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About MixedBlessing and Its Creators

In December 1988, Elise and Philip Okrend pondered over what kind of holiday greeting cardto send to their friends in interfaith relationships. Instead of sending two separate cards or one non-denominational card, Elise doodled a card with a Star of David merging with a Christmas tree, that would go well for both faiths. Their friends loved the card and the idea so much that MixedBlessing was born. Since then MixedBlessing hasbeen producing wonderful creative images that have touched people's hearts and imagination!

In addition to creating MixedBlessing cards, the Okrend's wrote and published the much needed children's book "Blintzes For Blitzen", a Christmas and Hanukkah tale. Phil wrote and arranged Dinner Notes, a CD of soothing, original piano music. Both items are available under the Holiday Products section.

The Okrend's are committed to living a life marked by authenticity, creativity and service. Phil is also a personal and professional coach and founder of Stepping Stones Coaching. As a coach, Phil is dedicated to helping people make purposeful changes in their lives that honor their values, talents and passions. Phil specializes in coaching Couples in Business, and offers his own experience working in MixedBlessing to assist others. Please visit www.steppingstonescoaching.com to learn more.

Elise, the designer of MixedBlessing cards, is a talented fine artist as well as graphic designer. Elise is proud that her pastels paintings have recently been purchased by the Duke Raleigh Hospital permanent collection, offering patients a sense of peace and serenity in the pre-op area. Elise's original pastel paintings are inspired by her observations of the natural world whether through travel or simply looking outside her back door. She captures a simple scene and transcends the ordinary into a work of vibrant beauty with spiritual dimension. Elise's has recently been focusing on paintings of the Blue Ridge Mountains and similar mountain areas. Each painting transforms you to a place of inner peace. Elise's painting and limited addition prints are available at eliseokrend.com.   Elise's pastel paintings can be seen in galleries in the Triangle area of North Carolina, where she lives. She is available for commissioned work.

Elise's passion for graphic design has recently been recognized by The Living Arts College, School of Communcation Arts where her design, for her son's debut EP, Unpredictable has received a gallery award. Elise's son, Jordan Okrend wrote, plays guitar and sings on all the CD tracks. It has been released to great reviews, as quoted in RaleighMusic.com as "Unpredictable is Unbelievable". See Unpredictable and sample Jordan's music, myspace.com/jordanokrendmusic.

The Okrend's live in Raleigh, North Carolina with their sons Jordan and Joshua, and an amazing blue eyed mutt named Maya.

 

Hanukkah and Holiday cards from MixedBlessing

"Peaches on Ledge"
Pastel
24" x 30"
 
 
 
 
 

Hanukkah and Holiday cards from MixedBlessing

"Baldhead Marsh"
Pastel
24" x 30"
 
 
 

Hanukkah and Holiday cards from MixedBlessing

"Belize Tropics"
Pastel
22" X 26"
 
 
 

Hanukkah and Holiday cards from MixedBlessing

"Garden of Apples"
Pastel
18" x 24"
 

Hanukkah and Holiday cards from MixedBlessing

"Solitude"
Pastel
18" x 24"
 

Celebrate Christmas and Hanukkah Together!
Copyright © MixedBlessing 2006, P.O. Box 97212 Raleigh, NC 27624 919.847.7944 Toll Free 800.947.4004 Fax: 919.847.6429
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