Found Goodness- umbrella bones
I was arriving home from the studio on Monday evening, and as I pulled in the driveway I saw that my neighbors across the street were putting their trash on the curb for the Tuesday morning trash pick up. My eye was immediately drawn to this pile of wooden "bones" that I knew was the structure of an old pool/patio umbrella.I hopped out of the truck, threw it in the back and was literally giddy as I skipped up my driveway. You see, this is just the type of thing I am looking for to use as a display in the showroom! I am planning on having a good assortment of ornaments this year for Christmas.....and this might just be the ticket for all of that goodness!Oh, and my neighbor peeked her head over the fence to laugh at me {we take each others "trash" all the time!} and ask what I was going to do with such a thing.....and when I told her I have to say.....I think know I blew her mind!All in a days work my friends. Stay thirsty.xo,Barb
FYI- Whales plus paper equals love
I am loving this whale paper by smudge ink! I think it would be perfect on a little side table drawer front....or multiple drawer fronts!
xo,
Barb
Inroductions- How 'bout a little gray with that coffee table
This sweet coffee table is the product of another collaboration between Knack and Lindsay Carmody Interiors! I think you all will remember the previous table and chairs project here.......but regardless, it was great to work with Lindsay again and get to paint with more luscious gray paint!I thought this piece was going to be a stinker to paint with all of the caning and the double layer shelf, but indeed the actual painting was not the issue.....rather the paint I was given {no names brands in order to protect the innocent....but if you follow Knack on Facebook you may be able to figure it out! hah!} that caused me some rather sweaty moments! I was determined to figure this "sitch" out, and so I pushed up my sleeves and put on my thinking cap! You know what?.....just like with everything hard in life and work... the end result was even more rewarding because of the problem solving, blood, sweat and tears that went into it. Persevere my friends! Never give up! I am so thrilled with the finish on this piece.Also, with this specific client there was a bit of concern about the extra wear and tear that this table had already experienced before painting, and would continue to experience in the future due to some very attentive and loving little ones in the home {sigh......I remember those days!} and so, I completed the painting and the staining in the studio and then, as an added precaution I subcontracted out a high intensity spray finish for the entire piece. I's dotted, T's crossed.It is smooth like butter, baby.Happy Monday folks! Welcome to a new week! xo,Barb
Etcetera- Knack work space progress
Hello, hello! I know that I am so late getting this up today.....but sometimes you just have to go with the flow and do what you can! I have to admit that when I started photographing the work space for this post, I realized how much I still have to do in this space to get it where I want it...but for now though, I am organized, everything has its place, and I can work smoothly and efficiently on all of the projects I have going on in the studio right now. I had two pieces of furniture leave the studio today to go to their homes......and that just feels so great! Much work and progress has been accomplished in this beautiful new space, and I look forward to looking back at these photos in the months to come just to see how it evolves over time and usage.Remember where we started?
Well, here we are now! This first photo is of the left side of the work space where I keep all of my paint, stains, glues, rollers, trays, etc. and also my big old filing cabinet that houses catalogs, business cards, stamps, papers and tidbits. The jury is still out as to what to do with the stairs, but if you go out the door there you find yourself on the little brick garden patio....so I would love to do something really inviting and fun on the stairs......but don't want to rush it. More to come on that!
.....now we are moving around the room to the center {ish} part of the studio where my most valuable resources are. My fabulous utility sink {hallelujah!!} and all of my paintbrushes and tools that I use on an hourly basis. I tried to set everything up just like you would your kitchen at home.....everything easily accessible and the best use of the space as possible. I have to say I am absolutely loving the storage system from IKEA for all of my paintbrushes! Woot! I also painted and installed the shelves {which were left by the previous tenant} to house all of my crazy bits and pieces.....and then on the left you can see some of my projects awaiting their transformations....all neatly stacked and ready.
....last but not least we move into the back corner of the studio. This is the area that will probably evolve the most over time! All of my knobs are here, and I would like to create a "half skirt" of sorts for the table to hide all of the storage underneath but still keep the little mustard chest readily accessible since it houses everything under the sun like tape, rulers, drills, screws, craft knives, you name it...it's in there! BUT....I love this little area even with it's utility boxes and craziness because there is a window here as well and I can look out as I work and see the train as it thunders by. I re used the curtains from two studios ago as they fit perfectly for now.....until I decide I want something different! {wink!}
I love this place, and it is definitely starting to feel like home. I cannot get over the natural light in this space from the skylight and the window! All of these photos were shot with all of the lights off and doors closed......too cool! It is the small things my friends!I hope you all enjoyed this little tour of the work area! Have a great weekend!xo,Barb
Found goodness- dip dyed wooden ladders
I am so excited about these ladders! These gorgeous dip dyed beauties are just the beginning of what is to come in the new Knack showroom! I think these are a perfect accessory......and play nicely with the white walls and Knack furniture. {wink!}These ladders not only look, feel, and smell amazing.....but they are perfectly crafted and handmade in the USA! {325.00 ea.}I could not love these any more than I already do....xo,Barb
FYI - Sisters are the best
I am dead serious when I say that I have the best sister in the entire world! Don't even start to tell me about your sister and how amazing she is because I guarantee you she would not, could not, ever not......hold a candle to my sweet sister. I am just teasing really.........maybe.My baby sister Sarah is almost 7 years younger than I am, and when she was born I used to carry her around like one of my baby dolls.....my mom would get all kinds of stares and comments because she let me carry my sister around like she was my own child. I had the hip hold mastered at the ripe old age of seven......:} Man how time has flown by......and my sister is now married with babies of her own. {very beautiful babies I might add!} I wish we lived closer so that I could see her more and kiss on my sweet nephews.......but maybe, just maybe there will be a change there soon! I am crossing my fingers and toes.Even though we are far apart in miles....opposite sides of the country.....my sister never ceases to amaze me with her gifts of love and encouragement at just the right time. I arrived home from my trip to Delaware {my uncles funeral} and when my neighbor brought over the mail I saw a beautiful package addressed to me in my sisters immaculate calligraphy....and wondered what in the world could be inside? I knew it would be fantastic whatever it was.....but I was not prepared for the flood of emotions that came when I opened it up and read her sweet note to me, and then saw this amazing watercolor calligraphy print that she had made just for me. I totally welled up with tears at the thoughtfulness and love that seeped off the pages of her gift......and my heart filled to the brim with love for the greatest sister in the world!Her simple statement was a reminder to me of words that I have excitedly exclaimed to her over the years as I have seen miracle after miracle happen in both my personal life and with my little Knack business.....and as she sensed the sighs of my growing pains and signals of distress with the move and all that comes with it.....she took the time to remind me of the past......of the many miracles I have seen, and experienced first hand.....reminding me not to forget them......and to let the memory of them fall fresh on me again.........I love you Sakes!If you all have never read my sisters blog, or visited her etsy shop.....you are missing out. The way she creates, photographs and captures life is so beautiful.....don't miss it.xo,Barb