Just for fun...

Just for fun, I thought I'd share a peek into the color possibilities I've decided upon for my friend Nicole's chairs. I don't want to give it away completely, as she wants to be surprised, but I will say that 3 of these colors will be used in a design reminiscent of an Anthropologie fabric design that I came across. Sorry, that will stay a secret, too. Are you surprised at the color choices? I hope so! I like to take colors that one  might not think go together, but then make them work as a pleasant surprise. When I'm done with the chairs (and the last coats of paint are going on this week), I'll post the photos. Until then, you'll just have to wait--just like Nicole.

In the Meantime...

If you read this blog with any regularity, you'll know I love fabric. Designing it "for real" instead of as little hobby projects is a goal of mine. I would love to design a whole line--like a real fabric designer would! Occasionally, however, I do get to do it as a portion of a larger project. For example, for a toy food kit that has a little apron in it. These are samples for a client for a different project.  I did a total of 25 possibilites, and some did get chosen. Here are a few to peek at. Let me know what you think!

Live and Learn

It's been awhile since the last post, but this is one of the things I've been up to--Learning this little Lesson: If you choose a dark color somewhere in the spectrum of reds or purples, make sure you get the primer tinted, or--Streaksville! I have chosen a lovely shade that, when cured will be a rich, dark color. Unfortunately, it will take about 5 coats of paint to get there. I have had this problem once before with a deep red, but I was trying to be practical and use some primer I already had purchased (as opposed to getting a new one tinted). I also didn't want to have a bunch of tinted primer left over.  Sigh. More work for me. Oh well--on the bright side--good thing I love to paint!

The Start of Something...

Hello! It's been a while since I've posted, and even longer since I've had a chance to work on some new furniture pieces. Well, here is the start of a new project. I've started sanding these two and have a 3-color design planned for them. The young lady who is commissioning these is a friend of mine. We knew each other in college and thanks to Facebook got reconnected. Thanks to Facebook as well, she's been able to view some of my projects and decided she wanted one. The fun thing is, she wants it to be a surprise as to what they'll look like. I fished around and was able to find out what kind of color palette she likes, but she still doesn't know what colors I've gone with, or what the design will be. I love the fact that she wants it to be a surprise--because I love to give them as much as I like to receive them. Okay, Nicole, here goes....

'Tis the Season

And speaking of Red: Since the holiday season is filled with this fabulous color, I decided to peruse the ELLEDecor website to see what they had to show about this passion-filled hue. And sure enough they had a whole section on designers and examples of the Happy Hue used in interior design. They also have another section where they discuss Red and how to use it called "Code Red". Take a look and be inspired!

Ode to Joy

Ode to Joy--I sold another chair. This time it's what I named "Royal Red", since the chair had a throne-like feel. So excited that people are enjoying my work. It's fun for me to refurbish these chairs--even more fun when I see someone else enjoy it, too! Besides, who can resist that lovely shade of royal red?

Oh, Joy!

Wow--more than two weeks since my last post. Well, two fun things: My sister-in-law and friend signed up to sell our handcrafted wares at the Rose Bowl Flea Market tomorrow. It's the first time there for all of us, so we are pretty excited at the possibilities. It's a HUGE event, a lot of foot traffic, and has a fabulous reputation for a variety of goodies, both old and new. So I've been sorting my stuff and getting it ready to pack up. I don't have a huge quantity of inventory, but a good amount to start--4 chairs and a couple tables, but since I can't fit it ALL in my car, I typically go with trying to sell the 4 chairs first. I took a break to check my email, and was surprised to have an Etsyy sale--of my Red Dahlia chair, which I was planning to take to the Rose Bowl. Well, one less thing to load in the car! Yay! I'm so excited--I've always gotten tons of compliments on it, but, alas, no one actually would buy it---until now, of course. So Yay again! Here it is:

Spahhhhh goodies....

So I have been crazier busy than just my usual "crazy busy". Why this time? Well, the usual freelance work, going to craft fairs to sell my furniture and trinket boxes (and a little jewelry), and now--handmade body scrubs (with lotions coming, too).

I used to (a few years ago) make my own (very small) line of handmade lotions, body scrubs, and lip balms. Business was good, but it was hard to make it profitable because my batches were so small. But I loved doing it and coming up with various formulations, having my friends test and rave about them, and designing the packaging. Well, this Christmas I decided to make some as gifts, and the demand is starting again. And I can't say no to my fans (no matter how small a group they might be). I've renamed and revamped the label to a fresher look, too.

 But here is a sample view of my brown sugar body polish. I love it because it leaves my skin really soft; and it's really easy to use in the shower because it stays mixed (rather than the oil  separating out and having to re-stir). This batch is a sultry tahitian vanilla scent--Yum!  Next will be my "Shea Butter Love" lotion (comes in an amber colored bottle)--nothing less than luxurious, if I may be so bold to say so!: )

But to move on: if you celebrate Thanksgiving, I hope that you have a most blessed time with friends and family and a fabulous time that leaves with you happy lifelong memories!

Hoot Hoot

My friend Maude at Stop Your Circus is at it again--makin' stinkin' crazy cute woodland critters! She sews these fabulous cute-but-edgy Owls, and now she's adding Squirrels to her menagerie. I LOVE her combinations of colors, from vintage fabrics to the color of stitching!

Please take a moment and check out her blog and her Facebook page--"Like" her, too! She has an Etsy site, if you're interested in seeing a larger selection. Contact her and I'm sure she'll be happy to show you more--before they all fly out the door (pun intended). She's super nice and talented! Enjoy!

More Boxen

So I received two big orders for the holidays of my hand painted trinket boxes. I still have about 20 to do, but here's the starters. With all the freelance I've been doing, I was starting to wonder if I'd get to work on these again. But good thing I'm a creative juggler. : ) Good thing, too, that I plan to be a vendor at a couple upcoming craft bazaars for the holiday season. Wish me luck--and Enjoy!

All Work and No Play...

...makes for a dull brain and a dull Leona. So--I played! Of course that can mean a 15 minute break on Etsy for me, so that's what I did. I wandered through Etsy and I found Wild Woman Jewelry.  Lovely designs--many of them in the shape of pretty glass orbs and jewels. (Again the CovetMonster was sitting on my shoulder whispering sweet everythings in my ear.) From smoky aubergine glass orbs to perky and vibrant pink and orange (one of my favorite combinations) bead ensembles there are many things to admire in her jewelry shop. Go ahead and take a break to browse (aka, play)--maybe the CovetMonster will leave my shoulder to alight upon yours. Enjoy!!

A New Favorite

I discovered a new favorite fabric artist--Valori Wells! I don't know why I didn't discover her earlier--her aesthetic reminds me of Anna Maria Horner and Amy Butler.  I love her fresh color palettes and beautiful designs!  Her quilts are fabulous, too--not just your Granny's quilt--fresh, modern designs. Go to her site to also view her photography and painting --some of my favorites are below. Enjoy!