What I Have Been Working On!

This is an old paddle that has been laying around now for quite some time. It was painted bright white, and that just wouldn't do.....:) So I painted it black, crackled it, added a very deep beige topcoat, sanded, and antiqued, and now it looks like it has been around for centuries. I love this sheep design by John Sliney too.......it was the perfect design for this piece. Love how it turned out.

I received this recipe box from a dear friend, and I fell in love with it the moment I saw it. It originally had been a maple color wood, and though cute, just wouldn't do in a prim kitchen. So of course I had to make a few changes......:) Again just a little black paint, some stars added to the sides, and you have a perfect prim addition to any kitchen.

I will be working on more trash to teasure items throughout the spring and summer. I set aside one day a week, to hit garage sales, estate sales, and moving sales to find some of my treasures. I have so many ideas, just need to find that perfect 'treasure".

Thank you Kat!

I recieved the nicest surprise today! I received the most wonderful convo from Kat of http://katscraftingcottage.blogspot.com/ telling me that she had featured me on her blog! She has written up a great article on my shop at Etsy and I couldn't be more honored! Thanks so much Kat! If you have a moment hop on over and visit her blog!

Some New Items

I have been doing a bit of trash to treasure painting this week, and it has been a refreshing change. If you are a crafter you know what "stash" is. Well my stash is overflowing, and with the spring days ahead, I thought it would be great to get back to a little simplicity. Many of the items that I paint are very detailed and time consuming, so this was like a breath of fresh air for me to do some of the simpler, and yet oh so primitive pieces. Here are three of my sitter blocks, done with designs from John Sliney. Instead of paint for the backgrounds these were done with a series of washes. The wash gives it that perfect primitive patina of time gone by.

Favorite Things!

All of us have our collections, or that perfect piece that just makes our heart go pitty pat at flea markets and estate sales. For me I can't resist an antique bobbin, or an old window. I have decorated my small living room in windows of different kinds. Some are plain, others have mirrors, but each one speaks to my heart on some level.

I would like to share with you an artist friend Arlene, who's work I have admired for many years. Arlene and I met on a painting forum, and I have been her number one fan for a long time. This lady has incredible talent!

Here is just a peek at what she does with a window........fabulous artist! You can find Arlene's work at the links below. Hope you enjoy!

www.Paintindaze.com

http://Paintindaze.etsy.com

www.theweatheredwindow.com