Botanical Painting Course at Eden Project

Eden Project is one of my favourite places to visit, not only for the educational aspect (I am all for recycling and sustainability) but also for the never-ending source of inspiration. When I learned about the botanical painting course they were going to run, I had to book my place.

Greetings from My Studio

I know that artists have a reputation for being messy and untidy and while I am both, I also like to have an organized studio (as paradoxically as it may sound). Partly, because I like to get into a tidy studio when I start a project (it is like starting a painting with a blank canvas), partly because my working room is still a guest room as well. 

Decorative Branches for All Seasons

Take some branches from a nearby forest and an all-purpose spray paint and you will create a decorative bouquet that can be dressed up differently each season. As my window sill that faces the street was in need of a decorative occupant, the vase of branches seemed a perfect candidate. Inspired by this project where the use of spray paint seemed so effortless, I dug up a leftover all-purpose paint, perfect for my branches. One might prefer the use of a brush, but I must admit that using the spray paint was easier, quicker and I was more in control of how much paint to apply on the twigs.

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall; How Did You Turn into a Board?

For those of you who followed my blog posts lately, you probably know that I have been obsessed with blackboard paint. So obsessed that not only I have been using it on 'normal' surfaces to give a boost to my usual handpainted furniture, but onto some unconventional surfaces as well, such as this kitchen lighting makeover. 

Today, I am going to show you another usage of this versatile paint: turning a mirror into a notice board. Yes, a mirror! 

Decorate with Art

This is just a showcase of my art collection that includes art prints, original art, pottery, fused glass and hand painted ceramic, as well as some of my own pieces. 

Framed card by late Mary Sumner and original mini painting by Bijuterii Art.

Turning Green into Blue

I loved this chest of drawers in sea green but after moving into a new studio, I thought that a blue one would suit better the new decor, plus I wanted a change from that green that I had before (which I loved BTW!). When I posted a photo of it on Instagram and asked if blue would look better, a few people said yes. This was an easy project again, not just because the paint was perfect, but because the furniture was painted before so I didn't need to sand it and/or prime it. I could have even gotten away with just a coat, but I decided to apply the second one, especially as the chest of drawers wasn't painted everywhere. For this project, I have only used paint, brushes and clear wax and I got the perfect piece that stands out beautifully against the brick wall. Next project: grouting the brick - I really hope I can do it; any tips, anyone? 

New Home, New Kitchen

You know those signs that say 'The kitchen came with the house'? This is exactly how I feel for various reasons. I don't really enjoy cooking, so a kitchen is not my favourite room in a house. On the other hand, I like home cooked meals so cooking is something that I have to do as it is cheaper and healthier. On a side note, one of the reasons why I don't have a microwave is because I don't want to be tempted to buy ready meals so if I don't have one, I really have to cook. My husband does some cooking, but it is mainly me. The fact that the house came with a bigger kitchen than the one we had is fairly exciting, so is the fact that it came with a range cooker. And by 'fairly' I mean a kind of 'so and so'.

Yellow Desk for My Cottage Style Studio

I can't remember where I had this school desk from, but it has been staying in the attic for a few years or so until I found a use for it. I liked it too much to throw it away so when I got a new studio, I knew I wanted to paint it yellow. 

Materials:

✽ sanding sheet (although I have a sanding machine, I did it manually as it is a small item) 

✽ yellow furniture paint (simply use your favorite brand)

✽ brushes (various sizes according to your preferences)

✽ screwdriver to take the hinges out and put them back at the end

Cottage Style Dining Area

One of the features that we liked about the house when we first viewed it was this window between the kitchen and dining area, including the sage green paint that we decided to keep. Luckily we had everything for the dining area, the second-hand table and the mixed and matched chairs as well as this lovely display cabinet that I was honored to be featured with over at Handmade Monday. In the meantime, another cabinet appeared as storage for my husband and now the look is complete. It looks cosy and warm with a perfect view through the kitchen and all the way to the patio garden.