Last week I received an email from Diana Grappasonno (the Bobo Junket™ artist) introducing herself to me and telling me a bit about the wedding paintings she creates. Her painting style is very unique and is categorized as representational, stylized, and sort of folk-artsy. Diana doesn't paint realistically - but I think that's what adds to the charm of her wedding paintings.

Diana's wedding paintings are wonderful as a gift for your spouse, as an anniversary gift, or instead of a kitchen item for the newlyweds, why not give the bride and groom a gift that will last a lifetime? Diana says it best, "a gift of art is an investment and will bring you years of enjoyment (instead of a single day)".

She is currently offering a commissioned wedding painting package for $695. It includes a personalized 22x28 inch contemporary representational / folk-artsy, acrylic and mixed media painting on a 3/4 inch thick gallery-wrapped canvas in a location or theme of your choice.

If the price is a bit steep for a wedding gift, why not go in with a few other family members or friends on the purchase? If choosing to use one of the online wedding registries available - you can easily add one of Diana's personalized wedding paintings to your registry list - gift givers can then make a partial contribution towards the total cost of the painting. Felicite.com is one such online registry site that has the great feature to share the cost of expensive gifts.

I came across DK Designs' etsy shop the other day and fell in love with her handcrafted clay floral designs. These flowers will last for years and each of Diane's designs are one of a kind and handcrafted petal by petal. Along with her esty shop, Diane has her own web site at dkdesignshawaii.com where she also creates stylish tropical and Asian-inspired wedding stationery.

I think these clay floral designs are perfect for centerpieces at bridal showers and even weddings, as well as for a special gift for mothers of the bride and/or groom and bridesmaids. Diane also creates wedding bouquets using clay flowers. On her web site, Diane says "Clay flower bouquets will look as vibrant as the day you say "I do" for many years to come."

Be sure to check out both of Diane's sites for more beautiful photographs of her awe-inspiring designs.