Romeo's studio tour....Where Bloggers Create 2013

I had planned on participating this year in Karen's, Where Bloggers Create.  Things in the studio were about the same.  But no matter, because some of you have never seen it before and those who had, probably didn't remember it much anyway.  So I was going to participate and it was going to be a relatively simple task.

Key word: was

Relatively simple post. Until she found a piece at her last show.  Measuring 30 inches deep and 70 inches long and rusted to purrfection.  Not exactly something that could be squeezed in the corner, hung on a wall or stuffed under something.

But she was not leaving this one behind especially since Dad offered to pay for it.  She was so excited about this piece that before she left the show plans were being made regarding what would have to be moved out and sold.  And what would have to be moved to another place in the studio.

All the while, I was home, never suspecting the incoming upheaval that was about to occur.

Never. Saw. It. Coming.

Comparable to being run over by a goat with tin can lust in it's eyes.

Thanks for the warning Dad. I survived the shock but paybacks are a coming.

As you might guess....in the end, most of everything had to be moved and nothing left the room.

Except me.  And that was a matter of self preservation - tails and paws are a precious thing you know.  And if you've ever experienced one of her "re-arranging adventures" you know that you have to go wash the dog or read a book in the litterbox. In a different room. At the other end of the house.

And before I forget..... for those of you who follow along on my adventures, the answer is "yes" - she went from painting and rearranging the office, immediately to the studio project.  Which also meant that she was so busy that she had to admit she did not actually see me doing anything wrong (accused of evils against tiny innocents in the previous post). So it could not be proved that I was the evil do-er.  And for those of you who backed me and were willing to boycott on my behalf....we are victorious!!!!  Oops. Sorry, this is about the studio right?!  My studio! Sorry got a little excited there for a moment......

Back on track.....let me show you my place.  Let's start as we walk in the door from the office and look to your left....kind of hard not to see this unless of course you are looking to your other left and you run into it.  Then you see it. Up close and personal.  If you eye isn't swollen shut.  Because it is solid industiral metal.  No forgiveness from this piece.  Do you suppose that's why she put it here? To discourage visitors?!?

We are not discouraged though.  I gotta tell you though that it was hard to get a decent picture of this because of the angle at which it is placed.

So because it is hard to discern what this contraption is let me help.  This is a rolling industrial shelf with pull out steps in that blue that she loves.

It was one of the pieces slated to go before she found a place for it.  Just as well because on my bucket list is getting to the top so I can nap in that basket of vintage eiderdown comforters.  And I have not completed that task yet.

One day I will though.  Just as soon as I figure out how to pull out these steps and knock the books off.

Right smack next to it is the new piece. Well not so new.  Actually old enough to have rusted to a fine patina.

Anyone know how long it takes something to rust out in the rain?

No? Me neither but it's probably a bit older than that.

I think.

Oh wait.  I should warn you.  Viewer discretion is advised.  To properly view this post, you have to love rust or risk fainting away at the overwhelming amount you'll find here.  So for those of you who seek perfection and sleek shiny surfaces, look away now before it's too late! Although everything was cleaned extensively before bringing it inside, it is still going to be purrfectly....imperfect, rusty and old!

However, for those of you who do appreciate this type of impurrfection, don't forget, you can click on any picture to see a larger version.  Just letting you know in case you don't have feline vision.

With the exception of the young orange fuzzball, Tessa (appearing in the above photo), you'll find a scattering of old stuff currently on the counter....

The Dazy churn frame has been re-purposed so that doll clothing hangs there patiently waiting for her next creation idea utilizing these purrfect little cuties!  I would like to point out that I had no problem with the addition of doll clothes.  It was either here on the frame or on me.  Need I tell you - no problem at all with where they are?

My addition was the lamp from Target.  Well actually, the idea for the contents.  That was my idea.  Totally all mine - such creativity, yes?

On the other end of the counter.  Books that she thinks make her knowledgable.  

Purrsonally, if she is supposed to be intelligent, why would she need the books???!?  

Just one of the many things I ponder.

 

And balanced on the scale is a colander of shells and a few tubes of vintage paint.  

Perched at the base of the scale....

You think of vintage sand shovels.  

I think of emergency pooper scoopers.  

It's all purrspective.

And speaking of purrspective....this is the view while sitting at the counter.

On a rainy day.  One of many during the past month.

In back of the counter is the stepback that she purchased in southern Georgia.  On the bottom of one of the drawers the maker signed his name and dated it, 1940.

Sorry but I am not going to dump the drawer out so I can show you.  I'd never get everything back in there.  So purrhaps you can just trust me and use a bit of imagination?

In this photo below can you see a glimpse of the paint?  

This is the way it was found - honestly aged and crackled! 

Moving toward the window, in the left corner, is my back door to adventures and next to it the fireplace.  I warm my fur here in the winter.

Nestled into the fireplace surround on top of the fireplace..... yes, a surround on top.  Hey, I never said she was normal or that she follows the rules for how things are to be used.  Should I have warned you earlier?!

Then we come to the dead tree solidly rotting away in a pile of books.  

Did I say "rotting"??!?  Oops, rooting.  It should say "rooting".

Reaching up towards the 16 foot peaked ceiling, one can only imagine how she got this inside.  Actually, I wish I had a video of that one.  It was entertaining to say the least.  As a side note, if it ever has to go out....well it will be in pieces. Many small pieces.

Under the tree, is my workbench and an antique medical chair.  Which by the way is quite handy for jumping up on the workbench.  It also has a nice glass top that feels wonderfully cool after sunning myself out on the deck.

The warmth is good but sometimes I fall asleep and get a little toasty.  Too toasty.  I mean have you ever fallen asleep outside in the sun wearing a fur coat?! Go ahead and try it for the proper perspective and a new appreciation of my glass top workbench.  But no, you cannot use mine to cool off.  You're on your own. Nothing purrsonal, I just don't think we would both fit on there.

I've worked hard to make this piece uniquely mine.  Bird books, bunnies and bird nests.

I'm telling you I should start my own decorating service just for us cats.

 Being not only talented but generous,  I did allow her to put a few things on the

 industrial rolling ladder next to the workbench.

I'm not all tough and stuff.  I do have a few kind whiskers for her.

In back of the workbench we find....

more rust.....

and old cabinets....and not so old cabinets filled with jars of buttons and supplies for creating.

And windows....in case you are wondering or had not noticed, the entire wall is one of windows.  

Yes, this is why this is my favorite room if I have to be inside.  And why I have deemed it as mine.

Above is another bucket list locale.....

One day I will scale that mountain  of antique hand loomed linens!  

They will be mine I tell you!  

My cat fur will reign supreme on their once pristine surfaces!!!

Next to the wardrobe are the boys, more fabric and stacks of children's books.

I am hopeful that one day she'll make me a huge blankie and 

read me some of those stories.

Now on the other wall is this huge stepback. 

Oops just realized, this is another exception to the rule of old.  

This is a reproduction but a good piece because it holds lots of junk stuff.

It used to be by the doorway to the office but had to be relocated to make room for the counter.  Works better over here anyway because in the winter you can see the neighbors house.  Which is a rental and a mere ten foot off our property line.  Ew.  Yuck.  Shove that over here, I yelled!

And now it nicely blocks the view.  And their view.  MOL (meow out loud). Nothing worse than working and having the feeling someone is watching over your shoulder.

Not to mention that should the neighbors see all this old junk stuff, they might call and have the house condemned, deeming that it looks abandoned and haunted.

And so completing the circle on the last wall, opposite of where we came in, is the big blue cabinet that is nine foot tall and was a gift from.....my Dad.  It was a surprise and while I'm not the syrupy kind of cat you might think, it was a pretty sweet thing he did.

You see a friend had this cabinet at mall she used to sell at (10+ years ago).  But it was out of her price range.  So she worked hard to sell her stuff to get enough money to buy this monstrosity.

And she lusted over it every time she came into the shop,  hoping that the cabinet was not sold yet.  Because well, maybe she would have enough sales and maybe be able to buy it.  Maybe.

Then the inevitable happened.  The cabinet was sold.

And she was so disappointed.  So she told herself it just wasn't meant to be.  Even though deep down she was still sad about not being able to get it.

Until she saw a card with her name on it.  It was from Dad and he had bought it for her and left a card that said, "just because".  Pretty sweet husband, yes?!  But she still loves me best.  Of course.

Next to the cabinet is my chair. Which I might add seems to be continually occupied by someone other than myself.....

How is it this three legged cat seems to be everywhere at once?!??

Guess I'll just have to go rest somewhere else. 

There is a table in the center of this side that I love to sprawl out on.....

When I can get there first.

Sheesh, I think I need to make some "reserved seating" signs!  I'll save a seat for you should you decide to stop back by.  I really appreciate you stopping by today even though there wasn't a chair for you to sit down in.  I'll fix that for you next time!

Now however, I think purrhaps we should head out for an adventure!  There are many more studios out there waiting for us!  They probably even have a chair we could sit in.....

And of course a special thank you to Karen for your continued dedication and your initial vision to create this  fun party! We appreciate you!

fourteen years.

That's how long it had been since she had painted the office.

And probably will take close to that for you to read through this long post.

Fourteen years.

Pitifully obvious avoidance.

And as with most things, the longer you put it off, the worse it gets.

She knew it needed to be done.  But there was always some reason.  And as the years passed the room became more stuffed, making the moving of furniture daunting, if not downright hazardous to one's health.

But then perhaps because enough is enough, the day came when something simply had to be done.

As in now, right NOW.

For no real reason other than it was time. Way past time.

But what color???  At one point, not knowing what color to paint it was a reason for not painting at all.   So being at the point of a rabid frenzy, it didn't seem to take nearly as long as it could have been to choose new colors.

Base boards and crown molding went from some color named "Macadamia" and looking like bad caramel to crisp white.  Check out the color below....that's my sisfur, Matilda checking out the color on the mantle, probably thinking of coughing up a furball as commentary.  You can also see the color on the crown molding in this photo.....

The walls were a gold yellow color.  Here is the before picture to give you an idea of what the wall looked like.  Note that the mantle vignette is heavy on the color brown.  That soon became a bit of an issue...which you will soon understand.

So when this seemingly endless painting process was complete, there was still the putting it all back together.  However, it would have been sooooo boring to just put it back together the way it was.  And then there was the issue of the mantle vignette - which would have to be changed.  A shame, she really liked it and it gave us room to lounge.  But, she was ready for a bit more of a change. Heck you're already committed, so why not go a bit further?!

So furniture was moved again, lace panels handwashed, eclectic constructions of bed springs and posts removed, removal of some other smaller things, relocation of others, dust bunnies put out to pasture, and throw rugs removed.  Yes, it was an ugly scene in there for no less than three weeks, maybe four but who's counting at that point right?

It's finally done so allow me to share with you the revised, new and freshly fluffed office!

We're good for another..... fourteen few years ;)

From the kitchen and looking in, if you dare and the curtain isn't pulled shut....

This may seem an odd place to drop a stepback cabinet but it actually serves two purposes.  One if a bomb blew up in her office, you won't see it from the kitchen.  And second, if dinner is on fire, she won't see it and therefore has good reason to go out to dinner!  Can't see dinner burning, can't save it now can we.....

And of yeah, the stepback cabinet also holds all her office paperwork and files.  But that isn't nearly as important as the strategic location....

Now if you are looking towards the kitchen, this is to your right.  This cabinet in the forepaw holds sewing notions and fabric. The tall chimney cabinet holds decorating books.  Yes, it is full.  As if you couldn't have filled in that blank on your own ;)

 (The curtain in back of the chimney cabinet is part of the entry way separating her office from the kitchen.)

You may recognize the stars and rusted arch....remember those hung above the mantle for *cough cough* more than a d.e.c.a.d.e.....

Directly across from the sewing cabinet and iron arch wall....

and on the other side of the stepback cabinet.....

The bench made from an antique headboard and footboard.  With one of the pillows she creates. 

The bench came in from the studio and really works much better in here for us.  Why? Because it's closer to the kitchen and we can hear even the slightest rattling of dishes and smell the slightest whiff of food.

And hard to believe as it may be, she actually added a very small touch of color! 

Raspberry, pale pink and a pale green! (Wonder how long that will last?)

So if we were to skip past the laundry room door.....this bookcase stayed where he was.  However, the cabinet that was on top of the bookcase is now on the mantle; 

and the cabinet top that was on the altar is now on the bookcase.  

Got that right? Good cause there will be a test afterwards.....

And oh yes, don't ask me why it took her this long to figure out these two pieces looked better together than her previous configuration.  Had I been asked to put it together I would have come up with this eons ago.  But you knew that already didn't you?!

The photo shown above is my purrsonal favorite part of the office.  It's yours too right?

And on the other side of the shelf....the Princess of the house. 

Can you believe I have to share shelf space with this fluff ball?!?!  

Oh the sacrifices I make!

Details. Details.

And...check out the new wall colors....

which are supposed to be a very pale taupe/grey/brown tint and a deep brown above the brick work.

Really??! 

How does she expect me to sit here?!?

Moving on so that I don't tempt fate by knocking this pile right off that chair....

Remember the old mantle vignette (shown below)?

How about the new improved mantle?!?!

Now of course Matilda (shown above sleeping) is none too happy about this revision.....

See the problem of a vignette with mostly brown elements? 

Brown on brown....well even I know that's not going to work. 

And no, she didn't think about before she chose the color.

What's this - MORE color?!?  

But that's the last of it as we move around to the wall opposite of the bookcase, 

on the other side of the mantle.

This cabinet stayed where it was.  But the columns were relocated here from another area of the office.  

Not sure if they will stay there.  She has a birdcage that may need to go there.  

But for the rest of today, this is where they will stay.

(as I write this, it is after 2 a.m.)

And in the center...the desk is still where it was.   

But the top of the desk and in front of the desk has changed a bit.

And then there was the altar.....

which is now on the backside of the stepback that blocks the view to the kitchen.  

And as before the altar holds her sewing machines and her notebooks of magazine pictures and articles.  She added wheels to the altar, so it can still be utilized for it's shelves on the backside!

And right before you go out to the studio.....

But we can go no further.  

I have been grounded as of this evening for evils against tiny innocents.

And really, I will be lucky if I can get out of kitty jail (aka the doghouse) in time for the studio tour.

Which will begin July 12th at Karen's "Where Women Create"......

I really hope to see you there. 

Because if I am still grounded, Matilda gets to do the tour.  

That's her in the picture below.  She's taunting me, isn't she?!?!

Oh the horror.

Maybe you would consider boycotting the studio post?

Or how about a "get out of jail free" card....purrlease.....

visions of wonderland

How to begin?  Or better yet, where to stop!

There has been so much having happened, that it makes this cat feel like he's high on catnip.  A very dizzying effect for those of you not familiar with the stuff.

Many of you might remember the day I came through and contributed my genius solution to a not so reliable transportation issue.  Well I'm happy to report that although she did not take my suggestion, the truck did make it to the show and back.  Of course every day was an adventure and none of it good.  Yes I heard every word of it and would love to tell you about all the dirty details.  However, for some reason I don't remember a single word of it.

So moving right along....wait a second.....got a cramp in my back leg....eek....mEoW.  Actually I think my foot fell asleep.  It's hard to find a decent chair in this place.  Purrsonally, I think she needs to add more down fluff to that cushion. Guess I'll wait until she goes to bed and order it myself.  The internet is a wonderful thing - they'll never suspect it's me ordering feathers!  I mean after all I can't order that anchovy and salmon pizza from the same company so they'll never put it all together.  Yes, yes, I know genius idea again.

Now while thinking of the purrfect chair, I am reminded of my most recent genius solution to a less than purrfect chair.  There was one in the loft of the barn.  She had put it up there because the mohair covering was beyond repair.

Now I vaguely remember that the chair was put up there for me to lounge in, being fond of the barn loft and all.  And of course the chair was okay for a while but what fabric that was left was soon enough history.  And I abandoned it for fluffier locals.

Of course I still went up to the loft.  It's really a good place to escape from her smooching lips and lightning storms.  Which of course have about the same fur raising effect on me.  Anyway, on one such occasion I noticed that someone had been visiting my chair.  Alarming no?

No!  It was a mouse.  I nice furry...plump....little.....rodent. But we are not going to talk about the little-leave-mouse-turds-in-my-chair vermin.  Because no one but me knows what happened to him and I am not talking.  But suffice to say he did not visit that chair very long after I discovered him.

So with the turd-ball-maker out of the picture, I designed a grand plan for the chair.

It took something like "forever" for her to get this done.  And it's not exactly what I requested.  But I suppose when indigestion sets in and I need to eat a plant leaf or two, ivy will do since I doubt I'll be digesting it.  At least not for very long.  Yeah, yeah too much information I know.  But you'll thank me when you get indigestion and my methods work!

Anyway it does have kind of a ready for the compost pile Alice in Wonderland feel to it....and picture me as the Chesire cat perched on the back....oh my! the picture oppor-tuna-itties that await me!

Now, if I could just get comfortable on that single board....more fluff needed here too it would seem.

Or maybe I'll just wait until it grows more.

The ivy that is. Not the chair! I don't need that much more room to perch!

And while I'm on a roll with Alice and the Cheshire cat..... one last project that I supervised. From afar. But that still counts, right?

 I sent her over to paint on the walls at Grammies house.  And in keeping with my favorite new way to view things.....

Not too impressive I know, nor representative of Alice or the Cheshire Cat.  Until you realize......

That this flower is over seven foot tall.  Yep! And in a bathroom no less! Now we're meowing, right?!

This one is not as tall as the other two and is growing out of the mirror.  (yes, I saved you having to see her reflection in the mirror - you're welcome).

Although I instructed her to paint three, I failed to be specific when I sent her over to photograph them later.  She photographed two.  You're right, I didn't tell her to photograph all three.  See why thorough  instructions are so important?! At least she did paint three.

So to finish up my catnip induced state of mind, I will close with this.....

While you're busy reading this, I am going to start working on the next TWO posts! Hard to believe I know. But I still have more to share with you - the office was painted and furniture moved around (a post all it's own).  And Karen's "Where Woman Create" is coming up soon and there have been changes to the studio!  Pretty excited to share these and this will be a great time to give everyone a tour, so I hope you'll check back again!

Until then, sending you rumbling purrs and warm sunbeams to nap in!