The painting is an original by moi. It is one of the few abstracts I have ever attempted. I find abstract art the most difficult of all the styles I have ever tried to paint. I started this painting with absolutely no idea of what I was going to do or where it would take me. I love the idea of painting this way, but I can't seem to wrap my mind around it on a consistent bases. My sister is an amazing abstract artist. She has such an unlimited, free vision. I encourage you to puruse her website at www.erinashleyart.com. In the end, I was please with this acrylic painting. The color, of course, uplifts me. It is done on a large gallery canvas and really makes a statement. I added lots of varied texture, and the touch of warmth really completed this piece for me.
I've owned my bed for 19 years! I was so sick of the grainy, midtoned wood that made this space look so dated. I hesitated painting my bed white; I was afraid it would look like my bedroom when I was nine with my bright white bedroom suite and pastel floral comforter. On the contray, painting it (and my armoire too) really opened up the space and made it come alive. I did use raw umber, very diluted in a glaze, to soften and distress the "whiteness".
The lamps and lampshades are the creme de la creme of this room. The lamps are made from vintage wallpaper printing rolls. They are old, distressed, and full of character. They do not match, which, I think, adds to their coolness! A little insight into my indigo life...my husbands family has owned and operated a lamp and shade business for over 40 years. They specialize in lamp building, shade making, restoration and repair. I work there, 40 hours a week, helping the trade and the public design their lamps and lamp shades. So...you may be getting an earfull, in this blog, when it comes to lamps and chandeliers. More about the shop later...!
The lampshades are made from scratch. The shade frames are recycled. I stripped off the old, tattered fabric and cleaned them up. I adore the vintage feel of this tall drum style shade with a slight silloutte. The wallpaper printing rolls are already very tall, so I thought the idea of adding an equally tall shade was dramatic and a bit unexpected. The fabric I chose is a very simple cotten with an impactful punch of my favorite hue. The lining has a satin finish and is ecru in color. I used my serger machine on the seams of both the lining and the outer covering of the shade. The seam is nice and strong so I can stretch the fabric really tight. I used fabric glue at the top and the bottom. I also made my own bias tape and created a 1" trim. However, next time I will line my trim with interfacing before I make it. The fabric was a little thin and when I turned on the light I could see my folded edges. To remedy this I applied another trim in taupe, underneath the blue trim. I actually like the effect because it pulls up just a hint of the lamp color into the shade.
This space has evolved over time. With a nearly non-existent decorating budget, I spend time looking for deals and making things myself. I believe, even if I had unlimited funds, I would still look for deals and create. There is something very satisfying and special about a space that is uniquely yours. However, above all else, I want to feel relaxed and soothed when I walk into a room. My advice...find your feel good color and embrace it. You may think you are beige, but you're probably not! It's amazing what a little color can do.
