Breaking the Rules

I have been reading about blogs, and am seeing that those that have been around a long time do well. I read today that their are so many design blogs, by many designers, that you can be mind boggled by even trying to find one.  I sure hope that the few that are following me, that you tell all your friends to tune in.  I see that charity blogs get a very lot of hits.  I am right now, my family's charity. 

An article about "Anya Sarre" had a great little saying: " Always dress to impress, accentuate your best features, and know when to Break The Rules."  This is exactly what we have been talking about lately. 

Who made the rules?????  Rules are made to be broken and you can do it.

I have been talking about before and after pictures, forgetting the in-between.  I have been really working to get you before and after  and now an in-between.  I will paint the hallway tomorrow, and then really let it dry before striping.  The woodwork is all done, and looks great.  I want you to know that I used Sherwin Williams, oil based semi gloss enamel.  I like enamel on woodwork, it is kind of old fashioned, but I believe it looks much better and is easier to clean and touch up.  I don't think you need a picture of the woodwork as I am sure you can picture it.

However, on my banana leaf painting, I have come along now to in between;

 

It is still a long way from my retro dish, but it is starting to take shape. That is one good thing about being an artist.  In my daily reading of all types of magazines, even some from way back, I get inspired.  What inspires you?  When I am finished with this painting, I hope by Saturday, I will let you know why I did it and how it will affect my art business.

 

Let's talk about outdoor furniture today.  Look at what you have, and make a list of what you want.  No matter how much you have, you always want something more.  If you have very little, you try to do with what you have.  For many years I was the later.  I had to look for ways to make something that cost pennies look like a million bucks.  There was an old saying, " A champagne taste with a beer pocketbook".  I think that is true of many people.  So stay on our journey and make the beer into champagne.

 

I told you a few days ago, that now is a good time to shop for outdoor furniture as it is on sale everywhere.  Use outdoor furniture inside.  Wicker, bamboo, rattan, woven water hyacinths,  or even find these at resale shops or moving sales.  You can even make your own tables, using old table bases painted however you want them and put on a glass top.  If you cannot afford a glass top, find any kind of round and put a tablecloth on it with a topper of another color and wella! you have a new look.  Moving sales are my favorite, as you can find all these things.  Be there early!  Both of my grandmothers used tablecloths on their tables.  My generation only used them for entertaining  or holidays.  That is because placemats, and table runners became popular.  Here is a neat trick I like to use, combine two placemats together, one on top and a larger one on the bottom, it just gives a neat look.  Depending on what you have, combine several different ones.  I told you before, I love placemats.  Always look for sales and you can have a drawer full just like me. Resale shops and yard sales usually have placemats.  Keep your eyes open.  Here is a website that I use for tablecloths for parties and they are very inexpensive: www. tableclothfactory.com.  I use them a lot.

 

Start checking the newspaper or online for garage sales as you can become addicted to them.  I love, love, love them.