Taxes, cleaning and painting…..

Ok, I’ve gotten sidetracked once again.  No, it hasn’t REALLY taken me this long to clean the studio.  I had the studio clean last week.  Then, I had my taxes than really needed to be done.  There was also a painting job thrown in the mix and preparing for kids getting a week off school for spring break.

I can actually see what paints and supplies I’ve got now.  I love when it’s clean, but why doesn’t it ever last???????

  I must confess… part of the reason I didn’t post sooner is because I wash hoping to get the sides of this desk finished first.  I did get the panels stained.  I just haven’t been able to get them cut down to size.  One of these days I’ll get them done.  I did however build this rack to hold my sample boards and other items.

Hopefully your projects are getting done quicker than mine these days.  Soon, it’ll be even harder to stay inside.  I think spring is finally here after this last snow storm.

I FINISHED THE SIDES OF THE DESK…Finally!!!!

Sometimes all it takes is admitting you don’t know when you’ll get it done.  Yesterday while the kids had friends over playing, I finished the sides for the desk.  What as difference it makes.  Unfortunately, the kids broke my camera yesterday so I can’t take a picture yet.  If that is the worst that happens over spring break, it’s not too bad.  My camera has been slowly dying anyway, I guess they just helped it along.  Hopefully, I’ll be going out this weekend to pick a new one.  I really need to be able to take pictures of my paintings. 

My Studio – before the cleaning

I can’t believe I’ve let my studio get so messy.  It usually gets messy when I’m in the middle of projects, but this time it has gotten WAY out of control.  Look, you can’t even see my desk because it’s buried.

One of my favorite things in the studio is my sink.  What a luxury it is to not have to run to the garage to clean my brushes.

So, my current project is to get this studio back in order.  I started on it yesterday and plan on finishing it today.  I need to have room so I can get started on some sample boards I need to do.  Also I am procrastinating a little. I’m supposed to be working on getting my tax stuff ready.  John if you are reading this, I promise I’ll work on the taxes tomorrow. 

I’ll post the completed project…hopefully later today.

Sadie Wellington Salon

This is a salon I recently did some work in.  It has a very warm feeling when you walk into it.  One wall is exposed brick.  I just love the feeling exposed brick adds to a space.  They requested that I frame in the mirrors to bring some warmth to that side of the room.                                             

View Full Album

Before pictures of the two mirrors.  The larger mirror is 30ft. long and the smaller one is 5ft. long.

View Full Album

Here we are in action, applying the copper base for our faux finish.

View Full Album

Finally, here is the finished product.  After removing the tape, I stepped back to inspect the job.  I must say, this was the first time I ever got the feeling that the finish product had always been there.  It fits in so perfectly to the space and really frames the mirrors nicely.

View Full Album

These before and after pictures sure show how a faux finish can transform a space into something wonderful. 

If you are ever in the area, check of this salon.  Sadie Wellington Salon is located in Barrington, Illinois.   For more information about them, check out their website http://www.swsalon.com.

My EXPO booth.

 

 

 

 

 

For weeks I’ve been creating columns, painting panels and refinishing furniture.  All this in preparation for our local business EXPO.  Well, last weekend was the EXPO and it was VERY successful.

I was very happy with the way my booth came together.  I’d visualized it in my head for months.  It’s awesome when my visions actually become reality (there are many times I can’t get that to work out).  I think this years booth looked much more put-together and professional than last years.  I’m already thinking of a few minor changes for next year, but for now it’s done.

View Full Album

photos by Joyce http://perfect-beginning.blogspot.com/

The EXPO was very busy this year.  There were 900 adults that came through the first day alone.  I never heard a final count for Sunday, but I would guess it had to be at least 500 people.  I got a lot of positive feedback and many leads.  I offered a drawing for a gift certificate toward a faux finish and got 33 people that entered.  Last year I think I only got 7 or 8 entries.  That’s a pretty good increase if you ask me.

I enjoy doing the EXPO, and love that my husband John joins me in the booth.  He really believes in me and it shows when he talks to people about my work. 

The booth is all packed up and ready to be put away until next time.  So… now the fun begins.  It’s time to start making those follow-up calls and schedule some appointments.