I wanted to find a thrifted bookcase that I could really transform.  I wanted to distress the bookcase and then do some color blocking in the back to make the objects stand out in the suitcase.  Distressing furniture is where you give age to furniture and it looks beat up.    The only part of the process that was a little bit hard is literally waiting for the paint to dry.  I didn't think it would be that hard in finding a bookshelf but it was! I think I went to about 10 thrift stores before I started looking on craigslist.  Since Borders went out of business- they donated all the bookcases to Habitat Humanity which they were $20 bucks at the Habitat Humanity Restore :).   If you are looking for a bookshelf and had a Borders close by you- you may want to check Habitat Humanity. Supplies: 1.  Bookshelf 2.  Sand Block- Fine or Medium 3.  Candle 4.  Wood Stain- Small- I used a Java color but you can use any color you want.  This adds the old to the bookshelf. 5.  2 sample sizes...
I have really wanted to do a fun art hanging above my fire place.  I have been putting it off forever and ever but I finally did it :).  When you hang pieces of art together not in a straight line but by grouping them it's called hanging art work salon style.  I think the best part of hanging artwork salon style is that you can add artwork to it after it's been hung and it also can be a really dramatic piece. Supplies: 1.  Tape Measure 2.  Painters Tape 3.  Scissors 4.  Picture Hanging Laser- I got mine for 10 bucks at Home Depot but it isn't a requirement but I suggest it if you want a even look. You can also use a tape measure, level, and painters tape. 5.  Nails 6.  Hammer Step 1. Pick Out the artwork.  Don't be afraid to take chances.  Pick out the artwork you love.  Some of the artwork is mine and the some are things I have bought from art shows or fairs. Step 2.  Take out your handy tape measure and measure where you want to hang you art.  I measured th...
10 episodes of Grey's Anatomy watched- they are all on Netflix.  I think I am on the McDreamy team. 5 cups of coffee drank 4 puppy walks.. They did a good job.. for the most part, but they do love to chase after bicycles.  I just love going for walks in the fall- and hearing the crunch of leaves. 3 estate sales visited and found lots of amazing things.  I so scored and am going to do a little photo shoot later this week.  I think my thrifting luck may be turning. 3 episodes of Glee- also on Netflix :) 2 pairs of socks worn- I still can't believe it's already Fall weather.  I did miss wearing socks but I think that's the Oregon in me. 1 book case thrifted- yahoo! I can't even tell you how many places I went to before I found even 1. I am doing a DIY makeover. 1 typewriter thrifted- now I have 6 yikes!  I think this might be last one because 6 is a bit much. Don't you think? What did you do this weekend? My weekend was filled with some thrifting, DIY proj...
Hello!  This week has been such a whirl wind and have a little bit of bad luck this week.  First I was taking the dogs for their morning walk and I am not sure what it is- but they don't like the postman.  Sometimes the postman does throw treats at them but sadly they will never have love for the postman.  The Postman told me he is only allowed to throw treats if the dog is barking.  I was taking them for a walk and they saw the postman and started barking and pulling the leash ..and then my keys fell into water grate. :( So what do I do? I put the dogs back in the house and I grab a ski pole and put on my rain boots.  I feel very Macgyver at this point.   I open the grate and measure how deep the water is with the ski pole.  There is a ladder on the side going down into the water and I climb down and measure the water- maybe it's a foot deep. Then I start thinking- don't rats and crocodiles live in the sewers? Since I live in Oregon and I don't think Oregon has crocodi...
I have been so inspired by big bold patterns lately and they have been popping up in my sketches and drawings.   I just want to drown myself in Houndstooth .  I already bought shoes in houndstooth and now it's showing up in my art work. I just love it- I can't get enough. Vintage Wallpaper - I love the traditional wallpaper  I was gifted a special stack of vintage wallpaper and the balance and the colors are amazing! Chevron or the zigzag!  Seriously so much energy in this pattern. Florals.   Isn't it gorgeous? My ever love for stripes.   What's inspiring you lately? PS- Photos courtesy of pinterest ....
It has really cooled off this week and I can see the changes in the trees and the rains have started.  I always think fall smells a little a different- that crisp smell- that hint that Christmas is right around the corner.  I do love summer time, but I think my new favorite season is fall and we are getting ready for the holidays. Coffee Season. I am slightly addicted to delicious, dreamy coffee. I know I don't really need an excuse for a coffee beverage, but fall I think is when coffee tastes especially perfect.  Fall is also soup season!  Don't you just love a big bowl of heart filled goodness? I love being cooped up in the studio especially during fall.  It seems like I always get my best ideas in the fall time- or at least they seem like good ideas :).  Fine... I will admit it- I am super excited to carve the pumpkin.  I have started crafting detailed plans of the surgery of mr. pumpkin. :) I can't wait! What are you looking forward in fall?...
I've had this blog for a couple of years but didn't really start blogging on a regular basis until maybe about a year ago.  The main reasons why I started blogging was to keep track of my artistic journey through the art world, learn a little more about me and meet some new friends.  I have learned a lot about social media and am still discovering where I fit into it.  I started thinking that if I could go back in time and give myself a few tips on blogging what would they be. 1.  Be Yourself and Find Your Voice .  I remember that when I first started blogging and I would put a lot of thought into a blog post and I would out think myself. Blogging is a growing experience and just doing it on a regular bases you will naturally grow and find your voice and then you will figure out the things that you want to talk about.  Content is the most important thing about blogging- but it's even more important to learn how to deliver that content.. but be unique and talk from your per...
I am covered in paint! Since I promised the hubs that I would take a couple days off from oil painting- and do some re-painting of our little home. I started painting the walls in our living room and then realized that I should repaint the ceiling. I have paint all over my shirt.. shorts.. hair.. feet.. finger nails. .. everywhere! One of my little pug monsters got covered in paint. Not sure how he did it, but I turned and looked at him and his snout was covered in white paint. So he got a bubble bath- so I could make sure I got all the paint out of his wrinkles. :)  He is such a little princess. I got a few paint samples because I really want to do a fun accent wall- but I can't decide on the color. What do you think? Should I go with toothpaste, light blue, or mustard yellow?  :)  I threw my coffee in there because it's pumpkin spice latte season.. YUM!...
Happy Monday! Did you have a nice weekend? The hubs and I had such a nice weekend of just running errands and getting ready for the busy week ahead.  I promised the hubs that I would start working on reorganizing a few of our home and work spaces and you know what that means.. redecorating! I am going to be repainting spaces and wanted to create more space dedicated to art..  Art is so important and I started thinking about why art is important. 1.  Art is important in documenting and capturing a little slice life .  I am a realism painter because I really feel strongly about capturing life now and I am in love with the idea of capturing something in that moment. I think some of the most interesting art pieces through out history are the ones documenting the world.  A little glimpse into the past through the eyes of an artist.  If you look at some of Picasso paintings- he loved the ladies and he loved his dachshunds and you could really see yourself in that world.  I always imagined h...
Hello! I am still in gorgeous Las Vegas and I can't wait to show you all of my photos that I have snapped away this trip.   We had such a great time having lots of dinner dates and trying out our luck on the casino.  I also wanted to say thank you so much- I reached 400 blog followers and I still can't believe how fortunate I am to have gotten to know so many new and old bloggy friends. I have learned so much journaling my chronicles of life and art and have some exciting new projects planned for this blog. :) Oh and those slot machines behind me- the star wars machine ate my $5!...
The hubs surprised me and is whisking me away for a weekend getaway to Las Vegas! We have only been to Vegas for work related activities and now we have the chance to go and see all the things we have always wanted to see and do.  My hubs accepted a new job and has a few days off in between- so why not go?.  I know it's pretty hot there right now- so hopefully I won't melt.  I have already starting mapping out actives for the long weekend and printing out coupons! Pinterest 1. Ride the Roller coaster ride at New York New York.  I am deathly afraid of heights but on my bucket list is to riding the roller coaster at New York, New York Hotel.   It loops up around and the hotel and it even goes upside down- I just hope I keep my eyes open for most of the ride.  :)  I know they have one of those sling shot rides at the top another hotel in Vegas but you won't even catch me stepping foot on that one.  a girl has to have limits right? 2.  Take the zipline in old Las Vegas.  Th...