2017 September
Art in the Mountains!
9/27/2017
A week teaching in the mountains at Montreat..... 24 plus whole hours of class time with like minded souls has to be the most rewarding, relaxing and peaceful week I have ever had "working"! I hope you can check out the Fall Craft Week and join us next year!
The Sally Jones Craft Hut is a wonderful setting to teach in.
We were able to spread out and put all our different supplies in stations for ease of getting to them - and then finding them after we started the creative process.
There were wonderful porches to work on so we could enjoy the fresh Fall air, large sinks to use for our water supply, and even a washer and dryer to wash out the excess dye as we prepared the fabrics for use.
This was the most rewarding, restful class I think that I have ever taught.... and they accomplished so much!
We started the day getting a new pot of fabric ready to dye and then rinsing out what had been in the dye bath overnight. The ladies will be able to take anywhere from five or more yards of fabric home with them to use for future projects.
Check out the beautiful setting we had to work in! Shannon is set with her protective gear while dying fabrics, and on the right are a few of the finished pieces the students created the first day of class using the Dropped Fiber technique. Watch next week to see what projects they created with some of there fabrics!
Here are two great fiber pieces using various yarns, ribbons, and fibers that were created by Ruth and Shannon. this is an easy way to create a fun piece of custom fabric. I'm going to start some of these fabrics today to go on an ottoman for Crescent Hill Trading Company and some fun bags for Consider Boutique for the holiday season.
Look at the fun cutwork pieces that were created. They'll get their soft frayed finishes after a round in the washer and dryer. I made cute frayed piece on the right and will use it on a game ottoman. You can find instructions for this technique on my website under FREE Stuff - Leslie's Fruffled Pillow Instructional PDF.
And of course, CHOCOLATE was involved!... since chocolate and sewing go hand in hand!
Susan and Gail are using the Pentel Fabric Pastels to create their own fabric designs. Oh!, this product has so many possibilities!!
Ruth is working hard to get her Elmer's Washable Blue Gel dye resist on just right so that it can dry overnight. The product comes in a clear gel, but I have found that the blue washes out easier than the clear.
You can see the flowers she's used the gel on.
This is a great process if you want to create your one of a kind fabrics or you don't have just the right piece in the studio for your latest project. I can hardly wait to see the finished product!
We will be painting this fabric first thing in the morning using Dye-na-flow fabric paints.
We are talking EASY with this beautiful piece of vines and berries. It is done with Sharpie Markers and alcohol. And no... I don't think I drove them to drinking!
Just a little plain Rubbing Alcohol. This is a great technique to use as a multi-generational event or as a child's birthday party.
GREAT class ladies! You are so talented!!
POTTERY
The pottery class, which was held upstairs above the fabric class in the Sally Jones Craft Hut, was constantly busy!
There were wheels turning and pots of all types being created... and oh they were beautiful!!
I so enjoyed having Sue and Libby here this week. (in the left picture) They are friends from home whose children enjoyed Montreat Youth Conferences but they had never spent any time here themselves. They seemed to have a great time... and I think they will be back!!
Ann Laird Jones (left picture, left side) was the organizer behind this powerful week, and Becky Garrity (right) was the talented Pottery teacher/artist for the week. Check out garritypotter.com/ Great job ladies! Thanks for all the hard work!
STAINED GLASS
Roger Maness spent the week teaching his students how to create Stained Glass...They all came in thinking there was no way they could complete a project, but their projects all turned out BEAUTIFUL! Way to go Roger!.... great class as usual!! I think Roger needs to come teach in the studio.... what do you think?
I'm off to Charleston/Summerville for a few days for a little R&R - which is not really needed after this laid back week. Watch for next week's blog for the great finished photos of class projects!!
3 Comments
Nancy Jo Hill - I would like know more how you used the sharpies as I would like to use them on my doll faces.
Hugs NJLeslie - Hey Nancy Jo!! I am afraid this might not work for that application. When you spray on the alcohol it creates a pretty watercolor effect but may bleed too much for the doll faces. Are you doing lots of fun creating?
Jayn Lando - What a fantastic week it looks like!!
More of that Dream House...
9/27/2017
A little time in the studio has been good for the soul. I was able to spend several days getting supplies ready for the class I'm teaching in MONTREAT at the Fall Craft Week. And it's a good thing I have all the back seats removed from the Honda Odyssey so I can fit in all the supplies that I want to take with me. I never know what we may want to get into so I better pack it all! Sure hope some of you can join us for a week in the mountains!
This is a shabby chic Fleur di Lis that I created for a wing back chair I'm working on. When it's finished, you'll find it in my Shabby But Chic Collection.
It'll be different than anything I've tried before, and I really like the way it's turning out. There will be three different fabrics in the finished project and it'll blend into a lot of different styles.
Once again I'm going to say, that if I had planned my studio from scratch, it would NOT have black carpet!
I made quite a mess while I was making the cording for the chair and I really appreciate the new Shark vacuum that Jeff picked up the other day. It works wonders!
Elephants, Elephants and more Elephants!
I just loved having input from both my cute daughter-in-laws during the design process.
This 34" ottoman has five different fabrics incorporated in its design and will have covered buttons at the bottom of the pennants and tassel fringe around the bottom.
I can't wait to see the finished piece!!
Do you all remember Greta and Rodney's Indiana Dream Home that I shared with you before? You know... the one with the huge outside porch that made me want to build my dream home? Well, I stopped by there on my way to Wooded Glenn Retreat Center to see the remodeling they've been working on.
Left: Check out this beautiful table they found. It has wonderful carved legs on old wooden casters, and it fits the space perfectly.
Right: Love the stone on the fireplace! Next to come is a mantle, which I am sure Rodney will make himself. The hearth is polished concrete that turned out beautiful.
Left: Here's the new kitchen! It now opens to the family room for a great open floor plan. It was great to see the 'before,' and now the 'after'. Watch out folks... I could move right in!
Right: The island and the bar create a great space for a quick snack or a chance to visit while preparing a meal. the door to the right goes out onto the beautiful porch that is my dream porch.
I Think on of my favorite pieces is this beautiful sideboard that Rodney made out of wood from Laura's barn.
Thanks, Rodney and Greta for sharing your house with me and my readers.
This is my view from my room at theWooded Glenn Retreat Center. If you have not visited, it is worth the drive.
I am honored to be in Planning Meetings with a great group of talented and creative people as we prepare forTriennium 2019.
Applications are currently being accepted for the 2019 if you'd like to get involved!
Beth and I came across this great little guy as we were taking an early morning walk.
For a while, we thought it might be a statue since the deer didn't move. We stared, he stared, but none of us moved.
We finally took a step forward and off he went. What a treat to start the morning meetings.
Wow! Can you believe that it is time to put a Christmas OPEN HOUSE on the calendar? It seems it was Christmas just a few weeks ago!! At least it seems that way to me... BUT... This is an Open House you won't want to miss!!
Hold the dates of November 2,3,4,5.
I'm so excited about what Mark has planned for this event and I am thrilled to be part of it. We want to share with you some of the one-of-a-kind items for sale at Crescent Hill TRADING COMPANY.
Join us to kick off the Holiday Season!
0 Comments
FABRICATING - My FAV!
9/21/2017
A whirlwind! That's how I'd describe the past few weeks! I was to be gone for only a few days starting the 31st of August, and that trip turned into almost three weeks of running the roads. But I wouldn't change it for anything! - except that IRMA would have stayed out over the water! But I do have to say, it's good to be home and back in the studio for a few days.
I know Phyllis is glad that I'm home so that I could finally deliver her custom order. It looks great!! Thanks for sharing your picture with us! I always approach a custom order with excitement and very seldom do I get nervous when I do a custom project, but this one took a little while to get started on since I wanted this memory chair to be perfect. And once it's delivered and I know they are happy, all the creative fun, excitement and nerves just make me smile. Now on to finish the next project.
The POD was loaded in one day...
...our original plan was going to be a week of carefully organizing everything and knowing what was coming off the truck first at the other end. Not so much!
IRMA changed all of that!
The POD was picked up on Monday and headed to SC to be delivered as soon as they close on their new house this next week. It's a good thing they have an empty garage to sort through everything before deciding where it all goes.
In the mean time, Murphy is here with me until things settle down. We're trying to figure out a new normal. At least he's letting me know what that normal is!
I put him in the kennel with our Beagle, 'BO'. The kennel is nice and large with a covered building and plenty of room for the two of them.
I went inside to finish getting ready to head out and run a few errands, went out the front door and found Murphy waiting for me by the car. I guess he's gotten used to all the traveling and escaped the kennel because he didn't want to be left behind.
Evidently, jail breaking makes you tired. LOL
I have a few days to get all my supplies together for the class I'm teaching at the FALL CRAFT WEEK in Montreat the first week of October. I spent yesterday pulling out supplies and trying to make sure I don't need to order anything for the class before I head to Triennium meetings next week.
My class is called, 'Fabric Exploration With A Purpose', and I have eight 3-Hour sessions to plan for.
The students will leave with lots of test samples of fabrics and techniques to take home for incorporating in their own art, and my plan is to teach them a new technique at the beginning of each session and then let them loose to create where their interests are.
One of the techniques I'll be teaching will be the yarn process that I used on this bag that was featured in HAUTE HANDBAGS several years ago.
We'll also be concentrating on how to make some fun cutwork designs - like on my Daisy Rag iPad cover PDF - to be incorporated into furniture, and how to change the look of a piece of fabric with color and stitching.
It's so fun to be back playing with fabric again! Fabricating is my FAV!
0 Comments
Paying it Forward...
9/13/2017
Continued from last week. . .
After what seemed like an eternity of driving, we finally made it all the way to Summerville, SC. We parted ways with Christie and LuLu as they headed on up to Boone, NC to hopefully avoid IRMA.. Brent and I were able to show Natalie some of the houses we had viewed a few days earlier, and just about everyone we ran into was trying to decide if it was time to evacuate SC. Not knowing what to do, and not wanting to get stuck in traffic, we decided after a day and a half that we would head to Kentucky and get Murphy into comfortable and familiar surroundings. There really is " no place like home', and 'sleep is always better in your own bed.'
The Memory Chair is finished!
Now if I can just get back in town long enough to deliver it to my client!
This was a fun chair to do... with lots of memories in the blocks, the shamrock, the music note, the rose in the top, and the last text that was sent. Black and white checks surround each square and it has black and white cording on both the chair and ottoman.
We started with the colors in her room, and then I picked out fabrics that coordinated and began the process of patching it all together.
Lots and Lots of work, but hopefully a piece that will pull the room together and, in the process, give new purpose to a beloved heirloom chair that the family will continue to treasure through the years.
I designed an ottoman to match and lots of decorative pillows for the family's sectional.
Bobby Allen did a beautiful job upholstering the chair and ottoman nice and pretty for me. Now just to finish a coordinating lamp and the order will be complete!
While Brent and I were exploring Summerville last week, we came across a treasure of a store. It's called Vintage South and it specializes in salvage, reclaimed wood, and vintage items.
They actually advertise the place as 'A Pickers Paradise', and it is!! It was so neat and tidy, it really gives the shopper a chance to study the pieces you might be interested in.
I know we'll be back when we're ready for another project!!
I have to say that, when you've been on the road for as much as we have lately, fast food is anything but desirable.
We were in SC near Natasha's house (Natalie's sister) about 8:30 one evening looking for a place to eat where we could sit outside since we had Murphy with us. That's how we came upon the RioChico, a Mexican restaurant.
They were preparing for IRMA and had already stacked all the tables and taken the outside chairs away to be stored. But after a quick conversation between Brent and the hostess, they set up a table, brought inside chairs out for us, brought Murphy some water, and waited on us with grace and style! True southern hospitality!!
As we finished a delicious meal and delightful evening in the breezy pre hurricane air, they brought us our check. The server took my credit card in to pay and immediately brought it back out. Three high school girls had heard our story and paid our bill!! Now to pay it forward.
I don't think I've ever seen Natalie's jaw drop like it did!! When she said, "That would have never happened where we lived," she was answered with a resounding, "Welcome to South Carolina!"
We ventured through Saluda, NC on our way to Kentucky so I could stop by Random Arts and check out the new fun and artsy clothing Jane has coming in for the Fall. Then we stopped by The Purple Onion and ordered lunch to go. We took Murphy to the park and sat at a picnic table and watched this fun little downtown hop! A nice stop on a crazy trip!
This was a first!
We stopped at a rest area on our way to KY and found this sign and bars in front of the vending machines. You had to reach through the bars to make your selection. It really disturbs me that we are coming to this in our society. What has happened to trust and honesty?
We topped off our gas tank whenever we could find a station that had gas available, but we went through a lot of areas where there was no gas, diesel, or power. This Love's Travel Station was a great find. Things were nice and orderly, and the people were kind to each other as they shared stories of where they were headed and what they might have to face when they returned home. We also stopped at a local rest area that had no power or restrooms, so they provided Port-o-Potties for travelers. Hospitality comes in many forms!
It was so good to be home again, and I was glad for the brief time we had to rest and then to pick up some furniture from the upholsterer, finish decorative pillows, and start processing a class I'm getting ready to teach in Montreat, NC during their Fall Craft Week the first week of October.
If you are looking for a fun week in the mountains, we would love to have you join us!
My latest creation...
The Jungle Tones Accent Chair, is finished and available at Crescent Hill TRADING COMPANY.
It's a mixture of fabrics: an ultra suede, an upholstery weight linen, and an upholstery jacquard, and some fun chain bead trim, all on a well loved chair.
The pillow is being sold with the chair.
The whole time we were traveling, we were back and forth on the computer with the couple we showed the kid's house to the day we evacuated Florida. The buyers have agreed on terms to purchase the house from Natalie and Brent as long as the inspection goes well. Now it's just a waiting game.
This is just one of the areas we had to clean up when we got home. they count themselves blessed that in the big scheme of things, they had very little damage. Off to SC again...
0 Comments
Avoiding Irma
9/7/2017
Boring is definitely a word that would describe the crazy antics of my life in any form or fashion. The fact that Jeff just keeps loving and supporting my antics is really a true gift. This week's journey begins!!
I flew out to Charleston, South Carolina on Friday afternoon and, after an hour weather delay, made it just about the same time that Brent drove in to pick me up. We headed out to the 'hotel,' which had a good rating... at least in somebody's opinion!
The fact is, we walked in, set our stuff down, wondered what the musty smell was, stepped in water and turned and walked out. Another room later and we settled in for the night but were careful what we touched. This was a college throwback hotel!! We stayed knowing we weren't going to be there long... but, OH MY! The only saving grace of this place was the wonderful staff.
The next morning we were up and out to explore Summerville, SC.
After a good breakfast at the Coastal Coffee Roasters we headed to the Summerville Farmers Market.
The first booth we came to was a pen full of dressed up pigs. It's not every day you see a pig in a tutu!
They were so funny to watch, and the kids around us just loved climbing in and out of the pen with them. We sent a picture to Natalie - our 'big city' girl - and told her “welcome to your new town” LOL.
On to the beautiful fruits, vegetables and flowers. This is a very fun farmers market to stroll around and enjoy on a beautiful Saturday morning.
After our morning explorations we met with the realtor and looked at houses, houses, and more houses. Brent finally found one that seems to have everything he and Natalie are looking for, so after lots of Facetimes, Snap Chats, and videos, they decided to put in an offer... We are waiting to hear back from the realtor...
We were able to meet up with a friend in Charleston for a quick lunch at a relatively new place called The Workshop.
It's six rotating kitchens set up in an old warehouse that's been converted into offices and restaurants. It's a great place where chef’s experiment with new dishes and those with upstart businesses who try their hand at retail in a food court atmosphere. They test the waters to see if their dishes are successful and then move on.
Brent would definitely say the Gila Monster at Juan Lewis was a hit!!
Thanks for the suggestion, Kenneth!
Even while house hunting in South Carolina, we kept checking on the IRMA updates.
On Tuesday we started collecting water jugs and bottled water to take back to Delray with us, since all reports were that the Florida stores were completely sold out.
24 gallon jugs and four - 32 case containers of bottles later, we met with the movers.
Natalie's sister, Natasha, and her family are moving to Summerville, which is why Nat and Brent have decided to move there too.
We stayed while the movers unloaded Natasha’s house before heading back to Delray to buckle down the hatches. I played “Moving Bingo” as I marked off the boxes they unloaded... and then I sent Brent out to find gas cans to fill up and take to Florida, since reports were that gas was already out too.
30 gallons of gas loaded up and we were headed back in to Florida while everyone else was headed out!
We had a day in Delray for a house showing and to pick up Natalie. Irma was definitely messing with our schedule. The minute the home buyers walked out the door at 7:00 pm we started hurricane proofing everything and were back on the road by 8:00 pm towards SC with a friend and her dog following us.
TIRED?.... no NEVER!
We drove till early morning with lines and lines of other cars evacuating. At 2:00 am I finally found ONE hotel with ONE room and ONE bed in the city of Jacksonville, that also accepted dogs. A king size bed for four people, and two dogs - Murphy and a Chihuahua named LuLu. The fact that Murphy doesn't like other dogs, and would eat LuLu for breakfast if given a chance, made settling down interesting. College hotel throwback #2... three ladies in the bed, Brent on the floor with Murphy, and LuLu in her carrier in the bathtub with the door shut. It's been a long time since I've had a trip this crazy. On to Summerville, SC again with IRMA hot on our trail!
Sweet old Murphy... he did pretty well, all considered.
We originally were headed to Delray to meet up with Jeff. He was bringing a trailer down to pack up but IRMA sure changed our plans! My good friend, Bob once told me that his dad used to tell him, 'Man Plans, and God Laughs'. At least we're laughing too!
TO BE CONTINUED...
4 Comments
Jayn Lando - I love all your fun, crazy adventures!
Leslie - I am having lots of fun that is for sure!!
Jenny Ellis - Hi Leslie! I enjoy reading your blog posts- you seem to have a talent for bringing color and positivity into everything you do. A lesson for all of us! I am also struck by the joy and closeness you share with your family. That is the greatest blessing! I would love to place some of your beautiful furniture pieces with some of my customers one of these days. I am keeping my eye out for a good candidate! Best wishes to you and your family!
Leslie - Ah thanks Jenny!! You made my day with your comments!! I am definitely enjoying life and being able to come and go with my family. Let me know when I can help. Have a great day!!
9/27/2017
A week teaching in the mountains at Montreat..... 24 plus whole hours of class time with like minded souls has to be the most rewarding, relaxing and peaceful week I have ever had "working"! I hope you can check out the Fall Craft Week and join us next year!
We were able to spread out and put all our different supplies in stations for ease of getting to them - and then finding them after we started the creative process.
There were wonderful porches to work on so we could enjoy the fresh Fall air, large sinks to use for our water supply, and even a washer and dryer to wash out the excess dye as we prepared the fabrics for use.
This was the most rewarding, restful class I think that I have ever taught.... and they accomplished so much!
We started the day getting a new pot of fabric ready to dye and then rinsing out what had been in the dye bath overnight. The ladies will be able to take anywhere from five or more yards of fabric home with them to use for future projects.
Check out the beautiful setting we had to work in! Shannon is set with her protective gear while dying fabrics, and on the right are a few of the finished pieces the students created the first day of class using the Dropped Fiber technique. Watch next week to see what projects they created with some of there fabrics!
Here are two great fiber pieces using various yarns, ribbons, and fibers that were created by Ruth and Shannon. this is an easy way to create a fun piece of custom fabric. I'm going to start some of these fabrics today to go on an ottoman for Crescent Hill Trading Company and some fun bags for Consider Boutique for the holiday season.
Look at the fun cutwork pieces that were created. They'll get their soft frayed finishes after a round in the washer and dryer. I made cute frayed piece on the right and will use it on a game ottoman. You can find instructions for this technique on my website under FREE Stuff - Leslie's Fruffled Pillow Instructional PDF.
And of course, CHOCOLATE was involved!... since chocolate and sewing go hand in hand!
Susan and Gail are using the Pentel Fabric Pastels to create their own fabric designs. Oh!, this product has so many possibilities!!
You can see the flowers she's used the gel on.
This is a great process if you want to create your one of a kind fabrics or you don't have just the right piece in the studio for your latest project. I can hardly wait to see the finished product!
We will be painting this fabric first thing in the morning using Dye-na-flow fabric paints.
Just a little plain Rubbing Alcohol. This is a great technique to use as a multi-generational event or as a child's birthday party.
GREAT class ladies! You are so talented!!
The pottery class, which was held upstairs above the fabric class in the Sally Jones Craft Hut, was constantly busy!
There were wheels turning and pots of all types being created... and oh they were beautiful!!
I so enjoyed having Sue and Libby here this week. (in the left picture) They are friends from home whose children enjoyed Montreat Youth Conferences but they had never spent any time here themselves. They seemed to have a great time... and I think they will be back!!
Ann Laird Jones (left picture, left side) was the organizer behind this powerful week, and Becky Garrity (right) was the talented Pottery teacher/artist for the week. Check out garritypotter.com/ Great job ladies! Thanks for all the hard work!
STAINED GLASS
Roger Maness spent the week teaching his students how to create Stained Glass...They all came in thinking there was no way they could complete a project, but their projects all turned out BEAUTIFUL! Way to go Roger!.... great class as usual!! I think Roger needs to come teach in the studio.... what do you think?
I'm off to Charleston/Summerville for a few days for a little R&R - which is not really needed after this laid back week. Watch for next week's blog for the great finished photos of class projects!!
3 Comments
Nancy Jo Hill - I would like know more how you used the sharpies as I would like to use them on my doll faces.
Hugs NJLeslie - Hey Nancy Jo!! I am afraid this might not work for that application. When you spray on the alcohol it creates a pretty watercolor effect but may bleed too much for the doll faces. Are you doing lots of fun creating?
Jayn Lando - What a fantastic week it looks like!!
More of that Dream House...
9/27/2017
A little time in the studio has been good for the soul. I was able to spend several days getting supplies ready for the class I'm teaching in MONTREAT at the Fall Craft Week. And it's a good thing I have all the back seats removed from the Honda Odyssey so I can fit in all the supplies that I want to take with me. I never know what we may want to get into so I better pack it all! Sure hope some of you can join us for a week in the mountains!
This is a shabby chic Fleur di Lis that I created for a wing back chair I'm working on. When it's finished, you'll find it in my Shabby But Chic Collection.
It'll be different than anything I've tried before, and I really like the way it's turning out. There will be three different fabrics in the finished project and it'll blend into a lot of different styles.
Once again I'm going to say, that if I had planned my studio from scratch, it would NOT have black carpet!
I made quite a mess while I was making the cording for the chair and I really appreciate the new Shark vacuum that Jeff picked up the other day. It works wonders!
Elephants, Elephants and more Elephants!
I just loved having input from both my cute daughter-in-laws during the design process.
This 34" ottoman has five different fabrics incorporated in its design and will have covered buttons at the bottom of the pennants and tassel fringe around the bottom.
I can't wait to see the finished piece!!
Do you all remember Greta and Rodney's Indiana Dream Home that I shared with you before? You know... the one with the huge outside porch that made me want to build my dream home? Well, I stopped by there on my way to Wooded Glenn Retreat Center to see the remodeling they've been working on.
Left: Check out this beautiful table they found. It has wonderful carved legs on old wooden casters, and it fits the space perfectly.
Right: Love the stone on the fireplace! Next to come is a mantle, which I am sure Rodney will make himself. The hearth is polished concrete that turned out beautiful.
Left: Here's the new kitchen! It now opens to the family room for a great open floor plan. It was great to see the 'before,' and now the 'after'. Watch out folks... I could move right in!
Right: The island and the bar create a great space for a quick snack or a chance to visit while preparing a meal. the door to the right goes out onto the beautiful porch that is my dream porch.
I Think on of my favorite pieces is this beautiful sideboard that Rodney made out of wood from Laura's barn.
Thanks, Rodney and Greta for sharing your house with me and my readers.
I am honored to be in Planning Meetings with a great group of talented and creative people as we prepare forTriennium 2019.
Applications are currently being accepted for the 2019 if you'd like to get involved!
Beth and I came across this great little guy as we were taking an early morning walk.
For a while, we thought it might be a statue since the deer didn't move. We stared, he stared, but none of us moved.
We finally took a step forward and off he went. What a treat to start the morning meetings.
Wow! Can you believe that it is time to put a Christmas OPEN HOUSE on the calendar? It seems it was Christmas just a few weeks ago!! At least it seems that way to me... BUT... This is an Open House you won't want to miss!!
Hold the dates of November 2,3,4,5.
I'm so excited about what Mark has planned for this event and I am thrilled to be part of it. We want to share with you some of the one-of-a-kind items for sale at Crescent Hill TRADING COMPANY.
Join us to kick off the Holiday Season!
0 Comments
FABRICATING - My FAV!
9/21/2017
A whirlwind! That's how I'd describe the past few weeks! I was to be gone for only a few days starting the 31st of August, and that trip turned into almost three weeks of running the roads. But I wouldn't change it for anything! - except that IRMA would have stayed out over the water! But I do have to say, it's good to be home and back in the studio for a few days.
I know Phyllis is glad that I'm home so that I could finally deliver her custom order. It looks great!! Thanks for sharing your picture with us! I always approach a custom order with excitement and very seldom do I get nervous when I do a custom project, but this one took a little while to get started on since I wanted this memory chair to be perfect. And once it's delivered and I know they are happy, all the creative fun, excitement and nerves just make me smile. Now on to finish the next project.
...our original plan was going to be a week of carefully organizing everything and knowing what was coming off the truck first at the other end. Not so much!
IRMA changed all of that!
The POD was picked up on Monday and headed to SC to be delivered as soon as they close on their new house this next week. It's a good thing they have an empty garage to sort through everything before deciding where it all goes.
I put him in the kennel with our Beagle, 'BO'. The kennel is nice and large with a covered building and plenty of room for the two of them.
I went inside to finish getting ready to head out and run a few errands, went out the front door and found Murphy waiting for me by the car. I guess he's gotten used to all the traveling and escaped the kennel because he didn't want to be left behind.
Evidently, jail breaking makes you tired. LOL
I have a few days to get all my supplies together for the class I'm teaching at the FALL CRAFT WEEK in Montreat the first week of October. I spent yesterday pulling out supplies and trying to make sure I don't need to order anything for the class before I head to Triennium meetings next week.
My class is called, 'Fabric Exploration With A Purpose', and I have eight 3-Hour sessions to plan for.
The students will leave with lots of test samples of fabrics and techniques to take home for incorporating in their own art, and my plan is to teach them a new technique at the beginning of each session and then let them loose to create where their interests are.
One of the techniques I'll be teaching will be the yarn process that I used on this bag that was featured in HAUTE HANDBAGS several years ago.
We'll also be concentrating on how to make some fun cutwork designs - like on my Daisy Rag iPad cover PDF - to be incorporated into furniture, and how to change the look of a piece of fabric with color and stitching.
It's so fun to be back playing with fabric again! Fabricating is my FAV!
0 Comments
Paying it Forward...
9/13/2017
Continued from last week. . .
After what seemed like an eternity of driving, we finally made it all the way to Summerville, SC. We parted ways with Christie and LuLu as they headed on up to Boone, NC to hopefully avoid IRMA.. Brent and I were able to show Natalie some of the houses we had viewed a few days earlier, and just about everyone we ran into was trying to decide if it was time to evacuate SC. Not knowing what to do, and not wanting to get stuck in traffic, we decided after a day and a half that we would head to Kentucky and get Murphy into comfortable and familiar surroundings. There really is " no place like home', and 'sleep is always better in your own bed.'
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Now if I can just get back in town long enough to deliver it to my client!
This was a fun chair to do... with lots of memories in the blocks, the shamrock, the music note, the rose in the top, and the last text that was sent. Black and white checks surround each square and it has black and white cording on both the chair and ottoman.
We started with the colors in her room, and then I picked out fabrics that coordinated and began the process of patching it all together.
Lots and Lots of work, but hopefully a piece that will pull the room together and, in the process, give new purpose to a beloved heirloom chair that the family will continue to treasure through the years.
I designed an ottoman to match and lots of decorative pillows for the family's sectional.
Bobby Allen did a beautiful job upholstering the chair and ottoman nice and pretty for me. Now just to finish a coordinating lamp and the order will be complete!
They actually advertise the place as 'A Pickers Paradise', and it is!! It was so neat and tidy, it really gives the shopper a chance to study the pieces you might be interested in.
I know we'll be back when we're ready for another project!!
We were in SC near Natasha's house (Natalie's sister) about 8:30 one evening looking for a place to eat where we could sit outside since we had Murphy with us. That's how we came upon the RioChico, a Mexican restaurant.
They were preparing for IRMA and had already stacked all the tables and taken the outside chairs away to be stored. But after a quick conversation between Brent and the hostess, they set up a table, brought inside chairs out for us, brought Murphy some water, and waited on us with grace and style! True southern hospitality!!
I don't think I've ever seen Natalie's jaw drop like it did!! When she said, "That would have never happened where we lived," she was answered with a resounding, "Welcome to South Carolina!"
We ventured through Saluda, NC on our way to Kentucky so I could stop by Random Arts and check out the new fun and artsy clothing Jane has coming in for the Fall. Then we stopped by The Purple Onion and ordered lunch to go. We took Murphy to the park and sat at a picnic table and watched this fun little downtown hop! A nice stop on a crazy trip!
We stopped at a rest area on our way to KY and found this sign and bars in front of the vending machines. You had to reach through the bars to make your selection. It really disturbs me that we are coming to this in our society. What has happened to trust and honesty?
We topped off our gas tank whenever we could find a station that had gas available, but we went through a lot of areas where there was no gas, diesel, or power. This Love's Travel Station was a great find. Things were nice and orderly, and the people were kind to each other as they shared stories of where they were headed and what they might have to face when they returned home. We also stopped at a local rest area that had no power or restrooms, so they provided Port-o-Potties for travelers. Hospitality comes in many forms!
If you are looking for a fun week in the mountains, we would love to have you join us!
My latest creation...
The Jungle Tones Accent Chair, is finished and available at Crescent Hill TRADING COMPANY.
It's a mixture of fabrics: an ultra suede, an upholstery weight linen, and an upholstery jacquard, and some fun chain bead trim, all on a well loved chair.
The pillow is being sold with the chair.
The whole time we were traveling, we were back and forth on the computer with the couple we showed the kid's house to the day we evacuated Florida. The buyers have agreed on terms to purchase the house from Natalie and Brent as long as the inspection goes well. Now it's just a waiting game.
This is just one of the areas we had to clean up when we got home. they count themselves blessed that in the big scheme of things, they had very little damage. Off to SC again...
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Avoiding Irma
9/7/2017
Boring is definitely a word that would describe the crazy antics of my life in any form or fashion. The fact that Jeff just keeps loving and supporting my antics is really a true gift. This week's journey begins!!
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| Summerville, South Carolina |
The fact is, we walked in, set our stuff down, wondered what the musty smell was, stepped in water and turned and walked out. Another room later and we settled in for the night but were careful what we touched. This was a college throwback hotel!! We stayed knowing we weren't going to be there long... but, OH MY! The only saving grace of this place was the wonderful staff.
The next morning we were up and out to explore Summerville, SC.
After a good breakfast at the Coastal Coffee Roasters we headed to the Summerville Farmers Market.
The first booth we came to was a pen full of dressed up pigs. It's not every day you see a pig in a tutu!
They were so funny to watch, and the kids around us just loved climbing in and out of the pen with them. We sent a picture to Natalie - our 'big city' girl - and told her “welcome to your new town” LOL.
On to the beautiful fruits, vegetables and flowers. This is a very fun farmers market to stroll around and enjoy on a beautiful Saturday morning.
After our morning explorations we met with the realtor and looked at houses, houses, and more houses. Brent finally found one that seems to have everything he and Natalie are looking for, so after lots of Facetimes, Snap Chats, and videos, they decided to put in an offer... We are waiting to hear back from the realtor...
We were able to meet up with a friend in Charleston for a quick lunch at a relatively new place called The Workshop.
It's six rotating kitchens set up in an old warehouse that's been converted into offices and restaurants. It's a great place where chef’s experiment with new dishes and those with upstart businesses who try their hand at retail in a food court atmosphere. They test the waters to see if their dishes are successful and then move on.
Brent would definitely say the Gila Monster at Juan Lewis was a hit!!
Thanks for the suggestion, Kenneth!
Even while house hunting in South Carolina, we kept checking on the IRMA updates.
On Tuesday we started collecting water jugs and bottled water to take back to Delray with us, since all reports were that the Florida stores were completely sold out.
24 gallon jugs and four - 32 case containers of bottles later, we met with the movers.
Natalie's sister, Natasha, and her family are moving to Summerville, which is why Nat and Brent have decided to move there too.
30 gallons of gas loaded up and we were headed back in to Florida while everyone else was headed out!
We had a day in Delray for a house showing and to pick up Natalie. Irma was definitely messing with our schedule. The minute the home buyers walked out the door at 7:00 pm we started hurricane proofing everything and were back on the road by 8:00 pm towards SC with a friend and her dog following us.
TIRED?.... no NEVER!
We drove till early morning with lines and lines of other cars evacuating. At 2:00 am I finally found ONE hotel with ONE room and ONE bed in the city of Jacksonville, that also accepted dogs. A king size bed for four people, and two dogs - Murphy and a Chihuahua named LuLu. The fact that Murphy doesn't like other dogs, and would eat LuLu for breakfast if given a chance, made settling down interesting. College hotel throwback #2... three ladies in the bed, Brent on the floor with Murphy, and LuLu in her carrier in the bathtub with the door shut. It's been a long time since I've had a trip this crazy. On to Summerville, SC again with IRMA hot on our trail!
Sweet old Murphy... he did pretty well, all considered.
We originally were headed to Delray to meet up with Jeff. He was bringing a trailer down to pack up but IRMA sure changed our plans! My good friend, Bob once told me that his dad used to tell him, 'Man Plans, and God Laughs'. At least we're laughing too!
TO BE CONTINUED...
4 Comments
Jayn Lando - I love all your fun, crazy adventures!
Leslie - I am having lots of fun that is for sure!!
Jenny Ellis - Hi Leslie! I enjoy reading your blog posts- you seem to have a talent for bringing color and positivity into everything you do. A lesson for all of us! I am also struck by the joy and closeness you share with your family. That is the greatest blessing! I would love to place some of your beautiful furniture pieces with some of my customers one of these days. I am keeping my eye out for a good candidate! Best wishes to you and your family!
Leslie - Ah thanks Jenny!! You made my day with your comments!! I am definitely enjoying life and being able to come and go with my family. Let me know when I can help. Have a great day!!
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