The Fancy Ladybug Boutique & Studio, located at White Marsh Shopping Center, held a grand opening celebration Feb. 1, with door prizes, refreshments and an introduction to an array of art instruction offered there.

Owner Valerie A. Rice said she makes all of the items offered for sale at her store. The front of the shop features painted glassware, pottery and canvas, as well as crocheted items, painted furniture and a variety of painted rocks.

Rice is a One Stroke Certified Instructor, having completed specialized training at a school in Raleigh, N.C. The rest of her artistic talents were self-taught, having always liked art kits when she was growing up.

For fun, Rice made gel candles when she was a stay-at-home mom for her three children. A friend suggested she sell candles at a local craft show. She did and then proceeded to sell at craft shows for 20 years, also offering art instruction for parks and recreation departments in Gloucester and a n...