Inspire ME Floors

If you need to disguise wood floor that has some flaws....or just want a change, why not go for a inexpensive fix that really will make a statement? Paint your floors!

Check out these examples and get inspired!



I LOVE this one by Design Sponge

Decor Pad Striped Floor

Here’s another one from Coastal Living magazine that turns an otherwise ho-hum floor into a work of art. And you wouldn't be surprised that I love the beachy feel the paint job adds to this room.

And these others from Coastal Living :

Manolohome

Elle Decor:

Cottage Living:

Better Homes & Gardens:

While this one isn't painted, it is a beauty!!!! And I love the idea of recycling.
This rustic Wine and Fruit Flooring from German flooring company Parador. The pattern was inspired by flooring found in old European cellars, which were often made of wood from discarded wine crates with fired-on inscriptions and dates. I am In.LOVE. with this floor!

I need to get my wine drinking aficionado/friends to start buying by the crate....
Hope you found some inspiration in these pictures like I did!

See you tomorrow for Thrifty Thursday! Link will be up Wednesday evening.

Anticipating Spring with Numbered Pots

What is with this weather? Yesterday was a typical "Blustery Day" round my parts, reminiscent of Winnie the Pooh and his Blustery Day. It got me to day dreaming of warmer temperatures, blue skies, sunny days, bumble bees and wonderful potted plants to enjoy while I sat on my deck taking in all the love from mother nature".

Then, I recalled a photo I took of some pots on a recent trip to The Birmingham Botanical Gardens.
It was something I wanted to recreate anticipating spring's arrival. It may be awhile....but in the meantime, check out these wonderful numbered pots for inspiration.....

I saw these numbered pots at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens and love the look! I think it will be very easy to recreate, using either some galvanized luggage tags or even even paining the number directly on the pot.

These from Farmhouse Wares look identical, but for $79...not!

I always loved the pots that Lisa at created for a Thrifty Thursday..about a year ago, but they made such an impression it stuck with me, as does many of the things Lisa does...

That Lisa,of Pickles and Cheese, always the creative one!!

So, if you too find yourself taking refuge indoors dreaming of spring, Create! And prepare!
You'll have one of the nicest patio's when your spring fever breaks.

Frosted Luminaries

It's been cold enough to form ice. And Keep it!
In the south, even in the winter.....it doesn't happen often.
Therefore I have been enjoying some outdoor ice luminaries!

(image by Lowes)

I got the instructions from Lowes, although it really is common sense. But, for those of you with brain freeze, here ya go.....Enjoy!

1. Use hot glue to attach the bottom of a 2½-quart plastic pail to the inside of a 2-gallon plastic pail.
2. Fill the space between the two pails with water. Insert holly and other greenery as desired. Place in the freezer for 24 hours.

3. Remove the pail from the freezer. Allow it to thaw until the ice tube slides out of the pail easily. Place a small votive candle in a glass candleholder inside the completed piece for a soft glow. (The winter temps will prevent the luminaries from melting.) Note: For a smaller luminary, use hot glue to attach the bottom of a 1-quart plastic pail  to the inside of a 5-quart plastic pail, and follow Steps 2 and 3.

**Even though it might be cold enough to keep frozen, you might want to put the luminary in a planter plate in case any thaws. I'd hate for it to thaw and create a slick spot, so do be careful. And as always, never leave a candle burning unattended. These luminaries are free or just about free. Make a grouping to line the sidewalk to your house.....or create your own igloo. Either way, it'll be the talk of the neighborhood.
Enjoy the beauty!

Now, if you need a thaw....try my Hot Toddy recipe over at Plates & Places.
See you tomorrow for Thrifty Thursday!

Christine Linson Gallery

When you walk the streets of Fairhope, Alabama, it becomes clear....the town has a connection with dogs and artist. They are both equally loved and celebrated.  On every corner you might find a dog in fancy duds and on every street, shops whose stores are filled with original artwork. It's just a few of the things that make Fairhope, Alabama such a quaint place...one that exudes a rich southern coastal heritage.

Artist Christine Linson had lived in Cleveland, Ohio her entire life. It was there she had raised her family and was a successful art consultant. She promoted artist in the Ohio area and worked with high profile clients and corporations in assisting them in purchasing art. For 15 years, Christine made her living in the arts industry. After her children were grown, her son, Dan became engaged to a young lady from Fairhope, Alabama. Christine became familiar with the area by attending parties for the engagement. Christine fell in love with the area. "The man I was seeing at the time was planning to retire in the south. In 1988 I moved down to Fairhope and started my own gallery."Christine built her business alone for two years. Then her boyfriend was able to join her in his retirement. They married and together have worked together at the gallery. "Bob helps me have the creative time I need".

Christine and Bob have extended their family with the addition of adopting two cats, Toulouse Lautrec and Matisse. Her cats inspired her to write two children's books, "Cat Tales;A Fairhope Adventure" and "Cat Tales; A Beach Adventure". "I wrote these stories to include real people and real local flavor, they include 18 Fairhope Paintings".

At the Christine Linson Gallery you will find fine art and hand crafted accessories. The gallery serves as Christine's art studio for all paintings in progress from large water color to figurative works., charcoal drawings and oil paintings. Christine is well known in the area for the creation of many Fairhope and local area/Eastern Shore water colors scenes. She also has ornaments, puzzles and note cards with her painted designs.

You can find Christine's Gallery located directly across from the landmark clock on Fairhope Ave. Stop in at the gallery for art talk, small talk and pleasant conversation with Christine.

Christine Linson Gallery

386 Fairhope Ave

Fairhope, Alabama 36532

251-929-2015

http://www.christinelinsongallery.com/

christinelinsong@bellsouth.net

Flag Day...A Winner.... Plus a New One Time Carnival....

I don't know what it is about being barefooted in the clean white sand and smelling the salt in the air, but it sure nourishes my body and most importantly my soul. Last week I went on a family vacation. There were 12 of us, including my family as well as my brother and his family and my parents. We had a grand time at a new local for us, Inlet Beach Florida. I will be sharing much about it in the following days to come. You will not want to miss the tour I take you on!

We have always gone to Orange Beach because that is where my folks have had places, but this year we decided to branch out and enjoy a new beach, Inlet Beach. And I am in love with that area. Our vacation was bought and paid for far in advance of the oil spill and we were fortunate to have clean water and not a drop of oil in site while we were there. But I know it's coming. Or that was the predictions while I was there. It saddens me to no end.

I will be going to our place in Orange Beach next week for both work and pleasure. I plan to do some volunteering in clean up as well as visiting some good friends. I hope if you have beach plans on the gulf you too will keep your plans and visit and keep the good people of the gulf employed. The economy there is suffering. While there, take a day to do something worth while, volunteer. I  always find I get so much personally from volunteerism. Though my intentions are meant to help a cause, I always find it helps me too.

Today is Flag Day! Do something positive on behalf of this great nation we live in!

In honor or Flag Day...how about a FABULOUS FLAG crafty project?
I was shopping online recently and saw this flag pillow on the Pottery Barn website.




















(Photo by Pottery Barn)
I thought....I can make that! And so today, I bring you this post...how to create a fun pillow perfect for summer porches, perfect to celebrate our Independence, and perfect to add some color to your decor.

What you will need:
paints
paint brush
paper plates (I mix my paints on paper plates for easy cleanup)
a pillow  ( find a neutral pillow to paint directly onto, as I did)

I love the freestyle way of painting it on, very folk art and American!
"Fly" your flag in style!
God Bless our Flag. God Bless the Red, White & Blue.


Thanks to all who entered the CSN Stores $60.00 Giveaway. We had entries, and the winning entry chosen the good old fashioned way (Cutting strips of paper with each contributor, plus additional entry as necessary and putting into a big fish bowl). And "the winning catch" is ........Bobby Pins Boardwalk! Congratulations! Please email me your mailing address so I can pass it along to CSN who will mail your gift card! Let me know what you purchase!


My Friday post regarding the Miranda Lambert song also touched alot of you. I received several emails and comments of your childhood homes and how your childhood home "built" you. What a beautiful song, what a beautiful sentiment.  Scrappy Dee left a comment  about her grandmothers home and how meaningful and special that it was to her. She also suggested that I have a Mr. McLinky party where we could share our special house that built "you". I would love to hear a special memory of growing up in your special place, or perhaps it is your home now. Share photographs too!

We will have the "House that Built Me" Party on Friday June 18!!!!

I will post Mr. McLinky on Thursday night June 17th, following Thrifty Thursday. I hope to have the link up by 8PM, assuming there are no linky issues.  So, join me won't you, in sharing your special memories. Think of it as a progressive house  warming party. That's exactly what it is!

Creating Candles at Wildflower Wax

My friends and I had a GNO last night at Wildflower Wax. Wildflower Wax is a delightful little store that carries candles, clothing, vintage boots and jewelry. It's our own little local version of Junk Gypsy's....or at least that's what I think.


































Wildflower Wax offers Candle Making nights where you are invited to choose your wax colors and any tokens of trinkets to go inside your candle, pour and create a signature scent for our own candle. They also invite you to bring in your own wine or your drink of choice. Sometimes that helps with creativity. That's what I hear anyway.
It was such a fun evening!

Here are some pictures from our night.
Shop owners Jennifer and David Rankin makes sure the process goes according to plan.
Layman's terms....everyone goes home with a perfect candle!

















Here my friends "The Boss" and Charnita choose their blocks of wax for their candle creations.
















Next chose any trinkets or wax shaped molds for your candle:

I surpassed any trinkets and decided to use some that I had on hand with me that night. I will let you see that in my grand unveiling of the final product. For now though, Here is my chosen colors. This might surprise you, but I chose my colors with the beach in mind.
Shocking, I know. After this, hot wax is poured over the wax cubes to form in the candle mold.























While you wait for your candle to set up and cool down, you can shop around. Boots were a big favorite of our group. Collectively, we tried on just about every pair. Boss even left with some.

You might enjoy hanging out in the groovy hangout lounge in the back of the shop...








































But we decided to all congregate out on the porch on this almost summer evening.
Might I suggest you grab a rocker, enjoy a glass of wine and attempt to solve the words problems on the front porch.








































And before you know it....it's time! You're candles are ready!
















Look how happy are we!

















And just look at my candle! I used bottle caps as trinkets for my candle.  And for all your thrifty gals.....free with purchase (wink).























Ahhhhh, my candle smells sooooooo good. My whole house does, after just a few hours of bringing home my candle. And I have yet to even light it!
I highly recommend a GNO, or a Mom and Daughter Night, or even a romantic Couples night creating candles at Wildflower Wax in the historic district of Helena, "Old Town"!

Studio Hours and Candle Making Night Sessions
Studio Hours
Closed Sunday & Monday
Tuesday-Friday 10:00-6:00
Saturday-10:00-5:00, walk in candle making welcome on Saturday's from 10-3.


May Candlemaking Sessions
Friday May 21st & Friday May 28th
6:00, 7:00 or 8:00-$20.00 per person, BYOB.
Call for appointment 205-249-8280.


Wildflower Wax
4114 Helena Rd, Helena Alabama 35080
Phone: 205-249-8280
Owner, Jennifer Rankin's Blog
Wildflower Wax on Facebook


Enter the $60.00 GC to CSN Stores giveaway.

Playin' in da Mud

Think back to your childhood.....the thought of warm mud in your hands as you created mud pie masterpieces.
It was something you were so proud of. Well, you can recreate those memories  and come home with an actual masterpiece! That's what I did this weekend. I played in the mud! I was one of 12 bloggers who were invited to "play in the mud" at Cahaba Clayworks-Earthborn Pottery studio in Leeds, Alabama.

The mud pie makers and blogger shakers in attendance were:

Rachel from Grasping for Objectivity and Alabama Bloggers,
Tammy from Greek GRITS,
Nanci from Birmingham Mom Online
Trina from XOXO, Trina 
Wenday (Mama Hen) from Long Days, Short Years,
Jamie from Jamie's Rabbits,
Rhoda from Southern Hospitality
Jill from Jill's Real Life ,
Cheri from Chez Cheri,
Jessica from Thoughts of a Bama Belle
Beth from Unskinny Boppy

I have to tell you, I was beside myself with excitment at the thought of :
#1. Spending a day with these ultracool  and creative blogger chics
#2 Having a "coming together" blogger event that included mud. I am not a girl who is afraid to get dirty.

And no, it didn't include wrestling of any kind.

Cahaba Clayworks is Alabama’s most exciting interactive clay facility, designed to bring out the artist in all of us! And our class was all about the creation of art. Yes. I said art. And no matter how "misformed" any one's pieces might have been, it was art. As Rachel of Alabama Blogger and GFO said at the event, "Clay is like a child, you have to allow it to become what it wants t be not what you want it to be."  I thought it very profound statement. And it sounded really good, when my "art" began to go astray on occassion, and sometimes leaned towards becoming an ashtray.  Fortunate for me, there were professionals in the building that kept that from happening.

Our class was lead by master potter, Tena Payne. Her creations can be found can be found in restaurants and places such as Hot and Hot Fish Club,  The Bellagio, The Beau Rivage, among others.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
We also had a mini lesson on the wheel, taught by her business partner, and also a master potter, Larry Allen. Together they create an inspiring, creative and instructive environment for anyone interested in working with clay.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
From the veteran potter to a novice/wanna be like me looking for an experince likened to Ghost you can find it here.

Ok. That was an exageration...... I have nothing on Demi Moore. And no, Patrick Swayze didn't contact me from beyond, as much as I tried to channel. But it was an awesome experience!

Tena shared with us the story of the Potter and the Clay while we were there. She spun and shaped the clay, molding it into beautiful forms and making certain it stayed centered. It was a very humbling experience to think of that story as we ourselves began to form the clay.

For our class, we used a wheel - the wheel has a bigger learning curve, so to ensure that we would actually be able to create something, Tena taught each of us how to hand-form as well.

We were asked to be thinking ahead about what we might like to make (cup, plate, mug, bowl, etc.), and also bring anything that we would like to use to create a texture on our piece. Examples are fabric, leaves, doilies, fossils - really anything with a texture is fair game for your design.

I ended up creating several pieces: 3 bowls (1 handthrown and 2 at the wheel) as well as a handthrown vase.

If you know me, and have visited Tales from Bloggeritaville for any length of time you might guess what I might use.
Guesses?
Well, you might be close. I used a hair pick to create a burlap effect on my vase.
Have I told you how I love burlap?
I have seen it done on paint treatments, using the pic and paint in a cross hatching process and it actually worked out well on the clay. When that was complete, I used a seashell to make an imprint of the place where I can always find peace....the beach.
There IS salt water in me veins, ya know?
"It's sooo you!" Trina said. Speaking of Trina, she chose a peacock feather for her vase, which was so her!

Our creations needed to be glazed and fired (which Tena will do for us), so we didn't take them home with us the sameday, but they will be available for us to pick up in a couple of weeks. I will be certain to share my completed pieces with you, no matter the final result. However, Tena did send each one of us home with a gift item of her pottery....

Booking info:
Parties: 2 hours long; $35 per person with a minimum of 6 people in the party.
What a great girl's night out!!! No matter what your potting skills, you will come home with some gorgeous treasures. The glazing process is a very forgiving process. Everything becomes a piece of art after it is fired.
or
Six Week Classes: Once a week,2 hour long classes for six weeks- $150. This includes unlimited studio practice time.

I cannot imagne that anyone would not want to create their own pottery and have that experience, but should you not...or perhaps your piece ends up "just an ashtray", then you can browse the gallery and purchase some gorgeous pottery from Tena, Larry and other featured professional artist.
We were given a tour of the facility and I was in awe of the talent under that roof.

I want to thank Cahaba Clayworks, in particular Tena and Larry, as well as Rachel of Alabama Blogger for putting this event together.
Thanks to Food Studio B, a fresh and organic local catering company. who provided catered lunch to all of the bloggers artisit. Our lunches consisted of a grilled chicken sandwich, chips, a pickle and 2 chocolate chip cookies. It was delicious!
And finally, my appreciation to all of the blogger ladies there. Some of I had met before, others for the first time, it was a delightful experience to share among friends. And that is what I consider this blog group. I am thrilled to be a part....and this includes you reading to! I am so appreciative. Bloggers are just the kindest and helpful group of people.

COMING UP!.....

I do want to make mention that Tena, the Potter, just joined Twitter as @EarthbornStudio - I encourage you to follow her if you use Twitter! She will be featuring some of the studio's limited edition pieces at "thrifty" prices to her twitter followers each month. There will be limited pieces so to get in on that, you have to follow her at Twitter.
 
I "teased" that I would be hosting some giveaways and I will! They will begin this week, with a giveaway each week of the month. I will continue this on into the summer. If there are any businesses out there, or anyone wanting to advertise their business and be featured in the giveaways, be sure to email me for more information.
I will share later this week what I will be giving away for our first giveaway, so be sure to tune in so that you can enter. You will get an extra chance if you follow  Tales from Bloggeritaville or if you follow on TfB on facebook, for a total of 3 chances. Again, I will have more about that later this week.
 
Also later this week, I will be sharing a slideshow of all of the photos from our Clayworks experience.
Thankyou for stopping by Bloggeritaville. Have a wonderful week!
HUGS!

Live+Laugh+Love
Leigh

PS...My friend Alaina is hosting a PB giveaway over at her blog, Live Creating Yourself.

Miracle Pottery and Art Gallery

When you drive up Lookout Mountain towards Mentone, one is bound to notice a small little house on the right side of the road that clings to the mountain. A sign close to the road advertises that small home as  Miracle Pottery & Art Gallery. "Let's go!" shouted my girlfriends who were along for a girls weekend in Mentone. Each of which can appreciate some beautiful pottery.

Inside the showroom we found handmade pottery in brilliant colors and unique designs. All of the pottery products are food and microwave and oven safe, making them practical for everyday use. Inside you will also find oil paintings exhibited inside the small art gallery, featurin  Christian themed artwork.

Miracle Pottery & Art Gallery uses inspiration and creativity in designing, crafting, and glazing some of the most beautiful and time tested pottery and art you’ll ever own—unique enough to be heirlooms for generations. These are not molded creations; Each is vastly different from the next.

All of the talent behind these creations of pottery and artwork belongs to Valinda "Miracle".Valinda's story is a miracle,while she was recovering from a serious auto accident in which she sustained tramatic head trauma she came to realize her life and career, as she knew it was over. She turned to her creative outlets as therapy to stimulate her short term memory. And thus became the story of how Miracle Pottery began.

I am big on the belief's that #1. God has a plan, sometimes far bigger than for us to imagine or understand. and #2. There is a silver lining to every unfortunate circumstance. Every single one. We sometimes have to look within ourselves to find it, but that is part of the journey of life. I think Valinda has been successful in doing just that.  And in shopping her showroom one can see her successful work for oneself.
The gallery features over 3000 pieces of pottery, all unique in and of themselves much like people are, they each have a character to each individual piece. I kept finding myself lusting over the casserole dishes and the vegetable steamers. They had the most interesting turned handles, almost like pumpkins attached to a vine.
The egg scrambler (in blue) also had a similar twisted handle.

My friend High Mae, a admitted coffee addict, made certain to purchase one of the miracle mugs ($12). Aside from the obvious coffee, they can also be enjoyed by filling them with  hot chocolate, tomato soup or your favorite tea.

Valinda has a long line and color combination of entire sets of matching dinnerware that can be custom made to order. If interested you can call for set configuration and custom coloring.

I thought these honey pots were very sweet at $23.00. IT wold make a very nice gift. Speaking of gifts, my friend Sweetness purchased a gorgeous clay dove ornament for $25.00. An heirloom piece, certain to be cherished.

If you are in the Mentone area, or passing through the area on Interstate 59 between north Alabama and the Tennessee line, you will enjoy the side trip to Miracle Pottery and Art Gallery.


*Be sure to come back all this week for more on my Girls in Mentone trip:

~Outdoor Wednesday featuring our hike and scenic views
~Thrifty Thursday, shopping at the White Elephant Antique Store
~Foodie Friday, featuring Big Jim's Bama Que, a Mom and Pop Shop worth the stop!!


Directions and Information:
Located at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains near Mentone in Valley Head, Alabama. Miracle Pottery is nestled at the base of the hills at 7871 US Hwy 117 between Gadsen, Alabama and Chattanooga, Tennessee just off Interstate 59 (map to right). Hours are 8:00 AM until dark 7 Days a week. Please call ahead for tour groups.  
Click here to watch the feature video that ran on local Fox 6 News, "Absolutley Alabama".


Miracle Pottery & Art Gallery
7871 State Highway 117
Valley Head, Alabama 35989
(256) 635-6863
E-Mail: potterymiracle@centurytel.net