Painting Projects

I went into a brief period of hibernation after returning from France. A few days after we had arrived home, the weather turned and we were faced with an intense freak snow storm. The city found it very difficult to cope with the amount of snow. It was a such a set-back for autumn as many leaves were still green and had not yet  fallen. Fortunately the weather warmed considerably, and after Thanksgiving the snow had finally melted. The return to mild conditions allowed for me to repaint our front door from Benjamin Moore's 'Fallen Leaf' to a soft black, Benjamin Moore's 'Satin'.

 

Before: 

 

 

After:

 

 

My next project will be our slightly pathetic entry way. It's small but could use more pizzazz. Andrew suggested painting it in Farrow and Ball's 'Lamp Room Grey'; a  color we had used in our den in our last house. It's a medium tone in a smokey blue that would pair nicely with the rest of the décor. I also plan to: add some art ascending up the stairway, switch out the small vintage chair for a white Japanese garden stool and add a colorful patterned rug. We'll see how it comes together in the end...  

 This little project should keep me out of trouble for a while. Enjoy the beautiful month of November!

 

 ~~~

Early Autumn

 

 Another damp misty morning... Autumn has come so early his year. It's been rainy, wet and cold for the past week. There was even a dusting of snow! The garden seems unaffected and the trees don't mind. I admit I've enjoyed having the fireplace on regularly. We've already started on garden clean-up - lot's of work to do!

 

~ Do you look forward to Autumn's arrival each year? Or, do you dread it? ~

(With winter weather yet to come?!)

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!... ~

Morning Garden Moments

 

I so enjoy checking-up on the back garden with an espresso in-hand on a quiet weekend morning. The dappled sun inserts bright pockets of uplifting light throughout the garden...

 

A relaxing reading corner and bench on the deck catches all of the morning sun. Such a perfect spot to start the day.

Another project completed by our outstanding contractor, Iron Owl. Justin and his team were able to squeeze us into the schedule and hammered out this beautiful Roman Euro stone path in just two days! Thank you again, Iron Owl! It is such a relief to see this area that was formerly dead grass (we tried and tried) turned into some thing attractive and useful. There is more room on the driveway now, and the path leads straight to the garden gate. We love it!

 

 

~ Remember to enjoy those summer moments - it never lasts for long! ~

 

 

Blue Velvet Dining Chairs

 

Every now and then, I like to pop-over to Bondars clearance centre on a Saturday (the only day of the week they are open). You never know what quality pieces you're going to find. While I usually have a specific piece I'm looking for, it works better if I go shopping with an open mind. But this time, I was lucky. I had been coveting blue velvet dining chairs as they remind me of one of our favorite hotels in London; the Kensington Hotel. I was able to get six dining chairs for a fraction of the price. The store had simply over-ordered the number of chairs they anticipated selling. I was already planning to have some blue velvet dining chairs made, so you can imagine my delight! While I would have selected more of a sapphire blue than navy blue, for the price they are more than perfect. Oh, and speaking of puuurrrfect... naturally Bertie has tried out each chair and claimed one in particular as his new favorite hiding place. 

 

Deck Completion & A Woodland Garden

Shall I remind you again what the 'monster' deck looked like before? Now that it has been fully completed, the comparison is quite something.

We were so pleased with our contract or, Iron Owl, and their work. We could not have envisioned a better result!

 

We had a few days before the glass would be installed, so we worked on planting a woodland garden in the dirt space that was exposed by reducing the deck size. Initially, we thought it would be  almost impossible to dig in this area, but it was quiet easy and only took us a couple of hours. The best part: some ladies walking by asked for my business card. They thought I was a gardener for hire! It made my day!

 

 

Bertie's kitty gate turned-out beautifully. Justin, owner of Iron Owl, created the gate so that Bertie could not get to the deck from the backyard area when we take him out for his romps in the back garden. In the past, he had been sneaking onto the deck and escaping onto the front street. Yes, if he really wanted to he could jump over it; but, he seems uninterested and it's an obstacle for him to consider.

 

Rejoice!

Spring, or I should say, 'Summer', arrived in our city within a week. It's true. About two weeks ago, it was snowing on a Monday, and by the end of the week it was 20+ degrees Celsius and hasn't really stopped since. We've had a couple of cooler rainy days which has added a lovely emerald hue to the neighborhood. Buds are bursting, flowers are blooming, and the birds are rejoicing. Overall, an incredible start to the Spring/Summer season! I couldn't buy my container 'spillers' fast enough in preparation for some long overdue gardening.

The best part of all is that the monster deck is gone. The beast was removed last Monday and a new smaller, tidier-looking deck is underway.

Lastly, to brighten up the front and back garden, I had placed a large order of annuals, assorted containers and hanging baskets through a community fund raiser. I picked up my order on Friday and I'm so impressed with the quality. The highlight, was a 10 pack of incredibly fragrant organic assorted herbs, including oregano, mojito mint and onion chives (my favorite).  My only regret is not ordering enough of their organic soil - I never learn! I always need more than I think I will. Please remind me for next year.

 

A few of my containers are currently standing-by waiting for placement on the new deck. Meanwhile, others are placed through backyard and front door. The colors are such a welcome sight!

 

 

 

~  Wishing you a beautiful spring day and a pleasant week ahead! ~

 

Winter Beasts

There are two beasts in my life right now. One is our 'monster' deck - which has been with us since we bought this house. The other beast is this frigidly cold looooooooooong winter-spring. This year, it seems Old Man Winter has decided to become a permanent resident. He is an unwelcome visitor.

This spring or summer (when the snow finally melts) the monster deck shall be tamed. Work was estimated to begin in April (ahem) The deck, you see, is far too large. I often compare it to  a vessel from a cruise line docked beside our house. The deck will be removed and replaced by a slightly smaller version.  We are reducing the depth by almost 4 ft so it won't protrude towards the street so much. Between this adjustment and some privacy glass, sitting on the deck will be a far more private experience.

 

Usually by April, the deck is clear of snow. A few snow showers usually happen, but it's welcome moisture. My annuals and some select perennials are stored in the garage by now; while we till soil and tidy-up garden borders. By the end of April, I typically have all of my containers planted and simply cover them at night until end of May or early June. At 3000 ft above sea level the nights can still be quite cold.

But alas, this year is different. The golf courses are behind opening, the ski hills are closing as their seasonal staff have taken other jobs, or are returning home to Europe or Australia.

I have NEVER EVER experienced a winter here that has been so cold for so long and with this much snow accumulation. I believe we broke a record at one point, and then broke our own record. Hooray?

 

~ Wherever you are, be it warm or cold; take care of you and yours tonight, ~

and look forward to the good things to come..

 

 

Reframed Art

 

As a follow-up from my New Year Refresh post back in January, here is the final result of the pieces I had featured.

 

I admit I am most pleased by the Hereford bridge piece. Something about its new frame and matting makes me want to continually admire it. We have decided to make a trip to Hereford on our next UK trip, to visit this very spot.

(With new frame and matting)

(In original frame and paper mat)

This oil painting has already had three different frames. The first was done mainly in copper tones, (I can't find a picture of it). It was very pretty, but I eventually wanted something more transitional. I had it framed in a simple silver wood frame seven years ago. Recently, I thought the transitional frame didn't do the painting justice. It maybe even took away from it somehow. So, I went for a warm textured frame with an extra trim piece to really make it come alive (I kept the transitional frame for future use).

 

(New frame - colors and texture really stand out)

(Previous frame in a simple transitional style)

Do you have some special pieces you'd like to frame or reframe? A painting or drawing you or your children have done? Or an old painting from a family member? It's amazing what a difference a  frame can make - try it!