Tuesday, July 8, 2014

The Art of Dabbling

I'm a putterer. I may even be incapable of finishing an entire room before becoming distracted inspired by the beckoning of another room.


I've tried to stay the course...I got really, really close with my sun porch (see it here.)


But it still needs a coffee table and a few more accessories...

...and with my family room (see it here.)


I think it could still use a big round ottoman in front of the sofa, with a pretty tray topped with books and designer tchotchkes.

I've tried to point the finger, place the blame.

- "I don't have enough money for new furniture."

- "No one ever sees that room anyway."

- "I need to take a trip instead."

Truth, though? I may secretly like to work this way. I try to convince myself that I'm an artist who dabbles, and my rooms evolve in perfect layers.

Sadly, it's one of the things that drives Renaissance Merman wacko!! He sees absolutely no good reason to leave projects unfinished. For the most part, he is a "closer". Start a project - finish it. (Although we won't mention the half demo'd basement he ripped into last winter...ahem.)

Anyway, I've made a little more progress in the craft room. I found this lamp at Pier 1. I think it's glamorous with its hammered silver base and peacock-blue shade.


And I gave a garage sale wall plaque a makeover with some glossy white paint. See how its design echoes the stencil that I used? (Happy accident.)


The pink ghost chair was purchased from StackChairs4Less.com. It's feminine and trendy, and I love the way it contrasts with the masculinity and patina of this table-turned-desk. (This was a cast-off from my in-laws and in rough shape, so not too precious for craft projects involving paint, glue, etc.)

The magazine rack was found at a flea market and started out black. A little gold spray paint elevated it from dull to pretty.


Aren't these little jars amazing? Yes, they were another garage sale find. I keep some of the tools of my trade in them and on a small silver tray. I think all of the vintage jewelry and jeweled ribbons are too pretty to store away while they wait to be used in projects.



I like the way the room is taking shape so far. The plans are to infuse more color, pattern and vintage goodness in here.



But I'm not rushing to finish it. And the entryway could use a facelift about now...... ;)


Sharing with Ivy and Elephants, DIY by Design, Nancherrow, Lamberts Lately, From My Front Porch to Yours, Life in Velvet, Revisionary Life, Share Your Cup Thursday, Paper & Fox, A Delightsome Life, Pieced Pastimes

23 comments:

  1. It is amazing how that wall art mimics the stencil! Love your ghost chair in pink also - have never seen any other than the clear. I love how laissez faire you are with the putter-style decorating - blogger rebel, lol! Atta girl!
    Rita C at Panoply

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  2. Ahh, I think I'm with your husband as I'm usually a Closer. I have to do one room at a time, but then I do have multiple others in the works. I always say if I had more time or money I could do it all at once, but actually, it's the thrill of the hunt, right? I love working on a project. Love your pink ghost chair and yes the Pier one lamp is awesome. Your whole home is gorgeous!

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    1. Yes, Dana, I agree that in a way it would be nice to have the funds to do a whole-house update. But then what would we do when it was done? We'd have to start over! ;)

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  3. I love how you put together things that others might cast off and make them look like designer chic pieces! This looks great and so creative...thanks for sharing! You inspire me to look past the obvious!

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    1. Some of this creativity is born of frugality, Jodee. Champagne taste on a beer budget, you know? :)

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  4. Julie, you've made me feel better. I thought I was just easily distracted. But now I see that I must be a dabbler :) I love your pink chair and glam magazine rack!

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    1. Thanks, Heather. We dabblers need to stick together ;)

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  5. I think we dabblers are better off not completely finishing our room projects, as no sooner than you say those words you see something else you'd like to add or change. An unfinished project is a loved project. At least thats my excuse to the mister :-)

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    1. I love this, and I will tell my hubby that we have lots of loved projects now ;)

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  6. OMG...that lamp...in love with it!!!

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    1. Thanks Olivia. I think it's really pretty too!

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  7. Gorgeous rooms are never finished, and your rooms are just that. There's always a great find or treasured piece to add.
    And let's face it, we just love decorating! Keep dabbling.
    Hugs,
    Patti

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    1. Decorating keeps our creative juices flowing, Patti!

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  8. Love that pink chair and your new lamp! I get sidetracked all the time too! And who has the money and time to do everything all at once anyway?

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    1. I agree, Deborah. I would be bored without a project always waiting on the horizon :)

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  9. I love all the rooms! I have the same problem as you... ;) Thanks for linking up at On Display Thursday!

    -Leia @ Eat It & Say Yum

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  10. If we finished everything what would we have to look forward to? lol! Love the new light and the jars are fabulous! coming together so nicely! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

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    1. Thanks, Jann. Always enjoy sharing at your parties!

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  11. I am too - love how you've arranged things! Looks lovely! I do appreciate you sharing with Home and Garden Thursday,
    Kathy

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    1. Thank you, Kathy, for hosting Home and Garden Thursday each week.

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  12. I love your eclectic mix. Is anything ever really finished? Not at my house...I switch things seasonally. It's fun. :) Thanks for sharing with us at Revisionary Life Thrifty Life Thursday!

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