Unique decorative creations for your home and life-style

Mary Ann Johnson is an artist living outside Chicago in Crystal Lake, Illinois. She has designed, painted and produced her own gift ware line for the past ten years. As her work expanded in that time, her notecards began to really take off.

Today Mary Ann focuses on her card line as it grows and expands across the country. Offering more and more designs and styles, Mary Ann's cards are fun to give or receive.

Mary Ann paints what she knows and loves. Girlfriends, children, babies, and weddings are all favorite subjects. Her sweet whimsical designs are simple and fun . They truly do bring a smile or make you laugh with their charming style.

As a self taught artist she has been inspired by some of her favorites, Beatrix Potter, Norman Rockwell, Joan Walsh Anglund, Carol King and Paula Buttel. These very differing artists have each influenced her in many ways. Having always admired people who could follow their passion and do what they love, she is trying to follow their direction.

Initially starting her business in her home, to be there for her four children growing up and to help out with college expense when she found her two oldest in college at the same time, she finds that working from home can be a blessing and a challenge. While she can get up at 4 am to start painting in her pj's and robe, that convenience is tempered by boxes of stock and inventory overflowing into her dining room during the busy holiday season. But she thanks God for the opportunity to be in the middle of it.

Very late nights and little sleep is the life of a working artist in the middle of production time. It is hectic and challenging, but Mary Ann couldn't get through it without the help of the wonderful friends who work with her. It is a cottage industry that has grown with her business and works into lifestyle and family schedules. Mary Ann knows that the woman friends who work with her are a gift and blessing that she is very thankful for.