2017 October
Elephants, Birds, & Horses, Oh, MY!!!
10/25/2017
Lots of furniture being created, delivered and designed this week as we get ready for the
Crescent Hill TRADING COMPANY Open house. I sure hope that you all are able to come to Louisville next weekend and see the new unique and one-of-a-kind pieces that are going to be on display! I can hardly wait until you see the Horse and Jockey chair !!
I love it when a piece of custom designed furniture goes out the door to a happy customer!
I work a long time on designs hoping that I have heard exactly what they've asked for and that I'm creating a piece that speaks to the customer.
This variation of the Sweet Tweet bird chair from my Birds & Botanical Collection and was fun to work on... and it had such soft colors. The ottoman has a little bird has a little bird on the front left side that just completes the whole combination. Thanks Cathy for the chance to create this just for you!
Jeff and I headed to Nashville for the start of a weekend wedding and met with a group of friends Friday morning for breakfast at the Loveless Cafe. If you haven't been to this fun historic restaurant it's definitely worth the drive. Their biscuits are wonderful, and I don't typically care for bread! Nashville is a great overnight trip, and so much fun!
I never stop by the Loveless Cafe without bringing home a jar of their Blackberry Preserves. SO good for a Loveless breakfast without the drive!
The rehearsal dinner was held at the Charlie Vergos Rendezvous restaurant in Memphis, TN. The centerpieces started with the pieces of wood that Jason cut for me for my 'mystery project' from last week. A few bandanas for a good barbecue place, a little rebar wire and we had a great centerpiece for small table space.
We used Silver sharpies to create titles on the back of the pictures... The groomsmen had GREAT fun with this activity! LOL
We attended their beautiful wedding outside under the pine trees at Strawberry Plains Audubon Center in Holly Springs, Mississippi. Check out the old southern house on the property. What a beautiful setting for a wedding.
A true southern wedding, beautiful location, pretty and unique centerpieces, live music, and good friends made for a fun day.
Elizabeth, the bride, uses these antique cups, saucers and silver with her volunteer work with kids at the Ronald McDonald House so it was perfect that she used them for her wedding centerpieces.
Each table was unique and prettier than the next!
And I loved the teacups that were made into hanging decorations that lined the path way where the bride and groom exited.
Congratulations
Brian and Elizabeth!
LOVE THIS!!
Meet Roger and Sophie's dog, Abby.
She's in her chair and looking at us like...."You really aren't going to leave me are you?".... or... "please DON"T turn off the TV."
Isn't she beautiful?
My mom and Walt are here visiting for a few weeks on their way south for the winter. Love having company in the studio during the day. Another set of hands are SO appreciated!
Back to continue crossing off my "to do" list.
Hope to see you next week at Crescent Hill TRADING COMPANY's Holiday Open House!!
1 Comment
Jayn Lando - Fun to see you at the wedding!
Chairs, Friends & Mystery Crafts...
10/18/2017
Uh oh! Did you ever have one of those days? My Monday started like that! I start every day with a trip to our local McDonalds for a large Dr Pepper and two chocolate chip cookies. I was headed toCherry Blossom Powder Coating and had lots on my mind.... and 'too' much, as the case might be!
I received my items from my friendly server and decide to go around the corner to toss the trash before I hit the interstate. As I went to reach for the cookies I realized that I had thrown them away and kept the trash!! I was too embarrassed to go back to get more so I stopped by the Waddy McDonalds on my way down the road. Fortunately the week DID get better!!
Finally!! My chairs have arrived!!
All new chairs and ready for sale!
This Turquoise and Strawberry colored Jungle River Maze Accent Chair is from my new Safari Collection.
It'll have an ottoman and pillow to to complete the set with a third coordinating fabric as an accent. The third fabric is a wonderful large flower pattern with the same colors set on Winter White that looks like it has French knots in it.
Such a scrumptious combination of fabrics!
LOVE the new High Stepping Saddlebred Chair!
It's covered in a Glen plaid and has leather strapping on either side of the plaid inset on each arm, and that really sets it off. I think it's one of the classiest chairs I've ever designed.
Unfortunately it arrived with a small boo boo on the leg.... but my friend, John at Restoration Workshop, is fixing it up for me and I think it will be joining the other chairs at the TRADING COMPANY SOON!!
The fabric on the Spin the Vinyl Retro Chair is one of the most popular fabrics I have ever purchased!
I have sold at least 6 ottomans made with this fabric on ETSY so I decided to design a chair with it.
This is just right for someone who is into old record albums, pop art or just 'retro' in general....
And it's in, just in time for gift giving!!
New to the Equestrian Collection!!
This fun combination of fabrics is being used to cover a new pair of wingback chairs for my Equestrian Collection.
They'll sport an overweight jockey and his 'has been' horse who are still looking to win the roses!
Actually, in the final design the horse stayed pretty much the same but the jockey just wouldn't stand still.... He has changed position and now has a lot more attitude and personality.
I think the crowds will be cheering them when they're finally finished!
To see the finished product you'll have to visit Crescent Hill Trading Company. the pair will be there in time for the Christmas Open House November 2,3,4,5. I hope you can join us and hear the story of this jockey and his tired companion!!
Heading to the upholsterer!
This gorgeous leopard print really caught my eye! It has a rich linen background color and, when it's finished, it'll be big enough to sit in front of a sofa with a tray or magazines sitting on top.
Almost finished!!
This lamp is a custom order that will be ready the beginning of the week for pick up.
It has watchbands that run all the way around in lots of bright colors. I think it'll look great with a black square lamp shade on top to finish the look.
I am so pleased with how cute this is that I plan to make more of them with different designs for my Etsy FunkyFibersKY site in the near future!!
I Think My STUDIO Exploded!!!!
Why couldn't I find a hobby that would fit into a nice small tote bag!! LOL It seems like I'm going to get it all straightened up, and the finished furniture out,.... and then more comes in! I guess that's a good problem. At least I'm staying busy! If you want a custom piece for the holidays, make sure and call now. My schedule is filling up along with the studio!!
Greta and Patty came for a play day...
Patty is all tied up as she is working on cording for placemats, and Greta worked till she was just plain worn out... and decide to stretch out on the chaise - you know.... the one I kept for Jeff that he never uses.
BUT...look what she did!
She learned how to upholster chair bottoms! I wouldn't let her leave till she had all six finished and she got them done!!
AWAKE Ministries House Warming!
Just a few pictures from the new Women's Recovery Facility being put together by AWAKE Ministries. The scripture pillows that were made by my wonderful readers add a special touch to each room!! To see how you can help the ministry to finish up with a House Warming gift for the official opening, click HERE. And NO... you don't have to sew! - They're registered with Walmart.
Now, what do you think these are going to be??
I guess you'll have to check back next week to see!!
Thanks, Jason, for the help to get these cut and ready for creating!!
Next week is the big push to finish items for the Open House at the TRADING COMPANY... to finish curtains for the Women's Shelter... and to get ready for company coming into town. Not much to do next week...LOL! Sleep is over rated anyway...
4 Comments
Linda - Love your collections Leslie. You have such a great eye plus imagination. BTW, your photo is such a good one, shows how happy and beautiful you are!
Leslie - Thanks Linda!! You are too kind! I think it is just that I am having lots of fun creating!!
De Selby - Yeah, I stood in front of the register at Panera the other day for an embarrassingly long time waiting for my cookie--which I held in my hand.
Leslie - Oh my!! I am not willing to blame it on age just yet!! We must just be too busy!!
Lovin' the Designs!
10/11/2017
I love to share other people's art.... especially when I'm really impressed with the work that was done! These are the beautiful pieces that Libby and Sue did in the pottery class at Fall Craft Week in Montreat. Becky Garrity is a great teacher and it showed in the work of her students.
The Sally Jones Pottery Studio is set up and operates all summer long. If you are in the area, they are always happy for you to stop by and spend the day playing in clay.
These are the four ottomans that my students created in the fabric class that I taught. Can you believe that they all took the same class and came up with all these different styles? It was so fun to see their personalities come out in their work.
The Raspberry Parfait Ottoman was ice dyed Linen that Susan created and the cord was made with layers of washed and dried Canvas. Simple can be so very pretty. The Kaleidoscope Ottoman used Gail's ice dyed Linen as a start to this beautiful Crazy Quilt pattern. Ruth started her Graffiti Street Ottoman with a Free Form Dropped Fiber technique that gave it a fun artsy look! Last but not least, Shannon's, Estrella Ottoman, has a cutwork piece applied on one of her ice dyed Linens with stitched rows using fibers to create striping. All of the students were so creative and eager to learn. Thanks ladies!!
I left North Carolina on Friday to head to South Carolina, but not before I made a stop at my favorite shopping spot in Asheville, Scroungers Paradise.
I just LOVE this piece of finished Indian Rosewood. It would make a beautiful coffee table but I don't know where I would put it or who would need it in their house.
They had the most beautiful wood that I've ever seen on display this week. But all I came out with was a few little thin pieces of wood and some ottoman legs.
If you want some beautiful and unique wood, I suggest a truck and a road trip. The scenery alone is worth it!
Back in Summerville for a few days. I picked Jeff up at the Charleston airport and we headed to Brent's for the weekend. Natalie's mom, Sameeha, was coming in too and we had a great family reunion.
All of the kids stuff is still in boxes and all these pillows were in bags... which was the ONLY place to sit unless you wanted to choose the stairs. I plopped down and decided to make myself comfortable. Jeff always complains that I always have too many pillows everywhere.... I would say, NOT.... we had just the right amount!
We found a great place to eat in Summerville for a Sunday Brunch. The Low Country Fish Camp was a big hit for all... I even had fun, and I don't eat seafood!! I couldn't believe that one person could eat that many oysters. I'm surprised that they don't have a lot of hospital runs from that knife thing they're opening the oysters with. Gavin and Aviana finished eating early and found a fun place to listen to the music that was playing outside.
Home again... Home again... and looking forward to some fun studio time.
This week's projects are in the works... Now to get creative and personalize these fun guys!
2 Comments
Martha Marks - Libby and Sue made beautiful pieces! Montreat was wonderful, as always. Becky was a wonderful teacher. And you're not too shabby yourself, Leslie!!
Leslie - There were a lot of great artists there... YOU included!! So glad to meet you and Hope to see you back next year! I was thinking of you and wondered if the weather affected your show? Check out Martha’s work, friends..... marthamarkspottery.com
10/25/2017
Lots of furniture being created, delivered and designed this week as we get ready for the
Crescent Hill TRADING COMPANY Open house. I sure hope that you all are able to come to Louisville next weekend and see the new unique and one-of-a-kind pieces that are going to be on display! I can hardly wait until you see the Horse and Jockey chair !!
I work a long time on designs hoping that I have heard exactly what they've asked for and that I'm creating a piece that speaks to the customer.
This variation of the Sweet Tweet bird chair from my Birds & Botanical Collection and was fun to work on... and it had such soft colors. The ottoman has a little bird has a little bird on the front left side that just completes the whole combination. Thanks Cathy for the chance to create this just for you!
I never stop by the Loveless Cafe without bringing home a jar of their Blackberry Preserves. SO good for a Loveless breakfast without the drive!
The rehearsal dinner was held at the Charlie Vergos Rendezvous restaurant in Memphis, TN. The centerpieces started with the pieces of wood that Jason cut for me for my 'mystery project' from last week. A few bandanas for a good barbecue place, a little rebar wire and we had a great centerpiece for small table space.
We used Silver sharpies to create titles on the back of the pictures... The groomsmen had GREAT fun with this activity! LOL
We attended their beautiful wedding outside under the pine trees at Strawberry Plains Audubon Center in Holly Springs, Mississippi. Check out the old southern house on the property. What a beautiful setting for a wedding.
A true southern wedding, beautiful location, pretty and unique centerpieces, live music, and good friends made for a fun day.
Elizabeth, the bride, uses these antique cups, saucers and silver with her volunteer work with kids at the Ronald McDonald House so it was perfect that she used them for her wedding centerpieces.
Each table was unique and prettier than the next!
And I loved the teacups that were made into hanging decorations that lined the path way where the bride and groom exited.
Congratulations
Brian and Elizabeth!
LOVE THIS!!
Meet Roger and Sophie's dog, Abby.
She's in her chair and looking at us like...."You really aren't going to leave me are you?".... or... "please DON"T turn off the TV."
Isn't she beautiful?
My mom and Walt are here visiting for a few weeks on their way south for the winter. Love having company in the studio during the day. Another set of hands are SO appreciated!
Back to continue crossing off my "to do" list.
Hope to see you next week at Crescent Hill TRADING COMPANY's Holiday Open House!!
1 Comment
Jayn Lando - Fun to see you at the wedding!
Chairs, Friends & Mystery Crafts...
10/18/2017
Uh oh! Did you ever have one of those days? My Monday started like that! I start every day with a trip to our local McDonalds for a large Dr Pepper and two chocolate chip cookies. I was headed toCherry Blossom Powder Coating and had lots on my mind.... and 'too' much, as the case might be!
I received my items from my friendly server and decide to go around the corner to toss the trash before I hit the interstate. As I went to reach for the cookies I realized that I had thrown them away and kept the trash!! I was too embarrassed to go back to get more so I stopped by the Waddy McDonalds on my way down the road. Fortunately the week DID get better!!
Finally!! My chairs have arrived!!
 |
| Jungle River Maze Accent Chair |
This Turquoise and Strawberry colored Jungle River Maze Accent Chair is from my new Safari Collection.
It'll have an ottoman and pillow to to complete the set with a third coordinating fabric as an accent. The third fabric is a wonderful large flower pattern with the same colors set on Winter White that looks like it has French knots in it.
Such a scrumptious combination of fabrics!
 |
| High Stepping Saddlebred Office Chair |
LOVE the new High Stepping Saddlebred Chair!
It's covered in a Glen plaid and has leather strapping on either side of the plaid inset on each arm, and that really sets it off. I think it's one of the classiest chairs I've ever designed.
Unfortunately it arrived with a small boo boo on the leg.... but my friend, John at Restoration Workshop, is fixing it up for me and I think it will be joining the other chairs at the TRADING COMPANY SOON!!
 |
| Spin the Vinyl Retro Office Chair |
The fabric on the Spin the Vinyl Retro Chair is one of the most popular fabrics I have ever purchased!
I have sold at least 6 ottomans made with this fabric on ETSY so I decided to design a chair with it.
This is just right for someone who is into old record albums, pop art or just 'retro' in general....
And it's in, just in time for gift giving!!
New to the Equestrian Collection!!
They'll sport an overweight jockey and his 'has been' horse who are still looking to win the roses!
Actually, in the final design the horse stayed pretty much the same but the jockey just wouldn't stand still.... He has changed position and now has a lot more attitude and personality.
I think the crowds will be cheering them when they're finally finished!
To see the finished product you'll have to visit Crescent Hill Trading Company. the pair will be there in time for the Christmas Open House November 2,3,4,5. I hope you can join us and hear the story of this jockey and his tired companion!!
 |
| Blue Leopard Bench/Coffee Table |
Heading to the upholsterer!
This gorgeous leopard print really caught my eye! It has a rich linen background color and, when it's finished, it'll be big enough to sit in front of a sofa with a tray or magazines sitting on top.
Almost finished!!
This lamp is a custom order that will be ready the beginning of the week for pick up.
It has watchbands that run all the way around in lots of bright colors. I think it'll look great with a black square lamp shade on top to finish the look.
I am so pleased with how cute this is that I plan to make more of them with different designs for my Etsy FunkyFibersKY site in the near future!!
I Think My STUDIO Exploded!!!!
Why couldn't I find a hobby that would fit into a nice small tote bag!! LOL It seems like I'm going to get it all straightened up, and the finished furniture out,.... and then more comes in! I guess that's a good problem. At least I'm staying busy! If you want a custom piece for the holidays, make sure and call now. My schedule is filling up along with the studio!!
Patty is all tied up as she is working on cording for placemats, and Greta worked till she was just plain worn out... and decide to stretch out on the chaise - you know.... the one I kept for Jeff that he never uses.
BUT...look what she did!
She learned how to upholster chair bottoms! I wouldn't let her leave till she had all six finished and she got them done!!
AWAKE Ministries House Warming!
Just a few pictures from the new Women's Recovery Facility being put together by AWAKE Ministries. The scripture pillows that were made by my wonderful readers add a special touch to each room!! To see how you can help the ministry to finish up with a House Warming gift for the official opening, click HERE. And NO... you don't have to sew! - They're registered with Walmart.
Now, what do you think these are going to be??
I guess you'll have to check back next week to see!!
Thanks, Jason, for the help to get these cut and ready for creating!!
Next week is the big push to finish items for the Open House at the TRADING COMPANY... to finish curtains for the Women's Shelter... and to get ready for company coming into town. Not much to do next week...LOL! Sleep is over rated anyway...
4 Comments
Linda - Love your collections Leslie. You have such a great eye plus imagination. BTW, your photo is such a good one, shows how happy and beautiful you are!
Leslie - Thanks Linda!! You are too kind! I think it is just that I am having lots of fun creating!!
De Selby - Yeah, I stood in front of the register at Panera the other day for an embarrassingly long time waiting for my cookie--which I held in my hand.
Leslie - Oh my!! I am not willing to blame it on age just yet!! We must just be too busy!!
Lovin' the Designs!
10/11/2017
I love to share other people's art.... especially when I'm really impressed with the work that was done! These are the beautiful pieces that Libby and Sue did in the pottery class at Fall Craft Week in Montreat. Becky Garrity is a great teacher and it showed in the work of her students.
The Sally Jones Pottery Studio is set up and operates all summer long. If you are in the area, they are always happy for you to stop by and spend the day playing in clay.
These are the four ottomans that my students created in the fabric class that I taught. Can you believe that they all took the same class and came up with all these different styles? It was so fun to see their personalities come out in their work.
The Raspberry Parfait Ottoman was ice dyed Linen that Susan created and the cord was made with layers of washed and dried Canvas. Simple can be so very pretty. The Kaleidoscope Ottoman used Gail's ice dyed Linen as a start to this beautiful Crazy Quilt pattern. Ruth started her Graffiti Street Ottoman with a Free Form Dropped Fiber technique that gave it a fun artsy look! Last but not least, Shannon's, Estrella Ottoman, has a cutwork piece applied on one of her ice dyed Linens with stitched rows using fibers to create striping. All of the students were so creative and eager to learn. Thanks ladies!!
I left North Carolina on Friday to head to South Carolina, but not before I made a stop at my favorite shopping spot in Asheville, Scroungers Paradise.
I just LOVE this piece of finished Indian Rosewood. It would make a beautiful coffee table but I don't know where I would put it or who would need it in their house.
They had the most beautiful wood that I've ever seen on display this week. But all I came out with was a few little thin pieces of wood and some ottoman legs.
If you want some beautiful and unique wood, I suggest a truck and a road trip. The scenery alone is worth it!
Back in Summerville for a few days. I picked Jeff up at the Charleston airport and we headed to Brent's for the weekend. Natalie's mom, Sameeha, was coming in too and we had a great family reunion.
All of the kids stuff is still in boxes and all these pillows were in bags... which was the ONLY place to sit unless you wanted to choose the stairs. I plopped down and decided to make myself comfortable. Jeff always complains that I always have too many pillows everywhere.... I would say, NOT.... we had just the right amount!
We found a great place to eat in Summerville for a Sunday Brunch. The Low Country Fish Camp was a big hit for all... I even had fun, and I don't eat seafood!! I couldn't believe that one person could eat that many oysters. I'm surprised that they don't have a lot of hospital runs from that knife thing they're opening the oysters with. Gavin and Aviana finished eating early and found a fun place to listen to the music that was playing outside.
Home again... Home again... and looking forward to some fun studio time.
This week's projects are in the works... Now to get creative and personalize these fun guys!
2 Comments
Martha Marks - Libby and Sue made beautiful pieces! Montreat was wonderful, as always. Becky was a wonderful teacher. And you're not too shabby yourself, Leslie!!
Leslie - There were a lot of great artists there... YOU included!! So glad to meet you and Hope to see you back next year! I was thinking of you and wondered if the weather affected your show? Check out Martha’s work, friends..... marthamarkspottery.com
Comments
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