Rooms We Live In

Hi Everyone!

Over this past weekend my hubby and I finally put

away the last of Christmas.  Now before you go

rolling your eyes on me and stating

why so late, I must share I have a hubby who LUVS

Christmas.  He loves the lighted tree and homey

Christmas decor.  So our family

tradition has been to keep it up till the end of January.

I was MORE than ready to get on with the cleaning,

vacuuming, dusting rearranging and tweaking of

our Family and Kitchen/Dining areas.

Most of you y'all know that I create in pinks,

creamy whites, aquas, lavenders etc....

but

I LOVE color and I guess the many rooms in

my home reflect this.  I choose to keep these two

most lived in areas in softer creams, reds, golds

with touches of blues.  Red has become a much

needed *pick-me-up* color.  I tend to get down and

slightly depressed during the longer, colder weather.

Red helps keep me *Up* and brighten my spirits.

I went around and took pictures from the 4 corners so you

can get a better idea of the room(s) I am working with.

Our family room is quite long, more of a good

rectangle.  Very little wall space to work with.

In December, we had ALL the windows in the entire home

replaced.  HUGE undertaking before the holidays...ugh!

Anyway, I am slowly getting rid of older mini blinds

and redoing some of the window treatments.

As you can see, I am having issues with getting a true

color values because of light coming

in from the large set of 4 windows in this room.

That is even with the blinds on for room darkening.

I am hoping to get rid of these blinds. 

The actually cover up beautiful trimming that

is around all the windows in our home.

Also, you can see the deep red curtain I put up,

I am trying to get a better idea of how these will look.

We got new hardware, and the deep red curtains are

room darkening, so I am pretty sure I will be taking

the blinds out and then just opening/closing the curtains.

Furniture placement in the room is always tricky.

Since we made the large TV beast our focal point

I always try to make sure all seats have a decent view.

My hubs, is one of those guys who says...

if it ain't broke you don't fix it.  The *beast*

will probably be here till it croaks.  Could be soon,

since the sound is already gone, or another few years

lol!

Once it dies, we will probably get a TV for over

the fireplace.  Then that will create a whole

other set of problems,

I also am showing you that at least in my home,

rooms seem to always be in

a state of flux.  I know most peeps don't show rooms

like I have, but I wanted to be honest and show you

that we still have to live in rooms that are in progress.

I did splurge these past few days and found some GREAT finds

and Hobby Lobby.  Those Vases/Urns were $7

on clearance!!!

Do you see the gold frame on the right?

A great Pinterest idea of using a frame

around those ugly thermostats!

Okay, so moving on through the room into my

Combined eating/kitchen area.

The french doors were installed in 2011 and

I am SOOOO happy we paid the extra money for them.

They add so much character to my builder

grade ugly kitchen that I am working with.

We are planning soon to replace the counters with

granite.  I am trying to convince hubs that I either need

to darken or light the cabinets as oak is just

no longer the look.  A total gut, is not in

our future budget, so I am trying to be creative.

I would SO love input after you see what I am

working with.

I have decent kitchen space, but believe it or not, horrible

storage space.  I have a pantry, it is not  a walking or deep

so I have had to improvise a lot.

We actually are thinking of extending out the island

and making it larger so we could use it to

eat on if we wish.  We may also do away with the

eating area and add lower cabinets under to

cutout.  You would be able to still put a smaller

bistro table here, but we think we'd like to

open the space up a bit more.

One of the biggest changes in windows, we made was to

the kitchen window over the sink area.  Because of my

horrid light, you cannot see that the wood is new and

not painted yet.  I did take the blinds out of here and

will be doing some type of roman shade here.

Below picture is our large desk area. 

I love this area and use it all the time, it's my

command center and houses extra glassware.

As you can notice, we have door walls everywhere in this

room.  The doorwall by the desk goes to the powder room,

butlers pantry and into the formal dining area.

I have a friend who thinks I need to take down the cut out

wall completely.  I am not so sure.

We have lived in our home almost 20 years.  Like most

people, when you live in a home, it is not always set up

to how you live. 

I am so thankful to have my home.  I feel blessed beyond

measure.  Yet, the creative, artistic gal in me wants

to improve upon and change things up.  It doesn't

happen fast with an engineering hubby, who is very

money conscience and prefers not to be handy,

if ya know what I mean. 

I must admit you gals who have handy hubs

are what I envy most.

Yet my sweet hubbys ways got us through some

very lean times in recent years.  For that I a truly thankful.

We are back on track now and he is

on board and realizes we have do some improvements.

You can be sure I have my list and

he knows about it too...lol

Thanks so much for stopping by.

I look forward to hearing what you may think

of our home Living areas.



A Little Something for you!

Hey there Sweet friends!

 

 

As a blogger, I have so enjoyed and appreciated

the many friendships that have been made over

the past few years.

With Valentine/Sweetheart season upon us I

wanted to share with those who may be interested

a *Special* Coupon Code I have create

just for you that can be used in my ETSY shoppe.

 

 

Make sure you jot down...RCF10.

When you check out from now on,

if you go to the coupon code area

and type in RCF10 you will received 10%

off your entire order.  This will never expire!!!

My way of thanking those who have blessed

me with enjoying what I live to do...CREATE.

 

Also, I am showing a few pictures of heart themed

items I now have available to purchase!

 

Two of my favorite things!

Hearts and Roses!

Again, don't forget, if you are interested to

jot my Coupon code RCF10 down and use

when purchasing items in my etsy shoppe.

 

Be blessed!

 

 

 

 



My Journey as a ROSE Painter

Hi Everyone,

Hope you are all staying warm and cozy in your homes.

We just got about 3-4 inches of snow yesterday and the

blanket of white is always so calming and pretty.

I stayed in yesterday and had this

idea brewing about sharing how my journey

as an artist began.  I cannot remember if I ever

gave a detailed account while blogging.

It is an amazing testimony to GOD, how he Knows the

deepest desires of our hearts, even when we ourselves

do not always find it, right away.

 

*****

 

In the Fall of 1998, my daughter was in 1st grade. 
God brought a dear friend into my life then. 
She was looking for someone

who could help her with creating something that would

be auctioned off at the yearly school fundraiser.

I had NEVER done something like this but knew it

was probably something I could do if I had clear direction.

So...I told her I would give it a try.

We ended up deciding on a Bookshelf and child's chair

to do up for this event.

Having NEVER, painted on furniture, I

jumped in feet first.  We painted them an off white and

then I mimiced swirly roses I had see.  We both loved the look.

That was my very first attempt to painting a rose

and furniture.

 

Also, around this time it became evident, at 39 that

I was going to need a hysterectomy.  A very painful reminder

that I could not have any more children. 

 I knew I was so blessed to have the one child I had. 

Yet, that does not make this type of decision any easier.

But GOD always sees the bigger picture.

In the midst of this, Donna Dewberry had been promoting

her One Step painting.  It really intrigued me.  I got a few of her

practice cards and books...and shall we say the

REST IS HISTORY?

 

As you can see by my first 5 pictures, I painted on just

about anything that would not move. I practices, and practices and

practices some more.  I look back now and

know I still needed to master blending of paints,

finer touches and detailing of painting. 

But I was Determine.

I know now, that GOD poured this desire, passion and

love of painting into my sorrowful grieving heart. 

It became a healing balm to me. 

I was so blessed by friends also who encourage me

to move forward.  I lacked self-confidence.  GOD also

used this to grow that confidence and

bring me closer to Him. and to quit

worrying about what others thought.

My sweet hubby was also such a great support as well.  He

bought me a large drafting type table and allowed me to

take over one of the rooms we had in our home.

Before long, I had courage enough to try putting my things

in a local Antique/Craft Mall.  I enjoyed having

others see what I had painted and created...

and relished in the fact that they would buy them.

 

Then in the early 2000's, a neighbor actually introduced

me to ebay.  She took a few of my items and sold them, to

show me that there was a market for hand painted items.

I did not jump on ebay right away,

probably because of fear of the unknown. 

It was actually happened because my dear friends

daughter encouraged her mother and I too

take over her account.  We became *2chicFriends* and

trail blazed our way through learning the ebay system of

auctioning off our wares, she in vintage and antiques,

me in my hand painted and crafted items.

 

Then in the mid 2000's I began to slowly sell my things

by myself on ebay. 

I even got brave and joined some of the groups.

  I met some dear amazing women, who like me were

wanting to be at home, yet have a way to bring in some

extra income.  Many of those ladies have become

dear friends, even though the groups are no longer there.

I sell now sporatically on ebay.

As I took pictures, I wanted to show you how my rose has

changed and morphed.  I tried different techniques and devoured

other styles.  Over time, I began to created a more

signature style of rose, that many of my friends

call *fluffy* sweet roses.

I still use the One Step techniques, but now have

refined them to suit the roses I paint.

Today, after having my items in a brick and mortar store,

on ebay and now my new home etsy, I have settled into

what I believe has been the most rewarding venture

God could have taken me through.  I learned and

have grown so much through the years. 

I have been blessed with friends internationally,

as well as all over the US.  Many have shared with me

how what I do touches their life.  What greater

reward in life, than to touch others in a positive way?

One of the most awesome things is how

the internet has connect the world to all us

like minded artist.  Who knew?

A funny little side note...before I painted roses, I actually

had dabbled in making clay roses.  Before my hubby and I had

moved to Michigan, as a young mom, I was drawn to roses

and made many items, way back then that I sold, most

pieces were jewelry.  I dabbled here and there with them by

adding them to a few items I sold. 

Then a few years ago, I saw another

ebay gal who made amazing roses.

I reached out to her and realized that I could make

these and sell them as well.  Again, with the

encouragement of many dear friends I put them

out in my etsy shoppe.  They have become

some of my most steady selling items, espcially

my Rose Pushpins on thumbtacks...another

idea from a sweet ebay friend.

What amazes me the most is how I can take individual

items and mesh them all together.  Whether it is a stroke

of paint on a canvas, clay roses adorning a birdhouse or

paper, glitter and other items I may use,

it still gives me a thrill to create!

God HAS filled my life with creative beauty. 

Something that overflows and is a part now of who I am. 

 It has brought a contentment and peace that I never dreamed possible.

When life and its struggles surround,

I am always at peace when I can go into my studio and create.

 

As you can see by my pictures, it takes practice,

determination, faith and willingness to grow. 

I did not start out mastering  painting a rose.  

My roses developed, as I grew as a person and an artist. 

Bottom line...All In GOD's time.

 

I often tell others, it is never too late to do what you love.

It took me to my 40's to really find my passions work.

Raising my daughter was always my number

one greatest joy. 

But I will be eternally grateful to my LORD,

who he cared for my grieving heart and gave me a

passion to paint and create!

 

I hope I have inspired you to find what your passion is!

 

Be Blessed!

Lorena

 

 



My Newest Goodies From My Studio

Hello Blogging Friends!

 

Life is beginning to get slowly back to normal.

Hubs is back at work and daughter at school to

start her 2nd semester of her Junior Year! WOW!

 

Seeing created beauty everywhere is so

inspiring and I also know I enjoy the talents of

others as well.  I guess that is why I LOVE
to *play* show and tell with my created
goodies...I so hope you do not mind, hehehe.

This darling pink snowgirl is ready to play and frolick in the snow!

I also show in this picture my lil house shabby repainted *Candy Shop*.

Gosh, I sold so many that I now made sure to stock up on

them.  Am hoping to place a few more out in my shoppe soon!

I took an old picture that had faded and painted over the glass.

This repurosed frame now has a lovely Heart made with

my creamy white roses, that have a touch of a pearlized paint.

Then a sweet vintage earring with rhinstones make it complete.

HINT:  Don't throw away pictures, reuse them or paint over

the glass and create your own designs!

This lovely Wreath was made by folding Lacy Paper Doilies

into cone shapes.  Then the

layering of hearts, vintage and new began!

I have 3 of these available in my etsy shop!

Painted candles always add an elegant touch to any home

decor.  These 3 are already sold!

I adore painting and creating birdhouses.  They

represent Spring and new life...just what I

need to dream of when the temps here in

Michigan dip below the 30's!

 

Now I am off to create more goodies to add to

my etsy shop.

 

What do you do when the tempatures drop in winter time?

 

Be Blessed

 

Happy New Year (A little late ;))

Hello friends!

 

I am a little late in wishing you all

a Happy New Year.

 

I took a much needed break from my everyday

routine.  I am feeling pretty refreshed and have

already begun to create in my studio.

 

I am not much of a resolution maker but I do

have a few goals I would like to continue or

improve upon in the coming year.

 

I would like to walk 10 minutes each day on my treadmill!

Eat more well rounded healthier, smaller, portions, etc... 

Spend Time daily in God's Word

Pray more

Enjoy my family and kitty

Do something creative each day to fulfill that

creative gene in me!

Be open to GOD's *them* in my life who

need help, encouragment or just a friend.

 

That's pretty much mine for this year.

How about you?

Do you do resolutions?

 

 Well I was going to add some recent items
I have created, but alas, blogger will not allow
me to upload.  I will see what the matter is
and hopefully share some later with you!

Thanks so much for stopping by!
Lorena

 



Merry CHRISTmas from My Family to Yours

Lorena, Gary and Michaela

 

Merry Christmas

Dear Blogging Friends!

 

We just took this picture yesterday

to send to our friends and family.

I thought you might enjoy seeing

an update of my sweet family.

I love seeing other bloggy friends

and family pictures too, dont you?

 

I have decided to take a long and much

needed break.  I have been absent for

quite some time and realized I have

been very neglegent in my blogging.

  With wrapping up my many painting and

creating items, helping my New York

friend get (still) much needed items,

being sick with cellulitis

shopping and family time,

a break is needed, indeed.

 

I want so much to bring

CHRIST in to my Christmas this year.

I wish this for each and everyone of

you as well!

 

Be Blessed as you Have blessed me!

Lorena

 



PINK Santas

Merry Christmas Everyone!

 

Wow...it is already December and this

month is buzzing by so quickly!

 

I thought I'd drop by and share with you all

some of my lastest etsy listings...

PINK Santas.

These little sweeties come in all shapes and sizes

and

have been flying out my shop...

along with darling shabbied up cottages homes.

 

Wanna see?

 

The 2 sweet Santas above,  are the last ones I have in Pinks.

I have a few more to paint up but we will

see how my time goes.

 

Right now this sweet Pink and White

*Candy Shoppe* above, is the last votive

house I have listed.

 

I have been so blessed this year!

 

Please read my last few posts if you get a chance.

I have a sweet contact in the Brooklyn, N.Y. area

who is trying to help those in great need

in the aftermath of Sandy.  Families are still

without homes and basic necessities.

Would you like to give out of your abundance

to children or families?

I would love to help you, just leave

me a comments and I will get right back with you!

 

Be A Blessing!

 

 

 

 



Etsy Cottage Style Market Monday

 

Hello everyone!

 

Today I am joining at great group of artist and

etsy sellers over at

Etsy Cottage Style Blog

for our first Monday of the

month sharing our wares.

 

Please join with me and hop over and shop these

lovely stores and shoppes for your

Christmas and Holiday goodies.

You will not be disappointed!

 

Also, if you get a chance, please read my last

two post about how you may help out

with Victims of Sandy's devastation in the

Brooklyn, N.Y. area.

 

Thanks!