Serendipitous Sea Glass: An Unexpected Craft Project

I don't try my hand at crafts very often, and when I do, I need something simple and easy that offers instant gratification.  When I found this pretty sea glass painting idea at Child's Prose, I was inspired and considered trying it.

I have a necklace of clear glass beads that is lovely, but when I wear it, the pieces literally disappear against my skin and it doesn't make a statement at all.  Ange gave me some great pointers to paint the necklace, and suggested using clear nail polish as a sealer once I painted the beads with glue dyed with food coloring.

Her suggestion inspired me once again, and instead of taking the time to mix the glue and food coloring, I skipped that step and headed straight for my new bottle of Ciaté Paint Pots Nail Polish in Superficial.  (Knowing me, there has to be a beauty tie-in here somewhere.)

(The Before Shot, still practicing my photography skills.)

I love blue and turquoise jewelry, and since the nail polish is a great shade of teal-slash-turquoise, I took a risk and decided to use it to paint my beads.  I don't wear the necklace often, and I started at the top with a single bead, just in case I didn't like the result.  But I was pleasantly surprised, so I just kept going.

To balance the beads and keep them from smudging, I literally grabbed my bread basket off the counter and hung the necklace from it.  That proved to be a smart decision and I was able to paint the entire necklace in less than an hour.  I then let it dry all morning and painted a clear layer of (what else?) nail polish as a top coat when the boys went down for their afternoon naps.

(Halfway finished.  I put some paper towels in the basket to catch drips.)

I'm surprisingly thrilled with the end result, and the beads look stunningly beautiful in the sunlight.  For the price of a bottle of nail polish, I now have a gorgeous necklace that coordinates nicely with my pedicure.   How cool is that?

(Still drying after the clear top coat.)

(Stunning in the sun.)

(Photographing) The Family Table

My very pregnant sister is nesting like crazy, and we recently had a polite, if somewhat emotional, email exchange regarding the possible painting of a sideboard she owns that once belonged to our dad's parents on the family farm.  She and I share similar beliefs about heirloom furniture, but we part ways when it comes to the issue of painting.  (She likes to paint, a lot.  I prefer the natural look of aged wood.)

I begged her not to paint her sideboard, and I lost that argument.  But, in the middle of it all, I did win this beloved table, made by our mom's father in his high school woodworking class.  My sister rescued it when our youngest sister moved, and it was taking up too much space in her guest room.  When she offered it to me, I jumped at the chance to own a little piece of our family's history. 

The table is very old and rickety, and has definitely seen better days.  It's been a sideboard in my grandparents' house, a dining table when my sisters shared their first apartment, a hall table, a guest room table, and now, for me, it will become a place to display the memories of my own little family.

I love owning something that my grandfather built, and it is an amazing link to my family's past.  He died when I was a little girl, and while I was working toward my teacher certification in college, I spent a semester with students at the high school my grandfather attended.  The high school where this table was crafted.  So for me, it has special significance and I will treasure it while it is in my care.

Ryan graciously ventured out in the rainy weather to transport the table home from my sister's house, and I spent part of a Sunday afternoon attempting to capture some of the table's natural beauty.  A good friend of Ryan's, who shares his love of homebrew and happens to be an avid photographer, was kind enough to let us borrow his really awesome camera, so I had fun playing around with it.  Since it was so dark from the storm, I had to leave the flash on.  But I'm learning as I go, and hopefully you will begin to notice better photos here soon.  Here are a few details of my new (to me) table.

A dusty detail of the table's front.

The carved support beam on the bottom.

The ornate legs.

Precious family memories.

Light Summer Reading

My light summer reading list.  Can you tell I took this picture with a borrowed camera?

My all-time favorite pastime is reading, but since I began my blogging class, I've been neglecting the stack of books on my bedside table and spending too much time in front of the monitor and keyboard.  That isn't necessarily a bad thing, since I'm writing my heart out, but if I'm not constantly reading, then what will I blog about?  As I'm getting into a writing routine, I'm working to find a balance between writing and reading that is still fun and inspiring.

Lately, I've been enjoying a new subscription to Lucky Magazine, a free gift with purchase from Sephora.  I've noticed that several online beauty stores are offering free magazine subscriptions lately, so I always choose that option instead of a small sample product, since it's definitely more bang for your buck.  When I stocked up on some facial wash recently, I also scored subscriptions to More Magazine and Better Homes and Gardens, all of which will keep me busy for at least a year.

 
I'm also finding inspiration in The French-Inspired Home by Texas designer, Carolyn Westbrook.  Her work is beautiful, and it's fun to stare at such gorgeous rooms before falling asleep at night.  And just this week, I received my copy of Cupcakes and Cashmere by Emily Schuman, based on her elegant blog of the same name.  It's truly inspiring to see a blogger I admire publishing her first book, and the work is literally filled with stunning pictures and helpful hints on every subject from seasonal beauty to vintage shopping.

But the icing on the cake this summer has got to be the precious copy of Cinderella, illustrated by Roberto Innocenti, that I bought to read to the boys.  But really, who am I kidding?  They haven't even seen it yet, because I am enjoying it too much to share.

I was not previously familiar with Innocenti's work, but his 1920s-style illustrations are truly captivating and add a new sense of glamour to my favorite fairy tale.  In this edition, Cinderella wears a sleek black bob and, with the dapper prince on her arm, bears a striking resemblance to a certain American woman who stole the heart of the future King of England.  It's a fun take on an age-old love story, and the pictures are nothing short of spectacular.  Here are a few to inspire you.

Roberto Innocenti's Cinderella.

The stunning title page.

At the ball.

After the wedding.

What's on your reading list this summer?  I'd love to hear!

My Harlequin Romance

Growing up, my mother collected music boxes, and one of my personal favorites was a small piece containing the figure of a Harlequin, who danced when the box was wound.  For my third birthday, she hired a real French Pirouette to entertain the neighborhood children.  My memories of that day stem mainly from stories and pictures, but I've always held a special fondness for French clowns, maybe because they seem more refined and less garish than typical circus clowns, and they were such a special part of my childhood.

Another treasured music box with a tiny clown.

This clown dances when you open the drawer.  Notice his ruffled collar.

For the past year, I've had a huge crush on the Harlequin Rug, created by Allegra Hicks for her collaboration with West Elm.  It's no secret that I'm a West Elm fan, and I especially love their willingness to work with artists from all cultures and backgrounds, from little-known Etsy artists to designers like Hicks, who is Italian and married into the famous British design family that includes her legendary father-in-law, David Hicks, and her sister-in-law, India Hicks.

The Harlequin Rug initially caught my eye with its bold pattern of raindrops that mimic the folds of a harlequin's collar, and I love the muted colors printed upon the natural jute material.  I first discovered the rug before we redid our floors and much of our decor, but I knew I wanted to use it somehow, someday.  Finally, my patience was rewarded when the rug went on sale recently, and I was able to purchase the blue runner for a steal.  It recently arrived and I am in love, though I had a little trouble finding the right home for my lovely harlequin to live.

After spending two months in a house undergoing renovations, I'm in no hurry to finish decorating, if such a thing truly exists, and I believe in allowing your home's furnishings to grow and evolve over time.  I really try to find pieces that I love and will use for many years, and I had my eye on the Harlequin rug for quite a long time.  I just wasn't sure where I wanted to put it, so I did a bit of experimenting.  I wanted to brighten up the main hallway a bit, so for now, the rug is here, and I think it works well.

West Elm's Allegra Hicks Harlequin Jute Rug, in my main hallway.

Another view of the rug in my main hallway, where it currently resides.

A view from the kitchen.  I really like how the colors play against each other.

Layered over another West Elm rug in our master bedroom.  It works well with my Marie chair, but not so much with the duvet.

I also tried it at the front door (just ignore the mat underneath), but it was too long and too narrow.

And finally, back in its current spot, where I like it best for now.

I'm so thrilled to finally own this little piece of heaven, and it was certainly worth the wait.  The blue color I chose is now sold out at West Elm, but they still have the smallest green size in stock.  Of course, I might have to get that one, too, for the area near my kitchen sink.

Is there something you've had your eye on that you finally brought home?  I'd love to hear about it.

Goodbye to Nora Ephron: A Guest Post

Nora Ephron, the beloved filmmaker and writer, passed away today.  My sister, Melanie, was a great fan of her work, and when she emailed me tonight about Ephron's death, I asked her to write something about Nora's importance in her own life.  This is what she wrote:

My chest literally aches as I write this but because my sister asked me to, and because Nora would say, "Everything is copy," I will lend you my thoughts...and my heart for a while.  Nora Ephron died this evening and I can't help but feel that a great light has been extinguished. She was known to the world as a brilliant screenwriter/director and humorist, but to me she was a teacher, fellow optimist, and literary role model. I know I write as though I knew her, but that's only because I feel as though I DID, and that she knew me too, the Reader, and could speak directly to my proverbial heart. I feel so sad to know that tomorrow morning when I awake to the red glow through my window and enjoy my first round of coffee, it will be in a somehow quieter world- a world without Nora's great charm.

My love affair with Nora's work began years ago with her romantic movies (When Harry met Sally, You've Got Mail, Sleepless in Seattle). I was born a bleeding heart so naturally, I was drawn to this genre. But there was always so much more in her films that made her art stand out to me. She ENJOYED life. She made much of the small things like flowers on a windowsill or a sad Joni Mitchell song and these nuances came out in her movies. She made her characters lovable and real and made romance seem as though anyone could experience it, even a late bloomer like me who wanted the fairy tale. And still do.

I went to see Nora perform last spring at the Paramount. It was called "An Evening with Nora Ephron" and what an evening it was! I am so happy that I paid the big money I did (on a teacher's salary) because it means so much more now that I know she's gone. Her talk was short and witty and she told us how when she was little and experienced heartache at school, her mother would look at her and say, "Nora, everything is copy." She told the audience that writing is what saved her and helped her in life.

I tell you this because her writing has helped me over the years. When I have been lonely or sad, annoyed or just in the mood for a laugh, I pick up my copy of I Feel Bad about my Neck and dig into one of her many anecdotes about life in New York, or raising children, or delicious savory items that disappeared from a menu overnight. I read her words and marvel at her talent because her gift to the world is to make light of this life and this is something I desperately need to learn. Not to take it for granted ever, but to enjoy the moments as they come, good or bad, insignificant or grand, romantic or not. 

  

There is so much more I could say but it's late and I'm a guest on here.  I just want to end by saying that even though I never knew Nora personally, I feel a real and personal loss. Her musings, her comedy, and her love for the beauty in life were not lost on me and I am forever grateful that she taught me how to relish the lovely that comes along, and how to laugh even when my heart is breaking. Farewell, Nora. You will be so greatly missed.

September Willow

My blogging class is quickly coming to an end, and while I've learned so many valuable new tools, my absolute favorite part of the experience has been meeting wonderful writers and artists from all across the world.  Tami, of September Willow, is a fellow Blogging Your Way student with a gorgeous Etsy shop filled with her own unique jewelry designs.

When I first discovered September Willow and its accompanying blog, I knew I had stumbled upon a kindred spirit who shares my love of classic, vintage-inspired jewelry and home decor.  Tami's jewelry reflects past eras of elegance and strikes me as very Downton Abbey-meets-Anthropologie in style.  Most of the pieces would look as charming on Lady Mary Crawley as they do on a busy mom running errands around town in her car.  There are also more modern earrings and necklaces, made with natural gemstones, that possess a very organic quality.

I wanted to treat myself to a necklace from Tami's store, but it took me several weeks to decide which one to buy.  I finally decided on the Romantic Rose Necklace, and it arrived Friday, as a nice anniversary surprise.  Tami also included a pair of gorgeous earrings and a precious hair pin as little extras, and I am so excited to wear all of my new pieces.

My beautifully wrapped package from September Willow.  The little key charm can be strung from a chain to make a simple necklace.

The piece I finally chose: September Willow's Romantic Rose Necklace.

Gorgeous earrings from September Willow.

A sweet rose hair pin from September Willow.

All of Tami's jewelry can be found at her Etsy shop, September Willow, and also
at her second shop, Paige and Penelope, which features flower hair pins and wedding accessories.  Please visit Tami on Facebook here and also at her blog, September Willow.

Tami is graciously offering my readers 30% off with a purchase, and just enter BLOG30 at checkout.  I know you will love her jewelry as much as I do! 

For Ryan, On Our Tenth Anniversary

At fifteen I stopped scowling,

I desired my dust to be mingled with yours

Forever and forever and forever.

Why should I climb the look out?

--from "The River Merchant's Wife: A Letter"

by Ezra Pound and Li Po

 For Ryan

We met when I was just 15

and married at 23;

at 30, he'll have half my life,

already, he has all of me.

--by Cakewalk, 2003

Today is our ten year wedding anniversary, and though we have actually been together much longer than that, this is definitely a milestone worth celebrating.  You have stood by my side all these years without wavering, and I am so grateful to have you as my husband, my friend, and as the father of our sweet boys.  You bring tremendous amounts of joy and laughter to our family, and I swell with pride each time I watch the boys scramble to be the first in your arms after work.  I love you.  James and Rhys love you.  We all love you so incredibly much, Ryan.  Happy anniversary!

Photographing Fairies

Just a few more shots from my practice photography session this week.  Can you tell how much I'm in love with my new vase?  According to Wik & Walsøe, "the elfin symbolizes dreams, hope and the belief in making the impossible come true."  Words to inspire me as I begin a new pursuit.

I like that the shadows of the leaves mimic the dark images upon the vase.

Here, I was trying to capture the different textures of the wood table, the fabric runner, the curtains, and the plant behind the vase.

I took this one while lying on the floor, and you can see my reflection a bit in the vase.  Is that a good thing or not?

I also took this photo from the floor, and I like the tree in the background and the symmetry of the window lines, but the picture itself is too dark.

This is the view from my back door, and it is so lovely this time of year with everything in bloom. 

I was able to share my previous blog post with the designers, thanks to Lise at Nordic Galleri.  She contacted me to check on the status of my order, and I sent her a link to my blog, which she kindly passed along to Wik & Walsøe, who were happy to hear that Americans love their work. And all of this stems directly from my online class, which features Jeanette Lunde as a teacher.  We truly live in an amazingly small world!

I wish you a magical weekend!

A Joy Forever (With apologies to Keats)

John Keats' poem, "A Thing of Beauty is a Joy Forever," begins with these lines:

                 
                    A thing of beauty is a joy for ever:
                    Its loveliness increases; it will never
                    Pass into nothingness; but still will keep
                    A bower quiet for us, and a sleep
                    Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing.

I am reminded of his words now while our house is wide awake, and not sleeping.  James, our eccentric three-year-old, recently found new freedom in his big boy bed, and though he has never needed much sleep to function well, he is currently testing the limits by waking at ungodly hours, turning on all the lights in the house, harassing his baby brother, throwing epic tantrums, and disrupting our early-morning routine.  I am running on empty lately, and we are working to set new patterns for him to follow.  

In the few quiet moments that I muster, I am thoroughly enjoying my online blogging class and learning new things daily.  One of our teachers, Jeanette Lund of FRYD + DESIGN, is a Norwegian graphic artist recently named Interior Talent of the Year by Elle Decoration Norway.  Jeanette's work is truly inspiring, and she is well-known for her lovely online magazine, currently in its third edition.  Her creativity is evident in the pages of her work; and to me, the fact that she has cultivated and self-published a series of beautiful journals, available to everyone, for free, adds her to the ranks of greats like Walt Whitman and Emily Dickinson, both writers who also self-published their works during their lifetimes.  To do so shows great strength and dedication to their art, in my opinion, and I admire all three artists immensely. 

While perusing Lund's piece, I fell in love with the work of another Norwegian pair, Wik & Walsøe, creators of gorgeous porcelain tableware collections.  I was drawn to the beauty and simplicity of their ALV series, and I hope to own the entire set someday.  I'm typically not the type to swoon over dishes, but these pieces are truly stunning in their art and design.  Only one retailer in the United States carries their work, Nordic Galleri in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, and I decided to purchase a piece immediately, as an early birthday present to myself, using the money I've been saving to buy my much-coveted rose ottoman.  Some things are simply worth having immediately.

The vase arrived today, just as naptime began, and, in absolute quiet and heavenly peace, I was able to open and admire the beauty of my own little "Grecian Urn."  I also spent a while tinkering with my camera, attempting to capture its beauty myself. 

The Alv vase by Wik & Walsøe.

As I take this class, I am truly beginning to understand the need for some basic photography skills, which I do not currently possess, and I'm excited at the prospect of learning something new that will challenge and, hopefully, inspire my creativity.  As my boys grow older, I find myself searching for new ways to expand my horizons, away from them a little, as they are growing up and away from me.

It's definitely a complicated path, this time of self-discovery, but I feel so inspired by the work of others, and their creations are fueling my desire to keep moving forward in search of "truth [and] beauty."

Currently Coveting: Rose Storage Ottoman

"Lord, what is covet?"  That's what my mother asks every single time she sees something she wants and can't have, which, let's face it, is often in this economy.  I keep a running list, on paper, of things I would like to buy, which usually includes makeup for myself, clothing for myself, jewelry for myself, and things for my home, plus a few things for the boys.  (What kind of selfish mother do you think I am?)  It's fun to have a wish list, and I like to save a bit of money each month to buy things I enjoy.

Rose Reims Storage Ottoman

Currently, I'm coveting this rose storage ottoman, something completely impractical, but I want it so much (imagine me saying that in a really whiny voice).  I've seen it for sale at Joss and Main and also at Overstock.com, and I really can't justify buying it.  Even though I have the perfect place in mind and it goes so well with my summer touches of pink, we don't need another ottoman or place to sit.  Though the extra bit of storage it offers is nice, I know the boys will only use it as their plaything, and climb all over it while wiping their hands and mouths upon the lovely, tufted cover.

For now, I am content with staring at its picture every few days, dreaming of its rosy presence in the perfect little nook outside my bedroom door.  I do check the price, hoping for a sale, and one day, maybe if I'm lucky, I'll take the plunge and purchase it.

It's such a silly little thing, this rose tufted ottoman, but it's so lovely to behold.

What's on your covet list?

My Marie Chair

When we redid things around the house, part of the purpose was to create a more relaxing office-slash-"man cave" for Ryan, since he works from home and also hangs out in the same space.  That meant that our giant green chair, which had been slipcovered and living in our bedroom for months, was relocated to the office, and I was without a comfy place to read, talk on the phone, and nurse Rhys.

I like the idea of having a lounge chair in the bedroom, because there are times when I need privacy, but don't want to sprawl across the bed.  I've been combing craigslist for weeks in search of a chair that would work, and yesterday, I finally found it!  Tonight, we picked it up, along with a small ottoman that actually goes well with the green chair, since Ryan needs a place to rest his feet when he's relaxing in his new man cave.

My mom is always saying that my taste is like Marie Antoinette's, which isn't really true, since I'm not a princess, don't live in a palace, and have a very limited income.  Really, I just like that fluffy, blue, tufted style that Sofia Coppola so beautifully captured in her movie, Marie Antoinette.

So guess what I found?

A fluffy, blue, tufted chair that is most definitely vintage and still in great condition.  And, even better, there's a story to go along with it.

The ad said that the seller was moving and selling all of her furniture, so naturally, I was curious.  Once we found the little garage apartment near campus, climbed the rickety stairs, and saw the chair, I asked where she was going.  It turns out that she's moving to Alaska with her boyfriend, and she has to fit everything she owns into two suitcases.  That's a journey far from here, and not without its risks, and I hope that she will be safe and happy.

As for the chair, I am already in love with it, and it's found a cozy new home in my bedroom.

The Forsyte Saga

I recently watched PBS' version of The Forsyte Saga, and now I'm about a quarter deep into John Galsworthy's epic tale of a wealthy family in Victorian England.  The book itself totals nearly 900 pages and comprises three novels, two short stories (or interludes) between the main pieces, an extensive family tree, and explanatory notes.  It's not exactly light summer reading, but I'm thoroughly enjoying it and Galsworthy's writing is so much fun and timely.  Despite being written almost 100 years ago, the author's observations of privileged society are still incredibly applicable today. 

I also have to add that the book itself is incredibly beautiful.  I'm a book lover, so I know never to judge a book by its cover, but my copy, an Oxford World's Classic, has on its front a detail from Invitation to the Waltz by Francesco Miralles Galaup.  I find myself staring at the cover almost as much as between the pages, and the woman's dress, a lovely shade of pale pink, accented with a moon-shaped broach encrusted with jewels.  As she looks over her shoulder, a man standing behind her signs her dance card, and both subjects are completely absorbed in the task at hand.  It's easy to imagine these figures as the main characters in the novel, and it's such a stunning portrait for the cover of an equally stunning saga.

I also think the book looks lovely on my nightstand, which, if you're familiar with the Forsyte family, is both ironic and expected at the same time.

A Girl Can Dream

If money were no object and my house wasn't filled with testosterone, it would look like this.  There's not a single masculine thing in sight.  Enjoy!

Beer Credit

So my husband has recently become a homebrewer, which means he spends lots of time reading about beer, talking about beer, and making beer in our garage.  He's spent a small fortune on all sorts of tubes and buckets, and currently there's a 55-pound bag of barley in our laundry room.  Not to mention the keg that is also fermenting in the closet of our guest bathroom.

I'm not a beer drinker, and I know even less about making it.  I do know that it's a long process, and his "brew day" Saturdays require extra work from me, because he is unable to watch our boys while he's slaving over a hot cauldron for five hours.  I know it sounds bad, but it beats the 12-hour marathon of smoking a brisket, which he used to do quite frequently.

And then there are his nights out with our brother-in-law, a fellow homebrewer, in which they drink beer, discuss beer, and exchange some of the tubes, buckets, and bags of barley I mentioned earlier.

But I am not complaining, because with each purchase my husband makes, combined with his hours spent brewing, I earn Beer Credit, and get to spend a little money of my own on fun things, like this bracelet that I just ordered from Etsy.

You'll notice the lovely butterfly charm, which would go quite nicely with this little cosmetic bag, don't you think?

I may be a brew widow, but at least I'll look cute as I grieve.

All Things Pink

I really do love all things pink, and today, one of my favorite blogs features pink things to drool over.  I really should stop reading it, because it makes me covet things I can't afford and really don't need, but it's so much fun.  Enjoy!

A Thing of Beauty

I ran across this little gem on another blog today. Sure it's a $65 cosmetic bag, but it's so pretty to look at. 

One Little Thing

Yes, Christmas is over and I don't own an iPhone, so why do I covet this?  It looks delicious here.

An Ode to Jo Malone

Nothing in the world can make me feel lovelier right now than my Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir Cologne. I'm not a fan of those pink pomegranate scents from certain trendy mall stores, but somehow, I can use her lotion and cologne, climb in bed with my Elizabeth Jane Howard novel, and I'm instantly transported to a country house outside London during a summer in the 1960s. There is nothing more luxurious in my life at the moment.

Thank you to my mom for venturing into the abyss to buy this for me. It's my favorite Christmas present this year.

Heaven in a Handbag

It's the end of January, the sun quit shining over Texas weeks ago, and my blog entries are beginning to reflect the bleakness of this time of year. So here's a little something that always cheers me up. It's the Nancy bag by Smythson of Bond Street, fine purveyor of luxury goods and stationery. And when I say fine, I mean fine as in, they provide paper products to the British monarchy. Sure, this bag costs more than a house payment, and some poor, little calf gave his life for a piece of arm candy, but what a fine piece it is. Enjoy!