Statement Art Love! Meet Raquel...

Would you believe that this little blog is turning 10 this year? I will admit that some years have been more prolific than others, nevertheless here we are! Over the years I have received a lot of collaboration offers, offers of free product in exchange for a blog review. Most of these offers I have politely turned down because the product didn't fit within the realm of my blog topic scope. As much as I might have liked to snag those new sunglasses, this isn't a fashion blog and the freebie isn't worth compromise in my opinion.

Several weeks ago I had an email from Photowall asking if I was interested in reviewing one of their products. After a quick glance at their website, I responded with an emphatic, "Yes, Please!" At first I was obsessed with their amazing wall murals, but after assessing every wall in our home, I decided that an oversized art canvas for our office/studio would be a more practical choice. Plus, as a girl who likes to change her mind and move decor around the house periodically, commiting to a full on mural was not something I was quite ready for.

What I love about Photowall's canvases is that you not only have hundreds of artworks to choose from on their website, but you also have the option of uploading your own art file! What's even better is that you're not restricted to a set of specific canvas sizes. They actually build the frame and print the canvas upon receiving your order. I was really keen on getting a statement art piece for this wall, so I measured the space and ordered the largest size canvas that seemed appropriate in proportion to the room.

The most challenging part of this whole process was deciding on the actual artwork I wanted. I literally spent hours scrolling through options. Time and again I came back to this lovely lady. I hesitantly showed her to my husband, prepared for a solid, "no." To my surprise and delight he didn't seem to mind her and agreed that she seemed quite suited to the space. Happy dance!

Naturally as this lady was soon to be a rather prominent feature in our home, I needed to do a bit of research. The artist is Joaquin Sorolla y Bastida (1888-1962) and the title is "Portrait of Raquel Meller." Turns out Raquel was a famous Spanish singer and actress in the 1920's and 30's. I think she's pretty fabulous with her floppy hat and pursed lips!

My Photowall order arrived in 2 days! From Sweden to Washington in just 2 days! The packaging was extremely professional, clean and efficient. Of course there was some assembly required for a canvas this large traveling overseas. And I will admit that I was a bit nervous about making a mistake and ruining the beautiful new product I had just been gifted. Thankfully I discovered a really helpful instructional video on the Photowall website that walked me through the process, which turned out to be very easy. 

Slightly off-topic, but in case you're curious about the dresser siting directly below Raquel, it's one of my favorite Annie Sloan Chalk Paint® makeover project from several years ago. You can see the before photo and read more about paint finish here, if you are so inclined. I got a lot of flack for painting an Eastlake dresser, but you know what? I don't regret it. Seven years later, I still love it and it's a true testament to the longevity of a paint finish created with Annie Sloan's products.

If you're in the market for a statement art piece for your home, or you're one of those brave people I admire who wouldn't think twice about slapping a big, bold art mural on your wall, I encourage you to head over to www.Photowall.com and take a peek!

Use code onegirlinpink25 in your shopping cart for 25% off any product on the Photowall website! Offer expires August 16th, 2020

Thank you for your visit!

Much Love,

Amanda

A Rabbit Hole of Entertainment for the Interiors Obsessed

I've recently been down a rabbit hole and it's so dreamy and intertwined and inspirational that I just don't want to resurface! I thought it would be fun to share my latest discoveries here for anyone looking for entertainment of the home decor variety!

It all began at the beginning of quarantine when Rachel Ashwell started her Instagram video series talking decor, flowers, business and all things Shabby Chic. Once restrictions in England started lifting she took us on virtual tours of her friend's beautiful homes from London to the English countryside! So absolutely lovely! If you haven't already discovered Rachel's IGTV stories, you can find them here.

One of Rachel's tours led me to ordering this book by her dear friend, Pearl Lowe who's home is one that Rachel tours on IGTV. It's beautiful and quirky and real. Unlike so many home decor books, there's nothing stuffy or contrived in these interiors. After having read this book cover to cover, I was delighted when Rachel visited Sera of London in one of her IGTV episodes, as Sera's whimsical London flat was one of my very favorite homes featured in this book!

My other favorite IGTV segments have been "Annie talks to..." where Annie Sloan interviews fabulous designers and artists and we get see little glimpses and sometimes full-on tours of exceptionally artful homes! This is where I was introduced to Sophie Robinson and Kate Watson-Smyth...I'll come back to them, but do check out Annie's IGTV here.

Sophie Robinson was one of the hosts of the earlier seasons of The Great Interior Design Challenge. I absolutely loved this show! Aspiring interior designers are challenged with making over rooms in everything from English country cottages to full-on castles! It's quite addicting to watch. There are four seasons. Unfortunately it's hard to find and I ended up having to subscribe to an extra channel via Amazon Prime to watch, but it was well worth the extra $5.99.

Somehow or another the British interiors rabbit hole led me to The Great Indoors Podcast featuring once again, Sophie Robinson and Kate Watson-Smyth! This has been my latest obsession, a delightful, informative and often hilarious conversation all about decorating your home to reflect your personal style! I recently came across an episode where Kate and Sophie tour Pearl Lowe's home! You might be wondering what a home tour on a podcast looks (sounds?) like. It's actually far more entertaining than you'd think!

If you have an interiors related podcast, TV or IGTV show that you love, I would love to hear about it! Please email me a link. I am always on the hunt for inspiring entertainment!

Thank you for your sweet visit!

With Love,

Amanda

Explaining My Absence

It's been a very very long time since my last blog post and I feel I owe anyone who might still be following an explanation.

Eighteen months ago I took a full-time job, completely unrelated (like not even remotely close) to the antique/home decor/painting realm I had been living in for the past 12 years. I relunctantly gave up my booth at Camas Antiques and set aside my blog and most of my other creative ambitions for this 8-5, Monday-Friday office job. It was hard. I felt like I was letting go of a dream. Honestly, I felt a bit like a failure. Some of you reached out and asked why my booth had disappeared or why I stopped blogging. I hesitated to write this post because I didn't want to discourage anyone who was pursuing a career painting furniture, selling antiques, blogging etc. It's an exciting and worthwhile ambition and some people are really successful, but for me health insurance, retirement benefits and a steady income were a concern. With our children at an age where they were more independent and my husband moving his office home, it was time for me to move on.

I have stayed involved with Camas Antiques, helping with events, advising customers on paint finishes and teaching workshops (before covid-19). Conveniently, my office is within walking distance of the store, so popping by on lunch breaks and after work has been very convenient! I do believe that maintaining this presence at my favorite antique mall and keeping in touch with my junking buddies has made the transition to real world, serious job so much easier.

From the very beginning of this transition to full-time, office worker bee, I imagined that I would devote my free time and creative energy into all of those home projects that I never quite seemed to get around to before. I had every intention of continuing to blog creative projects in the evenings and on the weekends. But, most evenings when I came home from work all I really wanted to do was relax and spend time with my family. I am sure that anyone who works full-time outside of the home can relate.

I have to say that my new job has stretched me in ways I had never imagined I could be stretched and I have made some amazing new friends. I absolutely believe it was the right decision for me and for my family. I am so thankful now to be able to work from home during the covid pandemic. I know that many are not so fortunate.

As a family with more time at home over the past few months, we have started tackling some of those house projects that have been on hold for so long. It's been exciting and trying and fun. We've watched a lot of DIY YouTube videos and created a lot of Pinterest boards. I had been thinking that maybe it was about time to get back to blogging. I had shared a bit here and there on Instagram, but my blog has really been calling me...so here I am!

I have a lot of catching up to do, so I hope you're ready!

I also hope that you are staying safe and sane during these unsteady, trying times. I am finding solice in making our home extra homey for our family and from what I see on social media, a lot of others are too! Speaking of social media, you can find me here on Instagram on any given day, where I tend to share bits and pieces of random inspiration and fun little life moments.

I've missed connecting with friends here! I hope this reaches at least a few of you and finds you well!

With Love,
Amanda

Home Decor Compromise

Not long ago I took a poll on Facebook and Instagram asking followers what they'd like to see more of on my blog and social media pages. Many of you commented that you wanted to see more of my home. I'll be honest...I have been reluctant to share a lot of our home! Let's just say that it's very well lived in! One room I haven't shown you in years is our family room. It's rarely in any condition to be photographed. Not only that but...

There's a TV above the fireplace and speakers in the walls (not my choice!)

I call it my home decor compromise. I have a pretty laid back husband who doesn't complain (too much) about the excessive amount of pink decor in our home or the fact that he sleeps under a pastel floral quilt every night! So...I put up with the bulky electronics and ugly wall speakers in the family room and he puts up with my growing collection of girly throw pillows. It really is true love.

I must say that decorating the mantle around the TV is a challenge. I do my best. Recently I picked up a set of wonderful old books from a fellow vendor at Camas Antiques. The 15 volume set is called "My Lady's Library." They were the perfect color for the mantle and the bindings are beautiful.

I am pretty sure this is the 1895 version of Fifty Shades of Grey. One of these days I'll get around to reading it. I'll let you know if it's as scandalous as it sounds!

Boots showed up to join me for my little photo shoot this afternoon. I just love his handsome blue eyes! He's just as sweet as he looks.

If you follow along on Instagram or Facebook, you may have caught a glimpse of this little art board I created for a Downtown Camas fundraiser called "Little Art Camas." 

I used painter's tape to paint the stripes in Annie Sloan's Paris Grey and Old White, then created the raised relief with a stencil and VP Antico from Artisan Enhancements. Once dry, I lightly sanded the stencil relief, then added a Bio Savvy stain glaze in Dark Walnut. Finally, I applied gold foil with Artisan Enhancements Leaf and Foil Size and sealed the entire piece with AE's Clear Finish.

All of the local artist's works were displayed gallery-style last night for a very fun event. A very dear, long-time friend of mine showed up to buy this piece after seeing it on Facebook. 

I hope she got to take it home with her!

Thank you for your sweet visit!

Best Wishes and Blessings,

Amanda

Hutch Confession

I had every intention of painting this hutch to sell. It was intended for my Christmas display at Camas Antiques. At least, that's what I told myself. But deep down in my soul, I am pretty sure I always knew I was painting it to keep.

I discovered it at a church rummage sale. It stopped me in my tracks. I quickly let the grandma worker bees know that I was purchasing it...no hesitation.  They were annoyed that I was dismantling their display so early in the day. Alas, they would have to find another place to show off the teacups they had for sale.

I took my time on this one. The back paneling was removed and painted in Annie Sloan's Coco Chalk Paint® followed by a stencil design in a mixture of Old White, Antoinette and Scandinavian Pink. The stencil is the Lotus Paradise Floral Design from Royal Design Studios.  I absolutely love this stencil design. It might just pop up on a wall in our home one day!

The entire hutch was painted in Annie Sloan's Old White, lightly distressed and sealed in Annie's Clear wax, then carefully accented in both Dark and Black wax. During the process, I shared my trick for painting around all of those pesky glass panels along with some waxing tips in videos on IGTV. 

You can view those videos here.

I nearly cried when it was time to load this beauty into my truck and haul it to the store. I don't usually become attached to pieces of furniture...I really don't! I just couldn't bear to part with this one. Maybe it's because with every brush stroke I was subconsciously giving myself permission to keep it.

But I didn't have a backup plan for my display. There was no time to makeover another hutch to take it's place. My pink Christmas display came together beautifully and the hutch was my focal point, just as I had planned. I put a ridiculous price on it and prayed it wouldn't sell!

Two weeks later, with a smug grin on my face I waltzed into the store, loaded up my hutch and said Merry Christmas to me!

No guilt, no regret. It was meant to be.

If you're looking for more pretty hutch makeover inspo, check out these posts:

The Caravan Hutch

Art Deco Darling to English Cottage Chic

Charming Patina for a Possum Belly Repro

Cinderella Cabinet Makeover

French Country Cottage Cupboard

Thank you for your sweet visit!

Happy New Year!

Best Wishes and Blessings,

Amanda 

Image Transfer Video Tutorial & Trade Secrets

The image transfer process has become a hot topic on my blog and social media pages over the past couple years and I felt it was time for another tutorial! With every project, I learn a little something new and I wanted to take this opportunity to share my tips and trade secrets with you! Over the years I have had my fair share of transfer project fails and I am hoping that you can learn from my mistakes!

I know I've shared a lot of tedious tidbits in this video, so let's break it down in a "Cliff's Notes" 

10-step version for ya!

1. Prepare your surface with a matte paint, preferably a light color, depending on your image.

2. Choose an image! This is the fun part! I will share links to my favorite sites for images at the end of this post!

3. Print your image on a laser printer (think Kinkos, Office Max, UPS, FedEx...usually the businesses with big commercial printers have laser printers but ask them, just in case!)

4. Ask for a medium weight paper, something around 26lb and make sure that if your graphic has words that the image is printed in reverse!

5. Apply your Transfer Gel with a quality brush that leaves minimal brush strokes. Apply a full, even coat.

6. Immediately put your paper image down into the gel and smooth out the backside with your hands until all of the air bubbles are worked away.

7. Allow your gel to dry for 24-36 hours (I like to give it three days, personally).

8. Dampen the back of the paper with a sponge or damp rag.

9. Use your fingers to gently rub away the paper fibers.

10. When the surface feels smooth and you can no longer see a paper film, your transfer is complete and you can either distress lightly with a fine grit sandpaper, layer on a glaze or other medium or simply seal your project with Artisan Enhancements Clear Finish, Clear Topcoat Sealer, or a Wax.

Want even more guidance and inspiration? Check out this step by step transfer tutorial on the Artisan Enhancements site!

And if you're wondering where you can get your hands on Artisan Enhancements Transfer Gel, this page will point you in the right direction!

My favorite resources for images:

Project Printable - This is where I purchased the "Flakes of Snow graphic", "Christmas Magic" and many more for Image Transfer projects. Let me just say that Samantha is not only incredibly talented but she is a super sweet gal too! Be prepared to spend a good hour or two perusing her gorgeous graphics. And...you won't believe how reasonably priced they are! By the way, she is not paying me to sing her praises...I just really love her work, and enjoy doing business with her!

Verdigris Studio - Most of my favorite "Vintage Women" color images were purchased from Rebekah. The colors are amazing and the images are sharp! Her prices are also incredibly reasonable, and she has a wide variety of graphics to choose from. Check her out!

The Graphics Fairy -  And of course there's The Graphics Fairy site where the images are all free! This angel graphic is by far one of my favorite images I have downloaded from this site. This particular project is from the transfer tutorial archives and you can check it out here if you'd like!

I sincerely hope that you feel inspired and empowered to try this image transfer technique if you have not already done so! Please feel free to pin the below image so that you can easily return to this post for future reference.

Thank you so much for your sweet visit today!

Best Wishes and Blessings,

Amanda

Ikea Hack! Chic Desktop Storage - Video Tutorial

If you're like me, you navigate the never-ending aisles of Ikea looking for useful items that you can completely customize and make your own!  Also, if you're like me...you have oodles of craft supplies, crafting tools, jars of glitter and random bits scattered everywhere.  And if you're like me, you gravitate towards organizers, things with little compartments and little drawers that might help you keep those odds and ends in one place.  (I said might...that doesn't mean it always happens that way, but hey!...our intentions are good.)

This raw wood 6 drawer desktop organizer came home with me from a recent, random trip to Ikea and I couldn't wait to transform it and fill it up with all of my crafty treasures!  I hope you enjoy this tutorial.  Keep in mind that these techniques and products would look beautiful on a myriad of furniture and accessory pieces!  And next time you're at Ikea, keep your eyes peeled for things that you can customize to reflect your own artistic style!

Feel free to pin this post for future reference!

Artisan Enhancements products are available from retailers worldwide. To learn more and find a local retailer, visit the Artisan Enhancements Find a Retailer Map.

If there is no local retailer in your area, you can shop online here!

Thanks so much for your visit today!

Best Wishes and Blessings,

Amanda