Meanwhile, Back at the Ranch

I rang in the New Year at my sister, Robin's, ranch in Ledbetter, Texas.  My husband, Frank, and I went out there and just enjoyed life for a while.  Part of a creative happy life is balance, and taking time to enjoy your surroundings.  Getting back to nature, can be a really good way to charge your batteries.  I took my little white dog, Sookie...and we acclimated very well to the country lifestyle! 

Frank became quite the "ranch hand" while we were there! There is a hat that sits on the hearth for decorative purposes, but my husband adopted it as his own during out little getaway!  He is good that way!

Sookie had never been to the country.  She was car sick for the entire hour and twenty minutes it took to get there, but after she arrived....I think she enjoyed herself!  What do you think?  Does she look happy?

Beautiful views!  God's country for sure!

Sookie also helped with the chores!  She rode around right in the middle of us in the mule when we went to do anything!

Hello there big fella!

It didn't take long before Sookie became a country dog!

More peace, love and country living!

Feeding the cows was such a fun experience.  It took me back to when I was a kid and used to do this with my dad.  How about my cute hubby...you would never guess he came from Boston would you?



I hope 2012 brings you some time to stop and smell the roses occasionally. Reconnecting is so important to stay inspired and motivated.

Love to all, and thanks to Robert and Robin for letting us play cowboy!
Nee' Nee'



Turquoise Finished Chair with Gator Texture

My sister, Rhonda, and I were browsing garage sales one Saturday in the summer, and it was very late.  So late, that they were all closing, and then we spotted this little left over in some one's front yard.  Well...I couldn't pass this little jewel up!  It looks pretty rough here...but I saw it's potential!

The chair was very sturdy, but was just in a severe need of some paint.  I am a big fan of the rustic look, and I wanted to experiment with turquoise.  Well...the price was right...so I started the transition.  The chair had been upholstered layer upon layer, so I removed as many layers of the material that I could.

Next, I glued acrylic stones in areas that I felt would add depth and texture, and layered the base coat with a metallic gold.

I actually decided to just paint over the material with a primer and paint it with a texture by Proceed called Smooth Absorbent Texture.  I did this in an alligator texture.  This process has been featured on my blog before...as I am very fond of this look!

Several layers of paint and texture later....here she sits in all her glory!

I used the rusting technique on the raised acrylic stones to bring more of a rustic finish and make them look like nail heads.  I love taking trash and making it into a treasure!

I hope this inspires you!

XOXXO

Nee' Nee'

IPad 2

I am so excited! I just got an IPad for my birthday...so I can blog better! LOOK OUT WORLD. I am now a high tech redneck!

Painted Wine Glasses

A couple of years ago, I started painting  a new wine glass for each of my nieces and step-daughter, for special ocassions.  I picked a Libby glass from Bed Bath & Beyond so I would have the same glass size and shape year after year and in a few years they would have a nice litte collection of glasses! 

As you can see, I have used other shapes and sizes of glasses, and I have added crackle techniques, and texture.  As always, you can make it your own, but this is the basic run down.  You start with a clean glass.  To prep the glass, I wipe over it with alcohol.  This removes any oils that may have gotten on the glass from your hands.  There are two types of glass paint that I use.  One is by Folk Art and the other is by Delta.  The Folk Art paint can either be cured quickly in the oven, or will cure over time by air drying.  The Delta Perm-Enamel does not need to be baked.  I intermix the two paints quite a bit.  Delta has a top coat that evens out imperfections and gives the paint a smooth glossy finish, I use this on every glass I do. 

This is simply another one of those things where your imagination is the limit.  I have glued things onto my glasses with 2 part epoxy, and have had a great deal of success.  These are hand wash only, and won't stand up to too much abuse...but they are worth the delicate treatment. 

This is the 2011 collection!!  Cheers!

Aged Door

I came home one day to my proud husband.  He was proud because he had upgraded our doors to energy efficient, double glass, insulated, etcetera, etcetera...doors.  Well, he was so excited, I couldn't tell him how ugly they were!  So....I went to work.  I slapped on...(and I mean slapped...as in slap your daddy) some texture and paint.  I put a little raised stencil at the bottom...and voila...a 100 year old door in just 3 days!

In process:

Finished product:

Goal for 2012...to have every square inch of my house faux painted!  That actually wouldn't leave me with much to do!

Have a great day!

Luvyameanit!

Nee' Nee'



Donna Decorates Dallas

Happy New Year!

I am energized and ready to go!

My sister, Robin, just told me about a GREAT show for decorating inspiration.  It is on HGTV and it is called Donna Decorates Dallas.  I love her fabrics, ideas and faux painting!!  Tune in...I am recording every episode!!!

More to come...XOXXO
Nee' Nee'

Some Words for My Niece on Her Wedding Day

Upon reading this blog title, one might think this is a sappy, emotional speach. Well....you haven't MET ME!!! I specialize in what I call "Redneck Poetry", and I was asked to say a few words at my niece's wedding. Here is what came off of the page!! I hope you have a good chuckle...I have missed y'all!!!

There was a girl, there was a boy
By the time he was born, she had outgrown her toys

They both worked for Miller well, Miller and Coors
Who knew that place could open such doors!

All day long as he hauled kegs
He had visions of Ashlee’s 6 foot legs

He seemed kind of young, but she gave it a shot
He said he was 25, but he was not!

At 21 he was such a great guy
He told a little white lie to date Ashlee pie!

It all played out like a country and western song
We knew a proposal wouldn’t take long

Now the men are dressed up in suits , ties and tux
We have the bride and the bridesmaids and bridesmaid deluxe

I thank his parents for raising a boy
That would one day grow up to bring Ashlee such joy

I am so glad their paths crossed and this knew love was found
Now we have two that are legally bound!

This is the story of how it began
And now the cycle starts over again

It’s time to dance to celebrate
I’m glad he lied on that first date!

Now they’ll spend their lives huggin and kissin
Cause he is hers and she is hisn!