Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Bike Riding Through Paris

This would be the perfect vacation.
Bike riding through the streets of Paris.
 
That was the inspiration for this wall hook.
 
Each detail cut out from graphics
courtesy of
 
Double porcelain hooks
with layered graphics.
 
How about a one way ticket to Paris?
 
This graphic from,
was the inspiration for this wood wall hook.
 
Both styles are sealed with Triple Thick.
 


 
These two wall hooks will be available in my etsy shoppe.
 
 
 
I'm off for a bike ride.
 
Dreaming I'm in Paris
 
Wishing you a fun day.
 
See you soon.
Hugs,
 
Celestina Marie
 
 


 
 


 


 

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Friday, April 26, 2013

White Petals, Burlap Roses and Button Wreath

Burlap roses have been on my "to create" list this week.
Along with white roses, designed from loose petals.
So the fun began with burlap ribbon.
Starting with a 12" round wreath,
I wrapped it with the burlap.


Next I created burlap roses for the wreath
using the same ribbon
folded in half
 then twisted and wrapped to form a rose.
You tube has many tutorials on these roses.

Once completed I moved on to designing white roses
from loose single petals.


These petals are folded and glued in half from the petal bottom up,
twisted tight for the center bud,
then layered around the center to form the rose.



Once the flowers are all created,
it's time to add some leaves.

You have seen me paint leaves in other projects
and these will also be painted cottage white.

****

An easy tip when painting items like this~
Use a piece of cardboard and carpet tape.
Place the leaves or small item on the tape
to hold  it in place and then paint away.


When dry, turn over and paint the backside.
****
After all the elements are complete
the fun begins
 by placing them on the burlap wrapped wreath.

As you can see, I place the roses and leaves a bit off center.
I find that to be more pleasing to the eye.

I also added natural wood buttons here and there for interest.

To the buttons, I use a sharpie pen to mark where thread would be.
A few hat pins are also added with pearl tops.



That's it for the natural white rose and burlap wreath.

Before I go~
here are a few more garden inspirations
I painted this week.

****
Maybe for Mother's Day~

A Violet Heart box.
or
A Nest tray with Hydrangeas.




Have a great weekend.

Till next time,

Smiles,

Celestina Marie























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Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Garden Inspirations

My garden has inspired me to paint florals
and recently I found a few metal
enamelware treasures to paint.
 
Hydrangeas are one of my favorites.
 I remember these old pieces in my grandmother's kitchen.
Don't you just love the distress and chipped areas
with that ring of blue or black?
 
****
 
The Hibiscus flower is another favorite and this one
was inspired by the large greeters I have at my front door.


 
 
Every year my rose arch is home to the birds who build their nests  there.
We love watching how the mama bird takes care of her little ones.
 
 
****
 
This painting of my nest with roses, came from that inspiration.


 
 
 
The seasons inspire me in many ways and spring is one of my favorites.
How do the seasons inspire you?
 
As an artist, I find  inspirations everywhere.
 
Music
 
Books
 
Gardens
 
Walks
 
and the list goes on.
 
But one of the greatest inspirations I would add to the list,
is the memories in my grandmother's garden.
 
Her flowers, vegetable garden and grape arbor
was a place filled with happy times.
 
Sitting under the grape arbor
listening to stories and praying with my grandmother
was pure joy.
 
This painting inspired those times.

A vintage turning server or
lazy susan with center for a platter.

These grapes and roses are the visions I remember.


Finding inspiration right at home

or

those from long ago

will always be a blessing.
 
 *****
Wishing you a happy spring day.

Thank you for stopping by.

~Smiles~

Celestina  Marie
 

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Friday, April 19, 2013

Centered for Springtime

Dressing the tables in my home for the seasons,
 is always so much fun.
 
Creating something unique~
 
filling a small space to
 
enjoy while having meals,
 
or taking a seat to visit  with a friend over a cup of tea.
 
****
 
Recently I purchased a wonderful real nest with faux bird's eggs
from my dear friend
 
Donna created real lifelike bird's eggs to complete the nest
for her shop on etsy.
They are so real looking in color and speckles.
 
When I saw the nest in her shoppe,
I knew it would be the perfect addition to a centerpiece
for my dining room.
 
Look how beautiful it is and the eggs so real looking.
 
 
Adding to a vintage silver tray,
I added a gorgeous white distressed ceramic bird.

Hydrangeas dried from my garden last year,
along with a couple old spindles with lots of distress.
 
 
 


Topping the tray filled with treasures
I've added  a gorgeous large hand crocheted
table topper.
 
 
 
So pretty centered on the table for springtime.
 

 
 
Loosely built, we think it may be a Cardinal's nest.
 
We have one similar nested in my rose arch this season.
 
Maybe I will be able to collect that one later in the summer,
once the family has moved on and not in use any longer.
 
****
Thank you Donna for creating such a pretty accent
perfect for my centerpiece idea.
 
 
Wishing you all a great weekend.
 
I'm off to sit with a cup of tea and enjoy my centered
creation.
 
 
Hugs,
 
Celestina Marie
 
 
 
 


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Thursday, April 18, 2013

The Power In Flowers

Okay, call it a Flower Power Garden
or
a Walk in a Calm and Peaceful Place.
This is how I feel about my garden.
A spot to be in when the day is hectic,
cluttered and long!
So I simply talk a walk and end up in my garden~
 where the springtime blooms
bring me to a peaceful ease.
Come walk with me
and enjoy the blooms
bright and beautiful.








A walk to clear the mind.


A place to pray and be thankful.






A visit here will bring blessings,
joys and remembrance.




A garden that has given birth to many a sweet birdie.


Soon this hydrangea garden will be in full bloom.


Azaleas, bright for springtime.



Tiny white roses filling a garden arch have been home to many a birdies
and their sweet families.

This season, a family of Cardinals.



Pretty vintage tea roses greet me as I round the bend
to view flowers that seem to say,
"come visit me, I have a gift for you"



So visit I do and talk to the pretties.
***
"My you are gorgeous this season~
Are you enjoying the warm temps?
oh too soon it will be very hot,
but I will do my best to protect you."

***

I know they are thankful for the care,
just as I am thankful for the
serene and beauty they share each day.




Moments among the blooms,
natures beauty to enjoy.


Thank you for joining me.

My flowers thank you for coming along
for a walk in the calm.



Wishing you

flower filled days.

Smiles,

Celestina Marie


                                                                                
        








                                                   




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