Stamped Gourd Bowl...


On my previous post about painting the back boards on the bookcase/shelf, 
you may have noticed the decorated gourd...
Many have asked me how this was done...



Here's a quick tutorial:
Paint the whole gourd (Cutting into a bowl comes later!)a base colour. 
 Here I have used cream.
Then stamp (I used a large shell stamp from the 'Stampin Up' range) 
using permanent black ink,
 spacing the shell stamps around the gourd as you go. 
 I guestimate everything...no rulers used!
Wait for it to dry.
Use a very sharp cutter to cut around the top of the shells, 
thus creating the bowl.
Paint the inside of the bowl.
Then using a sponge swipe contrasting colours of paint randomly around the gourd.
I used a bright yellow, brown and a gold.


Do your detailing.
I painted a border of brown.
Touched the shell stamp design  up with some bright yellow, 
and painted bright yellow around the cut edge of the gourd.
Join the shells and accentuate the top border using a permanent black marker pen.
When completely dry coat with clear varnish.
And there you have it.
Have a go if you can source a gourd.
They are so much fun  to paint and decorate.

#gourdart #gourds







Shelf do-up...

I have been looking at bookcase do ups on Pinterest...
 which if you didn't already know is my other 'happy place' !
There are so many clever ideas...
Wallpaper on the shelf backboards...
Paint...
fabric mod podged on...
The list goes on.


I have always disliked my bookcase.
Ornaments just don't display well, because the wood is so dark.
The 'Sitting Room' where the shelf resides has a lot of red and white in it
 and it's pretty bright, 
so I decided to simply paint the backboards of the shelf white.



And what a difference it has made!


 My stuff stands out!
(I am wondering why it took me so long to do this!)


It has brightened up the wall...


And the best thing is...
 my cute flying pig has wings for all to see.


George...

Now don't you be fooled 
by his butter wouldn't melt in my mouth good looks...
This dog has serious attitude!
Meet George...

Using the word mischief to describe him is an understatement!
Here at Mia Bella Gardens we call him a work in progress.
Apparently the  'Hungarian Vizla' breed are a work in progress for their lifetime!
(I'm still coming to terms with that!)


George is probably just darn happy he found us...

He was sad, neglected and abused before he came to us...
Seriously underweight weighing in at only 17 kilos the day he arrived,
George is now happy, healthy and loved!
He has found his forever home,
even though he drives us completely crazy with his naughtiness.
(Now here's the reason why I do not have a lovely wreath on the front entrance door, 
and why I made a sturdy silver platter welcome sign.)

Currently I'm in a creative planning phase, 
redesigning a gorgeous front porch entrance...
that is 'George proof'!
We love him to bits!
How could you not love that face?

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