Nutella Party

Today was a belated "World Nutella Day" celebration hosted by the lovely and talented Alexis from Fern and Feather. We all made our favorite nutella treats and spent the morning drinking coffee and telling stories.......really.......really good stories. I now have so much dirt on these girls! ha ha ha ha ha

Just look at the beautiful way Alexis set up the dessert bar. I love how she pays attention to the little details. She's pretty much perfect in my book.

T'was a fantastic way to start the day, but I don't think I can handle any sweets for the rest of the year.

What crazy people do for fun!

Yeah.....I know.......it's March and the water's 58 degrees, but our groupon kayak tour was about to expire so we had to do it.

Truth is.......it was fabulous! The sun was out and we were plenty warm in full suits. As for the group shot of us (Nelz behind the camera), I'm just as confused as you. Semi-humping, crazy dancing, and Zuri may have had an accident in his wetsuit.

The views were AMAZING! I have always wanted to see La Jolla cove from down there. Lots of sea lions, some fish, caves, beautiful kelp and good times. I definitely want to come back this summer but without the suit, jacket and helmet. Since we all look so dorky, it felt okay.

Totally Random

I thought I'd start the weekend with some random pictures I snapped this week. A vintage buffet I stuck in my space over at Barrels and Branches. Also, lots of vintage pottery. (sorry, no picture)
Do the candles look familiar? No...they're not mine. I sold my business to Calypso Candles and they are now available at Barrels and Branches as well. So if your candle stash is low, you know where to go. They're working on their website and I'll let you know as soon as it's up.

Lastly, I had to post a picture of the first orchid I ever got to re-bloom. I was one of those people who just threw them away once they were spent. No more! A friend told me to give it a little water every day or so and it really works. ( no special fertilizers needed)

Have a great weekend, Karin

Before and After-Vintage Hutch

Look at my new baby! A friend of mine bought this old house about a year ago and is planning to tear it down. I got there just in time to harvest this beautiful hutch. I know what you're thinking.......why demo this cute old house? But in reality....this house was done. Termites had completely eaten their way through the log cabin and every room was falling apart. I even had to treat part of the hutch for termites. This house was well used up and it was it's time. (note to builder--log cabins by the beach won't last long in our termite town)

Because this piece was built-in to the wall, our friend reconstructed the whole backside and put the drawers back together. It took 2 coats of primer, and 2-3 coats of paint and a good soapy bath to get the crud off the glass knobs. Look at the original paper in the drawers. Isn't it rad? Just wiped them down and they look as good as new.

Now my plan is to paint the walls a light airy citron color which seems to be so hard to find right now. Not too green, not too yellow. Anybody have any recommendations?

Can't wait to show you when it's done.

Another Project crossed off the list

I got this locker for only $20!!!! A perfect addition to the laundry room. This beast holds everything!

It took about 6 cans of spray paint in my make shift spray booth constructed on the driveway. I think I actually got a little high on fumes with this one.
The embarrassing part was when I went back to Home Depot for more paint (and a respirator) and forgot to look in the mirror first. I had paint around my nose, and deep in my nostrils while checking out in a line full of dudes! So attractive. I don't even remember driving home.


I've got another even bigger project underway. It's taking some serious blood sweat and lots of tears but I see the end in sight. It's so great it needs it's own post.

Cabinet Revamp

I gave this cabinet a fresh look with a coat of turquoise paint inside and out, replaced the old rusty hinges and papered the shelves. The metal birds came off of an old iron garden dish that broke years ago. Luckily I was able to turn them into knobs.

I have a lots of furniture projects I'm working on right now. They are all in different stages of refurbishing and I will post them as soon as they're done. Until then.....have a nice evening. Karin

3.....2....1!!

As promised, here are some pictures from todays street banner unveiling. My nephew Ethan was there to help me pull the cover when the countdown began.

I want to thank all of you who came by today and Nelz who got the bidding started on my piece! You're the best.

Now............ it's time to relax and enjoy the rest of the weekend and the beautiful weather we're having. Karin

Mushroom Forest

I know.........is it done yet?

I've been a little distracted with other projects and custom work to put any time into it. The last couple of art classes were cancelled but we did manage to get together this week. Carol and Francesca are coming along on their Alice in Wonderland paintings which I plan on snapping some pictures of next Monday. As for mine, I'm just about done with all the background mushrooms and can now focus on the big ones.

Don't forget......tomorrow is the banner unveiling in Encinitas (Leucadia) at 12:00-5pm. Hope you can make it! Karin

Something different-- a Tutorial

I had this idea mulling around in my head for awhile and yesterday my supplies finally arrived from Dick Blick art supplies. I haven't used frisket in so long and was excited to mess with it again. Literally it's been about 20+ years.

Quick background history for those of you may not know........

Right out of high school I went to work for an professional artist painting tile murals and GIGANTIC illustrations on canvas that would be painted in her studio and wallpapered on to our clients walls. She had a huge loft studio on Cedros when the street was more of an artists haven than a design district. After five years she hired an assistant for me but I was getting so burned out and tried of airbrushing with ceramic glazes. What I really am grateful for is that I learned so much about different techniques and also the whole business side of being an artist.

So now back to the tutorial.....

1) I cut some birch wood and sanded the edges
2) Applied clear frisket and drew some schefflera branches on it
3) With an x-acto blade, I cut out my image and peeled of the background
4) Covered the whole board with white paint to seal the edges so they wouldn't bleed
5) Painted several layers of different colors on top. (let each layer dry completely)
6) Peel off the rest of the image to show the original wood.

It turned out okay but did end up bleeding a little bit. I guess the wood was either too porous or maybe I should have sprayed a primer first..... but I was all out. I'm also thinking of rubbing wood stain on it too cause I'm not sure if I like the light wood coming through and wish it had more grain to it. If any of you give this a shot, let me know how it went. Karin

Playing Musical Furniture...... again

You may notice by now that it always seems to be the front room that gets the Ol-'switch-a-roo, but I think it finally looks pulled together.
It's so sad to have to cover the pretty couch with blankets, but as you can see, Max and Bob have taken this room for themselves. (notice the paw prints walking across my favorite little sofa with crewel work fabric!) I guess repeatedly telling them to stay off it isn't quite working.

It's Time!

The banner unveiling is just around the corner. I can't wait to see all the artwork from over 100 artists! If you live locally, you don't want to miss it. If you don't.... I will make sure to bring my camera and take lots of pictures.

Art Class Show and Tell

Here are the finished paintings from the younger kids in my art class. Pretty cute eh?

I've got this month off from teaching and can't wait to work on my own art.