Marbled Art

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I wasn't intending to replicate East Coast Creative's Marbled Paper Art, but it worked out too perfectly NOT to.

Above the piano has been crying for a large piece of art since day 1.  I found a large frame at the thrift shore, got a large canvas to fill it, and scoured pinterest for ideas.  I'm no painter, so I really wasn't sure how to tackle it.  Until last week when I was at Paper-Souce for another project and the colors in this hand-marbled paper caught my eye.  For $8, I figured I could use it to fill a few smaller frames around the house that have sat empty.  Surely I'm not the only one who has empty frames hanging out in their decor (I hope).

The piece of paper happened to be the EXACT size needed for the canvas and the colors were perfect for the dining room, so who am I to argue with fate.  I attached the paper to canvas using gesso, let it dry, and popped it into the frame.

When I got the frame, it did have glass, however I have a bad habit of breaking the glass in larger frames.  I'm dainty like that.  This made the canvas necessary for structure, but it also gave the paper an added textural element.  Let's call it a happy accident.

The finished product is so much more refined than any DIY paint creations I could've come up with.  Even the resident musician is pleased with the new addition.

The piano's just calling out to be painted, don't you think?  Hubby's on board if I go with a neutral color.  Wouldn't Madam Piano be sexy in gray?

Sherdog and J-Boom

I'm about to go all weird-fan-girl on you.  Be warned. My fave bloggers, Sherry and John Petersik (aka Sherdog and J-Boom), the masterminds of the blog Young House Love, were in town last night for the signing of their new book.  (If you don't read their blog already, what are you waiting for? Go! You'll thank me!).

Well, I was a little excited to meet them (be it ever so briefly).  They write their blog like they're writing to their bff, so they make you feel like a part of their lives.  Have you met my friend Sherry?  Oh, wait, even I haven't met my friend Sherry (well, up until she signed my book).  Mom and I (since I coerced her to start reading their blog too) have had conversations about what John and Sherry are up to like we really know them.  Hm, that sounds a little creepy now that I typed it, but I'll stick with it.

Mom was able to get there before me and score us an AWESOME spot in line and make a few friends. Thanks Mom!

Before they started signing, they gave a few quick DIY tips for your home or holiday gifts.

They are precisely as cute and awesomely awesome (yup, I said it) in person as they are on their blog.  Here Sherry's posing for John with 2 ceramic owls they just signed.  Work those owls Sherdog!  Tyra would be proud.

They were so sweet to take pics with everyone, too.  I think I was shaking, hope I wasn't too awkward.  (thanks, nor'easter for my messy hair)

Before they started signing, Sherry mentioned her love of this wall of paper mache animals, so I just had to take a pic in her honor.

It sucks that they got to experience our city in such crappy weather, but I hope they'll come back in the Spring when Boston really shines!

(go buy the book here)

Evolving in a Week

When last we saw the "guest room," Mom had taken up residence to be near her new job while awaiting the closing of their new house.

Well, I am pleased to say my parents are now officially residents of Massachusetts and, as of last week, our extra bedroom was back to being a blank slate.

I'm beyond embarrassed to admit, this is how this room has sat for the past 2 years (there was a large purple chair and a half in here prior to Mom's stay, but it went to a better home with a friend).  I know this may come as a HUGE shock, but zero design went into this space.  Not an ounce.  Not even a drop of paint.

The challenge of this room is it's variety of functions:

• den
• work out room
• office space for me (now that I've conceded the office to Hubby)

...and all this needs to work in around 100sf of space.  Recently, a lighbulb went off and I finally knew exactly what to do in the space and over the weekend, I got to work.

I flipped the way we previously used the space and somehow, with adding storage, made the room feel much larger.  (The following pics are in progress and there was no styling involved.)

I still have a good deal of finishing to do for it to feel complete (mounting the tv on the wall, fixing the secretary desk, accessorizing/styling...)

This is the first time since living here that this room has felt like part of this house and not just the forgotten space.  It makes me happy.  Very Happy.  I can't wait to really polish it up and let it shine!

(5 points to anyone who finds Charlie, the orange cat, in the progress pictures!  It's like a furry Where's Waldo)