methodist Church here in Homewood, AL. We loved helping her find her dream wedding dress. She chose a gorgeous drop waist ballgown adorned with impeccable beadwork on the bodice, and she totally rocked her dress. Her reception was quite the party. She transformed The Barn at Shady Lane into, as her photographer put it, "an unbelievable art installation."

We were so overjoyed to be apart of helping her choose the gown of her dreams!

Images courtesy of Jett Walker Photography

Lavender & Cotton

Lavender & Cotton is a watercolor business run by two sisters. The business is based right here in Birmingham, but the two love to travel, especially where there's a beach. Heather and Haley create some of the most beautiful watercolor pieces we've ever laid our eyes on. Each piece is so original and has its own personality. Their work would be the perfect addition to any home or office!

Holler and Dash: A Biscuit House

Holler and Dash is the new Homewood restaurant hotspot. Their biscuit-inspired menu pays tribute to the South while adding a delicious twist. They have everything from hot chicken biscuits that will want to "make you Holler" to biscuits with a Dash of raspberry jam and nutella. While biscuits are their main attraction, they also offer salad, grits, parfaits, tater tots, and New Orleans inspired beignets.

Their chefs Jason McConnell and Brandon Frohne were both born and raised in the South and southern food and hospitality runs in their DNA. They love mixing different flavors to create a delicious unconventional twist on the famous southern comfort food.

They stated that their mission "is to provide a respite from modern life and to deliver Southern traditions with sizzle." They've definitely accomplished that-even pictures of their biscuits makes mouths water!