Patti's Artful Design

Valentines

2012-01-17T11:26:00.001-08:00

I had not intended to be away from blogging for such a long period of time, but with the holidays, New Year celebrations, and travel…what can I say….life is full:)! I did manage to put my Christmas decor away and put some Valentine inspiration around the house before the travel began.

I put this vignette together very quickly, and I just love it…..

A picture of my grandparents in a vintage silver frame, pearls, gloves, a vintage poem book opened to a love poem (of course) are all contained under a “huge” bell jar that I found at Goodwill…..still can’t believe that “find” at only a few dollars and no breakage on it!

I found this quote online, and it makes me smile….

so…why not enjoy it everyday for a while:)! As I read it, it reminds me of that movie, “Michael” with John Travolta where he sings the song, “Love, love, love……and so on… trying to explain “Love”:) That song makes me smile too! I thought I would include….

…my statement LOVE seashell letters with a heart/vintage brooch included. And….my vintage

sheet music…matted and displayed, along with a few…

…other Valentine baubles displayed in an urn on our bay window.

And…..all this writing about Valentines and Love, check out my sidebar for a new picture of our Austin in Mr. Paw Paw’s hat and a “Mom is my anchor” shirt:)!

An early…..Happy Valentine’s Day to you all!

I will be joining White Wednesday this week over at Faded Charm Cottage.

My Holiday Decor Favorites

2011-12-13T16:46:00.001-08:00

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas……

I always try to “change up” or add a few new items to my holiday decor. This year’s favorite is…..

….my beachy “JOY” letters decked out with shells and vintage rhinestone jewelry. I loved this project!

Another one of my decorating treasures this holiday season….

…a landscape painting found in a local thrift shop for $5.00. Our “Winter Wonderland” on a budget:)! I think it looks great with the crystal Christmas trees!

This holiday vignette began with the huge mercury glass vase…..

that I found at a consignment shop. It is going to be one of those pieces that I know I will use year-round. The foliage is from the forest….dried….and then spray painted with white primer.

Although…I made this book page wreath last season…..

it has become a year-round decor item too and is still one of my favorite projects. I hang it from a vintage window frame and just change out the signage.

And…of course….a Christmas tree is……..

…always a holiday favorite!

I will be joining White Wednesday at Faded Charm Cottage. Please join us!

Happy Holidays to you all:)!

Ceiling Medallion Trio

2011-12-04T13:01:00.001-08:00

I thought I would share a wonderful project that I, recently, completed for one of my clients in coastal Delaware. She had purchased three, vintage chandeliers for the hallway of her home. Two of the chandeliers were the same, and the other different in style and canopy size.

I had an immediate connection with her…not only because I love vintage chandeliers (and our love of our pets:)), but because I could understand her decorating dilemma. For those of us who are “Collectors,” (and I know there are many of you out there like me and my client), we like our “finds” to meld seamlessly into our home decorating landscape. Well…she had a wonderful solution! “Marry” the three together, so to speak, with matching, “sea-inspired” ceiling medallions. Here is a picture of one of the medallions….

Many of you, who follow my blog, know that I am “attached” to my color choice of whites and neutrals. At first, I was a bit apprehensive with her color choices…but, by the time I had the first one completed, I was smitten! The vintage, "Wedgewood” inspiration really shines through, in my opinion, and is an exquisite combo. I plan on using these same color choices in future projects. And, now for the installation pictures that my client was so generous to share…..

Isn’t this chandelier beautiful? And…now…one of two vintage chandeliers with those beautiful…..

crystals:)! Thank you, Lorraine, for providing the opportunity to create your decorating solution for your beautiful, vintage lighting:)!

Wishing you all a happy holiday season! If you have a moment, check out my sidebar. A new picture of our Austin in holiday nap mode and the Mertzes dressed for holiday cheer!

Christmas and Other Projects

2011-11-08T14:48:00.001-08:00

I have had several projects going the last few weeks, and I have, finally, finished a few to share. First…..a fun Christmas decor project…..

Rope Trees! I used both the styrofoam and cardboard variety of trees for this project and my trusty glue gun. I attempted to use different colors and textures of jute and rope to create more visual interest. Here is a close-up…

I have always enjoyed the visual of rustic vs. bling, so….of course I used some vintage rhinestone belt buckles and earrings as toppers! I thought the crocheted medallion was a nice touch too:)

I have been slow to join the fabric transfer craze…but I became hooked when I visited Villabarnes. She has found the easiest transfer application possible, and I am all about easy! The last time I was on her website, she had a tutorial on her sidebar for this method. Here is my first (and, certainly, not last) project with this transfer method…

I found that using a lighter weight fabric is best. The graphics are from The Graphic’s Fairy. Here is a closer view…

The application is simple. You will need a laser copy of the graphics (in a reverse pattern if lettering), your fabric, and a Chartpak Blender Ad Marker Pen. I found my online at Dick Blick’s Art Supply. Simply face the graphics to the fabric and using the marker, saturate the paper where the graphics are located. This marker goes on clear. It is that easy! The smell is strong with these markers, so have plenty of ventilation. For complete instructions, go to Villabarnes. And on to my last project…

I just completed this vintage seashell mirror for my website. I applied a crackle, distressed finish to the frame to complement the shells I used on the top portion of this mirror. Here is a close-up…

…love those seashells:)!

I will be joining the following blog parties this week.

*White Wednesday at Faded Charm Cottage

*Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage

Have a wonderful week everyone!

Tiffany Blue

2011-11-01T10:30:00.001-07:00

Some people get, positively, “giddy” when they see this box come into their lives:) Well….it works for me! But…only as “Color Inspiration” for a bedcrown that I was asked to create:) Such a beautiful color….that Tiffany Blue!

I received the picture above, in email, from a client in one of our Gulf Coast States requesting a bedcrown with “Tiffany Blue” accents. I painted the interior of the crown in this color and….

used sea glass in the same hues. The round bedcrown was to be placed at the head of the bed with white sheers flanking each side. It was a gift to her daughter, who would soon be moving into a, “Big Girl’s Bed.” Sweet Dreams little one:)

Have a wonderful Autumn week everyone!

Autumn Decor

2011-10-18T08:13:00.001-07:00

Just a few pictures of my Autumn decor for the season….

…one of my mixed-media paintings with a lovely Albert Camus quote.

I have simplified my decor this season….nothing too elaborate…

…simple seems “right” this year. A few dried…

hydrangeas….ceramic pumpkins…and a vintage runner in Autumn tones. My table centerpiece is a recent garage sale find…..

…One of those long, narrow wood pieces with the tea light candle holes drilled out. Of course, I had to paint it white and distress it. The vases are vintage spice jars that just fit perfectly in those tealight candle holes! A few leaf sprigs from our Japanese maples that are turning colors right now. And…of course…more of those white pumpkins:) Love my bell jars and vintage pedestal silver…..

I can always find a “seasonal item” to put under these. And..it wouldn’t be Autumn without my brown and cream…

transferware out and about to, visually, enjoy. This is one of my favorite pieces with its aged beauty….cracks and all:)

And….it, also, wouldn’t be Autumn without a visit to the Pumpkin Farm!

Having our Austin with us made it even more special this year:)!

I will be joining White Wednesday at Faded Charm Cottage this week. Please join us!

Happy Autumn everyone!

Lamp Redesign

2011-09-28T11:39:00.001-07:00

I wish I had the “before” picture of this lamp to share with you. It started out life in our home, years ago, as a copper lamp with fake grape vines in the vase (I guess I was in a “wine country phase”) and was topped with a hunter green, oval lampshade. I thought it looked good then:)…anyway that was my take on it for the 1980’s-early 90’s….but now, well…..I think it’s fabulous!(and yes, I know, a bit over-the-top.)

This redesign all began because I just couldn’t seem to part with this lamp. It was located in the dining room of the home our children grew up….the “Hub of the house,” so to speak. Where backpacks got dropped, homework was done, and meals were shared. I am just sentimental that way….so, it had to stay!

Here is a close-up of the base. I used a……..

crackle medium with an overlay of off-white flat paint and a brown glaze finish. The graphics were courtesy of The Graphics Fairy…..love her blog! I traced it onto the lamp vase, and then used a permanent black, fine-tipped marker to apply it. The hydrangeas are dried from our garden.

Here is a close-up of the lampshade…..

The shade was a $3.00 thrift shop find. The interior lining of it was in good shape, but the outside was torn. I recovered the outside of the shade with white linen that I coffee stained. The linen was an old tablecloth that I purchased at the same time that I found the lampshade. I used lace trim to cover the seams, and then wrapped it up with a beautiful vintage lace remnant and vintage shoe buckle. I love my “Over-the-top” lamp redesign:)!

I am joining the following parties:

-White Wednesdays at Faded Charm Cottage

-Feather Nest Friday at French Country Cottage

-Vintage Inspiration Friday at Common Ground

-Potpourri Friday at Honey 2805

-Nifty Thrifty Tuesday at Coastal Charm

Have a great day, everyone!

Driftwood Creativity

2011-09-18T16:07:00.001-07:00

I love viewing other people’s creativity…..that’s why I wanted to share these photos with you this week. These driftwood sculptures tend to “crop up” more frequently during peak, summer tourist time. Here are just a few…

Some are a bit haphazard in style while others….seen here in

the next three photos, have purpose in providing a bit of shelter on windy days or a cozy place to retreat from the sun!

My walk on the beach yesterday revealed a very different landscape than when these photos were taken in mid-season. As summer vacation is over for so many…. the crop of driftwood sculptures dwindle….a signal that seasonal change is upon us here at the beach:)!

Have a wonderful week, everyone!

PUBLISHED:)!

2011-09-06T07:00:00.001-07:00

May I suggest a great decorating book to sit back and enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea? Perhaps…you need a great coffee table book brimming with decorating ideas to have at your fingertips?:) Well….I have a suggestion:)

I was “Over the moon” with joy to find that my art has been published in this book…..a definite “First!” I’ve had a lot of “Firsts,” since I began Patti’s Artful Design. “Firsts” that have been so delightful… so-o unexpected…. and so cherished. Thank you Coastal Living! I, also, have to thank one of my clients on the East Coast for informing me of being published in Coastal Living’s Beach House Style book. I had no idea! She had read my blog posting about Coastal Living’s current “Special Issue” magazine (see August 22 posting) and….well…she just made my year (correction: “My decade” with this news!) Thank you so much Tracey:)!

Another “First” this year for me is becoming a “Grandmother.” What joy our little Austin brings to our family. Check out the cute, new picture on my sidebar:) Thank goodness for the technology of Skype and downloaded phone videos for keeping connected! This whole advanced technology growth with the IPAD, Kindle, etc. had me thinking (more like having nightmares:)!) about future conversations with my Austin……something like…”Your art was in a book, Grandma?…Well….that “rocks” Grandma! But…what’s a book?” I embrace technology…but as a former Kindergarten teacher, I am not sure I can ever give up, physically, holding a book in my hands:) And….I know my daughter already has Austin’s bookcase filled to the brim with not only her old favorites from childhood, but new ones as well:) It was only a nightmare, Patti…..it was only a nightmare, Patti…..:) I think Austin needs a certain “decorating” book in his library:)

Have a great day, everyone!

Tea Cup Bling

2011-08-30T17:50:00.001-07:00

I was out and about today, and decided I needed a bit of shopping therapy:) I, usually, frequent tag or estate sales, flea markets, or my favorite vintage shop haunts in search of home decor. I like to “redefine” or “repurpose” items (as so many of you do) to fit my own decorating style. But, today was different…… I found myself roaming a Ross Store. Um……I had fun:)! Look what I bought…

I have this “Thing for Bling” in my decorating, which contrasts so much with my personal dressing style. I wear very little, if any, jewelry. Go figure?! But this “Tea Cup Bling” made me smile and giggle…just so-o me. I could have just set them stacked on my buffet as in the picture above, but I felt they needed to be “elevated” to a higher level, so to speak. So I….

hung them from my kitchen chandelier. This was once a more contemporary chandelier, but I painted it, added French drop crystals and beaded shades to put my stamp on it. Over the years, I have attached vintage floral cups or those to mark the holiday season. But…..these with the BLING are going to be a permanent fixture….they just make me smile:)

I will be joining White Wednesday at Faded Charm Cottage. Please join us!

Have a wonderful evening everyone!

Coastal Living Magazine!!! 2011 Special Issue!!!

2011-08-22T21:21:00.001-07:00

Today started out like every other “errand” day… with a list of many stops to make. If I happen to be in any store with a magazine rack….it is a solid fact that I, the magazine junkie, won’t have a problem finding that rack…no matter how large the store. When I see anything Coastal Living, I am on it… very quickly! I flipped this magazine open, unassumingly and randomly, to page 49…then enjoying what I was viewing…. flipped on to page 50…and well….WOW!!!…my “SEA” seashell letters among beautiful decorating images on a page entitled, “Elements of Gulf Coast Cottages!” I have a subscription to Coastal Living Magazine (of course!), but I had not seen this, recently published, 2011 special issue and was unaware of its content. It is on display until 10/7/11…so look for your copy today:)!

Having my artwork included in this issue of “favorite picks” from the Editor’s of Coastal Living is…well….it is a heartfelt, “Joy” for me, pure and simple. So..I

Coastal Living for including my little seashell letters within the lovely pages of your beautiful magazine!

Have a wonderful week, everyone!

Topiaries

2011-08-10T06:28:00.001-07:00

What is it about topiaries that I love so much? As I was trimming and applying plant food to our potted garden plants, I realized that the majority of them are topiaries. I thought I would share a few pictures and try to figure that question out for myself. So here goes…

I love the spiral topiary on the left. It didn’t always look this way. We bought it at season’s end, years ago at Costco. It was a very scrawny looking plant…I remember my husband saying that he didn’t think it would make it. The topiary on the left is a new addition….I love the urn and the topiary form…..give it a few months, it will be beautiful too. Here is another favorite…

…. I adore the cone shaped topiary with the bird on top! This one is planted with creeping fig.

And…..this cute olive tree topiary…

…was purchased on a mini-vacation. My husband and I frequent nurseries:)

And…here is one of my oldest….

…she has been in my life for over 15 years. She is due for a new pot very soon.

Here are two more…. The one on the right is a topiary with a new form and ivy plant added on top! I know…it is an obsession:)

I know this because… I even like the forms without the plants!

I think the quote from Mirabel Osler explains it best for me….There can be no other occupation like *gardening in which, if you were to creep up behind someone at their work, you would find them smiling. I would just add the word “*topiary” in her quote.

And…before I close this posting… a flower for you:)!

Have a great day, everyone!

Shell Art to Italy

2011-08-02T08:35:00.001-07:00

One of the most unexpected and delightful aspects of beginning Patti’s Artful Design has been the connections made, through my art, with people from all over the world.

Decorating has always been such a personal statement in my own life, that when a client provides a glimpse into their decorating style, I am not only thrilled, but honored by it.

This art piece is one of my favorites. Along with the pleasure of creating this piece, I was very fortunate to have it featured in the Summer/Fall 2009 issue of Live Artfully magazine….along with some of my other art pieces, as well. The photo below is courtesy of Jenny Malott. (As a side note, you can view more of Jenny’s beautiful photography in this month’s issue of Romantic Homes magazine featuring her Remnants of the Past photography.)

This mirror had to travel a great distance to arrive to its new home….I must say, I was a bit worried….

…but it made it with little mishap. I love the, stunningly beautiful…so serene, vignette that my client has created with this sea-inspired, neutral color palette! The bombe chest is beautiful, in itself, but take a closer look at those handles….just lovely! And the lamp…oh my:)

My art piece is, now placed, in the perfect location….a lovely, sea-inspired home on the island of Sardinia, Italy:)

I will be joining the following parties this week:

-Masterpiece Mondays with Boogie-board Cottage

-White Wednesdays with Faded Charm Cottage

-Vintage Inspiration Friday at Common Ground

-Feather Nest Friday at French Country Cottage

My Beautiful Buffet!

2011-07-25T18:35:00.001-07:00

I bought this dresser at a yard sale many months ago. It was a good, solid piece of furniture. The top was marred and a few nicks here and there….but I always think of that as “Character building” opportunities:)

And….I had always wanted a buffet in our dining room….so that is what it has become. It holds napkins and napkin rings….

….placements and tablecloths… in one handy area. And……… I love the detail of this piece…

…the original appliqués and hardware.

The detailed skirt and legs. Oh my…..and that mirror!

I did a bit of “Character building” on it myself! Yes….I am, most definitely, smitten with my new buffet! It is “Home Sweet Home,” forever:)!

I will be joining the following blog parties this week:

*White Wednesday at Faded Charm Cottage

*Vintage Inspiration Friday at Common Ground

*Feather Nest Friday at French Country Cottage

I hope you can join us. Have a wonderful week, everyone!

Seashore Decor

2011-07-10T20:42:00.001-07:00

Summer seashore decor around here is simple, laid-back, whimsical, and fun! Here are a few of my favorites….

A “Quote of the moment” on our weathered chalkboard…

A few fun items in our bay window…

A vintage, child’s seashore book…and..

a mermaid, some lovely sea glass, and a vintage fishing float…all add to our simple, summer seashore style (say that fast, five times:)!

And…of course…we need a bit of bling and burlap…

to go with those shells and sea stars.

I, also, added a new painting to the mix this year…..

… I call it “Coastal Bliss”…… a painting in peaceful pastels of a quiet stretch of seashore…….. just for me.

I even added….

a few seashells to the bliss:)

Have a wonderful week everyone!

I will be joining Kathleen at Faded Charm Cottage for White Wednesday. I hope you can join us.

My Art Studio

2011-06-28T17:06:00.001-07:00

“Creative minds are rarely tidy.”

I am not sure who wrote that quote….but it, pretty much, sums up me and my art studio on any given day…..

but, I cleaned, organized, and refreshed it…..just for you. It may be the only time I ever photograph it again:)!

From the first moment I met this room on the side of our garage, my heart leaped with joy……I knew it would be my creative space. I think that when you have a “Room to imagine” such as this……it evolves to your interests at the time. And…so…here it is….. at this moment in time .…

Welcome to Patti’s Artful Design! Come on in…

I love my neutral color palette of white, cream, brown and black. The “Open and Closed sign” was a whimsical addition.

Can you tell I like lace curtains:)? The inset curtain treatment is, actually, tablecloth vinyl, cut to size, and velcroed on the French doors (no sew!)……the added beading is velcroed too.

This is my, “Shell Collection”corner. An old hutch filled with thrift shop glass canisters and my wonderful shells to create with.

Here is the bottom half of the shelf…..

used for paint storage. Cute, eclectic, knobs and black decals provided just the touch I was looking for.

A completed, seashell bedcrown and tabletop storage for my paints and paintbrushes. The burlap fabric hides some much needed plastic bin storage. And…those black shutters….several sets gleaned from a yard sale…only $1 for all! Oh yes…and more lace curtains:)!

My desk area…

More burlap ,with the addition of upholster strapping painted with a “fleur de lis” stencil, is velcroed to conceal more plastic containers. A quick change to darker hardware transformed this desk to my new color palette and provided a nice, eye-catching, contrast.

Moving on to more and more storage…

I have three work tables…..each different…but all provide under- table storage. This is an old bedside table painted in a distressed white with a piece of painted black plywood on top.

This is an old English teacart that, again, provides storage and much needed table space for projects. Notice the coir grass rug below. I used several 24 x 36 door mats, together, to make a nice, large carpeted area on one side of my studio….warmer and softer than the cement side of my creative space…..for the

Mertzes and for me! Behind my sweet doxies, another table (on wheels) for table top projects and more storage.

Old tool boxes and a three tiered, garden planter provide more storage. Can you tell that I love old shutters from the pictures?!

This old jelly cabinet houses my spray paints.

These vintage, bentwood chairs provide “shelf” storage. My husband attached old glass doorknobs to the wall to use as hangers.

And, finally, my cute vintage, Victorian chair which happens to be a favorite “Ethyl” hang out. And….from the cold stares I am getting from the Mertzes in this picture….it is time for their daily walk…..I guess the tour is done! Thank you for stopping by!

I will be joining the following blog parties this week:

*White Wednesday at Faded Charm Cottage

*Feather Nest Friday at French Country Cottage

*Vintage Inspiration Friday at Common Ground

Have a wonderful week, everyone:)!

Tea Anyone?

2011-06-21T16:23:00.001-07:00

I thought I would share one of my custom teapot lamps with you. I cannot take all the credit for creating these fun projects….my husband does the “electrifying” process. I just gather all the vintage trims, linens…..

…brooches, pearls, rhinestones, finials……

….whatever it takes to make it “just right:)!”

I will be joining Kathleen at Faded Charm Cottage for White Wednesday. I hope that you can join us!

Have a wonderful week, everyone:)

Have Faith

2011-06-07T15:53:00.001-07:00

It has been seven weeks since I have last posted on my blog….and it is just wonderful to be back! Relaxing vacation on a tropical isle???……unfortunately, “No.” Just returning from a “health bump” in this wonderful road called, “life:)” I began this large, 24”x48” canvas art piece, before I hit that “bump” in the road and just finished it a few days ago. I thought it to be the perfect piece to share for my return to Blogland!

Sir James Matthew Barrie…author, dramatist, and best known as the creator of Peter Pan, wrote this lovely and thoughtful, “metaphor for every moment of life.” A quote that can set the morning right and remind you to “carry on” accordingly:)

I will be joining White Wednesday at Faded Charm Cottage. Please join us!

Have a wonderful week everyone.

Our First Grandchild

2011-04-24T12:48:00.001-07:00

It was such a wonderful experience for us to meet Austin Michael for the first time! He was born on April 11, 2011, and is 7 pounds, 3 ounces of “pure cute!” What a “grand parenting” joy it will be to watch our “little guy” grow and learn:)!

Home Decorating Projects

2011-04-04T10:51:00.001-07:00

Spring weather has brought on the urge of purging and organizing our home storage areas! Doing this has revealed several projects that I had put on the “back burner,” for one reason or another. I thought I would share a few that I have just completed.

I have had these oval frames for some time…

…and although, different…I married them together with a light spray of ivory paint and then distressed them with sandpaper. The mattes were cut from thin cardboard and given the same spray treatment with a light over-spray of bronze metallic finish paint by American Accents/Rust-oleum. I like to use this paint as not only a “highlighter,” but as a solid paint surface for projects too. You will see this in the next project. The prints are from a vintage 1950’s insurance calendar that reprinted many Currier and Ive’s scenes. I hung these in our den on the outer surface of our library shelving. I have seen many decorators do this, and I love the look! So as not to damage the surface of the shelving, I used the Command, damage-free hanging hooks. They work great!

The next photo is of a vintage pole lamp that we refurbished for our daughter. My husband did the rewiring for this piece, and I did the finish work. The bronze paint, mentioned above, was used.

It works very nice on metal and gives a very nice finish.

This next project is a pair of screens that have been in the garage for some time. I painted these black and used a staple gun to attach the decorator fabric.

This is a photo of our home entry. Now that I look at it….it seems like a lot going on in the picture, but I love the visual impact as you walk in the door:)! I have been considering repainting my walls from the “prairie grass” color to a more neutral beige color, however, I do love the “contrast” that the green provides…so we shall see. Would love your opinion!

My last projects of this posting are two pillows made for our dining room…

I have made variations of this style pillow for this area before. However, when I found the black, white, and cream toile with the “dish motif,” I just could not resist it for our dining room. Three of my favorite things .…dishes, fabric and anything toile:)! The lace overlay is, actually, from a vintage table runner that had many holes in the fabric. I just cut both lace ends from the piece and sewed them onto my pillow fabric. Topped off with old buttons and black tassels, I love the look of these with our black and white prints that hang just above each pillow.

I wish you all a great week! I will be joining the following blog parties this week:

*White Wednesday at Faded Charm

*Feather Nest Friday at French Country Cottage

Meet The Mertzes!!

2011-03-30T12:53:00.001-07:00

Fred and Ethyl came to us from a local dachshund rescue facility. Their former owner had passed away. We feel so fortunate to have these little bundles of “spunk” and “joy” in our lives:)! Ethyl weighs a whopping 6 pounds, and is considered a “mini.” She frolics in the garden, chasing butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. Fred is maybe 9 pounds and almost hitting the distinction of a “tweeny doxie.” As Ethyl dances around, Fred follows right by my side, tail wagging and thumping on anything that it touches. They both LOVE their walks……so many wiggles, I have a hard time getting their gear on for it! And, then there is the napping…..

which occurs in my chair most of the time. With the three of us, it is a constant “jockeying” for a comfortable position. They are definite cuddlers and so sweet with each other.

I loved this picture more than the others that I have taken, so it will go on my blog sidebar for now. However, they were both told that top billing will always go to our Gracie girl. I am positive she is looking down from doggy heaven smiling at our continuing, “Doxie Dynasty:)!”

Have a wonderful evening, everyone.

Simple Spring Projects

2011-03-16T18:01:00.001-07:00

Although it is not, officially, Spring until March 20, I can’t help but be enthused. Spring always puts me in the gardening/decorating mood more than anytime of the year.

I just finished a few, simple one-day projects that I would like to share with you. I have always wanted to make some sort of garden sculpture for my patio terrace just off my studio. I have been collecting items for some time….

Before

These cast iron candlesticks were purchased at a yard sale for $5 and I haven’t done a thing to them. I knew they would provide good bases for my “Garden Sculptures,” because they are so-o heavy! A few Dollar Store glassware items, brandy snifters, vintage Johnson Brothers dishware, and of course, seashells round out the supplies for my project. Oh, I almost forgot, I added two toothpick holders for the toppers. And here they are…..

After

I love the way they turned out! I may put this vignette on my dining room table for a bit of time before the garden sculptures are placed in the garden! Here is a close-up…..

I used 100% silicone adhesive to adhere the pieces together.

Another project were the bunny planters in the “After” photo above. Here are those planters before….

Before

These planters were, absolutely, fine the way they were. I have always loved the “relief” and dimensional effect of them. But, I wanted a more “neutral” color palette. I purchased these cute “bunnies” years ago at an after season sale at “Big Lots.” So, you know that I paid pennies. So here they are after my paint technique….

…This was “almost” as simple as the garden sculpture project. I spray painted both planters with Rust-oleum Painter’s Touch paint in satin, “Heirloom White.” After this was dry, I used a small paint brush to apply Valspar antiquing glaze in the color of asphaltum. The paint brush allowed application into all the nooks and crannies of these pieces. And then, I just rubbed it off until I achieved the color effect that I wanted.

And, since we are on a roll here….another project. I just purchased this mantle clock at a thrift shop. Again, for pennies…however, I wasn’t even sure the clock mechanism would work. I bought it, anyway, and found that it was in perfect working condition.

After

That beautiful, vintage mantel clock with all the mellow age and melodic chime…..well…it has eluded me! So…until I find it, I decided that I would age this newer one. Here it is after the makeover….

….This was a very simple project too. I, first, disassembled all the pieces. You would really be surprised how easily these newer clocks come apart. I spray painted the wood base with Valspar paint in a flat black color. After it was dry, I did a bit of distressing with sandpaper. A finishing coat of Minwax Paste Wax was applied and buffed to a nice sheen. The gold rim around the clock face was too bright, so I applied a primer to it and then hand painted it a “taupe” metallic color. This can be found at a craft’s store such as Michaels. I used water-base stain in walnut in a very diluted consistency to age the clock face. After every clock part was dry, I reassembled it, put a new battery in the mechanism, and placed it on my fireplace mantle!

A day’s worth of Spring projects ready to be enjoyed:)!

Thank you for stopping by for a visit! I will be joining the following blog parties this week:

*White Wednesday at Faded Charm Cottage

*Feather Nest Friday at French Country Cottage

*Vintage Inspiration Friday at Common Ground

Have a wonderful week, everyone!

Decorating for Daughter

2011-03-10T18:04:00.001-08:00

So many projects on my Idea Board …..so little time:)! I have been out of town the past few days, and am so-o ready to head back to my studio for some creative fun:)!

I thought I would share two projects that I completed several weeks ago for my daughter.

Before

This table does not look so bad in this picture, now that I am viewing it! However, it had many scuff and scratch marks, and was in need of a redo. This is the table after…..

After

I used a black flat paint on the top portion of the table and a paint color of cottage white followed by a gray glaze over the white portion. I felt this glaze treatment helped to accentuate the beautiful detail of this piece. Paste wax was used as the final finish on the table.

My inspiration for this redo was from a magazine ad showing white kitchen cabinetry with this aged-glaze effect. The countertop was black soapstone. I loved the elegance and classically, traditional feel that those colors gave to the entire kitchen. I have this same combo planned for another piece I will be repurposing in the future. But that’s another story:)!

So…on with this one. Although my daughter has not found them as yet, this table is destined to be flanked by two comfy, upholstered chairs….so I am told. To add to this table/chair vignette, I thought it would be fun to have a couple of “bling” pillows for each chair. I know my daughter loves toile fabric. So, using a solid black fabric for the backing and an overlay of black and white toile gathered at the middle with vintage rhinestone shoe buckles…….I created two of these for those future chairs….

….I think they will complement the table very nicely!

I will be joining the following parties tomorrow. I hope you can join us!

Vintage Inspiration Friday at Common Ground

Feather Nest Friday at French Country Cottage

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!

Grandson Gifts

2011-03-01T14:14:00.001-08:00

The mother and father-to-be have been, diligently, preparing their baby nursery for their baby boy. The room is painted a medium brown. The crib and changing table are in place. The bedding, with a “Transportation” theme in colors of dark brown, light blue, light green, and white is laundered and in place. Alphabet letters, in different sizes, shapes, and fonts are being painted in those colors for one wall. A white bookcase with books in it, are ready for our grandson to read at a small table and chair set when that time arrives in his life. The block-out blinds are ordered and will go under the white sheers and “Transportation” themed valances already in place.

I was asked to create a few items for the room too. These will go on each side of the window……

…four acrylic paintings on canvas depicting the room theme.

I purchased this 3-drawer side table from a thrift store several months ago having no real place in mind for it. My daughter thought it would work well next to a glider chair and ottoman that she has planned for the nursery.. Here it is in its “Before” state……

The Before

I have to say that this is the first piece, in a very long time, that has required so much patience and work on my part. Five coats of paint stripped, the piece sanded, and then repainted…..I, also, have to say…

The After

…that it is amazing what a coat of white paint will do! I hand painted the wooden knobs….

…to coordinate with the nursery theme.

If this piece finds a new home in a different room with a different theme someday, a quick knob change is all that will be necessary with this versatile, white piece.

I am joining White Wednesday at Faded Charm Cottage this week. Please join us!

Thank you for stopping by today. I, sincerely, appreciate your visit!

A Baby Shower

2011-02-23T20:04:00.001-08:00

It has been a very long, long time since I attended a baby shower, much less being included in the planning of one! Our eldest daughter is having our first grandchild in April, and needless to say, the whole family is very excited about this event:)! As I mentioned, I was thrilled to be a part of the planning along with our youngest daughter and two of the mother-to-be’s friends. Here is what we created……

Gardening burlap from the hardware store was used as a table runner which was tied at the ends with twine and dried Baby’s Breath. The chair backs received the same decorative treatment.

Our theme was “Nesting.” The birdhouses and nests with the blue eggs were purchased from www.save-on-crafts.com. The word, “Nesting” was added and painted in black on two sides of the birdhouses.

Baby bottles became the flower vases. Baby food jars became the tea light candle holders. The napkin rings were a combination of Dollar Store baby ribbon, dried Baby’s Breath, and vintage diaper pins. A “mix and match” scheme was used for the stemware and dishes…a lovely mix of “old and new.”

Guests were given a seed packet of Baby’s Breath with a plant marker that was ribboned with dried Baby’s Breath and Lavender. These seed packets were purchased online at www.americanmeadows.com, if you are interested.

And…..the cake balls…well…

they were delicious and very well received! I have to send a BIG “Thank you” to my blogging friend, Jana Holland at Collected Treasures for providing, not only the idea….but the great recipe. Thank you, Jana! She is a creative wonder….from cake balls to crowns made from upside-down sterno frames! Don’t miss checking out her blog!

What fun we had creating these tablescapes! The whole setting received some “oohs” and “ahhs” as guests walked into the room. No better compliment than that!

In my next posting, I will share a few of my creations that were a gift from me to my future grandson.

I will be joining the following parties this week. Please join us!

Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps on the Porch

Feather Nest Friday at French Country Cottage

Inspiration Friday at Southern in my Heart

Have a wonderful evening, everyone!

Art Revisited

2011-02-05T16:08:00.001-08:00

In the early 1990’s, I began working on an embossed art project that was earmarked for my mother on Mother’s Day. There are many ways to create embossed art. The way in which I created the piece below was done by making a cardboard form of what I, eventually, wanted imprinted on good quality rag paper. This is the form I created…..

I have kept it all these years, because….in many ways, I feel it is just as lovely and an art piece unto itself.

I was fortunate to have a friend with an embossing machine. I used very heavy rag paper for this project, and by doing this was only able to get two good imprints of the form used above. I completed my mother’s embossed painting just in time for Mother’s Day that year, and I decided to archive the other and use it in someway, “someday” in my own home decor.

Well….fast forward to 2011! I pulled my “Flower Maiden” out of archival status and decided to do a watercolor wash in a tone-on-tone color palette. And, here she is…

The frame is a garage sale find that has been painted and distressed. The matting is made from foam-core board with gardening burlap adhered to it. For the interior edges of the matting, I used two different sizes and color of rope and hot glued these on. The four corners of the matt are embellished with four vintage buttons with pearls inset into the buttonholes. I was striving for a more rustic, earthy feel for my “Flower Maiden,” and I feel that I achieved this with the tone on tone color and the organic materials used in the piece. What fun it was to “revisit” an old friend after all these years! She now has a permanent place in our home:)!

I will be joining the following parties this week. Please join us:)!

*Make It 4 Monday at Cottage Instincts

*Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch

*Motivate Me Mondays at Crafts Keep Me Sane

*White Wednesday at Faded Charm Cottage

*Feather Nest Friday at French Country Cottage

Valentines and Vegetables

2011-01-16T17:37:00.001-08:00

When it comes to the domestic home front, my husband and I have our own set of passions….he is the avid gardener, and I am the zealous decorator of our coastal abode. There isn’t anything quite like eating fruits and vegetables from our own garden. And, I like to think that there isn’t anything quite like creating a unique “ambience” in our own “nest” too….both, most certainly feed our souls. So….. I thought I would share a few glimpses into our latest seasonal fare.

Valentines

I go “light” in the decorating realm after the trio of holidays just past. It is nice to get back to a more airy environment. But….I do love Valentine’s Day and the whole romantic bent! Using my neutral color palette, my Valentine decor feels “serene and simple” to me. So, here are a few pictures….

A white heart basket added to an “above the cabinetry” display. And, a heart……..

topiary for the dining room table. My bay window decor……vintage music sheets….just

perfect for the occasion. An old…

vintage book entitled, “Pearls of Thought.” So engaging with its bounty of love poems and songs!

And, this vignette of a heart…..

mercury glass ornament, pocket watch and brooch under a glass dome. All complete my, “ode to romance” for this season.

Vegetables

I don’t think there is any color palette more beautiful than the one that nature provides us. The vibrancy of my husband’s gardens is in full swing in this winter garden….

The ornamental cabbage is stunning this year! I am not sure what “secret soil” he uses to grow these beautiful plants. They look wonderful in this raised bed next to….

the “almost ready to pick,” broccoli. Yum! Can’t wait for harvest day!

One of our several blueberry bushes…notice the berry cluster in the top right corner. These plants are, finally, starting to mature and are putting on more fruit this year. I can’t wait for that harvest day either!

And….there you have it…”Valentines and Vegetables” enjoying domestic bliss:)

I will be joining the following blog parties this week. We hope you can join us!

*White Wednesday with Faded Charm Cottage

*Good Live Wednesdays at A Beach Cottage

*Vintage Inspiration Friday at Common Ground

*Feather Nest Friday at French Country Cottage

Have a wonderful week, everyone!

Seashell Plant Stand

2011-01-09T13:45:00.001-08:00

My plant stand project began in early November, and I had every intention to complete it before the holidays! However, a week or so later, I was in holiday decorating, baking, and ornament-making mode! Those good intentions fell by the wayside, and the plant stand landed in a corner of my studio awaiting my attention.

This piece has been in my garage for so long, I cannot even remember where I found it. Here is a before picture….

I wanted this plant stand in a corner of our bedroom by a window, so a plant that I chose would receive plenty of light. And, of course, I wanted seashells on it! Here it is….

It became a project of “many layers.” I wanted to achieve a very distressed age appearance to the exposed wood……

I like the contrast between the aged wood, the rustic shells, and the pearls! Thank goodness my husband embraces the femininity that exudes in my artwork! I do try to control an “over abundance” of my shell art in each room of our home. The decorating adage, “a little goes a long way,” is something I always try to keep in mind…but it is difficult when you have this for inspiration…..

In between all of the rain we have been receiving, are a few evenings of inspiring, “picture-perfect sunsets.”

Thank you for stopping by:)! I hope you have a wonderful week:)! I will be joining the following blog parties this week. Please join us!

*DIY at The DIY Showoff

*Monday Masterpiece at Boogieboard Cottage

*Show Off Your Cottage Monday @ House in Roses

*White Wednesday at Faded Charm

*Feather Nest Friday at French Country Cottage

Auld Lang Syne!

2011-01-03T10:50:00.001-08:00

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,

And never brought to mind?

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,

And auld lang syne!

Robert Burns wrote these lyrics and the words, “Auld lang syne,” are about love and friendships in time past.

Old friendships should be celebrated….and that is, exactly, what we did! A “progressive” celebration that began with old friends in their newly redecorated home. Yes, I should have ask to take pictures…..stunningly beautiful! What was I thinking?! The tablescape of hors d’oeuvres was beautiful and tasty!

And……then we moved on to a local restaurant to enjoy the next phase of our evening. More to enjoy! Yes, I should have taken a picture. What was I thinking?!

And……then we moved on to our own home for a dessert bar. These two pictures were taken before the party…

..an olallieberry cream cake, an assortment of homemade and purchased candies and confections….

And….a favorite local champagne, Tobin James, “Dreamcatcher,” which is very light, fruity, and bubbly. Friends later brought a 1995 Dom Perignon to ring in the new year!

I had wanted to take a picture of the “afters” of this table. What was I thinking?!

I realized that I was, truly, “living in the moment,” and enjoying the company of some very dear friends.

May your year be exceptional!

I am joining the following link parties this week:

*Monday Masterpiece at Boogie Board Cottage

*White Wednesday at Faded Charm

*Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps on the Porch

*Feather Nest Friday at French Country Cottage

More Than A Random Act of Kindness

2010-12-30T13:39:00.001-08:00

As we approach the eve of a New Year, I would like to share this quote with you today and also something, very extraordinary, that just happened to me today….

“Living in the moment brings you a sense of reverence for all of life’s blessings.” This quote sits in our bedroom, so that each morning when I rise, I can remind myself of the blessings that surround my life and “set the morning right” with my gratitude.

I went about my morning rituals as I, usually, do as of late….reflection, a cup of coffee, a few stretching exercises, and a walk by the water’s edge. My husband joined me for my walk this morning, and who knew that an angel would decide to grace our presence today?! I am not one to say or take that prior sentence lightly. As many of you out there, I have had a year of ups and downs, highs and lows, joys and sadness…..it is what we all experience in our lives…it is the human experience. Today was different. The boardwalk was a bit busy with many tourists in town for the upcoming holiday, so I preferred to walk on the road fronting the ocean on our walk back to our car. As we were walking along, a car drove by slowly, parked several feet in front of us, and a woman got out of the car and started walking toward us. Her focus was on me. And, as she moved closer, I had a distinct feeling that I knew her….but I did not. She spoke directly to me and said, "My husband thinks I am crazy, but the Lord just spoke to me…and said to give you my leather jacket….please put it on.” Not wanting to offend this kind woman….. I put the jacket on. It fit me as if it was my own, and the warmth from it was…..well….it was amazing. I knew, instinctually, that to deny this gift from her would be, somehow, wrong. I just knew that this was a first for her, as much as it was for me…I could see it in her eyes. She told me she lived in another State, and that they were headed home to the snow storms of the East. We hugged, she shed a tear, and she left. I was left, initially, with extraordinary, conflicting feelings of puzzlement and happiness from our meeting.

I don’t think that I have, as yet, truly processed the significance of this meeting completely. I do know that this jacket will be with me for the remainder of my life. I know that in times of personal need….even years from now….that I can put this jacket on, and I will feel the same warmth, security, and comfort that enveloped me today when it first touched my body. And, most importantly, I know for sure that this angel gave me more than a leather jacket today. What a wonderful, unexpected, and profound gift that I have been given as I approach a new year of infinite possibilities!

May you all “celebrate in life’s blessings.” Happy New Year, everyone!

Remembrance Shelf

2010-12-19T12:24:00.001-08:00

As many of you know, who follow my blog regularly, I am fortunate to have many of my clients send photos that show the ways in which they use my art in their homes. It is always a thrill for me to receive these photos, but none has ever been quite so “moving” as “this” picture…

….that goes with “this” story.

This “remembrance shelf” is a tribute to my client’s parents, who are pictured in the beautiful frames above. How do the “SEA” seashell letters fit in? Both parents “were and are” veterans of World War II. I relate it in this way, because her father has since passed away. He had joined the Marines as a First Lieutenant, and had been assigned to Washington D.C. Her mother, a Wave, was in the first group of women who joined the Navy and after training in the Midwest, was also sent to Washington D.C. to assist an Admiral with administrative work. The Marine and the Wave met, in 1942, at a Friday night USO dance with big band music playing in the background. After three dates, he was deployed to the Aleutian Islands, and she continued her work in Washington D.C. She was a “very resourceful” Wave and was able to secure a contact address for that Marine. And…..the love letters began. After one year, he proposed in one of those letters, and the Wave said, “Yes.” Once on leave, they were married and, eventually were stationed at Camp Pendleton in Oceanside, California. Her mother left the military first, since she was pregnant with their first child. Her father soon followed into civilian life. And, those letters? They are a priceless, treasured item in this family!

My client goes on in her letter to share the long and proud history of her family’s military service, which also included her two grandfathers, numerous uncles, and, most currently, her son who is in Afghanistan.

A wonderful story and one that should remind each one of us, as we end this year in holiday celebration and embark on a new year…. enjoying the “freedoms” that our country provides…..to place the men and women in our Armed Forces, stationed all over the world, on our “Remembrance Shelf” and “give thanks” for their service to each one of us.

May peace be with us all.

I will be joining “White Wednesday” at Faded Charm this week.

Gift-Giving Candy

2010-12-12T11:52:00.001-08:00

Each day comes bearing its own gifts. Untie the ribbons. ~Ruth Ann Schabacker

Ruth Ann’s quote has been a favorite of mine for years, and although her sentiment relates to a much deeper meaning than, I will express here…..any day involving “candy” is a great gift, indeed:)!

I come bearing with a gift for you today with my all-time, favorite gift-giving candy recipe…. Almond Butter Crunch Wheel. I found this recipe years ago in a magazine advertisement. It touted that it was so easy, your teenagers can help you. I knew this was the recipe for me, since I am not, “the candy thermometer” kind of gal! I have made this recipe so many times, for so many friends, family, and business associates over the years…I can attest to the fact that it is a quick, easy, and delicious gift!

So here it is…

This recipe makes one Almond Butter Crunch Wheel. First…

Line the bottom and sides of an 8-9” cake pan with aluminum foil. Butter foil heavily. Set aside.

Next….

Put these four ingredients in a 10-inch skillet…

*1/2 cup butter, no margarine (1 cube)

*1/2 cup of white sugar

*1/4 cup of slivered almonds

*1 Tablespoon light corn syrup

You will bring this to a boil over medium/low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. Once it begins to boil, continue to stir constantly, until mixture turns a golden brown. This, usually, takes between 5-6 minutes. I use this time to think about all the other wonderful projects I am working on:)! When the candy is golden brown……..like this…..

…working quickly, spread the candy in the prepared, buttered pan…pushing candy to sides and filling all holes.

Let the candy cool about 15-20 minutes, or until firm. Remove the candy from the pan by lifting the edges of the foil, then peel it off. Cool thoroughly and then….

…wrap it in plastic wrap.

Because, it is a “candy plate” of sorts, I have, also, put additional candies on top of it in their own plastic wrap.

I, then, wrap it all up in cellophane gift-wrap, and tie it with beautiful ribbon……sometimes adding a hand-made or purchased ornament to finish it off! And…we are back to where I began this posting…

…a lovely gift to give and to receive!

I will be joining the following parties this week. Please join us!

-Motivate Me Mondays at Keep It Simple

-Holiday Treat Hook-up at North Dakota Kitchen

-White Wednesday at Faded Charm

-Feather Nest Friday at French Country Cottage

-Food Fight Friday at Choochmagooz

Have a wonderful, holiday-filled, week everyone!

Technorati Tags: candy recipe,gift-giving,holiday

Yule Tidings

2010-12-05T15:23:00.001-08:00

It is a rainy weekend on the Central Coast, and since the weather outside is frightful, a perfect time to complete a few more holiday projects. It turned out to be more of a “glitter fest.” You will see what I mean as you peruse my blog posting. Suffice to say, my studio looks as if it has been sprinkled with “fairy dust!”

So…let’s begin..

I purchased these ice skates at a garage sale for $3.00 earlier in the year. I knew they would be a beautiful addition to my holiday decor….

Before

And, here they are….

After

German glass glitter was added to the shoe buttons, blades, and the top cuffs. I, also, dusted a bit on the shoe, itself. I drilled a hole in the top of both shoes after deciding on their positioning, and then, wired them together. Hot glue was used to attach the greenery and the pinecone onto the front shoe. And, to finish it off, a vintage clip earring was added to the shoestring bow at the top!

Next project……

Before

I wanted to complete one more ornament project for our tree…..

The white cardboard cutouts were purchased at Michael’s. I traced this tree onto vintage music sheets, cut them out, and then glued them on both sides of the cardboard. And, well, you know, they needed a little glitz, so of course, I added glitter…….

….and here is my “musical forest!” This time I used Martha Stewart’s white gold glitter. I enjoyed working with this glitter! It is very fine, gives a beautiful sheen, and a little goes a long way!

My “musical forest”……needed something more, so I added a few more embellishments….

After

The topper on my musical tree is, actually, a button gleaned from one of my numerous junking expeditions. The “letter disks” were purchased on-line from Hobby Lobby, and hot glued on. Gardening twine was used for hanging. These cardboard cutouts are a substantial eight inches in length, and, visually, provide a nice contrast to some of our smaller ornaments on the tree.

I did not show “close-up” photos of some of our Christmas ornaments in my last posting, and, subsequently, I had several requests to do so. Before showing you a few of these ornaments, I have to tell you that our tree is filled with a potpourri of organic, sentimental, vintage, handmade and, just plain funky items!

Here is the organic…

Of course, I would have shell ornaments….I am a “shell” girl!

Here is a vintage clip candle holder. A marvelous 24 piece set that I found at an estate sale…..and

the “Happy Holidays” is simply white paper printed with musical notes and graphics. I used scrapbooking scissors for the edges. The inspiration for this addition to our tree was from a recent Pottery Barn catalog.

These are the funky……..

The top ornament is a plastic star that was, originally, purchased for Fourth of July decor. I spray painted these ornaments white and then used German glass glitter on them. The bottom ornament is, actually, one segment of a belt that I disassembled. I loved the white and silver embossed star embellishment, so it was added to our tree decor!

And, finally…many of you asked for a mini-tutorial for my tassel ornaments. So here goes…

Before

You will need:

*A salt and pepper shaker with a screw-off top.

*Jewelry wire

*Beading

*Fringe purchased at a fabric shop.

*Optional…items to fill your salt shaker (if glass)

*Hot glue and gun

Cut a piece of wire for the length you wish the hanger to be and then add a couple of inches. Bead the wire. Holding both ends, feed each wire through one hole each on the topside of the salt shaker cap. Turn if over and twist several times and then cut excess wire with scissors. Your top is done! If you are using glass shakers and want to fill them with items…I have used salt, shells, glitter, or nothing at all…and the list goes on. Once filled, screw the cap hanger back on. Take fringe and roll it in a tight roll to just almost the size of the shaker bottom. Cut this off from your fringe supply and hot glue it to secure the end. Place hot glue on the bottom of the shaker, and adhere the top of the fringe roll to the shaker bottom. And….you are done!

A tassel ornament for your Christmas tree!

I will be joining the following link parties this week. I hope you can join us!

-Make it Monday at Cottage Instincts

-Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Front Porch

- Monday DIY at The DIY Showoff

-Motivate Me Mondays at Crafts Keep me Sane

-Amaze Me Monday at Dittle Dattle

-White Wednesday at Faded Charm

-Wednesday at Tea Rose Home

-Fabric Fun Thursday at Cheap Chic Home

-Thrifty Thursday at Bloggeritaville

-Vintage Inspiration Friday at Common Ground

Feather Nest Friday at French Country Cottage

Inspiration Friday at Southern in my Heart

And a Bavarian Christmas party at Dobermans-by-the-sea which runs through December 19, 2010.

Happy Holidays, everyone!

Technorati Tags: Holiday ornaments,coastal living,vintage,repurposed

Holiday Tidbits

2010-11-30T16:22:00.001-08:00

This is my favorite book this holiday season….

….I’ve already given it to the special people in my life. I found it in the children’s section of a bookstore. But….it is for everyone:)! I hope you like it too!

And…the place where I enjoy reading the most is, now, sharing space with our Christmas tree….

…I love this old chaise. I bought it at an estate sale for a song, reupholstered the base with muslin, and made a slipcover (with pleated trim) for it and the feathered-down cushion.

My holiday decorating this season is a mix of vintage and new. I like the juxtaposition and the contrast that occurs with those two elements. In the picture below….I just added the thrift shop Christmas tray. Yes, and not a chip on it! Everything else is in place year-round, because I enjoy these vintage pieces so much in our kitchen.

On our dining table right now…

And, on our small, dining room hutch…

Thank you for stopping by. I hope you can take time out of, what sometimes becomes, a very busy time in our lives to put your feet up and enjoy a great read!

I am linking with the following parties this week. Please join us!

*White Wednesday at Faded Charm

*Transformation Thursday at Shabby Chic Cottage

*Fabric Fun Thursday at Cheap Chic Home

*Thrifty Thursday at Bloggeritaville

*Inspiration Friday at Southern in my Heart

*Vintage Inspiration Friday at Common Ground

*Feather Nest Friday at French Country Cottage

Have a wonderful week, everyone!

The Winner Is……….

2010-11-30T05:10:00.001-08:00

But, before I announce the winner of my 100th posting giveaway….just let me say a BIG….THANK YOU to each one of you who participated!!! It has been so inspiring for me to receive your comments, visit your blogs, and view the wonderful talent and creativity that just “flows” through Blogland!

Unbeknownst to you was the fact that I was, also, having a 100th “Follower” Giveaway. The winner of this giveaway was Tammy from Beatrice Banks. Congratulations Tammy!!! She received a seashell letter, last name initial.

And, the winner is……drum roll please:)!!!

The winner of my 100th “Posting” NOEL Seashell Letter Giveaway is……..Michelle from Emerald Cove!! Congratulations Michelle!!! My holiday decor is coming your way!!

Happy Holidays, everyone!!!

Pumpkin Time!!

2010-11-21T07:44:00.001-08:00

I love “Autumn!” One of my favorite quotes this time of year….

on my cherished old “quote” board. Actually, an old dresser mirror frame refurbished with a crackle finish and inserted with a chalkboard painted board. A place of endless inspiration, as I walk past it everyday.

And…oh, how I love those pumpkins….how

….I use it in my whimsical paintings…

I love the spectrum of color that nature provides this time of year in the world around us…

…. And, I am so thankful for the blessings bestowed upon each one of us everyday.

Thank you for stopping by… I am so….

If you have not entered my “NOEL” Seashell giveaway, you may enter it here. The deadline is November 29, 2010.

Happy Thanksgiving time to you all!!!

Designer Lamp and My Giveaway!!!

2010-11-18T16:40:00.001-08:00

I was, recently, commissioned by a client in the Bay area to create a one-of-a-kind lamp for her home. Designing this type of lamp is, truly, a joint effort at Patti’s Artful Design. My husband and I enjoy the “thrill of the hunt” in looking for unique items to transform and repurpose into something beautiful and functional for the home. We, also, like the fact that we go “green,” as much as possible, with these types of projects. Almost everything, except the new electrical components and an occasional lampshade, is recycled and renewed material.

My husband handles the “electrifying” process, while I embellish each piece with “the pretty.” The “embellishments,” more often than not, are vintage items that add even more character and patina to a piece. And, here is my client’s new lamp…..

…A charming silver coffee server transformed with a beautifully shaped lampshade (this one is new), silver beading, French appliqué, and an exquisite vintage-linen napkin. The vintage rhinestones complete the ensemble for the perfect touch of bling!!

Make sure you sign-up for my “Noel” Seashell Letter giveaway right here. The deadline is November 29, 2010!

Also, please check out the wonderful “giveaways” on my sidebar from other talented artists in blogland!!!

I am joining up with the following Friday link parties. Please join us at:

Common Ground’s

French Country Cottage’s

And Southern In My Heart’s

Have a wonderful evening, everyone!

Tassels

2010-11-14T19:39:00.001-08:00

It is funny how the creative process works. I, fully, intended on getting my dusting and vacuuming done today, but the pull to create was, for some reason, too strong. So….why fight it? Who wants to dust and vacuum, anyway?!:)

Tassels were on my mind! So, this is just some of what I started with…..

salt shakers, pearls, wire, and fringe. I have been collecting the mini silver and glass salt shakers for some time now. With the holidays approaching, I wanted to get a start on adding a few new ornaments to our collection this year. So…here are a few that I have made thus far….

It is a bit early for the Christmas tree, so these are hanging from one of our chandeliers. Here’s another…..

And, yet another…..

I had always wanted a tassel to hang from this chandelier as part of my year-round decor, so….I made another…..a bit more substantial than the others…

What fun I had!! I’ll dust and vacuum tomorrow!!

If you have not done so, please click here to enter my 100th posting giveaway. The giveaway gift is a set of my “NOEL” seashell letters. The deadline is November 29…so hurry and enter!!

I am linking to the following Monday parties:

and…Wednesday party with Kathleen at Faded Charm…

And, I am so excited!!!…..I am featured in ”Cheap Chic Home, “Fabric Fun Thursday.” Check it out! Click the icon below:

Enjoy your day, everyone!!

Tea Time with Transferware

2010-11-09T04:28:00.001-08:00

I know I am not the only person who is “taken” with transferware. My fancy toward it began many years ago when my husband and I were in San Diego for a business conference. While he had countless meetings to attend, I found a three-story antique mall that suited me just fine! Tucked in an out-of-the-way dark corner were some very dusty brown and whites. At that time, transferware was just not that popular, but I was smitten! In total, there were only about 14 pieces of Alfred Meakin’s, “Fair Winds.” I didn’t care…it was enough to get me started on my transferware journey. Here is a picture…..

Who knew that a decade or so later, these nautical motif dishes would be a perfect match for our coastal abode?!

I added to my set through frequenting yards sales, estate sales, and thrift shops. I didn’t, exclusively, stay with Alfred. I added other brown and white styles to the mix. I could never find enough dinner plates, however, so one Christmas, my husband surprised me with the four that I needed to complete my set. Here are a few pieces mixed with white ware and set up for Autumn tea time with a friend.

This dishware has reigned over so many family and friend gatherings with that winning combination of good food and conversation, that I just can’t help but be a bit sentimental about it:)

Here are a few more pictures of transferware displays in our home….

If you have not signed up for my “NOEL” seashell letter giveaway, you may do so by clicking here for the details. I would love to have you join in on this celebration of my 100th posting!!!

I will be linking with the following parties this week:

-Twice Owned Tuesday

-Nifty Thrifty Tuesday

-White Wednesday

-Show and Tell Friday

Have a wonderful week, everyone!

Bed Crown & My “Giveaway”

2010-11-02T16:55:00.001-07:00

There has been a bevy of activity going on in my studio lately! It seems that every flat surface is covered with home, holiday, and client projects right now. I work well this way….flitting from one project to another as paint or adhesive dries. I suppose it could be called “organized chaos.” Some days, I am not so sure! I would love to be able to add just one more table to the mix for more workspace in my ever-shrinking studio! Here is the latest project I have just completed.

A client from the Southern California area sent me this picture as inspiration for designing a bedcrown for a bedroom she was planning for her daughter.

This is a picture from the April 2010 issue of Traditional Home magazine. I love the turquoise, coral, and white colors used in this room. It looks so fresh, and the room has so many great ideas! Love those silhouette pillows with the solid coral color fabric, and the great storage in what looks like a, relatively, small area. I think a bedcrown with white sheers flanking each side of that daybed would be cozy, cocoon-like, and so inviting! I began with this…

turquoise sea glass, sea stars, shells, coral, pearls, a bit of silver beading, and a few rhinestones for bling! I so-o enjoy making these bedcrowns……

I am always finding new and unique pieces to incorporate into my designs. This one has the most exquisite white flower coral with a pearl that I have placed in each center. It has a very deceivingly soft and cushiony (is that a word?:) look to it! Love it!

And…don’t forget to enter my “NOEL” seashell letter giveaway celebrating my 100th posting!! The deadline is November 29, 2010! Click on the picture below to enter!!

I am linking to the following parties this week:

White Wednesday @ Faded Charm Cottage

Wednesday at Tea Rose Home

“NOEL” Giveaway!! 100th Posting

2010-10-27T05:45:00.001-07:00

Today marks my 100th posting on my blog! This is quite a milestone for a person, who just a couple of years ago, rarely ventured into anything remotely connected to the “computer,” unless it was absolutely necessary. To say I have “Come a long way, baby” is a true understatement! (Obviously, still having problems with McLinky, though:)! With my website shop I have found a place to share and sell my artwork. And, with my blog I have met the most interesting, creative, and talented people that have inspired me, made me laugh, made me reflect, and many times have brought me to tears in the shared humanity of our lives. To celebrate the joy that you all have brought to my life through this blogging journey, I am gifting my seashell,

“Noel” letters to one of you very special people for the holidays! These are six inch, beveled wood letters that I have hand-painted with cottage-white paint with a silver-toned glaze overlay. Each letter is silver-beaded and shell encrusted and ready to be hung on a wall, if you so desire.

If you wish to be a part of my 100th posting celebration giveaway, the rules are simple:

-Comment on this post for one chance.

-Comment and become one of my followers for two chances.

-Blog about it and grab my button below or my “NOEL” picture on my sidebar (please link either icon back to artfuldesign.blogspot.com)

for four chances. And, please let me know that you have done so. Thank you!

The deadline for this giveaway is November 29, 2010. I will announce the winner on November 30.

Thank you, again, for the “joy” that you bring to me!

I am joining in with White Wednesday at Kathleen’s Faded Charm blog. Join us for the fun by linking on the icon below.

I have also linkup up with Creative Juices

And…..Flaunt it Friday!

Document Cloth

2010-10-17T19:02:00.001-07:00

Yes, I have joined the latest craze for “Document cloth.” For those of you who are not familiar with what it looks like….Here it is…

quite beautiful, isn’t it?! It works perfect in my home interior design plans at the moment. So, I thought I would share two completed projects and one in the works.

Here is a “before” picture of an old coffee table that I purchased at a yard sale. I loved the curvy legs, but the 70’s mirror topper with the additional metallic finish was less than desirable, in my opinion.

I gave the piece a good sanding, primer, a cottage-white paint color with two glazing treatments. The first glaze was sponged on to give more depth and was two shades darker than the first paint. Then I used a light gray glaze to highlight and emphasize the design elements of the piece. I, then, decided to distress it just a bit, and then followed this with a paste wax finish. Here it is…..

And, that mirrored top…. well, I used paint remover in strategic places to take it from the 70’s to today…..

…with that beautiful “Document cloth” peeking through!

I, also, wanted a couple of pillows for my two refurbished French-style chairs. If you are interested in this “chair re-do” information, refer back to my posting of January 27, 2010, “French Drop-Cloth Couture Chairs.” Here is a picture of one of the pillows….

I bought two belts at a thrift shop and gave my pillows instant “cinching” chic!

Because this fabric has a very busy pattern, even small touches of it can make a wonderful statement in a room.

My next idea?….perhaps a combination of solid black chandelier shades with those covered in the “Document cloth” for the crystal chandelier in what I am now calling my, “French-Inspired Salon:)” The leftover remnants from all of these projects will be saved for future altered art and crafting ideas! I will keep you abreast of my “Document cloth” journey!

Check out other creative and talented bloggers for White Wednesday.

Have a great evening, everyone!

This and That

2010-10-15T13:27:00.001-07:00

THIS:

To all my followers!….you do not want to miss out on this! My good friend, Jana, at www.collectedtreasures.blogspot.com is having a wonderful giveaway during this holiday season. You just might want to click on her website connection above or her icon on my sidebar to see the treasures that await you! Jana is a wonderful designer, who is offering a handmade, altered creation guaranteed to arrive before Christmas to the lucky winner. You even get to pick your own color! The deadline for this wonderful event is November 27, 2010. So….pop on over and see her lovely designs, and good luck to you all!

THAT:

In the November 2010 issue of Romantic Homes magazine on page 76, there is directions for a “French Book Paper Wreath” by Lidy Baars, frenchgardenhouse.com . Well, when I saw this wreath, I knew I had to make one. It is so lovely! So, here is mine…..

Lidy had made her version for the holidays with the banner Joyeux Noel (Cheerful Noel). However, I could not wait for the holidays to hang mine, so I created two banners; the one in the picture Vivant bien (Live well) and Lidy’s version for the Christmas holiday season. This just may become a year-round wreath in my home. Thank you Lidy and thank you, Romantic Homes magazine for such a great project! It was a fun, easy, and a very addictive project! Also, for those of you who are French language challenged (as I am), I found a nifty website that translates many different languages. It was fun to “wordplay” in this website. Try it out: www.webtranslation.paralink.com/translations.asp

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Sea Cottage Style

2010-10-12T18:20:00.001-07:00

Repurposing and renewing vintage mirrors with my seashell art is always a treat for me! I enjoy the entire process of finding a piece that is perfect for a client’s space and needs. I love the planning process of envisioning how it will look when completed and, of course, the execution of that plan. But, what gives me the greatest thrill is the look in their eyes when they see it for the first time, and how it can (as any art can) transform the feeling of a room.

I found this vintage dresser mirror in a consignment store. What I loved about it was not only its size, which fit perfect in my client’s bathroom over the vanity, but

its shape. It had this beautiful and unusual, “egg” shaped frame. The beveled mirror was in excellent condition as was the wood frame, itself. It just needed an update and renewing for “Sea Cottage Style!”

I removed the swivel hardware on each side of the frame which was, initially, used for the dresser attachment, and then painted it in a creamy white with silvery over-glaze. I then added a double row of silver beading to the frame and encased small, pearlized shells in between the beading. The silver beading added extra sparkle and complemented the fixtures in the bathroom very well. Here is the after…

….classic and elegant, just like my client.

And, here is a close-up of the beading and shell work……..

….. I apologize for the photo fuzziness, but you can get the, general, idea.

I will be joining White Wednesday this week. Make sure to click on the White Wednesday picture below to view some very talented and creative decorating ideas from my fellow bloggers!

Have a great day, everyone!

Classic Black and White

2010-10-05T18:59:00.001-07:00

In an effort to incorporate more of classic black and white into my home’s overall color scheme, I thought I would share a few recent projects.

Although I do not have a “before” picture for this bench and footstool, suffice to say, they were not very pretty. But now..

My nesting vintage bench and not-so-old footstool complement each other very nicely with their black distressed finishes and toile, black and white upholstery. Perfect for pulling both up to the fireplace for a little sit on a chilly evening or as extra, overflow seating.

Another project that I have just completed are two vintage prints that I wanted to use on each side of the hutch that I just renewed and repurposed (please see prior posting). I started with two frames with matting that I purchased at a thrift shop……

The frame was a bit scruffy looking and the matting was the wrong color. Look how they have been transformed…..

I used the same black paint on these frames, with, again, a bit of distressing. I left the gold trim original to the frame. And, yes, I painted the matting too! Three mats are used;black, white, and cream to achieve this look. And, those keys above the pictures were purchased at a yard sale and given a faux paint treatment too. As I mentioned, these pictures and keys flank each side of my new hutch. In addition, I brought in two vintage oak chairs with their original finish and leather seating to be placed under each picture. These chairs belonged to my grandmother. They hold great sentimental value to me, in that I used to sit on them warming my feet over her floor furnace, as she fixed me breakfast before school. I am so happy to find a place for them in my home! Here is a picture of this area with the hutch (my white ware), pictures, keys, and chairs….

I am very pleased with the way this area of my home came together.

I am joining Kathleen at Faded Charm Cottage for “White Wednesday” this week. Check out all the wonderful ideas from so many talented bloggers.

Have a wonderful evening, everyone!

Before & After Hutch

2010-09-28T02:50:00.001-07:00

This thrift shop hutch had been sitting in our garage for some time, accumulating cobwebs, and taking up space. Although it was in good condition structurally and already had a white flat base paint on it, it most definitely had its share of scuff marks, and was in need of some TLC. I had already taken the cupboard doors off this piece before this picture was taken. Each door has a very nice molding around it which made me want to accentuate that feature in my repurposing efforts.

I liked the white color, but so many of my pieces have that same white distressed finish, and I was ready to try something a bit different….still distressed, but creamy-white in color with texture and an old world flavor. I had purchased a roll of anaglypta wallpaper at a garage sale a very long time ago knowing that I would, eventually, find a use for it. I love this “embossed” type wallpaper which is very sturdy and easily paintable.

So…..after painting this piece out with a can of “oops” paint from the hardware store, a bit of distressing, wallpaper applications, and multiple glazing techniques….this is what I have…

…and I could not be happier with the results! I have pictured this decorated a multitude of ways in my mind….with my brown and cream transferware, old white pitchers, vintage books…and on and on. But, just for fun, I decided to merchandise it as a wine bar with autumn decor! It has this great pull-out tray for just that purpose. Here it is with my autumn/wine, (yes I know, over-the-top) decorating….

Here is a close-up…

I am joining in on the following blogging parties:

Check out the other participants in these blogging events!

Have a wonderful day, everyone!

“White Wednesday” Cottage-Style Yard Art

2010-09-21T20:54:00.001-07:00

I am joining in on Faded Charm’s, “White Wednesday.”

When I decided to close my antique shop space a few months ago, I had these two “Post and Urn” pieces……

….that served as the entrance into my space, along with some pretty lace curtains. So, what to do with these posts which were cemented into the urns…. well……...”Cottage Yard Art” of course…

I am all about repurposing as so many of us are now. And, I have been collecting bird houses, windows, and architectural pieces for a very long time. So, why not……

construct a bird “Bed & Breakfast.” I cannot take credit for the construction of our yard art. That is my husband’s realm, and I think he did a great job! But, I did have fun painting everything out a cottage-white color and adding embellishments to all the birdhouses…

I still have room for more “Bird Condos.” I guess I need to put garage sale dates on the calendar! I think this structure would be beautiful with trailing morning glories. And, who knows maybe we will have feathered guests some day.

Head on over to Kathleen’s at “Faded Charm” to view more beautiful “White Wednesday” inspiration!

Have a great day everyone!

Decorating in Layers

2010-09-18T16:34:00.001-07:00

Probably running a close second to my love of lamps and lampshades are mirrors. I have them everywhere in our home. I like the way they bring light into a room on a cloudy day, and how they just seem to bring that “sparkle” into a room…like jewelry. I collect all shapes and sizes too. I am, especially, happy to find a mirror that others might think need re-silvering…those are just the best! When I find a vintage mirror, I always wonder where it has lived before it came to me, and how many wonderful faces have been reflected from it.

Here is a vintage rectangular mirror that I have had for a very long time…

When I purchased it at a consignment store years ago, the beautiful, ornate frame was a Pepto-Bismol pink. Although I like pink, it would not have gone with my neutral color palette in our home. I painted it a creamy white and performed a bit of “distressing” on it. The mirror was just lovely and in an already “distressed” state with scratches and silver missing (hard to see in the picture).

I decided it needed more pizazz….why not another mirror! A round mirror would be perfect and provide the nice contrast that I was looking for with the rectangular mirror. Unfortunately, I did not have one handy. But, I did have this….

A very nice frame and needlepoint that I had purchased at a thrift store. Someone had never really placed it in the frame properly, so I decided to pull the needlepoint. I will use that in a future project. New mirror looked great in the frame….

I put a cottage white paint on the frame with a gray over-glaze. It provided a nice contrast to the creamy white. I used a combination of chain, S hooks, and eyelet screws to hang this mirror over the rectangle mirror. I love the way this looks, but I thought it needed more. So, I added this…..

a round boxwood wreath tied onto the round mirror with an eyelet screw and sheer ribbon. I added one of my vintage rhinestone brooches on the bow (difficult to see). And at Christmas, I think I will add yet another layer…..

One of my seashell wreath ornaments from my website shop.

This layered decorating with mirrors and greenery seems to draw your eye into the room even more now. And, of course the more sparkle and bling, the better, as far as I am concerned!

Have a wonderful evening everyone!

Lamps and Lampshades

2010-09-12T14:35:00.001-07:00

It seems that whether I go to an estate sale, garage sale, or thrift shop, “lamps and lampshades” always catch my eye. Most of these items, usually, need some electrical work and/or just “sprucing up” a bit. I am very fortunate that my husband handles the more difficult task of electrical. I like to work on the “pretty.” The creative aspect of finding the right lampshade for a lamp and then transforming it into something "different and special” is always a satisfying endeavor. Just pulling out my supply of vintage lacework, trims, and jewelry begins to get me in the zone!:) Here are two, quick and easy projects that I have completed recently.

This vintage cherub lamp, in its beautiful creams and tarnished gold coloring, was a real find! The electrical was perfect on it….

but I needed a great lampshade. I used the one above….a more contemporary, oval drum shade. The size was perfect, and I just knew I could make it work with the more ornate lamp base. Here it is completed…

I used fabric glue, sparingly, to attach lace trim around the top and bottom of the shade. I decided on an oval piece of crocheted lacework to mimic the oval shape of the shade. I then finished it off with a gold and pearl circular brooch. I love this lamp!

This alabaster-base lamp was much taller in the beginning. It had one broken piece that could not be salvaged, and we just changed the different pieces of the lamp to this configuration. It was then rewired.

I chose this new lampshade, above, for its almost perfect color-match to the base, but it just needed something more….too plain!

I had this beautiful black and white trim to use for the top and bottom of the shade. The beautiful French lace piece became a backdrop for an exquisite black and white cameo brooch. The black and white accents working perfect with the dark veining in the lamp base.

These projects are so simple. I call them “My one hour projects.” And, most of that hour is spent perusing the supplies I have to find the perfect item(s). For the stiff lampshades, I have used fabric glue and hot glue. But as I mentioned, I used them very sparingly. If a lampshade is cloth, I sometimes hand sew items on it. The brooches are either pinned to the lace items or to the shade itself.

I enjoy the “green” aspect of renewing and repurposing items such as these. In addition, I can decorate my home with designer-looks in a very cost-saving way.

Have a great evening everyone!

Seashell Letters for an Exquisite Master Bedroom

2010-09-06T10:36:00.001-07:00

As an artist, it is always a thrill to create something for someone and to, then, have the rare opportunity to see how they utilize your art piece or pieces in their home. Such was the case with a client from St. Marys, Georgia. An interior designer by trade, she was redesigning her own master bedroom and wanted my seashell letters as she stated, as the “crowning touches” to the redesign. Be still my heart! I was so touched, not only by her warm comments, but that she would take the time to send me the pictures to share with you…..

Isn’t her designing style so classically beautiful, warm, and inviting? Just lovely! Thank you for sharing, “J.” I am so honored to have my artwork incorporated into your exquisite master bedroom!

Have a wonderful day, everyone!

West Coast Lighthouse

2010-09-04T00:34:00.001-07:00

Since a few prior blog postings have highlighted East Coast lighthouses, I felt I needed to give equal time to one that is located in our own backyard, so to speak. Piedras Blancas Lighthouse is located on Highway 1, and is a wonderful educational experience and photo opportunity before moving on to Ragged Point, Big Sur, and Monterey Bay.

As the sign reads…..

tours are available and, really, the only way to get “up-close and personal” with this beautiful and historical structure.

I have to admit that I have lived on the Central Coast of California for a number of years now, and this was my first tour. Since becoming enamored with those East Coast lighthouses, I was ready! My niece was visiting from out-of-state, and this provided a wonderful opportunity for both of us to enjoy a leisure morning stroll through history. And, as you can see from the photo, there was not a cloud in the sky and no wind (which is rare for this coastal area!) We were, also, very fortunate to have as a guide, Carole Adams, who co-authored a book, aptly entitled “Piedras Blancas Lighthouse.” If you would like more information on this coastal gem, try www.piedrasblancas.gov. This website gives insight into the wonderful restoration and volunteerism occurring at the lighthouse.

As we were heading home, we were provided with another photo opportunity. So who is the odd-animal out in this photo?…..

I never tire of seeing the Hearst Ranch zebras grazing along with the cattle. They always provide an “eye-popping” experience for tourists and locals alike. All in all, a wonderful little day!

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!

Shell Art for the East Coast

2010-08-16T11:17:00.001-07:00

Half-Bedcrown

I received an e-mail in early March from a prospective client in South Carolina in response to the Coastal Living magazine article. She was interested in a bedcrown for a guest room in their coastal home. Through e-mails and mailed paint swatches, we worked together to create a focal point for this room. It began with….

my scalloped edge half-bedcrown, those wonderful, saturated-color paint swatches, and an array of sea stars, shells, sea glass, and pearls. I, always, “plate” several different items in anticipation of where my art will take me. I never know if I will use just a few of the items or everything….therein, lies the “fun” for me in creating these one-of-a- kind pieces! Here it is in my studio, completed, and ready for shipment…

And, here it is in its new home in Hilton Head….

Don’t those pillows look perfect with the bedcrown?!

Thank you, Eva, for the opportunity to work with you on this project!

Seashell Letters

In late May, I received an e-mail from an interior designer in the Pennsylvania area who asked if I would like to contribute artwork to a Show House in Ocean City, NJ. The Show House at the Shore, “Windsong on Wesley” was a fundraiser benefitting the Ruth Newman Shapiro Cancer and Heart Fund. “Windsong on Wesley” is a charming 4500 square foot Dutch Colonial home built in 1907. The home has Craftsman-Style detailing with a wonderful wrap-around porch which is just steps to the lovely Atlantic Coast Shoreline. Here is a picture of my seashell letters which were displayed in the welcoming entry of this lovely home.

The letters, TnT relate to the last names of the two designers who created this beautiful “Seacoast Salon.”

It was such a thrill to particpate, on even a very small scale, on this wonderful and so worthwhile project!

Have a wonderful week, everyone!

East Coast Journey

2010-08-09T07:46:00.001-07:00

This trip Eastward served to remind me that it is the “simple” things in life that, almost always, bring the most “joy.” As I was perusing the numerous (I don’t even want to tell you the number) photos that we took on this vacation, I realized that a few of the things that I “simply” loved and that gave me such “joy” could not be or were not captured in photography but were “simply,” felt. That, I believe, serves as a great measure in contrasting just a ho-hum vacation with a truly great journey!

My #1 favorite…….the people we met along the way! I know for sure that when I reminisce about this trip tomorrow or even years from now, that it will still be my #1 favorite!

#2 favorite….The Rhode Island Summer Sailing Program for Children. As my husband and I were checking out the top deck of our small cruise ship which would be our home for the next few days…. …we witnessed this wonderful program in action. The instructor in his motorized skiff and his young ducklings following in a row in their individual “mini-sailboats,” was quite a sight……these children, around age 7, sailing on their own. My heart skipped a beat when one little guy tipped over. But he righted his little boat, hung onto the side (flotation device secured around his little chest) and waited for the instructor to help him back into his boat. Once in, he began bailing out the water as quickly as he could, and then happily sailed onward. From scare to joy!…….No, I did not get a photo….I was just too enthralled with this boy’s adventure. Can you imagine the story that he shared at the dinner table that evening?! Boating is BIG on the East Coast, and they, wonderfully, prepare their youth for water fun and safety.

#3 on my favorite list…..Cuttyhunk, Massachusetts. We reached this island almost at sunset…….just enough time for a short walk that felt almost like you were being transported to another time….”very laid back” doesn’t even describe it adequately. Islanders were walking their dogs or golf-carting family members down to the dock for ice cream. In fact, a website that I visited before we embarked on our East Coast journey stated that Cuttyhunk, “has a whole lot of nothing.” As I held my husband’s hand, ate an ice cream cone with the other, listened to the waves lapping on the rocky shore, and looking at the scene above, I found “nothing” very near “perfection!”

#4 favorite……..just had to be the island of Nantucket. With the sea of tourists everywhere, it, most certainly, did not have the laid-back feel of Cuttyhunk. But if you venture off of the main shopping areas into the quiet serenity of the residential streets, you begin to experience the true charm of a New England village steeped in history.

Friends and family know my love for shingled homes, shuttered windows, flower boxes, and gardens…..

I felt right at home in Nantucket! And, although most homeowners adhere to a weathered gray, Cape Cod architecture, there is always a rebel in every town…

In this case, a beautiful Victorian rebellion!

Moving on to my favorite #5, the lighthouses of New England. Yes, I know coffee table books have been created to showcase these New England gems. But, it just isn’t quite the same as experiencing these historical treasures firsthand. I relished the anticipation of seeing what the next one would look like. They come in many different shapes and sizes, each beautiful in their own way…..

Some are very tall…..

Some are a bit shorter in stature…

And, others seem to be carved into the rocky shore….

Some leaned a bit to the right (or was that the photographer?!)…..

But, the one commonality they all shared was their individual communities’ care in preserving these historical beauties for future generations to enjoy.

And, on to my last (but certainly not least) favorite #6, Cape May, New Jersey. If you enjoy the architectural charm of the Victorian Era, you will LOVE Cape May!

And, although this photograph below does not do the “Sea of Umbrellas” justice, (I would need an aerial shot for that) just know that it was a delightful rainbow of color for miles!….just beautiful!

And, I know I said that was the last, but I do have to mention that if you ever find yourself in downtown Philly, stop by the Percy Street Barbecue. The chef was highlighted in bon appetit magazine a few months ago, and her barbecued ribs were some of the best we have ever tasted!

Have a wonderful week, everyone!

The Music Academy of the West

2010-07-12T15:30:00.001-07:00

Several years ago, my cousin and I, always on the lookout for resale shops, found two of “The Best” in a wonderful and distinctive location. I believe she is often amused by me and my romantic bent, when I mention to her that I get this “Gatsbyesque” feeling every time I go there. So, I thought I would share it with you today, to see if you can feel it through my commentary and my pictures.

The Music Academy of the West is located on 1070 Fairway Road in Santa Barbara. In order to get there, you drive by beautiful…

Butterfly Beach. And, across the street from this beautiful beach is the …….

Four Seasons Biltmore Hotel; steeped in its own rich history. From there, you curve onto a narrow, one-way lane of tall ivy hedges, electronic gates, and then you arrive at this beautiful and inviting entrance…….

I always look forward to my return to this estate. The tree canopied driveway envelopes you as you wind through and into….another time. Before it was the Music Academy, the property was the location of a golf course clubhouse in the early 1900’s. After a fire in 1912, and a rebuild in 1913, it became inadequate in size for the growing club membership. In 1917, John Percival Jefferson purchased the property and hired architect, Reginald Johnson to transform it into his home which came to be called, Mira Flores (or “Look at the flowers.”) Mr. Johnson would later design the Biltmore Hotel (pictured above). The home is stunningly…

beautiful. And, it was named Mira Flores for a very good reason….

The estate grounds are beautifully maintained and a feast for the senses.

The estate was donated to the Music Academy of the West in the 1950’s, and their presence has only served to enhance the ambience of my “Gatsbyesque” experience even more:) In walking the grounds, you just might hear flutes or other instruments wafting through the lovely coastal breezes that envelope the estate. The Music Academy is, currently, hosting their Summer Music Festival 2010. For more information and tickets for their events go to www.musicacademy.org.

I did mention those wonderful “Resale” shops, didn’t I? Well, they are supported by the Women’s Auxiliary of the Academy. And, through the donations and consignment items from generous patrons, they contribute to the Academy through student scholarships. The shops are located behind the estate in small cottages, also reflecting a feeling of days gone by. There is ...

The Rack which offers fine quality designer clothing, jewelry, and more. And……

the Treasure House which offers exquisite home furnishings. My favorites are the paintings, the silver, and the linen items.

The Auxiliary also schedules a May Madness event the first Saturday of May every year. I have never gone to this event, but I have heard only wonderful things about the treasures to be found!

So, after walking the estate grounds, enjoying the music of talented students, and perusing the cottages, I leave my “Gatsbyesque” experience behind once more….

by exiting this grand old estate just as John Percival Jefferson did so many times and so many years ago.

I wish you all, "Gatsbyesque” moments in your life. Have a wonderful evening, everyone!

Santa Ynez Valley (Part 2)

2010-07-08T08:06:00.001-07:00

We continued our journey through the Santa Barbara Wine Country by visiting the cute little village of Los Olivos……

Right down the street from Bryon’s beautiful sculpture, we found, “The Garlic Guy.” His

Los Olivos Homegrown farm stand provided an array of heirloom garlic bulbs for purchase. My husband and I LOVE garlic in our cooking, so it was a no-brainer that we had to check out Poul’s establishment. Yes, in addition to wine tasting, we did a bit of garlic tasting too! We came home with several heirloom varieties such as Rose Dulautric, Credle Red, Siberian, and the Germator. I think Poul took some liberties in naming a few of the varieties himself. But, they were all wonderful, and we hope to be able to grow these tasty garlic bulbs in our own garden. If you would like to obtain a few gourmet varieties for your own garden or kitchen…..

…..the picture says it all!

Moving on down the lane and around the corner, we found this little gem of a shop….

The sign says it right…….there are treasures in this garden……and because we love anything “beach” inspired, these were our favorites…

A child holding a seashell……and, of course,….

steppingstone flip-flops for a walking path.

But my most favorite item in the Garden Shop was this little girl………

Lucy sat atop the tissue packaging and twine string. Is that a face to love?!!! I wanted to wrap her up and bring her home!

It was a great little road trip, but “All roads lead home.”

Have a great day, everyone!

Santa Ynez Valley (Part 1)

2010-07-05T20:57:00.001-07:00

We had a lovely journey through the Santa Ynez Valley this past weekend. For those not familiar with the area, it is Santa Barbara Wine Country and so much more! We began our trip taking Highway 154 from Santa Barbara winding our way to the Cachuma Lake area. I can only imagine this area in the Spring with its green rolling hills. It was just beautiful, even with the hills the color of caramels! (Can you tell I have “candy” on my mind?!)

I will show just a few of our favorite stops, people, and canines we met along the way:

When I took this shot…….one of my favorite quotes was skimming through my mind. It was the Marjorie Holmes quote that, actually, relates to Christmas, but somehow just seemed to fit….

“All roads lead home.”

I just loved the peace and serenity of this picture which spoke “Home” to me.

But… it was, actually, the entrance to, perhaps, the most beautiful winery and grounds that we have yet to visit….

Bridlewood Winery…..with its stunning entrance, boxwood hedge namesake, inviting pond, and…..

beautiful Spanish architecture and bell tower. And….the wine was great too! Our favorites…the 2005 Blue Roan and the 2006 English Pleasure.

Moving on…….we made our way into Los Olivos. A quaint little village of more wine tasting, shopping, and artists……

When we first met Bryon Davis, we could only see the top of his head and the head of “Emma,” the sculpture he is creating out of marble. Fencing blocked the rest of this exquisite piece of art. His work is just amazing….

He and his wife are, currently, working on a website for his art. However, if you would like more information about his work, you can write him at Bryon Davis Creative Sculpture, P.O. Box 221, Los Olivos, CA 93441.

I realized that I had so many things and photos to share, there just had to be a Part 2! Have a wonderful evening everyone!

Happy Independence Day!

2010-06-30T08:03:00.001-07:00

You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness. You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism. -Erma Bombeck

From our home to yours…..

Let “Freedom” ring!

Happy Fourth of July, everyone!

Red, White, and Blue

2010-06-24T12:58:00.001-07:00

My patriotic heart beats red, white, and blue. -author unknown

We’ve been doing a bit of holiday decorating…..

…the flag buntings are in place. The vintage flag is in full view on a daily basis. And, the front porch has a patriotic flare too…..

I have to thank, Sandi, for informing me that my vintage red box housed a toy erector set at one time. Oh, and can’t forget the back deck…..

shells, of course, and flags, scrabble tiles with the word, “Play” make me smile. And, with all that decorating, comes refreshments….

I love chai tea lattes! But when summer comes and some days are a bit warmer, it’s ice tea time. I include a few bags of my delightful chai to my regular tea brew of either orange pekoe or green tea. whichever suits my fancy! It adds just a hint of the chai spicy flavor that I so enjoy.

Enjoy your summer days, everyone!

Seashell Bedcrown Before & After

2010-06-17T15:56:00.001-07:00

Is there such a thing as too much fun? When it comes to creating, I just don’t think so! I relish each moment that I spend in my studio, and enjoy the times when I get, " totally lost in my art.” Some call it, “The Zone.” I, call it necessary….because without it in my life, I would get a bit cranky.

I just finished a custom bedcrown for a client on the East Coast. And, have now started another! The one still in progress will be a half-crown. I cannot wait to share it with you, when it is finished! But for now, this is how it starts…….

A bit plain……..but a few girlie pearls, beautiful aqua sea glass, and those other gifts from the ocean………

transform one of my plain bedcrown forms into a bedcrown fit for a queen and the king!

Have a wonderful evening, everyone!

“Decadent Day”

2010-06-11T12:05:00.001-07:00

This is the name that I give to a “self-indulgent” day when I just want to “be.” The last time I had truly taken one of these days was in February when our electricity went out due to heavy rain and wind. I suppose that could be considered a “forced” Decadent Day. But it was wonderful! I pulled the chaise in front of the fireplace, made a pot of tea, found a book to read and, basically, set up my own little oasis in the midst of a storm. I napped awhile, and I read the entire book that day. What fun!

Fast forward to a few days ago. I decided it was time for Decadent Day again. Since the morning was half-over, I realized it would have to be a “half” Decadent Day. So, I dusted the cobwebs off of a beach chair that had laid dormant for I don’t know how long, packed a lunch and headed off to count sand, find animal shapes in the clouds, and just “be.”

I did just that for awhile until these kite surfers came along…….

I had always seen them from a distance, as I drove along our coastal scenic roadway. I had never really seen the “preparation” involved to have their own “Decadent Day.” Wet suits, a belt with huge rings that hold the ropes in place, keeping all the ropes organized, and then the beautiful kites! It was a very blustery day and just controlling the kites on land seemed as if that would be a bit of a challenge in itself. And, what I know must take a great deal of strength and agility, once in the water, they made in look effortless……..

They would jump the waves, twist, turn, head out to sea……it was just fascinating to watch. Since it was still my Decadent Day too, I decided to put their moves to my classical music on my IPOD. It was really quite beautiful.

I, also, took along a book. I doubt many people would consider this a “beach” read, but, I find this book…..

so interesting! It delves into the study of snap judgments and also what I call “gut” instinct, and the “patterning” that shows up in our behaviors; how it effects the body and brain and also, how we, many times, ignore what our bodies are telling us. He touts it as the power of thinking without thinking. And, if that is so, then we all “could and should” learn the techniques, so every day would be Decadent Day! :) The author approaches these complex studies in a very entertaining and simplistic way by citing various examples in our world’s history and in our daily lives. I am still reading this little gem. I know I will be sorry when it ends. Just as I was sorry and a bit sad that my Decadent “half” day had to come to a close. I am already looking forward to the next one!

Have a great day, everyone, whether decadent or not!

Our Gardens

2010-06-05T17:15:00.001-07:00

For as long as I can remember, my husband and I have had a vegetable and herb garden. The exception to that might be our first apartment 35 years ago. But, even then, we managed to have a container garden in what, at the time, seemed like a yard and apartment the size of a postage stamp.

Moving on to present day, I thought I would share a few pictures of our various garden rooms. We had a wonderful landscape designer (Michael Leonard, Flora Californica) and landscape contractor (Todd Davidson, Sage Ecological Landscapes) to, initially, create the infrastructure and plantings for our garden rooms. But it is my husband’s “green thumb” and creativeness that maintains and beautifies these spaces on a regular basis.

The above picture is our herb garden, which although small in space, houses over ten herbs for our culinary needs. Rosemary, cilantro, basil, oregano, dill, sage, and lemon thyme, with its lovely citrusy smell, are my favorites.

Near this area is one of our latest “cottage garden” purchases. We both saw this at the Remnant’s Show in my friend, Sandi’s booth www.thecottageonpine.com and had to have it for our garden…

Don’t you just LOVE the claw foot legs?!

This is the entrance to our vegie garden….

Love that picket fence gate…..but I think we need a larger sign to designate the entrance. I’ll work on that.

Here are the heirloom tomato plants with their cute bamboo teepees and clay pots. The trellises are support for our crop of snow peas. And, to the left, just a peek of my bay leaf bush….love this for soups and stews.

This is “dwarf citrus row.” Our garden is only two years old, but already performing to provide some fruit crop.

And, this is a picture of our lettuce, leek, and onion area. We have three raised beds (easier on the back) with tube irrigation on timers (that’s nice too!) The other two beds, currently, have brussel sprouts, cabbage, beets, and more tomatoes and onions growing in them. These are not huge beds, but my husband has managed to make them very efficient.

And, who says that different decorating styles can’t be cohesive?!…..

This is my husband’s “Zen Budda” decorating….he’s a “Shabby Chic Budda.”

and my “Cottage Style” decorating with my collection of watering cans hanging on the fence.

What I love about our outdoor rooms is the same thing I love about our decorating indoors, it is ever changing to fit our current lifestyle.

And, this is our girl who guards those garden rooms…..

Have a wonderful evening, everyone!

Summer Beach Cottage Decor

2010-06-02T09:27:00.001-07:00

As Jacques was perhaps more captivated by the undersea world, I am spellbound by the ever-changing scape of the sea. The sounds, the smells, and oh, those colors!

So much of the artwork that I create is intertwined with not only the colors that I pull from this magnificent body of water, but the items that come from it. It is such a source of inspiration for me on a daily basis, and I will never take that gift of inspiration for granted…….

….I have been doing a bit of Summer beach decorating with some of that “Sea inspiration.”

This is one of my paintings, “Girl Time at the Beach.” It celebrates that color that is so inspiring, a bit of whimsy, and my love for children. You just can’t help but smile when you see a child on the beach playing. I am just positive that God made sandy beaches with children in mind!

And, of course, we need a few sea maidens too….

The picture on the left is a recent piece that I have created. My sea maiden with her anchor and the word, “Hope” on the picture is surrounded by shell work and silver beading. She has that “Vintage” quality, that I love so much!

Summer is coming! Whether you are travelling or are enjoying times at home, I “Hope” you are inspired by the gifts that are around you.

Have a wonderful day, everyone!

Road Trip (Part 2)

2010-05-23T18:11:00.001-07:00

After reading a magazine article several years ago about a shop in Venice Beach, California called, “Bountiful,” I had always hoped to see it in person. Since I was already on Pacific Coast Highway and only 20 miles away……why not?!

“Bountiful” is located on Abbot Kinney Boulevard, and the entire business district, although eclectic in the types of businesses located there, is like stepping into a more vintage era. This is the storefront of “Bountiful”….

Isn’t it inviting?! It, certainly, drew me inside!

It doesn’t seem to be a store with immense square footage……but the ceilings soar…..

and the displays of wonderful items are cleverly built up and up and up…..

Notice the Christmas ornaments adorning the chandelier and the huge vases of seashells….love that! And, there are glass cloches, milk glass cake plates, mercury glass pedestals, vaseline glass cake plates, fostoria…and on and on….. that are stacked and soar upward…..

I spent a great deal of time in “Bountiful” just enjoying all of the “eye-candy!” If you have the opportunity to visit this unique store, be prepared to walk into this business district from the adjoining residential area. The parallel parking along the boulevard is, to say the least, inadequate. But, parking in the residential area turned out to be a wonderful opportunity in itself! I love walking old residential areas that have that vintage flavor. Venice Beach does not disappoint in that respect. Here is a picture of a “time gone by” center courtyard that is surrounded by the cutest apartment cottages….

I left Venice Beach and headed east on too many freeways to count….toward the Temecula area to spend the evening with my youngest daughter. This is her birthday month, so we decided to visit the Temecula Wine Country and have a grand birthday dinner! We decided on the South Coast Winery Resort and Spa. We had tried to have a family dinner here a few years ago, and the place was just too busy. But this evening was just perfect……..I love the grounds of this winery! You can get so many ideas in choosing flower combinations for not only beds but container gardening that will work well for a home environment….

What fun we had! And, it didn’t stop there. My daughter’s home has a balcony that looks out over a baseball diamond. Two teams were playing and after the game……a beautiful fireworks display to enjoy from her deck!

Next day, we were on to San Diego to my oldest daughter’s lovely new home and my niece’s graduation. We, of course, had to also visit my favorite shops when I come south…Home Fabrics and IKEA! Yes…IKEA! I love the simplicity of many of their items. They co-exist so well with my vintage/beach/cottage thing I have going in my own home!

So, all good things have to come to an end….and I resigned myself to the fact that I was going to spend a few hours on the 405 Freeway. But…..to treat myself after having survived that quagmire, I stopped at one of my favorite thrift shops in the Santa Barbara area and found the perfect container for my topiary that I had, initially, purchased in this area……

I love these silver champagne buckets……and I had no problem adding one more to my collection!

What a great road trip filled with fun, family, and friends!

Have a great evening, everyone!

Road Trip (Part 1)

2010-05-19T11:01:00.001-07:00

I thought I would share a few pictures on my recent trip to the Southern California area. I had so many pictures and things to share, I decided to split it into Road Trip Part 1 and Part 2.

The purpose of the trip was to celebrate the graduation of my niece, Sarah, from Point Loma Nazarene University. We are all so proud of Sarah! She graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in dietetics. She is off to Sacramento in August to fulfill a year internship in a hospital. Here is mother and daughter celebrating a “life” passage….

But before attending Sarah’s graduation, I made some other fun stops along the way. Needing a bit of caffeine, I stopped in Montecito to grab a chai. The farmer’s market was in full swing in the Coast Village area…

If you have the opportunity to visit the Santa Barbara/Montecito area, try to go to one of these farmer’s markets. They are wonderful! My favorite vendor is the Por La Mar Nursery. They have the most beautiful flowers, ivy topiaries, gardenia topiaries, mini rose bushes, hydrangeas….and the list goes on and on! I have yet to find topiaries so reasonably priced! Santa Barbara has two farmer’s markets. One is on State Street and starts around 4 pm on Tuesday. Wednesday the market is held at the La Cumbre Plaza in the afternoon. Montecito’s market is Friday mornings. I could not resist buying a few topiaries for myself and my two daughters! I’ll share the container I found for mine in Part 2 of my “Road Trip!”

Tearing myself away from this quaint little village, I headed south to another coastal village, Malibu….

I had not been to this area since our oldest daughter was a member of mock trial in high school and was considering Pepperdine University and its locale as a possible college choice. That has been many years ago, and this area still looks much the same.

My purpose of going through the Malibu area was to deliver a bedcrown that I, recently, created for a client. And, here it is….

She wanted a very neutral color palette…one that allowed the shells to be the focal point.

My next stop was in Venice Beach. Oh, the “eye candy” I have to show you in a shop there! But, that is for Part 2 of my “Road Trip!”

Have a great day everyone!

Outdoor Candle Chandeliers

2010-05-10T10:58:00.001-07:00

One of my favorite projects is chandeliers. Those that are electrified, and those that are not. I like the way they add jewelry to a space and are just the, “finishing touch” over a table or sitting area. I just hung this new candle chandelier on our front deck…..

…it was one of those items that did not sell at the Remnants Show, so I decided to keep it! These are so simple to make. I found the form at Goodwill. It had 10 small round holes that lent itself well to “test tubes.” So, I suspended 5 test tubes, filled them with sand, and inserted hydrangea stems. I also have the option of putting fresh flowers with water in the tubes. The candle holders are vintage crystal coasters with the silver rings around the perimeter. Candles shown fit very well in these. So do the new battery-operated, simulated candles. I prefer the natural candlelight, however. I use a brand of adhesive called “Dap Auto/Marine Sealant” to adhere items to the chandelier form. It is 100% silicone, transparent, and it holds up very well in a moist environment. It takes about 24 hours for it to cure and set well. Here is another candle chandelier hanging on our back deck. It is very similar, in style, to one of my other candle chandeliers that is shown in the current 2010 Cottage Style magazine…..

This candle chandelier is over 3 years old, and the adhesion is still great on it…..can’t control that rust in a marine environment, though! But, I love that rusty patina, anyway! The saucers on this chandelier are vintage depression ware in different pastel colors and styles. The cups are from an old punch bowl set. I sometimes hang a beaded garland on the arms of the chandelier, but I am opting for a more simple look right now.

Both chandeliers provide a festive look in the daytime and the night in our outdoor living areas.

Have a great week everyone!

Water Features (Minus Water)

2010-05-02T19:26:00.001-07:00

With beautiful weather and a need to “freshen up” the back deck this weekend, I decided to do a bit of decorating. It wasn’t until I had finished the “freshening” that I realized I had a “water theme” going (minus the water.)

I bought this bird bath at a garage sale about 8 months ago for $25……

….what a find! I poured a bit of sand, placed a few seashells, added a glass round on top, and made the most perfect table between our two wrought iron chairs. And, notice my “watering” cans in the background!

Another great find…..

….from a consignment shop was this water fountain. My husband rigged it up with a new water pump, but in the end, we decided to hang it on the wall and enjoy it with seasonal flowers!

Enjoy your decorating days, everyone!

A few “Remnants” of the Weekend!

2010-04-26T04:53:00.001-07:00

The weather started out a bit drippy when we began hauling furniture to the Show on Thursday. But by Saturday, it was sunny skies…..and just a beautiful day for everyone to shop for “Remnants of the past” and more! Here are just a few pictures of our booth….

We want to say a big, “Thank you” to everyone who stopped by our booth! We appreciated your wonderful comments and your shopping spirit!

Have a great day, everyone!

“Remnants” Vintage Show!!!

2010-04-22T07:11:00.001-07:00

My husband and I are packed and headed for the barn…….along with cousin Cathy….

……so many treasures are in store for you……

…..hope to “SEA” you all there!!!!!

Bless this House!

2010-04-17T16:33:00.001-07:00

I haven’t posted in a few days! When you hear the saying, “Life gets in the way,” that seems to sum it all up for me right now!

I was looking through my photos, and this, particular, picture made me smile. My “Bless this House” vintage sheet music in this cupboard also sums up the fact that if I don’t take some time out to do a bit of house work soon, that sentiment may take on a whole different pitiful meaning! I can remember my Grandmother saying, “Oh Bless this or that” because some thing needed some attention!

Be that as it may, I do love old sheet music and the beautiful graphics and illustrations that they provide! I have several pieces of music that I have collected over the years. I tend to change these out with my mood or season. Let’s see…..I have sheet music that says, “My Valentine”……”My Cottage Small”…..”We Wish You a Merry Christmas”…….and on and on…..

And, I love this cupboard! It started life as a gun cabinet! It even had a set of faux antlers attached at the top, before I started to repurpose it into the dining room cupboard it is today. I added a few more of my favorite things….old teapots, vintage hankies, an antique glove case, gloves, dishes, candlesticks, pictures…… anything that evokes a memory tends to go into this glass cupboard. I can sit and have a cup of tea at the dining table and just hear my Grandmother saying, “Oh, bless this house…..you need to clean, Patti!”

Have a great evening everyone!

Coffee Break

2010-04-08T20:45:00.001-07:00

“I make serious coffee…so strong it wakes the neighbors.” - Author unknown

This quote made be chuckle! I try not to wake the neighbors, but I make serious coffee in the morning too! I have become very attached to my French press and Hawaiian hazelnut coffee. And, although it takes a bit more preparation, it is so worth it! I have put our electric coffee maker away now….only pulling it out when we have numerous guests and need gallons of coffee quickly!

One of my favorite tea breads that I enjoy with my coffee is a recipe of Strawberry Nut Bread. I have had this recipe for years. It came from The Wine Country Inn in St. Helena, California. What I love about this recipe is that it makes two loaves, it freezes well, and it’s delicious! Although it slices best when chilled, I usually can’t wait that long. The aroma of it baking, usually, starts me preparing the coffee in anticipation. So here it is for you to enjoy!

Strawberry Nut Bread

2 10-oz. packages frozen sliced strawberries

4 eggs

1 cup cooking oil

2 cups sugar

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1 1/4 cups chopped nuts

Defrost strawberries. Beat eggs in a bowl until fluffy; add cooking oil, sugar and defrosted strawberries. Sift together flour, cinnamon, soda and salt into a mixing bowl; add strawberry mixture and mix until well blended. Stir in nuts. Pour into 2 greased and floured 9 1/2x5x3 inch loaf pans. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 1 hour and 10 minutes or until done. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out of pans and cool on racks. Makes 2 loaves. This bread slices best when chilled.

California Cuties

2010-04-06T08:47:00.001-07:00

We do a few things right in California…..and this is my newest favorite! My husband bought me a bag of these little gems….and, well, there are three left! I have been fighting a cold the last few days, and I think I am losing the battle. And, although I cannot taste or smell these “little cuties” right now, I know that I am, at the very least, getting my vitamin C!

I did manage to finish my “Patti’s Artful Design” sign for the “Remnants of the Past” Vintage Show. I had been wanting to make some sort of sign, but never could find the right piece. I, finally, found this wonderfully crackled, old piece of wood at an estate sale…..such patina!

It was a wonderful estate sale…a barn that had not been opened in 30 years! I found so many lovely (very dusty) treasures that day….some I still need to do a bit of work on. But, that will have to wait a few days.

Stay healthy, everyone!

Trash to Treasure

2010-03-31T16:46:00.001-07:00

One of the websites that I have, recently, added to my favorites is www.ladolfina.blogspot.com. Therese bills herself as a “Hunter and gatherer up and down the California Coast.” I can, soo, identify with her “hunting and gathering” habits! Check her out!

Her March 19 post on “Ladders” in decor brought back memories of one of my own hunting and gathering experiences. I love ladders! They are so functional and can be so architectural in a room. I have seen them (as in Therese’s blog) used as a magazine holder and also as a shoe holder, pot rack in a kitchen, quilt rack and the list goes on and on. I have seen the free-standing ladders with added planks to make beautiful, unique shelving.

This is a picture of one of two ladders I have flanking the sides of an old vintage pharmacy cabinet. I use it for “throws,” that we can grab off the rungs and take to the deck when it gets a bit chilly. Very simple….with a black paint wash on the ladder and my white throws. I am thinking about a monogram on the “throws” to draw your eye to that area a bit more.

My husband and I found these old fruit picking ladders at the county dump! There were so many, I should have picked up more than two! What was I thinking!

On that same excursion, we found this metal footboard.

I wanted the headboard too, but it was so entwined with other metal pieces (and it was about 100 degrees that day), that it just didn’t happen. But that “footboard” treasure has rusted to a very nice patina! I love the way it serves as a trellis for our rose bush and a backdrop for our oversized urn. From trash to “very nice” treasures! Have a great evening everyone.

Getting Ready for “The Remnants of the Past” Vintage Show!!

2010-03-29T10:04:00.001-07:00

Although this pillow may imply that I am taking it easy these days, “Roosting!”….. nothing could be further from the truth!

“The Roost” pillow covers are just one of the projects I have been working on for The Remnants Show.

I hope you all plan on joining us! Go to Judy’s website with the link below and check out the wonderful vendors and all their wares. She is highlighting a vendor each day on her blog, and it is wonderful to read about the creative and energetic vendors that will be selling their unique and beautiful items.

Have a wonderful day, everyone!

2010 “Cottage Style” Magazine!!

2010-03-21T16:20:00.001-07:00

I had to do a little shopping on Friday, and of course, had to drop by the magazine rack. I am sort of a decorating magazine junky! The 2010 Cottage Style magazine “jumped out” at me, so I added it to my cart. I came home, fixed some lunch and sat down to have a bite to eat and look at my latest magazine. I turned to the Table of Contents and who knew?! That teacup chandelier looked very familiar! What a thrill! It turns out that my teacup chandelier was part of a patio dining vignette for Catherine Deeter’s beautiful garden in Templeton, California. Thank you to, Stylist, Sunday Hendrickson for including Patti’s Artful Design in this beautiful feature! And, thank you to Michael Garland for his beautiful photography!

Have a great evening, everyone!

The Wedding Planner

2010-03-17T18:06:00.001-07:00

Our oldest daughter is a wedding planner. She helps brides and grooms plan their important day, and she is excellent at it! Check out her website. It is beautiful! It was designed by our nephew-in-law…a very talented techno wizard!….

She has even gotten our youngest daughter to do what she does best, “hair and makeup” for the wedding parties. She is having business cards made, as I write this. This is truly a family affair…..

I received a call from her a few days ago asking to borrow some of my “vintage and art stuff” for a photography vignette she is planning to do. Well, I love vignettes! So, as I was gathering items, I just couldn’t help myself…. I had to snap a picture myself!….

old white washed picnic baskets, old tarnished silver, a vintage wedding cake topper, a little shell art, and, of course, I had opened a bottle of champagne for those glasses, so………..

I toasted to our beautiful and multi-talented family!

Have a wonderful evening, everyone!

Shell Work

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Just had to share this ingenious look created by one of my clients on the East Coast. She used my large seashell letter with the smaller letters flanking each side to create a family monogram effect for her wall decor! I love it, and I hope you do too!

I, also, just completed this Seashell Cross to add to my line.

Have a wonderful day, everyone!

Julie’s Space at the Emporium

2010-03-09T20:06:00.001-08:00

My friend, Julie, has the space next to mine at the Highway 41 Antique Emporium……

I enjoy visiting her booth to see what is new! Her style is an eclectic mix of antique, new, and handmade items that she offers to customers who visit The Emporium.

It seems that a new vendor is “Opening up shop” daily at The Emporium! Come check us out!

Art and Quotes

2010-03-03T04:50:00.001-08:00

A few years ago when we were renovating our home, I wanted an area designated not only as a guest room but as an exercise room as well. Installing that Murphy bed was the perfect solution for providing exercise space! So the next thing, was setting about making art for the room. I know I’ve mentioned countless times in my posts about how much I love quotes. So, I decided “motivational” quotes were necessary to keep me going to that exercise room and would provide a bit of “art” in the room as well!

This is the bottom portion of a vintage scale that we have in the room. The step plate was just an old piece of particle board, so I decided to embellish it with a favorite quote I pulled from the book, “Simple Abundance,” by Sarah Breathnach. The quote is by Martha Graham and reads……

Another art project for this room was my “Quote Canvas.” ……

This was such an easy and fun project to do. An old frame from the thrift store, a canvas that fit the frame, computer font, tracing paper, paint, and patience! I know it is hard to read some of the quotes from this picture. Sorry about that. But, I’ll share my favorites!

“If not now, when?” Such a great quote for life in general! And…

“Dance to the song of life.” This was a quote by Katharine Hepburn.

And, my favorite motivational quote for exercise, “Never eat more than you can lift!” A quote by Miss Piggy!

Have a great day everyone!

“Coastal Living” Magazine!!!!!

2010-02-26T00:11:00.001-08:00

It is such a special “moment” for me to announce to you that Patti’s Artful Design is featured in the March 2010 issue of Coastal Living magazine! This magazine exudes beauty and style on every page, and I am so honored to have my shell art creations displayed within its pages. It is a wonderful half-page article (on page 32) that showcases two of my shell art designs….

…and what is even more special to me is to be showcased with two other extraordinary artists who also create sea-inspired works of art that are, absolutely, amazing! Please take a moment to visit Charlotte Leavitt’s website www.chartmetalworks.com. She creates the most exquisite nautical chart jewelry! And, then there is Kristie Thinnes, who designs and sells beautiful sea-inspired textiles in the form of pillows and tea towels! Her website is www.humblecollection.com.

Subscribers to this magazine should already be receiving their issue this week. The magazine should also be available on newsstands beginning today. So happy reading, everyone!!!!

“Remnants of the Past” Vintage Show!!!

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Mark your calendars now….for the Saturday, April 24, 2010 Show! This is a vintage show that is sure to please everyone! Click on the picture above and check out the vendor list and photos from prior shows.

I have been creating, repurposing, sewing, and the list goes on and on…in preparation for this event. As the days tick by, I will be sharing a few items on my blog that are earmarked for the show. I am currently completing two custom orders for this shell cross….. and I hope to include this item in my “Remnants” booth, as well. I also just finished this piece…..

… a cute little vintage stool all wrapped up in burlap upholstery!

Have a wonderful evening, everyone!

A “Before and After” Project

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I have been working on the cutest “fleur-de- lis” dresser. I call it this because of the beautiful applique work on the drawers. The dresser was in sorry shape. So many pieces to put back together…

Before

But after my husband tackled that feat, I set about giving it “cottage charm.” I just love the character of this piece! Notice the middle-back section which has a slotted open area between the back of the dresser. I was told that this was, originally, a place to hold gloves, scarves, etc. Does anyone out there know something about the function of this area? I would appreciate the input.

I had an old dresser chair in the garage, so I decided to work on that piece too. I used a beautiful cream/beige toile fabric to reupholster the seat….just had to keep the “French” thing going with the toile! I think it complements the dresser very well…..

After

I, also, have a mirror that will go with this set, but it is still a “work in progress.”

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!

Paradise Found!!

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I am not one of those people who has to “pinch” themselves to realize how fortunate I am to live in such a beautiful location of the world!

I decided to take a Sunday drive, just after a rain, and before another……not complaining…..we need that rain! So here are a few pictures of pristine beauty!

I love the coastal mountains this time of year…….it looks like “Leprechaun Land!”….. if you look in the distance, you can see Morro Rock and the Pacific Ocean.

After a rain, the gulls always seem to “ride the runoff” from the creek to the ocean and then circle back around for another ride!

And….I do believe that Spring will be coming soon!

Have a wonderful evening, everyone!

My Sewing Room Storage

2010-02-06T20:49:00.001-08:00

First, I have to tell you that I am not an organizing guru! I had neglected my cupboards, kept adding new items, and, well, things had just gotten out of hand! So many of you out there have that organizing gene. I love Kathleen’s (check out her blog, “Faded Charm”) idea that she left in my comments of a prior post. Her laundry has a metal open shelf with metal locker baskets and fabric totes with numbers on each one! Love that vintage/industrial look!

I am all about recycling too, but I have an eclectic approach to my storage containers. I have been collecting glass canning jars, apothecary jars, plastic containers, baskets, trays, and the list goes on, for a very long time. My thought was that if I didn’t use it in my studio for my shells and other items, I would use it elsewhere. Before I even started organizing my sewing items, I placed all the different containers (as many as I could fit) into my new storage cabinet to see what worked and what did not work. To my surprise, I fit quite a few of my many different containers. I still have a few empties for future use and collections……and notice I have my IPOD hookup in there…..love that! Not fancy, but definitely functional!

I also have a closet in this tiny room, and I decided it should look good too! In addition to my rolls of fabric, I placed a wicker dresser in the closet for additional storage. I am hoping that in my yard sale forays, that I find a smaller drawer chest to place on top of this one….which would provide even more storage! But until that time, I put some of my apothecary jars filled with just a small portion of the lace I have collected. I love the black case with the tailor advertisement…. and the old rusty iron….

I decided to display some of my button containers and vintage sewing items on my open shelving for some function, but mostly for the “pretty!” I am enjoying this look…

And last, but not least, the queen of the laundry/sewing area, my mannequin with her tiara! She is a reproduction that I stained for a more vintage feel.

I also have additional storage in my hall closets for my mountains of fabric. I stack this by color. But, I inevitably need the fabric on the bottom, so these storage areas are never as neat and organized as I would like them to be. If anyone has storage solutions for fabric, I would love to read about it! …… So that’s my sewing/laundry area….not too fancy, but now functional!

Have a wonderful evening everyone!

Repurposing Ideas

2010-02-04T18:55:00.001-08:00

As I mentioned in the prior posting, I have been repurposing items for functional use in my laundry/sewing room. This piece is not only functional as a towel holder but as an “embroidery hoop” holder as well. This piece is a combination of old and new. The oval backing is from an old mirror that had broken (I will share that redo in another posting). The applique pieces around the top and bottom are from an old door bell unit. I glued these on the wood, painted both out to that cottage-white I love, and then attached different knobs to it. The middle knob was purchased at Walmart. The other two came from a yard sale. This piece was made for pennies, and I just love the functionality and beauty of it!

The next picture is of my cute, little farmhouse sink…….

I, simply, used a square vintage tablecloth, folded it over, and sewed a pocket rod into the fabric. I like the coverage it provides for the under sink, and the “vintage” quality and look of the linen and crochet work.

In the next posting, I will share shelf displays and storage solutions that not only look good, but function for me as well!

Have a great evening everyone!