Grocery Shopping

I popped to the grocery store a few weeks ago for  some of Andrew's favorite British foods. It was a grocery store that I don't normally shop at, but it stocks British Food so I had to make an exception. While leaving the store, I noticed a silent auction set-up for a print that immediately caught my eye. It was definitely time to replace the framed print above our fireplace, so I doubled the minimum bid and wasn't surprised that I had the winning bid a few days later. OK, doubling the minimum bid was probably more than I needed to be successful.

 

The piece is framed beautifully and is probably worth much more than the print itself. Unfortunately, it's not framed with non-reflective glass (always do this!!) which is obvious in these photos. Nevertheless, this print of Authur Lismer's 'The Channel' is a welcome addition!

 

~ Have you been bundling-up on these cool crisp mornings? Here comes Autumn!... ~

New Year Refresh



(A pretty view of the Rocky Mountains from the Glenmore Reservoir in Calgary, AB)



We've had a warm and refreshing chinook wind here over the past few days. These mild temperatures always get me inspired for a brisk walk and doing more activities. It also seems to have inspired my desire to completely redecorate. So, before I got totally caught-up in that notion, I took action and honed in on some small scale changes.
 

First, I ordered new covers for our air return vents on the main floor. A small detail but a significant change. I ordered the new covers through Majestic Vent Covers in California. The ordering process online was so easy and they have many beautiful styles. I selected the 'Ribbon Grille' style in silver. Through the ordering and shipping process, Donna in their sales department was especially helpful!

 

The second improvement currently underway is the reframing of two pieces of art. This painting that was a gift to Andrew's father, is long overdue a proper frame. With the help of an expert at Michael's I chose a double mat with color and an interesting larger metallic wood frame. I can't wait to share the result with you.

I'm also having this oil painting reframed for the second time. I'm a little bored of its subdued transitional look and decided to go in an entirely new direction. I think the larger new frame and border will compliment the colors and make the piece more significant.

Are you making any changes to your home for the New Year? New paint? a rug perhaps? Or an new furniture arrangement? Have fun and enjoy it!

 

Arrangements

I think creating arrangements or groupings of decorative objects give a subconscious depth to a room and serve as a backdrop for the larger, more obvious pieces. I enjoy placing everything into strategic groupings and rearranging them until I think it's 'right'. Although my skills aren't as honed as the professionals,  I certainly try to replicate what the pros do!
 

 

 

 

 

 

It's been so incredibly windy in southern Alberta over the last couple of weeks....

I hope we don't blow away before Halloween!

 

Artful Additions

 

Sometimes it's fun to insert art into alcoves and interesting spaces in rooms; creating vignettes here and there. Late last year I added four new pieces of art to our main floor. Each are completely different but add a little something to each space.

 

The print at the top was done by a local artist. Andrew has had it in a drawer for years.  It's a fun, modern collage depicting the energy of our city's downtown core. The best part? Andrew is in it!

 

The next piece was a gift to Andrew's father from a friend of his in Hereford, England. As a young man, Andrew's father became good friends with the artist and he gave him this piece. It's an interesting pastel and I just love the colors. The frame should probably be replaced, but there is something vintage and kitschy that I really like about it as it is. Nestled behind the chair and lamp just seemed like the perfect place.

 

Our niece and nephew gave us this charming framed bird etching for Christmas. I originally placed it on a tabletop easel and positioned it on the kitchen bar, but the window seems like a much better place. I've paired it with some kissing balls to suggest a type of window box arrangement.

 

Lastly, a vintage print from our Sweden trip made its way into a corner of our dining room.  This wonderful scene was actually in our hotel room at Hotel Diplomat in Stockholm so it holds some lovely memories for us. I really don't like colored matts. However, the young hipster framer was quite insistent and looked devastated when I told him I didn't want color. In the end, I went with his recommendation and he was so right (Never question the expert!).

Do you have any pieces of art that are longing to be seen? Pull them out, have them framed, or do it yourself! You'll be so glad that you did.

Garden of Glass

I visited the fascinating Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit in Seattle the other day. Striking colors and shapes intertwine with vibrant flora (and some fauna - see the last photo!) Thanks to this inspiring spectacle my mind is full of ideas for this year. Why not add some type of sculpture to your garden?