tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84690546576186757762024-03-05T23:11:09.687-05:00Dream Spiral Art JewelryMy name is Ann and I am the jeweler behind Dream Spiral Art. All jewelry is handmade in my sunny studio located in a 100-year old farmhouse in the woods of Virginia.Dream Spiral Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15453157816746627941noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8469054657618675776.post-73839799517647868962014-02-07T10:56:00.001-05:002014-02-07T11:08:34.567-05:00ARTISAN TRUNK SHOW IN RICHMOND, VA AT GLASSBOAT - February 9 <img alt="" border="0" height="5" hspace="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEgdIPmHIB3lTIJXtyPN10iyq2n9NAl-FFCGASaAtH8uY2EhiXh2RMPJ-lI6GrBOSKlx1V1eGnlRK5lM8xTjLVOkSCaPA5eRPUALKyCmgunw9-MP_NCWW-NH6GN3JUXNSCXyqwlNPOPIm9sA7Y3kHIex9Qnsr9yBEuX6bdtRq2MCTC4=s0-d-e1-ft" vspace="0" width="1" />
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<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001AY_RfrxWeIRfQ8a5n8dUV7WUtTYQZqWOo_F3WLaCCO4bET2zytsug1aMCrQeZfoLnq5LLGvTEuMWn3ZyicoILu2Lz_WOwsKzLIqnWSyLVwKDS74twHpUaQreApg0NQBDgaCD2cs2_FRLts2QU5nqfexgpzbd67Bt_dXmUeRpO9s=&c=mrKppL0JjWvPyn_gvbDu7ulS43ELmdAgl_mVr2mqTsesNhj08aCFJA==&ch=DuE5GPRotHIeT9ICX5Geb7IyGIiScKyPsqmqsN0y0J4jtdFhc5MpZg==" shape="rect" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="GlassBoatLogo" border="0" height="196" hspace="0" name="14402fad9b4258ce_ACCOUNT.IMAGE.223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEgZ159dtv8vtAXrZX7csXc-V7DTaYGFLdZE0Y4YSbdYu-3nsp9SBwwtLV6mCn6ligOw1sKi3lpC7i7amsDlhZC0GZqMIhfmYuWYeP94-JISo4hee69trzQP9YwdGmzBsxkmTe1AvwMO2WToWDSNHVSt-XeVjbDF6fYPpyiUNA=s0-d-e1-ft" style="display: block; max-width: 100%;" vspace="0" width="640" /></a> </div>
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<b>Local Artisan Trunk Show</b></div>
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<b>Wine and Cheese Social</b></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Sunday, February 9th 4pm ~ 7pm</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Join us for cocktail hour to celebrate Local Talent Sunday,
February 9th from 4pm - 7pm at GlassBoat in Cary Town! </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>We will kick off our LEE Loves Local 40%
OFF Custom Order SALE Feb. 9 - 16. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>The following artists will be featured:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>August Nine Designs, </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>KBenner Designs, </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Amy Mathieux, </b><b> </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Curly Gurl Art, </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Beryl Robinson, </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>McKinsey Bamber Jewelry, </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>CanonAshby Jewelry, </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>and...</b></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.dreamspiralart.etsy.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">DREAM SPIRAL ART </span></span></b></a><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reindeer Moss and Resin Earrings from the "Captured Collection"</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Inspired by the myriad of texture and color found in nature,
Ann creates timeless metal jewelry designs from a variety of materials
that include: sterling silver, gold, copper, enamel, and organic
materials such as moss, leaves and lichens that she seals in resin. All
jewelry components are created by hand in her home studio, which is
located on the sunny-side of a 100 year-old Virginia farmhouse. </span></span><b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></b><br />
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<div style="color: #595500; font-size: 20pt;">
<span style="font-size: 24pt;">40% OFF</span> Custom Order </div>
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LEE Industries Furniture</div>
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<span style="font-size: 24pt;">Feb. 9 - Feb. 16</span><br />
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Dream Spiral Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15453157816746627941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8469054657618675776.post-56795838523476422142013-11-22T12:00:00.000-05:002013-11-22T12:00:01.082-05:00THE HEAT CHAMPION FIREPLACE IS HERE!<div style="text-align: center;">
Now that we have piles of wood, thanks to my Wood-Chopping-Champ-Hubby, I am
happy to report that we are using the recently installed Heat Champion fireplace!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiok9sVM5nSBN7t5J5dCJZpZmcYFTSCx0LW-Lxc1Gl83tX0GWd4N7MFPw6kAQ9JWA8ko_w5mpvplvomHiWpFeWy3geqQb5XQAuxSH08jGmg5hyqTqw_Sr8hF4PO2r_Dvu73mevzm9riF9kU/s1600/Fireplace42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiok9sVM5nSBN7t5J5dCJZpZmcYFTSCx0LW-Lxc1Gl83tX0GWd4N7MFPw6kAQ9JWA8ko_w5mpvplvomHiWpFeWy3geqQb5XQAuxSH08jGmg5hyqTqw_Sr8hF4PO2r_Dvu73mevzm9riF9kU/s400/Fireplace42.jpg" width="347" /></a></div>
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You may recall that the<a href="http://www.dreamspiralart.blogspot.com/2013/04/fireplace-makeover.html" target="_blank"> old fireplace</a> was also a wood burning fireplace, but we rarely used it
because with the flue open, it sucked all the heat out of
the rest of our house. Because we heat with oil, it was just too expensive (and too cold) to enjoy a fire on a chilly night. Also, since our fireplace happens to be on the enormous side,
it just was not efficient at producing heat before.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhffxXkFhj2o_5UEGB2iVuacqS8runUMdBP31bTwbU2hmkOBEDuE6FA5It2qzSGyLilobsqUmmglIVpGlWf89LcAC4EC63gBf06WJyVehitgPaOelVsiwRvfsMfZqlp7qKKLXnchR9QK_Fh/s1600/FireplaceBefore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhffxXkFhj2o_5UEGB2iVuacqS8runUMdBP31bTwbU2hmkOBEDuE6FA5It2qzSGyLilobsqUmmglIVpGlWf89LcAC4EC63gBf06WJyVehitgPaOelVsiwRvfsMfZqlp7qKKLXnchR9QK_Fh/s400/FireplaceBefore.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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So, after <a href="http://www.dreamspiralart.blogspot.com/2013/08/fireplace-update.html" target="_blank">completing renovations on the hearth and brick facade</a>, we purchased a custom-made Heat
Champion unit from <a href="http://www.hearthandhomeshoppe.com/" target="_blank">Hearth and Home Shoppe</a>. It was installed a few days ago and we have enjoyed a fire pretty much round the clock ever since. The best part is that we are now able to supplement
(instead of subtract) the heat in the house just by burning a fire.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXbnh_kId7rNmGSD6Ki_gAhM6eKOZL4m4X94e2-0cfTFwFheaCzKkbzmb7xR0ezb_utIuWi71fl4sPZRlpPKSUmT1wdTxi3NJHl6heS9P5lHbpTxRsAHFs85rSO5kFi6hwWQcmFAMMvYw8/s1600/FireplaceProgress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXbnh_kId7rNmGSD6Ki_gAhM6eKOZL4m4X94e2-0cfTFwFheaCzKkbzmb7xR0ezb_utIuWi71fl4sPZRlpPKSUmT1wdTxi3NJHl6heS9P5lHbpTxRsAHFs85rSO5kFi6hwWQcmFAMMvYw8/s400/FireplaceProgress.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This new product made by <a href="http://www.stollfireplace.com/general/home" target="_blank">Stoll</a>
has a built-in firebox that concentrates the heat and uses internal fans that blow out the warm air produced by the fire, thus
heating the house. Due to the ceramic class doors and other insulation,
unlike before, we do not seem to lose any heat through the flue when we burn with the
doors closed. Plus, isn't the new fireplace a handsome fellow?</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_c8cvQV-lleR_XPMeZrkum98FITDPmBSWrDCq_-VQjsw_Hw94ZkMcun6HJCTNrQq7zJDv9c3DPiJqmcEo8Nbj2g1413juW5Qf5WMpLXRKbL7K2rLFxH-0Lrj92UqFLukAA2hWnMOMhF8g/s1600/fireplace45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_c8cvQV-lleR_XPMeZrkum98FITDPmBSWrDCq_-VQjsw_Hw94ZkMcun6HJCTNrQq7zJDv9c3DPiJqmcEo8Nbj2g1413juW5Qf5WMpLXRKbL7K2rLFxH-0Lrj92UqFLukAA2hWnMOMhF8g/s400/fireplace45.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Albus the cat is pretty darn handsome, too!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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So with the installation of the Heat Champion, our fireplace renovation is now about 80% complete. We only have 2 items left on the list for updating this part of the house: <br />
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1). We need to decide what to do for the mantel. We are leaning towards using a rustic wood slab salvaged from the old barn.<br />
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2). After we replace the carpet, we need to install trim around the new granite hearth to frame it in.<br />
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In the meantime, I think I might grab a good book and go read by the fireplace. It's a tough job, but somebody has to tend to the fire, right? </div>
Dream Spiral Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15453157816746627941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8469054657618675776.post-20147882251515596952013-11-21T12:51:00.004-05:002013-11-21T12:53:19.935-05:00A LESSON in CHOPPING WOOD<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
In anticipation of the installation of our new wood burning fireplace, the Mister and I (um, mainly the Mister) have been busily chopping wood. Since a big oak tree fell down in the back of the field last Spring it has become the fortunate first fodder for our new fireplace. So when I say "we" have been chopping wood, really, I mean "he" has been chopping wood. But I enjoyed an embarrassing lesson in the art of wood splitting - something this suburban-born girl has never had to do before.</div>
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Here's how it went...</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi94HzaWleWpBSzF8Sj-YM-Tln9FaarKb4FvuDPf9K0wf-8S4XczzEEH7xvAw6shuVlFAQZRplIVv8_GpUztHw4F8W2qCaQmB4TxqZqn7snlcQaRUdJGLjyjKhS113La2rtCltZWvaDGylN/s1600/Wood6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi94HzaWleWpBSzF8Sj-YM-Tln9FaarKb4FvuDPf9K0wf-8S4XczzEEH7xvAw6shuVlFAQZRplIVv8_GpUztHw4F8W2qCaQmB4TxqZqn7snlcQaRUdJGLjyjKhS113La2rtCltZWvaDGylN/s400/Wood6.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="345" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHfPtDgQAqL-E1ynwOfAVvRQMNP_lVG3reuRmU_8ldUcHfnxfBcHp4rxHutJvw2_r-vZlfYB1hAbpbpV9xv3gQLtO7qx1wMK_ZpisLwlSKUGveehCpMk6klBbc2uxs1_5CM4bYt90xdLPZ/s400/Wood7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9qAc-vAJf0G38aInrE3XtWu8qRnrZKhIICLXvR1K2IQSk4fMfbaM5oIehm4UB13VUnVChyphenhyphennW_ETw8hTjwz2X-70BQjpxIlOifT1vaVvrw6Kpvd2Ax50N-gV-c1tJRjHd5SBp1B-CoNNpO/s1600/Wood8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9qAc-vAJf0G38aInrE3XtWu8qRnrZKhIICLXvR1K2IQSk4fMfbaM5oIehm4UB13VUnVChyphenhyphennW_ETw8hTjwz2X-70BQjpxIlOifT1vaVvrw6Kpvd2Ax50N-gV-c1tJRjHd5SBp1B-CoNNpO/s400/Wood8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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As you can see, I did make contact with my log, but I didn't quite make it through the wood. In fact, my axe got stuck in the top of it. This, by the way, was one of my more successful cracks at it. There is an embarrassing video somewhere that depicts a time when I under-swung and my axe made a mean dent in the dirt. Take that, Dirt! I am sure with more practice, though, I will be splitting wood like a champ. Or maybe I will just stick to my Zumba and Kettle Bell classes and let the Mister Wood-Chopper chop the wood. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs2r_2r1Vhy_V9ciQQU6hkQSZE0HfF9owvOikob4tQoJRehr6PIaSQaDI7Rj57PoTS11yCAtFPLrNERzMhfxLHztP0ztIBjEsP1MSBwjbHGHogTooDZnyNWZXrQw4mlphL8OB1gNdu3Abg/s1600/Wood3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs2r_2r1Vhy_V9ciQQU6hkQSZE0HfF9owvOikob4tQoJRehr6PIaSQaDI7Rj57PoTS11yCAtFPLrNERzMhfxLHztP0ztIBjEsP1MSBwjbHGHogTooDZnyNWZXrQw4mlphL8OB1gNdu3Abg/s400/Wood3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2JAcgJ04sJmMX32jqibbfRDp-5H5NfdqboxPBi7VMenVYFJuCl8EIjpcDkBJSm5gf7e26XqRkrmZL_QwG7zayPlH8XezmGcrbJiN9kB96Q0WfB5Mgz3hDdey3EgRnhsgQw2vItsR7w8iB/s1600/Wood4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2JAcgJ04sJmMX32jqibbfRDp-5H5NfdqboxPBi7VMenVYFJuCl8EIjpcDkBJSm5gf7e26XqRkrmZL_QwG7zayPlH8XezmGcrbJiN9kB96Q0WfB5Mgz3hDdey3EgRnhsgQw2vItsR7w8iB/s400/Wood4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS4gin2iw8gZJLQkPEOUYcc6pPtaP1i3u2lviibD7I_7feCoAvqicRUj9Ejzgozhzhbj3ePrJZKn9FFltuAJE4cClHVxCePyITlpfK75fT1-BSrzK_FtIh_XxfBevWyhwkdeG1iEaUa2Wb/s1600/Wood5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS4gin2iw8gZJLQkPEOUYcc6pPtaP1i3u2lviibD7I_7feCoAvqicRUj9Ejzgozhzhbj3ePrJZKn9FFltuAJE4cClHVxCePyITlpfK75fT1-BSrzK_FtIh_XxfBevWyhwkdeG1iEaUa2Wb/s400/Wood5.jpg" width="312" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ta-da! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We do have a chainsaw, by the way, but that hubby of mine is kind of a survivalist. He likes to do things the old-fashioned way.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Dream Spiral Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15453157816746627941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8469054657618675776.post-34265206191514938002013-11-12T17:31:00.000-05:002013-11-12T17:31:07.208-05:00A FOND FAREWELL TO SANTA FE<div style="text-align: center;">
The SANTA FE TOTEM, one of my favorite one of a kind pieces, recently SOLD at the <a href="http://www.hope-house.org/events/fall-stockley-gardens/#.UoKiAOIjqSo" target="_blank">Stockley Gardens Art Festival</a>! I was elated (and a tiny bit sad) that this show-stopper, constructed back in 2006, finally found its perfect mate. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Every one of a kind piece I make tells a story. I wanted to share with you the story of the Santa Fe Totem.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyhyphenhyphenyeWl76HgcaH26dveFdQ_j7V3tqvVg_oEQta5qbCw0i9JAcRghc0NnUwq5r0QfITN9C4UsWzCC2SQuMTAnMHBg2Olv8CHjZaj8KAzSY-RileecCRrvtB-mua5cZxvkqd5DyNg_uVkxW/s1600/santafe2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyhyphenhyphenyeWl76HgcaH26dveFdQ_j7V3tqvVg_oEQta5qbCw0i9JAcRghc0NnUwq5r0QfITN9C4UsWzCC2SQuMTAnMHBg2Olv8CHjZaj8KAzSY-RileecCRrvtB-mua5cZxvkqd5DyNg_uVkxW/s320/santafe2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When
I was
22, I embarked on a 6 week long RV trip with my boyfriend to explore the
cracked red earth,
cacti-covered canyons and black night skies. The rugged landscape was so
beautiful that at times it brought tears to my eyes. It was in Santa
Fe, while wandering in and out of art galleries, including the <a href="http://www.okeeffemuseum.org/" target="_blank">Georgia O'Keeffe Museum</a>, that I
discovered this large Chrysocolla gemstone in a tiny shop in the city center.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The
Chrysocolla shows off a turquoise blue-green hue that is interlaced
with brown red matrix, like a quiet canyon creek flowing over parched
earth. I set the stone with a modified bezel, wrapping around the
bottom and side edges, while prongs of 14 karat yellow gold crown it
above like a rising sun. The 14 karat gold prongs are echoed below the
bezel, connecting the gemstone atop to a rugged landscape of sterling
silver. Using recycled sterling silver, manipulated with my
torch, I created a highly textured surface reminiscent of the landscape
that marked my desert journey. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhprNKSZWkmbz-jU-2O2QrDQ-RfPSxaH7EATyQOZTiCufG_NA5iJuNs5IPNetz4aUsvWpP253DjZGRwhM6IklSG-YioaAKvccOBVHv8vXB6Itfl_kd7JDspCiWZm4Ffq9IpXAkzwG9EA2qd/s1600/Pendant+-+silver,+gold,+Chrysocolla.tif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhprNKSZWkmbz-jU-2O2QrDQ-RfPSxaH7EATyQOZTiCufG_NA5iJuNs5IPNetz4aUsvWpP253DjZGRwhM6IklSG-YioaAKvccOBVHv8vXB6Itfl_kd7JDspCiWZm4Ffq9IpXAkzwG9EA2qd/s320/Pendant+-+silver,+gold,+Chrysocolla.tif" width="212" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Chrysocolla</b> is a copper bearing mineral found wherever copper deposits naturally
occur, especially in areas of the southwestern USA, Chili,
Zaire, Australia, France and England. <br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pure Chrysocolla is too soft for jewelry purposes but it
is often found in quartz deposits, mixed with
malachite, turquoise and azurite, which makes it hard enough
to polish for cabochons. Chrysocolla is associated
with peace and tranquility, patience, intuition, and unconditional
love. It is thought to offer gentle and soothing qualities to the
wearer.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A
part of my heart will always belong to the parched red earth of the
southwest United States, where this stone was born, but I am happy that
this special piece will be worn and cherished close to the heart of its
new owner.</div>
Dream Spiral Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15453157816746627941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8469054657618675776.post-23882619549652125932013-09-26T15:31:00.004-04:002013-09-26T16:08:24.955-04:00FALL 2013 SHOW LINE-UP<div style="text-align: center;">
My Fall show schedule is here! I would have posted it sooner but between running my own massage practice and working in the studio, I have been busy working 10 hour days to build up my inventory. I had forgotten what a great Spring season I had that nearly wiped out my jewelry inventory and silly me slacked off over the summer. So without further adieu, I hope you will stop by my booth at one of these upcoming shows.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhymxDxn_oWub3EAetzEBGt8xL6KPzI9pW7jiImKr3WrBDlzIjMiUibpTuCVVnm3vhkmWAfXJWo7Zn0jOZcxvGiYY48f5OEu3r3tzLdzw3cVtNECZSKhe-yFIMocFku4yy7RjEGjd2IGx8n/s1600/BoothFFF1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhymxDxn_oWub3EAetzEBGt8xL6KPzI9pW7jiImKr3WrBDlzIjMiUibpTuCVVnm3vhkmWAfXJWo7Zn0jOZcxvGiYY48f5OEu3r3tzLdzw3cVtNECZSKhe-yFIMocFku4yy7RjEGjd2IGx8n/s400/BoothFFF1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
•<a href="http://richmonduu.org/grow/gallery/" target="_blank">GALLERY EXHIBIT AT FIRST UU </a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1000 Blanton Avenue, Richmond, VA 23221</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>CURRENTLY RUNNING from Sept. 25 - 29 </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Free and open to the public - check out handmade jewelry, scarves, paintings, pottery and more - all made by local artists. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
•<a href="https://www.facebook.com/ArtsAroundTheLake" target="_blank">ARTS AROUND THE LAKE</a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
University of Richmond Campus </div>
<div itemprop="address" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
28 Westhampton Way<br />
Richmond, VA 23229</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Sunday, Sept. 29 from
11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
•<a href="http://www.sscc-artsonthegrove.org/ArtsOnTheGrove.html" target="_blank">ARTS ON THE GROVE</a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
7th Street Christian Church</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
4101 Grove Ave, Richmond, VA 23221 </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Saturday, Oct. 5
from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.</b> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
•<a href="http://www.hope-house.org/events/fall-stockley-gardens/#.UkG8DD_heKQ" target="_blank">STOCKLEY GARDENS FALL FESTIVAL</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Held at Stockley Gardens Park in the Ghent section of Norfolk, VA </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Sat., Oct. 19 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. & Sun., Oct. 20 from noon to 5:00 p.m. </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
•<a href="http://local.yahoo.com/details?id=12782436&stx=southampton+baptist+church&csz=Richmond+VA" target="_blank">ART BAZAAR at SOUTHAMPTON BAPTIST CHURCH</a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
7521 Comanche Drive, Richmond, VA 23225-1141 </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Saturday, Nov. 23 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. </b></div>
Dream Spiral Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15453157816746627941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8469054657618675776.post-62513258167458330422013-08-23T20:28:00.001-04:002013-09-04T11:49:19.337-04:00FIREPLACE UPDATE<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Remember the old brick fireplace?</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhquXieU589BxACH3QBtBczCyQlZyR7y-oGsp7TWhwdO3q0OLOM2OpBxDfgF3DGMSvzjVMFQv_1OmQpTVJ91pwkF7TxnjiMZgD-rnCLrAMyEt0PATY5Tv7-YDUUqiTwX2rmtFhOldyuc940/s1600/Fireplace1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhquXieU589BxACH3QBtBczCyQlZyR7y-oGsp7TWhwdO3q0OLOM2OpBxDfgF3DGMSvzjVMFQv_1OmQpTVJ91pwkF7TxnjiMZgD-rnCLrAMyEt0PATY5Tv7-YDUUqiTwX2rmtFhOldyuc940/s400/Fireplace1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Well look at it now!</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMdNdzTGZVeZOJgwdc-MvJGAldAHbl3Qm7wFlmNDR9goZLiqlf2Rlkm4jG_pMNE3ai-vZmkME8iXkU_kg4rrvgeZUFvXdgDYdzEGM-nLlbl9k0_9ZRJAb3_KRQdsZlOmcoC2IudwxnWfeB/s1600/Fireplace19+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMdNdzTGZVeZOJgwdc-MvJGAldAHbl3Qm7wFlmNDR9goZLiqlf2Rlkm4jG_pMNE3ai-vZmkME8iXkU_kg4rrvgeZUFvXdgDYdzEGM-nLlbl9k0_9ZRJAb3_KRQdsZlOmcoC2IudwxnWfeB/s400/Fireplace19+-+Copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I've actually been post-poning this BITTER/SWEET fireplace update for a few weeks... read about why below.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>The BITTER BITS: </u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For the first time on this DIY house, we decided to hire a contractor to complete a project for us. Unfortunately, in addition to spending a lot of money unnecessarily (turns out we could have done it ourselves), the end product was so questionable that there was a possibility that the whole project would have to ripped out and redone.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Why did we hire a contractor in the first place? When we did the demolition, you
may remember the big crack that fissured through our over-sized hearth. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo6dQSRYnct9yynwfPd35mou_dnrkUuzFYLy1g4iMQFZ7iSsPMEIYmKrDAlwa26NbrKAcODn_V4pLJY5sjeWRgaipNgFFF-CxAgqwsZEAiQInTa1NKBMGprEAqPZcHo-UWymax0xI1uTin/s1600/Fireplace13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo6dQSRYnct9yynwfPd35mou_dnrkUuzFYLy1g4iMQFZ7iSsPMEIYmKrDAlwa26NbrKAcODn_V4pLJY5sjeWRgaipNgFFF-CxAgqwsZEAiQInTa1NKBMGprEAqPZcHo-UWymax0xI1uTin/s400/Fireplace13.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Since it is an active wood burning fireplace, we were concerned
about
structural and safety issues. We assumed that a "professional"
would have more knowledge of fireplace code regulations and how to
support and level the hearth so it wouldn't
crack again.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAO55533jibbOXJsUpoJyug-AWBZx-ODhMrLeZ8KDsmgl6adTyy7aEKwmMmdCwMGoHx9Idk1bQbyxcimyDdPVYVFBKjpnkmzSevB1oMESos7GGI9T1mYotIpNGXBoD-NxAf3fNEIJenlrx/s1600/Fireplace15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAO55533jibbOXJsUpoJyug-AWBZx-ODhMrLeZ8KDsmgl6adTyy7aEKwmMmdCwMGoHx9Idk1bQbyxcimyDdPVYVFBKjpnkmzSevB1oMESos7GGI9T1mYotIpNGXBoD-NxAf3fNEIJenlrx/s400/Fireplace15.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There were many issues with communication and workmanship along the way and we should have listened to our guts and pulled the plug, but we had all the materials ready to go and were so excited to be able to check this project off the list.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-GMLa9y4gBqvb6h13whgc1qcMyYhOPtcGxBpR7qiFVLHmcbnISoTgAYklLDvbQEajj-tGFliesKY4d5uYJwjehoHL4OwBQNoHwFhVpabQM7T8WD3QHKnTXcrL-4lwsDfMG6APuV8AaDsN/s1600/Fireplace16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-GMLa9y4gBqvb6h13whgc1qcMyYhOPtcGxBpR7qiFVLHmcbnISoTgAYklLDvbQEajj-tGFliesKY4d5uYJwjehoHL4OwBQNoHwFhVpabQM7T8WD3QHKnTXcrL-4lwsDfMG6APuV8AaDsN/s400/Fireplace16.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After the contractors left we found a chip in our wood floors, grout stains on the carpet, and dried concrete that had dripped down the wall and floor into our basement. Since the project was left incomplete, we had to do the final
coats of grout and tile sealant and we'll also do the wood trim work around the hearth tile.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggRyP9AC_JvlfFRohuZb9KFY_DfMP8bhbpHWCHuw6Qw-W7SW1-UM95ZrRnSbvmmkmnKJww-ZElepu3JoAsWkLs2w7WvEoVOWTCb3ZdLPs83kGyN1HWBkC8bqU_FxkgN2C1zMXC5caMc5N1/s1600/Fireplace17+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggRyP9AC_JvlfFRohuZb9KFY_DfMP8bhbpHWCHuw6Qw-W7SW1-UM95ZrRnSbvmmkmnKJww-ZElepu3JoAsWkLs2w7WvEoVOWTCb3ZdLPs83kGyN1HWBkC8bqU_FxkgN2C1zMXC5caMc5N1/s400/Fireplace17+-+Copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
But the most critical problem was that in the end, the hearth was not properly
LEVELED. You can see just how far off level it is on the far right side of
the photo, where the metal fireplace face meets the tile - 5/8 inch off, to be exact.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik7FCammRuxjLNNAj-d7Rn6UYe4jjMjHRzRZQntTgFjcyDKYYlqEFPzrY6ysKp5FDp8gGPgsruV2f_35vrFfabl_6pNSYvxKI0BORuNaksS3LNSiXI8izEhRXe1s8TJ5kr0DGlKG_lTakQ/s1600/Fireplace30.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik7FCammRuxjLNNAj-d7Rn6UYe4jjMjHRzRZQntTgFjcyDKYYlqEFPzrY6ysKp5FDp8gGPgsruV2f_35vrFfabl_6pNSYvxKI0BORuNaksS3LNSiXI8izEhRXe1s8TJ5kr0DGlKG_lTakQ/s400/Fireplace30.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
However, we are currently working with fireplace technicians, who have
advised that they will be able to make up for the off-level hearth when
they install our custom fireplace insert, which means we won't have to
rip out and redo the current tile job. Whew!<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKk9dHdA63ikA32stYLAfUMkKKXO3_wRIVVNOpXhEaebcs4rOFGua8LhZkLy5awBFX7Bza62LaA97tRqUXV5iUM9_1mbBKr0KwXGcXuJ5pKPSKRdoutgSiaXIMKiV4WgF9BIc-DySc77Mu/s1600/Fireplace21+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKk9dHdA63ikA32stYLAfUMkKKXO3_wRIVVNOpXhEaebcs4rOFGua8LhZkLy5awBFX7Bza62LaA97tRqUXV5iUM9_1mbBKr0KwXGcXuJ5pKPSKRdoutgSiaXIMKiV4WgF9BIc-DySc77Mu/s400/Fireplace21+-+Copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Lesson learned: If you want it done right; do it yourself. If you can't
do it yourself; do your homework - meet with more than one contractor;
get everything in writing regarding the scope of work; don't hire based
on a single recommendation or because they are likable; withhold final payment until
you are satisfied.<br />
<br />
Zillow actually has a good article on <a href="http://www.zillowblog.com/2013-05-07/remodeling-avoid-these-costly-mistakes/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=emm-0813_blogroundup-remodeltext" target="_blank">Hiring a Contractor</a>. </div>
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<b>Now on to <u>the HAPPY, SWEET BITS:</u></b></div>
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We are thrilled with the <a href="http://www.tileshop.com/product/productdetail.aspx?familyID=1641&recordID=5012730" target="_blank">Shanxi Black Flamed Granite</a> tile that we selected for the hearth. We had it laid on a diagonal to draw the eye to the fireplace. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC5G1yIBiHgj-D411J-3IHibhVxuBCNwVcJGMh9Ehi2jqwxyhyltBO-WL1eya_9F_8gl90OyL4HJonQ5Q30HrxMbky7cJ-XCRvax19cXW7Jf9xVJ0TyfDIsb2Gw4hQVFIgeTMMdzn_KMGS/s1600/Fireplace20+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC5G1yIBiHgj-D411J-3IHibhVxuBCNwVcJGMh9Ehi2jqwxyhyltBO-WL1eya_9F_8gl90OyL4HJonQ5Q30HrxMbky7cJ-XCRvax19cXW7Jf9xVJ0TyfDIsb2Gw4hQVFIgeTMMdzn_KMGS/s400/Fireplace20+-+Copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This special
granite has a non-traditional finish, in that, it is not shiny, instead,
it is torched with fire until the shiny-bits burn off. What is left
behind is a textured, matte, stone finish, with a hint of metallic shimmer. This flamed granite works perfectly with our rustic contemporary
design aesthetic.</div>
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Aside from looking a million times better, the ultimate purpose of our fireplace reno is to be able use it more - without losing heat from the rest of the house, that is. We currently heat with oil, so it can get expensive to reheat this two story house after burning a fire in the winter. We love having fires and would love to be able to actually add to our home's heat efficiency while burning one. </div>
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Over the past year, we have been looking into wood burning fireplace <a href="http://www.hearthandhomeshoppe.com/wood.php#wood_inserts" target="_blank">"Heatilator" units </a>that insert into your fireplace and have an electric blower to circulate the warm air produced by the fire around your home. Anybody have one of these? The fireplace doors, made from ceramic glass, are insulated and left closed as the fire burns. The fire is concentrated in a smaller interior firebox. On the outside of the unit, there is an intake fan and at least two blowers to distribute the hot air around the house (I can just see the kitties curled up right in front of the blowers in the winter). </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPJ2n2YhI987WWZg_ivp35_2bN-kzU6p74SBFCO8-3031KeslYQW1GWXEBKeIpVMqTE126-YYasGLB3tnwMO4N7wvR237LpvmIAr4Kln0T7l8NzWIvv87bjozbGbkdHQRrbE2gH0PCFkh-/s1600/Fireplace29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPJ2n2YhI987WWZg_ivp35_2bN-kzU6p74SBFCO8-3031KeslYQW1GWXEBKeIpVMqTE126-YYasGLB3tnwMO4N7wvR237LpvmIAr4Kln0T7l8NzWIvv87bjozbGbkdHQRrbE2gH0PCFkh-/s400/Fireplace29.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Albus says, "Who me?"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b><u>ON-GOING PROJECTS:</u></b></div>
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<u></u>
1) Finish designing our custom Heatilator unit (yep, our
fireplace is way oversized, so it is all custom, baby), order it and pay
for it (gulp). Custom = expensive. </div>
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2)While the Heatilator is being built, I am
hoping the hubby will have some time to start constructing our built-in bookshelves that
will line the entire wall to the left of the fireplace, and run from
floor to ceiling.</div>
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3)After the built-ins are complete, we will
decide what to do for our fireplace mantel-piece. We are leaning toward a rustic
slab of wood - perhaps milled from one of the trees that fell on our
property last year. Like <a href="http://southernhospitalityblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_7787.jpg" target="_blank">THIS</a> or <a href="http://infarrantlycreative.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/wood.jpg" target="_blank">THIS</a>. Other ideas include a <a href="http://tothestuds.files.wordpress.com/2009/11/fp2.jpg" target="_blank">Stone Slab</a> or a simple <a href="http://www.countryliving.com/cm/countryliving/images/fireplace12-de.jpg" target="_blank">Mantel Painted White</a> to match the ultimate color of the built-ins and crown molding that we will install.<br />
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Which do you like best?</div>
<br />Dream Spiral Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15453157816746627941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8469054657618675776.post-4690926555489888982013-06-28T12:26:00.002-04:002013-06-28T12:27:38.879-04:00Enamel Stud Earrings and a New Shop in Norfolk<div style="text-align: center;">
So between fireplace renovations, a week-long visit with my parents, a June birthday trip to the beach and an anniversary trip to the mountains, I managed to put together my first order for a little shop in Norfolk, VA, where I will now be consigning. The shop is called, <a href="http://kitschva.wordpress.com/about/" target="_blank"><b><i>Kitsch</i></b></a>, and it features the handmade wares of Virginia artisans. </div>
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To stock the new shop, I fired up a batch of <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/28647627/enamel-stud-earrings-petite-discs-on?ref=shop_home_active" target="_blank">enamel stud earrings</a>, expanding the color selection to include: Cherry, Cranberry, Lime, Lemon, Blueberry, Grape and Orange. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaiT7xLeiUvv3ZDbKLkgbwOKky4T8BVod6re9Ovdk6kQ9MWXwy6cGJ5I1aphTsPoCSPLcjg5hCgrRzyksS3jBbhL7fj0zTcibzYyA23F597_NI7jBFXh_6FpvR1J103IM2lE-aeJoGxMau/s1546/Enamposts16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaiT7xLeiUvv3ZDbKLkgbwOKky4T8BVod6re9Ovdk6kQ9MWXwy6cGJ5I1aphTsPoCSPLcjg5hCgrRzyksS3jBbhL7fj0zTcibzYyA23F597_NI7jBFXh_6FpvR1J103IM2lE-aeJoGxMau/s320/Enamposts16.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
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This is how they look right before I fire them with my jewelry torch. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgATk6xBWT-Z8nxl2g5b0NJrY10bakqUOCyHyRONzwGW-ptC7v4zmLB0qsTr5QBVj5NI4dTxauXOXZlyNxHh_axoXPR9-1YEgxd-l2Y7KZkPPR1vN1So9WH1vvaa1VHvdBMNoMVhDgEbaDM/s1600/Enamposts22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgATk6xBWT-Z8nxl2g5b0NJrY10bakqUOCyHyRONzwGW-ptC7v4zmLB0qsTr5QBVj5NI4dTxauXOXZlyNxHh_axoXPR9-1YEgxd-l2Y7KZkPPR1vN1So9WH1vvaa1VHvdBMNoMVhDgEbaDM/s320/Enamposts22.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is how they look hot off the jewelry bench and ready to sell! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH2pqZqA70EjRhv3_q23AsIJX2LVcGwgDY7y2n-GdeXxiHi-htouq_Lzuw4jPaM-O-LTNHos7eQc_qP0alkkPGXfMBQhArT3IfV20NZkf3FXKMppSFD5qDnMLoLZThvTXAiV_CN5w8uegJ/s1600/EnamPosts20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH2pqZqA70EjRhv3_q23AsIJX2LVcGwgDY7y2n-GdeXxiHi-htouq_Lzuw4jPaM-O-LTNHos7eQc_qP0alkkPGXfMBQhArT3IfV20NZkf3FXKMppSFD5qDnMLoLZThvTXAiV_CN5w8uegJ/s320/EnamPosts20.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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You can now find these colorful studs and more <a href="http://dreamspiralart.etsy.com/" target="_blank">Dream Spiral Art</a> designs on the shelves at <a href="http://kitschva.wordpress.com/about/" target="_blank"><b><i>Kitsch</i></b></a>. Support VA artisans and check it out!</div>
<br />Dream Spiral Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15453157816746627941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8469054657618675776.post-29478797638333129692013-04-24T12:59:00.000-04:002013-05-01T22:05:31.563-04:00Fireplace Makeover<div style="text-align: center;">
This has been a multi-phase project for us and it is still on-going, but I am excited to report our progress so far.</div>
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This <span style="color: blue;">i</span>s the fireplace prior to renovation. It is a brick, wood-burning fireplace with a terra-cotta mosaic hearth. I think this style was very popular in the 1970s in our area. The knotty-pine wood-paneling definitely channels the 1970s. Definitely not our style. Okay, not "my" style (my husband kind of likes the wood and brick combo - but after 7 years of persistence, I finally convinced him it was time for it to go).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHUoEwbcJvzRaf0MxnccJk1uIH0V8RPsVOJWeA6YN6HBdDGCSobMTHC9FtmWy9bA2PZ9w-rzIt94Z16rA718NeE5gXPN0nCEUr9NS1aLq2Umb02K-egaiA7giosvXAAv7wk1nc5znym1sn/s1600/Fireplace1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHUoEwbcJvzRaf0MxnccJk1uIH0V8RPsVOJWeA6YN6HBdDGCSobMTHC9FtmWy9bA2PZ9w-rzIt94Z16rA718NeE5gXPN0nCEUr9NS1aLq2Umb02K-egaiA7giosvXAAv7wk1nc5znym1sn/s640/Fireplace1.jpg" width="640" /> </a></div>
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<b>Step 1: </b></div>
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Paint the brick with a high-quality primer. I used a tinted primer from Benjamin Moore. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgspmhbbTicq0CIAszachctCSq7goWPsRONNyTal2k2tLmHt1vUeuZKwNjorfEMr4s4oxQtfHth4DsjMJpoituBT_lxxvKDx3DiKxNYoHfxk8nUFY2veGxm8TYPTlGOTOpHdGNeVvRFJd2j/s1600/Fireplace2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgspmhbbTicq0CIAszachctCSq7goWPsRONNyTal2k2tLmHt1vUeuZKwNjorfEMr4s4oxQtfHth4DsjMJpoituBT_lxxvKDx3DiKxNYoHfxk8nUFY2veGxm8TYPTlGOTOpHdGNeVvRFJd2j/s640/Fireplace2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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The brick is highly textured and very porous, so after using a brush to do a test patch, I switched to a very thick nap roller and slathered on the primer. I used almost an entire gallon of paint on the 10 foot area.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7dajvkk5WEB8W5w3lumskw5xfbTU_MH2mcUfMgQ99UEBiFS_dnMZ9Q1LcjztDkhHnwoUq9MWWQpFBTrvcboeIScbPj4CmAfYJD27RLz7yGWSyL4QsYxyMhVAur72brZ3RlQQAMzU7d-Lx/s1600/Fireplace3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7dajvkk5WEB8W5w3lumskw5xfbTU_MH2mcUfMgQ99UEBiFS_dnMZ9Q1LcjztDkhHnwoUq9MWWQpFBTrvcboeIScbPj4CmAfYJD27RLz7yGWSyL4QsYxyMhVAur72brZ3RlQQAMzU7d-Lx/s640/Fireplace3.jpg" width="640" /> </a></div>
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Since we were planning to paint the brick grey, I choose a grey tinted primer. Little did I know, however, how many shades of grey exist. There are<b> <span style="color: #0b5394;">blue greys</span></b>, <b><span style="color: #bf9000;">yellow greys</span>, <span style="color: #38761d;">green greys</span>, </b>and even <b><span style="color: #783f04;">brown greys</span>.</b> The primer, it turned out, was in the <b><span style="color: #76a5af;">blue grey</span></b> family. Because it was a cool color, it ended up making the wood paneling scream <b><span style="color: orange;">orange</span></b> next to it. Ick. The hubby almost kicked me out of the house when he came home and saw this. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrBPi828yBnwwyQjYREhSMLnE26vUaRXt111Qml90ffUhruaHp8Y65w8UwNN7mRetGWfvQF_M-THqjuxaV6IVM6TdK1ldQrBxJyuOT5eiLMTIemm6DxLlXuG9OPlVQce-FELiQ19XWPtpa/s1600/Fireplace4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrBPi828yBnwwyQjYREhSMLnE26vUaRXt111Qml90ffUhruaHp8Y65w8UwNN7mRetGWfvQF_M-THqjuxaV6IVM6TdK1ldQrBxJyuOT5eiLMTIemm6DxLlXuG9OPlVQce-FELiQ19XWPtpa/s640/Fireplace4.jpg" width="640" /> </a></div>
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For weeks I listened to him exclaim, "I can't believe you painted our fireplace blue!" Color lesson learned. Onward with the renovation. </div>
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<b>Step 2:</b></div>
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Dismantle the Mantle. </div>
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Enough said.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7epIOklTrRWhMD7EN9aWnfO5y0r9Wq-XO1nTmny1U5qs_LCovnlRaNTaEoJmUEvJ_dFnDiYn0Cw08WfSfacwbN9MPOJXS6dk1ZSpNdl7idVa7rYHUnSZq40QN_hq-uU18ocdPzuQfVdlU/s1600/Fireplace5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7epIOklTrRWhMD7EN9aWnfO5y0r9Wq-XO1nTmny1U5qs_LCovnlRaNTaEoJmUEvJ_dFnDiYn0Cw08WfSfacwbN9MPOJXS6dk1ZSpNdl7idVa7rYHUnSZq40QN_hq-uU18ocdPzuQfVdlU/s640/Fireplace5.jpg" width="640" /> </a></div>
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We also removed the small built-in bookcase next to the fireplace in preparation for the next 2 steps: electrical upgrades and drywall. Besides, we will eventually construct a kick-*ss built-in bookcase that spans the entire wall from floor to ceiling.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBfq0cNlpfzzWBulrjMY1CJXF3U9rWTiIP6VvlB13_UF73UYVft2qYtL3FX_NHzBVJ0sAam8iY7LmOfGF7jYJoV7fauZTMpdU4qGCwBnnqKXWZk2KN9QUdEuNzApiQ7NEOTSeuj8E0u8pb/s1600/Fireplace6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBfq0cNlpfzzWBulrjMY1CJXF3U9rWTiIP6VvlB13_UF73UYVft2qYtL3FX_NHzBVJ0sAam8iY7LmOfGF7jYJoV7fauZTMpdU4qGCwBnnqKXWZk2KN9QUdEuNzApiQ7NEOTSeuj8E0u8pb/s640/Fireplace6.jpg" width="640" /> </a></div>
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<b>Step 3:</b></div>
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After updating the electrical wiring on the entire wall (thank you father-in-law), it was time to put up the drywall. Putting up the drywall was the easy part. Taping, sanding, and finishing it was a pain in the you-know-what. We are not drywall finishers, so it took us 5 rounds of layering and sanding down the joint compound before we were satisfied. </div>
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By the way, I do not recommend living in a space while you sand and finish drywall. The process took us at least a couple of weeks because of dry time in between
layers and well... we kept procrastinating the unsavory task. After each round of sanding there was a fine layer of drywall dust that blanketed the downstairs. Although we used respirator masks and a shop-vac to protect our lungs, it was still a massive mess, and hard to properly ventilate since is was 10 degrees outside. Next time we decide to drywall a large room that we are simultaneously trying to live in, we will hire someone else and live in a hotel until the job is finished.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHq-BfdAbtJ3i42gDWY741wFgPfrFrGzRYrLAY2cgtLiP_PzQYwyI3moRLYO7q86s92NzHS0xKOPwECMmULjA4P_8mPJVBElcoQDV3b5QlO-scsFQXhW8svXbpyGT1zFlWUqnuax_ug9Oe/s1600/Fireplace7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHq-BfdAbtJ3i42gDWY741wFgPfrFrGzRYrLAY2cgtLiP_PzQYwyI3moRLYO7q86s92NzHS0xKOPwECMmULjA4P_8mPJVBElcoQDV3b5QlO-scsFQXhW8svXbpyGT1zFlWUqnuax_ug9Oe/s640/Fireplace7.jpg" width="640" /> </a></div>
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<b>Step 4:</b></div>
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With the drywall finished and primed, it was time to get rid of that blue brick. Because we usually prefer warm colors, we decided to go with a <b><span style="color: #b45f06;">tan grey</span></b> for the fireplace brick. Again, because of it's superior coverage over a porous surface, I went with paint from Benjamin Moore. The color is <i>Rockport Grey</i>. </div>
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For a smoother finish, I filled any holes and gaps between bricks with caulk, prior to rolling on the <i>Rockport Grey</i> topcoat.</div>
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<b>Step 5:</b> </div>
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After painting the brick and surrounding walls (more on that later), we decided that we didn't want to keep the brick seats that were built-in on both sides of the fireplace. They closed off the fireplace and did not function well as seating. We also felt that the sharp corners were a definite safety hazard should we ever have little ones running around the house.</div>
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After manually chiseling out the first 20 bricks (it took us over an hour with chisels and hammers, but was great way to sweat out some frustration), we decided it was time to bring in the BIG guns. So we rented what was essentially a small jack-hammer. </div>
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I let the hubs handle that one. He likes his power tools. Meanwhile, I proceeded to ferry the bricks and bits of rubble by the bucket load outside to the trash pile. I did salvage a few of the nicer bricks, just in case I come up with a creative way to re-purpose them down the road. Ideas anyone?</div>
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Within an hour, the remainder of the steps and hearth were demolished. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFNTpwerc3GrcbZv-VWO6nF9kI25WocY5FK5lhLGNBnmLCw6WDkYsnEgP9GXhTwJ0a7SLBdfZ4L4qAP47jU9LmADncE-adJ6gjLArI3Ej_-0AJ5L-1eqzPZqCLakQvqs4ypWIZiyT07dpI/s1600/Fireplace12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="518" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFNTpwerc3GrcbZv-VWO6nF9kI25WocY5FK5lhLGNBnmLCw6WDkYsnEgP9GXhTwJ0a7SLBdfZ4L4qAP47jU9LmADncE-adJ6gjLArI3Ej_-0AJ5L-1eqzPZqCLakQvqs4ypWIZiyT07dpI/s640/Fireplace12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We cleaned everything up with the amazing shop vac. And this is where we are today.</div>
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<b>Still-To-Do:</b></div>
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<b>*</b>I will <b>prime and paint</b> the now-exposed brick at the base to match the rest. </div>
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<b>*</b>As you can see there is a huge crack in the foundation at the hearth. We need to address the structural issues and level everything off before we can <b>re-tile</b> <b>the fireplace.</b> </div>
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<b>*</b>We are also planning to <b>upgrade</b> our fireplace insert <b>with a heatilator unit</b> so that we can add to the energy efficiency of our house when we burn fires, as opposed to loosing heat from the rest of the house every time we open the flue. </div>
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<b>*</b>And lastly, we need <b>a new mantle</b>. Our dream is to mill one of the fallen trees on our property and have a rustic-looking, solid-wood mantlepiece.</div>
<br />Dream Spiral Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15453157816746627941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8469054657618675776.post-49816015675647416832013-04-19T11:42:00.000-04:002013-05-01T22:10:13.847-04:00Yellow Room Makeover Re-Cap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlwJxz312Wbod_pjDPZwlv6UtCNqIuHaxf8ktQgbkD3Y2nk8q6MHM0MiB_DX8JSZkdhaXJ3ichGIqrnU892WdmFF-CzAJNw3E6l9-XjoJBUp4rDEt1h9NxlU0cS8Lm3hpAzH_tN4vAEai5/s1600/Study1+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlwJxz312Wbod_pjDPZwlv6UtCNqIuHaxf8ktQgbkD3Y2nk8q6MHM0MiB_DX8JSZkdhaXJ3ichGIqrnU892WdmFF-CzAJNw3E6l9-XjoJBUp4rDEt1h9NxlU0cS8Lm3hpAzH_tN4vAEai5/s640/Study1+.jpg" width="640" /><b> </b></a></div>
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<b> This multi-purpose room is a study that can convert to a guest-room in a flash. </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ZYpPlyhau3d3mpRALKxSHABDGZ2eVyahXhOCYpTpSda_hsDUoUtoJSZS3UwWf-gfqEVDk8Ex_gKKnoabtYTK9l8I2NHOLj1SH1tYyNDt1yFdQFL98rWvGGTiL96uoxbphBeglDnx34cK/s1600/Study3+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ZYpPlyhau3d3mpRALKxSHABDGZ2eVyahXhOCYpTpSda_hsDUoUtoJSZS3UwWf-gfqEVDk8Ex_gKKnoabtYTK9l8I2NHOLj1SH1tYyNDt1yFdQFL98rWvGGTiL96uoxbphBeglDnx34cK/s640/Study3+.jpg" width="460" /></a> </div>
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<b> I do love red but the color was just too dark for this small, cramped, 9x9 room.</b></div>
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<b> I had to fix the plaster walls before I could prime them. </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQOuFGCE0npgc8HAjn_bomQx8dzEgZYqCiXDRKE8jxw7g80LX7DqDLdsTbwTwx0Ro-MXTmcaUiIUSd08VFasUPSuqAGEyzolm_npCNTPlDFTymlpHqYYiZN7tjuTnTyj4XtAHSCDFImALi/s1600/Study10+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQOuFGCE0npgc8HAjn_bomQx8dzEgZYqCiXDRKE8jxw7g80LX7DqDLdsTbwTwx0Ro-MXTmcaUiIUSd08VFasUPSuqAGEyzolm_npCNTPlDFTymlpHqYYiZN7tjuTnTyj4XtAHSCDFImALi/s640/Study10+.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>To find out how many coats of paint it took me to cover the red, Click <a href="http://www.dreamspiralart.blogspot.com/2013/03/from-red-to-yellow-in-four-days.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>. </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggxfvBsnluT_yS2jRY7Vihw3SEveUpIcG2lzJ8pWXjNTf9RlXTxbINiGzIlSXb40UFO6iSVQnq8tu1-2QhTl6NgOICVYFAN8jJ8Ypeifa6JRQhBCiR6UQKHROpFtnlrBrpJOYIHhbXlrC5/s1600/Study12+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggxfvBsnluT_yS2jRY7Vihw3SEveUpIcG2lzJ8pWXjNTf9RlXTxbINiGzIlSXb40UFO6iSVQnq8tu1-2QhTl6NgOICVYFAN8jJ8Ypeifa6JRQhBCiR6UQKHROpFtnlrBrpJOYIHhbXlrC5/s640/Study12+.jpg" width="480" /> </a></div>
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<b>The walls are painted <span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>Lemon Parfait</i> by Valspar to brighten the space. </span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiosdu-ThAZExxWB43rHkdjmy87obALvdSzlUjrSCOY_LXJtwYP2GXbijAPt3wjiQXsVfTRZyNK3biE00mrwuPQlUnO7mvHGBZMqg0Npob10UhBi2ZTsx9QNfCHXR5d6vzD9y8SRMJmCq4F/s1600/Study14+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiosdu-ThAZExxWB43rHkdjmy87obALvdSzlUjrSCOY_LXJtwYP2GXbijAPt3wjiQXsVfTRZyNK3biE00mrwuPQlUnO7mvHGBZMqg0Npob10UhBi2ZTsx9QNfCHXR5d6vzD9y8SRMJmCq4F/s640/Study14+.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I </span>rearranged the furniture and added a modern area rug. </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhifRMfx3PMN_VDDkyIwbSqUd_tCKYqyWOOGihFj7qkH3Bcj9YngdzwmvDhiEMCeEWjvICHruRfN5EBDR5Q2GsKdLZ-KiXR7mOiEThcnLo1j3bvHjzoqmGFThG0DwEmisblj-Ydiow_OHEH/s1600/Study19+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhifRMfx3PMN_VDDkyIwbSqUd_tCKYqyWOOGihFj7qkH3Bcj9YngdzwmvDhiEMCeEWjvICHruRfN5EBDR5Q2GsKdLZ-KiXR7mOiEThcnLo1j3bvHjzoqmGFThG0DwEmisblj-Ydiow_OHEH/s640/Study19+.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<b>Adding artwork to the walls and hanging a shelf of travel curios completes this cozy book-nook. </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbXSpA1Z_jjayBZBFlGwiAZ3RaBeKGfHRpPvaTfpYeOTVubV-YXPYakIzcA-nTZvLZnpxiLK4xZxGijwOD-z5xTdpgClWIqdl7WXLIoTuwZIsKYuTizBzIG_RRltnNOMxGP3-5TyFHsZ1Y/s1600/Study22+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbXSpA1Z_jjayBZBFlGwiAZ3RaBeKGfHRpPvaTfpYeOTVubV-YXPYakIzcA-nTZvLZnpxiLK4xZxGijwOD-z5xTdpgClWIqdl7WXLIoTuwZIsKYuTizBzIG_RRltnNOMxGP3-5TyFHsZ1Y/s640/Study22+.jpg" width="467" /></a></div>
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<b>Handmade artwork, a framed blue morpho butterfly, and a mirror from Morocco add pops of turquoise blue, gold, yellow and green.</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnZJfzZ2yamTTuh5kVr6SkunUsFUGF7_fPc9NLZPdVYR0_dhP4xEQdP2rWWHVRzku1pMbYlTObgNGprFVj-Cc43AjKfUwjPfPID2xGbuD_YriEaSha5mZK4w8_QkZpC3t-D0dmXjSYa2-o/s1600/Study25+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="483" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnZJfzZ2yamTTuh5kVr6SkunUsFUGF7_fPc9NLZPdVYR0_dhP4xEQdP2rWWHVRzku1pMbYlTObgNGprFVj-Cc43AjKfUwjPfPID2xGbuD_YriEaSha5mZK4w8_QkZpC3t-D0dmXjSYa2-o/s640/Study25+.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>My original "Turtle Drum" painting finds the perfect space between birdy prints by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/leearthaus?ref=pr_shop_more" target="_blank">LeeArtHaus</a>. Overall the room feels so much bigger and brighter in this cheery shade of yellow.</b></div>
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<br />Dream Spiral Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15453157816746627941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8469054657618675776.post-65789980813647833942013-04-10T11:50:00.000-04:002013-04-10T11:50:08.675-04:00Dream Spiral Art - 2013 Spring Show Schedule<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.jtcc.edu/foolforart/" target="_blank">John Tyler Community College - Fool for Art Event</a></div>
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This Saturday, April 15 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.</div>
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800 Charter Colony Parkway, Midlothian, VA 23114-4383</div>
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<a href="http://www.richmondartsinthepark.com/" target="_blank">Arts in the Park at Byrd Park</a></div>
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Saturday, May 4 from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. </div>
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Sunday, May 5 from 11:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m. </div>
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Byrd Park in Richmond, VA</div>
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<a href="http://www.hope-house.org/arts/spring-stockley-gardens-arts-festival/dates-facts.php" target="_blank">Stockley Gardens Spring Art Festival</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Saturday, May 18 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.<br />Sunday, May 19 from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Stockley Gardens Park in the Ghent section of Norfolk, VA</div>
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Dream Spiral Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15453157816746627941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8469054657618675776.post-80212949815533494972013-03-15T12:59:00.001-04:002013-05-01T22:11:13.827-04:00From Red to Yellow in Four Days<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<![endif]--><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Since starting my own massage therapy practice last
November, my weeks have been booked solid with appointments, which has been
wonderful but leaves little time for studio work (and of course my poor blog). However,
I've noticed I usually need a creative hiatus from my jewelry studio after the
Christmas holiday rush, time for new ideas to germinate under the grey
blanket of winter. Meanwhile, I've discovered that renovating our old farmhouse provides a great creative outlet. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Finding myself with a few days off in February, I renovated our study-slash-guest room. </span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Years ago my hubby had painted the room a deep shade of red. Although we loved the red walls, the dark color and layers of travel décor left
this 9x9 room feeling small and heavy. Aside from the cats and an occasional guest, the room was rarely used. </span> </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Qv58AvwYbXxKq20BhDMxeHNt5WT2y-B8CW9f3Cisa8lhiMA84IVv_yiB2oiWBAVvNlSdb-H9ght_hBslW7-s0AybxQIsWzFBvZlp37cdiyqtxNCiZ8076G_aOnMNYor8r9WaRj3DeVNN/s1600/Study3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Qv58AvwYbXxKq20BhDMxeHNt5WT2y-B8CW9f3Cisa8lhiMA84IVv_yiB2oiWBAVvNlSdb-H9ght_hBslW7-s0AybxQIsWzFBvZlp37cdiyqtxNCiZ8076G_aOnMNYor8r9WaRj3DeVNN/s400/Study3.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Eventually this room will become a nursery so we wanted to choose a color that would work for a study-slash-guest room now and a baby's room later. </span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Deciding on a bright and cheery shade of
yellow to make this dual-purpose room feel larger and more inviting, I set to
work on the renovation. </span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc5tG6w-aLsK7MIyInLPrzkgkoioo7kjWzTcJpuwvaKLnUriqbRs10VyGhQr56V8Gum9zqiloz_9ul3amHH0_wRekdoTJmEbE2Ebp4GmNdewAWVxDKzQwKS_ikLYx0ARnq6TGOG0_9-dnB/s1600/Study1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc5tG6w-aLsK7MIyInLPrzkgkoioo7kjWzTcJpuwvaKLnUriqbRs10VyGhQr56V8Gum9zqiloz_9ul3amHH0_wRekdoTJmEbE2Ebp4GmNdewAWVxDKzQwKS_ikLYx0ARnq6TGOG0_9-dnB/s400/Study1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Day 1:</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">First, I moved out the furniture and took down the artwork. Before painting,
I had to repair the damaged plaster with joint compound. There were many small holes in
the walls and a few big ones from past water damage. Thankfully the big patch did not require a screen,
which may have been beyond my solo expertise. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiae3hwXkr5qVlD7vIN-FDqaZjkULWmFRGlXIbOrvO48dXUx6aMtCEs8MMJ8XwDAzYvXozCTnhwWg5txwpA84AJQhyphenhyphenpYUy5bJKjRp4FtUHO4q8UyyUB_-7pJetapuXWKUIy6AZoM-mMqio3/s1600/Study8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiae3hwXkr5qVlD7vIN-FDqaZjkULWmFRGlXIbOrvO48dXUx6aMtCEs8MMJ8XwDAzYvXozCTnhwWg5txwpA84AJQhyphenhyphenpYUy5bJKjRp4FtUHO4q8UyyUB_-7pJetapuXWKUIy6AZoM-mMqio3/s400/Study8.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">While the joint compound was drying,
I caulked around the windows to seal and re-glaze them. Next, I painted all the
baseboards and window trim in a high gloss white. (Eventually the hubby will
install molding around the ceiling, that I will also paint in high gloss white). </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_6g6lbwm8Z2dn_RIFB3a1idn-7OWtsq_TAhYIltBnF0LSjsVee3maV2G_tZ6RVU7yyv6zddd6kij5rJUZ4IDGzntVX4yhcxlePl5P2q6Lrwdau0p4yoE17X4bMboOvJLPfYuaNCKGYcmA/s1600/Study7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_6g6lbwm8Z2dn_RIFB3a1idn-7OWtsq_TAhYIltBnF0LSjsVee3maV2G_tZ6RVU7yyv6zddd6kij5rJUZ4IDGzntVX4yhcxlePl5P2q6Lrwdau0p4yoE17X4bMboOvJLPfYuaNCKGYcmA/s400/Study7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Day 2: </span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My patch looked good. It was dry so I sanded it
down to a smooth finish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I used the shop
vac to suck up all the dust. Then, I decided to tape over all the freshly-painted
trim to protect it while I slathered primer and paint onto the walls. To remove
the red, I rolled on two thick coats of primer, using over a gallon of paint by
the time I finished.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAr4fywml96TdSTxaMysjijWtu1jijo-hqKuuVWwFddiCHnCvF1ULMF-aUF_5G_fEad_T5SqJZR3L2MTpQGnzbfKTuvy44mxstcuwWWK3ttl00mphpm-VaGeyrHuLMr1KKzkUppQWRnAyz/s1600/Study10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAr4fywml96TdSTxaMysjijWtu1jijo-hqKuuVWwFddiCHnCvF1ULMF-aUF_5G_fEad_T5SqJZR3L2MTpQGnzbfKTuvy44mxstcuwWWK3ttl00mphpm-VaGeyrHuLMr1KKzkUppQWRnAyz/s400/Study10.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Day 3:</b> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Now for the fun part! I rolled on two thick
coats of <i>Lemon Parfait</i> by Valspar in a satin finish. I also decided it was a
good time to clean and polish the 100 year old hardwood floors. I left on a fan to let
everything dry overnight.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdPz-FnrhRc4JA3NBT0YiInZ592MfbCmaKsm3FzwfbTe1o0jW94hFRxqPlja64-KdtBV0rmnLMcaPgRrnvM7Ejmz9udAowjY-4d6IHnKmFyVtIe1aCj-iB3FXKkDXBwhKKMh4AsEMhxnmi/s1600/Study12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdPz-FnrhRc4JA3NBT0YiInZ592MfbCmaKsm3FzwfbTe1o0jW94hFRxqPlja64-KdtBV0rmnLMcaPgRrnvM7Ejmz9udAowjY-4d6IHnKmFyVtIe1aCj-iB3FXKkDXBwhKKMh4AsEMhxnmi/s400/Study12.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Day 4:</b> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I pulled off the painter's tape and touched up the trim. My hubby helped me install the new blinds. I used white, light-filtering, cordless, honeycomb,
cellular shades. This adds a layer of insulation around the windows without blocking
out all the light. I moved the furniture back
into the room, using basically the same pieces but changing the layout to open
up the space. I am in the processing up putting up whimsical artwork with pops of green, turquoise, and orange.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCGHETsvKrGkZ45k2AC4Z0KyC0ULHnIxRYxHn-M52-g3BsFUdOfZCQW_9Ov566_WFISWYPdIgxadjE0aU9mlsxHUa6mz1J1qDq6dFsG4XfYhNPckrV2Gqp5F-_DzpPoTZcCpjpE-pkIxLj/s1600/Study14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCGHETsvKrGkZ45k2AC4Z0KyC0ULHnIxRYxHn-M52-g3BsFUdOfZCQW_9Ov566_WFISWYPdIgxadjE0aU9mlsxHUa6mz1J1qDq6dFsG4XfYhNPckrV2Gqp5F-_DzpPoTZcCpjpE-pkIxLj/s400/Study14.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I found this 100% wool rug on sale for $100 at <i>Tuesday Mornings</i>. The rug normally retails for $510, so I snatched it up. It adds another layer of warmth and coziness and I love the yellow grey color combo. </span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Cats and hubby approve.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin_-vzXDuEQzJoi2zkOy0JJ4y88p-hBtumZJV2aLOnT_9BFlPFQh7D6B8LOvJZBWI-jzecfmYyeZmzE_mAMhtKvgDkQ5sLM3HRZWo1i83luYz8YIQkVp2aR0EwcsuqDw7IPipnx1wIUK1M/s1600/Study15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin_-vzXDuEQzJoi2zkOy0JJ4y88p-hBtumZJV2aLOnT_9BFlPFQh7D6B8LOvJZBWI-jzecfmYyeZmzE_mAMhtKvgDkQ5sLM3HRZWo1i83luYz8YIQkVp2aR0EwcsuqDw7IPipnx1wIUK1M/s400/Study15.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In addition to lodging a couple of weekend guests
so far, the yellow room is getting a lot more use than the red room did. </span>It was especially handy to have this cozy, updated space to hang out in to read and watch T.V. while we were without living room furniture. More on that to come. </span></div>
Dream Spiral Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15453157816746627941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8469054657618675776.post-63908972925460374112012-10-02T11:53:00.000-04:002012-10-02T11:55:47.794-04:00Reticulated and Recycled Silver<div style="text-align: center;">
It's been a while since I played with reticulation silver. Reticulation silver is a combination of sterling and copper so that when you heat the metal, the different melting points of sterling and copper create a tiny network of wrinkles in the surface of the metal. I like to layer the reticulation silver with little melted beads of recycled sterling silver that I heat fuse to the surface. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaVosSW8YFEz2_7JhAs72ZQ3bvvav2q52T-UDi-HXDQTwyYlkRf1OQ7wRKXBce4y7kFonPgKXmDAAIDqNbJUM0UwNAfyABPs8mceVqASP5oe3cz_9F0CCt1ZKRfbZ-I4lxBdrlRS31X2si/s1600/JennieRing1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaVosSW8YFEz2_7JhAs72ZQ3bvvav2q52T-UDi-HXDQTwyYlkRf1OQ7wRKXBce4y7kFonPgKXmDAAIDqNbJUM0UwNAfyABPs8mceVqASP5oe3cz_9F0CCt1ZKRfbZ-I4lxBdrlRS31X2si/s320/JennieRing1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sterling silver, reticulation silver, blue chalcedony, and patina</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I had forgotten how much I like the effect until I recently saw one of
my customers wearing this one-of-a-kind ring that I had created for her in 2010.
It's actually one of my favorite pieces to date! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Last week, I created a handful of new pendants and earrings using the reticulation technique. Some of the pendants already sold at the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/ArtsAroundTheLake" target="_blank">Arts Around the Lake</a> show at the University of Richmond last Sunday, but the remainder will be available this weekend at <a href="http://www.aofta.org/" target="_blank">Occasion for the Arts</a> show in Williamsburg, VA. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjb2CIQkctJrOu22DyoGoL7fJVleGgZbQmpMQglE9O_BhiaJVag_M2LUodJ1B2erYeTeXrIWvpD3Gz0Ai8Zb45TRJxyQq2y_qXWS3-sU27YIuY3VL4V02omPyOUwByly51Tl0V0dfgPgfE/s1600/Jewelry2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjb2CIQkctJrOu22DyoGoL7fJVleGgZbQmpMQglE9O_BhiaJVag_M2LUodJ1B2erYeTeXrIWvpD3Gz0Ai8Zb45TRJxyQq2y_qXWS3-sU27YIuY3VL4V02omPyOUwByly51Tl0V0dfgPgfE/s400/Jewelry2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I hope you can make it to the show!</div>
Dream Spiral Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15453157816746627941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8469054657618675776.post-49829782610645833482012-09-24T11:15:00.001-04:002012-09-24T17:33:48.981-04:00SHOW SCHEDULE for FALL 2012<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Wow! It feels like we've sprung into Fall like the Mad Hatter dashing off to his next tea party date. I can hardly believe the art show season will begin again this weekend. I have shows for three weekends in a row, then a small break to attend a wedding in the mountains, celebrate my hubby's birthday, and hopefully get started on our next renovation project, before another show mid-November and some holiday travel. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Since that doesn't leave much time for social engagements (or much of anything else), I hope you will come visit me at one or more of these fabulous art shows! </span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: georgia,serif;"><u><b>UPCOMING SHOWS:</b></u></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia,serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/ArtsAroundTheLake?ref=ts" target="_blank"> Arts Around the Lake</a></span><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
University of Richmond Campus<br />
Sunday, Sept. 30<br />
11 a.m. to 5 p.m.<br />
<br /><a href="http://www.aofta.org/" target="_blank"> <span style="font-size: large;">An Occasion for the Arts</span></a><br />
Downtown Colonial Williamsburg, VA<br />
Sat. Oct. 6 & Sun. Oct. 7<br />
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.<br />
<br /><a href="http://www.stewardschool.org/spartafest?rc=0" target="_blank"> <span style="font-size: large;">Steward School Spartafest Bazaar</span></a><br />
Steward School - 11600 Gayton Rd., RVA, 23238<br />
Fri. Oct. 12 & Sat. Oct. 13<br />
Fri. 1:30 - 9:30 p.m. & Sat. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.</span></span><br />
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://local.yahoo.com/details?id=12782436&stx=southampton+baptist+church&csz=Richmond+VA" target="_blank">Southampton Baptist Church Christmas Bazaar</a></span> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">7521 Comanche Drive<br />Richmond, Virginia 23225 </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sat. Nov. 17 </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">9 a.m. to 3 p.m. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
And
remember you can always find a selection of my handmade jewelry at <a href="http://www.dreamspiralart.etsy.com/" target="_blank">Dream Spiral Art on Etsy</a> and at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/GlassBoatltd" target="_blank">GlassBoat</a> in Carytown. </span></div>
Dream Spiral Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15453157816746627941noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8469054657618675776.post-45703822029733470412012-08-23T14:21:00.000-04:002012-09-03T13:10:44.089-04:00SILVER LEAF NECKLACE now on ETSY!<div style="text-align: center;">
You may have seen my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/51924067/silver-leaf-earrings-extra-long-sterling" target="_blank">Silver Leaf Earrings</a> online (or perhaps you are one of the lucky few, who own a pair) but have you seen my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/107600209/silver-leaf-necklace-sterling-silver" target="_blank">Silver Leaf Necklace</a> yet? If you see me in person, then the answer is probably "yes", because I wear mine all the time. I've been keeping this treasure to myself for some time, but I've recently decided to release this lovely design in my <a href="http://www.dreamspiralart.etsy.com/" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a>! Previously, I only made a couple of these pendants to sell at shows, but now you can win one on <a href="http://dreamspiralart.etsy.com/" target="_blank">Etsy</a>!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAnOD4E_Hhyphenhyphend5TJqlQ9bs5zFIk4-jgfEe7rw4QJlfDqcB6pbLqbW1peuoHyAin8qjM1GWCD99xtT0pshfXZX8zop1r4U9qVvvN0gKcRSDSVBSlMgok3X6sVO47PJw42eWZfGpASPXoSdfr/s1600/SilverLeafNeck2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAnOD4E_Hhyphenhyphend5TJqlQ9bs5zFIk4-jgfEe7rw4QJlfDqcB6pbLqbW1peuoHyAin8qjM1GWCD99xtT0pshfXZX8zop1r4U9qVvvN0gKcRSDSVBSlMgok3X6sVO47PJw42eWZfGpASPXoSdfr/s320/SilverLeafNeck2.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_HH5lX6f0YmlKDYmaWB3-iYV5tIwqXNHGJGUBRhdQbywPoYipGrKbMO8Y_XFcq4F0B26D_CAfujWIu5SFhYHiQXnEJF4DVIC5JZglDu0IUkFaEssZLNiXUTIbigU2RXQ7_Yv4WrjB-B7h/s1600/SilverLeafNeck5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_HH5lX6f0YmlKDYmaWB3-iYV5tIwqXNHGJGUBRhdQbywPoYipGrKbMO8Y_XFcq4F0B26D_CAfujWIu5SFhYHiQXnEJF4DVIC5JZglDu0IUkFaEssZLNiXUTIbigU2RXQ7_Yv4WrjB-B7h/s320/SilverLeafNeck5.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY0riY4pPwbxkgrkAxRDFRi1iQSCZd18_k5kxI6MZmKSZddli9SXzYMtLaeCV1lMEPi-wd0PEZcMh6sPMi7u3PzzXJHLL4bzA6w8r19gFnAtpXcX26sAdDCGHt6VPsjyTLfi7Z1AJ9s9LE/s1600/SilverLeafneck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY0riY4pPwbxkgrkAxRDFRi1iQSCZd18_k5kxI6MZmKSZddli9SXzYMtLaeCV1lMEPi-wd0PEZcMh6sPMi7u3PzzXJHLL4bzA6w8r19gFnAtpXcX26sAdDCGHt6VPsjyTLfi7Z1AJ9s9LE/s320/SilverLeafneck.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
My Silver Leaf pendant is effortlessly graceful, hanging 1.5 inches in
overall length. The width of the pendant is about 3/4 inch at it's
widest point. Each pendant is entirely handmade and comes with a
matching sterling silver ball chain. Hand built from
scratch, I use both fine (.999) and sterling (.925) silver. Lovely and
organic, the silver leaf is highly textured and reflects light
beautifully! A hand-applied satin finish helps the details sing! <br />
<br />
This pendant was designed to coordinate with my Silver Leaf Earrings. The Earrings come in two lengths: </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Extra Long: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/51924067/silver-leaf-earrings-extra-long-sterling" target="_blank">https://www.etsy.com/listing/51924067/silver-leaf-earrings-extra-long-sterling</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxmlVx3SstiZSie9t9nrcB7KQV3FjdSp02LmU4D_7ZjuZSdctyX9bd8kChruQzgTmeda_RF8BpaUOohznZdurhpLbZ_nvkRbI1zjmmucDNKMJ8ITOpKrXJg-2LN0vVc6gh_M0tucukKe4i/s1600/SilverLeafLong6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxmlVx3SstiZSie9t9nrcB7KQV3FjdSp02LmU4D_7ZjuZSdctyX9bd8kChruQzgTmeda_RF8BpaUOohznZdurhpLbZ_nvkRbI1zjmmucDNKMJ8ITOpKrXJg-2LN0vVc6gh_M0tucukKe4i/s320/SilverLeafLong6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9sE7uhn8IQ_6gG100zWydxkGYgtE7jQITc6MlwUvk5XlhcLhdLkj69BWKcNr0yUL3DnPAL7xa3cBfPrzkRU6Y6AQafD6BXLg9KnfYVAnhu-i6sdGzxQsygIsqKH57Dn5PMcLBfEc-Cika/s1600/SilverLeafLong1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9sE7uhn8IQ_6gG100zWydxkGYgtE7jQITc6MlwUvk5XlhcLhdLkj69BWKcNr0yUL3DnPAL7xa3cBfPrzkRU6Y6AQafD6BXLg9KnfYVAnhu-i6sdGzxQsygIsqKH57Dn5PMcLBfEc-Cika/s320/SilverLeafLong1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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and Medium Long: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/91103538/silver-leaf-earrings-medium-long" target="_blank">https://www.etsy.com/listing/91103538/silver-leaf-earrings-medium-long</a></div>
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Dream Spiral Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15453157816746627941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8469054657618675776.post-18470132441410417532012-08-07T14:41:00.001-04:002012-08-07T14:42:51.755-04:00Brand New Ring-A-Ling<div style="text-align: center;">
Between home renovations and a nice, full slate of massage appointments these past few weeks, my little hands have been very busy... just not in the jewelry studio. Finally last Friday, between working on a custom Captured Collection piece and hammering out some earrings that sold to a lovely customer on Etsy, I was able to carve out a few moments to create a fun, new ring!</div>
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And here she is...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOWbjFtzde7U_cnhI5puCWvVK2FBIgLFOLG-1xhexNUphpqYi9Tm4wUBkRCgBE_XeYFYbq30GyyO0NEI0gsnbdDc6gKpBk2oyNR8x3zDDOQ52R-dWtbSVDnvSKiWAkMNYIUH_SD0glNxSe/s1600/PinkRing1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOWbjFtzde7U_cnhI5puCWvVK2FBIgLFOLG-1xhexNUphpqYi9Tm4wUBkRCgBE_XeYFYbq30GyyO0NEI0gsnbdDc6gKpBk2oyNR8x3zDDOQ52R-dWtbSVDnvSKiWAkMNYIUH_SD0glNxSe/s320/PinkRing1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I constructed this ring from sterling silver and set it with a 5 mm round pink tourmaline cabochon (October birth stone). This one of a kind ring fits a U.S. size 8 finger. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Now available for purchase in <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/106280953/sterling-silver-and-pink-tourmaline-ring" target="_blank">my Etsy shop</a>! </b></span></div>Dream Spiral Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15453157816746627941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8469054657618675776.post-47242480256635853852012-07-10T14:21:00.001-04:002012-07-10T14:23:00.374-04:00ZUCCHINI PUREE - HOORAY!<div style="text-align: center;">
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The garden has been steadily making a come-back after the recent heavy hail damage and hundred plus degree temps of the last two weeks. I've been picking okra, tomatoes, peppers, onions, cucumbers and Japanese eggplant every few days. The sugar snap peas have finally fizzled out due to the heat. Sadly, the zucchini and yellow squash may not last much longer either. But prior to the hail and heatwave, we harvested a whole bunch of zucchini!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirJ4M0lnco99ZtuyBrC0ar0NBY9M4yRyANsc48CNBehzD9MR_ue2mhyFAxmqO6S1zoCA8Bf3Qz3ocJOEi3GcmXKvy54PpC8pHxky5Re9WG1vw0fRsDI2khA7CA2FtkRZ_Ycku9ZXxW-CKe/s1600/ThursdaysHarvest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirJ4M0lnco99ZtuyBrC0ar0NBY9M4yRyANsc48CNBehzD9MR_ue2mhyFAxmqO6S1zoCA8Bf3Qz3ocJOEi3GcmXKvy54PpC8pHxky5Re9WG1vw0fRsDI2khA7CA2FtkRZ_Ycku9ZXxW-CKe/s320/ThursdaysHarvest.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We were able to capitalize on this bumper crop by making A zucchini puree that we freeze and use as a soup base throughout the winter. This is a wonderful recipe, particularly for utilizing those giant zucchini (almost as big as my head) that tend to be tougher and more seedy.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZmgmwR29oQLzkMaTk2qihsFKjPmW9a-r0X0IaDAwToZJ8G04r8XGea7fAIlgWffIbneA2h8BatAreW_VT3kKMXPp644FNPHFsnnZ_9pbx28Gth2xGRHctLcjMIh8vY1UNwFBP77mNDa1P/s1600/Zucchini3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZmgmwR29oQLzkMaTk2qihsFKjPmW9a-r0X0IaDAwToZJ8G04r8XGea7fAIlgWffIbneA2h8BatAreW_VT3kKMXPp644FNPHFsnnZ_9pbx28Gth2xGRHctLcjMIh8vY1UNwFBP77mNDa1P/s320/Zucchini3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><u>FROZEN ZUCCHINI PUREE</u></b></div>
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To make the most of a boutiful garen, preserve zucchini by freezing them in a puree with onion, green or bell pepper and herbs. They retain fresh garden flavors and nutrients for months in the freezer and are convenient for making hot or cold soups or a simple casserole. </div>
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Wash but don't peel about 6 pounds of zucchini. Cut in thin slices (we use a mandolin slicer). Add 2 green or bell peppers, sliced, and 3 thinly sliced large onions and 3 cloves of minced garlic. In a large pan over medium heat, melt 6 tbsp. of butter, saute onion. Add 1/4 cup of water, stir in zucchini, pepper, garlic, 2 1/4 tsp. salt and 1/2 tsp. pepper. Cover and cook for 3 mins; then turn heat to med-high. Continue cooking covered, stirring often, until tender. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup parsley sprigs and 1 cup fresh basil leaves. Let cool somewhat and then puree in blender. Cool to room temp and pack in freezer containers. This amount will fill about 6 pint-size containers. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtO7Sk_UXU5uugG4q8hMdsBppJoi5eUXn202tfARhBck_H92GqCZcROb_b57FuzfDXy_b5StAUBn4wplGdKDEhP0TXYiIdyEdwj27RSYaCOzt38NFhClhWSGVYlq2Bd8CXCAhuqcFxCXA6/s1600/Zucchini1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtO7Sk_UXU5uugG4q8hMdsBppJoi5eUXn202tfARhBck_H92GqCZcROb_b57FuzfDXy_b5StAUBn4wplGdKDEhP0TXYiIdyEdwj27RSYaCOzt38NFhClhWSGVYlq2Bd8CXCAhuqcFxCXA6/s320/Zucchini1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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For our hardy winter soups, we defrost a container of the puree and add 1/2 cup of milk or cream, cheddar or Parmesan cheese, canned chicken (including the juice), a squeeze of fresh lemon and sometimes dill weed or tarragon.</div>
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To make a casserole, beat 2 eggs, stir in zucchini puree, and pour into a greased, shallow baking dish. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Bake in oven at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQKiQREecnfvFaZ-mpc2g1miGVq1LLfyebyZl345abSncuivBwT3w442NLfDIzzJEVQvsm94p4_AYUzHrYWltBl3bPyi6cfSuj269Pur-33ObafYyDbsvAy6veuBJhbCViqgp8jcwaYPzC/s1600/Zucchini2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQKiQREecnfvFaZ-mpc2g1miGVq1LLfyebyZl345abSncuivBwT3w442NLfDIzzJEVQvsm94p4_AYUzHrYWltBl3bPyi6cfSuj269Pur-33ObafYyDbsvAy6veuBJhbCViqgp8jcwaYPzC/s320/Zucchini2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Enjoy!</b></div>Dream Spiral Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15453157816746627941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8469054657618675776.post-77127568860816020182012-07-05T23:26:00.000-04:002012-07-05T23:31:03.382-04:00Things Are Heating Up!<div style="text-align: center;">
So it has been a steamy last couple of weeks with temps in the triple digits here in VA. We've also experienced some major storms at the farmhouse recently that resulted in quarter-sized hail (not good for the veggie garden or pear trees... not to mention my car), 80 mile an hour winds, a few tornado clouds, and power outages across the state. </div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyCmcLYCZPicjYSfcUpGgmq52QkO6JR_uxBMy9wWWXKYKY03qMXqE0UCYoz5u8Pt69qcVbN0viJQTU16dDa-jI7Y4YiLxv4rBZUDesL8t6biaDizHdIy3YC-bgvHwn1B4eq63qUKc38DtL/s1600/PearTrees4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyCmcLYCZPicjYSfcUpGgmq52QkO6JR_uxBMy9wWWXKYKY03qMXqE0UCYoz5u8Pt69qcVbN0viJQTU16dDa-jI7Y4YiLxv4rBZUDesL8t6biaDizHdIy3YC-bgvHwn1B4eq63qUKc38DtL/s320/PearTrees4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The poor pear tree twins take another beating.</td></tr>
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During the first power outage, our little generator caught on fire and almost blew up! The Mister managed to grab a fire extinguisher just in time and thanks to his volunteer firefighter training, he saved the day. Fortunately we keep several fire extinguishers in the house between my jewelry studio and his wood shop.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPgMLhfqw3WRFneTn2x_qSO0wOu11BTpqJqejrPfWmCC29aXS4z0-uUevFNbeIONL2cj5oPYkiBJcEYkXV3rFosK4DeFS-QmqV2wj7gdgYs_kdps9pN7nm7ZE-7tVHKXusLY3HjRGTHbMh/s1600/Studio2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPgMLhfqw3WRFneTn2x_qSO0wOu11BTpqJqejrPfWmCC29aXS4z0-uUevFNbeIONL2cj5oPYkiBJcEYkXV3rFosK4DeFS-QmqV2wj7gdgYs_kdps9pN7nm7ZE-7tVHKXusLY3HjRGTHbMh/s320/Studio2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favorite spot in the jewelry shop - where I hammer and use my torch!</td></tr>
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In honor of the heat, I have been firing up the jewelry torch lately to create new <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/DreamSpiralArt?section_id=6318405" target="_blank">enamel work</a>. Experimenting with different colors and shapes, I fire each copper enamel piece by hand. Traditionally, enamel work is fired in an electric kiln that is set to a specific temperature so that you have control over the results. Preferring a raw aesthetic and an element of surprise, I fire pieces individually with an open flame.</div>
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Here are some of my latest colorful creations. Most of these elements will become either earrings or pendants. A select few may be set like gemstones in sterling silver, as I do in my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/51340591/jetson-ring-in-blue-green-turquoise" target="_blank">Jetson Collection</a>.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSoJk0DD4otDJbgRWq5b338bafQY-_BSzQkZmDYDq66qYcDDqq-O-qwn3spD_5uuk51t1NqQDHvM-pfLp2qqN7YBsOtek4bMblsLXeX1-ZNi2kt09VxkctnJlyX8URZVADQE4Au6giOAYX/s1600/Enamel2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSoJk0DD4otDJbgRWq5b338bafQY-_BSzQkZmDYDq66qYcDDqq-O-qwn3spD_5uuk51t1NqQDHvM-pfLp2qqN7YBsOtek4bMblsLXeX1-ZNi2kt09VxkctnJlyX8URZVADQE4Au6giOAYX/s320/Enamel2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr align="center"><td class="tr-caption">See any you like?</td></tr>
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<br />Dream Spiral Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15453157816746627941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8469054657618675776.post-12004060366053048532012-05-18T13:38:00.000-04:002012-05-18T13:39:15.306-04:00STOCKLEY GARDENS ART FESTIVAL IN NORFOLK, VA<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Come see the entire Dream Spiral Art Jewelry Collection this weekend at the: </b></div>
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/events/153443838120498/" target="_blank"><b>Stockley Gardens Art Festival</b> </a><br />
<b>Saturday, May 19 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. &</b><br />
<b> Sunday, May 20 from noon to 6:00 p.m. </b><br />
<b>Stockley Gardens Park, located off Olney Road in the Ghent section of Norfolk, VA </b></div>
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<b>Looks like the weather is going to be perfect. The festival is FREE and held outdoors in the park both days.</b></div>
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<b>This is my last show until the Fall! </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbPz7IJk-3pzVlsPYMJU_9lBdh_mj4lfBzz7DG8Q9ac9llKqVqGH3mSP-skeYfxYSrNacBiiBBr0nochN8KwJiXHNFPGxqKRLRe9b2LZlvlovHqwireaoQvfq8v4d7vP0VXbG5KzJDWcaA/s1600/BoothStockley3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbPz7IJk-3pzVlsPYMJU_9lBdh_mj4lfBzz7DG8Q9ac9llKqVqGH3mSP-skeYfxYSrNacBiiBBr0nochN8KwJiXHNFPGxqKRLRe9b2LZlvlovHqwireaoQvfq8v4d7vP0VXbG5KzJDWcaA/s320/BoothStockley3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>Dream Spiral Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15453157816746627941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8469054657618675776.post-48136921361480598792012-05-15T23:36:00.001-04:002013-05-01T22:20:40.871-04:00A WEDDING AND A FUNERAL<div style="text-align: center;">
Two years ago today, on May 15, 2010, the Mister and I were taking our life-long vows of commitment to each other <a href="http://dreamspiralart.blogspot.com/search?updated-min=2010-01-01T00:00:00-05:00&updated-max=2011-01-01T00:00:00-05:00&max-results=1" target="_blank">(see the wedding here)</a>. Although it feels like I have known him my whole life, today is only our second wedding anniversary. We originally met seven years ago, however, on my sister's birthday, May 12, when I made a brief, 36 hour trip to Richmond prior to relocating here.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiimyFmwJVVCI5P4t4_MymHsMOuO8UQ3miwJYFZJNkp8lgZS8T7o6iXjkCGv_0TXNiM1DtmO5nCkRJsuB12qvrQ1BXy3D51RxzSMHIEYfdim3XKW7rVRClaolMoK5zNGwwRY3CgISsJPsRQ/s1600/Ceremony.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiimyFmwJVVCI5P4t4_MymHsMOuO8UQ3miwJYFZJNkp8lgZS8T7o6iXjkCGv_0TXNiM1DtmO5nCkRJsuB12qvrQ1BXy3D51RxzSMHIEYfdim3XKW7rVRClaolMoK5zNGwwRY3CgISsJPsRQ/s640/Ceremony.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
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When we married, we had only one living grandparent, my husband's grandmother, Lillian. And at the time, we weren't sure she was going to live to attend the wedding. But she was a stubborn, determined woman (my husband takes after her, by the way) and she said she wouldn't miss it. "Grandma" as I came to call her, was 90 then, and had been in and out of the hospital several times just weeks before the wedding. Amazingly, Grandma recovered in the nick-of-time and lived for two more years, until last Saturday, May 12, when she took her final breathe and departed this life.</div>
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Exactly two years from our wedding date, the family united once again - only this time for a funeral. So today we celebrate life and all that it entails: beginning, middle, end. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXk27Sp2VBT0rEOIJXW9TGCrncLVT27R15pYjLg9ko8SYOfAafRp7CDIkA0tWZxmcydXkj3y6IWD6f3jMaICpgRZZwqbDJV5B0d1nwYRCbGRtUtW0QwjRYipzqw3Qq6LF_HAtEjzW_bD2c/s1600/Gma2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXk27Sp2VBT0rEOIJXW9TGCrncLVT27R15pYjLg9ko8SYOfAafRp7CDIkA0tWZxmcydXkj3y6IWD6f3jMaICpgRZZwqbDJV5B0d1nwYRCbGRtUtW0QwjRYipzqw3Qq6LF_HAtEjzW_bD2c/s640/Gma2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We love you, Grandma, and we miss you.</div>
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<br />Dream Spiral Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15453157816746627941noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8469054657618675776.post-73394050105721694662012-04-28T00:52:00.002-04:002013-05-01T22:25:01.143-04:00KITCHEN CHAOS COMING TO A CLOSE<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
I'm excited to report that we are 90% finished with our farmhouse kitchen renovation! The Mister and I have been working in diligent fits and spurts (as time and money have allowed) since January of last year. It has been a long, sometimes stressful, but very rewarding process, throughout which, I am proud to say, that<b> these Do-it-Yourself-ers did ALL the work with our own two hands!</b></div>
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<u><b>Here's the quaint little kitchen BEFORE we began renovating:</b></u></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHMPKFQxJzkIHTMUvA7JjeDpoQohu84O9txT9jy7-eLXY_Qj_e7Oou1h6xD64jT7VxzlRFdcre_oP6EQXDRNhU_8cKedsSxdyjEGoG9Comt6N75Xt9vsXjlvcHfCNA1qGureNSf9ymq3zR/s1600/Kitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHMPKFQxJzkIHTMUvA7JjeDpoQohu84O9txT9jy7-eLXY_Qj_e7Oou1h6xD64jT7VxzlRFdcre_oP6EQXDRNhU_8cKedsSxdyjEGoG9Comt6N75Xt9vsXjlvcHfCNA1qGureNSf9ymq3zR/s400/Kitchen.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Wall-to-wall knotty pine wood paneling, linoleum stick-tile flooring, no pantry, <u>no dishwasher</u>, minimal storage, dated laminate counter-top, tiny sink... oh yeah, and what's with that weird beam in the middle of the room?</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKzLQrxW-LUDMKT08clonS0KWtaJcmR-am8wWNpHnnmfF_-olJ1nL4ljyf4MWLzUtuioG_5CBsvPPi2Z8FeqSJ9kJhVEi4Lj8Ow_DTQUAt0x4qkL47NpEuBdy7Nt1QU5fx6l-ajyKV6spa/s1600/Kitchen2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKzLQrxW-LUDMKT08clonS0KWtaJcmR-am8wWNpHnnmfF_-olJ1nL4ljyf4MWLzUtuioG_5CBsvPPi2Z8FeqSJ9kJhVEi4Lj8Ow_DTQUAt0x4qkL47NpEuBdy7Nt1QU5fx6l-ajyKV6spa/s320/Kitchen2.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO8_WEw3Rp3QfQOcLNpB2UpZ8fUX0Wf3em3FFCcMa1PWilCcxE3hYmaDnv3J4kLSkcmbjHPruWjeMjrhTmAZvn1hnV-NBGHpkW7Gwtdu_JbWq6eCy6IwH1arD5zZBqIHe_FV-sT783lZpa/s1600/Kitchen1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO8_WEw3Rp3QfQOcLNpB2UpZ8fUX0Wf3em3FFCcMa1PWilCcxE3hYmaDnv3J4kLSkcmbjHPruWjeMjrhTmAZvn1hnV-NBGHpkW7Gwtdu_JbWq6eCy6IwH1arD5zZBqIHe_FV-sT783lZpa/s320/Kitchen1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Notice the basement door on the right side of the refrigerator <b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Guess what? we moved it!)</span></b></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuCv7CFsarjPqUBTiKfvfuSMSPrHVHjpqqHcuKxdL0FANtZI62mf9GZk9N0r6NFuVWS2m34TBqrHUmKz1HBepzcdzPAWyRbLWCwyLjhJZYM0np1FwTUca3Et934__P_RruD_q043SFRiIb/s1600/Kitchen3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuCv7CFsarjPqUBTiKfvfuSMSPrHVHjpqqHcuKxdL0FANtZI62mf9GZk9N0r6NFuVWS2m34TBqrHUmKz1HBepzcdzPAWyRbLWCwyLjhJZYM0np1FwTUca3Et934__P_RruD_q043SFRiIb/s320/Kitchen3.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc5ih19wBhFGVlq1MYnDjckqHcLRxhWu2G2myn1mTT5YKSctqlZI4HU8Y92JrrYW6zS726EbqJapaDMWbBpf7w4_pJZCwqXdsylPE5MB6imGhMvdpzPfWF5RItb1dxZxl1WSj0pjxDtkXI/s1600/Kitchen4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc5ih19wBhFGVlq1MYnDjckqHcLRxhWu2G2myn1mTT5YKSctqlZI4HU8Y92JrrYW6zS726EbqJapaDMWbBpf7w4_pJZCwqXdsylPE5MB6imGhMvdpzPfWF5RItb1dxZxl1WSj0pjxDtkXI/s320/Kitchen4.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The tiny stove was bent in the middle so nothing cooked evenly (I may have knelt on it once when trying to reach something in the upper cabinets... ahem). Even Albus, the cat, looks sad and confused in this dark and dated kitchen.</span></div>
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<u><b>We had a huge TO-DO list and this is what we've CHECKED-OFF so far:</b></u></div>
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*Replace old, white appliances with new, stainless steel appliances</div>
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*Replace linoleum tiles with wood laminate flooring (beautiful mahogany finish)</div>
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*Move basement door to recess refrigerator and add new cabinets/counter-top between stove and refrigerator </div>
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*Replace overhead wooden light fixture with stainless steel fixture</div>
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*<u>Install a dishwasher!!!</u> </div>
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*Install new farmhouse sink (large enough to bathe a small child in) and new fixtures</div>
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*Add slate tile back-splash behind sink</div>
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*Replace old counter-tops </div>
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*Build walk-in pantry with floor to ceiling shelving and overhead switch-operated light </div>
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*Reface all cabinets and doors --- paint white</div>
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*Add multiple electrical outlets and replace old wiring to bring up to code</div>
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*Deep clean and reuse current stove-top hood and fan</div>
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*Install dry-wall over wood paneling throughout kitchen</div>
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*Paint dry-wall (Buttercream with Eggplant accent walls) </div>
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*Replace all cabinet hinges, hardware, and pulls (brushed nickel finishes)</div>
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*Paint all trim and moldings white</div>
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*Build additional counter-tops and cabinets between stove and refrigerator --- paint white</div>
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*Mount microwave on shelf above new counter-top</div>
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*Add window treatments </div>
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<u><b>Kitchen-in-Progress</b></u><br />
<u><b>(90% finished with renovation):</b></u></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1rSbkx4bpLq729syAgoK0CetV5PW6rxZZuMAhXzKAAsdPPO85xLWpjQF84dd6_3UTwwPpf_E0x0oq5UOfBFyOVDyyRqxVPz6chLC2CYVxglDsUc9DkXcQQRVX1bYFjzrXDicJeSFXCi7H/s1600/Kitchen45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1rSbkx4bpLq729syAgoK0CetV5PW6rxZZuMAhXzKAAsdPPO85xLWpjQF84dd6_3UTwwPpf_E0x0oq5UOfBFyOVDyyRqxVPz6chLC2CYVxglDsUc9DkXcQQRVX1bYFjzrXDicJeSFXCi7H/s400/Kitchen45.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Don't you just love wood on the floor so much more than on the walls?</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglVXto5waMupnjkyVRhInSNeqb6vAt1hSx78mWUJzRyKvn7Zsi87eALyvn0svq-lh0EK0ADbtFUA3SUQlsxF0bR2-RvKpLrOfpHywi4uzVqeTRBf5mFNHFfn2IvQyTINz-5ozNHmmOc1c7/s1600/Kitchen40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglVXto5waMupnjkyVRhInSNeqb6vAt1hSx78mWUJzRyKvn7Zsi87eALyvn0svq-lh0EK0ADbtFUA3SUQlsxF0bR2-RvKpLrOfpHywi4uzVqeTRBf5mFNHFfn2IvQyTINz-5ozNHmmOc1c7/s320/Kitchen40.jpg" width="241" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyGW2caMUZOJKsYC9Hj8RQ-oV12BNz_hUAXjcRA9VOO5eKOMLV3cpN9UTEvc1QAW95-woA8KZCp6jAlXXqzBYF_67xpONhXmml_15tcwdjNQ3LBXfNUCPgxP44NteBYwc_NI3LynJt_X2q/s1600/Kitchen54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyGW2caMUZOJKsYC9Hj8RQ-oV12BNz_hUAXjcRA9VOO5eKOMLV3cpN9UTEvc1QAW95-woA8KZCp6jAlXXqzBYF_67xpONhXmml_15tcwdjNQ3LBXfNUCPgxP44NteBYwc_NI3LynJt_X2q/s320/Kitchen54.jpg" width="244" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Notice the door on the left? Since we couldn't move that beam in the middle of the room, we incorporated it into our new walk-in pantry that features floor-to-ceiling storage.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj115H2McmNVXO8L37EBCm6tT_wVcjyA-_gxYc6M9CFUdSyUR0Yz0VaSd_mEAl-WSIC6bXBNX6jXX0vkxeKzk5BmgwOmsRqTVhiTyUa_lnbbd6zJrcaD-wu6O7rEFOVu4vlpluO4lp1g5-M/s1600/kitchen49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj115H2McmNVXO8L37EBCm6tT_wVcjyA-_gxYc6M9CFUdSyUR0Yz0VaSd_mEAl-WSIC6bXBNX6jXX0vkxeKzk5BmgwOmsRqTVhiTyUa_lnbbd6zJrcaD-wu6O7rEFOVu4vlpluO4lp1g5-M/s400/kitchen49.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I repainted the entry door and commissioned a custom birdie valance, handmade by<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/MissMuffetsTuffet?ref=seller_info" target="_blank"> Miss Muffets Tuffet on Etsy</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZuaINri2oem4u9_GGB-XtagBMLGY0dgCT8q6XmWIVbaG8TIdqFGfrXd7LIyKjLUkb6Sia7bvZPaGf08FpMOUN-Yk_XqagnDVqX33jIHOndDJL823b9EqYWZmBpRAAy4uVqIB7t-BDqFNF/s1600/Kitchen57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZuaINri2oem4u9_GGB-XtagBMLGY0dgCT8q6XmWIVbaG8TIdqFGfrXd7LIyKjLUkb6Sia7bvZPaGf08FpMOUN-Yk_XqagnDVqX33jIHOndDJL823b9EqYWZmBpRAAy4uVqIB7t-BDqFNF/s400/Kitchen57.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I just love this slate tile backsplash! The eggplant accent walls play up the purple brown tones in the slate so nicely.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY6kS8LrlI4nNc0ZQnNmEcfNmhAf_Om0BEYR6sQnVFiOf6YnIfVKGaE1AnnclpEHAPkLr9pihdacHtEyeXo7byn144ALBkXYUOZQI9OG2-Td_ltYBCpUyyn9AuKn9bBEAaU5GH4DH7Yuhx/s1600/Kitchen51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY6kS8LrlI4nNc0ZQnNmEcfNmhAf_Om0BEYR6sQnVFiOf6YnIfVKGaE1AnnclpEHAPkLr9pihdacHtEyeXo7byn144ALBkXYUOZQI9OG2-Td_ltYBCpUyyn9AuKn9bBEAaU5GH4DH7Yuhx/s400/Kitchen51.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Moving the basement door access out of the kitchen and around the corner allowed for a recessed refrigerator and extra counter-tops and cabinets between stove and refrigerator. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">A handmade owl tea towel, purchased from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ZenThreads?section_id=6536304" target="_blank">Zen Threads on Etsy </a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">and a colorful print from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/transaction/5706155" target="_blank">Artful Escapes</a> add finishing touches to this <i>handmade</i> kitchen.</span></div>
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<u><b>DOING THIS WEEK :</b></u></div>
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*<strike>Restore, sand, prime and paint original crown molding</strike>... scratch that... not
able to reuse existing molding</div>
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*Purchase and paint brand new molding
from our local lumber mill, <a href="http://www.siewers.com/" target="_blank">Siewers.</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgJCNp4DytfnPPIQzwZxnBALdyl2lcI66b8PIQOWZP23qcGE1Qxjmx0aGzDDaMe5W6KhG0OuB_0BRG3BdR_cdcEYbHMYiuhRJhJ_n2srsM392jXwO-I_Jyxk2KM4zo2cje5sDgBqZmBb2T/s1600/Kitchen59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgJCNp4DytfnPPIQzwZxnBALdyl2lcI66b8PIQOWZP23qcGE1Qxjmx0aGzDDaMe5W6KhG0OuB_0BRG3BdR_cdcEYbHMYiuhRJhJ_n2srsM392jXwO-I_Jyxk2KM4zo2cje5sDgBqZmBb2T/s400/Kitchen59.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b> </b></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">We picked out a wider molding with a little more pizazz than the original crown molding had. We will carry the new molding throughout the downstairs of the house as we continue our renovations (the living room is next).</span></span><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<u><b>STILL TO-DO: </b></u></div>
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*Install crown molding</div>
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*Install vertical trim along exterior pantry walls</div>
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*Install floor trim</div>
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*Paint behind and install trim around recessed refrigerator </div>
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*Replace windows with energy efficient and historically accurate wood windows $$$</div>
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*Add built-in double trashcan cabinet on left side of stove</div>
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*Complete final touch-ups<b> </b><br />
<b>and eventually...</b></div>
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*Remove baseboard heaters and install HVAC system and vents in entire house $$$$$</div>
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<b>Total Cost of Kitchen Renovation: </b></div>
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<b><u>$5000</u> ($2800 went to new appliances, mind you). </b></div>
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<b>Not squabbling over whose turn it is to wash the dishes anymore: </b></div>
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<u><b>PRICELESS.</b></u></div>
<br />Dream Spiral Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15453157816746627941noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8469054657618675776.post-30323903014663306612012-04-27T13:30:00.001-04:002012-04-28T00:59:25.915-04:00SUNDAY IN THE PARK<div style="text-align: center;">
I will be exhibiting the full collection of <a href="http://www.dreamspiralart.etsy.com/" target="_blank">my jewelry</a> this Sunday at <a href="http://hillsandheights.org/2012/04/04/sunday-in-the-park-with-friends-on-april-29/" target="_blank">Forest Hill Park</a> in Richmond,VA from Noon to 5:00 p.m. Hope you can make it out for: </div>
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Featuring:</div>
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Live music; </div>
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RVA Hoop Lovers & hula hoops; </div>
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Yummy food, including free treats and ice cream for kids (while supplies last); </div>
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Police, Fire and Sheriff' equipment displays; </div>
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The famous
Bike Rodeo by RCOP<span class="text_exposed_show"> complete with giveaways; </span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show">Children's activities including a moon bounce, crafts, games, magicians,
Jonathan the Juggler, story telling and puppets;</span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show"> Tree climbing with
Tru-Timber;</span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show">Richmond Raiders and Risky the mascot visiting and
selling game tickets; </span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show">Bruiser Wrestling Federation;</span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show">Environmental displays, programs and activities;</span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show">Urban Chicken display
and educational outreach;</span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show">Nature walks, history & trolley car
display, Stone House tours;</span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show">Catch and release fishing at the
lake;</span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show"> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/events/230824583685648/" target="_blank"><b>and fabulous art/craft and specialty vendors.</b></a> </span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show">Whew, where else are you going to find all that
in a lovely outdoor setting for FREE! </span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show">See you there.</span></div>Dream Spiral Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15453157816746627941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8469054657618675776.post-57841923769962963862012-04-16T18:07:00.004-04:002012-04-16T18:26:30.753-04:00SHOW SCHEDULE for SPRING 2012<div style="text-align: center;">With my first 2012 Art Festival right around the corner (this Saturday), I thought I'd better list my Spring show line-up. All shows are held outdoors - rain or shine. Hope to see you there!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJaVWywzx8cpw0psvHHYvSxOZ6l94_Iz5Muj-fF5m6tj6c8feewQ3eeQLsPx5XN4xAEp2YJeGT-XgfdZcDEPKDnYZCPKNHosdoPHvXXsvnDZhlEC9ARCVt4XofXn3V34OwWSd-tQ7un_tK/s1600/BoothFFF1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJaVWywzx8cpw0psvHHYvSxOZ6l94_Iz5Muj-fF5m6tj6c8feewQ3eeQLsPx5XN4xAEp2YJeGT-XgfdZcDEPKDnYZCPKNHosdoPHvXXsvnDZhlEC9ARCVt4XofXn3V34OwWSd-tQ7un_tK/s320/BoothFFF1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><u> UPCOMING SHOWS: </u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="http://www.jtcc.edu/foolforart/" target="_blank"><b>Fool for Art at John Tyler Community College</b></a><br />
<b>Saturday, April 21 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.</b><br />
<b>800 Charter Colony Parkway</b><br />
<b>Midlothian, VA</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hillsandheights.org/2012/04/04/sunday-in-the-park-with-friends-on-april-29/" target="_blank"><b>Sunday in the Park with Friends </b></a><br />
<b>Sunday, April 29 from noon to 5:00 p.m.</b><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Forest Hill Park in Richmond, VA </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hope-house.org/arts/spring-stockley-gardens-arts-festival/" target="_blank"><b>Stockley Gardens Art Festival</b> </a><br />
<b>Saturday, May 19 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. &</b><br />
<b> Sunday, May 20 from noon to 6:00 p.m. </b><br />
<b>Stockley Gardens Park, located off Olney Road in the Ghent section of Norfolk, VA </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This year I will not be participating in <i>any</i> summer shows, but I'll be back for a few favorites in the Fall. And remember you can always find a selection of my handmade jewelry at <a href="http://www.dreamspiralart.etsy.com/" target="_blank">Dream Spiral Art on Etsy</a> and at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/GlassBoatltd" target="_blank">GlassBoat</a> in Carytown. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's a sneak peak of some brand new earrings that will be available this Saturday at <a href="http://www.jtcc.edu/foolforart/" target="_blank">Fool for Art</a>.</div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF5z7MkXPzmGHF0zrDie6jSAIM-3k22eX6I4zxbPsC2mb8q9zU5aff2qvjG2kbJ_5iKz5dTSj62bhe1Fihfia_Y9NyVEpcdqLBWC7DkoDGo1YpOKVPErJRV_by-Yq6aZtKRVU_3EH98EqW/s1600/Beads1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF5z7MkXPzmGHF0zrDie6jSAIM-3k22eX6I4zxbPsC2mb8q9zU5aff2qvjG2kbJ_5iKz5dTSj62bhe1Fihfia_Y9NyVEpcdqLBWC7DkoDGo1YpOKVPErJRV_by-Yq6aZtKRVU_3EH98EqW/s320/Beads1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beads are back! Paired with a careful selection of gemstones and pearls, braided sterling silver hoops shine in these dangly handmade earrings.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Dream Spiral Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15453157816746627941noreply@blogger.com0Richmond, VA, USA37.5407246 -77.436048137.4626166 -77.543797599999991 37.6188326 -77.3282986tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8469054657618675776.post-45566844462353047302012-04-09T12:46:00.001-04:002013-05-01T22:27:48.551-04:00LANDSCAPED AT LAST!<div style="text-align: center;">
Last weekend, my hubby and I enjoyed our first whole weekend off together in over a year! Inspired by the gorgeous Spring weather, we decided to use the time to finish landscaping around the front of the house. With a generous birthday gift from my mother-in-law, we were able to buy mulch, flowering perennials, and even a Viburnum tree at our local plant nursery, <a href="http://www.edslandscape.com/" target="_blank">Ed's Landscaping</a>. (We support local, small businesses whenever possible and this garden center is truly excellent!)</div>
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Just for perspective, below are some <i>before</i> and <i>after</i> photos. </div>
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When I moved in with the Mister in 2006, this is what the landscaping looked like (actually the raised beds were a big mound of dirt with no plants in sight). Eager to paint on a blank canvas, I immediately spread and tilled the soil and began to fill it in with perennial splashes of color. </div>
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Within the next couple of years, we re-painted the entire stucco facade white, screened in the front porch and painted the exterior trim around the sunroom, my beloved jewelry-making studio.</div>
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Yes, we still have work to do on this old house. More trim to paint, windows to replace, walls to repair. And each year there will be weeds to pull and plants to water and prune, but WOW! the rewards of our labor have been amazing. Caring for a garden and renovating an old home is a continuous work in progress. </div>
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But I must admit that after almost 7 years of being together, I am pretty pleased with our progress. (:</div>
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Dream Spiral Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15453157816746627941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8469054657618675776.post-82458854412794024062012-04-05T16:24:00.001-04:002013-05-01T22:28:11.375-04:00Covered in Cat<div style="text-align: center;">
It has been liberating to replace the robust hum of the boiler with the sounds of Spring peepers and chirping birds. Needing neither heat nor A/C, we are in that glorious place between seasons when the air is so mild that we open windows and invite it to play. Most afternoons, the cats come and go as they please with an open-door policy to the screened-in porch. </div>
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But this time of year, the nights are still cold, dropping sometimes to 38 degrees. Inside these stucco walls with no insulation, the first story of the farmhouse is cave-like, maintaining a 55 - 65 degree constant. Before the afternoon sun can heat up the house, the mornings here are chilly, leaving me wonder if perhaps we packed away the down comforter too soon.</div>
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But never fear... like me, the kitty-kids do not like to be chilly. So I've found myself a new kind of down comforter. With Sprout wrapped around my head, Potter nestled against my right side and Albus on my left (they always snuggle in this formation, by the way), I wake up covered in cat almost every morning. </div>
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The post-winter world is waking up with greens that push through the soil, yawning with outstretched tendrils, shaking off sleep. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPK3kfEwRhUk68awL8hoALOnhImbXpa45IlrBLK2kNyopKSC4Y2KZb86OX-cO4OFzXmQTwkE26LlqFUoat6jOZeZESa_bbsQ39_Krvz2SbasYrrCvwIzEVn5sUJLL5G800UVcnHc7HLMdM/s1600/CoveredinCat2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPK3kfEwRhUk68awL8hoALOnhImbXpa45IlrBLK2kNyopKSC4Y2KZb86OX-cO4OFzXmQTwkE26LlqFUoat6jOZeZESa_bbsQ39_Krvz2SbasYrrCvwIzEVn5sUJLL5G800UVcnHc7HLMdM/s400/CoveredinCat2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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And I wake up </div>
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covered in a </div>
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furry, </div>
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purr-y </div>
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pile of cat.</div>
Dream Spiral Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15453157816746627941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8469054657618675776.post-77273801783500634942012-03-07T22:58:00.000-05:002012-04-28T00:59:11.761-04:00Lepidopterans in my Shop<div style="text-align: center;">
So for the last few years I have been using resin in my jewelry to encapsulate organic materials such as birch bark, moss, flower petals and lichens. (You can view my entire <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/DreamSpiralArt?section_id=5573695" target="_blank">"Captured Collection" here</a>). Last fall I found a few discarded butterfly and moth wings and have been excited to try my resin technique on them.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWrVLIuJQ5ZzhcT5yx2vV-ReXIVLQtTrbfjPK5avyfAb2yw5Z3rjMptuNUYrqc9pY2t0VE5IEKcmfNwlZXw1lPGSW4IHxxhidiaX5UWF5uhErccVWC1MgSCw1d56NdCHmwTsBLKKRl_Chr/s1600/Bfly6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWrVLIuJQ5ZzhcT5yx2vV-ReXIVLQtTrbfjPK5avyfAb2yw5Z3rjMptuNUYrqc9pY2t0VE5IEKcmfNwlZXw1lPGSW4IHxxhidiaX5UWF5uhErccVWC1MgSCw1d56NdCHmwTsBLKKRl_Chr/s320/Bfly6.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/88796348/butterfly-and-buckeye-moth-wing-necklace" target="_blank">Sterling Silver, Resin, and Butterfly Wing</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEighYoxP4J-QWiuAcMsA0GSnjrhN2EfWjtim2icytVDNY5vB0NmL7ZF-of7mYQOyZVGKeLA9xPllyqmhXXFb8cprB2tRP38P8jgSl3pdIJlHYEf2XO0QqfrcRWcnzR-_yv0ZsW9tgg5yuJw/s1600/MothOval6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEighYoxP4J-QWiuAcMsA0GSnjrhN2EfWjtim2icytVDNY5vB0NmL7ZF-of7mYQOyZVGKeLA9xPllyqmhXXFb8cprB2tRP38P8jgSl3pdIJlHYEf2XO0QqfrcRWcnzR-_yv0ZsW9tgg5yuJw/s320/MothOval6.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/94583555/moth-wing-necklace-large-oval-from-the" target="_blank">Sterling Silver, Resin, and Moth Wing remnant</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Yj57tiI9lY3yk0LQMoa1agwcsNNeRrZDoZ_2bKy0t6LcKqZG7HCT_CJP28LJ-lvpHQkoEnSNk9MtGiIvR_5tksPpUiKdBNTBA1VQ9wk001G_O98ggrHZhA03hSohTSW6gvS3vi33h312/s1600/MothRound3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Yj57tiI9lY3yk0LQMoa1agwcsNNeRrZDoZ_2bKy0t6LcKqZG7HCT_CJP28LJ-lvpHQkoEnSNk9MtGiIvR_5tksPpUiKdBNTBA1VQ9wk001G_O98ggrHZhA03hSohTSW6gvS3vi33h312/s320/MothRound3.jpg" width="304" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/94582637/buckeye-moth-wing-necklace-from-the" target="_blank">Sterling Silver, Resin, and Buckeye Moth Wing</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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If these lovely Lepidoptera pendants make your heart flutter, be sure to catch one before they all fly away. Each piece is one of a kind and available in my <a href="http://www.dreamspiralart.etsy.com/" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a> now.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: x-small;"><b style="color: #4c1130;">By the way, I'm getting ready to email a top-secret coupon code for my newsletter subscribers only. If you do not already receive my newsletter and would like to, be sure to sign up by clicking the text "Subscribe to my Newsletter" in the column on the right side of this page. I only email about 4 newsletters per year, but each one contains show schedule updates, new product info, and exclusive coupon codes for subscribers only.</b></span></div>
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<br /></div>Dream Spiral Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15453157816746627941noreply@blogger.com0