Travelin' and Art

On a recent trip to New Hampshire (beautiful countryside!!) we stayed in two wonderful locales - a gorgeous hotel in Meredith, on Lake Winnipesaukee, with a an unbelievable view, where I managed to find a little space to paint and worked on the below piece in a corner of the hotel room while looking out at the following view:

Then we traveled to the Riverbend Inn - a beautiful B&B in Chocorua - the little buddha below welcoming us to serenity by the river and just a mile away from a beautiful lake that has inspired a new embroidered piece! Creativity runs through me wherever I am these days and I feel truly blessed to be in the flow!

On the homefront we are just days away from a finished studio space - YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - and my children are visiting and taking an overnight hiking trip on the Appalachian trail - shortened from a 3 nighter to a 1 nighter due to the rain and cold but on their way this morning.

Here is what I didn't get to say during my television debut!

whooo hoooo - that was fun! -

This last Wednesday I went in to the Channel 22 studios and was part of the live MassAppeal show - a 5 minute spot that was so fun to shoot and much easier than I anticipated!

You can watch the video here: http://www.wwlp.com/dpp/mass_appeal/design/breath-new-life-into-old-furniture-with-paint

and below are the things I didn't have a chance to say (5 minutes is a very short time!!)

• Very important to wipe off the residue from sanding at every stage - either with a wet clean cloth or with tacky cloth which can be purchased at your local hardware store
• Also important to let each coat of primer, paint or finish dry completely before moving on to the next coat - I've learned the hard way and spoiled more than one piece by going too fast
• When buying products to use, read the labels carefully, follow all directions, and ask your local hardware store for advice
• Most final finishes need more than one coat!
• I use latex paint for the solid colors and when doing decorative painting I use acrylic paint
• I know it looks easy but I've had a lot of practice - do not try this on your favorite piece of furniture for the first time!

Many thanks to Mass Appeal producer, staff and hosts! You made it so easy!! 

Studio build is happening!!

Dedicated workspace is on its way!!! Yay!!

Found a contractor, and tonight we went into town and got the permit for the work to begin. Woody will be here Monday to start and expects to be finished in about 3 weeks. I'm jumping out of my skin excited. Can't wait to have a dedicated workspace where I can leave everything up and walk in and out and not have to clean up every second or worry about spilling on my hardwood floors.

Before pics and the initial teardown - stay tuned for after pics!!

Spring has SPRUNG

Spring is in full tilt here in Massachusetts. Beautifully blossomed trees everywhere I turn.

This week I started sanding on my front porch again :) - and I am actually looking forward to tackling the many stored pieces picked up over the colder months. I have chairs, tables, storage boxes etc....just waiting for me!

This sweet little table was purchased on the opening day of the Olde Hadley flea market for $6 (Yes, that's right!!) and it is now ready for painting. It is bound for glory as I'm preparing for a 5 minute spot on MassAppeal on May 15th. A producer from the show found my shop on etsy and invited me to do a painting demo on the show. That should be FUN! Just have to figure out how many bright colors to include.

In the meantime, I have found a contractor!!! whoopie - who will be coming next week to walk me through the beginnings of my new art studio. I can't wait to have dedicated space. What a dream come true....

more to follow...stay tuned :)