what makes you happy on a rainy day?

Today I was out and about and stopped into a local antique shop. I came across these adorable mercury glass mushrooms. I was feeling a little whimsical or Kelly Wearstlerish and had to have. Tag said $12 bucks for the trio, they jumped in a bag and came home with me. What makes you smile on a gloomy, rainy day? Today....... mushrooms. See Jackie from Teal and Lime's March 16th post.

Mercury Glass Mushrooms

by JACKIE on MARCH 16, 2012 · 4 COMMENTS

I have to share the adorable-ness! Last weekend we made the journey (I left out the word epic, because it is only a 35 minute drive) to Room & Board and West Elm. We planned to just window shop, but I could not resist the mercury glass cuteness at West Elm.  I made a day-after-payday impulse buy. I bought three of the various sized mercury glass mushrooms. I only passed on the smallest one.

My motives for the purchase:

• My DIY mercury glass hurricanes and my mercury glass owl needed some more mercury glass friends
• I am in the midst of planning a bug party for my soon-to-be two year old and how cute would these mushrooms be for a bug themed centerpiece?

Blinded by my motives I overlooked the total price tag of $60 for the three mushrooms.  I thought maybe I would have buyer’s remorse due to the price, but I never did.  Let’s just be happy I stopped at three, because I tell you seeing tons of these guys lining the West Elm shelves is super adorable.  If they were a bit more affordable, I would have bought a garden of mercury glass mushrooms.

Once I unwrapped them at home and set them up in a cluster on the mantel, I was even more in love.  They are such a happy addition to the family room.  They provide balance to the mantel with the owl on the other side.  If you are keeping track, I also made a few other mantel changes or maybe I should say removals.  See the subtle holiday mantel for the before.  After the holidays I removed the vase of jingle bells.  Recently, to make room for the mushrooms, I removed the large turquoise vases.  I instantly liked how much lighter and airer the mantel felt.  I still need to make a few other mantel changes for spring…

My Etsy Valentine

Here are a few fun finds on etsy for valentines day- gimme, gimme!

I actually have this print. Bought it at the Crafty Bastards show in DC last year. L-O-V-E, LOVE IT! The husband, of the husband and wife team, of strawberryluna said it is one of his favorites. SOLD

Sweet heart bowls by ross lab

Want to buy one of these totally awesome pieces by Pure Essentia. Very boho chic!

shut up and kiss me. Lemonade lip balm

by lippydudu

I have these because I made them. I opened up an etsy site, an eclectic girl, to sell cool stuff like these adorable pillows. I think they have a Jonathan Adler vibe.

Painting of the Day- "Baby Ghoul" by Nicky Hoberman

I have liked British artist, Nicky Hoberman for many years.  The facial expressions of the children are somber and serious which makes them so cool. I am also a big fan of minimal backgrounds.

Think Pink

secret fairies

Nicky Hoberman's style is a mixture of photorealism and caricature, illogical figures contrasted against even and flat backgrounds interpreted only through their clothes, expressions, and poses. She is perhaps most famous for her effective investigation of the concepts of isolation, identity, and individuality through her art. 

atomic kitten

The last paintings, secret fairies and atomic kitten were the first I saw and when I began to admire her work. Super talented!

Trash to Treasure - rehab a chair

Okay, if I see a cool-looking chair in someone's trash on trash day, yes, I will throw it in the back of my truck. I saved this mid-century chair, in fairly good condition except for the old vinyl seat cover, from death.

I disassembled the chair back and legs and removed vinyl covering. Next, I stapled new fabric onto wood seat. Spray-painted all wood parts of the chair, let dry and reassembled. It looks great and has been given a new life.

super adorable! what do you think?

the littles

For my open studio in December, I painted several mini paintings. Here is a collection of them. Canvas sizes range from 4" x 6" to 5" x 7". I have recently been working with handmade paper for the background of each piece. I like mixed media and painting small for a change.

Painting of the day - "Odette" by Ryan Pickart

I discovered Pickart when someone pinned one of artist I like on pinterest. Isn't pinterest lovely?

Ryan Pickart is an artist from Lowell, Indiana.  He started off by showing in local art shows and then became a HUGE sensation on Pinterest! He’s been compared to Klimt and Egon Schiele.  His images have spread like wild fire and I’m sure his career has as well.

Odette, 22" x 28" oil on canvas

One more by this artist.... I think you can see more of Klimt and Schiele influence in this painting.

Regina

2012 christmas card

Here is this year's Christmas card. We spent Thanksgiving at my brother-in-law's folks place this year. The photos were shot around their beautiful property in Harwood, Maryland. A perfect backdrop for my wonderful kids, Hannah (14) and Jake (11). What a true blessing they are! You too, Bear.

Happy Holidays!

DIY - cute fox dolls

Saw this DIY on one of my favorite blogs - A Beautiful Mess. I made a few for the holidays and then decided to make more for my open studio. I used white velvet, faux fur and gold lame for the backing. I think they are adorable and have a more seasonal feel. 

Here's what you need and how to make......

PLUSH FOX DOLL D.I.Y.

A few years back I made and sold these cute plush fox pillows through Red Velvet. Since it's a retired product now, we decided to teach you how to make them! These foxes are a fun one-evening sewing project that you can do with even the most basic sewing skills! Enjoy! 

1: Supplies Needed- Simple solid, print, and white cotton fabric, scissors, card stock, plush stuffing, sewing machine/needle and thread and child safe snap on button eyes and noses. (You can find them in the doll section at your local craft store.) 2. Cut out the back and front of the fox. We made ours an estimate 1x2 ft. 3. Cut out and trace a circle from card stock on the back of your patterned fabric. This will be for the fox's belly! 4. Next, sew on a triangle shape for the snout with the white fabric. For the eyes and nose, make a tiny hole with scissors, poke the eyes and nose through and secure it with the back snap. 5. After you've sewn on the snout, sew on the belly! You'll always want to sew on the snout first, guaranteeing that the belly won't be too high or too low. 6. Once you've decorated the front, place both sides together with the outsides facing in and sew them together, leaving a small gap at the bottom. After you've sewn your fox together, flip him inside out and fill with stuffing! Last, hand stitch the opening. All done!

Try adding different details and embellishments to give your foxes cute personalities! Have fun. XOXO. elsie