I'm Founder/Author/Artist Barbara D. MacAdam and I'd like to welcome you to PurpleWishingGate.com.

In 2004 I set up Divine Designs Studios, LLC as a venue for my inspirational blessings & paintings, after I lost my 12 year old daughter, Bonnie Rose, to cancer. Bonnie's grace, strength, peace, joy for life & her ageless wisdom were "gifts" from God (she insisted), for trusting that He had the best plan for her... whatever the outcome.  Her wish was to not be forgotten and to help others "turn to God for what they need" while they're going through their trials, rather than simply "wish" that their circumstances would change. AND... she wanted people to remember to thank God for all the wonderful blessings He sends through other people, often while celebrating the many milestones of life!

Starting with "A Baby's Blessing," my inspirational Purple Wishing Gate painting & a few hand-decorated frames, I effectively began what is now an internationally-known line of more than 80 blessings called Purple Wishing Gate! "where wishes made are turned to prayer, so God can keep them in His care."  These "GIFTS THAT INSPIRE" come in 5x7 ready-to-frame cards, personalized 8x10 matted blessings with custom nameplates, and my 2x3-inch laminated "Pocket Blessings w/Charms!" All with a variety of my original background art.  In addition, I offer many frame choices, and my 'limited edition' Christmas Angel Ornament.

I feel privileged to put my heart into each blessing, and I'm dedicated to bringing God's peace, love & guidance into every life that I touch through my website, which I also use to assist many organizations with their own fundraising efforts.

While we are not a non-profit organization, I donate 10% of all sales to cancer charities. Our current recipient is the Camp Can Do - for Kids with Cancer. I'm particularly fond of this organization because Bonnie attended this overnight camp after learning about it during her treatment at Memorial Sloan Kettering. She begged me to go, saying she just wanted to feel like a "normal" child again. And that she did! In retrospect, it was the greatest gift I could have given her, not knowing that she would leave us 6 weeks later. 

I create my work in my home-studio & have my blessings professionally printed on the highest quality stock. I hand-decorate my frames & the Angel Ornaments, give inspirational public speaking engagements, enjoyed a 25-year professional singing career, and retired in 2016 from directing a 50-member choir at my local church!

I currently direct & sing with "The Rock & Rollers," a group of 8 vocalists who perform for special events, bringing joy to assisted living, nursing homes and retirement communities throughout Delaware.  After years of using my writing & art skills in the publishing industry, I now use my creative gifts to help & inspire others. I work with my son, Bill, who manages our beautiful website, and I reside in Delaware with my husband, Scott, of 43 years.