My Crafty Abode Series – Filling a Cornice Need

We had a lot of windows to cover when we moved in our house and money was going out in many directions…not a good combination.

A couple of the windows were large and I needed to be creative with how I dressed them…both financially and artistically.

I am not very traditional when it comes to home decor...above is what I made for over our slider.

Steve helped me make a simple 3 sided wood cornice box out of basic plywood and with some paint and faux, gold leaf it was transformed into a custom window treatment. It was heavy so we needed to be careful to secure it well with "L" braces.

I created the pattern as I went and didn’t really pre-plan any of it. I knew what colors I wanted and I knew I wanted something simple and graphic. Stripes seemed an easy choice.

I figured if I didn’t like it I could always paint over it or as a last resort could just cover it with fabric!

Lesson...don't be afraid to experiment!

My Crafty Abode Series – Beautiful Memories

This small detail is a section of a beautiful gift my parents gave us a few years ago.

It is my families dining room table that I grew up with.

Walnut, hand carved, big…10 feet by 4 feet…all one piece, with no leaves.

While the table is an amazing work of art on it’s own…I think the most special part is all of the memories attached to it. 40 years of family, parties, friends, children, holidays, food…and now it is ours to carry on the traditions.

We use it…and it shows the use which gives it a warm, comfortable glow.

Maybe someday, when the kids are all grown, we will refinish it to it’s early glory…and maybe not. Like my fine silver, I prefer it to show the use and memory marks!

My Crafty Abode Series – Lighten up

I have always loved industrial looking home accessories.

Things most people would think are too avant garde to incorporate into a personal space…especially a bedroom.

This is a picture of one of our bedside table lamps and while our bedroom isn’t overly contemporary, I love that little edge these give to the space. It is a small way for me to incorporate that industrial feel without it being cold or hard looking.

At night, they let off a soft glow and an interesting pattern…with a little bit of sparkle. I chose to use a graphic, tube shaped bulb because you can see them through the mesh.I think having two of the same light fixtures flanking our bed gives it balance and I am happy every time I flick one on!

Don’t ever be afraid to add decorative touches or materials that make you happy...even if you think it might not be the "right" thing to do!

My Crafty Abode Series – Our “Water” View

The end of our hallway was boring…white and boring.

I hung a mirror…that was ok but not great. I tried a picture and still not great. Because there is a door located close by, there wasn’t room for piece of furniture… so my options seemed limited.

This seemed like a job for my paints and brushes…What I ended up with is a water view and some faux, trompe l’oeil curtains with tile steps that lead out.

Over all, I ahave been fairly happy with it. I's been there for a while and lately I have been contemplating changing the view. I like the curtains but feel I might need a new perspective.

Who knows…soon there might be a new picture to include in these posts!

My Crafty Abode Series – Our Pet Tiger

We had just moved and were scheduled to host our big, annual 4th of July party for the first time in our new home.

Somehow, in my sick, “creative obsessed” mind, the night before the party seemed like the ideal time to start a new painting project.

By now my husband was used to these creative bursts and knew it was best to just go with it and get involved.

So with a ladder, my brushes and some paint I created this beautiful, majestic animal while Steve read aloud to me. We were up very late and I am trying to remember…but I don’t think I finished him that night…I think his eyes might have still been in pencil for the party.

Anyway, he is still with us and I love seeing him up there while we are in the kitchen. It’s almost like he is part of our family.

When we did our addition I was concerned that he would be damaged by the construction but they did a great job being careful and working around him.

He doesn’t have a name…and I kind of like that. He seems mysterious and untouchable…like he could take off at any second.

My "Crafty Abode" Series

Art is such a part of me and my everyday life that there is no clear boundary of where the art begins and ends.

Creating and incorporating art into my life began as far back as I can remember…from a very young child.

It is part of every thought, action, purchase, decision, etc…

Recently, as I looked around my home, I realized that there might be some details that could interest or inspire other creative souls.

This ongoing series will showcase some of my personal projects, art selections and favorite home decor.

I hope these posts inspire you to live a creative life… true to your own voice and not constrained by ANY outside influence.This is YOUR life…YOUR expression…trust it.