8/21/08

Heavy on the Photos

We're making slow progress on getting the house sorted just the way we've imagined but I did manage to put this corner of our living room together for my husband to use as a desk. I'd love to knock everything out in one day but I've realized I like the outcome much more when I've given my ideas time to evolve and also taken the time to gather pieces that I love instead of just buying it all from one retail store and then unloading it thirty minutes later. Its just not my way.

Being on a tight budget has directed us towards pieces that are vintage or slightly used but we've been able to gather pieces that work together because we've had a strong vision of the colors and styles that work for us and also work together. I admit I'd like more pink in my house but I'm learning how to sneak it in without making it overwhelmingly girly. The boys appreciate it.

The desk is from craigslist and is over 40 years old. The industrial light is probably from a dental office or somewhere else commercial and was found at a flea market. The #3 is a gas station number from the Alameda flea market in California. The chair is from a flea market in Columbia, MO and the desk accessories are from the thrift store and JoAnn's dollar bin. The books were in a bookshelf that I had laid sideways under the window but when I needed it for fabric storage, I removed the books and they ended up stacked as seen here. I arranged it so the larger ones were on bottom and Sebastian doesn't seem to want to knock them over yet. We'll see.

On another note, these are four of the art journal pages from my first online class that was offered earlier in the month. I love the color palettes in both of them. You can see examples of what everyone did in the Steady Hand, Faulty Heart flickr group.




I have been thrilled with everyone's pieces and so impressed with the ways each of them have made it their own. I think sometimes all you need is to see the process through someone else's eyes to create new areas of creativity in your own life. I know there are a lot more that are still trying to manage making a few pages amidst the chaos of back to school season, etc. but I'm so happy that everyone has loved it so far. The second class with eight new tutorials will start on September 8th and last through the 22nd. Slots are available for purchase in the Red Velvet Art Etsy Shop. And for those of you who didn't take it the first time, you'll be sent a password and URL for the private blog on September 7th to access the class. We'll have the slots available for purchase through the middle of the class and will be offering .pdf files for everyone who signs up. (Done with the shop talk.)

This is a mini album that I made about a month ago and forgot to post. It was for the Love, Elsie Design Team so I used the 'Forrest' line of products as well as plain chipboard. Its bound with a ribbon and is designed like a sandwich. Its all about my favorite pieces of summertime. I used the owl stamp and covered the front with it but left one spot for the flower stamp and colored it in with an orange marker. I love the graphic effect it has. This would be a great way to make your own patterned papers to use if you didn't mind the tedious process.




You can view them larger if you look at them HERE.

I've got another mini album to finish up today for the first online art journal class. Its all about the collections I have around the house. AND I'd like everyone to know that I went jogging today! Its been about two months since I last exercised regularly so there was a lot of walking involved and my legs were itching like crazy! "LIKE CRAZY," I said!

Anyway, I've missed you guys and I hope posting can become regular again. Kind of like a bowel movement but prettier and without the smell. Let me know if you're still around. Leave a little 'I'm still here' and I'll do a drawing on Saturday morning for a free pass to the second art journal class. Its totally worth having to log in to blogger, I promise.

~Rachel

77 comments:

Maggie said...

I'm here - I read your blog regularly - I love all of your cfatiness.

Maggie said...

that was supposed to say craftiness not c fatiness

Kristen =) said...

Of course we are still here.... at least I am... I pretty much stalk you..LOL

Not really... That sounded a little creepy.

Love the desk lamp. LOVE IT!!!

Mandi Johnson said...

Here here! Fiber for the blog! ;)

Just wanted to say that I love it all. I always get a bit excited when bloglines tells me you've made a new post. ;)

Anonymous said...

I'm still here too! :) Can't wait to see the mini for the class! I get excited every morning when I know a new post on SHFH is waiting for me!

Unknown said...

still here, too! :)

love the #3

dainjb said...

can't wait to see more pieces of your home! i'm still in the "decorating" process - and we've been in our new home for about 8 months. i'm still collecting items that i love and changing my mind a lot. love love the pics!

xox, dain

cori said...

i know what you mean about not rushing to get all settled. you'll love it so much more if you take your time. even if you don't feel completely moved in yet at least your house will be "you" and not someone else. :)

Anonymous said...

I'm here. As a matter of fact I check repeatedly throughout the day to see if you've updated.

F said...

i'm new to your blog, just found it, and i loooooooove your art!!! here another regular visitor :)
btw, your art journals... they're amazing!!! i hope to start mine soon :)

OpaqueSkies said...

if you didn't already know it. you are a mix 'n match maven.

Anonymous said...

love your vintage style. i would never have thought to use a gas station number, but i love it!

i'm a contant stalker of your blog for scrapbooking, decorating, and life ideas.

Trina said...

New to your blog, but becoming a regular. Love it and how creative you are! :)

*danielle* said...

here! haha, just like school! :)
lovin all your crafty decorating.
love it! lots of inspo.
<3

Evelien said...

Well, I'm still here! I check your blog because it always inspires me and I love all your eye candy. Keep it up!

Holly said...

I'm here too!
You're too funny.... I've never heard anyone relate blogging to bowel movements before! :)

Can't wait to see your collections mini! I love the forrest summer album! Brilliant ideas.

loves!
holly

Anonymous said...

HEllo!

still here... loooving your art... your kindness and humor... hope all is well! You are crazy amazing!!!

Samantha from Canada

jarispry said...

still here?!?!? ARE YOU KIDDING ME!? every day.... just waiting for the next burst of inspiration. in fact, i recently decorated our entry way... we moved in april and it's finally how i want it... little by little it's done. and you can see it on my blog!
i love your sense of style and i know that it has influenced me tons! so thanks.. again! ;o)
xo!
jari

Tami said...

i love to see what you come up with for your vintage finds.

Erin Conrad said...

love your style and love that you make me laugh out loud! i actually did a double take on the whole bowel movement comment and thought "she did not just say that!" but you did and it makes me happy.

Vicky said...

Im here, i dont think ive posted before...maybe once.
We are moving on Sunday and also dont have a huge budget so your ideas are very helpful and inspiring. I look forward to seeing more ... and a chance at a spot in your art journal class is too hard to resist!

Kendall said...

I do still read, and I am burning with envy over your adorable house!

michelle johnston said...

i'm still here...don't think i could ever not check your blog daily...sounds like i have nothing better to do, but i live for the inspiration i find here!

ps...i'm having a blast in your steadyhandfaultyheart class!

-emjay

Anonymous said...

Love you summer mini album! I'm still here too - I love to see what you are up to. Your craftiness and decorating styles are so much fun and very inspiring!

Heather said...

I'm here! Not blogging much myself...been kinda down... but I too am hoping to get back into it fullswing like before. I check your blog daily! Always will chicky!!!

Love that mini...never thought of doing one sandwhich style! Very cute!! I'm really excited to see the mini for the class.

Love how the house is coming along. I've been checking my local craigslist lately for a deal but ther hasn't been anything good yet!

Bekka said...

I'm still here! Love the owl paper -- so cute!

Katy said...

Hey girl, I am still here too even though this last week I felt like I have fallen off the face of the earth.
School is CRAZY busy trying to get everything ready. Our travel date got moved back up to around the 13th. Yea!
Talk with you soon!

jen geigley said...

LOL @ posting regularly and bowel movement ... funny girl.

still working on my art journal stuff but I'm going to post it on Flickr soon!

and I love that big 3 on your wall.

Anonymous said...

Hi just thought id post quickly as im a long time lurker but also the draw of a free class was to good to pass up!
i love ur pages, they r very individual and cute! your house rocks as well! laura

Cate said...

I'm here, ever reading the blog of miss rachel denbow

Heather said...

I am always here and love when you are too! :)

Molly Swanson said...

I'm still here :) I'd love to take your next class!!! thanks for your inspiration and your amazing spirit!

stephanie said...

i'm still here. lurking, etc.

and still happy when you pop up on my bloglines :)

Lauren Z said...

"I'm still here" sums it up pretty well. Ended 1 job, started another, started a Etsy Shop, and am trying to be a "Housewifey" person all at once. it has been a trasition, but I am still here and reading along :)

Love the #3.... is that to simbolize the 3 of you? (mama, dada and & Baby S?) .... if so- even cuter!

xo Lauren

Tara said...

I'm here. Love your new place and how you are decorating it.

Waldeck Dry Goods said...

Hi! I've been enjoying your blog + would love to take your art journal class. =)

Cathryn Sypert (Mandy) said...

Sooo glad that you are back!

miss morgan... said...

it looks like shopping that way is totally working out for you because that corner looks fabulous!

i'm also totally loving all your painted fun!

Charin Adams said...

Still here girly :) I read your blog all the time!
Charin

elizabeth said...

oh i love the mini!
i too have used that line for a camping mini and it is simply the best :)

Erin said...

I love the way your home is shaping up. I wish furniture like like that was avaliable where I live. I can't wait to see what you do next, how about a peek at the curtains you recently made in preperation for your mother's arrival? I check your blog religiously...every...single...day!I love seeing what you come up with, you are truly an inspiration. Thank you for sharing.
Erin W

Unknown said...

hi rael i am signed up for your class again!

Melanie said...

i love all the inspo on your blog!! im dying to take the art journal class, but the budget is tight.

melanie

EliseBlaha said...

you already had me commenting with the "bowel movement" comment.

thank you, for that.

love.

Anonymous said...

I always check in....ever since that wonderful anchor bag. :)

It takes a long time to get settled in to a house and make it home...especially on limited time and money. You'll get there.

Rach said...

...you crack me up !!!!! nice to have you back in full swing creating...your art journal club looks so fun...its hard enough justifying to DH my pretty rvkc paper kits let alone an oline class HA!!!!!! glad its all working so well and sucessfully for you. Rach (NZ) xx

ps if you lived a wee bit cloder i'd get in to re-design our decor'...the LEGO theme we have now is not so pretty!!! oh and this year i thought i was turning 35 so thrilled to gain a year not so thrilled to send a card to a friend wishing her happy 35th when she was only 34!!!! motherhood joy huh

happy weekend xxxxx

coomented on the wrong post maaaaan!!! so reposting here!!! Rxx

Jodi said...

still here and still being inspired by you, always!!

Anonymous said...

HA love the bowel movement thing - made me giggle :D

I have been the same with my house Rachel. We've been here since Christmas 2007 and I am still getting it all right. We have almost finished off the lounge room. I made a quilt and stacks of cushions in bright colours. I've moved my desk in there too and it has made all the difference to bringing more colour in there will all my bright colour on it! Just need to finish off a couple of painting for the walls. Will have to post a pic, but yes, I do agree, taking your time is the best way :) Your desk space is cool, by the way!

Can't wait for the mini - and next class. I have enjoyed seeing everyone's interpretations too :)

Long comment (sorry!)...don't include me in the drawing though...I've bought a space! Keep it for someone else. Just wanted to say hi and share that with you.

Love Karen xo

Jenna said...

i'm so here. :) you have A-MA-Zing thrifty finds. so jealous. i wish you could shop for some stuff for me! can i just give you a little list? i wish. keep up with the jogging. the first step is the hardest!

Anonymous said...

love your vintage goodness, artsy journals and amazing scrappy stuff!

Sharma

Kristin said...

I'm still here! (it is allowed to not post all the time when you're busy, you know. we don't walk out on you _that_ fast! :)) I have so much enjoyed seeing people's beautiful pages in the flickr group and would love to win a slot myself.

Sylvia said...

Rachel - I can't believe you mentioned bowel movements in your blog!! To quote a phrase you often came out with when you were over in Britain "that is soo rude"!!

I've found if you get one corner of a room sorted the rest all falls into place, so keep going with the house - it's looking great!

Stella said...

Definitely still here! Love Love this blog!

Leigh-Ann said...

hi rach :)
your desk setup is superwonderful!
lovin the minialbum.
i'm still here :)
hugs,
LA

yellowbugger said...

I'm here! I have been a loooong time garage saler/thrift store shopper. Love making things over and making it "mine". you are an inspiration!! I too prefer the vintage and artsy look of revived treasures too brand new store bought!! :0)

love your style!! <3

dani said...

you talked about bowel movements!
I love that.
and I love the blog too.
still here, still reading of course!

danijohnston.typepad.com/dj

Brandi*Wine said...

Here! :0) Love reading your blog, you are so inspiring!

Anonymous said...

still here! especially now that i moved...i'm loving all the decor inspiration too!

Michelle said...

I'm still here! Brett's spot is very nice! I really like the colors and the look. Your journal and mini are lovely, as always. Love that little orange flower on the cover.

Wish I could take your class but I leave for Europe on Sept 3rd & don't return until Nov. 4th. I'll miss you and your blogging. I hope I can check in every once in a while. <3

Congrats on jogging!

Anonymous said...

i love the desk vignette rach and that sprinkler / sherbert ice cream page is simple perfection.
;)

Sonja said...

I've missed your creativity, and was hoping that you were making progress.

Love the desk corner :)

Veronica Milan said...

Oh. my. Goodness. It was my Birthday yesterday. AND that would be the PERFECT gift! I totally would love that journal.

AND....Your boy is awesome....he hasn't knocked, kicked, karate chopped, pushed, or socked that stack of books over!??? Geez, Ethan would have hit that stack while I was stacking it up!

The weather is getting better here. Well, the last couple of days have been nice.
I think it's almost time to come out of AC apartment hibernation. haha

eeek fall at Woodward park is pure awesomeness!

Kimberly Scott said...

Um i neeeeeed to be in that class. i have never art journaled:)

I am so happy your new place is coming together!

you inspire:)

Amanda said...

still here and still inspired. i'd love to get that slot though since i always look to your pages for inspo. also good to know about the vintage stuff since my BF and i ae moving in together soon. anywho....have fun with your little men and we'll still be reading.

Anonymous said...

Off course i am still following all your stories!!!
I love the way your house is going to look! And i agree its better to serch for the perfect things than just walk in Ikea!

Melonie said...

Still here! LOVE that giant 3. Love your blog. Not leaving. Nope. Not ever.

Unknown said...

i am here too!! i love your 1st art journal class - and cannot wait for your 2nd and 3rd - total yumminess awaits!!!

Kendra said...

Yeah, that giant 3 is just about the coolest Rach!

Anonymous said...

I'm here - love reading your blog and checking your etsy shop!

Karen Moore (naturemomm)

Rene said...

Definitely still here!
=)

Rene

Carrie K said...

i love watching your house take shape in little bits and pieces.

great pages!

notmassproduced said...

lovely blog and art

Janelle Wind said...

I too love reading your blog and being inspired by you - thank you SO much for sharing your creativity with us.

Malia said...

Hi Rachel, I love your blog! I visit it often. You're ideas and designs and transparency as a woman, mom and artist are all so inspiriring to me. Thank you for what you do :)

Sara said...

Love your blog. I added to my links. :)

Rach H said...

oh nothing like a coffe break soaking up some inspo from another Rachel!! ;)
LOVE the 3!
too funny bowel motion + blogging together!!.......lol
really enjoyed your first class - still to share!! :)

may said...

i'm in love with that desk lamp! such a great find!