Painter Girl

May/June e-Newsletter Finally Out

I finally had some office time on Monday and was able to finish my overdue May/June e-newsletter.  This month focus is on three different glass techniques and sport theme rooms.  It typically takes me about 3 hours from start to finish to pull the newsletter together.  I find it hard to sit at the computer that long so I wander about the house doing a few miscellaneous projects to give myself a break.  My clients do seem to enjoy getting the newsletter in their email boxes and I get some great feedback from them, which keeps me motivated to research topics for more issues.  If you would like to subscribe, you can do so by clicking on the box in the right hand sidebar.

Another Snow Day

Wednesday,  it was quite icy here in the Boston area and even worse west of Boston where I was scheduled to work.  I looked out my window, observed my driveway, which resembled one long skating rink, the ice covered street, and knew I really did not want to get into my car and drive in the icy sleet that was pouring down from the sky.  When I saw ALL public schools were canceled in the town I was to work in and the surrounding towns, I called my client and told her I was delaying the start of her job by one day.  She was expecting my call. :-)

So, what did I do with a "free" day?  For one, I was able to finish up my e-newsletter.  Those of you who already subscribe to my e-newsletter should have received a copy in your mailbox.  If you have not subscribed, and wish to do so, just go to the subscribe box in the right hand column. 

I returned to my studio to finish up the sample boards I was working on Tuesday.  I will be photographing some of the new finishes I was able to create,  to show you next week.  It really is fun to have some time to play with products and experiment!  Ok, I also did a load of laundry.

Making Use of Some Unexpected Down Time

Today I was supposed to begin a long awaited job for a client I work with almost every year.  A new addition has been put onto her home and her kitchen area has been expanded and completely renovated.  I am going to carry a finish that is in the adjacent room, into this new area.  I did that finish a few years ago, so I'm hoping all will go well!  The finish is a multi-layer finish, which I will go into at a later date.  I thought I'd get a jump on things by putting on the first 2 layers.  The cabinets have not yet been installed, much to the homeowners dismay.  She has been waiting since this Summer for these cabinets to be made!  Last evening she called to let me know that there is now a heat issue in the new addition... basically no heat.  Hopefully that will be resolved and I will try to get over there next week.

This is why I do my scheduling with Post It's vs. actually writing on my calendar.  I'd have one messy calendar by the end of the month with all the schedule changes that tend to take place.  Now I have moved another job that I was intending to do next week,  into this slot.  I did lose a day of on-site painting because of the late cancellation, but I have a zillion things to do in my office and studio, so am actually happy to have this "free" day!

First on my list was to finish my December e-newsletter.  This month I am featuring my good friend and talented designer, Marc Bordet.  Marc shares with my readers several great decorating ideas for the Holiday Season.  If you would like to receive a copy of this e-newsletter, I invite you to subscribe using the box in the sidebar to the right.

Next, I wanted to created 4 snowflakes to use as placards at the Holiday Tables event Marc and I are participating in.  This was too fun and very easy, so I thought I'd share this with you.  I purchased this great Dover Book, "Make Your Own Paper Snowflakes" on line a few weeks ago, knowing I'd find some use for it.  At $5.95, this book gives you a big bang for your buck!  It features 31 different snowflake patterns, from very easy to advanced skill level.  The templates are printed on heavy cardstock and are actual size, so you are good to go!
                                 
Last weekend I stopped at Michael's and bought this giant pad of textured cardstock in jewel toned Christmas colors.  Then, when Marc and I were setting up our Holiday Tables room at the museum earlier this week, I got the idea to make some snowflake placards for the 4 table settings. I stopped at another Michael's on the way home and bought this glue pen and glitter by none other than the Queen of All Things Good, Martha Stewart.

This glue pen was quite the find!  You can write just like you would with a pen and then just sprinkle on the glitter.  Of course, Martha has thought it all out, so her glitter container allows you to control the amount of glitter that gets sprinkled! 

Now I have some design work to tend to and then I am off to a vendor Christmas party with Marc at Kennedy Carpets .