Archive for the ‘the Nest’ Category

I’m not what you would call a neat freak. Yeah, I like things generally in order and picked up. Though, at any given moment around here, you can find a load of laundry needing to be folded, or a sink full of dishes. So in the way of domestic bliss, I guess I’m not the anal type.

Not so much.

But this…

This is disturbing.

I can’t begin to tell you how this upsets my innards.

My son, I love him, but where in tarnation did he learn to do this anyway?

Not from me I tell ya.

Not from me.

Off to do some dishes. Ta ta!

Back in May we lost our family friend and pet, Sam. It was all I could do to share it here with everyone. Sam was a good dog. He would’ve made an even better person.

Since then, we’ve been much too busy, and, honestly, I just haven’t wanted to think about the void that’s been left, so I’m finally getting around to being able to share this painting with you.

A few weeks later we received this painting of Sam from Lauren, a 14 yr. old talented young lady. Isn’t it cool? We were all blown away and blessed with such a thoughtful gift. And such talent. My kids were so surprised that someone, who didn’t even know us, would take the time to paint a picture of our Sam.

I sometimes think we don’t know how our gifts, as trivial as they seem to us, have such an impact on others lives. Whether it’s painting, singing, cooking, sewing, story telling…you know I could go on and on. The list is endless. Sure we derive joy from our talents, but it’s when we share them with others that they become so much more. Sorry, pulling out my soapbox for a moment…

These days it’s easy to get stuck in this technology infused world with all the bells and whistles. So much so, I can forget about my unplugged gifts and talents. And even worse is to miss the opportunities that may come with passing on the love of art, music and other gifts to my kids. I’ve tried to always have art supplies on hand at the ready. From the meekest crayons (with the built-in sharpener) to oil pastels, or acrylic paints in every color of the rainbow, my kids have everyday access to create until their heart’s desire. But do they? Sometimes. Usually we’re too busy, or the TV is on with yet another rerun of their favorite show.

School starts here tomorrow, and with that a new schedule begins, a new routine packed with goals, expectations and deadlines. I’m hoping we can carve out some downtime for exploring their gifts. Less TV will be a must. Less TV and more crayons.

I’d hate to think that we would’ve never been blessed by Lauren’s talents because she opted for TV instead of her paints. Thanks Lauren! And keep on painting.

Here are a few art projects that may inspire the little Monet or Picasso in your home, some fancy coloring and creating a masterpiece. Fun stuff! Inexpensive too.

Do you have any art projects to share?

By the way Lauren and her sister have their own food blog site called Goodbye to Gluten. Check ‘em out. Yummy stuff!

Looking for a simple way to add some oomph to an otherwise boring wall? Here’s a simple idea that you can customize to your style and need. It’s kinda like hand stenciling without the hassle of dealing with a stencil. It’s all freehand. I’m sure I saw it done somewhere or at least something that inspired me to try it.

This is my daughter’s room and she was looking for a nice teal/aqua color. But once painted, even though it was a pretty color, it was kinda blah and flat. I’m not into messing too much with detail stuff nowadays. I’ve painted full wall murals in the past, but those days are done for now.

Or at least until I have grandchildren of my own. If I can still see when they come along.

Anyway, like I said, I didn’t waste time with a stencil I just sketched some doodles on a piece of paper to see what style to go with, grabbed a small artist brush, a slightly lighter shade of the wall paint color and went at it.

It was a fairly quick process. And I can totally see it done with any pattern or design. Maybe leaves? Flowers? Or even a child’s stick drawing. Taupes with a sophisticated vine pattern for a more grown-up room would be nice. The tone on tone adds enough interest without getting too busy. These pictures are somewhat off on color and contrast, but it’s a very subtle difference in the paint color.

Again, all you’ll need is two slightly different shades of wall paint, and a good sturdy artist brush.

And of course, you. Or your artist friend that owes you one.

It’s fun. It’s quick. And it’s inexpensive. Let me know if you try it out. I’d love to hear what you come up with.

Do you have any wall techniques or paint applications to share?