Today was about getting all of my freelance stuff finished and, I’m happy to say, I was able to do exactly that. I had a few final photo shoots and a lot of writing to tackle, so that when I get back from the SNAP conference, I can just focus on pieces for Lucketts.
My favorite photo shoot of the day was of the handmade breadboard…
We have the most amazing bakery right down the street from our house, so I went there to get a rustic French loaf for the shoot. It definitely made the breadboard look even better.
We made two bread boards out of a nasty old board that I think used to be a table leaf. It was very rough, but I had faith it would look good once cut, sanded and waxed. I think it looks amazing and the board was only $5, so that’s a huge bargain for two antique breadboards. I’m hoping to find some more old wood and make some to sell at Lucketts.
The food safe beeswax brought out the character of the wood and those knife marks. Obviously it has been used as a work surface before. The shot was styled with some ironstone, antique flatware and an old embroidered tea towel from 1934.
Oh, that bread. Yummm. I did have a small piece tonight and it was heavenly. It’s hard to beat artisan bread with real butter.
I also did a shoot of the handmade wooden cookbook stand. We made that out of part of an antique table leaf as well! I seemed to have a few pieces like that hanging out in the basement. It’s a bit more modern, but I love how the stand came out. Jeff made it and I finished it.
It can work with an iPad or tablet, too.
Since my counters are wood, the cookbook stand really blended in. So, I used the marble top to a dresser from my room and paired it with my kitchen backsplash as the “counter.” With a carefully cropped shot, it looks like I have marble counters.
The final photo shoot was of the cat toys I made. These tutorials are showing how to make special gifts for your feline friends for Christmas. Since I don’t have a cat, I “borrowed” one from one of my mom’s neighbors. As a side note, when I sent the e-mail scheduling a time to do the photo shoot, I originally typed out “Let me know when it’s a good time to come shoot your cat…” and I realized that sounded really bad and changed the wording before I sent it.
Socks was so sweet and loved the toys I made, especially the catnip stocking. I left that with him, since he enjoyed it so much.
The tutorials will be available on HGTV.com and I will link to them when they are live.
Despite the big push to get things done, I did take some time to get my hair done today. I was getting pretty shaggy and I want to look sharp for SNAP and Lucketts.
Tomorrow I’m going to take a little time as well to hunt for a well-fitting pair of jeans. Wish me luck with that one…
39 Responses
Out of all the hard projects you take on, finding a good pair of jeans will probably be the hardest yet! Good luck!
I have found the DG2 jeans from HSN to be very comfortable and fit great. If you are between sizes always go down a size.
That kitty is just so cute.
I have to second that comment. I tried Diane Gilman jeans on a lark and was amazed. The fit was perfect (I ordered two sizes but once I found “my size’, all of them fit.). I liked them so well I went back and ordered 7 more for summer. I’ve never ordered that many jeans in my life.
I have been wanting a few antique breadboards but they can be pretty speedy. Thanks for the inspiration to make my own! That cat is adorable the way it’s hugging his new toy:) great photos!
“Shoot the cat”…I spit out my coffee on that one 😉 LOVE the bread boards and yes, nothing like artisan bread and real butter!
White House, Black Market has stylish, great fitting jeans. They are worth the money and last forever. I am loving your photo shoots! It would be so fun to go to Lucketts and see your booth AND pick up a few treasures. 🙂
Shoot the cat… you made my day, that was hilarious!!!
I love the breadboard! I made some as Christmas gifts this past year, but mine were from a new board. I LOVE the character of those old boards!
My favorite jeans come from Ann Taylor LOFT. 🙂
Ann Taylor curvy fit get my vote too- best fitting jeans on the planet! And I have a ridiculous selection of jeans in my closet to prove I have tried many!
Oh dear, poor kitty has no idea how close he came. 🙂 lol I LOVE the bread board!
More cat pics please! he is gorgeous xx
Hi Marian, I’m making and refinishing bread boards as well:). Is your hemp oil not food safe? If not, were can I find beeswax? Thanks for your reply!
The Hemp Oil is food safe and great for boards, but I was using that finish for the cook book stand, so I like to show different options.
I have a stack of old cutting boards. I collected Pigs for years…had a darling wall full…but then I downsized…they slide anywhere…I used to have a huge actual butchers block…had a wax on it..from years of use… a beeswax of sorts….Try the Chaps jean straight leg not real skinny but still fits in a boot…I just read an article you should buy them as tight as you can stand…and not wash jeans very often…guess they do not live on a farm or actually work in them..and they do get dirty…If you find a pair you love buy two..maybe in different finish.. stonewash and dark that sort of thing…You will not regret it….really…I have learned to do that…Maybee’s Mom
Hahahhaha! Yes, clarification on “shooting” the cat was definitely needed! I love all the shots you did, especially the artisan bread and board. It looks right out of a vintage kitchen. Also, wonderful work on cropping the marble piece.
It all looks fantastic!
Beautiful pictures Marian! I love the idea of making your own breadboards with scrap wood. How did you sanitize the wood, and what kind of beeswax did you use? I’d love to try my hand at something like this one day.
That is hysterical about the cat! My laugh out loud during my colonoscopy day today!! Thanks for lightening the mood ~ he looks like my Spencer!
the catnip stocking is adorable!!!
Good luck on the jeans front. I always come home dejected after that kind of trip. Love your projects, tho!
Beautiful photos, Marian; I may need to borrow Socks as well; he’s adorable! Try NYDJ for a great and lasting fit; I own several pairs in different styles and colors and they’re my go-to’s for many an occasion. Now I need to make some bread……
I love love love the jeans from Chicos…you might want to check them out!
Are you selling the breadboard or a round one (which I prefer)? I gave mine to my sister in law as it coincidently had her initials on it. Now I am missing it! Need to find a replacement.
Yes, I’ll probably be making and selling more, hopefully some in the online shop.
Have fun at SNAP! I wish I was going, but with a baby due any day now it wasn’t going to work. All of you projects turned out fabulous. I especially love that bread board!! I’m sure if you make some for Lucketts they’ll sell out quick!
love the breadboards. Good upcycling of old table leaves. I also love the look of the faux marble counter (ha…faux counter, real marble). Incredible look with the backsplash
Love the unusual shape of the breadboard … looks really old … good job.
Blessings,
Audrey Z. @ Timeless Treasures
Please please please make more bread boards for Lucketts! And good luck with the jeans…I’m still hunting!
Marian,
Your photography is so engaging…I wanted to grab a piece of that bread too! Love using old table leaves which I happen to have on hand.
I just bought my first pair of Levi 529 Curvy boot cut a few months ago. JCPenneys and the like carry them for under $40. I actually found mine on clearance at TJMaxx for $3…it was a “happen to be there at the right time” purchase! They fit so well and the curvy style means you don’t have a gap at the back waistband. I wish you well in your hunt.
Long live Socks! 🙂
Oh, I loved that you repurposed a table leaf! So smart. They look great!
You are such an inspiration in so many way. I have a bunch of old wood from tearing down an old corn crib… This would be great for some of that wood.
Also, I wanted to share with you… I’ve had sofa envy since you posted about your PB Brooklyn sofa. I just couldn’t bring myself to pay over $3000 for a sofa… Long story short… I found two (brown leather) at the PB Outlet in San Marcos, Tx…and ended up paying about $1400. What a great deal… I love the sofa in my old Texas ranch house… And I would have never even thought about THAT sofa without your post..
Thanks Marian, from the bottom of my ole Texas heart!
The breadboard is a great idea for old wood. When we bought a old farm house(formerly a old country store) we found lots of old wood. Never though of a breadboard or book stand. What would you sell yours for? Just thought I might do that with our wood.
Beautiful shots and I love the color mix of the wood, ivory, and blue~
Good luck with the jeans : )
xo
Great pics. Love the pic with the breadboard and the artisan bread. The cookbook holder is gorgeous too. But the cat with the catnip toy is the best. So sweet!
I love making bread boards. I have purchased walnut and maple just to make bread boards. I need to make a long board for baguettes. I love making the bread also. I never thought about using old table parts, hmmmm.
Oh love the pictures and kitty looks okay after getting shot! 🙂
Your shoot is fabulous, you have some images there fit for the pages of Elle Decor!
Lee 🙂
Both the cutting board and the cookbook stand look wonderful! Oh, and I love the story about “shooting the cat.” I can’t even imagine what the poor cat’s owner would have thought if that e-mail went out as originally written. 🙂
The patina on the bread boards is amazing… love them! Funny about “shoot your cat” he does look adorable with his new toy. Those are gorgeous shots of the bread…. and basically anything with real butter is good, but i bet that bread with the chewy crust, and slathered with butter was soooo yummy.
Cindy