Our Hodge-Podge Art Collection

On Saturday we were invited to a friend’s home for dinner. I had never been there before but my husband had and was raving about their home, particularly their art collection. Art plays a major role in their lives, because Leslie Sandbulte is a very talented, renown artist. Here are a few of her paintings.

When we arrived, Leslie took me on a “tour” of their art collection. Each and every piece had a special meaning or place in her heart. She shared her memories of acquisition or an art class that she had taken from that very artist. Included were some of her own paintings. It was truly a wonderful experience for me, especially as a novice artist.

Leslie’s passion got me thinking. The very next day, I assessed what we have hanging on our walls and realized how little I know about our pieces, or the artists. I am from the camp that if I like it, I hang it.

Art doesn’t have to be expensive or be an original by a famous artist. Much of our art holds memories of a vacation, an experience we shared, or a gift from a friend. Whether the medium is oil, acrylic, watercolor or a print, art is what speaks to you.

My husband and I have completely different tastes in art. Initially, it was challenging when we blended our belongings as I love old oils with thick gold frames and he likes contemporary, abstract art in modern frames.

Here is an example of my taste. The artist, Edmund Coates (1816-1872), a Hudson River school painter, is known for his landscapes with old master sensibility and Italianate elements.

And this is my husband’s preference. Eyvind Earle (1916-2000) was an American artist, author and illustrator , noted for his contribution to the background illustration and styling of Disney animated films in the 1950s. Think Snow White and the scary forest scene.

But over time, we have purchased pieces together and like mixing it up. This very large oil painting was done by Hector Armendariz Martinez from Mexico. It dominates the only full wall we have in the breakfast room.

This painting was a souvenir from a trip to Santa Fe with friends. Patrizia Atti, is an Italian artist who is known for her roses. She lives and paints between Bologna and Santa Fe.

We have been fortunate to visit Italy a few times and both of these paintings stir memories of those trips. Janice Howell, a Dallas artist, did this one with acrylics. The bright colors are so uplifting.

Cecilia Rosslee is an artist on Etsy and I have bought a few of her paintings. This reminds me of all the dinners we had on the streets of Rome. Cecilia has a wide selection of affordable art and she does commissions too. If you sign up, she will send you an email each time she releases a painting.

Here is another painting done by Cecilia of peonies (my favorite).

When we restored Bella Terra, we had to remove many of the damaged windows. We donated all of them to a local artist, Steven Hofberger who at that time, painted on glass. His thank you gift to us was this piece of art, done on an original windows from the master bedroom.

On a family trip to the Baltic Sea in 2010, we picked this up from a street artist in Estonia. I just loved the colors and it was exciting for our family to watch him paint this……and then take it home as a souvenir.

After my parents died, I was fortunate to secure two paintings by my mother’s high school art teacher, Charlotte Fuller Eastman (1878-1965). Charlotte taught art during the school year and spent her summers in Europe studying art. My mother used to tell stories of how Mrs. Eastman was her favorite teacher and how much she loved taking art classes.

When your piece of art has significant meaning to you, it is priceless. My daughter, Julianna, painted this for me as a gift. It is one of my favorite water views in Stonington Borough, Connecticut. She took a photo of the jetty and then painted it, when she was only 13 years old.

Lastly, Virginia Cook, a local artist, painted portraits of each of our children when they were between 2 and 3 years old. Each painting captures something they loved at the time. All three paintings hang over the living room fireplace.

I was so inspired by Leslie (and her husband, Webb) and their collection. In this busy world, how often do we stop and really look at the art that hangs on our walls? I am motivated to learn about the lives of the artists. I hope to remove the meaningless art and replace it with something that fills my soul.

What is hanging on your walls?

For those of you who live in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area, please visit Leslie’s art studio at 7077 E Main Street, Scottsdale, AZ. 85251. It is often open to the public. Please contact Leslie ahead of time for hours and to schedule an appointment at lesliesandbulte@mac.com. Leslie’s works are also available at:

Jones – Terwilliger Gallery
Carmel, CA
831-626-9100
jtgalleries@aol.com

SaveSave

A Few of My Favorite Things

When someone shares their favorite product, or book, movie, food, or restaurant, I look forward to trying their recommendation.

Here are five of my favorite items~~you know, the ones that make you feel good inside.

My Happy Cups: Three years ago my Dad passed away here at our home. It took several weeks for me to overcome missing his presence in our house. Each room was a reminder that he wasn’t with us anymore. I didn’t want our home consumed with sorrow as his death coincided with many happy occasions for our family (i.e. my daughter’s graduation). One day I decided it was time to “re-love” our home. As a result, I went and bought new cups for my morning (and afternoon) coffee. I call these my happy cups because, every time I use one, I feel happy. The cups are from Anthropologie.

Candles and Diffusers: My absolute FAVORITE candle is Capri Blue Volcano. They also make a diffuser. Typically the candle is in their signature blue jar, but the silver container (in the photo) was one of their holiday designs. This candle smells SO good and it seems to be the only one that can combat strong kitchen smells like fish and broccoli. It has a crisp and clean scent and though I have tried other candles, this one wins out each and every time. You can purchase this candle online through Amazon or Anthropology.

My favorite decorative candle is anything from Rosy Rings. Their candles are works of art…..the more they burn down the better you see all the botanicals imbedded in the wax. This one is Apricot Rose. I featured their Autumn candle in a previous post. You can purchase these online through the manufacturer or Amazon.

Wooden Spoon Products: Wooden Spoon Herbs is a boutique herbal medicine line base in the Appalachian foothills. The Wildwood Flower moisturizer is kept by the kitchen sink to use on my hands. Made from natural ingredients, it is perfect on my dry skin and smells like a field of wildflowers. I cannot wear it around the dogs and cats because they try to lick it off…..it must taste good too!

I just recently started using their Super Green Protein Powder made from moringa, nettle and oatstraw. This superfood is filled with nutrients and claims to nourish, alkalize, tones and calms the nervous system. All it takes is 1-2 teaspoons per daily.

Small bowls: I can’t say enough about these small bowls. The glass ones were a gift from my friend, Connie (who is the master gift giver). I use them EVERY SINGLE DAY. Made in France by Duralex, they are perfect for recipe preparation, sauces, dips, olives, and more. The two sizes I have (3 1/4″ and 4 3/4″) stack for easy storage. They can be used in the microwave and freezer.

The small white bowls are from West Elm and these get used equally as much. Not only do we use them for food, but also they were an integral part of my Valentine’s Day dinner party centerpiece, where I filled them with flowers to create a high/low centerpiece.

Vital Proteins: I have been using this product for 2 years and the benefits for me are: improved nails, hair and joint health. As we age, we stop producing collagen. This dietary supplement has 18 grams of protein in two scoops, which I add to warm lemon water or coffee in the morning. I believe it dissolves better in hot vs. cold liquid. Made from grass fed and pasture raised bovine, it has 20 grams of collagen per serving. The 20 oz. container has 28 servings. My joints have literally stopped popping and clicking. You can order it through Vital Proteins or Amazon.

Do you have a favorite product? Wouldn’t it be fun to put together a list of Favorite Things? Please send me your Fav 5 and hopefully I can generate a list to share~~especially before the holidays.

SaveSave

Beginnings and Endings

I have been out of town for the last week and was unable to send my typical twice weekly blog posts. But there is a good reason why.

Our oldest child, Benjamin graduated from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville last Saturday. This is one of the country’s most beautiful educational institutions. Rich in history with gorgeous architecture (designed by Thomas Jefferson), we have loved visiting him over the past four years.

Below is The Lawn~~a long stretch of grass from the Rotunda to the statue of Homer. Here is where graduation exercises were held and fortunately the rain stopped just in time.

It’s hard to believe we brought this little rascal home from the hospital 22 years ago. Now, armed with 2 degrees (Economics and Foreign Affairs), he will be starting his first real job in August in Washington, DC.

After four years of rigorous undergraduate studies, he is beginning a new life’s chapter into the world of independence. Not only is this an important time in life for him, but it is also creates a shift in our family. Will he be able to come home for the holidays? What about family vacations? Will he ever need us again?

As we re-imagine the fabric of our family unit, we are happy for his success. Our whole family attended his graduation and for me, that was the best part~~all of us together in joyful reunion.

Another exciting ending is the sale of the Willetta historical restoration. As of next Tuesday, this beautiful home will have a young family moving in. I have remodeled and restored many houses, but this one took the longest to sell. I truly love this house but in retrospect, never buy the biggest and best house on the street. The Willetta house was the very first house built in 1922 as a showcase home for the subdivision. Most of the other homes in the neighborhood were built later, on smaller lots with less square footage. The architecture of Willetta is one of a kind. There is no other house anywhere in our area that looks like this. To read about the restoration, click here.

There are many beginnings and endings in the garden. Tomato production is up, but the artichokes have gone to flower.

The lettuce has bolted, but the melons and cucumbers are starting to produce.

School is officially over and Memorial Day is right around the corner. Spring is gone and Summer is upon us. Whatever beginnings or endings you are celebrating, I wish you and yours a safe holiday weekend.

Exteriors: Before and After

While I was in high school, my parents bought a 1771 Colonial home that needed extensive renovation. I recall Mom and I spending countless hours consulting on this restoration project. That was the beginning of my love of historic home remodeling.

Bella Terra, built in 1910, is the 4th renovated home for us. I have also purchased, remodeled and sold 5 others. In looking through old photos, I thought you would like to see some Before and After shots. Granted some of them are before digital cameras, but for the most part, you can see the improvements. To read more about the restoration of our home, click here.

Curb appeal and the attractiveness of the exterior creates a lasting first impression. If it doesn’t catch your eye at first glance, then you can anticipate that the rest of the house is probably subpar. Here is the original entrance of a long brick ranch-style home that I remodeled in 2008. An unattractive security screen door, unsafe sidewalk, and deteriorating rafters, small scale light fixtures add to the ugly entrance.

In order to create a wider entry, custom double doors were fitted. We then added an overhang to break up the long, low, linear lines of the roof of the house.

Notice the improved walkway, the fresh paint and the well-lit entry. Here is the street view…..Before…

And After…Notice the new windows, siding, roof, house and landscape lighting and the addition of shutters. This was one of my favorite remodels. It has 5 bedrooms, 4.5 baths and the most amazing mud/laundry/craft/office room. The family who bought it still lives there. Each time I see them, they remind me how much they love it.

This sweet small ranch has such potential. Here is the front entrance before.

Here is the after. The colors were inspired by a home in Stonington Borough, Connecticut. I removed the corner window, added wider shutters, new siding and a new darker roof color. The oval window provided some curves to a rather angular house. Adding a shuttered front door provides security and ventilation at the entrance.

Here is another long, low brick ranch. The front door was a cheap, hollow core closet door. The odd stone below the brick is a bit of a challenge. I wasn’t wild about the roof, but after some research, I discover it is a very expensive composite with a lifetime warranty.

With new windows, shutters, front entrance and landscaping, the entry looks much more appealing. And the roof is no longer an eye sore.

Here is the guest cottage to my latest restoration. There was an apartment attached to the front of this. When we demolished the building we discovered the original garage and barn doors. Unfortunately we could not salvage the doors as they are too damaged.

Here is what it looks like now as a newly converted guest cottage. New windows and doors, siding, landscaping and a custom built arbor, increase the curb appeal of this sweet structure. To read more about this Willetta home restoration, click here.

The main house, built in 1922, had been vacant for over 20 years and was in a state of disrepair when I purchased it.

Finally it has been brought back to its original grandeur. Removing the aluminum siding showcases the original clapboard, new roof, repaired columns, appropriate lighting and a new 2 story addition on the back makes this a historical charmer.

I love any and all before and after pictures~~ of people and makeovers, homes, just about anything. As I sort through the thousands of photos, I will continue to share other remodels with you.

If you enjoy this post, please share on Pinterest.

This post shared with Between Naps on the Porch Metamorphosis Monday #645

Glass Etching

Etching glass is a relatively easy thing to do. I purchased several Korken glass bottles from Ikea (a bargain at $2.99 each). We keep these in the refrigerator filled with water~~easy to bring to the dinner table. I like these bottles because the circumference is appropriate for smaller hands.

Personalizing the bottles with our family initial was an simple DIY project. This frosted look was achieved using adhesive letters and dots.

Here is another with my initials and decorative leaves.

The supplies you will need are: glass vessel, rubbing alcohol, etching cream, gloves, paintbrush and adhesive stencils. I used Martha Stewart’s Glass Etching Cream which was readily available at Michaels. My bottle is rather old so the cream has darkened, but it is still usable. The cream will dry clear.

The adhesive stencils are also from Martha Stewart. These are ideal for using on curved surfaces. You can reposition them for precise placement. When finished, you can save the washed stencils for another project.

Make sure you have a protected work surface and gloves. The etching cream is Ammonium Biflouride and Sodium Fluoride~~avoid contact with skin and eyes. Use in adequate ventilation. I set up my work station outside.

First, wash your container with soap and water. Then wipe the surface with rubbing alcohol (done by my assistant daughter~~her hands are much better looking than mine!).

Position the adhesive stencils on the bottle. I use this glass bottle for my homemade almond milk, so M-I-L-K seems appropriate.

Using a disposable foam brush, apply the etching cream in a thick, even layer.

Let the etching cream remain on the surface for 15 minutes.

Rinse the bottle under running water to remove the etching cream.

Peel off the stencils and VOILA!

You can also use glass paint to create designs on your pieces. Think of the possibilities for personalizing glasses, vases, bottles and pottery. Here is an example of using paint in lieu of the etching cream.

Have fun creating one of a kind pieces. These would make great hostess gifts too.

A Peek into Our Wine Cellar

I apologize for the quality of the pictures, but I still haven’t mastered great photography yet. Since this room has absolutely no natural light, they aren’t the best. But hopefully you’ll get the idea.

The cellar is hidden behind this “bookcase”. A local goodwill shop was having a book sale, 24 books for $2.00 so I bought all of these for $10.00! My husband cut them to 2 1/2 inches wide to reduce the weight on the shelves.

The magic begins when you push against the shelves and this happens….

The door provides a “scary house” squeaking sound as it opens. Instead of stairs, we created a serpentine path to the cellar.

I didn’t want the standard wine cabinets that you see in most cellars. This room deserved a more rustic, casual look. The floor is stained concrete, which is perfect for any wine spills. Getting these chairs down the twisting, narrow entry was quite the challenge. If we ever sell the house, the chairs will go with it!

Our design inspiration came from the wine cellar at the Hermosa Inn.

The ceiling is made with wood an old Illinois barn, that was being demolished. The curved stone wall was added for character, in hopes that it would look like an original foundation wall.

The “floating” table is a convenient spot to serve wine or do tastings.

Around the corner is a copper sink, mirrored backsplash, shelves and storage.

There is a system for scanning new bottles and keeping an overall inventory. This little machine creates a UPC code label which allows us to scan the bottles we use.

Since this is probably the best place to be in the middle of a hot Phoenix summer, we have a flat screen television and access to multiple channels.

I hope you enjoyed the tour of the secret wine cellar.

Chairs: Pottery Barn

Wine Refrigerator: Viking

Wine Software: Sommelier

Sconces: Relics