Making home

In the corner of the living room with my Fortuny inspired walls as a backdrop, the fruits of my excursions to thrift shops, and flea markets are arranged.  With the exception of the dancing bear sculpture, the treasures in this still life were found in various states of distress.  They all had that certain "something" that drew me to them and with a bit of cleanup, became useful and beloved objects in our home.  The little saucer with the American flag is my coaster for a hot coffee on a cold day.  Lip balm and eyeglasses are nestled in the lustre glazed vase, along with phone charger coiled in the bottom.  I love repurposing, recycling, reusing - saving an object with beauty made richer for the patina of use and years.  I create stories in my mind of their lives before they came into this home and am infinitely amused. Ours is a home filled with such functional beauty and I look forward to sharing it with you as time passes.

I sculpted the dancing bear as a gift for my husband at a watershed moment in our lives.  It was meant as a celebration and totem and he has given it a place of honor in each home we have created together. This is the place where we collect objects which heal us and bring joy to the everyday. It is the place we have created where rest and sustenance are found, and friends and family are gathered together for laughter and conversation, comfort and love.

P.S. The stencils are available at my etsy shop  www.etsy.com/shop/composegrace
Come for a browse about!

the balm of beauty beheld

Work on our mountain home continues and I celebrate the small victories.  The living room walls have been glazed and over-painted with a classic acanthus leaf motif echoing the tapestry draperies, which have finally been hung.  Little by little our collection of art is being unpacked and moved about the house, making it feel more and more like our home.  

I caught our green-eyed silvery furred girl, Perle, on the arm of the loveseat looking to see if anyone was watching her move towards the window sill.  She grows sweeter with every day that passes and we celebrate not only her physical beauty (she is a Norwegian Forest Cat) but the joy she brings to our every day. I thank God for the beauty that surrounds me and elevates the everyday to the sublime.