Look Familiar?

Do you know where we are?

Yes, we're back in the studio.

And I have a confession to make.

I wasn't happy with the way my photos turned

out for the party last weekend.

If you remember, my walls were gold;

a great color for my kitchen,

but my studio...not so much.

I'd been wanting to paint in here,

since the paint bug bit me.

But I didn't know if we could move the heavy computer desk.(?)

We had our kids here over the weekend,

and since 30 year old backs are stronger than %* year old backs,

we had some help with the furniture.

So I decided to jump in and go for it.

I hate to waste paint,

and I had a gallon left over from the

 Dining Room extravaganza!

Ta Da!!

no more gold.

just my favorite creamy white.

Like I said, I'm happy (for now) with my kitchen color.

I was so inspired with all the great studio spaces,

I just was ready for the change.

I'm soooo much happier.

Everything looks so much better against this light and fresh wall color.

Even Baby is happy!!

Thank you, Kathleen,

for giving us an endless inspiration

of whites!

And thank you, Cindy for Show and Tell

There's still time to join in for the wonderful

book give away!

2 people will win a gorgeous book by Carolyn Westbrook!

so Click Here to enter.

Have a wonderful first week of Summer!
love,
Debra

Where Bloggers Create II

The day is finally here.

 One we all have been waiting for.

 A day when we can throw open the door with a big "WELCOME" and say,

 "Come on in. Let me show you around."

When we moved into this house seven years ago, I was fortunate to have some extra space that I could claim for my own office/studio. I wanted some space to read and watch tv on the main level of our home. A quiet spot where I could have a comfy chair, my computer, and my books.

I love to write, read, do Bible Studies,
oh, and let's not forget lots of blogging.

 So this is where I spend a lot of my time.

I have a Bible Study and devotional blog also, "a day in the life",

 stop by for a visit when you have the time.

I found this table last year in really terrible shape

 so I repainted it to match my computer grouping.

I have a space at a local tea room and antique mall where I sell vintage and antiques. I love the white, chippy, and shabby look, so I end up painting a lot of the furniture I find.

I love having my work table here,

 and now I don't know what I did before I found it.

I like to use vintage everyday objects to hold pens,

supplies, and to just enjoy looking at.

If you read my blog, you'll know I'm a "collector". My squirrel and chipmunk collection has yet to make it's debut. They have been residing here for the last few years.

Current magazines, computer paper, notes, and journals

all have a place in some vintage files on my desk.

An old drawer painted robin's egg blue holds necessities

from hand cream to tape and everything in between.

I think it's important to surround ourselves with the small

things in life that bring us joy.

My grandfather had a print shop during the depression,

so I guess I have the "paper gene".

I love ephemera; vintage and new.

And I'm really drawn to vintage graphics.

My oversized chair has been covered in two 40's barkcloth curtain panels.

And an ottoman that holds a tray for reading and a cup of coffee,

but mostly holds a cat.

Yo yo pillow made by my sweet mother-in-law.

This message board is something I wanted to put together

before this party.

I have wanted to do this for several years and finally

had the motivation to accomplish it.

I collect old frames and found this one

that just needed  a coat of white paint and some foam board.

A layer of quilt batting and some natural linen completed it.

A really easy project, now to fill it up with inspiration.

One of my dress forms holds a few of my necklaces.

It's more of a hobby than anything else.

I sell a few at my space at the tea room.

But mostly it's just good therapy.

This pie safe I found a few years ago is a perfect spot

 to keep supplies and projects that I need to reach easily. 

Here's one of my furry assistants.

She's my little shadow.

My mom gave me my first vintage hat,

one she used to wear when she and Dad

dressed for their antique car club outings.

 My dad lovingly restored old cars ranging from the teens to the 40's.

I have a real love for old luggage and have collected

 quite a few pieces over the last few years.

I've found that it's a great place to store art supplies.

These are a few that I have painted white,

that hold old cards and keepsakes.

I have this old trunk for more paper supplies,

lace, bits and pieces, and odds and ends.

This is one of my favorite finds.

An old monogramed "Hartmann" train case,

 now holding old prints and photos.

vintage hatbox

This dress form is one of my recent finds, "My Double".

Wire mesh that takes on your own personal shape.

eecck! I decided against that option.

I enjoy playing with paper collage,

 and made a few of these a while back.

 I just ended up keeping these two.

Another area I enjoy is restoring these old, cardboard prints

from the 40's to the 60's.

This one was scratched and badly marred.

I matched the paint, touched it up, and then resurfaced it.

Now part of a favorite grouping.

Now you know where I spend most of my time.

I've enjoyed showing you around.

Thank you, Karen from My Desert Cottage

for throwing this wonderful party!

I also want to invite you to enter my

1 Year Blog Anniversary Give Away

Carolyn Westbrook's new book

"The French Inspired Home".

Click here to enter

Now, I'm off to visit all of you!

Have a wonderful weekend.

love,

Debra

Early Father's Day

"Happy Father's Day"

 to my Dad

Today, I wanted to take a minute and honor my Daddy. He has been gone for 10 years now, but when I think of him, it's always in his uniform. He was so handsome and young in this photo. Taken in 1953, He was 23, and I was just a few months old. He was in the Navy during the Korean War, and then later stayed in the reserves.  He was a gunner on a battleship, and I believe this was taken in Bremerton, Washington where he was stationed after he returned home.

I know I'll see you again some day.

I still really miss you Daddy,
love,
your daughter