pamgarrison

aaahhh, that feels better

For the past three days, everything around here has been wrapped in plastic. And I mean everything...  I don't know why I was thinking it wouldn't be, but it caught me by surprise. As usual, I wasn't organized ahead of time. It did force me to spend 3 days in my art room though. More cleaning up most of the time, but I did make this little canvas. Funny, when I was searching this book for quotes, I was thinking about the feeling the little one in the photo portrayed and picked the one above. After I finished stamping it I realized I was probably heavily influenced by the fact that I have been displaced in my own home for days.

Some of you have asked what color I chose. I really didn't put much thought into it, just pointed to a very neutral beige (Sandcastle by Dunn Edwards) when the painter showed me the interior paint sample book. After having stronger colors for so long in much of the house, I really wanted to go with a very neutral pallet throughout. It's ok. Had I tested it on some spots previously, I might have picked something with just a little more tan to it, but it's plenty good enough as is. I am loving how fresh and clean everything is, especially all the white woodwork.  Here's how things look now in the upstairs hallway, downstairs and family room.

...except the plastic is down and I once again have computer access. Yeah!!!  I realized that if I had a laptop, I could have been able to get emails and blog etc. this whole time. So, that's my art earnings goal: to earn a laptop. Going to go move some things back in place. Back to other creative pursuits tomorrow...

painters are here...be back soon!!

sunday garden shots

More on the aprons soon, but for today, garden shots.

How I love flowers. Did I ever tell you that once, a long time ago, when we first moved in, that we got a letter from our home owners association complaining that we'd planted "too many flowers"? We were drawn to our neighborhood because of the slightly rural feel- I call it the pseudo country-no sidewalks or street lights, lots of greenbelts and big, giant trees. Every house is different, not a tract, but let's be honest, we do live in suburbia, it was the "home owners association" that complained, after all. Too many flowers?

I have always wanted to grow so many flowers that I wouldn't feel any hesitation cutting away. Too many flowers. Wouldn't that be a lovely problem to have?

camellia buds and blossom

cup and saucer magnolia buds and blossom

snowdrop bulbs

roses desaturated in i photo

Hope your Sunday finds you with "too many flowers". xo

everyone's showing their stash

Fabric stashes, that is. Recently, I've seen some here, and here, and here, and I know there are many I haven't seen. I've just spent over an hour searching for the blog where I first saw this fabric (left) from Superbuzzy and knew I had to have some. Can't find it now, but as soon as I saw it, ordered some.  I am crazy about anything similar to ticking or what I call pillowcase fabric. (What is the proper name anyway?)

Being a lover of fabric that I am, I bought some of these too:

I justified the order by telling myself that I'll make some craft aprons to sell at Artfest which is fast approaching. I made and sold some at ArtFiberfest a couple years ago. Wish I'd taken some photos now. I always wear one when I teach or sell and get lots of apron love, so it's a good idea to make some more. Yeah, sure, it's only justification if I actually make some more to sell, here's hoping I do by the vendor sale.  I made this one for a girlfriend's birthday gift. It's for flea marketing. I wear mine flea marketing too when I'm not using this secret stash. I'll try to find mine and show a picture of them soon.

Have a fabric stash you'd like to share? Post a link in the comments.

And, oh my, in need of some studio inspiration? You can swoon here. She's got a stash of her own too!

welcome and thanks

I've been getting lots of fun emails and comments about the Somerset article featuring my blog that is out now. If you've found your way here from the article, welcome! As always, to my regular visiting friends and those that leave supportive comments, thank you!  I'm really happy with the article, I think that Deandra Berry (the Art and Design Director) and Jenny Doh (editor) did such a great job with what I gave them. I love the boarders that Deandra gave my photos, how she digitally masking taped them down, added my doodles and words and give it a real journal feel. Thanks girls! A little birdie told me they might be showcasing other blogs in the future, so if you'd like to tell your story, feel free to leave your blog info in the comments section of this post. That way everyone can easily link to your blog. You know I love blogs!

I also had fun creating a couple papers for their "Art to Borrow"  paper inserts. My thought was that people might want to cut them up and journal or create with them.

Here's what the cover looks like if you want to check it out. There is lots of artwork by regular contributors, and I am especially enjoying the Keri Smith article and the art by Jill Postema.

Again, thanks for the encouragement, I think bloggers and blog readers are the best cheerleaders for creativity!

the state of things around here

After 15 years of doing everything by ourselves (and I"m talking moving walls/raising ceilings, installing roof windows, etc. etc.), we've recently started hiring people to get some things done all at once (not our forte).  Last week we had drywallers here patching holes that were made installing sconces and other things, all in preparation for the painters that were coming today. We spent the weekend moving everything into the center of rooms. Above, you see a bit of the dining room table. Here's the dining room table and the empty china cabinet. This picture sums up a lot of what I like about our home, the contrast of the plain, simple, understated cottage ceiling with an over the top French antique chandelier. The chandelier is both electrified (the ones with shades) and has candles, love that.

So right now, everything from the dining room,kitchen and hallway is on top of or under the dining room table.

Or shoved in the center of the living room. (The shadow box is by an artist named Kitty Babendeier.)

By the end of the day yesterday, we were onto the family room and we were tired. Everything in there is thrown helter skelter onto the couches. We slept with our bed in the middle of our room (which was oddly unsettling, I'm not sure why.) Tired or not, we finished, we are ready for paint!  But no, the painter called, can't come until next Monday. Next Monday?!?! Behind in his schedule due to rain. I'm starting to remember some of the reasons we usually do everything ourselves (besides of course, the $)  So, now what? Live with everything as is for a week? Ugh. Pretty funny really.

Oh yeah, we had lots of rain (the reason for the delay, remember?)...here is a photo I took in the am looking out one of the frames of the window above the sink. Not sure you can tell, but it's raining.

Looking out the same window pane a few hours later. Not a drop of rain in sight.

So I'm a little worried if we wait the week they may be a no-show even then...hm...I mean, what if it sprinkles this week?

At least I have my house to myself. Which means I can blog and visit other blogs. This photo sums up how I feel about the painter right now. It's from this sweet blog that is new to me. It also gives me time to transfer our "growth chart" markings from the kitchen wall to something we can move around. Yep, we write on the wall. It's funny to hear visiting kids' reaction to this. One little girl's Dad told me that she came home telling him about how she couldn't believe that "they write on the walls!"...Surely someone else out there does this?!?  Actually, I wouldn't recommend it, because, like I said, today I have to transfer the marks (duh Pam). This photo here cracks me up. It shows my son's growth for the past few months. (My husband uses this growth chart as motivation for my son to eat his fruits and vegetables- and it works!) I think it's precious that my son decided to measure himself last time. No, he didn't sprout up 3 inches in a month, but isn't it funny that he thinks he did? Just the result of his unique self-measuring technique. Oh, and speaking of the growing boy, his bones have grown back together too. The cast was actually ready to come off last Friday, but the Doctor was on vacation. Tomorrow is the big day! As soon as he gets home, he's going to soak in a long long long bath. He needs it, as you mothers of young boys surely understand!

As for those of you that have asked about my (hopefully) soon to be old wall color, it was called Gentle Doe. I can't remember by who, but I recently held up paint swatches to it and it looks very similar to Golden Gate by Dunn Edwards. Hope that helps! And hope your Monday is going a little more according to plan than mine.

[Ed.: After reading your sweet comments, I feel compelled to add these photos. Of course, the photos above are of what I think of as my pretty things, that's what I choose to see/show, but believe me, there is plenty of ugly and umkempt, I just don't think it's a fun to look at here's proof]

family room couches with any and everything thrown on... I do think it's funny that one of the books on the couch is:  "A Place for Everything - Organizing the Stuff of Life"... don't think "throw it on the couch!" is what they were talking about.(But I do love that book.)

And the stairwell. What I want is super dark, distressed wood floors with a white wood riser. Wouldn't that be beautiful? What I'm getting is carpet.

new flickr favorites

new flickr favorites
Originally uploaded by pamg.

Pretty pictures by others on flickr. Here's wishing us all a creative Saturday!

another pretty pile

Still cleaning, organizing, stacking in the studio. Having some drywall patching done and trying to move all the fragile things out of the way. Figured you'd like this little pile as much as I do.

Another pretty picture just because. (Valentine roses)

And a rose from the garden today. This is one of the David Austin's. It's Abraham Darby and one of my favorite roses, not only because of the size shape and number of petals, but it smells divine. Just a reminder for all those in colder climates that spring really is around the corner. Hang in there!

a day late and no dollars short

Hooray! My computer is back! My sweet sweet Dad (who loves computers and has much patience) actually took it to the apple store for me today. When I bought my computer, I happened to get unlucky and got one that was "born" in a month where some have power/video problems. I've had to go in twice before. Fortunately, they keep extending the warranty and fix it right away for free. So  like I said, a day late, but no dollars short. I had no idea how attached to the computer I am. Everyone seems to communicate that way, even our elementary and middle school. Anyway...

Hope you had a lovely day yesterday. I love Valentine's Day. Love all the paper/crafty goodness of it. Love how simple it is and how much the kids love it. Every year I make some home-made valentines for my three Valentines. I love it when I find some old home-made valentine's at the flea market, and hope that mine will age in that same nostalgic way. Here are the ones from this year.

and some gifts for some friends:

and of course, the candy jar as holiday decoration:

xoxoxoxo

happy valentine's day!

I can't believe that MY COMPUTER DIED on Valentine's Day! I have to wish my blog friends love...I'm over at my Dad's for a second trying to at least get some photos up. I love Valentine's Day. Here are the Valentines that I made for my family this year. Hm...hope it works, for some reason I can't see the photos. Ok, so as I said, my computer is down, will have to get to the Apple store ASAP (oh joy!), but until then, I won't be able to read emails. Hope you had a great day. xoxo

Ed: Well, it didn't work it. Dang. Maybe tomorrow.

another sneak peek

I mentioned a few posts ago that I'm involved in a Marie Antoinette collaborative. Here's a few sneak peeks of what I made. I'll share my creation in full as soon as the whole thing is wrapped up. Until then, enjoy some of the pretty parts close-up.

and here are some photos from the journal page where I was doodling while searching for inspiration on the web:

When I mentioned that I was searching for inspiration, Kari was sweet enough to send me this link.
Which I bought, and am thoroughly enjoying (although I wish the photos were full page). Kari and Ulla have also linked to this artist recently, whose paper flowers make me swoon. And while speaking of all things French and wonderful, did you know that Corey has some flea market treasures for sale? Oh France, I miss you so. I'll tell you one thing I know; the next time I am lucky enough to go there I want to visit Versailles for sure!
 

boy, that took me by surprise

Hi all. Sorry to have been gone so long. I thought I had a little cold and was on the mend when I last posted, but I was mistaken! I was out of commission except for mandatory mom things. Thankfully I have turned the corner. I'm at the raspy voice/cough all night phase ...but feel good to be up and about.

And, now that I am, I can share this with you...


want a sneak peak? of course you do!

and there's more ...

This time she has earrings:

and bracelets too!

Oh, so many that I want to buy myself! She has such an amazing eye and talent for mixing pieces. They're not for sale yet, but she told me I could let you know that she's trying to list some tonight and tomorrow, (children and husband willing) so that if you want to have first pick you can start checking then. Sorry it can't be a more specific time, neither Amy nor I can figure out how to put things on etsy without making them public so that you can get it all set and show say 60 new items all at once, instead of each one appearing right when you list it. Any etsy gurus out there?

Anyway, we're trying to let you know when they'll first be up... amyhanna.etsy.com

latest flickr favorites

latest flickr favorites
Originally uploaded by pamg.

I am trying to learn how to use the flickr site here... hopefully you'll be able to see the new stimulation I found last night in my latest favorite photos (if I figure it out).

There is amazing inspiration to be found over at flickr. Ever since the moo cards, I'm trying to learn how to use the site a little more. Anyone know of a flickr tutorial anywhere?

I'm involved in a Marie Antoinette themed project, which is where it all started last night. How I ended up at cupcakes... well, you know how linking goes! Who knows how you end up anywhere half the time, or even how to find your way back to where you started without clicking the back button 1,000 times.

Here's hoping it works-

Enjoy!

[Ed: Ok! It worked, well sort of... I'll figure out how to make the photo bigger next time, hopefully, until then, if you click on the photo it should link you to my flickr page. Once there, you should be able to click on the actual photos by their description down below. Warning: you could lose an hour or two linking around!]

my hanging treasure box

Well over a year ago I found one of those oak, divided shadow boxes at the flea market. You know, the kind where you are supposed to store collectible things about the size of thimbles or salt shakers. So, me being me, loving the possibility it held,  I bought it. I brought it home and was able to take out the grid of balsa wood on the inside pretty easily (you can see the slat holes on the sides in the photo above). A little paint, some old music, ledger, and wallpaper and a snippet of Dresden for the visible lid edges was all it took to change it's look completely. Then I added some hooks and here you have it, my wall jewelry box full of treasures made by my friends Amy and Kelly. This hangs at eye level in the entry of my art room. Makes me happy every time I see it.

Amy is hard at work making a new set of jewelry for her etsy shop...stay tuned here for the news.

We're still working on getting Kelly to go etsy.

beautiful (messy) sunday

A bit under the weather today, didn't even go with my family to the various SuperBowl parties. I did attempt to do something, which consisted of taking some art stuff that was downstairs back upstairs (oh my). While doing that, I did see this beautiful little mess, and thought I could at least snap it for the beautiful sunday flickr group. How I wish I was the type of gal that cleaned up after herself as she went along...

saturday rambling

When Patty says she's sending you a "Texas Sized" pack of paper, she's not exaggerating. Just look at what she sent me! Thank you Patty...would love to see a picture of your stash so we can all drool.

And just look at all the other sweet goodies  shared with me lately! I'm spoiled I tell ya... Laurie made me this sweet birdie just because, Linda sent me these old printing plates and some wallpaper, Gina sent me these labels and handmade tags because I was lusting after hers, and Tyn sent me this lovely handmade postcard as a thank you for the paper pack. (She's having her own blog birthday party too.) I am thankful for the treats girls! I've already started playing with some of the paper in my journal, which you can see here.

For a treat last night I bought myself this, Better Homes and Gardens Creative Home because it has blog-lands very own Alicia and her studio featured in it. Congrats Alicia, as always, it looks great! See?

And the mailman was kind enough to finally drop off this months issue of Country Living. On the back, upside down, they have a little mini magazine called Country Living Idea Notebook. I love this. I, for one, can not get enough of creative women sharing their stories. I wish they'd do a whole magazine dedicated to this. That was always my favorite issue of Victoria magazine, when they focused on women and their businesses. It was a special treat to discover that Jennifer Paganelli has a page too. Always love it when Jennifer is in Country Living! Here's her latest page.

Ok, the "broken boy"  has baseball practice. Wouldn't you think that when your leg is broken you wouldn't go to practice? Not the way the boys in this house see it. He's doing great, obviously, since he's going to practice. Had his 3rd cast put on yesterday, 2 1/2 more weeks to go!

I'll try to post tomorrow, if not, have a great weekend!

box sprucing

After the Christmas houses, it seems I have developed a thing for sprucing up store bought items. Here are some boxes from Target (Rachel Ashwell line) that were on sale. I thought they needed a home and some lovin'. You know I can never get enough boxes! All I did was add a bit of paper and velvet. I don't show them here because I think they're anything fantastic, but to encourage you to play with store bought items and make them more your own if you so desire.  Here they are after some quick play with scissors and glue:

And while I appreciate all the looking-in-my-drawers love, I really must tell you I am not as organized as my drawers. Just look at the inside of one of these boxes:

And look closely at the outside of the box, see the stuff on the floor? Not organized! But I'm off to work on it some more. Two hours left before school is out...