Things I Love Today: Announcing SmithMarshall Arts on Etsy

I am very happy to announce my new shop on Etsy featuring my artwork http://www.etsy.com/shop/SmithMarshallArts.
My shop showcases one-of-a-kind prints, paintings and accessories inspired by the textures, colors and shapes of nature. I pride myself on making artwork that works with any home style, whether traditional, country or contemporary. Hope you enjoy SmithMarshall Arts!

In the Garden: Trellis

We put up a trellis to so  my Morning Glories could climb and they are growing fast- We got our first bloom yesterday.

So pretty- love these flowers.

We also put up some leftover trellis along the garage door and the morning glories are doing their thing there too. As you can tell- I enjoy climbing vines…

I Think I am in Love: New Camera

So here is my new baby the Nikon COOLPIX L120- great present from the hubby. I have just started experimenting with it and here are some of the results:

Most of these were taken from long distances- using the zoom. So I am pretty happy. This is a great camera if you want to upgrade from point and shoot but don’t want the size and the expense of a SLR.

Sad side note on the last picture – the baby birds are missing and the mother Catbird that we named Georgina is beside herself.  The next day after these pictures were taken they were gone from the nest- we think something got to the nest. Poor babies and parents.

Before & After: Hallway

Before: The day we moved in- very dorm like.

After: New walls, moldings, chair rail, light fixtures, runner, wall decor, and bench! Now we just need to replace the doors and fixtures and I will be happy.

 

Wall Display: Step Two – Hang

So here is the wall hung. I have to say- this technique does make a wall like this pretty darn easy. I am loving it already. I still have a few places left for my next trip- which I quite like. I just have to finish the other side of the wall (hanging some of my art there- as I don’t want both sides of the wall totally filled) and then I can reveal the complete hallway before and after.

Wall Display: Travel Wall- Step One

So I framed and layout my travel wall yesterday. Step 1 is to frame and trace a cutout of the exact frame size on newsprint and then arrange on the wall with Frog tape. This is a great way to see if the balance and placement is right.  Next step is to measure how far down the nail will go and mark on the paper. This way you can spare any extra nail holes to your beauteous walls. Can’t wait to finish!

Quick Project: Welcome Sign

So I had a sign- that had a cheesy saying on it (think “it’s 5 o’clock somewhere”- not offense to anyone who has this-  I use the saying often:).  I mixed some chalkboard paint, pumice stone medium (for texture) and acrylic paint to make the blue color I wanted. Then I made a green border and added my “welcome” in Gaelic…I thought this would be a fun addition to our deck aka our summer living room. I want our sign in a different place but didn’t get around to it this weekend.