The Reading Parlour Part 1

     In case you are wondering about my "reading parlour," here are a couple of photos. The first is the earliest "before" I remembered to take. We had already primed most of the emptied out closet, which had been a rough and unpainted particle board, but had not applied any of the gorgeous "Pooh's Favorite Things" shade of turquoise blue paint. The other walls are a dingy butter yellow that even photoshop would not grasp, lol. The railing is very beat up, but still sturdy, so that will eventually get a coat of primer and then ivory paint. since there is big step involved, the railing has to stay, though I would love to get rid of it, I'll just have to make it work.

     The next photo shows the lovely blue color now up in the closet and the first coat of it on the other walls that will need two. Since we primed the closet part so well, one coat did the job. I have placed my two cozy chairs in the new space as well as one of my favorite shabby chic pieces that I've had stored for the last ten, yes ten, years. It is an old door painted white and then sanded to give it a charming worn appearance. The glass of the window has been replaced with a mirror and the loveliest coat hooks have been added as well. There is also a small shelf halfway down than can hold a cup of tea, a plate of scones and a candle or two. Of course it will more likely be where I place my diet grape soda and plate of Girl Scout cookies, lol. But it is charming and sweet and I've been dying to use it for the last ten years, so this is just the best present to myself. I have a good collection of shabby chic things that have been packed away for far too long and I've missed them terribly. I love the faded elegance and welcoming feel of shabby chic things. It never gets old for me.

     You can also just see part of my mini tile collection on the right side. I try to pick up local work as well as pieces from places we visit. And of course anything sweet on Etsy, though I do have a price limit. They are actually hard to find, not many potters make mini tiles so I strike out often. The other half of this particular collection is still packed away somewhere, but I'm going through boxes everyday and will soon happen upon it and if you were here, you would hear me shriek with delight. Really. My camera is flashing a warning about the battery level for the flash, so my photos haven't been very cooperative lately, I'll try to get it corrected before I take any more of the new room, which is much further along now. The built in shelves are up and a lot more is up on the walls, but you'll have to wait a another day or so to see it. Did I mention that my mom is bringing up a chandelier that I can use to replace the current sad and broken lighting fixture?

More books...

This is a continuation of another post about books I have and books I wish I had. I'm still working on listing the books I have, so probably won't get around to books I want until later.

"Found Art Mosaics" is wonderful for anyone who wants to try creating a mosaic. Besides having excellent projects to get you started with great instructions, this book explains what kinds of glues and grouts to use depending on the materials and surface you are playing with! That alone is worth the price and then some. I actually saw this artist's work in Fredericksburg, TX last year, it is amazing and inspiring. You'll never look at a piece of broken anything the same way!

Another book I have is "Crafty Chica's Art de la Soul: Glittery Ideas to Liven Up Your Life," by Kathy Cano Murillo. This is also a fun book with great projects and ideas to get you thinking outside the box. She also tells some stories with each project that are full of insights, some funny, some touching. There is also a lot of Mexican and South American feel to the projects, very colorful.

Also part of my library is "Subversive Seamster: Transform Thrift Store Threads Into Street Couture," by Melissa Alvarado, Hope Meng and Melissa Rannels. My kids and I love to hit thrift shops, resale shops and garage sales, so this book is really useful. Again, you will look at ordinary pieces of clothing in a whole different way. One of my favorite projects is creating a wrist cuff bracelet from purses that have interesting closures.


     And I own several of Rachael Ashwell's "Shabby Chic" books. I love that particular style of decorating, worn elegance, pretty and comforting.
When we lived in Texas, there was a wonderful antique show in Round Top. I went a couple times, since it was an annual event. The antique show lasted several days, maybe even a full week. This little town, really little, was overrun with giant tents, like a circus had come to town, only there were several circuses. Different farmers rented out their fields and you just parked and walked, and walked. You couldn't see it all in one day. But there were so many treasures, I just loved it. Shabby Chic is big in Texas so lots of the vendors had things already finished in that style. Pieces of old furniture, stools and lamps, painted in pale or washed out colors and then gently distressed. I still love it.

Ready, Set, Blog!

I am drawn to art both as a consumer of art and as an artist. Jewelry, glass, collage, mixed media and cooking are my favorite mediums, but I dabble in fiber(sewing)and other mediums that happen to get too close! Although my favorite color is white, I love lots of color, especially shades of turquoise, purples, oranges, pinks and greens. And even though I am a lampworker, capable of melting glass to create my own beads, I still have quite a collection of beads from all over the world and from other lampwork artists. I am especially passionate about pearls, bali silver and turquoise(of course!) My favorite design inspirations include Rachel Ashwell's "Shabby Chic," Frida Kahlo, Teesha Moore, Char Bickel, The Real Nancy Drew and Julie Pearson. Currently, I am also pursuing a Web Developer career, taking classes at the local community college. I hope to keep track of my work from here on out, whether with beads, jewelry, visual journalling, cooking and other mediums. And...I have a weakness for the following: chocolate, footwear, Van Gogh, tools, sparkly anything, bunnies, mermaids, maps, pedicures, vintage wall mirrors, Jane Austin, Greece(though I've never been), autographed cookbooks, vintage ephemera, block optic depression glass and vintage pansy dinnerware...among others.

So a big welcome to you, please comment, share your own works or inspirations, including cooking and food, I love company!