I’m happy to present my Nickel Plate Arts Umbrella. Friday, June 1st, my umbrella, along with the 15 others will be set out for all to see on the Noblesville Square. Saturday and Sunday (the 2nd and 3rd), the umbrellas will be located along the Nickel Plate Arts Trail. I can not say for sure what will happen to the umbrella’s after that date, but I am certainly excited to see it on the trail. I am also excited to see the other designs. I’ve been fortunate to see a few and it never ceases to amaze me the different interpretations people have regarding art. Without further ado – my umbrella – Indiana Seasons:

If you are looking for something to do the weekend of June 1st – take a stroll to downtown Noblesville or along the Nickel Plate Arts trail! It should be a fun weekend~

Thanks!

We’ve long hated the tile in our entry, it’s the original 1985 brown ceramic with brown grout. It was terrible, breaking and falling apart. Our entry has been a work in progress, we’ve painted, we’ve added a shelf and bench to make the entry niche more useable, bought a fun rug, but nothing could really make it what we ultimately wanted it to be without some major work. Last summer we purchased new tile, I wanted large format, stone, dark and easy to hide dirt. While I consider myself a fairly clean person, I like having things that can hide dirt in the event I can’t clean like I would hope. I found our tile from The Tile Shop and to our surprise it was ceramic. Ceramic tile normally has a more “silkscreened” appearance and doesn’t always have a texture to the surface. The tile I fell for had both texture and a great appearance, so much so that when Ryan laid the tile there were few “repeaters” or tiles with the same image on them. Since the tile was ceramic and not stone it was A. very affordable and B. easy to maintain. We set to tile this winter when Ryan took some time off between jobs. Ryan’s time off got pushed to January and as we were starting this minor entry update I had the idea of removing our entry wall that separates our entry and basement steps. Ryan verified that it wasn’t load baring and with a few swings of a sledgehammer it was gone, along with the notion that this was a “minor” update.

I immediately loved how big the entry felt and how our basement seemed to become part of the house and not a hidden space. After we pulled down the wall, I decided I wanted to tear up the steps, I didn’t like the worn out carpet (which is only 4 years old) and I wanted a more modern railing and felt the carpet didn’t work with that look. I had a hard time convincing Ryan that black treads and white risers would look great on our stairs, but with a few Pinterest finds he was sold or worn down, one of the two.

We went round and round about the type of railing. Our first idea was an acrylic replica of something we saw in Vegas (ultimately it stayed in Vegas), but  it wouldn’t be as stable as we would need. Then we looked at wood and wrought iron, then all wood. I’ve always loved the modern cable systems I’ve seen, but figured they were way too expensive for us. We priced out several options and surprise, surprise the cable system was about the same price as the others – so we decided to go for it. It isn’t for everyone and that’s okay because this isn’t everyone’s house. It’s mine. I love it. I love how clean it feels, how open.

There is a term used when you change things mid-construction. It’s called scope-change. I made a scope-change mid-project with regards to our entry niche. I’m pretty sure my husband hates working for me. It’s no secret that I love to be organized. I wish beyond wishes that we had a mudroom. We don’t. But that doesn’t mean our entry can’t serve as our collect all for coats, bookbags and shoes in an organized fashion. We were using an inexpensive shelf I painted and a bench that my parents received as a wedding gift that I painted as well. They worked fine, but they didn’t provide enough space or function the way I wanted them too. I found on Pinterest a great built-in system that I felt we could replicate and paint black and make work in our more modern space. We purchased bins from Lowe’s that would hold hats, gloves, sunglasses etc. and designed the shelves to fit them. We also repurposed our original hooks and added a few more for hanging storage. Ryan added a deeper shelf above and an outlet that I can use during the holidays or hide during the year with our pictures and artwork that we place on the shelf. I added two pillows that I found at T.J.Maxx Home Goods to soften the space. I liked the organic nature of the black and white print and the “pleather” tailored pillow to tie in the browns in the floor. I also don’t like to pay a lot for pillows so you can’t beat $30 for both.

We replaced our closet door with a more modern style that we painted white and added oil rubbed bronze hardware. The goal is ultimately to replace all the doors in the house. We’ve done it in the boys room, slowly but surely we’ll get there because replacing 14 doors and hardware is expensive, so one day…

We had already replaced our entry light fixture years ago, when we tore down the wall we replaced the one wall sconce with two can or pot lights. I love the soft light they give and they brighten the space so much! We repurposed our original handrail by painting it black, purchased new wall hardware and hung it on the opposite wall from the railing. Slowly I have been painting the stairs and risers with their final coats. Unfortunately with three kids, two dogs and one cat, I can only do every other step and I need days in between for the paint to cure. I figure when the kids graduate from high school I might be done. ;o)

We rehung our “bell” which calls the kids up from the basement for dinner or bedtime, it was a bell my parents bought on their trip to Lexington when they were pregnant with me. It always hung at the top of our basement steps for the same purpose. I love having it up for my kids. I’m hosting my Mavuno Market trunk show this weekend and I’ve ordered additional baskets to hang on the far wall above the steps, I’m starting with three, but may end up with five. I’d like to hang them in an organic curved line on the wall again to add a bit of softness to the space. On the wall opposite the railing I’ve started with 9 square frames, eventually that will be 16 (they are $10 a pop) and they frame Instagram pictures I’ve taken. While I still take photos with my “good” camera, I do take my fair share of daily photos with my phone. They are our day to day life pictures, my plan is to change them out frequently. I’m also adding a narrow rectangular basket for the wall under the bell. I do most of our computer work upstairs and I always have things that need to go downstairs. I used to have a Longaberger basket hanging at the top of the steps as my catch-all. Ryan wasn’t on board with hanging it back up so I’ve found a woven basket from Mavuno Market that will work great for what I need.

I swear to you I didn’t not plant Cyd in the after photo of the main space – the dog just always has to be in the middle of everything. He’s predictable if nothing else. Marcy on the other hand is like an overweight, middle aged woman – she wants NOTHING to do with pictures. She couldn’t run out of the room fast enough.

I am excited we were able to do a project in our home that has bit of impact. It makes me want to do more, unfortunately my contractor likes to be paid so I’ll be waiting until fall before I hit him up with more work. I am grateful I have such a talented husband that can take what I envision and make it real. I’m also grateful he and I have similar taste so it makes projects easy to do – even if he has too many decorating opinions for a man (so said my mother). Thanks for tuning in – one of these days I’ll post our bathroom mini update and bedroom update – but I’m waiting until I at least have my artwork finished for the space. Until then – thanks!

Chicken Noodle Soup

• One quart chicken broth (organic, free range, gluten free, normal, boullion cubes, whateva)
• Two large carrots chopped into 1/4″ disks, (peel or not, I don’t peel mine)
• 1/2 white onion diced fine
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cups egg noodles
• 1 cup chopped cooked chicken (one can, one breast chopped, whateva or omit if you’re making this for a sickly one)
• One pinch of sea salt (to taste)

In a dutch oven or stock pot – saute onion and carrot with olive oil, stir around for about 3-4 minutes. This will make the carrots tender. Add broth and bring to boil. Once at a boil add noodles and chicken, reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.

That’s it. Seriously and it’s SO good! When my kids are ill, they crave it. Nothing makes a little Page happier than some of momma’s soup and saltines. The best part is that if you double the batch you can freeze the rest in a freezer bag or freezer container. Easy peasey – that’s what I’m about!

Thanks!

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Cool, right? It was a difference experience painting in someone’s home. I’m a bit of a neat freak and I try to keep all of my things together and tidy up at the end of the day. I don’t like to be an intrusion. On top of that, I don’t like people to see my work in process. Painting can be ugly, at one point the walls were covered in lines, mistakes, a dull one-coat of paint, all part of the process. I’m used to people just seeing the final product. Even when I did the mural at Northpoint, I did one section at a time and didn’t move on until I finished that section. I don’t want people to form opinions about my work until it’s done. Then you can judge. It was weird leaving at the end of the night, especially the first night, with things unfinished. I took progress photos so if and when I ever do this again, I can show the homeowner ahead of time the process. Other than that squirrelly feeling, I think it went well. One of the most fun parts about working in someone’s home is getting to know them. Andrea and I have a lot in common and I enjoyed talking with her each day. Some days I just wanted to pull up a chair and a hot cup of coffee to visit, but alas there was work to be done. At the end of my last work day we were saying our good byes and such and we figured out that we went to high school together. She and her husband graduated two years before me. We knew a lot of the same people. I knew her brother, who was a year younger than me. We all grew up in Schererville. CRAZY. That isn’t how I was referred though. I have a local friend that referred me to them, she worked with Andrea prior to having families. It’s all a crazy less-than six degrees of separation deal that made us laugh and laugh. What a small world. Thanks again Andrea and Chris for allowing me into your home, allowing me to work on this fun mural and being such awesome, understanding and fun clients. I am grateful to no end for this opportunity!!

Thanks!

Coming soon: Entry Reveal, I make great soup and Design Umbrella reveal!

About two months ago Steph contacted me and asked if I would do a piece for Piper’s nursery. She gave me the details of the space, the style and said she wanted me to wait until Piper arrived to do the work. It was going to be a surprise for Dave and she shared the name with me (which again, I adore!!!) and I came up with some ideas and waited. Once Piper was here I was given the thumbs up – only I had decided long ago that this wouldn’t be hired work, but rather a gift from me to them. I haven’t dabbled much in the “shabby chic” style, but I think I did it justice in my own way.

I knew the colors to use and then I kind of just went wild in Hobby Lobby. I went to just pick up canvas’, but ultimately the painting unfolded in front of my eyes. I loved the idea of the birds nest, new life, spring after a long winter, light after dark. You get the picture. After buying the materials it took me sometime to figure out how I wanted to use them. I just played and it all came together. I am thankful for my gift. It’s moments, when I finish a piece like this that makes me happy to be an artist. That makes me have enough gumption to say I’m an artist. Most of the time I feel like a bit of a poser. I am super proud of this piece, so proud that I when I gifted it to Steph at her shower I am sure my blood pressure was skyrocketing. I was so nervous, but when she opened it, I saw her eyes, saw the room full of ladies and in that moment I was very, very proud. It still kind of brings tears to my eyes. Whew. Needless to say, I’m pretty sure Steph was pleased and I hope beyond measure it works well in Piper’s room. It was made with love and I hope she feels that embrace all the days ahead.

I certainly could not leave out big sister. Lilli is a doll. A tow-headed little girl with curls and a devilish smile. She’s a modern day cherub. That being said, she’s a big girl and a big sister to two precious souls. I had to do a little something for her – so what girl doesn’t love pink? Bedazzled buttons? Frills? Okay maybe not everyone, but in tiny doses, it makes for  dainty wall art.

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I am so excited beyond measure for this family – I know you will treasure each day and you are gift to everyone who knows you!

On a side note, do you ever have those moments where you feel like God is just teasing you? That things that are right before you end up being exactly what you were looking for, you just had to open your mouth or open your eyes? I knew Steph worked with a group that had something to do with adoption. Our family has been discussing and praying quiet a bit about adding to our family. After Penny, Ryan and I said that if we felt like we weren’t quite done with three children that adoption would be our option for a fourth (or fifth) child. We’ve been sponsoring a boy in Africa, Samuel, an adorable little boy the same age as Jon. You can read about that here. I can’t say exactly why we’re drawn to Africa, just except that we are. The process for international adoption is expensive and arduous, but with the right agencies things can move much, much smoother. The agency Steph works for does the stateside home study and helps pull all of the documentation necessary for your dossier, which is the packet that eventually gets approved by the US and then passed on later to the country of origin you adopt from. I nearly jumped out of my skin learning that Steph works in the office that helps pull all your info together – I can’t tell you how amazing it feels to know someone that works in this arena. Recommendations for agencies that work directly with countries in Africa, lessons learned, it gives me a sense of peace knowing we can get some personal accounts from someone who works on the inside. I don’t know what the timeline is for us, or how our journey is going to look, but I can tell you I am much more optimistic and a little less overwhelmed.  

Janel requested a sports piece, her son LOVES sports and not just in a “I like to throw balls” way. This little fella LOVES to play, participate, and watch sports on TV. When most kids are watching Disney, he’s enjoying a bit of Golf or Hunting or whatever on Sportscenter. It’s hilarious. So Janel specified the sports she wanted and I got to work. Here goes:

Mr. Brady received this in his Easter Basket. It was fun to do a sports theme, it’s been awhile. Thanks again Janel and may God grant you lots of energy, you are going to be busy with sports as that darling little fella gets bigger!

Next up: Entry reveal, Piper and Lilli and a Mural!

Thanks

I’ve got lots to share, lots going on, but a couple of things I’d like to get on the calendar.

First up – my Mavuno Market trunk show. I’m hosting on Sunday, April 22 from 1-2:30 pm. It’s open house still so show up when ever and stay for however long. Totally relaxed, no pressure. I’m excited because I’m starting my Christmas shopping (yes you may hang your head and shake it with disgust) early – people that I wouldn’t think would be interested in these handmade goods have shown interest and I’ve always got my ear tuned to potential and unexpected gifts. I’ll also have some goodies and maybe it will even be nice enough to hang on the deck and visit in the sun. Let me know if you are going to come, and if you’ve specifically requested items I should be getting my trunk some time this week. I will message you if I’ve gotten your item(s). I hope to see at least some of you here supporting this amazing cause. We have such a privilege in this country to do what we want and while the economy stinks and jobs aren’t the easiest to come by, getting by is possible. For so many women in this world getting a job at Walmart or cleaning houses to make a ends meet isn’t an option. There are no Walmart’s, there are no houses to clean. Can you imagine living in a one room shack or hut with your children and no means to support them? I can not and I know I am incredibly blessed.  I like this verse:

1 John 3:17-18 “If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.” (NIV)

It kind of sums it up for me. I will get off my guilt box now.

This week I start my residential mural and I am incredibly excited. I am also working on a couple of paintings as well as my umbrella for the Nickel Plates Arts District. All the while subbing and editing the hundreds of photos we took on vacation and last but not least finally showing my entry reveal. Finally.

So hang in there, see you soon and as always – Thanks!

So I’m hosting a trunk show. My trunk will be shipped the week of April 9th. I will have a variety of items available for sale – I get no benefit for hosting this show, I try to sell as much as I can and what I can’t I send back with the balance of what I sold. So here’s the fun part – since they won’t be packing up my trunk until they get back from a trip to Africa you have time to puruse their site and see if there is anything you are interested in- I can make requests for those items. Here are few of the goodies I just recently purchased:

The thicker bracelet in the natural color, it comes in a ton of beautiful colors though, including the black and white zig zag pattern you see.

The smaller yellow disc earrings, if you know me, I’m a earring addict. I may or may not need an intervention.  I needed some yellow earrings and these looked perfect. (See I might have a problem)

I got the smaller 7″ diameter bowl and I plan on hanging it up on the wall in my entry. I just thought the pattern was beautiful and the colors were perfect for our newly transformed space (pics coming soon). I may have to get another, larger bowl for my living room. A daily reminder for my blessings.

So please, please take a look, their items are beyond reasonable AND they help empower and aid women in other countries who wouldn’t dream of independence, or selling their skill for any kind of money to support their family. I will be hosting my party in  mid – April – so far I haven’t pinned down a date, but I’m thinking either Sunday, April 15 or Sunday, April 22nd. You don’t have to attend to purchase, I can set aside items for you and we can connect during the week.

I can not explain, but in the last year I have had something weighing in my heart, I’ve been addressing it by sponsoring a child in Rwanda, whom we adore, we have begun to pray on whether adoption from Africa is something that our family should consider and proceed with, the issues and lives of the people that live a world away make me take greater stock in what I have before me, my life, my family, my home, my freedom. They least I can do is host a party and gather some of my best girls, feed them some yummy snacks, and tempt them to purchase some beautiful items that are handmade by women, just like them, who live in very, very different circumstances.

Please let me know if you are interested in attending. Please let me know if you are interested in anything specific. You can contact Mavuno Market directly if you, yourself would like to host a trunk show to help these women make a better life for themselves and for their family.

As always thanks!

]]> http://pennypickles.net/blog/2012/03/20/mavuno-market/feed/ 3 http://pennypickles.net/blog/2012/03/18/winner-winner/ http://pennypickles.net/blog/2012/03/18/winner-winner/#comments Sun, 18 Mar 2012 23:27:07 +0000 Annie http://pennypickles.net/blog/?p=1435 A few months ago I saw in the local paper a call out for artists. I hesitate to lump myself in this group because I don’t want to sound pretentious, “oh yes, I’m an artist” (in a stuffy-nosed pretentious accent). But the call out was to submit a design for an umbrella that will link the Nickel Plate Arts trail in Carmel. There would be 16 winners. So I immediately sketched out an idea, with all honestly it took about 10 minutes and then submitted it with some samples of work and a link to my website. I hoped for the best, but I was pretty sure I wasn’t going to get chosen. 

Winners would be contacted on Friday, March 16th. That day came and pretty much went. It was yucky day, in that, I was in a crappy mood. For a variety of reasons. I was trying to stay happy for Jon, since it was his birthday. All told the day turned out well and I got some much needed laughs from some very good friends. I was waiting for Ryan to get home so that we could go to Red Robin for our typical birthday celebration and bing, bing I got two emails on my phone.

The minute I saw who it was from I knew…. I had been selected!!! I couldn’t and still can’t believe it. I’m thrilled. I am hopeful there were more than 16 entries, but in any event, I am very, very excited. It’s been a good season for painting. I feel like an actual artist and not some schlock with a brush. Below is my winning design – now I just need to figure out how to get it on my umbrella. Details…

Next up is an exciting event I am going to host that helps support an AMAZING cause. I am thrilled to pieces to host it and I hope all of my friends consider attending or contributing! Stay tuned!

Thanks!

He’s growing up so fast. I see the glimmers of who he’s becoming, the heart and soul and nuts and bolts of who he is. He’s so compassionate and thoughtful, silly and moody, he makes me laugh and he makes me cry. I love him more than I ever could have imagined. He and I are so alike in so many ways, I understand him and he understands me. I love talking with him and I look forward to our relationship growing as he ages. I love the young man he is evolving into, and while I don’t want to rush his youth away – I can’t wait to see the man he becomes. I love you sweet boy – happy 10th – wishing you many years of happiness, love and joy!

Thanks!