WWF DIY tray....you asked for it, you got it!

The WWF Tray....

I enjoy playing Words with Friends (most of the time)! Last year when my friend Nancy moved to LA, we kept in contact almost daily through the wonderful world of  WWF on our phones and iPads.  Last Christmas I made a 'Words with Friends' tray for my dear Nancy.  It was a hit with several people, so I made one for my sister on her birthday and took a few photos for details. 

Begin by laying out your tiles on the tray.  I should have cut out a piece of cardboard to fit the tray! Learn from my mistake,  I had to disassemble and reassemble!  In this case I also had to remove the brass circle from the center of the tray to level the surface. 

Measure your layout to find the center point. Layout tiles centered on the tray before gluing in place.

I applied a small amount of mastic, a tile adhesive, to the back of each tile.  I am sure there are other adhesive products you could use, but I had this on hand. ALLOW TO DRY.  I placed the stones before the tiles were dry and the stones pushed a few tiles out of balance.

I used pebbles as a background filler.  This tray was made for my sister who lives on the lake and it looks great in her house!  You need to consider the height of the tiles and the edge of the tray when selecting your background filler. 

Use a level surface before pouring the glaze.  I used butcher paper to protect my countertop. (which I assumed was level!)  Parks Super Glaze is easy to work with 'if' you follow all directions.

You use equal parts of the epoxy and mix until clear.  I used one half of a solo cup of each, and mixed with a plastic spoon until clear.  Pour mixture over tray, filling the entire space as evenly as possible.  As the epoxy settles, air bubbles will rise to the surface.  I tapped the bubbles with a wooden skewer to pop them, or you can just blow on them!

Finished project:

Cindy loves her tray!  The words represent dogs, children, her real estate business, and don't even ask me to explain COSMOPSYCHO!

Go make a wonderful personalized gift!

Cathy

BTW, the cute Owl family on my counter is for sale in my ETSY store itsWONDERFULlife, they are super cute!

Does this room make my lamp look BIG?

Most of my peeps know.. I ..love.. lamps....I will never settle for a lamp that is 'almost' perfect!  The wait may drive some of my clients crazy...but I assure them it will be worth it in the end, when I find THE perfect lamp!

 I may have too many lamps in my own home, (not including those stored in my basemess  basement).  I have a favorite.......my vintage lamp with the huge metallic shade on the table in my foyer  (not to mention I found it "as is" at Goodwill for $24.00!!!).....anyway, bragging aside.....

I love the surprise element, embraced by some designers, of using BIG overscaled lamps....check them out and let me know what you think? 



I love the energy in this room!


Gimme Gray! Designer Steven Gambrel





I love the white ceramic with huge white shades! Fun girlie room.






Getting the idea?  Designer Steven Gambrel


Mercury Glass...what's not to love?


And   BAM....


Now that's a big lamp....



My foyer favorite....

Not the best pic, see Rance's guitar eqipment? and the lamp shade is turned backwards!! Welcome to my world...love it!

Have a wonderful day!  It's gorgeous outside, but you need a gas mask to breathe...pollen count over 9000!

The Before and ***THE AFTER***

BEFORE:

dum de dum dum da.......

The room is lovely and full of light, however, the original layout was dark and tradtional.  Believe me this family is not dark or traditional!  They are a fun loving bunch!

THE **AFTER**

TA DA.............

New taupe linen drapery panels on iron rods, that were hung as high as possible to show off the high ceiling.  Using a graphic grey fabric with a 3.5" repeat for banding was ideal. Finding a trim banding that was wide enough to make a strong visual impact was a challenge and more expensive.

                  Found the corner shelf at the Pierce Martin warehouse sale, perfect for that spot!

The homeowner's father created all the turned wooden bowls, each one is an awesome work of art.

Scott Antiques sofa table

The bench was found at the Scott Antique Market, and it was recovered in a great geometric pattern from Fabricut, we used the reverse side of the fabric for lumbar pillows in the club chairs.  Additional finds from Scotts include the twisty vine lamp, and the great sofa table.  Ikat covered chairs were custom made locally to acheive the perfect scale. I love this Kravet fabric!  They are currently using it in the Atlanta showroom on a pair of chairs, they must have copied us! HA.





I love the way this family room turned out!  I hope you agree.  This is an energetic, busy family with three beautiful girls and a hyperactive dog!  The husband even brought the girls out to ride motocycles in the mud dirt with us last winter, it was such fun!  Who said dirt is for the boys?!

Go out and have a wonderful day!

Cathy

HaPpY WeEkEnD!

A bit of spring fever yesterday had me out in the yard clipping forsythia! It is the first sign of spring! Have a great weekend! Off to see motocross races with the boys!

Cathy

Beam me up! Ceiling Beams...

I am searching for inspiration photos of ceiling beams.  I want my girl to use wonderful rustic beams in her kitchen to add architectural interest to the room.  My search for pics includes the following:




The Enchanted Home....amazing kitchen.....I like that the room does not feel heavy...




I believe this room was decorated by Barbara Westbrook....not positive...  Love these beams, and they are tied into the perimeter of the room, which you would have with post and beam construction.


I like the 'light' feeling of this room.


clean lines, not quite as rustic as I need.....


pinterest

pinterest

I need help with sizing photos!  Remember I'm new to this blogging thing!  If you have any pics you can shoot over, please do.  I will share the before and after shots of the room when completed.  Thanks for following along...........
                                                                   Cathy

Beach dreaming and shopping ETSY....check these out!

I finished reading my newest edition of Coastal Living this morning, and I'm currently working on a beach project, which may explain why I want to buy all of these little lovelies!  Kenny Chesney playing in the background helps too!

This little boat makes me want to be at the beach.... anyone feeling the same way?


shop GiftsandStars on ETSY

 
Beach....blues?  yes!  I love this photography on ETSY shop: PhotographyDream


Driftwood from Maui....a little piece of Hawaii!  shop: shopiashines


WONDERFUL Mirror!   shop:  benforgeydotcom


Another boat! from Turkey...shop....Yalos



Sweet rustic cross from Laguna Beach....shop DonnaShuller


This is awesome, weighs 11 lbs!  shop: lightinawormhole (isn't that a great name?)


The colors in this map of Nova Scotia's waterways are awesome!  shop: RougeRetro

 
 CUTE vintage sign and cheap too!  shop kimbuilt 

OK, grab some flip flops and sunscreen! I'm ready to go! This will be the sign to meet you at the door!


shop: rainydaydreamco  (another cute name for an etsy shop...maybe the rain yesterday triggered this spring fever!)


Cannot wait for Summer!!

                                 Cathy

P.S. Andrea Costa Website

To see more of this lovely artist visit her website...
Andrea.costa.me

Red Canoe 'sold'
The Waiting......I would love to see this at Lake Burton!


Visit her website and take in the view....Happy Saturday....off to the ball park!

 Cathy

Artist Profile: Andrea Costa

I have loved Andrea Costa's work for a long time.  One of my clients has two paintings Andrea painted many years ago.  The paintings feature birds and are framed in beautiful distressed frames. (I wish I had a pic to show.) They are lovely, however, her latest work is inspired!  I love how she has grown as an artist over the past few years.  I wanted to post her work separately, because she deserves an entire post.   I wish I had taken a few more pictures.   Enjoy the following pics taken this past trip to Scott Antique Market....and check out the always entertaining blog Design Indulgence for more pics as Sherry featured Andrea's work also! Designer Sherry Hart has inspired me in writing my blog. We are both located in Atlanta, and have a lot in common! Go check out her blog, you will not be disappointed!  Very funny!

36" x 48" love how this pic "feels"

I really want my girl Christy to use this over her sofa! hint hint

also 36" x 48"

Two smaller pieces with wonderful color combinations:

I LOVE THESE!

Andrea Costa shows her work every month at the Scott Antique Market, 2nd full weekend of every month on Jonesboro Road. You may contact her via email at Andrea.costa@me.com.   . 

My boys are home from school today & Monday.....looking forward to a fun long weekend....(NO Homework!!)  Have a wonderful weekend! Cheers!

Cathy

Thinking about Luv! Romantic Bedrooms!

I think most women love the whole idea of a romantic Valentine's Day <3 
So, I decided to indulge our fantasies a bit with some lovely bedroom photos....


Hints of pink, too!

Complete with rose petals and candles!

This may be my favorite from Elle Decor.

This must be Candice Olsen, I think someone could LIVE in this room and NEVER leave!




My idea of a romantic bedroom is obviously neutral--or light and breezy!

Love the headboard...and wall color...



Texture is sexy....right? love the brick pavers on the floor and the beams on the ceiling.

I hope you are feeling loved today!  And I hope someone tells you just how special you are!  Thanks for tagging along on the journey.....Cathy