'there are no coincidences...only Godly Appointments."
LAURIE BOERNER
At 31, Laurie Boerner found herself alone, while her husband, Chad, worked weeks at a time away from home. As a stay-at-home mom, she wished for something she could do that was her "own". Being raised by family who believed in a great work ethic, she loved being busy. Growing up, Laurie had never felt called to a certain profession. She had always been creative and loved trying to make new things. She felt drawn to create things for her home. Her friends and family began to ask her to make this or that...and one day, she sent a special sign to school, with her young daughter, to give to her favorite teacher, Mrs. Bailey, as a gift. That gift turned into several orders...which turned into more orders, and Laurie Cole Designs was born. In January 2008, she found herself in a full painting extravaganza, making custom teacher signs. Those signs turned into funky painted furniture, and well....more signs! After three years, and rallying family members to help her, Laurie had shipped all over the US and four countries!
Although she loved making the teacher signs, she wanted to try something new. She picked up some canvases and began to paint. Laurie had painted on wood for so long, the canvas was a welcome reprieve and a new adventure to figure out. Never having taken a class to learn techniques, Google became her BFF. Fast forward to 2018, after painting small funky fun canvases, Laurie attempted her first portrait. An acquaintance lost her 16 year old daughter in a tragic accident. Laurie felt compelled to paint Ally...and her love to paint those pictures that meant so much to people was born. Laurie had never met Ally, but Ally's story gave her the courage to try. Laurie still paints signs actively to ensure her customers still get their Laurie Cole Designs' fix, but she simply loves taking the time to create a one of a kind piece that will last long after she puts down the brush. Her great grandmother, Lottie Mae, taught her that "There are no coincidences, only Godly appointments." To say this talent, this love of acrylic paint and canvas, is Laurie's Godly appointment? You will get no argument from her.
Once the client decides on their choice of image and the size of canvas, Laurie brings that image to life using a twist of impressionism and a bold twist of color.