Nook Cottage: Hanging Art

As I'm waiting for my sofa and dining table to be delivered next week (finally!) I've started planning in ernest where I'll be hanging my art. I have between 25-30 pieces ranging from fairly large (30x40) to teeny (5x5). Half of my collection just came out of my parent's house including several watercolors by my late aunt Bette Wasserboehr, who was a noted New England water colorist, teacher, gallery owner and mentor to many painters. There is no real theme to what I have. I like photography so I have several framed photographs, some I've taken, other's by better photographers! I have a lot of framed prints of varying subjects. It's just a matter of making them all work together and showing them off well.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/db/18/c7/db18c78be043933aa31b2159a3f22dc5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/db/18/c7/db18c78be043933aa31b2159a3f22dc5.jpg" /></a></div><br />This Charlotte Moss space has long been my inspiration - I just love everything about it!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3kWN-Np89j59AO6TLOcQGXkPd79B97AwhL-wmilVulDgotHIZfA4BcRY8oTeirm77FU2BfpvYR3j6LbAqj4NJZr-egpYG3MDdXymMTBm_j6oUsTXhbkY_3tQaakepiAH6BQbEHfJWg3U/s1600/charlotte+moss+bedroom.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3kWN-Np89j59AO6TLOcQGXkPd79B97AwhL-wmilVulDgotHIZfA4BcRY8oTeirm77FU2BfpvYR3j6LbAqj4NJZr-egpYG3MDdXymMTBm_j6oUsTXhbkY_3tQaakepiAH6BQbEHfJWg3U/s1600/charlotte+moss+bedroom.tiff" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />I've also always been inspired by this famous Hubert Robert "Grande Galerie du Louvre" (1796).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/46/Hubert_Robert_-_Projet_d'am%C3%A9nagement_de_la_Grande_Galerie_du_Louvre_(1796).JPG/1024px-Hubert_Robert_-_Projet_d'am%C3%A9nagement_de_la_Grande_Galerie_du_Louvre_(1796).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="508" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/46/Hubert_Robert_-_Projet_d'am%C3%A9nagement_de_la_Grande_Galerie_du_Louvre_(1796).JPG/1024px-Hubert_Robert_-_Projet_d'am%C3%A9nagement_de_la_Grande_Galerie_du_Louvre_(1796).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvMHSWsaOHhJPCpaZoPPYpHrFxPj7eCv_-nh9A8Zws86cgarc4UPCACU4ssY-sCc9vQDTcvr5Ok7WJC5LUNKNLv-MgkHGtxH-YhFMclazb9-vibd-S4YFrqQY7LruY_6pezTpqPHNlVMU/s1600/Bedroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvMHSWsaOHhJPCpaZoPPYpHrFxPj7eCv_-nh9A8Zws86cgarc4UPCACU4ssY-sCc9vQDTcvr5Ok7WJC5LUNKNLv-MgkHGtxH-YhFMclazb9-vibd-S4YFrqQY7LruY_6pezTpqPHNlVMU/s1600/Bedroom.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Here is a rendering of my new bedroom. Just this week I got in the custom headboard and re-upholstered chair in a cut velvet called Watersedge from Lee Jofa and I am so thrilled with how they came out!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzXKSMUgjeyWp6WjvlnfgSmPspXbttkrje6ukkZqabTO-AXUHTLFEGFm5JiKuoGe55uDEVL_oThRzaaZNE-DtqTseoBTypDtT1eND9CyaFvHJOw6V_vwkq_HgdfZDcO47FKCrwI-uP-ck/s1600/Headboard+and+chair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzXKSMUgjeyWp6WjvlnfgSmPspXbttkrje6ukkZqabTO-AXUHTLFEGFm5JiKuoGe55uDEVL_oThRzaaZNE-DtqTseoBTypDtT1eND9CyaFvHJOw6V_vwkq_HgdfZDcO47FKCrwI-uP-ck/s1600/Headboard+and+chair.jpg" /></a></div><br />The chair is currently in my living room since all I have in there at the moment is a little settee - which isn't too comfortable. But when the sofa comes, the chair will be moved back to the bedroom.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0fw09D_W3vFnSShUf2MqkCklol_5_PzRZ2-V6bEGIM90jhejsNcZyYSAdb4HJUKdggsCnxAj7aR2ZVQ2m9DyEPb3RRkDmqqs8VJ-q1wKpc3WwMcHJa7sP5WHG2WYYd-ZEmGMXgPtewi0/s1600/IMG_3039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0fw09D_W3vFnSShUf2MqkCklol_5_PzRZ2-V6bEGIM90jhejsNcZyYSAdb4HJUKdggsCnxAj7aR2ZVQ2m9DyEPb3RRkDmqqs8VJ-q1wKpc3WwMcHJa7sP5WHG2WYYd-ZEmGMXgPtewi0/s1600/IMG_3039.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />(Note: the wall color isn't nearly so lime green as it appears here, but it is a very strong green, which I love.)<br /><br />Since the bedroom is nearly complete (draperies to come) I started selecting what looked nice with the very green walls and did a sketch of an approximate layout. One of the issues is that due to the different sized side tables, the bed itself is not centered on the wall, so the layout of the art needs to mitigate this issue and not end up looking off-center.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSCJo_N8mwa7edevgjpZpqw6cfcCabPwd2Im2pIIVHhleJ8HxmOzLlGIctLLVMOss7JyNa_ILqAt9wRsO5VQGhWTYuw-mhjoBzZcgSAawRmcfQqKoEUR2YJvQb8oke4wSYj4nSQn-SR_U/s1600/IMG_3041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSCJo_N8mwa7edevgjpZpqw6cfcCabPwd2Im2pIIVHhleJ8HxmOzLlGIctLLVMOss7JyNa_ILqAt9wRsO5VQGhWTYuw-mhjoBzZcgSAawRmcfQqKoEUR2YJvQb8oke4wSYj4nSQn-SR_U/s1600/IMG_3041.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I'm striving for a more casual placement of the art around my house - not so formal. Sort of a planned, unplanned look.<br /><br />I love how designer Lauren Liess places art in her spaces. She has such an ability to create truly organic looking layouts, even though everything is very well-planned. These from her own house:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.laurenliess.com/blog/king/bedroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.laurenliess.com/blog/king/bedroom.jpg" width="448" /></a></div><br />And Lauren's method of planning her art placement:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.laurenliess.com/blog/king/gallery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.laurenliess.com/blog/king/gallery.jpg" width="632" /></a></div><br />And this from Lauren's kitchen, so fantastic!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.laurenliess.com/blog/Kitchen/Norman_13033LL_087_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.laurenliess.com/blog/Kitchen/Norman_13033LL_087_web.jpg" width="476" /></a></div><br />I'm also hugely inspired by Miles Redd's use of art in his interiors. This from his house:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/ce/fc/44/cefc442975470f2b214e0d029f0cb45a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/ce/fc/44/cefc442975470f2b214e0d029f0cb45a.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><br />And this is another Miles space:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/c7/9b/38/c79b381d0c1d7436b42def97e964fc09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/c7/9b/38/c79b381d0c1d7436b42def97e964fc09.jpg" width="534" /></a></div><br />Hopefully by the end of the weekend I'll have the bedroom done. And then I can finish up the rest when the sofa and dining table come. More photos to come!<br /><br />How do you like to handle your art? Do you have a mixed group, or do you prefer more classic gallery spaces with coordinating framing and white walls?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF37vILWIzyFzLouS89L5PEPVHv0-GuSW4-54yMmYwYM5JWZIzeTq5U5AGYU0HreZfrne9Do2lkX3J7_51X2kxA1GcwS4KPSaHcsL2qaaQsPiYq72qybEB4Oft1FIKzNNqhPf1NHus4Pc/s1600/Linda+sig2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF37vILWIzyFzLouS89L5PEPVHv0-GuSW4-54yMmYwYM5JWZIzeTq5U5AGYU0HreZfrne9Do2lkX3J7_51X2kxA1GcwS4KPSaHcsL2qaaQsPiYq72qybEB4Oft1FIKzNNqhPf1NHus4Pc/s1600/Linda+sig2.png" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 86px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 7550px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 86px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 7550px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 86px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 7550px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 86px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 7550px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>

Nook Cottage: Hanging Art

As I'm waiting for my sofa and dining table to be delivered next week (finally!) I've started planning in ernest where I'll be hanging my art. I have between 25-30 pieces ranging from fairly large (30x40) to teeny (5x5). Half of my collection just came out of my parent's house including several wate…

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One man's trash...

Ok, so you're immediately thinking this is a post about flea marketing or attic diving, and yet, it's not. One man's trash is a reason to build a trash bin. That man, you ask? My dad.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8aCbKoLhb2XGuinf_3YSxOhMxNnc1QxwzsjFG2sjM0F1kAPfC4Rp1lAidma5WZUw-nod7hm61NS_oTMtOBMCaYo8WeC6eotSr3fip_oRHFv0AVBk4AFz-vtMhxuI-5JqGbC_BQErFMRY/s1600/kit1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8aCbKoLhb2XGuinf_3YSxOhMxNnc1QxwzsjFG2sjM0F1kAPfC4Rp1lAidma5WZUw-nod7hm61NS_oTMtOBMCaYo8WeC6eotSr3fip_oRHFv0AVBk4AFz-vtMhxuI-5JqGbC_BQErFMRY/s1600/kit1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Many years ago, my Dad built the trash bin you see in the above pic that's at the end of the kitchen peninsula. Rather than tuck it under the sink, which is most common, this bin was used for standard, non-garbage, trash. I think he made it from a kit sometime in the late 70's/early 80's, and it resembles an antique grain bin.<br /><br />Similar to this found on<a href="http://www.rubylane.com/item/574500-B1850/Antique-Grain-Bin-Blue-Paint" target="_blank"> Ruby Lane</a>. Isn't the color spectacular?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/3e/87/d6/3e87d67f1af4718bb07b5e8cfe8e8949.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/3e/87/d6/3e87d67f1af4718bb07b5e8cfe8e8949.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Or this, on <a href="http://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/1639394" target="_blank">Live Auctioneers</a> - another beautiful color too!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://p2.la-img.com/68/8735/1639394_1_l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="534" src="http://p2.la-img.com/68/8735/1639394_1_l.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />And here is one from <a href="http://beehavenacres.blogspot.com/2009/07/laundry-day.html" target="_blank">Bee Haven Acres</a> that is very much like my Dad's, this one used as a laundry hamper:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivLWK7EdmgLiGQdL0qkFcQRe_ftK77mcxQns7JxtEhAb7aAKDZ1-3fOKDRn5QQXQkwev8mtP7zV3XDjLniHR2VPUCuZ9ewkkqpZMC6IXhbNM3RpsR5HJPz9Ba6OXWp3NyGKXwLu2cZ4_ox/s400/IMG_0335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivLWK7EdmgLiGQdL0qkFcQRe_ftK77mcxQns7JxtEhAb7aAKDZ1-3fOKDRn5QQXQkwev8mtP7zV3XDjLniHR2VPUCuZ9ewkkqpZMC6IXhbNM3RpsR5HJPz9Ba6OXWp3NyGKXwLu2cZ4_ox/s400/IMG_0335.jpg" /></a></div><br />When I recently cleaned out my parent's house, I wasn't initially going to take the trash bin - it had seen better days (don't let the pic above fool you, it was a bit worse for wear and needed refinishing). But, as a friend pointed out, my Dad did make it and it would come in handy. So glad I did!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibDIKCWrj830KPkpv0DTVtbb70XPkeFu_rf_xdzWg8qUWSZBJ-yoZZfK5IC_f3VnAIung_kYg2Vy7jOfV_ciqW7tTd3Wldvaby49KL-6FS8FmsAAC1baQV7FonqHXs2ZjwVM7csN4wuvc/s1600/IMG_4986.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibDIKCWrj830KPkpv0DTVtbb70XPkeFu_rf_xdzWg8qUWSZBJ-yoZZfK5IC_f3VnAIung_kYg2Vy7jOfV_ciqW7tTd3Wldvaby49KL-6FS8FmsAAC1baQV7FonqHXs2ZjwVM7csN4wuvc/s1600/IMG_4986.jpg" width="478" /></a></div> Here is a closeup. Since I have a preference for painted wood, I decided to freshen it up with a coat of paint.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEZwPc0j00wmEAKALe5c9uKcTAv6_oqUWr_Fxovenovt_QFcgKbyfHc6PMuy0JthOlqO4iY8ODpFczDHD9yeoXnZoYawV6FmLa6qoGj0WpxJw8_jZ3cCpuULJKxiSMAY9VQoTlUo45p1c/s1600/IMG_4987.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEZwPc0j00wmEAKALe5c9uKcTAv6_oqUWr_Fxovenovt_QFcgKbyfHc6PMuy0JthOlqO4iY8ODpFczDHD9yeoXnZoYawV6FmLa6qoGj0WpxJw8_jZ3cCpuULJKxiSMAY9VQoTlUo45p1c/s1600/IMG_4987.jpg" width="478" /></a></div> (please ignore the living room in the background. Still waiting for my new sofa in which case the sweet little settee won't be needing blankets to protect the upholstery from RoyRoy!)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIJ6P8d2tbe-5V2yO7gHMWSiKDQz7Y9IPRVk0YU9r8urXTfFfm0QLGWrhf07rlqGjrlEFCa3CQDFupO_NV1FusjLK6FbDplo_n_c-9iy5hG72kKZKANHTUGbtbMTXcBV5O7COmLjmG48U/s1600/IMG_3014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIJ6P8d2tbe-5V2yO7gHMWSiKDQz7Y9IPRVk0YU9r8urXTfFfm0QLGWrhf07rlqGjrlEFCa3CQDFupO_NV1FusjLK6FbDplo_n_c-9iy5hG72kKZKANHTUGbtbMTXcBV5O7COmLjmG48U/s1600/IMG_3014.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />I decided to paint it black since my kitchen table will also be black (when it comes - hopefully next week!). I used <a href="https://decoart.com/chalkyfinish/colors" target="_blank">Americana Decor chalk paint</a> which is available at Home Depot, finished with their liquid créme wax. The black chalk paint on it's own is so matte that it looks like a dead void.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisf6xc8IJWTZRQgZmTXXKSt57G92zDxCpUcE-OY2ZtHFyF3Q4a73XYcnISIXjJnUGiKtqvlqGZYkSGdUqtGVUq0D-dqQOOME1EWJQu9Q19hXc54-401fKzTKRoQqEk9E4InVlXQK3MP2k/s1600/IMG_4999.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisf6xc8IJWTZRQgZmTXXKSt57G92zDxCpUcE-OY2ZtHFyF3Q4a73XYcnISIXjJnUGiKtqvlqGZYkSGdUqtGVUq0D-dqQOOME1EWJQu9Q19hXc54-401fKzTKRoQqEk9E4InVlXQK3MP2k/s1600/IMG_4999.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><br />I only used one coat, with one coat of wax for a low lustre. I was going to faux antique it more, but decided to let time take care of that. It'll get banged up a bit over time so will seem more natural aging and use.  Everyone raves about the ease of using chalk paint, and it's certainly true. No smell, easy clean up, no prep needed, quick drying. Pretty much by favorite kind of project. I also found out that you can make your own chalk paint by mixing one part water to one part plaster of paris (mix till smooth) and mix into 3 parts flat latex paint. Of course, you'll want a low VOC paint to retain that quality of pre-mixed chalk paints, but you can create a pain of any color you want relatively inexpensively.<br /><br />This is my new dining table, the Avalon extension table from Crate and Barrel. As I said, hopefully coming next week!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i.c-b.co/is/image/Crate/AvalonExtTblBlkS8/$web_zoom$&/1308302308/avalon-45-black-extension-dining-table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i.c-b.co/is/image/Crate/AvalonExtTblBlkS8/$web_zoom$&/1308302308/avalon-45-black-extension-dining-table.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />And this is coming too from C&B, the Serene apartment size slipcovered sofa in a natural linen. I can't tell you how happy I will be to finally have a comfy sofa. My little settee is beautiful, but not meant for lounging!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i.c-b.co/is/image/Crate/SereneSlpAptSfBoneS14/$web_zoom$&/1311260914/serene-slipcovered-apt-sofa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i.c-b.co/is/image/Crate/SereneSlpAptSfBoneS14/$web_zoom$&/1311260914/serene-slipcovered-apt-sofa.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />How do you hide your trash? Specialty bins? Under the sink?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpCaniX-Y-qzUwmG9hyphenhyphenXnnqSdmJfdQvE0_H1T7AFR2XfRuchwJKGWuIpOWwLbfN2VGD3yGjzNVVul7jXYvZlstSMP5UWbwDJbNCdm-inmPf608iuVcDH4CyhfeMOrsRrUs22-2oK98i2I/s1600/Linda+sig2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpCaniX-Y-qzUwmG9hyphenhyphenXnnqSdmJfdQvE0_H1T7AFR2XfRuchwJKGWuIpOWwLbfN2VGD3yGjzNVVul7jXYvZlstSMP5UWbwDJbNCdm-inmPf608iuVcDH4CyhfeMOrsRrUs22-2oK98i2I/s1600/Linda+sig2.png" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 6162px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 6162px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>

One man's trash...

Ok, so you're immediately thinking this is a post about flea marketing or attic diving, and yet, it's not. One man's trash is a reason to build a trash bin. That man, you ask? My dad.Many years ago, my Dad built the trash bin you see in the above pic that's at the end of the kitchen peninsula. Rathe…

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Silver Screen Surroundings: Outlander S1E3 - Witchy Women

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjftoAsZ_9VVbWvSexjt-RzMr092dFXHDw16D0JShgTUL3LNQVz4xIkYQBudbyaFkCJNO4FQm1znGLLghYS-1hLBtJTQng_zjZPESUH8NzBRxbckIHfUP6C5hq30E-NFWDKlCoDrTcZORk/s1600/Geillis+lab3.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjftoAsZ_9VVbWvSexjt-RzMr092dFXHDw16D0JShgTUL3LNQVz4xIkYQBudbyaFkCJNO4FQm1znGLLghYS-1hLBtJTQng_zjZPESUH8NzBRxbckIHfUP6C5hq30E-NFWDKlCoDrTcZORk/s1600/Geillis+lab3.tiff" width="640" /></a><br /><br />In this week's episode, Claire finally gets out of the castle. She doesn't get too far and is constantly under surveillance, but at least we get to see some other scenery including some beautiful gardens and the in-town (or village as it were) house of Geillis Duncan - one of the only women Claire has become friendly with. Geillis is an odd and mysterious character, both seductive and off-putting. Her husband is the procurator fiscal (aka public prosecutor) and is of very high rank. Like Claire,  Geillis has a deep interest in the use of plants and herbs for medicinals. Unlike Claire, Geillis also uses her knowledge for darker purposes such as love spells and curses. Geillis is in a position to supply Claire's "medical practice" at the Castle with some valuable herbs so Claire visits her for an afternoon of grinding herbs and chatting.  In the books, the house is described as fashionably dark, but her workroom as being an "airy loft" with casement windows that provided a great deal of light for work. Also described in the books is a "surprisingly modern long counter" filled with immaculately clean equipment.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKw54YLkHmDPd2RkVOtJ7x8KwVwUeQOsTVaEWkAgba4_wY3TzByorG_9qSu4Vuv_z4dA3ga_biJPhbs_-CwsJxTj-zxT_7_KKLtQx2_Gw2kypz0QcQB9cp03Xk7gF8Xa8DWSHCkKeoYQ8/s1600/Geillis+lab1.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKw54YLkHmDPd2RkVOtJ7x8KwVwUeQOsTVaEWkAgba4_wY3TzByorG_9qSu4Vuv_z4dA3ga_biJPhbs_-CwsJxTj-zxT_7_KKLtQx2_Gw2kypz0QcQB9cp03Xk7gF8Xa8DWSHCkKeoYQ8/s1600/Geillis+lab1.tiff" width="640" /></a></div><br />So, I was surprised that the set decorators didn't go with something closer to this description for the production. The space was dark with small windows and crammed with period appropriate furniture and odds and ends. It definitely had no air of modernity or cleanliness, really<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe2ZPF5rcsr4O3bIg8fyPmMUHMK7cUFaXBChj7B8pndjeXCP3DYkFntdsyUzfEUYrAoNYVWMB0iEaWh4Av3rJ_kdJnicFNcbRuQvJz1Mr8iDCbV2rma7M6cuUBLwItvlNM0VTtkTuWiP4/s1600/Geillis+Lab2.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe2ZPF5rcsr4O3bIg8fyPmMUHMK7cUFaXBChj7B8pndjeXCP3DYkFntdsyUzfEUYrAoNYVWMB0iEaWh4Av3rJ_kdJnicFNcbRuQvJz1Mr8iDCbV2rma7M6cuUBLwItvlNM0VTtkTuWiP4/s1600/Geillis+Lab2.tiff" width="640" /></a></div><br />Without trying to give anything away, the description of Geillis' workroom in the book lends itself more to her character than the set does.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI5a3fpew3JDz784SpN_T6UkYMW7OmJ1qsBgMnOxuFHdN9Cikdf1Iat92VBFe380TFPDVoCuuSFnKOa3zoJn-_5DiIZajuU3Uc1DUDOui4FselQXLF_wnRS8VDgHQSKJtz0q3ZhDC5FTA/s1600/Geillis+lab4.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI5a3fpew3JDz784SpN_T6UkYMW7OmJ1qsBgMnOxuFHdN9Cikdf1Iat92VBFe380TFPDVoCuuSFnKOa3zoJn-_5DiIZajuU3Uc1DUDOui4FselQXLF_wnRS8VDgHQSKJtz0q3ZhDC5FTA/s1600/Geillis+lab4.tiff" width="640" /></a></div><br />Although, I do love the day bed with it's beautiful blue coverings and the William and Mary gate leg table.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWp-75oDZd2VPiGncKT9clelJKtLr2A5el3FrvE9_XvZLrRLWB2oUVGFYULy9QJelBAQ1IST5ujTdLSOwdBgXMLTZiQ-iKp8Jxjb5vtFD7vHDAjNhYlC-awVNZtDCGnq6jYtN8V18_4WI/s1600/Geillis+lab5.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWp-75oDZd2VPiGncKT9clelJKtLr2A5el3FrvE9_XvZLrRLWB2oUVGFYULy9QJelBAQ1IST5ujTdLSOwdBgXMLTZiQ-iKp8Jxjb5vtFD7vHDAjNhYlC-awVNZtDCGnq6jYtN8V18_4WI/s1600/Geillis+lab5.tiff" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />I think I may have had something closer to the set decorating in the movie "Practical Magic" in mind:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/09/b0/67/09b0679008f76c79f44d073ceed0547d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/09/b0/67/09b0679008f76c79f44d073ceed0547d.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/7d/1b/79/7d1b799c0f56776d720774cc846dcb49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/7d/1b/79/7d1b799c0f56776d720774cc846dcb49.jpg" width="399" /></a></div><br />Which obviously doesn't make any sense, but we "see" things in our mind's eye when we read and it's hard to get rid of them.<br /><br />If you're watching, what did you think of Geillis' "lair"?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOgaqtNloQIJBU_wqSQXOkk86H0gBkjdCHVdfkVq0toS-MhXHytoAMH2PPiLqPytPQkve4DgNnKSN0oWcsYTXJKH7s1V49uHbUmIuRf-4M5BChWlwzCqTR_lXtF_YWDVkUSw3zIZ_EQWc/s1600/Linda+sig2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOgaqtNloQIJBU_wqSQXOkk86H0gBkjdCHVdfkVq0toS-MhXHytoAMH2PPiLqPytPQkve4DgNnKSN0oWcsYTXJKH7s1V49uHbUmIuRf-4M5BChWlwzCqTR_lXtF_YWDVkUSw3zIZ_EQWc/s1600/Linda+sig2.png" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>

Silver Screen Surroundings: Outlander S1E3 - Witchy Women

In this week's episode, Claire finally gets out of the castle. She doesn't get too far and is constantly under surveillance, but at least we get to see some other scenery including some beautiful gardens and the in-town (or village as it were) house of Geillis Duncan - one of the only women Claire h…

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Artlifting: Helping homeless and disabled persons sell their art

<br /><div class="page" title="Page 1"> <div class="layoutArea"> <div class="column"> <span style="font-family: 'Cambria,Bold'; font-size: 12.000000pt;"><a href="http://www.artlifting.com/" target="_blank">ArtLifting</a> is a Boston-based </span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 12.000000pt;">initiative that sells the artwork of homeless and disabled individuals. </span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 12.000000pt;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/5a/2d/2c/5a2d2cb9d4d0e0e0efd904ac610b9f4c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/5a/2d/2c/5a2d2cb9d4d0e0e0efd904ac610b9f4c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 12.000000pt;">Trinity by Allen Chamberland</span></div><span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 12.000000pt;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 12.000000pt;">The have just launched a Kickstarter campaign with the goal of raising</span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 12.000000pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 12.000000pt;">$20,000 which will will allow them to expand to five more cities across the nation within the next six months and to add sixty-five new artists to the ArtLifting online platform. The five target cities include Chicago, Detroit, San Francisco, New York City, and Washington D.C. Following the initial expansion, ArtLifting hopes to continue to expand to help homeless and disabled individuals in every city across the country. </span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/73/79/4a/73794ac1d1c0ed4b9eca203c130adbf3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/73/79/4a/73794ac1d1c0ed4b9eca203c130adbf3.jpg" width="492" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Brown Lion by Ed Johnson</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> <span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 12.000000pt;"><a href="http://www.artlifting.com/home/" target="_blank">ArtLifting</a>, which has been incubated at the Harvard Innovation Lab and MassChallenge, has grown to support 20 homeless and disabled individuals following its launch in December 2013. ArtLifting helps its participants sell artwork that they create through art groups offered by shelters and disability centers. ArtLifting celebrates the strengths, creativity, and skills of its artists while offering them an opportunity to earn an income. </span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 12.000000pt;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 12.000000pt;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/b0/00/66/b00066a5d439b8d6bd9469b3c0a488e0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/b0/00/66/b00066a5d439b8d6bd9469b3c0a488e0.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 12.000000pt;">Storm Clouds by Elizabeth Cayce</span></div><span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 12.000000pt;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 12.000000pt;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 12.000000pt;">Allen Chamberland, one of ArtLifting</span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 12.000000pt;">’s </span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 12.000000pt;">first artists, is wheelchair-bound and has been dependent on disability benefits for much of his life. </span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 12.000000pt;">“T</span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 12.000000pt;">hanks to ArtLifting, by this time next year, I </span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 12.000000pt;">won’t </span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 12.000000pt;">have to be on disability </span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 12.000000pt;">anymore,” </span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 12.000000pt;">said Chamberland at </span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 12.000000pt;">ArtLifting’s </span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 12.000000pt;">Kickstarter launch party to the crowd of 80 supporters, </span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 12.000000pt;">“and </span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 12.000000pt;">that feels </span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 12.000000pt;">great.” </span><br /><br /> <span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 12.000000pt;">Individuals can support </span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 12.000000pt;">ArtLifting’s </span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria'; font-size: 12.000000pt;">mission of directly empowering homeless and disadvantaged individuals on the Kickstarter website. </span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">The<a href="http://www.artlifting.com/" target="_blank"> ArtLifting Kickstarter campaign</a> runs until the morning of September 11</span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 8pt; vertical-align: 3pt;">th</span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">, 2014. The </span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">campaign’s </span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">featured video provides additional remarks from ArtLifting artists and information about the campaign. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span> </div></div></div>

Artlifting: Helping homeless and disabled persons sell their art

ArtLifting is a Boston-based initiative that sells the artwork of homeless and disabled individuals. Trinity by Allen Chamberland The have just launched a Kickstarter campaign with the goal of raising $20,000 which will will allow them to expand to five more cities across …

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Nook Cottage: Mud Room Plans

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv2BI06ZXSTMQUFwxTINzTj4a6BSCYBSoxmbpgQ3rQXo7E5GAwVyfLlgzzIx3imqSlAvH5qUylWr6GJOpcD_mUk60usDAuKzkPcexFP_txHKmer4yjI2kYs6c0qq7Z4FnppmvgNdsYhhY/s1600/IMG_4871.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv2BI06ZXSTMQUFwxTINzTj4a6BSCYBSoxmbpgQ3rQXo7E5GAwVyfLlgzzIx3imqSlAvH5qUylWr6GJOpcD_mUk60usDAuKzkPcexFP_txHKmer4yjI2kYs6c0qq7Z4FnppmvgNdsYhhY/s1600/IMG_4871.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><br />My new little Nook Cottage home has a small back hall which leads out to a deck and the backyard. The stacking washer and dryer are in a large closet on the left of the door.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8jumWrIAMADOOM4LJMAl_8G6V_al8L0OQsQn8Q1ZB77xNiypsQGNHKb6rdsDkC4r2wDTt-sfJ-gzj0zYAInmKrH768IY5Zfo2VIsx0QlnFVbBQYARwsRztJER5X_FFd09pKnEQ4qyPLY/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8jumWrIAMADOOM4LJMAl_8G6V_al8L0OQsQn8Q1ZB77xNiypsQGNHKb6rdsDkC4r2wDTt-sfJ-gzj0zYAInmKrH768IY5Zfo2VIsx0QlnFVbBQYARwsRztJER5X_FFd09pKnEQ4qyPLY/s1600/photo+4.JPG" width="478" /></a></div><br />Oddly, the washer/dryer were kind of sticking out into the hall and the closet doors were stuck open. I asked the landlord if it could be pushed back and the doors taken off, which luckily they could be.  It's great to have this space and that it's out of sight from the main area of the house. My plan has been to create a multi-functional mudroom/laundry room/storage closet/ coat closet.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/26/7f/b2/267fb29f1dc8a95464a2cfa61f627eaf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/26/7f/b2/267fb29f1dc8a95464a2cfa61f627eaf.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/fa/4f/42/fa4f42468fe4ea578340fb9587b9579f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/fa/4f/42/fa4f42468fe4ea578340fb9587b9579f.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/57/d9/4f/57d94f5564fa0dc5f7e433fff6b15efe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/57/d9/4f/57d94f5564fa0dc5f7e433fff6b15efe.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/94/43/b0/9443b0e03ea9ce4302c88dc480d5dfbf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/94/43/b0/9443b0e03ea9ce4302c88dc480d5dfbf.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-cd0.pinimg.com/736x/bd/99/99/bd9999f02932154ebd421a9826a0ab8e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-cd0.pinimg.com/736x/bd/99/99/bd9999f02932154ebd421a9826a0ab8e.jpg" /></a></div><br />There are some really great ideas out there. Of course, adding built-ins isn't really the best use of the budget when it's a rental property, but small customizations and things that can be moved down the road are definite considerations.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv2BI06ZXSTMQUFwxTINzTj4a6BSCYBSoxmbpgQ3rQXo7E5GAwVyfLlgzzIx3imqSlAvH5qUylWr6GJOpcD_mUk60usDAuKzkPcexFP_txHKmer4yjI2kYs6c0qq7Z4FnppmvgNdsYhhY/s1600/IMG_4871.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv2BI06ZXSTMQUFwxTINzTj4a6BSCYBSoxmbpgQ3rQXo7E5GAwVyfLlgzzIx3imqSlAvH5qUylWr6GJOpcD_mUk60usDAuKzkPcexFP_txHKmer4yjI2kYs6c0qq7Z4FnppmvgNdsYhhY/s1600/IMG_4871.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><br /><br />As you can see in this picture, there is a closet on the left in the foreground that will come in very handy for storage. Currently, it's filled with unpacked boxes, but I'm hoping to get it to the point where I can at least store my vacuum, Swiffer and brooms - in other words, my taller items. This way, I can get some nice shelving going in the back hall for cleaning supplies and a recycling center. A small surface to fold laundry would be great too, if possible. It's a lot of cramming into a small space.<br /><br />These are my plans so far:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTrGsv3d_UwVFaflash1tMxdFj58bU914VcP4NdCfSUd9y1ywM2D0JaTCLqS2Wqlp-sP38GoAuSKSA_j8ILngg23yRgrhtcKK06ot5RLTUrnw2niAeC5wsJzig2BIsp2454C2dLYwdEOc/s1600/Mudroom+2.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTrGsv3d_UwVFaflash1tMxdFj58bU914VcP4NdCfSUd9y1ywM2D0JaTCLqS2Wqlp-sP38GoAuSKSA_j8ILngg23yRgrhtcKK06ot5RLTUrnw2niAeC5wsJzig2BIsp2454C2dLYwdEOc/s1600/Mudroom+2.tiff" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2OiGtDpxpTV7hfHcStvTz-svArydwraVUBLuy8eywWRyzqKvsHE9nYa_Pm1v-MwkGWuOOExYHCm-xI8eIT7swjHqjxOApWMnQsc3Rf9BCMeDD2Izm1jGWPb3hvbMBWwlYWkKMSuZn6bg/s1600/Laundry+room2.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2OiGtDpxpTV7hfHcStvTz-svArydwraVUBLuy8eywWRyzqKvsHE9nYa_Pm1v-MwkGWuOOExYHCm-xI8eIT7swjHqjxOApWMnQsc3Rf9BCMeDD2Izm1jGWPb3hvbMBWwlYWkKMSuZn6bg/s1600/Laundry+room2.tiff" width="572" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRQLIqKPQzeLji7-PwQVku8BtKIrbZCUa3p_hYYeeA6VI1I7Vpm_4D1JXR5_8NQF5WuVQDoN0xtvXwDGXckwip12vWconxr_8YpCJNdNYi2fq0JwAVP6JsOeOK-ArYBF8FPkW5LJyXzEI/s1600/Mudroom+ideas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRQLIqKPQzeLji7-PwQVku8BtKIrbZCUa3p_hYYeeA6VI1I7Vpm_4D1JXR5_8NQF5WuVQDoN0xtvXwDGXckwip12vWconxr_8YpCJNdNYi2fq0JwAVP6JsOeOK-ArYBF8FPkW5LJyXzEI/s1600/Mudroom+ideas.jpg" width="494" /></a></div><br /><br />It's still a work in progress, but I do have the rugs, boot tray, dog leash holder and wrought iron coat hooks - so, it's just a matter of getting it organized and all installed. I take RoyRoy out for walks via this back door which keeps dirt or wet from shoes and paws in one spot and keeps the front door entrance cleaner as a result.<br /><br />I'd love to hear your mudroom/laundry room ideas - so please share!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieQy6jl_HxyHCGoRN86IKPJf3yTgYUwU_oVLh_saB2qE_3uvNVuJzVhiASyBBjv1ib-feOl2B7LjqcgKEmdE4aaK8VLoEebkJyq9G_EW0vt6DSkUf87VKOSUjnAvm-2SI5SrMeVOeNkqo/s1600/Linda+sig2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieQy6jl_HxyHCGoRN86IKPJf3yTgYUwU_oVLh_saB2qE_3uvNVuJzVhiASyBBjv1ib-feOl2B7LjqcgKEmdE4aaK8VLoEebkJyq9G_EW0vt6DSkUf87VKOSUjnAvm-2SI5SrMeVOeNkqo/s1600/Linda+sig2.png" /></a></div><br /><br />

Nook Cottage: Mud Room Plans

My new little Nook Cottage home has a small back hall which leads out to a deck and the backyard. The stacking washer and dryer are in a large closet on the left of the door.Oddly, the washer/dryer were kind of sticking out into the hall and the closet doors were stuck open. I asked the landlord if …

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Silver Screen Surroundings: Outlander S1E2 - Wining and dining in 18th century Scotland

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhxm6g1XXjJha8U_K3kiLWTHI_QiU2g7rOlsLk25iHAo9N6MyhIU9_UZpRCaw-TLJtPjLLwIUNfd2-c0Zv7MduojU9MOQwn50_mnBakyTJdrgNs7Vu6tSdOGgpazhgsS3fycuavwJMnFI/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-18+at+10.25.57+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="355" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhxm6g1XXjJha8U_K3kiLWTHI_QiU2g7rOlsLk25iHAo9N6MyhIU9_UZpRCaw-TLJtPjLLwIUNfd2-c0Zv7MduojU9MOQwn50_mnBakyTJdrgNs7Vu6tSdOGgpazhgsS3fycuavwJMnFI/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-18+at+10.25.57+AM.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In this week's episode of the Starz series <a href="http://www.starz.com/originals/outlander/" target="_blank">Outlander</a> (S1E2) we get to know Castle Leoch, seat of the clan MacKenzie, and Laird Colum ban Campbell MacKenzie (seen above a dinner with his wife Letitia on the left). Colum has major health issues and his brother Dougal (who brought our heroine Claire to the castle) acts as his legs and is War Chieftan. Colum's health problems don't affect his mental state and he gets down to business interrogating Claire while plying her with food and drink. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkjx5Bzdsn9H5ZLJgbK19qjgx4JkWrdxKta4dohefGo-Gw_9jGlK0rSnL8-WDpDhd6IShbzQXGea_oO_3DFf3GfO7ANX0qVwLBZ8mq2-BHLRcpPvQStzCQ-4rESxcVRfagacsXHkpDZgw/s1600/glassware2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkjx5Bzdsn9H5ZLJgbK19qjgx4JkWrdxKta4dohefGo-Gw_9jGlK0rSnL8-WDpDhd6IShbzQXGea_oO_3DFf3GfO7ANX0qVwLBZ8mq2-BHLRcpPvQStzCQ-4rESxcVRfagacsXHkpDZgw/s1600/glassware2.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />After refilling Claire's wine glass with whatever their "house" wine is, he has a decanter of his personal Rhenish wine brought out. Rhenish is from the Rhine region of Germany which has a very high alcohol content, which Colum uses as a pain reliever for his physical ailments. It also will go to a girl's head pretty quickly.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/6sxFy8QKo9I" width="640"></iframe><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw3JQ5axYyrWYxn753AltUvK_bx3C_2w9cKXa6Ew3B-CHqG36EUaVlKkBlxx3c6UQfHCJreu1kNEXxzPtQuowBbQ1HpUNNqqSUI0DXLMOL_Cr725uAojz9mCTZKWKLeHi-PFHDYwvYPxY/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-18+at+10.22.53+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw3JQ5axYyrWYxn753AltUvK_bx3C_2w9cKXa6Ew3B-CHqG36EUaVlKkBlxx3c6UQfHCJreu1kNEXxzPtQuowBbQ1HpUNNqqSUI0DXLMOL_Cr725uAojz9mCTZKWKLeHi-PFHDYwvYPxY/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-18+at+10.22.53+AM.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />When I first saw the previews of this scene, I was struck by the use of matching wineglasses. Plus, they reminded me of the Simon Pearce <a href="http://www.simonpearce.com/products/cavendish-goblet" target="_blank">Cavendish</a> glassware featured in the movie "Something's Gotta Give".<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-cd0.pinimg.com/736x/af/90/c8/af90c8d8b8009ebfc07d430dbcd8395e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media-cache-cd0.pinimg.com/736x/af/90/c8/af90c8d8b8009ebfc07d430dbcd8395e.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />I admit to knowing next to nothing about the use of glassware during the period of the 18th century, but would have assumed if asked that a remote Highland castle (even a fairly wealthy one) would be more likely to use pewter or stoneware, not hand blown glass - particularly matched sets. Not to mention, would the general population (those not seated at the Laird's table) be drinking wine at all versus ale or beer? A little research brought me to a Christie's article: "<span style="background-color: white; color: #434343; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Though numerous forms of wine cups had existed since the classical period, it was the 14th century merchants of Venice that set a new standard of elegance in wine-drinking by combining the skills of the glassblower and designer. The clarity and transparency of their </span><em style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #434343; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">cristallo</em><span style="background-color: white; color: #434343; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"> glass allowed the color of the wine to be fully appreciated."</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.christies.com//images/pages_content_archive_NEW/2010/history-tarshis-balustrade-glasses-340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="504" src="http://www.christies.com//images/pages_content_archive_NEW/2010/history-tarshis-balustrade-glasses-340.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">image via Christies</span></div><br />By the late 17th century a<span style="background-color: white; color: #434343; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"> "more simplified style of balustrade stems consisting of bold, massive “knops” came into fashion, modeled after the furniture of the time."</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://c252289.r89.cf3.rackcdn.com/262373.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://c252289.r89.cf3.rackcdn.com/262373.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">image of late 17th century French armchair via <a href="http://www.bada.org/antiques/d/a-late-17th-century-french-walnut-armchair-re-upholstered-in-19th-century-bar/79839" target="_blank">British Antiques Dealers' Association</a></span></div><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUlSSZO4w0HvVc7SF2WW0CFxXiaRWX4tJEsmswH08TB2C9fvRbSPopfORqfK0HACGIz_CNqUp3iNp7PDTOk_ZYKLzLNBzPUuzoZvbtQoXOcxC00B1XBvExYiT8OVkIaiSFW6AWE7LLbAk/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-18+at+10.25.27+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUlSSZO4w0HvVc7SF2WW0CFxXiaRWX4tJEsmswH08TB2C9fvRbSPopfORqfK0HACGIz_CNqUp3iNp7PDTOk_ZYKLzLNBzPUuzoZvbtQoXOcxC00B1XBvExYiT8OVkIaiSFW6AWE7LLbAk/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-18+at+10.25.27+AM.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />An image of the general castle populace eating and drinking.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG9BbUuO26XKeJPit1XDG8w6-rcbDjL5RPvxcJ5OHJ1gMH6ve7fMFg3yZy7FaqCzXydRRmSx1aMAuTBSt_krZmzb3m4ccEXkrdRHCjtYG3klwqbhGG1sR7-OBsjTzkEqcuKVhMRo_SK4U/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-18+at+10.21.37+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG9BbUuO26XKeJPit1XDG8w6-rcbDjL5RPvxcJ5OHJ1gMH6ve7fMFg3yZy7FaqCzXydRRmSx1aMAuTBSt_krZmzb3m4ccEXkrdRHCjtYG3klwqbhGG1sR7-OBsjTzkEqcuKVhMRo_SK4U/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-18+at+10.21.37+AM.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And a closeup of the glassware used which features a "twisted" balustrade stem which is very pretty and unusual. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, does anyone know enough about 18th century Scottish castle dining customs to know if the entire population would be drinking wine out of wine glasses? And would a castle, even a wealthy one, of this time have hundreds of matched wine glasses? Between the cost of the glass itself, the English taxes placed on wine imports and the simpler tastes of the common people, it's hard for me to imagine. But as I said, I am no expert.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmjX8tPPc29Dxx92bUSroFV7JlefwnB4av7MDq3M0Ke97_qdzu4wWmFiVhLsHHQK8fwwmGXNcnoNLzovExA5alQ-OptB2lY4xCH4RtwBt7Xa8_-XOxfTEQAYj8F_Nxn2teFbyYk0063pg/s1600/Linda+sig2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmjX8tPPc29Dxx92bUSroFV7JlefwnB4av7MDq3M0Ke97_qdzu4wWmFiVhLsHHQK8fwwmGXNcnoNLzovExA5alQ-OptB2lY4xCH4RtwBt7Xa8_-XOxfTEQAYj8F_Nxn2teFbyYk0063pg/s1600/Linda+sig2.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>

Silver Screen Surroundings: Outlander S1E2 - Wining and dining in 18th century Scotland

In this week's episode of the Starz series Outlander (S1E2) we get to know Castle Leoch, seat of the clan MacKenzie, and Laird Colum ban Campbell MacKenzie (seen above a dinner with his wife Letitia on the left). Colum has major health issues and his brother Dougal (who brought our heroine Claire to…

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