Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Happiness Comes in Threes

I have always wanted a set of apothecary jars. I received a set of them a few Christmases ago, but in my true neurotic form, I didn't do anything with them because I didn't have the perfect plan. Perfection is a terrible enemy of mine and stopped me from doing a lot of things in the past. Silly that I was intimated by apothecary jars, right. I know! So now something that only came out for holidays and parties is not proudly displayed on my console under my television.

My favorite part of these are the spools from a local factory that has been closed down a long time. If you are going to put something on display in your house, it might as well mean something to you. 

Monday, January 21, 2013

The First Step

The first thing I decided I needed to start my creative company Shine by Monica was a desk. I needed a home base for the business stuff, but I also needed something beautiful to serve as a place of inspiration. My husband and I went out to some antique stores (if you know him, don't tell him I told people this!) right after the holidays with our Christmas money in hand ready to find something. And of course we found something. It was a beautiful desk with a wood top and hand-painted bottom. The best part about it was my husband and I actually agreed on it! The worst part was that it was all of our Christmas money combined. We thought  about it and considered it in the middle of the antique store while our three year old running crazy through the store and our ten month old leaving a pile of cereal under her stroller. We walked away that day to 'think' about the desk. Once I actually started to think away from the desk and its magnetic pull towards my wallet, I realized I might be able to create something similar for way cheaper. So I did. If my dream is to have a booth at a store and sell my creations, I have to start somewhere. I have to ignore the fear and do it. So, I did. Craig's List is my best friend. I found this desk on there for $100, including a bookshelf that was thrown in. Fantastic!


Did I mention my darling husband had to drive two and a half hours south to pick it up!! He's a good guy. And I am sorry about the mess that is in the background! I paint and create in between filling sippy cups and changing diapers. I am just glad that I can paint inside! Our brand new floors we just laid in the kitchen and dining room shrunk so we have to replace it. Until we work out a deal with the flooring company, I have a stress free and warm work space! 

                                      
This is the desk in the process. It has two coats of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint on the desk, one coat on the drawers and the beginnings of Annie Sloan Dark Wax on the left side. 

                                                  

This is the difference in coloring the dark wax makes. It also is a good arm work out! 



This is the finished project. Since I have taken this picture, I have found a handle for the middle top drawer. I can't wait to get it moved back to the bedroom and in place so I can start using it! 



I have never had so much fun as while painting this desk. I can't wait to move on to my next project!





Beginning to Shine

I have reached that time in my life where it is time to pause and think about things. It is time to figure out what is really important to me and what I would like to devote my energy to. I have two precious little girls and that needs to be my focus. Not the high paying job or responsibilities that take my attention away from them. I need to spend my time being a good mommy for them, doing creative things that replenish me and grow as a person. That is what this blog and this next stage in my life is about. I am going to love my girls, create beautiful things and document life as I go.