It's the little things that make me happy

Isn't it amazing what really gets you all fired up?  I have spent several hours over the last few days picking out and printing up fun graphics from The Graphics Fairy to turn into cards to organize my lace yardage.  Speaking of The Graphics Fairy, isn't it awesome how much more beautiful homes, studios, offices, and other spaces all over the world are because of Karen and her unbelievable files?  There must be hundreds of thousands of projects created because she has made it so easy for us to access her treasure trove.  But I digress...below is my almost completed project.

Since things are shaping up in my studio, I've been a busy little bee making pretty containers and dressing up bottles and jars to hold buttons and the huge amount of floatsum that I seem to attract in the name of art.  Lace is something I'm fairly passionate about and, while there is something magical about a huge heap of beautiful lace to dig through, the reality is, you can damage it or just plain not be able to find what you had in mind for a particular project with the piling and digging system of "organization".

So, I began the process of finding cool graphics to make card that the lace could be wrapped around, making it easier to deal with and, naturally, PRETTIER to look at.  I had no idea how much lace I had until I started trying to corral it.  And this, mind you, is only the yardage, not the short little pieces or the very large pieces.

I must say though, I think my goal has been accomplished:  I wanted to have a visual display that not only allowed me easier access for projects, but that made me happy to look at it just as it sits.  I printed on cardstock and then put pretty vintage wallpaper on the back (which I forgot to photograph-bad blogger, no biscuit!), then edged with a little distress ink.  If I were to start over, I'd put the cardstock onto thin cardboard and then add the wallpaper to make it a little more substantial, but it turned out okay as is.

My houseful of boys just ignored my printing and pasting as long as food was tossed in their general direction on a fairly regular basis and the heaps of lace weren't in the footpath.  I've given up trying to get high fives or raves from Mr. FL on this kind of stuff.  He just isn't into it although I think he likes seeing me happy puttering and that counts for something.  Besides, I've got you girls (and even a guy or two) who think this all makes perfect sense, right?

On a related note, my shelves in my studio closet of dreams are installed and painted.  I think I had to do the lace project just to occupy my mind and hands so I wouldn't rush the paint drying process and end up with lots of pretty stuff stuck to my un-cured shelves.  On a very happy note for me, by the time I hit my next day off (day after tomorrow, but who's counting???), I should be able to start loading them up.  I am SOOOOO excited about that.  Do you think it's odd that I asked my husband after the last shelf was painted to join me in the closet for a glass of wine?  No, of course you don't think it's odd, cause you get me, right?  And if you don't, you'll humor me and keep it to yourself cause you guys are nice like that. We dragged a couple of chairs in and spent a little time talking before dinner that night and I was so happy and giddy over the closet (could have been the paint fumes I suppose...).    Well, I'm going to get my little post posted and link up to a party or two.  Why don't you come along?  Digressing again, but is anyone else having to force themselves to get off of Pinterest and actually do something?  Yikes, it's like virtual crack.  Does that make me a crack ho???  Oh well, this too shall settle down, I'm sure.

Until next time,

Linking up with:
White Wednesday
Wow Us Wednesday
Feathered Nest Friday
Vintage Inspiration Friday
Home Sweet Home
At the Picket Fence Inspiration Friday
Thrifty Things Friday
Potpourri Friday
Friday at Redoux
Creative Things Thursday
Saturday Night Special 
Brag Monday

UPDATE:  As a fun aside, look at the cool pic I found on Pinterest.  According to the pinner, it means life is made of small happiness, in other words, it's the little things in life...

A peek at what I've been up to...

Come on in...I am meeting with my handyman tomorrow to discuss shelving for my studio closet of dreams, but I did promise you a peek last week, didn't I?  So come hither and let's get a feel for what's been going on.

Old Victorian front door, pulled out of a neighbor's dumpster pressed into service as my closet door (after MUCH restoration by DH I must add).  A pretty lacey stencil added to maintain a little visual screen...and I already had the stencil on hand from a project from 10 or 12 years ago.  YES!

I am SO pleased with how it turned out, even though it isn't "perfect".  Neither am I, so we go together!

Dare I say it?  An ORGANIZATIONAL system is in place on one side of the closet for my pretty papers and other altered art supplies.  I dream that it will stay organized.  Time will tell I'm sure!

Functional display pieces FINALLY serving the purpose I intended oh-so-long-ago when I began collecting them.  I think I'm in love...

Pretty storage up close and personal.

The back wall which will have shelves.  I love it.  Getting my inspiration here led to the relentless pursuit of vintage wallpapers for a few years. ("inspiration" might be a bit of a stretch-I copy-catted plain and simple.  Pam Garrison, you rock and just remember that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery).  Just between you and me, I MIGHT have gotten a little carried away collecting the papers as I think I could completely paper several closets .Insert sheepish Judy grin here. Luckily, I have discovered that doing mixed media projects with old wallpapers is WAY fun!  Yes, you are correct, much of the pretty papers will be blocked, but the goal is to have what's sitting on the shelves be pretty too.  I have some awesome storage containers waiting. 

Love the very functional plug in the middle of the wall.  I have a reason for putting it there which you will just have to wait to see.  I tried to pretty it up as much as possible.  If it bothers me, I may cover it with wallpaper too!  I'm just afraid I might not be able to find it again!  LOL!

Well, that's all you get for now.  Cross your fingers that the handyman can start this week on those shelves and then I'll do a full reveal of the finished project as soon as possible.
Until next time,

Dreaming in Black and White

So, the exciting news is that we are rebuilding our garage to house cars on the bottom (duh) and a studio for our artistic and antique-y pursuits over the top (a second floor). It should be done this spring. Of course, being the decorating sort that I am, I've been dreaming of how the interior will look. Its essentially a garage apartment with a small bath and small kitchen and one biggish space. I have been pretty true to the French salon inspiration, but have been pondering the details. I have a few small French antique pieces tucked away here and there, awaiting placement when the time comes as well as some statuary and architectural pieces. I'd also like to make this space the home of my crown collection. All the while, I must also leave myself room to create and have the nuts and bolts of an art studio in place. For a long time, I've wanted to have an all white or cream and white space, but as I am out in cyberspace, gathering ideas, I come across the black and white theme. I've always loved a bit of black in every room...I think it really adds some needed punch, even in a relatively pastel environment, but this is a bit more than that. Looking at these photos, I'm starting to think there might be a change in tack. If not for the studio, then perhaps in the main house (wow, that makes our place sound so grand...believe me, it isn't!). Maybe the downstairs bathroom...maybe the upstairs bathroom...hmmmmmmmmm. Dreaming in black and white...who knew it could be so VIVID??? Well, I must get ready to go to work so this train of thought will have to be put aside for the moment. If anyone wants to send me some super inspirational links for a French salon/art studio/garage apartment, please feel free!



Until next time,