Sharing My Art

One thing I've been able to do this week while I'm giving my back time to heal is paint! No, not walls (although I have a few that need it!), but artwork.

In the studio

I'm not good at sharing my art. I don't know why...I guess it feels like I'm bragging or something. But seriously, I love to create beautiful, whimsical, or thought-provoking art.

Occasionally, I do a "paint and sip" type paint party too. (Those are great fun. I want to give people a fun experience with art. So many are intimidated and I want them to know they can create!).

I love doing pet portraits from colorful ones to realistic.

"Aubergine, the Queen"

"Buddy" in color

"Ginger"

"Maple"

I'm often inspired by my travels.

"Memories of New England"

"Bicycle in an English Garden"

I do paint people but prefer them doing something, not sitting for a photo portrait although I do paint traditional portraits. Children are fun to paint!

"Budding Artist"

"Megan - 2 1/2 years old"

"Snow Angel"

Fantasy - my favorite. I get to use my imagination. :o)

"Midnight's Journey"

Thought-provoking - this one is titled "The Battle For Her Dreams". Do you feel like you've had to fight to hold onto your dreams? How many have you lost or held onto?

Objects with character (old, rusty, you get the idea).

Old wagon wheel 

Food and Flowers.

Yummy Dessert - palette knife technique

Poppies

Greeting cards and signs too.

Christmas card design

coffee sign on wood panel

RV sign from old fence pickets

I sell mostly word of mouth but I'm looking for another avenue this year.

I hope you've enjoyed seeing some of my artwork. If you'd like to see more, you can click on My Artwork on the side bar or go to www.ceciliabramhall.com.

Happy creating!

Cecilia

I'm sharing at these parties!
Vintage Charm Party 27
Homemade and Handcrafted no. 21
Feathered Nest Friday 21

What I Love About My Bedroom

I'm in love with my bedroom at the farm. I wanted a peaceful, relaxing room to sleep in, with of course, some farmhouse whimsy thrown in. I think I achieved that!  Every time I walk in, I heave a deep sigh of happiness. Just what I was after!

So what's my favorite part? That's a hard one - there are several things I love in this room.

I love the color of my walls. I was a bit worried when I first started painting them that it was going to be too dark. It's not. Instead, the color adds a richness and cocooning feel that was lacking with the plain white walls.

The curtains and furniture are neutral in color too. That way there isn't a lot of visual noise and I can control the amount of bright color by using accessories; in this case a few pops of color from my artwork and red accents, like the quilt Bruce's grandmother made us.

Also, I really love my new rug - I bought an indoor/outdoor one - it's soft underfoot but has a great textural look. Perfect!

source

My old door turned headboard with its metal accent piece is another thing I love. I actually found some tin ceiling tiles I think will work in the panels, so I will be replacing the metal piece with the tin eventually. It's such a great farmhouse look!

And of course, I adore my sliding barn door. I wasn't too sure about my paint treatment but after living with it a couple of weeks, I really like it. Plus, we don't have a door that eats up floor space. :o)

I love all the things that say "this is us". Like the bench with its stenciled saying,

the artwork that reflects country living,

Currier and Ives Four Seasons Prints

farm stitchery - a thrift store find

the pet portraits of my boys I painted in a colorful, whimsical style,

Herbie and Buddy - these make me smile every time!

 and then small touches like my posh rabbit, old toy truck (mine), tractor (Bruce's), wood crate, fox, and rooster lamp.

Last and probably most important, I love our bed and soft sheets. They are essential for a good night's sleep!

We splurged and bought a really good mattress then I made sure we had soft and comfortable sheets to put on it. I have to admit I'm a sheet snob...I can't stand scratchy sheets. Parachute, a bedding company, offers luxurious bedding with attention to quality. I really want to buy a set and try them out. Their bedding sounds so sumptuous. Just what I like!

All these things add up to make this a room I truly love and enjoy. And very definitely us!

What's your favorite thing about your bedroom?

Having fun linking at these parties:
Savvy Southern Style Wow Us Wednesdays
Coastal Charm Show And Share

A Flowerbed, Finished Bench, and a Pet Portrait

We spent Memorial Day weekend at the farm...it's always nice to have a long weekend. Again we had near perfect weather and we got to enjoy it in our peaceful and beautiful surroundings.

Before I go on, I'd like to take a moment to remember all who have served or are serving our nation to ensure our freedom. We are grateful for your service and sacrifice. So a huge "Thank you"!

I brought a few plants up to put in the flowerbeds. I cleaned out an area by the front door (the liriope/ monkey grass had completely taken over) and planted my oak leaf hydrangea my MIL gave me, plus some Salvia too.

 These concrete edger pieces have been sitting by the front door since we bought the place. I finally found the perfect use for them!

So much better!

And some of the plants I planted last time are actually starting to bloom!
The Black and Blue Sage:

The Little Buckaroo rosebush:

Everything is doing really well. I'm so excited to have lots of places to garden in.

I also finished my bench! Here's what it looked liked before I started work on it:

I shared last time how we took it apart started work on it. It was ready this weekend to paint! I put two coats of paint on the slats, let them dry, and then Bruce helped me put it back together. It's the perfect accent for the front porch and it's a great spot to relax with a glass of iced tea and favorite magazine or book. Won't you join me?

I love the turquoise color!

 We went over to our neighbor's vineyard Saturday night as he was hosting a Humane Society fund raiser. They had "Wall Work by Judy" there doing a "Paint Your Pet" party. We brought a photo of a pet in and she showed us how to paint a colorful pet portrait. I had a good headshot of Buddy so I painted him. It's different from the way I normally paint but quite fun to do. I have to admit, I'm very happy with my painting!

It looks really good on the mantel. I need to do one of Herbie too so I have a painting of both of them.

I also refreshed my chalkboard art:

My long chalkboard canvas is perfect for hiding the fireplace surround where the paint has worn off and looks yucky. :o)

The dewberries are still plentiful...I picked enough for two more pies. The vines behind the barn are full but not yet ripe - it's a good crop this year! And the blueberries are doing great too, I'm happy to report. We should be picking those in a few weeks.

It was so wonderful to have an extra day there. We had such a good time with friends and working/relaxing on the farm. It was a great kickoff for Summer.

Until the next time,

Cecilia

I am linking up at these parties!
Fluster Creative Muster-linky-party-73
Lavender Garden Cottage:Cottage-Style-Party
Cozy Little House Tweak-it-tuesday-91
Revisionary Life Thrifty-life-thursday-20