Paris Café shabby roses cottage sign

It has been awhile since I painted a Paris Café sign and I have had a couple inquiries. It was time and I have the perfect vintage board from a house built in 1938. I love all the character that old lumber can provide. Nicks, dings and nail holes.

Paris Café sign



I have a few signs I have completed recently and I need to get them listed on my website. I better do that tomorrow if I can.
This sign was special ordered but then the customer backed out.  I did not mind as I figured it would do well on my website. I may do more with a floral theme. I had not thought to do any in Spanish before so this was fun.

Abuelita’s Jardin sign



And a new Nana’s Garden sign. Lot’s of hydrangeas on this one.



I am working on my Subway Art signs, as they are in demand.  They are most challenging for me as I prefer painting flowers but when you are in business you go for what the customer wants. But I am starting to get into it and I may place some inspirational sayings in my own home.

I am also working on a tutorial of the Saloon sign, I cut the board out today then realized it was too short to add roses to, so I have to find another old board long enough so the post and tutorial shall be delayed.  So sorry.

Au Revoir!

Come on in and see what else I have been up to

A Bright Spot in My Garden

Last week was our anniversary, 15 years of wedded bliss.  Or as close as you can get.

One bright spot in our lives is our nephews, they are sweet, funny, bundles of energy. And they think we are rather special too.


Driving with their parents one day the nearly 5 year old and 3 year old spot some plastic pink Flamingos.  You know, the tacky garden art variety.  They announce that Auntie Pam NEEDS some for her garden.

Benjamin was most likely doing what he does best, snoozing.
(one of his favorite spots, Uncle Dave’s lap)

 

Mom and Dad agree that Pink Flamingos would make an excellent gift and off they go hunting down a pair.

  They only looked as far as Lowes and to the horror of the employee in the garden department (also a close friend of ours) they actually do carry them.  It was news to him as no one has ever ordered them before.

So now we are sporting two fabulously luscious PINK flamingos.  Personalized, of course.

Meet Auntie Pam Flamingo (complete with a flower in her hair)



And Uncle Dave Flamingo (carting his cell phone). Everyone knows Uncle Dave always has his cell phone. 



They proudly set in a prominent place and will always be visible.  This winter they will provide a lovely spark of color amongst the snow.  Don’t you think?

I love them, I think they are so fun!

It is starting to get dark, time for me to go turn on my Scarecrow.  You might remember him from my last post. 



My new one came in today for the back yard.  Be gone you plant eating critters!

Next time I will share some signs I have been working on.

End of July Flowers

I know you have all missed me, and I have missed checking in here.  I have had a crazy non-stop fun lovin’ week. A lot of work cleaning vacation homes, (people are coming to the mountains in droves)so by the time I come home I am done in.

The weekend was filled with an overnight stay of the nephews.  It was baby Benjamin’s first time and he was an angel.  Giving his Auntie Pam his sweet smile first thing in the morning..



...while his brothers slept on (Auntie Pam wore them out)This was taken at 9am Sunday morning, dead to the world. They had their stuffed animal menagerie in that bed with them.  I think Eeyore is peeking out from underneath.



Even with my days cram packed I have taken time to enjoy my garden each morning with my coffee so join me for a little tour.
 
One of my hydrangeas, it is just gorgeous..



My Peace rose has finally bloomed, it took its sweet time but what a show.





I have Mardi Gras rose growing in a pot on my back deck.  I love how the colors fairly glow.



The trumpet lilies perfume the entire garden, they are nearly done blooming now but the oriental lilies are getting ready to perform next. 



The trombolina zucchini continues to grow at an alarming rate. 



And soon we will be noshing on these in abundance. These are the best zucchini you can get, they stay firm in texture when cooked, not all mushy.  Can you see it hiding in there, the lighter green trombone shaped thing.



This is Cerise Queen yarrow, I love the bright color. Who says a water conserving plant has to be dull…



My phlox are beginning, and I am keeping the deer away from them


with my new best friend.

Meet my hero…

Scarecrow..


When a flower munching deer comes within 30 feet of this bad boy it shoots a scary blast of water.   It is unmerciful, even to me. Ask me how I know.

But I forgive him for squirting me, because it WORKS! 

This is what the deer have done to my morning glories out back.



This is the before..


And this is the sad after..



I had to move the Scarecrow to the front garden as the deer started to denude my roses. So the back is unprotected.  I cover what I absolutely have to protect but I ordered a second Scarecrow and that will be the end of the deer dessert bar out back as soon as it gets here and I can install it!

I may have to order a 3rd for the side yard and though the Scarecrow is not cheap it is less expensive than fencing the place. 

With being so busy in the cleaning business I have not been able to paint this week.  I miss it so.

I have a few pieces of furniture I wish to get painted too. All in good time, I must work while the workin’ is good and it is excellent exercise.

Yesterday was our 15th wedding anniversary so tonight my Honey and I are going to a nice dinner, then this weekend we are just going to do something frivolous, not sure what all yet but it will be fun!

Enjoy your evening!

Vintage Saloon sign

I have finally finished a sign for myself.  I am slowly figuring out what I want to do in my kitchen and dining area.  Including the color combo.  

This is my inspiration sign.



But I painted it in my color scheme, red and sky blue.



The roses are not quite the correct red but I can redo them once I track down what I am looking for.  Here it is in place above our sliding glass doors.



It really is centered but the photo is deceptive.  The chicken cabinet to the left will be relocated and I am still brainstorming whether I want some curtains here or not. 

I want to do another Saloon sign for my website but I think I will do yellow roses.  But I am not sure what to name it instead of Wild Rose, maybe plain old Yellow Rose Saloon.  If you have any ideas just let me know.  

On another note, I found a great little table at our local thrift shop.  I am thinking of painting it with some kind of decoration on top.  



It looks as if someone used it as a plant stand at one time.



I love the straight simple lines.  I have more flower photos to share, but that will be another post.  I want to go out and enjoy my garden tonight.

Come visit me in my studio and see what I have been up to