Sticks and Stones^® is the original in creating art from alphabet photography and it began as an alphabet lesson for our daughters. Our family began "letter hunting" while on walks or while spending the day at the park. We would look for different letters of the alphabet in nature (STICKS) and architecture (STONES). We began taking photographs to remember our adventures, creating a collection of alphabet photography based on our family's hobby. Brad, the girls, and I continue to letter hunt, so keep checking in as new alphabet photography is added to the "Letters Gallery".

In October 2005, I was a room mom for our middle daughter, Julianna's, preschool class. Therefore, I was in charge of finding a gift for the teacher when she was married during the school year. I didn't want to give the teacher a gift from her registry -- that just wasn't memorable enough. I wanted to give her something that she would look at in 20 years and know exactly who the gift came from. I was suddenly faced with the dilemma we all have at some time in our life: what is the perfect gift that will never be forgotten? As I discussed this with Brad, he suggested I try something we'd never seen done before: having our alphabet photography custom framed spelling out the teacher's new last name. Once the other mothers saw the gift at the class bridal shower, and the teacher displayed her gift in the Teacher's Lounge, everyone wanted one of their own.

Sticks and Stones^® has grown from one creation to being available in many catalogs and boutiques. We are also honored to be the gift of choice for many including Oprah Winfrey, The Obama Family (Sticks and Stones^® is hanging in The White House!), Martha Stewart, Rachael Ray, and many more. Oprah personally told Brad and me, "This is the perfect gift for the person who has everything because no one has anything like this!"

Sticks and Stones^® is the only alphabet photography keepsake endorsed by and featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show; Martha Stewart; Rachael Ray; HGTV; CNBC; Fine Living; TBS; O, The Oprah Magazine; Oprah's exclusive O List; People; Better Homes and Gardens; Brides; Modern Bride; Parents; Lucky; Midwest Living; Relish; and many more publications around the country.

Brad is a 1992 graduate of the University of Illinois in Champaign with a degree in Economics. He is the CEO of Sticks and Stones^®. Our alphabet photography is hand-crafted and he wants to be certain every creation is perfect, so he is never far from the studio. His hobbies include playing in his band (lead vocals, lead guitar, and piano), participating in triathlons and marathons, photography, and playing with our girls.

I graduated from Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois in 1996 with a degree in Communications. I'm a Midwestern farmer's daughter as well as the product of a school teacher turned stay-at-home Mom. I'm happy that I am able to stay home with our girls. I enjoy interior decorating and home design, photography, and reading. Brad and I were married on August 15, 1998. The Lord has blessed us with three precious daughters: Alexandria, Julianna, and Lillian.

Thank you for visiting Sticks and Stones^®. It's an honor to create your alphabet photography family heirloom!