Butterflies & ballet slipper pink...

Subtle pink and beautiful...

I woke up Saturday morning of this last weekend with a very clear and vivid idea.  This idea was of my front room, or the parlor I am calling it.  I am still playing around with furniture arrangement and have yet to hang all my decor on the walls.  I believe some of the best design comes from really listening to a room.  Living in the space and getting a feel for how that area is used.  Anyways... back to my idea.

I have been so busy with my summer collection, that my poor house has been put on the back burner and neglected.  As I have sat sewing, I try to pretend not to see all the unfinished projects around me...calling my name.  Well last Friday my name became so loud, I had to do something about it.  I started moving furniture.  Before I knew it, I had a bigger mess of chaos than when I started.  Pieces went to different rooms, decor was coming out of storage spots and I now was lost in rearranging rooms.

It's a little more pink than the pictures are showing due to all the light...

So, there I am lying in bed Saturday morning...eyes suddenly wide open after having such clarity on an idea of what I needed to do in the parlor.  This idea motivated me.  The next thing I knew I was up, dressed and ready in hand with paint and a paintbrush.

The "before" with a taupe/beige paint and chippy goodness!

I found a antique buffet when I lived in New Mexico that I bought off of Craigslist.  I fell in love with this piece the moment I saw it on the ad.  I knew at some point I wanted to change the color of paint, but it just had not come to me what that color should be.  The color on the buffet was a taupe/beige color and I had never really loved this color on it. 

It seems more light than the color shown here...

 I recently had bought some paint called "ballet slipper pink" from Martha Stewart's paint line.  I love this pink! It's not overly "girly" or too "little" girl pink.  Remember, I live with 4 boys and my husband here.  Even though they all are supportive in whatever I do in our home, I know they don't want to see pink everywhere. ;)

Another reason why I have waited so long in re-doing this piece was the aged patina of chipped paint that she so beautifully wears.  I wanted to still keep the character of the chipped paint, so I had to figure out a way to do that without losing this detail.

I decided if I did a few light coats I would still be able to show a lot of the chipping when I sanded. Now that my paint color had been decided, I was excited to get painting.  An hour later...a pretty new shade of "ballet slipper pink" was now on my buffet.  I love it! It is subtle enough, but still add's a romantic touch to this piece.

My idea was becoming more clear and I moved on to the next project so I could put it together.

Butterflies have always been one of my favorite things.  They are the epitome of "whimsy"! I had this vision of a "butterfly tree".  In a post I shared last spring, I displayed some branches and glued on some cherry blossoms.  Those same branches I now re-used for my "butterfly tree".  Adding some crystals and cutting butterflies from mulberry paper I printed adjectives that described what butterflies are to me.  I love how it turned out as well.  It definitely has added some whimsy to our home!

Using an antique mirror I bought off of Craigslist back in New Mexico, my arrangement was coming together.  I like how the gold adds a little elegance with the distressed paint on the buffet.  There is still lot's more for me to do in this room before I can show you the whole picture, but I am happy with the direction it is going in.  

I have a very busy week ahead of me and this is the last week for my kiddos at school. Can you believe summer is already here?!! This last school year went by incredibly fast!

On another note, I have the winner of the Ramsign enamel house number giveaway!! The random generator picked lucky number 15!  That would be Allison!! So happy for you! What a great way to add charm and character to the outside of your home!  Thank you to all that entered!  I of course will have lot's more goodies here to giveaway in the future. :)

Wishing you all a great week ahead! I know I am looking forward to "not" having to wake up early come next Monday! Yay for summer!! ;)

  Be back soon friends!

Ramsign...classic enamel signs giveaway!!

Hello friends!

  I know I have been a little absent here, but I promise for good reason. :)  When I am busy creating I try to stay focused and not get distracted by my computer (that calls to me).  Trying to finish up all the loose ends so I can reveal my summer collection very soon!  I was hoping to have done so already, but I know I wouldn't be happy if it wasn't in the exact vision and way I want you all to see it.  I hope you will love it as much as I do...it definitely has been a labor of love! 

 It has a little bit of everything I love...feminine, romantic, vintage, whimsical and charming all in one.  I have used many fabrics like dupioni silk, chiffon, linen, muslin, canvas, Kona cotton.  With details like lace, embroidery, beads, crocheted pieces some of these details are vintage and some are new.  I have an obsession with butterflies and flowers, that you will see lots of.   Many classic styles too such as ruching, smocking, ruffles and appliquéd techniques . 

 Lots for the home with pillow slipcovers, chandelier slipcovers, cloche's, table runners, designs of handbags and some inspired jewelry pieces as well.  I just love it all!!! 


 If you would like to take a sneak peek at some of the fabrics and details I have created with, you can see that on my Facebook page here.  It only gives a small glimpse on what it all entails...I have to keep you in suspense just a little longer until the reveal. ;)  More on all of this when I am ready to share.

How about a fun giveaway in the meantime to get you through the rest of your week?!! 

 I was recently contacted by a unique company called Ramsign about doing a giveaway with my readers.  I just want you all to know, I am very selective about what I share and giveaway here on my blog.  I only want things that I know you all would love to have.  I don't know about you, but I do have a love affair with anything enamel!  So when I visited their website and saw all the classic enamel signs, I *sighed* a little happiness and knew you all would love this too!

Here is a little history on Ramsign a Denmark company that is keeping the European tradition going :

 In 1991 Ramsign revived the production of porcelain enameled signs by the help of skilled craftsmen with life long experience. Today the signs are still produced by hand with the original stencil technique and porcelain enamel, also referred to as vitreous enamel, or glass enamel.

I love how that they are still doing this by hand!  

They have a great selection of style's to choose from for their house number plaques...

Metropolitan 

Englehardt

Highlander

Arrowhead

These are just a few of the examples you can do for your own sign. 

They also have door signs...

Name plates...

And address plaques.

So...are you ready to enter?!!

One lucky winner will get to choose their style from any of the house number plaques!! You can have up to 5 numbers...these signs are valued up to $100!!!  How wonderful it would be to have one of these classic enamel signs!!  It would definitely add charm and uniqueness to your home!

Here is how to enter:

Just visit Ramsign website and come back here and let me know what sign you love!  Easy peasy!!

Would you like some more entries?!

1.  Share this...blog or put this on your sidebar.

2.  Tweet this...make sure to share the links with me!

3.  FB it...

4.  I love to have you on this journey with me...if you follow or now are following, another entry for you! 

That gives you 5 entries!! Make sure to comment on each separate thing you do!

This is open to everyone! Ramsign ships world wide!! I will close this giveaway on Sunday, May 22nd, 2011 at 12pm pacific time.  Good luck to you all!!

I hope you have a great week friends!! 

This very moment...

Moments define our life, memories and important events...  

My chalkboard above the breakfast nook and my Bon Appetit sign I made

At this very moment...

Someone is now falling in love

*

A new sweet baby is born

*

A mother is telling her child she loves them

*

A dream is coming true

I love Hydrangeas!

At this very moment...

Someone is having to say "goodbye" to a loved one

*

A child is laughing

*

A bud is blossoming

*

The sun is shining

We built this shelf for a breakfast spot and here are the stenciled stools I did.

At this very moment...

A tear is being wiped away

*

Someone is thinking of you

*

A blessing has happened

*

Someone is surprised

At this very moment...

A prayer is being answered

*

Someone is hurting

*

Children are playing

*

Something new is being tried

At this very moment...

"I'm sorry" is being spoken

*

A first kiss is being given

*

Someone is disappointed

*

Dinner is being made

At this very moment...

A child is being tucked in for bed

*

Someone needs a hug

*

A smile is warming a heart

*

Heavenly Father is watching over us

My love of old books always get in my pictures.

At this very moment...

A life is being saved

*

Someone is moving

*

A family is healing

*

Snow is falling

At this very moment...

 Someone just found out they won my "Queen for a day" Giveaway!!

The random generator picked #60~ Elise@Nest Sweet Nest!! 

Here is what Elise said if she was "Queen for a day"...

"If I were Queen for a day, I'd definitely eat food I didn't have to cook, in a place without a playground, go junking, get a massage, and maybe watch a movie!! What a great giveaway and congrats on your two years!!"

Elise

Congratulations Elise...this is a moment to celebrate! Enjoy your day, you deserve it!!

 Thank you to all who entered and said such sweet things about me and my blogaversary...I am humbled and grateful for each of you!! To those that are new here..."Welcome!" Happy to have you along on this journey with me!  

I would love to tell you all that I am done and ready to reveal my Spring line for my Etsy, but I'm not....along with design comes problem solving.  I had to figure out a few things I was working on.  Happy to say though, hopefully it won't be too much longer and I will be able to share with you all what I have been busy creating!  

Until then friends, cherish the moments, live in the moment and have happier moments than not!! 

Hugs and love to you all,

I am linking this up with Sarah@Beach Cottage Good Life Wednesdays!  Make sure to stop by for a visit!