Do you remember a few months ago when I declared my desire for a cow? A cow painting, that is? Well, now I want a nest. I know…never satisfied, right?
A few months ago, I purchased a new camera and have been hanging onto my old one. I thought I might want to keep it as a backup or I would put it up for a giveaway, but I just waited. I wanted the camera to go to someone who really needed it for their business. I know that would’ve been a huge blessing for me when I was first starting out and I wanted to pass that along. An opportunity finally presented itself. Laura, my illustrator, logo designer and the artist who painted Adele needed a digital SLR for her business. So, we worked out a trade. She gets the camera and two lenses and I get a nest painting.
I snapped some pictures yesterday for her to use as a “subject.”
I put two eggs in the nest to represent my two boys. The painting will then go in our master bedroom, which I hope to redo in a few months.
I asked her to paint it in gray/blues, browns and whites, so it will be neutral and can work anywhere in my home. I can’t wait to see how it turns out.
If you’ve visited my space at Lucketts, you may have noticed how empty my walls are. Laura has just worked on some paintings that we’re going to sell out of my space. It will add a lot to my room and give me one less surface I need to worry about filling. We’re going to meet up on Thursday to hang them, so I’ll share some pictures soon. Laura is also going to offer up an original painting as a giveaway here in a few weeks.
One last thing…here is finally (another underwhelming) picture of the ASCP Olive dresser. This color is so pretty. It’s a rich, mossy green.
I’m working on a few more pieces today and finishing up some things in my office. I think the basement clean out will wait until next week.
Oh, and I’m so terrible at announcing winners! The winner of the amazing French lamps by Alice and Jay is…
Congrats, Janell!
48 Responses
Wow! This is so cute and sweet! I would have to have 3 eggs! 2 blue ones and 1 pink! 🙂
I'm loving this idea!
xo
Luciane at HomeBunch.com
Lovely painting AND story! So nice you were able to find a good home for your camera.
I like the idea of spotlighting a local artist in your booth. I met a woman (a mom of a child on my son's t-ball team) who is an artist and have talked to her about doing the same thing.
Can't wait for more pics!
Stephanie
http://junkernewbie.blogspot.com/
Hi Marian!
I think you should order a handmade nest with mini clay eggs with your kids initials on them from Jami @ FreckledLaundry to match! I ordered one and I just LOVE it! 🙂 Have a lovely day!
So not just a good deed [giving the camera to someone who needed it for their Biz], but you got something in return… win/win.
Even though I am an "empty nester", I have an actual nest that's been sitting around needing some little eggs to go in it. This may be a rookie question, but where can I get some real looking ones?
I love the idea of the eggs …one for each of your children 🙂 So sweet! Makes me want a nest painting! Thanks for sharing ~
Gotta love the good ol' fashioned barter system. Looking forward to seeing the redone spaces.
Oh, LOVE the idea of a nest painting! It will be perfect! POP ART MINIS
The painting looks like a photo…..so pretty…..love the nest.
Did you happen to see the rooster painting on HGTV's Design Star last night. It was a great painting.
Actually it wasn't on Design Star but the following program.
I have to ask, how much do you sell the bunches of Lavender for? I'm a long way away from Lucketts (I'm in Houston) and we can't grow lavender down here like that, well this year with the drought we can't grow anything. Anyway, I've been looking for some and I found one place locally but it seemed very high and I was just wondering want the going rate is.
Can the birds have their nest back now?
I'm lucky in that I don't need a nest as a subject. I can merely photograph my hair in the morning.
I am so pumped for your next giveaway! Thanks for all the awesomeness you provide us!
Emily
I've always loved Ashley's nest painting at The Handmade Home. Can't wait to see how yours turns out. Great inspiration pics.
Ashley's work is so beautiful – adding her paintings will really cozy up your space even more!
Marian, do any of these dressers that you've acquired come with the attached mirrors? I have one and don't know whether to leave it on – the piece is more versatile without it…
Love the idea of a nest painting!
My understanding is both are photos of your nest. Not a painting..that your waiting for?
Anyway I LOVE the dresser. That green is so rich and warm. LOVE IT,LOVE IT. What's extra nice is it's unexpected. Is it just me but it seems we're slipped into a gray rut? Don't get me wrong I like gray but enough already.
Kathy
Sweet of you to help out another artist! I love the nest idea, so adorable and simple.
Question……I thought you talked about someone selling little sample boards of ASCP and Wax a while ago (maybe done on mini paint sticks?), but I can't find it by searching your blog. Was I dreaming?
Thanks!
Terry
terrypitzer@ mac.com
As much as I think gorgeous photos add to your posts, I just love that you post pictures! Don't be so hard on yourself, I don't think I'm the only one who doesn't mind the sometimes less than stellar photos when you don't have the time. We all know how busy you are! 🙂
I love the idea of the eggs representing your children. Very cute! Can't wait to see more pictures of your space at Lucketts!
http://hiddennest-karie.blogspot.com
I would really like to know why type of camera and lenses you currently use…Your pictures are always very nice! I am just starting out also and would like to know so that I can better my photography skills. Thanks!
Thanks for any and all camera info you can give me! I'm starting my own business and I'm hoping to buy more equipment soon (whoops, forgot to add my email address before)! j_albano82@hotmail.com.
Have a great day, Jessica
Loved the picture and it drew my attention right away because I make jewelry in the same theme of your photo; two blue eggs for two boys, two pink pearls for two girls, etc.
Very cool to see it in the photos.
acupofsparkle.blogspot.com
Great trade! Love the dresser!
How perfect! It works for both you. Looking forward to seeing you nest painting–I love the idea.
My niece had a bird nest themed wedding and I used the same eggs to decorate!
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=252744418082684&set;=a.252744114749381.69607.219166664773793&type;=1
I too would like to know what kind of camera you have now!? I need a new one and want something i know to be good. I would love to know your camera and lenses and what type of software you used to edit. I want to upgrade all of my stuff and maybe even take some classes…
Love the dresser…
can't wait to see the nest!!!
Kelly
kstarr45@gmail.com
Hi- I just found your blog 2 weeks ago, and now I read it every day. Saturday, I watched all of your tutorials, thank you for making them. I too am a diy person. I have done curtains, valances, drapes, upholstery, painting, electrical, heck, I even have my own air tools, nail gun etc. I also like to sew renaissance clothing, (for myself and my family), my 13' vintage trailer and as much time as I can with my family, (girls, both adults).
So anyways, I just love your blog, and the Chalk Paint….wow, I need to get some and redo some pieces I have in my home and stored pieces to sell.
Thanks so much for so many ideas. Blessings, Paula
what fun. I am an artist and do a lot of fall festivals and shows…and nests are my best seller….I love them! I don't paint in the same style that your friend does and I love, love the things she does! beverlee
You've probably already thought of this, but just in case you haven't – have you considered a staging area in your basement? A backdrop from plywood, sheetrock or just a plain sheet, a few pretties (knicknacks) and some lighting?
I just know, having a basement myself, there's no way I could lug a piece upstairs, shoot it, and then take it back down. (Of course, I probably have 20-25 years on you too! 😉
What a unique painting that will be!! I love the symbolism idea with the eggs too. How cool that you could work out the perfect trade for each of you.
The green dresser would go so perfectly in my laundry room…whenever that get's done. e'hem, still waiting on the hubby with that one after 9 years.
Hey Miss Mustard Seed…. I'm trying to email you but my computer is set up for a default mail program that doesn't work so clicking on your cute envelope on the sidebar isn't working for me. 🙂 Anyway… I have three items you might want (an old trunk, a ship wheel, and an old school desk). I can send you pictures of each and you can have them for free… I just want them to go to a good home and thought you might like to redo them. If you're interested just email me at pinups dot sew at gmail dot com. Thanks! –Annette
ooo,,,,I love the idea of a nest painting! I actually have a nest….maybe if I get some eggs I could do something with photography? I'm sure no where near as darling as an original painting
….did I miss the winner of the lamps? yes, still wishfully thinking 🙂
Marian my husband and I are going to start our vacation on Monday (my Birthday). The following Sunday (9/25) is our 40th wedding anniversary. We are getting in a rented car and driving down to Virginia – no set place in mind. When we were talking about it I told him about Lucketts. We are going to head there on our trip. It is the only place we planned. We are just going to meander and see where it takes us. I can't wait to see your space.
I found your blog a couple of weeks ago…you have inspired me in so many ways. I since have ordered almost $300 worth of ASCP and the transformations from my junk hunting are turning out fabulous. I do have one question for you – I am interested in purchasing a slipcovered sofa like the one you have in your family room. Do you like it and would you purchase the sofa again? I trust your judgement and would appreciate your opinion. Thanks for showing us your tricks and secrets – you have a wonderful gift.
Blessings ~ Janel Kopp
jkoppfamily@verizon.net
Lovely picture …… and how sweet is that to reflect your two kids. Beautiful.
Love that olive green dresser and I can't wait to see the nest picture….sounds like the perfect colors and how fitting – one egg for each boy! xo Diana
love the nest and eggs! just put one under a cloche in my entry! can't wait to see!
ashley {hooked on hickory blog}
I love it when I can bless someone like that! 🙂
Good for you! 🙂
Sheila
OMG I had exactly the same idea! My name is Robin and I've always loved robin egg blue and nests. I was thinking someday I could photograph the same thing and have someone paint it or try to do it myself. I wanted an oversized painting with part of the nest off the canvas and a solid white background. Anyway I can't wait to see how it turns out!
I too would very much like to know what camera and lens you use! Your pictures are always sooo gorgeous and with mine it always seems that i need to do alot of post processing work to achieve that effect. Thanks mucho in advanced!! Wish i stayed much nearer the USA!
Can't wait to see the finished painting!
A nest painting sounds lovely and perfect. I love the two egg concept to represent your sons.
Look forward to your new look in your master!
-Revi
Off topic and I apologize if it's been mentioned. The new Ballard Designs catalog shows a new line of furniture which is painted, some distressed as well. Perhaps you'd like to put it out next to your items for customers to compare prices. I don't know what your prices are but these are not cheap!
I've been pretty into finding cute art lately. I recently purchased a harbor scenery painting for my laundry area (it's so colorful & cheerful for when I'm- boo- doing laundry) as well as a GORGEOUS owl painting for our bathroom. I love owls I think they are so beautiful. It's great that you know & can contact local artists in your area to promote their work!
love the nest idea.
So sweet, Marian! Luv that nest painting idea. 🙂 And I adore the amount of distressing you did on that dresser. I never would'ave thought of letting that much wood show through, but it truly looks vintage that way. 🙂 You are a huge inspiration in my art world, girlie!
xoxo laurie
I've just spent two whole days trying to refurbish a chest of drawers MissMustardSeed style and it looks all wrong. I'm gonna cry quietly in a corner for a while and try again when my arm is less sore. After all, why should I make a mountain out of a molehill and then have to move it!! hahahahaha!