Made From Scratch!

This week I filled a unique request from a client, and of course I wanted to share the project with you...

I paint canvases all the time, that part of this project is not unique.  The client requested a custom size canvas, so I offered up the usual option of doing a canvas with grommets along the top edge- that wasn't quite the look they wanted.  So, the need for a custom built frame with canvas stretched around it came up.  I had never done that before, but I figured it couldn't be too difficult.  It turned out to be a blast!

I gathered my supplies and power tools (I get a total kick out of using power tools- I know, it really is the little things that excite me).  I had the wood pre-cut so that my portion of the project would be a little simpler.

Then it came time to bolt the pieces together to actually form the frame.  Hubby lended a helping hand and we got the structure put together in no time.

Then onto the canvas.  I took my giant roll of canvas and cut off a piece large enough to stretch around the frame and leave a lip to be stapled to the back side.  Let the stapling commence- I was thrilled to punch every staple into my creation (again, the little things).  And voila....

Now onto the absolute BEST part- painting!   The client had requested a specific Bible verse, as this canvas will be used in her son's nursery.  We collaborated on the general color scheme and the way she would like the verse to read, but beyond that I was given carte blanche ;)  Here is the result:

The verse I painted (Jeremiah 29:11) hit home for me.  It is SO reassuring to know that regardless of whether or not I know what it is, there is a plan for my life and it always includes plans for me to prosper and not to be harmed (that is from the part of the verse that we didn't use on the canvas).  As a business owner I am learning to trust His plan more and more!

 
I love being presented with new challenges and am thankful that my clients always come up with new ones for me!  I am even more thankful for their trust in me and my skills to create beautiful things for them.  Hopefully you can find something to make this week that you can love as much as I loved this project.

Happy creating!

Bare Walls: The Christmas Hangover

First of all, let me say how much I've missed blogging!  A rush of orders at Christmas kept me busy along with our move and then I thought my beloved blogsite had been taken down.  Luckily, all is well now and we are up and running! Now onto the good stuff...

Let's talk about the Christmas hangover.  You know what I'm talking about- the shelves look bare, the walls have a blank spot that screams at you daily.  Your space seems less warm and inviting (and it has little to do with the fact that there is snow on the ground and the temperature is in the teens) because you've put away all the embellishments and holiday cheer you had out for December.  It's no wonder people get depressed in the winter, they have no space to go to to recharge and feel happy.

Now that we've diagnosed the problem, let's talk about possible solutions:

 Mix things up-  Re-arrange some of your existing items. Moving furniture isn't always possible due to space constraints of the weight of the pieces, but you can always shift your accessories and art a little bit. 

 Layer in some pizazz- Add a great area rug to compliment the space and add that extra layer of warmth and color, bring in some new art or mirrors to adorn the wall, or my fav- add some new and exciting throw pillows.

Splash some color on those walls- Move from beige into something more daring- maybe cream ;)  No seriously, changing a wall color can make all the difference in the world!  I'm not an advocate for accent walls, but sometimes even they can be appropriate.

If you are having trouble knowing exactly what needs to be done or what changes you would like to see look through some decorating magazines or get some sound professional advice to get you on the right track.

Until next time, happy new year, and I promise not to stay away so long!