"The Family Business" - And yes, it's exactly as it sounds

I got my entrepreneurial spunk and creativity from my parents, and I have to give them credit in this post.

My Dad is amazing. Ever since I was little, I remember being able to bring him anything that was broken, and he could fix it. Like my CD Walkman, which he fixed with a fork and a piece of string. Don't ask.

He also got really involved in projects with me; like I was an angel for a Christmas pagent, and Dad made these crazy cardboard wings that he spray-painted gold and white (airbrushed to look like feathers, of course). He then attached clear fishing string from my wings to little hoops around my thumbs, so that when I moved my thumbs up and down, the cardboard wings would flap.

I'm telling you, absolutely amazing! He's now doing marine canvas and upholstery work, so PLEASE let me know if you need work done, because he is the best, GUARANTEED! He also does a bazillion other things, like make awesome signs and repaints names on boats.

Mom is also one of the most intelligent, passionate and strong women I have ever known in my life. We have co-founded a company together called "Dock This Way Embroidery & Design". She is a saleswomen, very charismatic and inspiring. She's quick on her feet, and worked in corporate situations where she handled clients and stressful people VERY well. She's also got a great eye for color, and does a great deal of interior design work. Pictured here is an item from our *intimate apparel* collection, of cute underwear and PJs...I think its a nice nautical depiction on the butt :)

Dock This Way is a customizable merchandise shop that we are currently negotiating a lease in the new Launch in the Hingham Ship Yard.

We may or may not factor in the constant playing of Aerosmith throught our store in our business plan :)

(Get it? DOCK THIS WAY!!! Ha ha...)

Pictured above: Left, my dad re-upholstered this entire chair. Right, one of the embroidered PJ sets.

Intention of The Ash Tree *Design* Blog

So I wanted to elaborate on some of the concepts driving my company. This blog all about a culminating art student’s development; I wanted to shed some light on my process and why I do what I do.

When it comes to my art, I have to say that I am a realist. I love portraying people and faces, and I have experience with many different media, including oils, acrylics, watercolors, pastel, and charcoal. However, I am flexible, as I have also completed landscapes or architectural images for commissions (I did this great pencil drawing of a newlywed's house that was made into stationary for a wedding gift!).

Art makes me happy, it always has - you know that you love something when you are the happiest when doing it, or doing it relaxes you after a horrible day. Based on this, I decided to go to art school, and picked the Museum School of Fine Arts, Boston, because of its affiliation with the prestigeous Tufts University and joint programs - I'm a big academic.

That being said, I love to learn and generate new ideas, try new media, and tackle unfamiliar subject matter - I LOVE a challenge!! I have a ridiculous "I can do it!" attitude, no matter what the project. So this blog is a means to keep track of them and allow my customers and potential clients to better understand what's going on in my head. Scary, I know :)

What’s in a name?

Ash Tree Creations -

So I came up with this name about a year ago, and it was after much much much thought and consideration. I wanted a name that would be me - so what better way to do this than to take the literal meaning of my name, "Ashley", which means "From the Ash Tree Meadow"?

I still love the name. My work is still earthy and rustic, focusing on the natural beauty of stones, shells, sea glass, etc. I also deal with a lot of symbolism in my jewelry pieces, especially the embroidered jewelry. So Ash Tree -It's simple, grounding, and completely me.

However, now being in business for a year and looking back, the "Creations" sounds too cutesy and like I make cute little things for cute little fairs. Irritating. So I wanted to switch recently to "Design", but I think that's like a graphic design company somewhere or something. So I'm not sure - maybe I should just stick to what inspired me originally, which was "From the Ash Tree Meadow".

I think I like it.