HAPPY AND GRUMPY ARE MY FRIENDS

Okay, now that the new floors are down in the living and family rooms I am getting excited about moving towards some designing.  Here is what I've come up with for the family room.  I must tell you that we found the area rug last weekend at Home Goods.  However there was another couple already expressing interest in it.  They walked off (probably because we were hovering) and my bad self wanted to snatch it up, but my gooder self won over and we waited to see what they would do.  They bought it.  I was quite disappointed, esp. after checking the rug out online.  Well, my awesome husband had to drive up to LA on business this week and on his way back he stopped at 4 Home Goods stores and finally found another rug.  I know, please don't hate me.  He did that totally on his own, he's that kind of guy.  The best thing is that it's an indoor/outdoor rug, yet doesn't look or feel outdoorish at all. No wait, THE BEST THING is that it was $100 less than the websites were charging for the same rug.  Happy dance.

When Jennifer and the kiddos were here for Spring Break last month we had an art day together.  I started this painting of Tim, Wyatt and Amelia at the beach, but that's as far as I got.  I see that it might just have a promising future in the family room and am excited to finish it along with some seascapes.  I confess I am one that likes my art to match the sofa.  Shocker, huh?

My need for nesting is taking a front seat lately.  That's a good sign that I might be getting back to my old self.  Finally not obsessing about the exterior paint colors so much.  Ask me why.   Okay, because our next door neighbors decided to have their house re-stuccoed, painted and tile roof removed, repaired and replaced.  Why should that matter?  Well, we recently spent a weekend cleaning up our courtyard of the piles of crap the prior owners left us.  After hauling away broken pots, dead plants, etc. we washed the windows, bought new planters and flowers and by Sunday eve celebrated our accomplishments.   Seriously, the very next day the workers set up shop in our courtyard.  Because we are all on top of each other here my courtyard became a staging area for roof tiles, scaffolding and equipment.  What we have right now is trampled ground covers, a couple broken things and layers upon layers of sand, grit and overspray.  Just when I thought to sneak a photo from the living room of all the chaos and people, they had just removed the large scaffolding and tarps off my greenery.  You can't see much through my filthy windows and narrow view but there are 6 very boisterous people and loud machinery all in my tiny courtyard. CRAZY.  It's no one's fault and I'm happy to have neighbors fixing up, just can't wait until I can reclaim my space and privacy.    I sound old and grumpy today...I AM, okay?!

Finally, I wanted to thank you all for your great comments on my last post.  I got a few interesting suggestions, in fact, here is one from Funky Kim.  It makes me smile, but don't think the neighbors would have the same reaction.

THE LAND OF LOONEY

Since I last posted: another painting, another birthday.  Yup, I've been busy.  First, the painting.  Told you I was obsessed with ranunculus lately.  And to think just a few months ago I couldn't even spell the word.  Photos are dark due to our May Gray/June Gloom.

I know I've said it before, but I sure do enjoy getting back into painting on a regular basis.  Anticipating what I want to do next, but absolutely must get some long overdue projects completed.  We have torn out the disgusting carpet on the first floor and installed hardwood in several areas.  Oh, what a wonderful change.  This place is beginning to feel like ours.  My studio is completely torn up though and I am in the middle of painting the living room, entry and hallway before I can get to the studio.  So I'm back to painting where I shouldn't be and we are back to eating at the coffee table.


Then I had me another one of them there birthdays.  I guess that's better than the alternative.  I was in the midst of wallowing in a vat of sadness leading up to that day because moving here hasn't always been easy for me.  Here's the story about why I was in such a terrible funk leading up to my birthday.  Fair warning: if you don't want to hear my sob story just skip to the last paragraph.  This is my journal and it includes all things Paula; the good, the bad and everything in between.


Okay, so remember the garage door I posted about here?   Here's a closeup reminder of the before for the visual drama.  Promise.  That is exactly what it looked like before.  No joke.

ACCEPTABLE old paint color(s)

So, guess what?  We have to repaint.  Yup.  Not just the garage door but we had been scraping and painting ALL the trim because it was as bad as the above photo.  Unfortunate for us, we asked the only neighbors we knew on either side of us if there were color palettes to choose from for the neighborhood.  We were told no, which is a true statement.  However, we failed to ask enough questions to know we were required to submit our color choices for approval by the HOA.  The day we got "the letter" we also went to a small gathering, excited to finally meet some new neighbors.  Just about everyone we introduced ourselves to said, "So you are the people with the garage door".  One lady referred to it as "unique".  I told her I wasn't sure how to take that, as unique isn't always meant as a compliment, and I sensed she didn't intend for it to be taken as such.  She didn't change her attitude and restated that it was indeed unique.  Turns out they live two doors away and her husband is on the board, as were many of the others at that small gathering.  Scratching my head after that little event I googled the title on the header of the letter and found the rules on their website.  That prompted us to dig deeper and finally found the rules buried within 164 pages we received upon closing on this place.  We went through the required hoops but as I suspected, the decision had already been made. 


Apparently, the old color was much less offensive, or at least that's what I heard in my deeply rejected state of mind.  I took this very hard.  My life revolves around color.  I thank God constantly for color and I'm not exaggerating either!  I hold high mass over my color choices because I believe our personal colors reflect who we are.  So to reject my color choice is the same as rejecting me.  I immediately found myself wandering around in the Land of Looney.  All those years of being an interior designer, all the awards, the national publications featuring my designs, sitting on the board of directors for the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) in Indiana; all flushed down the toilet.  Not really, but that's what happens when I go to that forbidden place.  I thought the old paint was hideous, but my color choice was worse!  Sob. In reality I do get the point, just wish there had been a more neighborly way to go about it.  Thank goodness Tim never visits the Land of Looney with me and was just happy they weren't making us remove the new garage door, which they could have done.  In the meantime I AM working on the Love Thy Neighbor thing.  I'm dragging my feet, but I'll get there.

UNACCEPTABLE  new paint color

Now, back to my birthday.  I received several phone calls and emails from friends and grandkids back in Indiana and Tennessee from morning till night.  It was just glorious to laugh and chat with the people in my life that really know me, accept me and can instantly pull me out of that nasty place.   


Look at this flower cake I received from a dear friend back in Indiana...because she knows I love flowers even more than cake.  I am welling up just thinking about it.  She even wanted the lime slices on the top because I love lemons and limes.  I had a day filled with friends, family, love, a little color and perfect timing.  

APRIL 12 IN TWELVE TUTORIAL

GOT YOUR NUMBER CHAIRS

Assigned seating never looked so good.  Turn a slipcovered chair into a designer chair before dinnertime.   I chose parsons chairs with ready-made slipcovers (these were from World Market and slipcovers were sold separately.  This is truly a no sew project.  How cool is that?  As I explained in the tutorial for the napkins I chose Sealah Adhesive Sheets to apply the numbers because it is an industrial strength adhesive that is transparent, washable, and has other pleasing properties for projects such as these appliqués. 

Supplies

1 Sealah Adhesive Sheet per number or letter or heavy weight double-sided iron-on adhesive

Iron and ironing board (optional)

X-ACTO knife

Cutting mat

Ruler or measuring tape

100% cotton fabric 6” x 11 ½” piece per number or letter

Let's Get Started

Notes: I have provided a step-by-step tutorial on the March 12 in Twelve Tutorial: Got Your Number Napkins.  Go take a look at steps 11 through 17 for details, then come back and get your numbers on.

Also, I realized it would have been much easier to measure with the slipcovers on the chairs.  In fact, if you are using the Sealah sheets and choose not to iron press the numbers you could do this entire project right onto the chair back.  

My numbers were 8" high, but push your chair up to the table to determine how high and large you want the number.

1     I used Photoshop to select a number font.  Make sure the number is reversed (mirror image) and resize to desired height.  Plan to fit each number inside a 6” x 11 ½” space (which is the size of the Sealah Sheets).

2     Print out the reversed number on copy paper and tape it onto the white side of the Sealah Sheet at several places to prevent the number from shifting.

3     Cut a piece of the fabric for the numbers the same size as the Sealah Sheet.

4     Turn the Sealah Sheet over so the orange side is facing up.  Begin peeling the orange backing off the Sealah Sheet and carefully place the fabric over the adhesive.

5     Using a new, sharp X-ACTO knife blade and a cutting mat carefully cut along the edge of the number.  You will be cutting through a few layers so you will most likely need to go over an area twice to get a clean cut.  Make sure to use a new blade as this minimizes fraying of the fabric.

6     Determine how high you want the number, then measure from left to right.  Make light marks that will be covered by the number (Diagram 1)

Diagram 1

7     Remove the orange backing.  The adhesive is quite sticky so be ready to place with minimal touching.  (Diagram 2)

Diagram 2

8     You can cure the adhesive even quicker by pressing with a warm iron, but not necessary.  (Diagram 3)

Diagram 3

FLOWER FIELDS FOREVER

It is no surprise that I have a love affair with flowers.  I have my usual favorites, but more recently I've fallen head over heels for ranunculus.  Just so happens The Flower Fields in Carlsbad have acres in bloom right now.  I had no idea what to expect.  It quickly became clear as we got closer that this must be the tenth wonder of the world.  Finding parking was near impossible and the sheer number of people there from around the world made me unsure of how much I really needed to follow through with this idea.  Apparently the Red Hat Society converged for a worldwide meeting, or so it seemed.  Never saw so much red and purple in my life.  But once I saw the fields all the stress and craziness became secondary to the amazing beauty.  I took enough photos to produce a lifetime of paintings.  Here are just a few images. 

I went for a wide range of photos from rows as far as the eye can see to clusters to closeup.  So many more colors, but I don't want to overwhelm you.  Those are condos; can you image that view?  It might be balanced by the hoards of people, and traffic, I'm sure

These are for my followers viewing pleasure and I want you to enjoy them.  However, please don't take them for your personal use.  Thank you. 

SPRING BREAK

Flowers from the yard are adorning the house.  I just realized that I have not taken photos of my new Demdaco line as I was taking this photo of the tray.  I'll just need to take more photos later.  Not now because Jennifer and the kiddos are here for Spring break!  The weather is beautiful and we are taking full advantage. 

My two favorite guys heading in

BALL JARS LOVE

I have loved Ball and Mason Jars and accumulated a few over the years.  Recently I can't help but notice the resurgence and various uses.  I was using some of my favorites to store my paint brushes, beach glass, etc., but decided to give them additional exposure.  This is the first of two paintings.  As usual I'm not quite sure if I'm "done done", but enough done to show you.  


I have some jars that I absolutely LOVE.  I have no idea where I acquired these but it's just hitting me how special they are.  Here is a closeup of one Mason jar that is from 1858.  154 years old!  It used to kind of annoy me because the bottom of the jar is thick and rounded so it wobbles and stands crooked.  Now I so relate to that jar as I too am old and wobbly and stand crooked and I'm not nearly that old.  Here's a closeup in case there is any doubt. 

MASON'S PATENT NOV 30 1858

I know this is a late post, but wanted to get this in before I have to put my art supplies away and get cleaning before Jenn and the kids get here on Monday for Spring Break.  I am so excited, I'm vibrating.  

PERMISSION TO PLAY IN QUILTING ARTS

A few months ago I was showing you a little art quilt I was working on, but then I never shared the finished piece.  That's because it landed in the latest April/May issue of Quilting Arts.  I just opened my copy and I can't wait to dive into some of these projects.  I named mine Permission to Play for good reason.  I share in detail on how to use things sitting around the house to dye, stamp and embellish your own creation.  This one little project personally sparked the desire to continue to play and experiment and I have since been playing hard.  Never too late, they say.  Here's my palette for today:

This Quilting Arts issue is so full of ideas for painting, printing, dyeing, rubbing and stenciling on fabric.  Giving me goose bumps; gotta go dive in.....now.   

WHEN TO STOP

That's a question I ask myself as I paint or embellish any creation.  How do I know when enough is enough.  Is my enough enough?

This is where I left this painted patchwork for now.   I guess I'll stare at it a bit more, then move on.


I also played with two similar pieces again.  I must say, I can't find a good place to take photos.  The camera rounds the canvases distorting the image and I can't get the colors right. I've cropped the photos down, but was unsuccessful in playing with color correcting and shadows.  Operator troubles, I'm sure. 

SEASCAPE IN AQUA

SEASCAPE IN GREEN

The green version has a dark shadow on the lower right side, but you get the idea.  Both of the seascapes were done completely with a palette knife and layer upon layer of acrylics.


More ideas are floating around and I'm happy for that.  It's a good feeling.


I am hoping to visit the flower fields in close by Carlsbad very soon.  Right now I here there are acres of ranunculus in various stages of bloom.  Can you imagine?  Me neither; I'm hyperventilating.  Might just be my new favorite flower...sorry tulips, poppies and zinnias.  I clearly have a wandering eye.  

THE ART OF HEALING

I have been painting and just thought I'd stop long enough to take a couple quick photos for you.  First I'll show, then tell.

FRESH START

GRACE ABOUNDS

Because I'm experimenting I created two similar paintings.  I don't know if thats odd, but I guess I don't care because I am painting for me.  Guess I'm getting a bit self-centered these days.  I have spent many years creating for others so this is very freeing and healing.  Tim is so happy that he doesn't seem to notice the house is turned upside down and we are eating at the coffee table.  I think of Jonathan a lot while painting.  I have a feeling that's what happens for so many others.  Being truly creative is like a healing salve, lifting the spirit; cleansing the soul.  


Tim and I just celebrated 30 years of wedded bliss.  No really.  I am still very much in love with Tim; my Jesus in blue jeans.   I thought I'd have more time to entertain you with photos from the old wedding album, but alas, too many boxes remain piled high in the storage units.  Just imagine me with a wreath of flowers on my head and Tim sporting a mustache, oh, and quite a bit more hair and you are good to go.  xoxo

MARCH 12 IN TWELVE TUTORIAL

Finally, the March tutorial is ready.  I have a few more upcoming projects to go with these napkins, so there is a method to my madness.  For some reason blogger decides to rearrange my format, spacing and margins once it's posted.  Try as I may, I am so over it.  Hopefully you are not as OCD as the author.

"GOT YOUR NUMBER" NAPKINS

A fabric napkin makes a statement.  What does it say?  “You are worth it; our time together is worth it”.  Since the napkin is the first thing you touch once you sit down, it sets the stage and raises the bar on even the simplest of meals…it has that kind of power.  So just imagine what these numbered napkins will say! 

I chose a solid color 100% linen fabric for a couple reasons: 1) Linen doesn’t have a front or back side, which is a good thing for napkins and 2) Linen is elegant yet casual; formal yet relaxed.

I chose Sealah tape for this NO-SEW project because it is  However, you can use other double sided iron on adhesive, but I suggest sewing the numbers and ribbon onto the napkins.

Note of Interest: 100% linen comes in various widths.  Divide the width of whichever fabric you use your fabric by 16” to get the number of cuts you can fit across and down to estimate total yardage.  So, with 60” wide fabric you can get 6 napkins out of 1 yard of fabric.  If you choose 44” wide fabric you will need 1 ½” yards to make 6 napkins.

Another Note of Interest: I chose Sealah Adhesive Sheets to apply the numbers because it is a transparent double-sided adhesive that is washable and provides industrial strength. You may choose a different iron-on adhesive, but I strongly suggest if you do, also stitch the numbers onto the napkins after applying.

SUPPLIES:

16 x 16 squares of cut fabric for each napkin

6 x 11 ½” 100% cotton fabric for numbers (quilting weight fabric works great)

16” length of ribbon for each napkin (I used 3/8” gingham check)

Sealah Adhesive Sheets 6 x 11 ½” to apply for the numbers

Sealah No Sew tape for ribbon

Cotton thread to match fabric

Sewing machine

X-ACTO knife

Scissors

Rotary cutter (optional)

Cutting mat

Ruler

Pencil or fabric marker

Pins

Iron and ironing board

Cutting the napkins

1     Lay the napkin fabric out on a flat surface and cut 16” squares using either a rotary cutter and cutting mat or a ruler and scissors.

Add ribbon trim

2     Turn a napkin front side up and using a ruler measure 1 1/2” up from the left bottom of the napkin and make light marks with a pencil or fabric marker 1 1/2” across, which will be the guide for your ribbon placement.  (Diagram 1)

3     A great way to apply the ribbon to the napkin is by using Sealah No Sew tape.  It comes on rolls in a variety of widths. Choose a width slightly narrower than the width of your ribbon.  Begin by applying one edge of the sticky side of the tape to one edge of the napkin at the 1½” mark and apply the tape all the way across.  (Diagram 2)  Cut the tape off at the other end of the napkin.  Press the tape down with your fingernail to make sure it adheres to the fabric.  Peel the top paper off the tape.  (Diagram 3)

4     Cut a 16” long strip of ribbon.   Apply the ribbon directly over the clear adhesive strip.  (Diagram 4)  If you need to, you can reposition the ribbon, then iron the ribbon in place using a pressing cloth.  The heat from the iron is what causes the tape to securely adhere two fabrics together.  You may decide to machine sew the ribbon to the napkin, or possibly sew the ribbon on without even using the tape.  If that is your preference, pin the ribbon securely in place before stitching.

Mitered Corners 

           

5     Turn the napkin over with the ribbon facing down.  Fold one edge in exactly ¼”.  Press.  Rotate the napkin and press the next three edges in the same way.  You will end up with a single fold hem.  (Diagram 5a)

Now fold one edge of the hem in again over the first ¼” hem.  Press.  Rotate the napkin and press the next three edges in the same way.  When you are finished you will have a ¼” double fold hem; all the raw edges will be encased.  (Diagram 5b) 

6     Open up the corners.  You will see a grid made from the pressed seams.  The diagrams have been outlined to accentuate the grid lines.  Using a ruler, draw a diagonal line, as shown on the diagram.  (Diagram 6a or Diagram 6b).

7     Cut along the diagonal line and fold the corner over, as shown.  (Diagram 7)

8     While keeping the corner tucked in, refold each side hem along the previous fold lines.   Once you fold the hem over twice, the corners will become mitered.   (Diagram 8)

9     Pin and sew a seam close to the folded edge, pivoting at the corners.

Making the Numbers

  10     Select a number font of your choice.  Make sure the numbers are reversed

       (mirror image) and resize to 3" in height.  Plan to fit four numbers inside a

        6" x 11 1/2" which is the size of a Sealah Sheet. 

    11   Print out the reversed numbers on copy paper.  Loosely cut around each     number and tape them onto the white side of the Sealah Sheet at several places to prevent the numbers from shifting.  I actually printed my numbers directly onto the white side of the Sealah Sheet and let the ink dry.  While the Sealah Sheet fed through my printer just fine, if you are unsure just tape the numbers on.

                

12   To make your life simpler, cut the sheet in half, separating the numbers 1 and 2 from 3 and 4.     Cut a piece of the fabric for the numbers the same size as the Sealah Sheet.   (Diagram 9)

13   Turn the Sealah Sheet over so the orange side is facing up.  Begin peeling the orange backing off the Sealah Sheet and carefully place the fabric over the adhesive.   (Diagram 10)

14   Using a new X-ACTO knife blade and a cutting mat, carefully cut along the edge of each of the numbers.  You will be cutting through a few layers so you will most likely need to go over an area twice to get a clean cut.  Make sure to use a new blade as this minimizes fraying of the fabric.  (Diagram 11)

15   When you are finished cutting out the numbers flip them over.  The added bonus is that you can save the negative cutouts for other projects!  

     To center the number on the napkin, just fold the napkin vertically and lightly press with your fingers; also known as “finger fold”.  Open the napkin; remove the white paper on the back of the number.  Center the number over the fold ½” above the ribbon.  The Sealah tape is pressure sensitive and cures within 24 hours.  If desired you may iron the project to set the adhesive even quicker.  (Diagram 12)

May your guests "digits" dance across these numbers!

NICE WHAT?

 We clearly bought the house with the worst garage door in the neighborhood; maybe even Southern California.  The paint was a cross between Pepto Bismol and Calamine lotion (both bring up very unpleasant memories) with touch-ups done in a purpley mauve.  We didn't want a new metal door on our Spanish style home, but didn't want to pay for what we really liked.  So I studied garage doors until I came up with a desirable design and color.  Our neighbors thought we were crazy as they watched us working on it every weekend for the last month.  "If it were me I'd just buy a new metal garage door", which is what they did and probably had it installed the same day.  We finally just put the finishing touches on the new door over the weekend and I'm a little "house proud" right now.  

GARAGE DOOR BEFORE

CLOSEUP

GARAGE DOOR AFTER

When one of Tim's work buddies saw the new doors he simply said, "Nice knockers".