A Walk on the Wild Side!

Prior to going back to college to study interior design I was a painter. I had several businesses which I loved. I had a business making hand painted children's furniture and also a business painting murals, faux finishing, and stencilling anything that would stand still long enough.

I will share some of these projects through future posts. It is fun to go through some of my old painting pictures, although I must confess that I don't have pictures of some of my favorite projects. I started my painting business back in 1995 when cameras were just starting to go digital and were very expensive. Sometimes I would forget my camera that day and my intentions were to go back to a client's home and take pictures, but sadly I usually never did get the pictures I wanted.

My youngest daughter, who just graduated from high school, had a fondness for the safari look when she was younger. I painted some unfinished furniture I had purchased to compliment her room. I don't have any befores, but here are the afters. I hope you enjoy and hope these pictures stir your inner beast!

Follow my link to Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch

Join the party at The DIY Showoff

Visit the Saturday Soiree at A Little Lovely

Artichoke Lighting Options

I thought I would feature some artichoke lighting options in honor of the name of my new blog. I am in love with the colorful Artichoke Lamp by Stray Dog Designs. It is so fun and playful. Enjoy!

1) Design Within Reach

2) Ibis & Orchid Design

3) Currey and Company

4) Stray Dog Designs

5) The Designer Insider
6) Barbara Cosgrove
7) Uttermost
8) Bravi Collection

My Score on Craig's List

Almost a couple of months ago I found a fabulous sofa on Craig's List. I look on Craig's List quite often and had been looking for an older sofa with wood trim. I found plenty, but they were usually too expensive or way to beat up to want to purchase. On this day in early April I logged on to Craig's List and found the set of my dreams. It had only been listed 10 minutes earlier, so I felt it was just meant to be. This beauty came with a matching chair too! Later that day and with only $340.00 spent, the set had found it's new home.

I will be reupholstering these and possibly refinishing the wood as well. I would like to change the cushion on the sofa from three separate cushions to one long cushion. They originally had tufted backs and nail head trim, so I will probably restore them to with the character they were meant to have. I'm searching for a linen fabric for the project, but haven't made any final decisions. Here are a few pictures of my Craig's List lovelies.