It really started with all the rain.
...and one thing leading to another
Every day dark and gloomy, a virus that I couldn't shake....
We decided to rearrange some things around the house (the big mess/project) which of course took longer than I had hoped.
But it did mean that there is now more room in the family room/studio, which is a good thing. I took a whole new corner for myself.
It is inspiring to have a clean space to work in and of course, incentive to mess it up again, starting with finishing small projects: Remember these without glaze?
And the work horse computer is now upstairs in the loft, where it is warmer and there is the only (partial) view of the pond from the house (and also occasionally of one the cats catching a little red squirrel, ahem)
The very large giclee printer is now upstairs as well (nearly doing in my back in the process)...
which means there is much more room in the pantry, where I thought it was unfairly taking up too much space.
This necessitated a rearranging of the pantry (the kitchen side if not the "office supply' side, oh the joys of a spouse working from home)
Having taken my jars of dry goods down from their shelves I found an inspiring idea somewhere on the internet and painted all the lids with primer and them blackboard paint. Now I can do away with sticking and re-sticking labels on the jars as the contents changes, I can write on the lids!
These are just a few; I have a lot of these jars. I snagged them from work as soon as we were finished with the contents. My co-workers roll their eyes at what they call my "jar obsession".
I wanted to use chalk markers but I could only find expensive sets, and I only wanted one white one.
And I finally finished a large in size/small project in this mirror. It was found resting against a recycle box on garbage day and after wrestling it into my tiny car, it sat in the porch for a few weeks. The frame was some sort of wood product, very heavy and imperfect so I gave it a few coats of paint and a little distressing. It is sitting awaiting it's fate; we are not sure where it will live - teenage negotiations ensue.
Finally, I mean FINALLY, on Sunday the sun came out and it was too nice to stay inside so the mister and I went to Mono Cliffs Provincial Park for a hike and some geocaching. Have you tried this? It is a lot of fun and adds another dimension to a hike.
We found wild grapes
and I can't resist an apple orchard, also found in the park. The apples in the foreground were wormy but the tree behind this one yielded the prize.
The apples turned out to be delicious and a surprising colour inside. We have been eating them out of hand but I couldn't resist making a little apple sauce because how often do you get techni-colour pink applesauce ? Isn't it fabulous?
I didn't mind staying in making applesauce, because today?
Today it's raining again.
Such gorgeous photos. I suppose as the cliche goes one mans trash is another mans treasure. You seem to have a great sense of decor judging by your photos.
Posted by: Mark @ Chef Basket | November 22, 2011 at 02:11 PM
Elizabeth! The chalk lids are genius, genius I tell you! Love the glimpse if your corner, looks like a good place to work.
Posted by: Rebecca | November 03, 2011 at 05:38 PM
I am totally envious of your office space; it looks perfect.
Love the jar idea, too, although my husband would think it would be funny to erase all the lids...
Posted by: jessie | October 31, 2011 at 05:48 AM
So sorry about the prolonged rains - I'm usually ready to say goodbye to the rain after the fields have been watered, and my car washed. I love your little corner, and the fabulous sewing desk, and your ornate mirrow - what a great find! Brilliant jar idea (what's "panko"?). Happy weekend!
Posted by: Francesca | October 28, 2011 at 03:28 AM
It amazes me that someone would throw out that mirror. So happy that it has found a home :)
d
Posted by: Dana | October 28, 2011 at 02:44 AM
haven't these days been so blah? Ugh. But it looks like it was good for some inside projects for you. I really love the frame! I think you should add a chalkboard to it so you can announce the day's menu. Or chores. Or good thoughts.
By the way, I just read a bunch of your blog to my daughter..the one I told you about with the chickens....she makes her own deodorant, too!
Posted by: Lynne | October 27, 2011 at 08:53 PM
Wow, all that gorgeous, natural color! So lovely!! Love your jars. I'm a jar fan hoarder from way back.
; )
Posted by: Vicki | October 27, 2011 at 06:20 PM