Saturday, September 3, 2011

More Houses

I've  pretty  much  stopped  painting  furniture,  but  when  I  saw  this  piece  at  the  Columbus  wholesale  show  that  I  went  to  last  month  and  at  such  a  great  price,  I  had  to  get  it--

It's  an  old  sewing  machine  stand  converted  into  a  table,  which  I've  done  before,  with  the  help  of  my  husband.   We  would  find  the  stands  and   then  find  a  door  for  the  top  and  then  assemble  it.   But  this  was  all  ready  to  go,  and  for  half   the  price  that  we  would  have  paid  to  do  it  ourselves.   And  it  seems  that  every  year  I  always  do  one  piece  of  furniture  with  houses  on  it  (like  this  one   from  last  year)   which  people  love--so  I  did  it  again!



 

I  started  out  by  just  painting  the  houses  with  nothing  on  them,  and  I  wasn't  quite  sure  how  I  was  going  to  finish  them,  so  I  just  started  with  the  first  house  and  worked  right  on  down  the  line.


And  once  I  did  the  first  house,  it  told  me  what  to  do  to  the  next  one  and  so  on  and  so  on.  Usually  when  I  do  larger  pieces  like  this,  I  have  to  stop  and  come  back  with  a  fresh  eye, because  I'm  not  sure  what  to  do  next,  but  not  this  time.



It  was  one  of  those  times  when  everything  just  keeps  flowing.   It  doesn't  happen  that  often,  but  it's  fun  when  it  does!



You  know--when  it's  the  middle  of  the  day  and  you  still  have  your  "pajamas"  (for  lack  of  a  better  word)  on  and  you  need  to  take  a  shower  and  get  dressed  before  it's  time  to  go  to  bed  again?   Actually,   I  like  working  in  my  "pajamas"  because  I  don't  care  what  I  get  on  them---so  needless  to  say---all  of  my  "pajamas"  have  paint  stains  and  dried  up  gel  on  them.   I  have  an  apron,  but  for  some  reason,  I  don't  use  it.    I  guess  I  don't  want  to  get  it  messed  up  : )

And  it  doesn't  hurt  that  I  have  every  medium,  stamp,  and  ephemera/papers  known  to  man  to  help  me--Okay......so  I'm  exaggerating   a  bit.....but  not  much.   So,  this  was  a  fun  piece  to  work  on--even  Lenny  was  excited.  He  usually  takes  little  cat  naps  (or  turtle  naps, in  this  case),  when  I'm  in  there,  but  not  this  time.   He  was  VERY  alert  and  just  watched  me  the  entire  time  I  was  working  on  this.

And  here's  a  fun  box  I  made  with  my  papers  from  Stampington--


The  top  is  actually  a  frame.  
 I  inserted  the  bird  image,  but  it  can  be  removed  if  people  want  to  add  their  own  personal  photo. 

And   next  week  at  this  time  I'll  be  at  my  fair.   I'm  really  looking  forward  to  it,  but  a  little  anxious.  I'm  hoping  that  I  have  enough  to  last  me  for  3  weekends--Yikes!

57 comments:

Šolanje na domu-Waldorf said...

Wow! This is great! I always wanted one of those old sawing mashine tables. :) I know my grandma has one but it still works so I can't snatch it up. :)

Anonymous said...

ohh!!!!It is wondelrful!!!!!it1s magic!!i loooove it!!!!
kisses X2

Lisa said...

Wow! That sewing table is absolutely beautiful!

Bren Graham Thebeau said...

Your creativity astounds me, I never would have thought to do that to the old sewing machine. What a beautiful piece with your painting making it completely unique.
And that box, a frame for a lid, again you amaze me and I love the colours on this one.

Geri said...

Love both pieces!

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

I really like what you did with the sewing machine. Those houses really speak to me. I love that mixed media look you always give your work, and the box is another great example, too. Truly awesome art.

Micki Wilde said...

OOh that table is all sorts of yummy!! Love it!!

Janet Ghio said...

Love the table! and the idea of using the frame on top of the box is great! I had forgotten all about that Indie Arts DVD--what year was that made?? I wonder if I still have a copy-I'll have to go look!!

jackienichols71 said...

i've had one for many years but i have a boring slab of old marble on it...

Sandra Kaye said...

Again Beautiful!!! You should teach classes. I would sign up!! I REALLY like your work. Hugs SAndie

Becca said...

I love how your table turned out Diane! You are so talented! I bet you could do a whimsical scene of my favorite city, Seattle! Turtle naps...how cute. Wish I could be at your show, I know you will do well! :-)

Unknown said...

I just adore your work, and this one is no exception, absolutely love!! I might even actually sit down and sew if I had a table as beautiful as the one you made! One of these days when I have some moola I plan to buy one of your boxes, lol. I must have one!

Unknown said...

Awesome mix of paper and paint - love it! Just had to laugh about the P.J.'s and learn I am not alone.

lori said...

your table and box are beautiful! and to find the table at a great price is such a find! thanks for visiting me...much appreciated!

Tara@Aquamarine said...

I was so excited when I saw the table pre-Diane-ising; I knew you'd make it look amazing! It's gorgeous. (Love the Lenny updates too.)

Holly Hall said...

That table is beautiful!

Terri Smith said...

Goodness Gracious Alive! Diane, I LOVE The Furniture Piece! After Painting Furniture Here In Bonaire Over The Past Week, I Can Surely See Why You've Slowed Down Some. It's Definitely Time Consuming, But With Your Newest Piece I Can Surely See Why You Went For It! Gosh, Your Sweet Houses Are The Best! And That Frame On Top Of Your Newest Box ~ With The Removeable Properties For The Customer..Well, All I Can Say Is Sista, You Remain At The Top Of Your Game Sweet Lady! Your Creativity And Use Of Technique Is Magical! Sending You Some Love & Georgia Sunshine This Glorious Saturday ~ Terri

Janine said...

Wow Diane! Both pieces are wonderful! I especially love that box!

Dianne said...

Love these!

Dorthe said...

Diane, Wonderful, powerful (colors), and beautiful-how sweet are all your houses, and so funny detailed ,makes me smile big- and that is a great thing :)
The box is gorgeous,too- love the bird in the frame.
Hugs,Dorthe

Anonymous said...

Amazing works dear Diane, amazing!
Sawing mashine tables is absolutely great!

Kisses and nice weekend:)

manomij said...

Lol love you to bits! I have been on holiday and still in PJsss and bikini and also trying to keep my apron neat.
Some fab pieces here Diane. I love the box but also very taken by the sewingmachine stand. I never thought of putting art on furniture apart from one straight colour. Shhh I have one of those stands and may give it a go dont tell my hubby

ManonXxxxutoph

Priti Lisa said...

So very gorgeous! I love your style! And I love how attached you and Lenny have become...and no fur sticking to wet paint! Have a great show!
♥♥♥

Tricia said...

This is just absolutely wonderful! You did such a beautiful job with it all. I just have a thing for houses and I love how you did this one. Your art is so inspirational! Maybe I'll paint some houses on something. I did an art journal page with houses, but I need to go back and add some oomph! And now that I've seen yours, I'm encouraged to go back to it. : )

Kathy said...

Beautiful! I simply MUST find some place to store big stuff so I don't have to pass up things like that antique sewing machine I let slip away last week. Furniture is my very favorite thing to paint and it has been years since I have done it. Your table is just perfect!!
(LOL! the verification word below is "jamies"!!)

Sandra @Alchemy(Art-Memories) said...

Another great transformation! Girl you're on a roll and I know you will be a fair favorite.I wish you were exhibiting at our local Lancaster County Park Arts & Crafts fair happening right now - I'd be your first groupie LOL! Thanks for stopping by my blog and your kind words - I look forward to taking the LIFE BOOK workshop with you in Jan. Should be so much fun!

WrightStuff said...

I would love to spend some time in your creative imagination Diane!

ShabbyChicShaz said...

What a couple of fabulous projects. The table is my favourite, I just love little houses, so bright and cheerful on this dull, wet Sunday morning :)

Emelie said...

You have a great many things to take to your shows, maybe you have some things sort of primed that you can do in a week to add the second week. I hope you take a photo of your space.

Your table and box, wonderful, and iat is amazing and even amazing maybe to you that new ideas and designs can keep happening.

Donna said...

Turned out great! You better take stuff to work on.
Donna

Isabel said...

O wow!!!! Love it!!!!:O) Of course I love whimsical houses and this looks great!!:O)Awesome:O)

Anonymous said...

Great work! I love all of your colorful inspirations, yes...you inspire me to be a better artist! PS: I like to work in my pajamas too :)

wandamarie.blogspot.com said...

oh my gosh madam! when i saw that wooden topper, oooh, no wonder you didn't pass it up! ABSOLUTELY stunning houses, i love houses and i especially love yours..i'm movin' into that neighborhood :)!
and your other piece is to DYE for :), i just love the colors in it! COLOR DIANE'S WORLD WONDROUS! XOXO

Buffy said...

LOL about the paint on your pajamas,thats exactly why I like to stay in mine because I have paint on them,actually I have a few holes in my favorite tshirts and I'm so used to rubbing paint on them,that I actually had paint on my stomach from the holes.LOL. I love your table,thats a really cool piece of furnture to begin with,I bet that will go fast! I hope you do great at your show,I'm sure you will. Good luck!

Cameron said...

OMG Diane! That table is spectacular!!! Your work is so consistently amazing....you're like a creative machine :D

You're going to do so well at the Fair! Truly!!!

...I say any day spent in pj's is a day well spent!

Lesley Edmonds said...

Good luck with you fair!

Seeing this piece of furniture brought back happy memories. My dear Mum had a treadle sewing machine when I was small and made all my clothes...it was always a treat to be allowed to 'have a go' and she'd help me make something for my dolls....so thank you Diane.

I love your houses and this piece is such great fun!!

Glad to hear Lenny takes an interest.

Martha Lever said...

This is absolutely adorable, Diane. I have a little sewing table that is similar. I should paint something on it. I am looking forward to Jane's class too. She asked me to do a little 3 minute video for her watercolor section. I am excited about that. You should do an online class on painting your darling houses. You would do well!!!! I bet Gail at Creative Workshops would jump at the chance to host you.

Lorraine said...

superb just love coming to visit to see what your up to

Lauren said...

Wow, what a beautiful table and box! I just love your houses :) ~Lauren

Timaree said...

That table looks so cute and your box is terrific. Good luck at your fair.
Timaree (aka freebird)

Anna Rosa Designs said...

Hi Diane,
Oh wow, oh wow, another creative piece coming from your studio!
I wish I had half of your creativeness....
Hugs,
Anna

GlorV1 said...

Oh it is just awesome Diane.I like what you did with both. Painting and paper work great together. Fabulous!! Good luck with your fair, I know you'll do great.

rachel awes said...

you working on down the line
is like walking down a path
at the conservatory...shoots
of blooms over & over..
gorgeous, diane! xox

Kathie said...

Wow!!! I love these fabulous pieces :-)

Tammie Lee said...

Hi Diane, these are both wonderful. I love how creative you are!

Nelly said...

Hi Diane! We are in class together with Jane. You have some great stuff going on here as always. I have been offline for the summer, but am slowly getting back into the muck of it all. Can't wait to see what you come up with in "class."

Anonymous said...

OK yep - add one more to the list of people who LOVE the houses :O) Looks amazing.

Tina said...

I've really enjoyed catching up on your posts. It's been awhile since I've been here. Wonderful, inspiring work as always.
T

Dianne said...

this table turned out fantastic! I am in Ohio too...so many places to shop in Columbus, so little time...thanks for sharing your creativity!

Anjas-Artefaktotum said...

WOWOWOW, that is incredible. I'm speechless! The colored houses are so fantastic I'm excited, the table is an unique art work. The box is also a really jewel!

Clare said...

I love this idea - houses there is something about them. LOVE LOVE this art work

Lorraine said...

Lovely pieces Diane! You've been keeping busy I see.

Unknown said...

Very cool transformation! Love the colors and your art work is always amazing!

Joanne Barragan said...

I love those pieces of artwork! How I wish they were real so we can live there. ;] My mom also loves painting and making pretty things for our home, and I truly miss her for that! =)

Unknown said...

Diane, I'm in love with the houses and the poppies. Poppies are my very favorite any time any where. I can see from the houses that they were talking to you. They flow, each one it's own, but looking good with it's neighbor. :) PJ

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