Art attack

Firstly I wanted to thank everyone for your get-well wishes - you guys are so sweet. I'm feeling much better today, and I'm sure those couple of lazy days doing absolutely nothing have helped no end. So while I've quite enjoyed kicking back, watching dvds and catching up on reading, I do find it quite frustrating not to be working on my cabinet makeover - especially when it's sitting right in front of me! That's been set aside for when I can muster the energy, so in the meantime my thoughts have turned to painting.<br /><br />When it comes to my art, I probably have enough ideas to last a lifetime. This week has been great for giving me time to plan, refocus and potter around my studio - I've cleaned and tidied my desk (which was no mean feat!), finished a couple of orders, and started to pull together some bits and pieces for my next piece. I've also organised to frame this work my youngest daughter did at school recently:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDQZf9FOaFLDuCPn8xW-QncV3R3LoprNcfTLXfEUBTDGuYeo4VCx8W2cEjIEpsrqsvK372CEnS8G8klIvmWH2g3i5-ndBwIvghiv15fbDYUeERJLYY4mFTMXUUQazpB57rvoF98GGYFgI/s1600/DSC03497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDQZf9FOaFLDuCPn8xW-QncV3R3LoprNcfTLXfEUBTDGuYeo4VCx8W2cEjIEpsrqsvK372CEnS8G8klIvmWH2g3i5-ndBwIvghiv15fbDYUeERJLYY4mFTMXUUQazpB57rvoF98GGYFgI/s400/DSC03497.JPG" width="393" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />I love it, and the fact that she designed the whole thing herself is pretty impressive I think. Once it's framed, I'll hang it in my studio, alongside some other masterpieces by my older two.<br /><br />Right, now that I've spent most of this post bragging, I'll show you a few of the things I'll be using in some of my own works. I'm always on the lookout for really diverse bits and pieces, and my plan is to incorporate them into some mixed-media works that will soon be for sale. <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWZ7K9VDtsAsFpol1IeMQV-cLWU0ad9golMsdtEbOluSFEdB3sLL0T127UC7NiOsvRR6tn_Ya8-Fl80neCGDm6uPCheZwpEhY7Qd4ngkh_tCv60lEQcaxjRGc2DsBdsYSyKy5yEw92nXI/s1600/DSC03516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWZ7K9VDtsAsFpol1IeMQV-cLWU0ad9golMsdtEbOluSFEdB3sLL0T127UC7NiOsvRR6tn_Ya8-Fl80neCGDm6uPCheZwpEhY7Qd4ngkh_tCv60lEQcaxjRGc2DsBdsYSyKy5yEw92nXI/s400/DSC03516.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Japanese paper, wood blocks, hand-made parchment, jute twine...mmm</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjZkMNPHO9ZVYxmuoSutSErqy4tKLcKdYj9jJJ5tqSmfm6gonqm3EHCTIvdBrfCdtF1iMtDCyw90L7SfGd4w9jalIJZfPtt_5LiUs9mfSAaxX7L5tNzEuG2gA9n71AAaE13uLOGcAqxRM/s1600/DSC03498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjZkMNPHO9ZVYxmuoSutSErqy4tKLcKdYj9jJJ5tqSmfm6gonqm3EHCTIvdBrfCdtF1iMtDCyw90L7SfGd4w9jalIJZfPtt_5LiUs9mfSAaxX7L5tNzEuG2gA9n71AAaE13uLOGcAqxRM/s400/DSC03498.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm really keen to get started, so I'll catch you all soon!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85794/shatay01/57292ae3db79c6d939a1f2a85508a076.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a>

Art attack

Firstly I wanted to thank everyone for your get-well wishes - you guys are so sweet. I'm feeling much better today, and I'm sure tho...

Read more »

I'd rather be here today...

...because I'm under the weather with a lingering flu bug. Of course, the chances of me spending the day in bed are next to none, but hey, I can dream can't I?<br /><br />So my lovelies, I'm thinking a lazy day is just what the doctor ordered, and I might use the time to catch up on some reading as well.  <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSp1zYBQuT8mzBKCYjNpiMpsQGZsKz2z1n_SFO697EXPuV_9PCGO0dKzae70586bKV8rJAzWtWN31qe-Tlv02tslfl0hNk0kGHzD92S-25mZSgXTWYklGPDqDTKiFkonkm9DI39fe_rW8/s1600/lazybones.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSp1zYBQuT8mzBKCYjNpiMpsQGZsKz2z1n_SFO697EXPuV_9PCGO0dKzae70586bKV8rJAzWtWN31qe-Tlv02tslfl0hNk0kGHzD92S-25mZSgXTWYklGPDqDTKiFkonkm9DI39fe_rW8/s640/lazybones.png" width="468" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">photo courtesy <a href="http://lazybones.com.au/">lazybones.com.au</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Now that I think about it, my day is sounding pretty good right about now! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Catch you all soon,</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85794/shatay01/57292ae3db79c6d939a1f2a85508a076.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a></div>

I'd rather be here today...

...because I'm under the weather with a lingering flu bug. Of course, the chances of me spending the day in bed are next to none, but he...

Read more »

How excitement!

Just a quick visit to blogland this morning - I have a big day ahead! This morning, I'm catching up with an old friend I haven't seen for ages (Hi Susan!) and she's popping in to have a look at my <a href="http://driftwood-interiors.blogspot.com/2010/05/my-big-planthe-kitchen-makeover-at-last.html">newly painted kitchen</a>. I'm really looking forward to it, and thought you might like to see what I whipped up this morning:<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhMgQ-mmKOfuuza0BTHO4LQaKvB2X0WRTAAGq-fExQpobYaVi75cAOrfcKWSWz8X8O_q_RrV6NYfqsWMtpnX-3VZHNOmLjZUTLuxzx2R6ojifa_4Nwvs8W9-fPcTN5WJ0LNxjN9rRgR2s/s1600/tea+via+whats+cooking+america+com+HighTeaLemonCookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhMgQ-mmKOfuuza0BTHO4LQaKvB2X0WRTAAGq-fExQpobYaVi75cAOrfcKWSWz8X8O_q_RrV6NYfqsWMtpnX-3VZHNOmLjZUTLuxzx2R6ojifa_4Nwvs8W9-fPcTN5WJ0LNxjN9rRgR2s/s640/tea+via+whats+cooking+america+com+HighTeaLemonCookies.jpg" width="520" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://whatscookingamerica.com/">source </a></span></div><br /><div style="color: black; text-align: center;">Domestic goddess - you betcha!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Then, later today, I'm going to head off to meet someone many of you will already know: the creator of this</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI1E1wlUYJx1_N6EfGUlwIX2cFEDt7aa_k9Eo7Ju0vLBGqduT8oziUp-NJRBugAc-1V0NmhJxBzoEDyTjB9NtKHNB5nqjcj6BQwvQdTaWT-6Tb6Obv9G6JC3ly7MJoWvUgia8QPlztWUE/s1600/tranquil+townhouse+juju+on+wall3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI1E1wlUYJx1_N6EfGUlwIX2cFEDt7aa_k9Eo7Ju0vLBGqduT8oziUp-NJRBugAc-1V0NmhJxBzoEDyTjB9NtKHNB5nqjcj6BQwvQdTaWT-6Tb6Obv9G6JC3ly7MJoWvUgia8QPlztWUE/s400/tranquil+townhouse+juju+on+wall3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> and this..</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8LrjyZuob80dksvKsVSYnksLxS3Ui7KAkYwhr3IgP_KhzYA9Dt6HwBV16ErcktX89lepow_UM_m-ZsAz83fpbFHRoN6MBsAEQaSvOIOgdThlEaty3rlRW6y_CCa5EMl07W-nKL2QnWhc/s1600/tranquil+townhouse+crochet+squares+sample.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8LrjyZuob80dksvKsVSYnksLxS3Ui7KAkYwhr3IgP_KhzYA9Dt6HwBV16ErcktX89lepow_UM_m-ZsAz83fpbFHRoN6MBsAEQaSvOIOgdThlEaty3rlRW6y_CCa5EMl07W-nKL2QnWhc/s640/tranquil+townhouse+crochet+squares+sample.jpg" width="481" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Yep, that's right - I'm catching up with my namesake <span style="color: magenta;">Kerry</span>...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRrfBqGo8nJ55SO8Fs1zt0QlJ7qLPbUpQbf23zQKhb4UvDn3pCxPoTf5B2PRa6Dx1OQkJxVmpgnQZWuMCIAtwQSKE0ym1JkoqA9lwTcl328fxSdZ27cG9xkt7pwTTVoLxamEu85oe0Jz4/s1600/tranquilbanner1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="387" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRrfBqGo8nJ55SO8Fs1zt0QlJ7qLPbUpQbf23zQKhb4UvDn3pCxPoTf5B2PRa6Dx1OQkJxVmpgnQZWuMCIAtwQSKE0ym1JkoqA9lwTcl328fxSdZ27cG9xkt7pwTTVoLxamEu85oe0Jz4/s640/tranquilbanner1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">...from <a href="http://tranquiltownhouse.blogspot.com/">A Tranquil Townhouse</a>! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">How excitement! So, if you're in Brissie today, and you happen to see two crazy women talking ten to the dozen in your local coffee shop, it will probably be us! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Hope you have a great day too, and I really wish you could all join us. Maybe there needs to be some discussion of a future bloggers' convention......? </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85794/shatay01/57292ae3db79c6d939a1f2a85508a076.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>

How excitement!

Just a quick visit to blogland this morning - I have a big day ahead! This morning, I'm catching up with an old friend I haven't see...

Read more »

The Chaos Theory

Those who know me well also know that I can be <strike>hugely</strike> a little on the messy side, especially when I'm working on a new painting. And to make matters worse, after a while, I find it impossible to ignore the chaos. That's exactly what's happened this week. I've had quite a few ideas for new artwork, but I just can't manage to get going on it when my studio looks like it's been ransacked. So yesterday, I spent a few hours tidying up, and while I still have a few things to take care of (like organising my tax return paperwork - argh!) it's looking much better, and already I'm feeling clearer and more focused. While I'm honest enough to realise I'll never be capable of keeping a fastidiously tidy studio, it doesn't stop me from being smitten when I spy lovely examples of serene (and tidy!) work spaces. And if said workspace happens to overlook a stunning garden (and maybe a pool?) then who am I to argue?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX7vGNCvRkgNjJjz7sWmy1IoL38_Tx7C0xZeZiZqRy5ypNkV5fvd2HlZhVNWjzlchgc0aMVSh8s9UmqajVNBNH3M9hv4vXgh8TNG4pP-yUQ5aDFJnhyQC3LMJQfkkaK1JkLzT_oD2ZVdQ/s1600/poolhouse+studio+maggie+tabberer+barn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="617" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX7vGNCvRkgNjJjz7sWmy1IoL38_Tx7C0xZeZiZqRy5ypNkV5fvd2HlZhVNWjzlchgc0aMVSh8s9UmqajVNBNH3M9hv4vXgh8TNG4pP-yUQ5aDFJnhyQC3LMJQfkkaK1JkLzT_oD2ZVdQ/s640/poolhouse+studio+maggie+tabberer+barn.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Maggie Tabberer's barn in the Southern Highlands</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihBXhwYpZFNNOJTPee7Z1OkGTB17li0YStVLKh_XoppT6xEjo859EjQpSAvmChEdq4p_B0Vgn-ZahFEbnbcLj1j4J_YdggPxtwM0jG59U2N24RWeeHmNFkd9tiKPAsmtYkm6uJx7XV_vY/s1600/poolhouse+studio+bellevue+st+avalon1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihBXhwYpZFNNOJTPee7Z1OkGTB17li0YStVLKh_XoppT6xEjo859EjQpSAvmChEdq4p_B0Vgn-ZahFEbnbcLj1j4J_YdggPxtwM0jG59U2N24RWeeHmNFkd9tiKPAsmtYkm6uJx7XV_vY/s640/poolhouse+studio+bellevue+st+avalon1.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Avalon stunner via <a href="http://realestate.com.au/">realestate.com.au</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5U5LI55wzPSHMKkzXPb1DX_sjCjR3gbf39qoN7YoF_pxEcDZIzvERnPoIWEqN6FC2Uug-bIbhoFf2yCkmDUBlbyR6MN598l39QcGXsOWR3gCIgMDFa60jTUiKro-0p9VwUDMKd_PMx3Y/s1600/poolhouse+studio+carithers_exterior_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="441" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5U5LI55wzPSHMKkzXPb1DX_sjCjR3gbf39qoN7YoF_pxEcDZIzvERnPoIWEqN6FC2Uug-bIbhoFf2yCkmDUBlbyR6MN598l39QcGXsOWR3gCIgMDFa60jTUiKro-0p9VwUDMKd_PMx3Y/s640/poolhouse+studio+carithers_exterior_2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">source</span> <span style="font-size: x-small;">unknown</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEOxDBdhWfuZ9zZAgp9zGlnQ0ah6B9wfjgjJQ02kuTUSvoPzHJhHFWKpX7d0L6oTZvjTqZnIzZoSGprs1JHc-WLkglJ1leEWB1DI5gzkNxS8oRHT6IJ6G_iIODQK_s50APfXPnhsEDcQM/s1600/poolhouse+studio+carithers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEOxDBdhWfuZ9zZAgp9zGlnQ0ah6B9wfjgjJQ02kuTUSvoPzHJhHFWKpX7d0L6oTZvjTqZnIzZoSGprs1JHc-WLkglJ1leEWB1DI5gzkNxS8oRHT6IJ6G_iIODQK_s50APfXPnhsEDcQM/s640/poolhouse+studio+carithers.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">source</span> <span style="font-size: x-small;">unknown</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Would it be too greedy to want this next one just a little bigger? Probably, but hey, this is my fantasy studio, so I'm going to upsize my order.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_XciLQVaibi99T5c1x6WUYPj16olc5RUHpsw5JE2Tohqradr_11wRGNN9zrwkD26cO7ZIV7s5MUik71JFLXkCjJ68mH-dP62Xf9orGVa4qyxs1vTSWZbJcUcUwye80Pn_HzDidcHqC8Q/s1600/poolhouse+studio+via+traditional+home+dormitorio+de+invitados+junto+a+la+piscina.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_XciLQVaibi99T5c1x6WUYPj16olc5RUHpsw5JE2Tohqradr_11wRGNN9zrwkD26cO7ZIV7s5MUik71JFLXkCjJ68mH-dP62Xf9orGVa4qyxs1vTSWZbJcUcUwye80Pn_HzDidcHqC8Q/s640/poolhouse+studio+via+traditional+home+dormitorio+de+invitados+junto+a+la+piscina.jpg" width="483" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">via <a href="http://traditionalhome.com/">traditionalhome.com</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrVa90Hc4B9hEgvzh-UAAK5J_-qGRXTMzkpIYpGDi9ic81ARcnhwpkwH6lPk_xXA3h481YudUyOdhY2sbMlrGrDYxVVXRSKKdtDSqznPbn-aMUvFuTnvhbYysGJig-0MouRyOyX2y4g3I/s1600/poolhouse+studio+chester_6673via+canadian+house+and+home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrVa90Hc4B9hEgvzh-UAAK5J_-qGRXTMzkpIYpGDi9ic81ARcnhwpkwH6lPk_xXA3h481YudUyOdhY2sbMlrGrDYxVVXRSKKdtDSqznPbn-aMUvFuTnvhbYysGJig-0MouRyOyX2y4g3I/s640/poolhouse+studio+chester_6673via+canadian+house+and+home.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">via <a href="http://canadianhouseandhome.com/">canadianhouseandhome.com</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7kwEUkzk6hn4KxZTaDly5dag2pPBGaS0wSPZDw5WRqk3IcQBObSZul5QOiu4N8PgcIAIZ57yvsDOxiWC00zTAeWP-xxAtIyWmtQLjPPgMTv5cMEYAdFO-UuVvfWIitBNK2YOIl0YRwkE/s1600/poolhouse+studio+via+verandah+house+blogspot+com+Picture+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7kwEUkzk6hn4KxZTaDly5dag2pPBGaS0wSPZDw5WRqk3IcQBObSZul5QOiu4N8PgcIAIZ57yvsDOxiWC00zTAeWP-xxAtIyWmtQLjPPgMTv5cMEYAdFO-UuVvfWIitBNK2YOIl0YRwkE/s640/poolhouse+studio+via+verandah+house+blogspot+com+Picture+1.png" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://verandahhouse.blogspot.com/">via verandah house </a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Inspired yet? I am!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ok, back to work for me. Have a great day everyone,</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85794/shatay01/57292ae3db79c6d939a1f2a85508a076.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>

The Chaos Theory

Those who know me well also know that I can be hugely a little on the messy side, especially when I'm working on a new painting. And to...

Read more »

Virginia Macdonald Photography

Over the weekend, I managed to stumble upon the work of Virginia Macdonald. This Toronto-based photographer is seriously talented, and her portfolio is full to the brim with beautiful images. <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgERVyLMp2-BLaJl7S90ocjXV01KsJs1sEq7dSMHU2p63RrYI7hcilsHhOQTm0gn2_4IIGVwMUeqyJ6rosKflLimnpaLpShiM4NgLyUI_OnbFG3VzGfPTtyZR41_btqUNgxtnlESpYmIAM/s1600/virginia+macdonald2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgERVyLMp2-BLaJl7S90ocjXV01KsJs1sEq7dSMHU2p63RrYI7hcilsHhOQTm0gn2_4IIGVwMUeqyJ6rosKflLimnpaLpShiM4NgLyUI_OnbFG3VzGfPTtyZR41_btqUNgxtnlESpYmIAM/s640/virginia+macdonald2.png" width="468" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj00Wch_SwNMiTdrjTuQK97bp8Sc1RcbOH0z_VrZhpp-WZV3h__PMzSNcMhlLGhGP8oOxjI7yAJv042Q_zpFoRm_zbErykjAuPytieLTr-yTfzCnpUE1iG1PqeWC1zs2dKE1HtiJgETZ6g/s1600/virginia+macdonald1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj00Wch_SwNMiTdrjTuQK97bp8Sc1RcbOH0z_VrZhpp-WZV3h__PMzSNcMhlLGhGP8oOxjI7yAJv042Q_zpFoRm_zbErykjAuPytieLTr-yTfzCnpUE1iG1PqeWC1zs2dKE1HtiJgETZ6g/s640/virginia+macdonald1.png" width="444" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL99o45U3ikY5RcJ5NeAKJtnBX8ocITF5L8kfz1kgOg4DztDEhO2EPuA9xvk9qiSba7veDJIfm5_a-EOVENf9NvHyjknPw-by2ipfOss60iXwUvZSyh5mLWCitVcQS_bCJYtNLgFU289Q/s1600/virginia+macdonald4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL99o45U3ikY5RcJ5NeAKJtnBX8ocITF5L8kfz1kgOg4DztDEhO2EPuA9xvk9qiSba7veDJIfm5_a-EOVENf9NvHyjknPw-by2ipfOss60iXwUvZSyh5mLWCitVcQS_bCJYtNLgFU289Q/s640/virginia+macdonald4.png" width="492" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Ij_prl17U-JjJ-YorNyPdEKkmyWPxJCioTQzFI2w7Lldn74DrW27hJDh6lgnrAwZ5TGkRGSlGKsJAvxj_4QlEJE1On6gdAbtQht6RLa5KVMzz5tnZ1rRSHsGVhiTi5UgVAoeLCtOSoQ/s1600/virginia+macdonald3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Ij_prl17U-JjJ-YorNyPdEKkmyWPxJCioTQzFI2w7Lldn74DrW27hJDh6lgnrAwZ5TGkRGSlGKsJAvxj_4QlEJE1On6gdAbtQht6RLa5KVMzz5tnZ1rRSHsGVhiTi5UgVAoeLCtOSoQ/s640/virginia+macdonald3.png" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Gorgeous, no? And you have to check out her <a href="http://virginiamacdonald.com/">website</a>. It's totally worth it for all the stunning pics, but the topper is her bio - priceless! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Btw, not much progress was made on my <a href="http://driftwood-interiors.blogspot.com/2010/07/ive-made-my-decision.html">cabinet</a> - sport on Saturday and a netball carnival all day Sunday. It's definitely on the list for today though, so I'll keep you posted.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Happy Tuesday,</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85794/shatay01/57292ae3db79c6d939a1f2a85508a076.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a>

Virginia Macdonald Photography

Over the weekend, I managed to stumble upon the work of Virginia Macdonald. This Toronto-based photographer is seriously talented, and her p...

Read more »

I've made my decision.........

Thanks to the gorgeous Maria over at <a href="http://dreamywhites.blogspot.com/">Dreamy Whites</a>, I've made my decision on what to do with this old <a href="http://driftwood-interiors.blogspot.com/2010/06/cabinet-of-curiosities.html">cabinet</a>: <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp0sq6nANX9D7hKx67BoT5uty1H4fzQY5ElipSMFtBhcUDSVTRrzVaLN5FBeB6YxGxu7RtQvKT1hBgu-pAbmLbszTFq2TILtLX623-ZD02H-Ox1A3gAk-twNC13A0gmegrdvC-B8_CKCc/s1600/DSC02334+-+Copy+%282%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp0sq6nANX9D7hKx67BoT5uty1H4fzQY5ElipSMFtBhcUDSVTRrzVaLN5FBeB6YxGxu7RtQvKT1hBgu-pAbmLbszTFq2TILtLX623-ZD02H-Ox1A3gAk-twNC13A0gmegrdvC-B8_CKCc/s640/DSC02334+-+Copy+%282%29.JPG" width="409" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZPwRrlU5mZmb0aCmTEoMJfZkQFzNBA9RGBvDuRtwiZLTEKR0esolE-W-vRDSwBtva2SvofARWoGGFht19YGyGY95DVpetP68P8kZGxX1FRCTe-LnHKQee2igdLr7T6JSLCBzy_CJjE2g/s1600/DSC02337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZPwRrlU5mZmb0aCmTEoMJfZkQFzNBA9RGBvDuRtwiZLTEKR0esolE-W-vRDSwBtva2SvofARWoGGFht19YGyGY95DVpetP68P8kZGxX1FRCTe-LnHKQee2igdLr7T6JSLCBzy_CJjE2g/s400/DSC02337.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Maria recently posted these stunning pics of her own cabinet (note to self - must try to take better pics, Maria always does such a great job with hers) and it was just perfect for what I had in mind. She painted the interior a combination of white and pale grey, which gives just the right, not-too-perfect finish to complement the cabinet's original patina.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_lPwToM-0w7men8jDlwJKPqFK_eAaFTfo_WC_Fl81wnYfz3qMtnwN_PqiTtOTSr-C2GaERttfVFcWwJtcgybWPCxIzzaz-HAIkO1OkiQrKWns0Y5QcKNgmxLqTTp8-YxlVOEOiUF2q8Y/s1600/dreamywhites1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_lPwToM-0w7men8jDlwJKPqFK_eAaFTfo_WC_Fl81wnYfz3qMtnwN_PqiTtOTSr-C2GaERttfVFcWwJtcgybWPCxIzzaz-HAIkO1OkiQrKWns0Y5QcKNgmxLqTTp8-YxlVOEOiUF2q8Y/s640/dreamywhites1.jpg" width="427" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6jnSMnTtTSjg2tR6xNhvRfS9qb3GtbIE4a7IQrgHC4YWmGTnrKePvuMTIr7sPfNkBwey1x-pneuURngWZAGpiSJsLNttAVdKlb6VjLL30ZuEh2T1DlEaYhCD-Teps8FeHxu5rwX0Zo4o/s1600/dreamywhites4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6jnSMnTtTSjg2tR6xNhvRfS9qb3GtbIE4a7IQrgHC4YWmGTnrKePvuMTIr7sPfNkBwey1x-pneuURngWZAGpiSJsLNttAVdKlb6VjLL30ZuEh2T1DlEaYhCD-Teps8FeHxu5rwX0Zo4o/s640/dreamywhites4.jpg" width="427" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">must also track down a collection of grain sacks so my cabinet can look this good!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJA7emBD5wSh9H5R4BEk_j0qeKzCAz1LTQrU-9XmBwSEgELmOVilqnyg3lq5AQom2oz2_DMTDwo4wUzd75ZTtlv-AbcR3Yc7h4tz_VwbTPv4Yu9vrIqzXhuM6t8Thsriz4OVjcDklzgKU/s1600/dreamywhites3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJA7emBD5wSh9H5R4BEk_j0qeKzCAz1LTQrU-9XmBwSEgELmOVilqnyg3lq5AQom2oz2_DMTDwo4wUzd75ZTtlv-AbcR3Yc7h4tz_VwbTPv4Yu9vrIqzXhuM6t8Thsriz4OVjcDklzgKU/s640/dreamywhites3.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRv_4EdQNpQVWG8s8IvFj0PNZTYRPuPywxOBouarMzdrNaRkjC17vTfxN8rZ3ECMNCw-ZxBt3mGOzd4hyphenhyphenVmgp2vVr6E2ZrBJauJT53kJ8ZA2DNTF_bQtB_IzwzhpaKb7kqK0Mt0KHcJCs/s1600/dreamywhites2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRv_4EdQNpQVWG8s8IvFj0PNZTYRPuPywxOBouarMzdrNaRkjC17vTfxN8rZ3ECMNCw-ZxBt3mGOzd4hyphenhyphenVmgp2vVr6E2ZrBJauJT53kJ8ZA2DNTF_bQtB_IzwzhpaKb7kqK0Mt0KHcJCs/s400/dreamywhites2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">just right - perfectly imperfect </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Thanks must go to <a href="http://dreamywhites.blogspot.com/">Maria</a> for letting me use her lovely photos. If you haven't already (and I find that hard to believe - her blog is hugely popular, and I'm sure you can see why!) go and check out her <a href="http://dreamywhites.blogspot.com/">blog</a>. She's also guest posting over at <a href="http://www.alices-adventuresinwonderland.com/2010/07/guest-post-maria.html">Alice's Adventures in Wonderland</a>, which is a now on my list of must-reads too. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So, I know what I'll be doing this weekend! I'll do my best to get it finished so I can show you the result next week. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Have a great weekend everyone,</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85794/shatay01/57292ae3db79c6d939a1f2a85508a076.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a>

I've made my decision.........

Thanks to the gorgeous Maria over at Dreamy Whites , I've made my decision on what to do with this old cabinet : Maria recently posted t...

Read more »

Spanner in the works!

When I posted yesterday about what to do with my <a href="http://driftwood-interiors.blogspot.com/2010/07/dining-table-which-look-to-go-for.html">dining table</a>, I knew you guys would come up with some great ideas. But just when I thought I'd narrowed down my decision, I find myself with a conundrum of sorts - a new player has entered the game! Thanks to all the great ideas you've come up with, I'm now thinking zinc might be just what I'm looking for. <a href="http://cabinonthewater.blogspot.com/">Tricia Rose</a> and <a href="http://thediversionproject.blogspot.com/">Jules</a> (gorgeous girls - you really have to check out their fab blogs if you haven't already) suggested zinc, so in the interests of research, I found these lovelies:<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAUeMmpm-HW4xT9fvUbI5SRd9OWlf5gzIjuC1BmDPeaE88R-jpajUM9FupA6JlypLtK4y_crWQKU5mnX3U8i1B6IelIuFEUUX_UTh8XKKX28CHKwSPOuOMMrEoh6BS1XJIX0_qU56JeSc/s1600/table+labastide+org+uk+via+villa+anna+blogspot+com+%7B0AA6888E-FE56-4C0D-BCF9-D7DCF2100B71%7D_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAUeMmpm-HW4xT9fvUbI5SRd9OWlf5gzIjuC1BmDPeaE88R-jpajUM9FupA6JlypLtK4y_crWQKU5mnX3U8i1B6IelIuFEUUX_UTh8XKKX28CHKwSPOuOMMrEoh6BS1XJIX0_qU56JeSc/s640/table+labastide+org+uk+via+villa+anna+blogspot+com+%7B0AA6888E-FE56-4C0D-BCF9-D7DCF2100B71%7D_3.jpg" width="480" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://labastide.org.uk/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">source</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> this combination with the tolix chairs - oh my!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBO8D1KzoKAWzeWAf0liSFEm8vWJguT9vVi1o_2IA2KQCI7MPV7mjLX4NvoFJL2a52cYpSc8L_RzN7m3IVjpYKKeXh1YNd7Eg6mMDL-gwz_Wdml_fufCa10K0L5idgzrDsME0N9V5e4BE/s1600/table+annefowlertetbury+co+uk+48+Long+Street+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBO8D1KzoKAWzeWAf0liSFEm8vWJguT9vVi1o_2IA2KQCI7MPV7mjLX4NvoFJL2a52cYpSc8L_RzN7m3IVjpYKKeXh1YNd7Eg6mMDL-gwz_Wdml_fufCa10K0L5idgzrDsME0N9V5e4BE/s400/table+annefowlertetbury+co+uk+48+Long+Street+006.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://annefowlertetbury.co.uk/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">source</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> this base is very similar to mine</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhxjRRLQ_YaNZDHHvTYw_HfpLuB9o0TILky1O7ZlaQU_NM4zaUqa_SQwuRlSustpUMU0fI9xvbVP5eoEncEV-JePa941GlbGugO-DgbhmrztBDQLJNYb7V5zqkb7zXDcc5yG5UwmnSxEg/s1600/table+patinagreen+typepad+com+6a010535dfaa1c970c011570db3e1a970c-320wi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhxjRRLQ_YaNZDHHvTYw_HfpLuB9o0TILky1O7ZlaQU_NM4zaUqa_SQwuRlSustpUMU0fI9xvbVP5eoEncEV-JePa941GlbGugO-DgbhmrztBDQLJNYb7V5zqkb7zXDcc5yG5UwmnSxEg/s400/table+patinagreen+typepad+com+6a010535dfaa1c970c011570db3e1a970c-320wi.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://patinagreen.typepad.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">source </span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTKT7njrzwL_i2o5MUDXbdyLAY1vA-DCB2MUxLNCPR9-i49P9qMgtpE6IwKIaSOi1QGi6ev8VYG3_8ahXwWMkCRduad68kmfNeX3qKPZgdnFxvmjxTmmeHBSP6FxRIbasqvZFitRPRApU/s1600/table+petershamnurseries+co+uk+%7BABB8AB74-0BAF-406E-9ACA-C47CBBB67836%7D_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTKT7njrzwL_i2o5MUDXbdyLAY1vA-DCB2MUxLNCPR9-i49P9qMgtpE6IwKIaSOi1QGi6ev8VYG3_8ahXwWMkCRduad68kmfNeX3qKPZgdnFxvmjxTmmeHBSP6FxRIbasqvZFitRPRApU/s640/table+petershamnurseries+co+uk+%7BABB8AB74-0BAF-406E-9ACA-C47CBBB67836%7D_1.jpg" width="427" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <a href="http://petershamnurseries.com/">source</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS9djB5WETl1UKBxmOOx4dbNv5lZxIl7Lo_sVENS6S5uPPF5KZ7QWxZCSBihf2ea_hcZMuFLcHbIOBIh419uKk1PubjJLkjobL_YL7fojUDFCe0EhF6UwXofhc953LujkoaSjVhbfde_8/s1600/table+cottageantiques+com+French+zinc+top+bistro+tbl+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS9djB5WETl1UKBxmOOx4dbNv5lZxIl7Lo_sVENS6S5uPPF5KZ7QWxZCSBihf2ea_hcZMuFLcHbIOBIh419uKk1PubjJLkjobL_YL7fojUDFCe0EhF6UwXofhc953LujkoaSjVhbfde_8/s400/table+cottageantiques+com+French+zinc+top+bistro+tbl+pic.jpg" width="395" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://cottageantiques.biz/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">source</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So now, before I make my final decision, I'm going to check out the availability of zinc sheeting, and also the price. I love that it gets better with age, is durable and hard-wearing, and looks amazing to boot. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Thanks for the feedback everyone - I love that decorating has now become a collaborative process! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85794/shatay01/57292ae3db79c6d939a1f2a85508a076.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a>

Spanner in the works!

When I posted yesterday about what to do with my dining table , I knew you guys would come up with some great ideas. But just when I thought...

Read more »

Dining table - which look to go for?

So...as part of my kitchen/dining room makeover, I'm thinking I might completely change my dining table. At the moment, we've been using a timber table we bought years ago, in a huge rush before the rellies arrived to visit our new home. We bought it purely for size and serviceability, and it's been impervious to the rough and tumble dished out by a family of five. Oh, and it was also sturdy enough to handle being used as a makeshift dance floor by one rather flamboyant toddler!  <br /><br />Now, I just so happen to have a few dining tables stashed away in my shed. I know I sound like a crazy hoarder type, but really, how could I pass up the chance to buy antique timber turned-leg tables for next to nix? But - there's one little problem - at the moment, the largest of the tables has a nasty chip-board top. To replace it, I can't decide whether to go for lovely, recycled timber (either limed or painted white), or I might just top it with a piece of marble I also happen to have in the shed (don't judge me!) So, you know the drill, what do you think? Here are some ideas I like, and I'd love your opinions as usual.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2srJCzkcWsVT7lWyzBPz6m1ypq2k5MKwkg63MAOrbw9i6OjfJxdH0tXQv0X6XYP_lxJe1c_kgf6NYM-7OXftt_QQKwZycKBzZv87UO6EAN2K3uj3Cn-rh87uzAJG-lI_iMR8nG5LkapQ/s1600/table+via+atlanta+bartlett+pif9_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2srJCzkcWsVT7lWyzBPz6m1ypq2k5MKwkg63MAOrbw9i6OjfJxdH0tXQv0X6XYP_lxJe1c_kgf6NYM-7OXftt_QQKwZycKBzZv87UO6EAN2K3uj3Cn-rh87uzAJG-lI_iMR8nG5LkapQ/s400/table+via+atlanta+bartlett+pif9_large.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">a vision in white by the oh-so-talented <a href="http://atlantabartlett.com/">Atlanta Bartlett </a></span></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCe1bmtA1nuhLP_42WsY8Y2ERDcvVhH6LHGVupRRf9-qPhCF8Ggt2hnRILZ_6x7y0UpqZl3fwEhRSNTfRdbbqKqBrVfb2GhE0Nv29tVanvINSZzh2Pyc3YuIaivs6SfZPNWUosMe7qZBw/s1600/table+cropped_farm_table+via+white+flower+farmhouse+com.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCe1bmtA1nuhLP_42WsY8Y2ERDcvVhH6LHGVupRRf9-qPhCF8Ggt2hnRILZ_6x7y0UpqZl3fwEhRSNTfRdbbqKqBrVfb2GhE0Nv29tVanvINSZzh2Pyc3YuIaivs6SfZPNWUosMe7qZBw/s640/table+cropped_farm_table+via+white+flower+farmhouse+com.JPG" width="546" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">recycled timber via <a href="http://whiteflowerfarmhouse.com/">White Flower Farmhouse</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiid9rQB9SaCQ5bOjYrMbyY0KLpgko2KwQyQkMiCdclxNzaGysNfpa9uTKw1WHjVk2Fk0mJ068y5cBdKS_UH_IDEXQStGIU8cJPFvEXDZfEtlG_09j679DOzOZFdB1KrXiy1_1UCm353p0/s1600/0QXz5V_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiid9rQB9SaCQ5bOjYrMbyY0KLpgko2KwQyQkMiCdclxNzaGysNfpa9uTKw1WHjVk2Fk0mJ068y5cBdKS_UH_IDEXQStGIU8cJPFvEXDZfEtlG_09j679DOzOZFdB1KrXiy1_1UCm353p0/s640/0QXz5V_1.jpg" width="451" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">marble + timber = gorgeous! <a href="http://atlantabartlett.com/">Atlanta Bartlett</a>'s handiwork again</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil1CfQsKoYmBOvsY_i5ZUXYISruDu4SsIVgz-TfBT0A0xooMOoIsrGUXI5cUCEO-LMeFnZpqauRjPVsvsEMJGp1UN3JyFBBvbifqnhCFUJOtNZOyFuDqxPy_BhqHPohFxG8kOeNspYOzs/s1600/Domino-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil1CfQsKoYmBOvsY_i5ZUXYISruDu4SsIVgz-TfBT0A0xooMOoIsrGUXI5cUCEO-LMeFnZpqauRjPVsvsEMJGp1UN3JyFBBvbifqnhCFUJOtNZOyFuDqxPy_BhqHPohFxG8kOeNspYOzs/s640/Domino-1.jpg" width="601" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">marble + white timber - is this the winning combination? via Domino mag</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Oh, and don't forget this table will be paired with my <a href="http://driftwood-interiors.blogspot.com/2010/06/mirror-mirror.html">soon-to-be-revamped mirror</a>, with a sideboard underneath. I always have the same problem when making these decisions - I like so many different looks. But I need to remind myself that nothing has to be forever, so my plan is to choose a look for as long as I like it, and then change it up again! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Hope you're all having a great day,</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85794/shatay01/57292ae3db79c6d939a1f2a85508a076.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>

Dining table - which look to go for?

So...as part of my kitchen/dining room makeover, I'm thinking I might completely change my dining table. At the moment, we've been u...

Read more »

Heavenly hideaway

I don't know about you, but now the kids are back at school, I could do with a holiday! Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love school holidays, but they can be exhausting. So when I saw this little gem, it looked like the perfect place to relax and recharge. Oh, and the fact that one of the guesthouses is called 'Driftwood House' doesn't hurt either. With a choice of accomodation styles, there's something for everyone:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf3GIimnXVUq459-gNyuF4GcxoN97Swfv5pNGJfCYhC7g7xGJx3xODj6fl50DRE3TVnV7N3YCARatbzJP6kgodXaj4KUOQ5yOuHXKcVZoCjXrINRBiel1Dm8bQWiyuT-Xp4MrRewY5bKQ/s1600/atlantic+guesthouses+10.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf3GIimnXVUq459-gNyuF4GcxoN97Swfv5pNGJfCYhC7g7xGJx3xODj6fl50DRE3TVnV7N3YCARatbzJP6kgodXaj4KUOQ5yOuHXKcVZoCjXrINRBiel1Dm8bQWiyuT-Xp4MrRewY5bKQ/s640/atlantic+guesthouses+10.png" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">this design was inspired by fishing cottages on the Danish coast</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSvN5WhL7HyVjQKhKayaBOmUZBz7AEenjHV4Y24kzJ2zBI_RXNFz4BHGGobdkrn8RbP9r8exm97-EA0l0TVw96DwTlsQWYISJY35TwTF-VO1Hk3HYNfUvrGA1Ziya7wkW7_ltsvUVCqPA/s1600/atlantic+guesthouses+7.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSvN5WhL7HyVjQKhKayaBOmUZBz7AEenjHV4Y24kzJ2zBI_RXNFz4BHGGobdkrn8RbP9r8exm97-EA0l0TVw96DwTlsQWYISJY35TwTF-VO1Hk3HYNfUvrGA1Ziya7wkW7_ltsvUVCqPA/s640/atlantic+guesthouses+7.png" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">or choose Little Palm guesthouse for a taste of luxury</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVofAE0TUxL0aKAAOGIIMffsPHrhi116a82nufSGzNl88jfTeiJ-zBrgYg-d7Zg-SxlZ7Ao7gaFq97HHvWynFsiSTVwsZQxwEX_cSFV4CrzsZ6xW0KJEEqyILUTfpKE17nXUhqWh4Q6MU/s1600/atlantic+guesthouses+6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVofAE0TUxL0aKAAOGIIMffsPHrhi116a82nufSGzNl88jfTeiJ-zBrgYg-d7Zg-SxlZ7Ao7gaFq97HHvWynFsiSTVwsZQxwEX_cSFV4CrzsZ6xW0KJEEqyILUTfpKE17nXUhqWh4Q6MU/s640/atlantic+guesthouses+6.png" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">fresh, bright and breezy - perfect</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTH_eBWBpfZFNopb7C2gyhXUoR4IHmIMXgTWsok6JZYE9T5WwcMsqKfvZJOTEz0fAQxzreIj-CcrwYTL3aOx7oE5PSo5sa-gWHMa6r2-g8rX4stYXMOAWwOUJuOoANGo2nPyz0syv-nJ0/s1600/atlantic+guesthouses+5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTH_eBWBpfZFNopb7C2gyhXUoR4IHmIMXgTWsok6JZYE9T5WwcMsqKfvZJOTEz0fAQxzreIj-CcrwYTL3aOx7oE5PSo5sa-gWHMa6r2-g8rX4stYXMOAWwOUJuOoANGo2nPyz0syv-nJ0/s640/atlantic+guesthouses+5.png" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">love this kitchen!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP1u6_T3f16NAY9v3txcDqZ2RqyG84wtZQ8EwEmojkHHPEn-PCqseaiOX7_jymqhT1PpIV7B77EzyKqwohj6ma-9bhUf83s-e9A14m63j-HCF57ISzJRc7VtVFDp7NHgoUWFBOYgudV1s/s1600/atlantic+guesthouses+4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP1u6_T3f16NAY9v3txcDqZ2RqyG84wtZQ8EwEmojkHHPEn-PCqseaiOX7_jymqhT1PpIV7B77EzyKqwohj6ma-9bhUf83s-e9A14m63j-HCF57ISzJRc7VtVFDp7NHgoUWFBOYgudV1s/s640/atlantic+guesthouses+4.png" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRY1K-nQ_Yy7rUT7bsHPDZgOsRoOH2N28QhaZhzs-RXj4618nL7PqTJCDKteJA_vNzFS30NALy6Js_K2zHYDB-K7_qbBeffPgcgN9t1k_8dIFQFopyGOsTHAuEoRvYyLN8MxoVS_s1s3M/s1600/atlantic+guesthouses+3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="409" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRY1K-nQ_Yy7rUT7bsHPDZgOsRoOH2N28QhaZhzs-RXj4618nL7PqTJCDKteJA_vNzFS30NALy6Js_K2zHYDB-K7_qbBeffPgcgN9t1k_8dIFQFopyGOsTHAuEoRvYyLN8MxoVS_s1s3M/s640/atlantic+guesthouses+3.png" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">or maybe you'd prefer an authentic American Airstream caravan?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbWibHCQPz5ymkh-m18Ne_6qStcJyiVjdnsJZyOrlP_4zXpIFV8c65b0CHmsBt-iKhu7Xj9khDnkiMh0EudRO0H5rlaXQtm9nG65e-3mgFSEBFxmhISB-gGCcLmBTq779fZQB4ZE3QYpg/s1600/atlantic+guesthouses+9.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbWibHCQPz5ymkh-m18Ne_6qStcJyiVjdnsJZyOrlP_4zXpIFV8c65b0CHmsBt-iKhu7Xj9khDnkiMh0EudRO0H5rlaXQtm9nG65e-3mgFSEBFxmhISB-gGCcLmBTq779fZQB4ZE3QYpg/s640/atlantic+guesthouses+9.png" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj_hZgd4-FHXSa-JBVRKlHiCZBop74S1YQlCuVz41FLfpCVzZlrCHhiwkA9o5XoA9AAe-S-Kl-HNMgphDw53Txa31ImYcDScdJpYIDW3EEV8SLRIhk021oinPM2Zx6UcpjQP2Ev6id2as/s1600/atlantic+prop-img-full-fv51yeti-2xjky5710ge8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj_hZgd4-FHXSa-JBVRKlHiCZBop74S1YQlCuVz41FLfpCVzZlrCHhiwkA9o5XoA9AAe-S-Kl-HNMgphDw53Txa31ImYcDScdJpYIDW3EEV8SLRIhk021oinPM2Zx6UcpjQP2Ev6id2as/s640/atlantic+prop-img-full-fv51yeti-2xjky5710ge8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">drinks on the verandah anyone?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj38Nd1pca80WhpHwXHeV6niKTPo2hSqEFSNvzZRbX-Y43tuWUgKqL37KngWxr6u2GsgUxCdChElAfNsIYAYwqeZR0zYTd1tJI2qc3Ms6g_XFNMcoMQLsmCvfIEtqAaA7oTB6q02O9-ygk/s1600/atlantic+guesthouses+8.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj38Nd1pca80WhpHwXHeV6niKTPo2hSqEFSNvzZRbX-Y43tuWUgKqL37KngWxr6u2GsgUxCdChElAfNsIYAYwqeZR0zYTd1tJI2qc3Ms6g_XFNMcoMQLsmCvfIEtqAaA7oTB6q02O9-ygk/s640/atlantic+guesthouses+8.png" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">all images courtesy of <a href="http://www.atlanticbyronbay.com.au/index.html">Atlantic Guesthouses Byron Bay</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>So, what do you think - looks rather appealing, doesn't it? I'll see you there!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Have a great week,</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85794/shatay01/57292ae3db79c6d939a1f2a85508a076.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a>

Heavenly hideaway

I don't know about you, but now the kids are back at school, I could do with a holiday! Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love school...

Read more »