!! Creative Carmelina !!

EVERYBODY NEEDS A LITTLE TIME AWAY

2013-03-30T08:35:00.000-04:00

Don't forget me....XO.

Ciao Bella

Creative Carmelina

JANE AUSTEN PAPER FLOWERS

2013-03-28T15:58:00.002-04:00

I'm sure you all must have seen this coming. It was high time I started playing around with my stock of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice novel pages. I thought I'd make some paper flowers for scrapbooking embellishments...to add to my shop. You can see I was really busy this afternoon, punching and glueing....my desk was over-run with the little florets! It's all cleaned up now, and everything has been listed here.

My daughter has one more review section in her Math book to complete this entire seventh year of Mathematics! I'm so happy with our progress. The entire time I was punching flowers, I was helping her along any areas where she needed...it was a perfect blend of teaching and creating!

It's time to put away the books and the scrappy bits of paper for the long weekend ahead! It's time to think about what to make for dinner, yet again....I'm so hungry right now! Ciao.

HOMEMAKING IN THE KITCHEN

2013-03-27T14:42:00.002-04:00

My homemade whole wheat buns just came out of the oven. You can imagine my whole house smells like a bakery right now. I'll be making vegetarian bean and rice patties tonight to go with the buns. I love treating my family to special meals. They are all so good to me, so kind and thoughtful, it's the least I can do for them in return. Hope you're hungry guys! xo

I don't work from recipes, only by eye, the way my mother does!

HOMESCHOOL PROJECT - LEARNING THROUGH LIFE JOURNALING

2013-03-21T12:43:00.002-04:00

On the homeschool side of life, things are going very well. This post features my daughter's current project, a study of butterflies through journaling. She's hard at work right now, finishing off a series of pages. You can have a good peek at her work, my jaw has hit the floor a few times! She's an amazingly talented girl for 12 years old!

There are sketches of various species of butterflies on her title page, a work in progress - but it already looks great.

She'll bring these sketches to full colour with her Prismacolor Pencil Crayons...I can't wait to see the end result.

The next page below illustrates the Four Stages of Growth in a butterfly's life. She drew a large butterfly and coloured it, then cut it out and glued it to her page so that the wings are free to flip up! The effect is amazing! All of the butterfly parts are labeled as well.

It has been more of a pleasure than I hoped it would be to teach my daughter from home. Being creative in the way we teach as mothers is such a fulfilling aspect of my artful life.

Below you can see a glimpse of the written work about butterflies. This was a creative writing assignment and also a science factual research project. There are so many interesting points that I myself never knew about these amazing little creatures. Did you know they smell with their feet and hear with their wings through the vibrations around them? We are BOTH learning so much. I want to start my own Life Journal right along side her...but with running my Etsy shop, I'm finding it hard to manage that.

I assigned one major art piece as a part of the project, even though all the pages are supposed to be 'artsy' and 'really pretty'. She chose to do a free motion sewing sketch of the butterfly on bristol paper using black thread. Then using her watercolour paints, she matched the colours perfectly to the Monarch Butterfly. I was so impressed....do you love it as much as I do?

You will allow me to brag, as a mother and a teacher, I couldn't be happier with her accomplishments. Keep up the great work honey!

For anyone contemplating pulling their child out of school to teach them from home, my advice would be to consider it carefully. It really does bring rich rewards, but it is an extremely large sacrifice of your time. Your life will change, it might even be flipped upside down, but it's worth it in the end.

BRAG MONDAY - GRAPHICS FAIRY

2013-03-18T13:17:00.003-04:00

I'll be joining up with Brag Monday today...to showcase a few new crochet tag creations I've made using Karen's beautiful vintage images. I've layered a pretty pink rose overtop of a postcard photo. The combination of old ephemera mixed with crochet laces is really sweet and pretty, even a trifle romantic!

I always love the look of stitching right on paper. There's just something so visually pleasing about it...you know what I mean? I changed the images above over to a beautiful sepia tone and printed them out in a miniature size, perfect for my hand punched tags. Simple sometimes does it best.

Next on my desk today are a couple of mini rose garlands. They are a delight to make, and they look so darling that sometimes I can't bring myself to part with them...but I have everything listed in my shop because I'm a good girl after all.

There's one in English....LOVE.

And of course there had to be one in French....AMOUR. I have an Italian one ready and waiting for me to add my crochet border...and I'll have that listed soon. But first, there are custom orders to tend to and some homeschooling Math on the side! We are on a review and things are going well. Ciao.

PARIS THEMED SCRAPBOOKING KIT

2013-03-11T14:58:00.000-04:00

From pastel spring colours to vintage neutrals...I'm always doing something around here. Crocheting on paper, stamping....the fun just never ends.

This is my newest craft supply kit, just listed in my shop. It is made up of handmade embellished tags and crochet patches....all encased in a Fleur de Lis pencil case. The items could be used as scrapbooking embellishments...or as materials for decorative card making.

I'm always relaxing my evenings away, with something interesting to watch on the television. My crochet hook and threads are faithfully by my side. Piles of these florets are growing and I'll have to get them into my shop sometime soon. I have them made in pretty pinks and purples....and they are oh so very sweet.

My daughter is working on a butterfly themed project for her homeschooling assignment during the Spring break this week. Creativity is alive and well here in the studio/classroom. Hope you are keeping your hands busy as well. Making things keeps a smile on my face and a song in my heart! xo

www.creativecarmelina.com

ON MY DESK THIS MORNING

2013-03-05T09:11:00.001-05:00

I worked late last night to get a few more of these crafting circles done. By the end of the night, I was too tired to put things away...so this is what I woke up to this morning....but I don't mind one bit because it's so inspirational to look at, it makes me want to keep making them! I thought I'd share a couple of photos with you...perhaps to spark a bit of creativity, or just to make you smile.

I just love it when I come into the studio/living room and open the blinds first thing in the morning. Letting in all of that gorgeous sunshine that was patiently waiting to flood my home.....ahhh....refreshing, inspiring, happy inducing sunny sunshine! Who can live without it? Hope it's cheery wherever you are. Spring is waiting to bloom!

CREATIVE PLAY

2013-03-04T15:55:00.003-05:00

I'm in the middle of creative play here in the studio. Pulling out my watercolour palette and painting inspirational words circles. They will become crochet embellishments when all is said and done.

What are your favourite inspirational words?

INSPIRATIONAL BLOGS

2013-02-21T13:27:00.000-05:00

Blogs... and the people who maintain them are...friendly, creative, and definitely inspirational. Let's keep sharing our brilliant ideas, our wonderful collections, and snippets of our lives. Ciao Bella!

HOMEMADE WHEAT BREAD

2013-02-20T16:10:00.005-05:00

What a great way to spend Family Day. Hubby and I made fresh bread this past weekend. Whole wheat mini buns and personal vegetarian pizzas. I do love to get my hands dirty...if it's not with ink stains or paint in my studio....then it's flour in the kitchen (among other things). I hope you take the time today to enjoy the simple things life has to offer.

CROCHET GARLAND BANNERS

2013-02-17T20:52:00.002-05:00

I hope you are having a wonderful weekend. I'm finishing off a few more crochet garlands...some of which I'm sharing with you in this post. They are my latest creative craze....can't seem to stop making one after another! These cute little garlands can be hung just about anywhere in your home or workspace...reminding you to keep CALM and to find SERENITY. I even made a garland for ETSY, now that's pretty sweet!

Whatever it is you're doing in your corner of the world, I hope you are filled with delight and purpose. Visit my shop to see more of my garland creations.....if you wanna! Ciao Bella!

HEALTHY STATE OF MIND

2013-02-13T13:41:00.004-05:00

NOTE TO SELF: Your mission today, should you choose to accept it....is simple. Be HAPPY. Happiness is a state of mind, it is a feeling we can embrace whether we are rich or poor, it is a feeling that should not be contingent on our life circumstances, but rather..... it is an inner peace that flows through us. Granted, it might not be easy, but the benefits of having a positive attitude are so worth the effort. So try your best to adopt this way of thinking.....and just be HAPPY already!

listed with love here

HEALTHY EATING HABITS

2013-02-13T12:24:00.000-05:00

I thought I'd share my fridge contents with you...it is so full of fresh produce...which will be cooked down into delicious and nutritious meals for the family. Full of organic vegetables, lots of greenery! Give yourself a health check today.... open your fridge up and have a look at what's going on in there. Would you dare share a photo of it? Something to think about.

A WEE LITTLE BOWL OF OATS

2013-01-15T09:59:00.002-05:00

You're looking at what I'm having for breakfast this morning. A little tiny, cutest bowl you've ever

seen, bowl of oatmeal. I just thought I'd share it with you all. I noticed that my followers are now at 2000...so I'll be preparing a giveaway soon, stay tuned.

IN THE STUDIO

2013-01-11T10:00:00.002-05:00

It's gloomy here today. There is absolutely no sunny sunshine to speak of. With so many things to do however, I know I won't really notice that desperate lack of beautiful natural light once I'm immersed in creativity! I am set to go in the studio (with all the lights turned on). I'm one of those people, which I'm sure you've gathered by now, that likes to keep running "To Do" lists. As I go through and check things off, it brings me such a sense of satisfaction! Yes....I'm an organized-neat freak-nerdy-perfectionist...so what?

www.creativecarmelina.etsy.com

HOMEMAKING

2013-01-10T12:07:00.003-05:00

I've been busy in the kitchen again, making homemade Lemon-Cranberry Biscotti. I think it's safe to say they are a family favourite around here. The scent of freshly grated lemon rind seems to draw everyone into the kitchen with smiles on their faces. The anticipation of a nice warm cup of coffee or tea and a home baked cookie warms my homemaking little heart.

Our Homeschooling is finished for the day. My daughter and I have been making great progress, in fact, she scored 93% on her Geography test this morning! I think a celebratory tea is in order, and a side helping of biscotti and "Creative Brainstorming". Hope your day is bright and cheery! Ciao Bella.

BREAKFAST IDEAS

2013-01-08T22:45:00.002-05:00

On the weekends, I like to indulge my-domestic-loving-self, and my family of course, in a special breakfast. Our family favourite is asparagus and eggs, with a side of whole wheat baguette. I just love using my cast iron frying pan...such even heat distribution, such perfection! Ingredients: a whole head of garlic sliced, olive oil, two green onions slivered and sliced asparagus. Once that is all softened and cooked, make wells into the greenery where you want to pop your eggs in, cover and let cook all the way. Easy, delicious and nutritious. Just the way I like it.

I pull out my fanciest of tea cups for the entire family...and we enjoy a de-caf orange pekoe tea together (with a little hit of cream). There is nothing more satisfying than sitting down as a family, sharing a simple meal and laughing at funny jokes and nostalgic anecdotes. Life is good.

2013 - WELCOMING A NEW YEAR

2013-01-01T13:52:00.000-05:00

There is something so appealing and refreshing about a new clean year that makes us all want to set goals for ourselves. It's like a new sketchbook, full of blank white pages just waiting to be written on. I plan to begin a new personal art journal, which you can see the beginnings of in the photos. This will help me to make time for myself and focus on the positive goings on of my days.

Thinking back on the previous year, 2012 brings a smile to my face. I have so many things to be thankful for, all the friendships forged here in blogland...the kind written words in your comments and emails....the sharing of ideas and inspirations, etc. I'm truly looking forward to another great year with all of you ladies.

My goals are to achieve a better balance this year between all of my obligations and responsibilities. I have had so many things pulling me in too many different directions, things like working on my business of creating and (more importantly) homeschooling my daughter. Then there are things like keeping a clean house, and cooking nutritious meals; which are all important and a joy to tend to; but fulfilling all of these duties on a daily basis can really tax a girl, you know? I have to also remember to make time for me, so that I don't burn out. I want to sit back and catch up on some reading and I'd like to make a few crafty things for my own personal home decorating. There are walks I need to take with my daughter, and some online shopping I feel I need to do....fun things!

To help me in my quest of balance, I have set up a few constraints to my creativity. First of all, my studio setup is now a shared space, once again, with my living space upstairs. This will help me to remember to keep things small, on a controlled level. I need to get back into the daily routine of art journaling, and I'd like to incorporate that into my daughter's educational program. Also, my Etsy shop has evolved into ONE "Up-Cycled Crochet Pencil Holder Shop". With the decision to focus on ONE type of item at a time, I'll be able to keep a simple, cohesive look...and my mind can actually find the time to take a break here and there, rather than allowing myself to be pulled in too many creative directions! Creative Carmelina's Quest for Creative Serenity.....Can you imagine that?

Of course, with all that being said, I'm always changing things and reinventing myself, so who knows how long my good intentions will actually last. I will be giving it my best, however, so bear with me. (One last thought) I'm noticing that my blog follower numbers keeps steadily climbing, which is really such a thrill for me. Just as soon as I hit my 2000 follower mark, I want to host a giveaway! I definitely think that is something worth celebrating, don't you?!! Thanks for your daily visits. Here's to another great year.

MAKING MEMORIES ART CADDY - ORGANIZING STUDIO SUPPLIES

2012-10-08T13:01:00.001-04:00

I purchased this white art caddy from Michaels Craft Store a few years ago and let me just say, it has been the hardest thing to fill. First of all, if you don't have the room or table top space for a piece like that, it can be more in the way than anything. Until now, that has been the case. I've shifted it from one table to another, from not being used to being back in use several times. Finally, it would seem that I have found the perfect use for it. I thought I'd snap a few impromptu photos and share it with you today.

The centre of the caddy houses my collection of new brushes...which still need to be taken out for their first art session! They fit perfectly into the deep hole and look amazing to boot! Now that I have my Etsy ART shop up and running, I cannot wait to dive right in and create some interesting original art work to fill those virtual shelves.

I love taking trips out to Michael's Craft Store...especially when I have a coupon for 40% off an entire purchase! You're looking at the result of yesterday's shopping session. I walked in empty handed and came out with a fresh new load of paint tubes!

I even picked up these mini square canvases. They look adorable sitting on my desk here in the studio, and they serve to infuse me with creative energy. Again...I can't wait to dive right in.

Pulling out the smaller drawers on the caddy you'll see where I store my small gouache paint tubes and brush cleaner...etc. I like leaving the drawer open so that things keep peeking out. I decorate my surroundings with the supplies I use to make my art. Everything matches....except my Mod Podge bottles, which are bright green and yellow. I am seriously considering covering them with a brown paper label. Is that obsessive? I'm okay with that!

And why not throw in an aerial view of the caddy. When my trigger finger is all warmed up after the first handful of photos, I find I have a hard time knowing when to stop! When it comes to looking at photos, if you're anything like me, then there is no such thing as too many to look at.

In conclusion, I once bought an art caddy that didn't work for me for a few years. Now I'm happy to have it filled with my paint tubes and brushes, sitting on my art desk right along side me as I create!

I saved a ton of money by using online coupons emailed right to my inbox from Michaels.com If you haven't signed up for the newsletter, I highly recommend you do so. That place is an adventure park for my wee little creative soul!

ART AND SEWING STUDIO ORGANIZATION

2012-08-31T18:53:00.001-04:00

It's still a work in progress, but I thought I'd give you more of a peek into my newly organized studio space. I have been working so hard, going through my storage boxes and sorting through my art and sewing supplies. Little by little, things are beginning to take the shape of an awesome workspace.

This is my new ART station. You can see I've pulled the CREATE desk organizer out of my shop to keep for my own personal use. It was the perfect fit for all of my drawing pens and pencils and paint brushes. I like to keep everything within easy reach. It makes for a smooth flow of creativity, without any stopping to dig around for things. Ready when you need them!

Now let's move onto the photo below, you are looking at the sewing side of my space. I've put Big Bertha where my iMac used to sit. She looks right at home there. Just look at the way the light of the window reflects on her, can you tell I'm in love?

I still have to hang my inspiration board behind the sewing machine....and there are a few other things to tweak and organize...but it will come in time. My focus right now is to rest and take it easy. I may have put my back out a little with all the lifting I've done. It's really tender and on the weak side.

That's why I'm posting late in the day. I'll be taking the weekend to get better. Laying back, reading my Jane Eyre novel for the hundredth time! I'll even be so kind as to let my hubby and children bring me snacks and water, magazines, blankets, pillows......and did I mention snacks?

In the new week, my kids will be back to their regular routine of school, and I'll hopefully be able to get back into the studio to finish all the decorating and setting up. I'm really looking forward to working in my new space.

I'll leave you now with a couple more pictures of what I've done so far. There was so much beautiful light dancing around in the studio that I just had to capture it and share it with you. So, have yourself a great weekend and I'll see you bright and early Monday morning. Ciao Bella.

160th ANNIVERSARY SINGER SEWING MACHINE

2012-08-06T11:08:00.004-04:00

My newest creative tool sits in my studio...basking in the light of a new and bright day. She sits in silence, patiently awaiting the next surge of inspiration to hit her master....and she's a beautiful addition, if I do say so myself. Singer has brought out this limited edition sewing machine as a tribute to 160 years of sewing...it's a vintage style with a lot of modern capabilities. There you go, it's old meeting new, which is what I do best, so how could this particular machine not be mine!

I must admit, I would never have indulged my creative self with such a gorgeous piece of machinery...this was a loving gift from my adoring husband.....who ordered it online and surprised me with the purchase! Thanks honey, I love it almost as much as I love you. XO

I purchased this vintage travel iron, dating back to the fifties, on Etsy. It was the perfect addition to my sewing room, and I love the feel of it. It's the only iron I use now for all of my crafty and creative projects. No serious sewer should ever be without a fabulous iron!

The details on this machine are stunning. The silver metal wheel, the gold filigree designs, reminiscent of the original singer sewing machines. I have never had a sewing machine that does embroidery stitches before. This is a first for me. In the photos below you can see I did a test piece of fabric, showing you all the stitches it does. I'm "SEW" in love with my new machine.

She is quite a big girl, a beast of a machine really, but I suppose she had to be in order to fit in all the digital and computerized features. I've decided to name her Bertha. It suits her perfectly, wouldn't you agree! ?

Scroll to the previous post to see the first project I worked on using Bertha. I made my own free motion appliqués with black string for a new trio of desk organizer cans....it was incredible fun to draw on fabric.

FREE MOTION SEWING - STRING DRAWINGS

2012-08-06T08:44:00.001-04:00

Although I have not yet posted about my new Singer sewing machine, (for those of you waiting for it...it will come soon), I must show you some new creative artful things I've been busy making for my shop. This machine is equipped with free motion sewing capability...and boy has it been a lot of fun to draw with string on fabric. I've designed three floral patterns, each different and unique in their own way. These pencil cup holders would look great in a dorm room setting, say would you not? They have a real artsy-fartsy feel to them.

I started reading Jane Eyre again...in fact I was emphatically reading aloud to my hubby last night. It was fun to be dramatic! The book happened to look great with my new set of cans. Below is a closer look at the three pencil cups...the photos have been directly linked to their listing in my Etsy shop, if you're interested in seeing more closeup photos. Just click on the photos below.

If you haven't tried free motion sewing yet, I highly recommend it. I felt like I was doodling in my art journal or sketchbook...drawing things I normally draw with black pens. It was fun and freeing, and just what I needed....another creative outlet!

Note: Some sewing machines come with the option to drop down the feed dogs so that you can sew willy nilly in whatever direction you wish. However, if your sewing machine doesn't have this feature, you can simply purchase a feed dog cover to fit your machine - so that your fabric doesn't come into contact with the moving dogs...thus enabling you to enjoy free-motion sewing. How cool is that?

JANE AUSTEN BATHROOM MAKEOVER

2012-08-04T07:48:00.001-04:00

You must all know by now, that I am an avid Jane Austen fan! Can you guess what I did with the two piles of her torn out book pages in the above photo? I made my own wallpaper, that's what! Take a minute to tour my tiny bathroom. I revamped the entire space, taking it from plain and boring to vintage and romantic. Have fun scrolling through the photo montage.

I was out thrift shopping one day and happened upon two identical novels by Jane Austen. They were published by the same Penguin book company, both vintage classics with yellowed pages and that amazing old book smell. After carefully tearing out the pages one by one from the two books, I began to paste them to the wall in an alternating checker pattern. All I used was regular old wallpaper paste and a brayer roller, easy peasy!

My hubby, being the handy man that he is, took one of our old bedroom dressers and fashioned it into a bathroom vanity. We opted for an above-the-counter sink mount so that the dresser wouldn't have to be cut up too badly. The faucet sits on the top of the dresser and harkens back to the old days! Like drawing water from a well. I just love how everything turned out. It's quite charming, and oh so me, non?

I had some leftover handles from the kitchen makeover, so we changed them out on the dresser and it took the piece to a whole other level. I love the mix of new styles and old elegance. It seems to be what I do when I create or decorate...I should really come up with a new name or term for that aesthetic.

This bathroom towel rack folds away, if you can believe that. It is all handmade using soldered metal and rolled paper for the wicker weave. It has been with me for several years now, and no matter what I change around here, it always seems to fit right in perfectly.

I reused a set of living room curtain panels that I had stored away in a bin. Tab curtains look great in a bathroom setting! Whenever you can give something you own a new purpose and extend it's life in your home, you are doing a good thing!

It's not a large bathroom by any means, but really it does what it needs to, holds all the necessary bathroom items, and does so with loads of charm and style, so I can't complain. I couldn't bring myself to share with you the before photos. They were hideous...the counter and tiles were mismatched...and so out of date...trust me, it's better this way.

Changing the simplest of items, such as adding the vintage style light switch plate in the photo above, really makes the everyday that much more grand, you know what I mean?

By keeping all of my colours in the same warm tones, I create a unified space that doesn't overwhelm. Calm, cozy and inviting....that's just the look I was going for!

Do you keep a wall clock in your bathroom? I do...and you wouldn't believe how convenient it is. This retro clock was on a clearance rack at a grocery store, if you can believe that. I paid five whole dollars for it eleven years ago and it still works!

The look really comes together with the addition of a classic shaving mirror. We decided to keep the old mirror in the dresser as it was, but for those close up moments when you need to really SEE things on your face, the extension mirror was the obvious solution. Another thing I always insist on is neutral coloured towels. My shelf is full of white, cream and taupe colours. It makes for a serene, spa like environment.

It's quite funny, but I find myself reading the walls now! I think I should have Chapter 10 of EMMA memorized by the months end.

My washcloths are all rolled up and set into a creamy ceramic bowl, just off to the left of the above photo. It looks like a fabric bouquet of roses, how's that for romance?

The best part of the makeover is how very little we spent to get it all done. Even the taps that I wanted were on sale for half price, how's that for serendipity! Now if you will excuse me, I think I shall draw myself a hot bath. Have a great weekend.

I'm linking up with Vintage Inspiration today.

SIMPLE BEDROOM DECOR

2012-08-03T11:34:00.001-04:00

I love clean and simple lines in a bedroom space, and in my world, white walls are a must. They remind me of a fresh clean and crisp new white sheet of paper - waiting to be drawn on! You are looking at my bedroom here in todays post. All the decorative pillows were handmade by me...and I've embellished the two lamps with a gorgeous lace trim I purchased on Etsy.

I scanned in one of the photos from my wedding album...re-cropped it so that it would look up to date and swapped out the colour for a crisp black and white image. Now my favourite wedding photo has a timeless classic look that will stand the test of time. I suppose I should have moved the portrait drawing I've been working on for some time....before taking the photo shoot, but hey, you get to see what my house really looks like!

My mother crocheted the beige blanket you see here spread out on my bed. I remember her making it when I was probably ten years old. She used to make things and fill up a hope chest for me - for when I got married. Isn't that a beautiful thing?

I have one of those beds that begs to be laid in. Although it is always made first thing in the morning, I love the thought of flopping onto it when I need a cozy little break in the middle of the day...a break from all the creative work I do around here. I keep the comfy pillows on it...looking nice, but totally approachable. When they wear out or look tired and abused, I simply sew some more....because it's fun and because I love to see change and fresh new items around the house.

This is where I read most of my emails and comments ... on my iPad. And to the left of the photo you can see my handmade iPad charging station. I have a matching set A to Z in the room. One for my hubby and the other for me. I originally had made them to sell in my shop, until one day I was like, "What am I trying to sell this for? I actually need something like this for myself...and the colours are perfect!" So I pulled it from my virtual store shelves and set them in my bedroom.

Music is a very big part of who we are here in our creative household. I always have music playing from my iPad when I'm cooking dinner in the kitchen with the kids. We sing all the time, karaoke all the way......and the entire family dabbles in guitar playing. My hubby's classic black guitar is peeking out from the corner in the photo above. In the photo below you can see a close up of the pillow set I sewed by using a vintage set of linen show towels. The lace border was so pretty, I couldn't NOT buy them. I found them at a thrift shop for one dollar! They are simply folded, sewn and then trimmed with some dollar store caramel coloured ribbon....!

I hope you've enjoyed the tour of my room...it gives you a bigger glimpse into my life. Living beautifully, simply and peacefully...and creatively is the essence of who I am as a person.

KITCHEN MAKEOVER - PART TWO

2012-07-24T10:08:00.001-04:00

When you love to cook as much as I do, the kitchen is actually a very important room. I have so many fond memories of growing up, watching my mom and dad cooking in the kitchen together. My mother would do all the chopping and prep cook duties, and my dad would often be at the stove top, the control centre of "operation dinner"! He'd add his spices and flavours, mixing things like a mad scientist...coming out with a delicious creation that we'd eat with pleasure.

Slowly but surely, all the pieces of my kitchen are coming together. I found this perfect pot rack yesterday at JYSK. It's actually a bathroom towel rack, but repurposing is always the name of the game I play around here...so I just had to add it to my kitchen. Now I have room to maneuver my Kitchen Aid pots and pans with ease! I love being organized, and not just in my studio.

I just need to create some custom artwork for my kitchen now. I'm thinking a series of four (which is what I usually create). The nail holes are already patiently waiting for me around my window wall, with two on each side. I'll have to brainstorm some culinary creative ideas at some point.

My hubby added the caster wheels to the bottom of the rack so that I'll be able to roll it for easy cleaning and sweeping of the floor. He's such a handy man, I love it! The addition of the wheels also makes this rack work perfectly as a kitchen piece. It matches my wooden dish rack - so how can it be wrong, right?

The last area I need to address here in the kitchen is my backsplash. I just cannot make up my mind as to what I want to do. My inclination is to wait until I can do a white subway or square tile back wall behind the counter top. Then it will just need a beautiful bead of white caulking to finish it off. I'll take my time with this decision though, the white painted wall will have to do for now.

I have made a new batch of WHITE organic cotton crochet dishcloths. You can find them here. Ciao.