Friday, December 31, 2010

Reflections On New Year's Eve

We are spending a quiet New Year's Eve here at home. The sky is so clear ronight and the stars are twinkling in their magical formations.

I'm reminded how blessed I am to live in such a beautiful place and feel like I am on top of the world. Today was crisp and sunny and filled with the promise for the coming year.

One thing that I like to do is make a list of what I HAVE accomplished, rather than what I HAVE NOT accomplished. Tonight I am thinking of all the projects that I want to get to as the new year begins. BUT, I thought it would be good for the soul to focus on all the things that I accomplished this year.

Let's start with this one.
A very cute desk makeover using vintage maps...


decorating my retail space for Christmas for the very first time and selling that cute red dresser very quickly..

dressing the space for autumn and making over the gorgeous black console table that flew out of the store in only a day...
This has to be one of my favorite furniture makeovers this year.


finding this sweet old window and placing it over the fireplace in the cottage. love this!

finding this fabulous buffet at a yard sale that we almost didn't stop for.... With a ll little TLC, this has become one of my favorite pieces in my own home.

working on this "Play It Again" dresser. Love it's curves and whimsy.

working so much better as a team than an individual to complete so many projects in a short time...

adding these simple panels to my kitchen window along with the fun Starview Cafe antique window sign...It makes me smile every single day.

exploring local auctions and learning the "ropes" to buy there. I still can't believe I found this fabulous rug for my great room for only $250. What a score!


working with Diane to come up with our "Time Worn" designs. Just adore this piece that we made for the shop. It was sold in a jiffy!

working with my husband to create this fun bench out of an antique headboard and foot board we stumbled upon at a yard sale... What a great project to work on together.


making this little desk work as a great accent on our back veranda...

sprucing up this little bench and making it "just right" for someone's home..

creating this awesome piece of original art using my own photography for the Etsy shop...

creating this unique number dresser as one of my very first furniture re-purpose projects for the shop..

having my vintage sofa recovered and creating this wonderful space in our master bedroom...

along with this little desk just perfect for my laptop...

and absolutely one of the best projects accomplished with my most organized friend==the pantry makeover! LOVE THIS!

my sweet Spring vignette in the entry way..


and the fun paper shoes I made and the "play" bridal shower tablescape I put together using them as favors..

As 2011 begins in just a few short hours, remember all that you have eaccomplished in 2010....how much you have grown and all the things that you have learned along the way.
Thank you for sharing my journey with me and letting me join you in your life and passions.
Happiest of New Years to all of you!


Tuesday, December 28, 2010

A Gift For Renee

This is the dress form I created for my son's gorgeous girlfriend, Renee. How wonderful it was to see her smile in delight as she opened it....

This is what Christmas is really all about....the joy of giving.







Saturday, December 25, 2010

From My Family To Yours



Wishing all my blog friends a blessed day filled with love and gratefulness.

Thank you for all your inspiration, encouragement, and friendship during this year of growth and creativity.




Friday, December 24, 2010

Christmas Eve Memories

On this Christmas Eve morning I am in the house where I grew up (my Mom & Dad's).

I wanted to share a few snippets of my favorite thingss here..

I ADORE these vintage Christmas elves that my Mom has hung on our tree for many, many years.


The exterior of my parent's home...
this cute little guy

the Mary Englebreit plates..



I hope you find yourself doing some singing tonight like these four...


Wishing you a wonderful Christmas Eve filled with love...



Tuesday, December 21, 2010

A Magical Time Of Year

I don't have any projects to share with you since I'm on vacation here in California.
I had to share some photos of this incredibly festive neighborhood in a small town here called San Carlos. The lights and decorations are just amazing.

I'm so glad Shari drove me through this wonderland last week.

I hope you are enjoying a week full of festivity and fun with your loved ones.

Although I'm anxious to get back to work on all my furniture projects, I will enjoy this bit of rest and the magic of the season.