EXPRESS YOURSELF

I was going to title this blog post "Counting Flowers On The Wall", but after writing, I've changed my mind.

You may recall, a while back, I showed you a couple of my window box ideas. Well, this year it was time for a new one and also for some new words of wisdom. My husband built this one for me and I painted it. I always make a pattern up on the computer of what I want to do. My preference - Illustrator. I print it out and tape it together. I paint on my base coat, and then on the back of my pattern I use the old pencil transfer technique. Just in case you're not familiar with that, it means I scribble with a pencil over the printed lines that are visible through the paper, then I tape my pattern onto my painted surface, and using a pencil or pen, I trace over my pattern, and voila! - the design magically appears. I chose a nice bright green (Folkart Spring Green). My house is a pretty neutral color - blueish gray or grayish blue - whatever you want to call it - with black shutters. So I like to "kick it up a notch" with splashes of bold, bright colors. For example, my front door is a very sunny yellow, and I like to add bits of red here and there. My terra cotta pots have all been painted, each in a different color, but I tie them altogether by painting each one with a black rim and white polka dots. I often wonder what the neighbors think, but as I drive around and look at other houses, I notice that most people "play it safe" - plain white doors, etc. Why not go out on a limb? Be a little daring. Go ahead - express yourself.

S.W.A.K.

THERE ARE WINDOW BOXES....

I'll paint and write words on almost anything that isn't nailed down. That's what I did with my window box - love that expression!

AND THEN THERE ARE WINDOW BOXES

How about a new use for an old standard. I have named these "Wall Pockets" and they are better than shelves because you can fill them with lots of things (in this case, stuffed animals) and they won't fall out. I took two used window boxes, painted them with Folk Art baby pink on the outside and apple green on the inside. Then I cut small flowers out of an old Mary Engelbreit calendar and decoupaged them along the scalloped edge of the box. The bottom is black with white polka-dots (what else?). I purchased some unpainted wooden scroll-type brackets at Home Depot, painted them apple green and screwed the wall pockets onto the top of the brackets so they are secure and cannot tip over. They were also securely fastened to the wall. You can't really tell from the photo, but Frannie's room is butter yellow. She has a white iron bed, and the rest of the furniture are pieces that I have painted (mostly baby pink) and then decoupaged and/or written on. More children's room ideas to come! Stay tuned.

S.W.A.K.

DON'T FORGET...