The Best of Friends....

As some of you might know....I was edging ever so closely to the sad reality that my Dear friend, Mr. Dryfus, my companion, artistic muse and confidant was nearing his end as each day passed.
He reached a milestone this past June when he turned 20 years....yes 20!
I and many who knew him were amazed how this guy, born under a car, in a unfavorable little neighborhood, the runt of his litter, would end up doing so much...but most importantly touched so many lives when I decided to bring him home.
So each day and even these few extra months, were indeed a reminder how blessed I was to have him....
his body was giving out...his arthritis getting worse, (where I had to help him up or carry him outside as he got his footing) his hearing was long gone, eye site getting worse...but his Heart was ever strong ( he was my little Timex)....I was hoping that he would pass in his sleep but that would not be.
So the decision was mine ...the hardest one I have had to make to date and hope never to have to do it again.
The house is way to quiet now...but I eagerly smile when I see a little fur ball going by....sort of an Angelic reminder.... he will never be forgotten....but the tears soon follow. I know it will take time for my heart to heal....so those of you with pets....your dearest of friends....enjoy and love them a bit more, just as token for all of those who have lost their own...we wish you joy and laughter with your furry ones....
Mr. Dryfuss....you will never be forgotten.....sleep well and hope the angels have all your favorite treats and a soft bed as you watch over the rest of us.

Tuesday Redo...

This is the "BEFORE" picture of the Resin "Plastic-like" fountain I was asked to Redo for a client. Though the piece was nice...it did not have the appeal she was looking for....too shiny and not the right the color for her outdoor space.
As you are aware if you have tried to paint a surface like this, you must use a special plastic primer, choose your colors, and have fun. Let the relief of the fountain work for you....darken the areas and highlight by dry brushing so it reveals the details. Avoid using White and Black, play with your colors and you will be surprised with the final and realistic look.
Spray a Matte sealer finish if it is to be used outside and exposed to the elements.

Here is a better view of the painted details for a more realistic finish of an aged fountain....a trick to remember is the natural "wear" or watermarks found in real fountains. I added several colors of an Orange-Brown to create rust, and green drips where algae would form from the mouth and rim of the fountain.....I also added some River Rock paint...from the Ralph Lauren line to the surface to create more of the cement feel and continued painting.
Finished with a clear protective Matte sealer.
Here is the "Final" finish....ready to entertain guest, both people and little singing birds ready for a quiet retreat.

Artsy Thursday

Wa-La! Done.....Perfect for his nursery


Final finishes....small satin ribbon glued around
the inside portion of the frame to add interest.
Some velcro was added inside the center pocket to secure larger objects when stored.



Close-up of ironed glued strip to create clean borders & trim for the large pocket for do-dads. Frog fabric was cut & ironed on each side of pocket with red trim ironed & glued in place for nice piping effect. Lower pocket was then stapled on each side of canvas frame to secure along frame. Fabric buttons were also reused & painted to match fabric and glued in place.


















I have to admit, when it comes to working with fabric, I leave it to the professionals...but with this project, I turned to my ever handy glue gun, iron, no sew strips and staple gun. So if I can do it....I'm sure the rest of you can do it without any problems.
Just be patient & careful with that "Hot" glue gun.

After looking around several favorite Blogging sites, I thought I should join in the fun & share a recent "artsy" project with some Before & After pictures. What was fun about this, was the idea of using an inexpensive framed canvas....knew when I picked it up in a Tag sale, it would be repurposed in some way.
So here it is....using some of my clients fabric left-overs, I primed & painted the frame to match her sons bedroom decor. Left the Sante Fe canvas and covered with 3 layers of quilt batting for the Bulletin board before stretching & stapling Green Check fabric.

Those little details?

I thought I would share a few pictures of some little dainty details I noticed when going thru some linens....its amazing how those little details of stitching and embroidery were so common back then.

I enjoy them so much, looking and admiring but I must admit, the beauty of those little pristine guest towels are just to pretty to use.
I just might need to put a sign up..."Look but please don't Use"....afraid little hands will leave their little marks and I'll be unable to launder to their current beauty.
...Just don't have the guts to risk it!

A few more...

Here are a few more ....with a Box style suede purse and a gray leather chain style purse....just wish they were a bit larger for all that "extra" stuff I tend to carry....but they will have to do...and I'll have to learn not to carry so much.
Shopping hint:...most of these little gems were found at some local thrift stores...those which raise funds for the Hospital volunteers...perfect, since most of the items come from the same gray haired ladies that work the store.
Go find one in your town, you just might find your own little fashion statement.
Happy hunting!

Getting Ready for Fall

Well with the arrival Fall....I felt I had the opportunity and that it was time to re-do my closet and prepare for the season.
Not that I'm a fashion guru...far from it. Yet after flipping through some of the popular fashion magazines, I realize that Mom's philosophy that everything "old is new again" is obvious this season.
Just look at those High end designers, you know, the one with the "little polo rider on the Horse" or that famous French house?
I'm glad that I always had an interest in those little Alligator or Crocodile purses popular in the 40's and 50's....there's no need to worry that PETA will come after me (there vintage!)....and that I'm doing my own version of living "Green" and recycling....while saving a huge fortune.
One of my favorites...is the small clutch pictured on the bottom....it has a little sling where you place your hand to hold on....what a great idea and easy to use.
Hope you enjoy some of those that I pulled out for this fall.

Beading Crazy