Art attack

Firstly I wanted to thank everyone for your get-well wishes - you guys are so sweet. I'm feeling much better today, and I'm sure those couple of lazy days doing absolutely nothing have helped no end. So while I've quite enjoyed kicking back, watching dvds and catching up on reading, I do find it quite frustrating not to be working on my cabinet makeover - especially when it's sitting right in front of me! That's been set aside for when I can muster the energy, so in the meantime my thoughts have turned to painting.

When it comes to my art, I probably have enough ideas to last a lifetime. This week has been great for giving me time to plan, refocus and potter around my studio - I've cleaned and tidied my desk (which was no mean feat!), finished a couple of orders, and started to pull together some bits and pieces for my next piece. I've also organised to frame this work my youngest daughter did at school recently:

I love it, and the fact that she designed the whole thing herself is pretty impressive I think. Once it's framed, I'll hang it in my studio, alongside some other masterpieces by my older two.

Right, now that I've spent most of this post bragging, I'll show you a few of the things I'll be using in some of my own works. I'm always on the lookout for really diverse bits and pieces, and my plan is to incorporate them into some mixed-media works that will soon be for sale.

Japanese paper, wood blocks, hand-made parchment, jute twine...mmm

I'm really keen to get started, so I'll catch you all soon!

I'd rather be here today...

...because I'm under the weather with a lingering flu bug. Of course, the chances of me spending the day in bed are next to none, but hey, I can dream can't I?

So my lovelies, I'm thinking a lazy day is just what the doctor ordered, and I might use the time to catch up on some reading as well.  

photo courtesy lazybones.com.au

Now that I think about it, my day is sounding pretty good right about now! 

Catch you all soon,

How excitement!

Just a quick visit to blogland this morning - I have a big day ahead! This morning, I'm catching up with an old friend I haven't seen for ages (Hi Susan!) and she's popping in to have a look at my newly painted kitchen. I'm really looking forward to it, and thought you might like to see what I whipped up this morning:

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Domestic goddess - you betcha!

Then, later today, I'm going to head off to meet someone many of you will already know: the creator of this

 and this..

Yep, that's right - I'm catching up with my namesake Kerry...

...from A Tranquil Townhouse!

How excitement! So, if you're in Brissie today, and you happen to see two crazy women talking ten to the dozen in your local coffee shop, it will probably be us! 

Hope you have a great day too, and I really wish you could all join us. Maybe there needs to be some discussion of a future bloggers' convention......?

The Chaos Theory

Those who know me well also know that I can be hugely a little on the messy side, especially when I'm working on a new painting. And to make matters worse, after a while, I find it impossible to ignore the chaos. That's exactly what's happened this week. I've had quite a few ideas for new artwork, but I just can't manage to get going on it when my studio looks like it's been ransacked. So yesterday, I spent a few hours tidying up, and while I still have a few things to take care of (like organising my tax return paperwork - argh!) it's looking much better, and already I'm feeling clearer and more focused. While I'm honest enough to realise I'll never be capable of keeping a fastidiously tidy studio, it doesn't stop me from being smitten when I spy lovely examples of serene (and tidy!) work spaces. And if said workspace happens to overlook a stunning garden (and maybe a pool?) then who am I to argue?

Maggie Tabberer's barn in the Southern Highlands

 

Avalon stunner via realestate.com.au

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Would it be too greedy to want this next one just a little bigger? Probably, but hey, this is my fantasy studio, so I'm going to upsize my order.

via traditionalhome.com

via canadianhouseandhome.com

via verandah house

Inspired yet? I am!

Ok, back to work for me. Have a great day everyone,

Virginia Macdonald Photography

Over the weekend, I managed to stumble upon the work of Virginia Macdonald. This Toronto-based photographer is seriously talented, and her portfolio is full to the brim with beautiful images.

Gorgeous, no? And you have to check out her website. It's totally worth it for all the stunning pics, but the topper is her bio - priceless!

Btw, not much progress was made on my cabinet - sport on Saturday and a netball carnival all day Sunday. It's definitely on the list for today though, so I'll keep you posted.

Happy Tuesday,

I've made my decision.........

Thanks to the gorgeous Maria over at Dreamy Whites, I've made my decision on what to do with this old cabinet:

Maria recently posted these stunning pics of her own cabinet (note to self - must try to take better pics, Maria always does such a great job with hers) and it was just perfect for what I had in mind. She painted the interior a combination of white and pale grey, which gives just the right, not-too-perfect finish to complement the cabinet's original patina.

must also track down a collection of grain sacks so my cabinet can look this good!

just right - perfectly imperfect

Thanks must go to Maria for letting me use her lovely photos. If you haven't already (and I find that hard to believe - her blog is hugely popular, and I'm sure you can see why!) go and check out her blog. She's also guest posting over at Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, which is a now on my list of must-reads too.

So, I know what I'll be doing this weekend! I'll do my best to get it finished so I can show you the result next week. 

Have a great weekend everyone,

Spanner in the works!

When I posted yesterday about what to do with my dining table, I knew you guys would come up with some great ideas. But just when I thought I'd narrowed down my decision, I find myself with a conundrum of sorts - a new player has entered the game! Thanks to all the great ideas you've come up with, I'm now thinking zinc might be just what I'm looking for. Tricia Rose and Jules (gorgeous girls - you really have to check out their fab blogs if you haven't already) suggested zinc, so in the interests of research, I found these lovelies:

 

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 this combination with the tolix chairs - oh my!

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 this base is very similar to mine

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So now, before I make my final decision, I'm going to check out the availability of zinc sheeting, and also the price. I love that it gets better with age, is durable and hard-wearing, and looks amazing to boot. 

 

Thanks for the feedback everyone - I love that decorating has now become a collaborative process!

Dining table - which look to go for?

So...as part of my kitchen/dining room makeover, I'm thinking I might completely change my dining table. At the moment, we've been using a timber table we bought years ago, in a huge rush before the rellies arrived to visit our new home. We bought it purely for size and serviceability, and it's been impervious to the rough and tumble dished out by a family of five. Oh, and it was also sturdy enough to handle being used as a makeshift dance floor by one rather flamboyant toddler! 

Now, I just so happen to have a few dining tables stashed away in my shed. I know I sound like a crazy hoarder type, but really, how could I pass up the chance to buy antique timber turned-leg tables for next to nix? But - there's one little problem - at the moment, the largest of the tables has a nasty chip-board top. To replace it, I can't decide whether to go for lovely, recycled timber (either limed or painted white), or I might just top it with a piece of marble I also happen to have in the shed (don't judge me!) So, you know the drill, what do you think? Here are some ideas I like, and I'd love your opinions as usual.

a vision in white by the oh-so-talented Atlanta Bartlett

recycled timber via White Flower Farmhouse

marble + timber = gorgeous! Atlanta Bartlett's handiwork again

marble + white timber - is this the winning combination? via Domino mag

Oh, and don't forget this table will be paired with my soon-to-be-revamped mirror, with a sideboard underneath. I always have the same problem when making these decisions - I like so many different looks. But I need to remind myself that nothing has to be forever, so my plan is to choose a look for as long as I like it, and then change it up again! 

Hope you're all having a great day,

Heavenly hideaway

I don't know about you, but now the kids are back at school, I could do with a holiday! Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love school holidays, but they can be exhausting. So when I saw this little gem, it looked like the perfect place to relax and recharge. Oh, and the fact that one of the guesthouses is called 'Driftwood House' doesn't hurt either. With a choice of accomodation styles, there's something for everyone:

this design was inspired by fishing cottages on the Danish coast

or choose Little Palm guesthouse for a taste of luxury

fresh, bright and breezy - perfect

love this kitchen!

or maybe you'd prefer an authentic American Airstream caravan?

drinks on the verandah anyone?

all images courtesy of Atlantic Guesthouses Byron Bay

So, what do you think - looks rather appealing, doesn't it? I'll see you there!

Have a great week,