When Pigs Fly

Oh hello!

I was recently visiting my dear sister Jane.  In her apartment I noticed two ceramic pigs on the floor.  I found this interesting considering my sister is bit of a city girl. When I inquired, I discovered my sister has a new collection...pigs! 

On a visit to an antique mall Jane saw a cute little ceramic pig "squealing" her name! She fell in-love.  Jane thought that the pig looked happy and loved the pink little snout! However she hadn't decided if pigs were the way to go that day.    Over the next couple weeks Jane kept  thinking of the little piglet and her found memories of visiting our grandfather on the farm.  Jane has vivid memories of pigs when she was just a little girl;  she remembers all the good times on the farm and she can still hear my grandfather calling  to the pigs..."souie! souie!"

Well, my other sister Sheila decided to get some "brownie" points and surprised Jane with the pig! That was Jane's first little piggy in her collection.  Her second pig unfortunately didn't have a pink snout; so Sheila painted the snout with pink finger nail polish!  Well, this has now become the trend...the pigs must have a pink snout.  Jane looks and collects only happy pigs...she believes you can tell it the pig is happy by the way it stands and expresses itself.

Many folks collect items that remind them of their past.  Do you have a special collection that reflects your life story? If so send me some pics!

"Every girl should be two things: Classy & Fabulous" Coco Chanel.  
Words to live by according the Jane.

Good Day

--D. Charles

We are NOT art "collectors"...

Oh Hello!

I recently had the privilege to visit some friends in their unique and neclectic home.  From the outside the house is a beautiful ranch style, however once entering the home you soon find and whole new world to discover!

Walking up to the front door I knew I was in for a treat! After being warmly welcomed, my eyes began to dance around the house trying to soak in all that was to be seen.  My friends offered me a glass of water, however I almost forgot to take any sips because of the spectacles in the room.

These folks have been "collecting" for many years from literally around the world. They don't consider themselves collectors."

“We have chosen the things we have (and enjoy) because they inspire us, lift our spirits, or evoke memories of people and places we love.”

How wonderful!  I love this...they collect because it brings joy...they don't collect for monetary or social clout. Each piece has story, emotion or person attached to it.  It was awe inspiring to see my friend's faces light up while sharing their stories. Many of their pieces are hand-crafted from local artisans.

While having great conversation...somebody decided to add his two cents!  It was Chip their parrot!  What a treat! Chip had so much to say about everything (however he was a bit repetitive..LOL...don't tell him I said that!).  I think I learned a thing or two.  The other family member,Wally the dog, had retired to his private chambers (he gets a little to excited when company arrives.)

Please enjoy the pictures below. These are just a "tasting" of their "collections." I can not do justice to their personal stories and excitement for each piece.

"Story Teller Violin"

Hand crafted chairs.  No nails were used in producing these amazing chairs!

 

Egyptian Hieroglyphics.   

Lithography rubbing copies of Petroglyphs from New Mexico.

Wall of amazing art!

Good Day!

--D. Charles

 

Bringing Old Discarded Metal to Life!

Oh Hello!

Re-use and re-purpose are hot topics in today's culture.  I love the concept and principle of using items over again and giving them a new "purposeful life." One of my friends is doing that exact thing, however she is making art!

From the tin of old barns artisan Jennifer Rouston of Metal Girl is creating one-of-kind pieces for the home and lawn. She has been creating these pieces of art for only year, but she is already in high demand! Folks are going wild over her hand-painted designs.

After a shape and size is determined by Jennifer and/or her customer; she then gets out her paint and brushes.   Vivid colors, stripes and polka-dots are diligently hand-painted onto what some would consider as simply an old piece of metal.  Suddenly a design unfolds and a unique, fun inspired piece is created!

I love her whimsical designs and aesthetics.  It is amazing to see a piece of old discarded tin made into a piece of art that everyone enjoys!

Please have a look at the following pictures and be inspired.  If you would like to inquire with Jennifer regarding her creations for your home decor or yard please contact her at jen.metalgirl@yahoo.com.

Each piece begins as raw metal from barns.

After an undercoat application the piece is ready for color!

Good day,
--D. Charles

Discussion: Douglas Herman...Decor, Life & Design

Oh Hello,

I recently had the privilege to spend an evening with my friend Douglas.  I have always admired Douglas' sense of design, style and artistic eye. We spent the evening talking, laughing and discussing home decor.

From Douglas' humble beginnings grew a desire to obtain a life of design, art and a true sense of happiness. As a young man Douglas had limited means, however this was instrumental for him to learn to be resourceful and gain a passion to change his world. Even as a young man he had an appreciation of beauty and design.

Douglas loves and appreciate all styles of home design...as long as it is done well.  His personal style is one made of "mixing things up."  He merges and incorporates design styles and makes them harmonize into a home of comfort, style and happiness.  He believes that it all balances on the ability to properly arrange items so that they produce a conducive energy in the space.  When one has this energy in the home it can highly effect that person's outlook, feelings and daily life.

Douglas is open to counsaltation; if you have any questions or a trouble area in your home decor contact Douglas at dwdesigns@gmail.com

 

Good Day

--D. Charles

DIY...Denim Fabric Wall Covering

Oh Hello!

They say anything goes with denim.  Well what about having denim on your wall?!  I have a great sun-room in my apartment with windows on two of the walls.  The facing wall though is a bit drab.  So I decided it needed a little pizzazz.  I have applied fabric to walls in other areas of the apartment so I thought it would be great in my sun-room as well.

The reason I love applying fabric to walls because you can change it if you don't like it; you can wash it if it gets dirty; it adds texture to the wall and you have endless options!

I found a nice dark denim material at a local fabric store.  By the advice of the sales person I washed the denim to ensure it wouldn't stain the wall.  After washing the material it was time to get started!

Supplies List:

• Plastic Bucket
• Liquid Starch
• Brushes
• Squeegee 
• Water
• Exacto Knife
• Push Pins

1. First Clean the Wall. 
2. Hold the fabric up to ensure it will fit the area you are trying to cover. Also measure the wall and allow about 2 inches of extra material beyond the area you are covering.  My material isn't as wide as my wall, which I like.  The color of the wall will actually frame the material, plus since it is denim is a bit frade on the edge I thought if would add a neat dynamic to the wall.  
3. Begin brushing on the starch to the wall (I sometime add a little water). Quickly apply the fabric to the "starched" wall.  Use the push pins to hold the fabric in place.  I try to do small sections horizontal and working my way down the wall.
4. Use the squeegee to smooth the fabric and push out the air bubbles, however I found that using my hands worked better for this project.
5. Apply another application of starch on top of the fabric.  
6. Once you get the starch on the wall/fabric allow it dry and trim the excess.

Viola!  You have a beautiful new wall with color and texture.

Before

After

After...I decided to add my wing back chair (I'm actually composing this blog from that chair!)

Adding the chair makes a perfect reading spot for the sun-room.

Good Day!

--D. Charles

DIY - Bookcases with a Pop!

Oh Hello!

I was recently needing some bookcases. I didn't want to spend very much money and while visiting Target I saw these bookcases...only $20 each!  For convenience and time I picked up a couple of them.  They are very basic 3 shelve bookcases that are more functional than design.  However I was just needing a basic bookcase for storage.

I decided they needed a little pop!  So I found some great wrapping paper and picked up some spray adhesive from a local store.  I took the back off and applied the paper.  I trimmed the edges and nail the backing back on.   

After a little de-cluttering and dusting I now have two great little bookcases with just a touch of design.  This is a very easy 20 min project.  Sometimes in design it is just the litle, simple things that a can make a world of difference.  Give it try on your bookcases and send me your pics!  anothur.decor@gmail.com

I really liked this design!

I took the backing off and applied a spray adhesive

I lined up the upper right corner as my reference point.

Viola!

Good Day!
--D. Charles