Designer Butterflies Tie It All Together

I’ve seen lots of beautiful designer pillows on the net that I would love — lots of gorgeous colours & patterns that cost lots of bucks.  Usually I pay $5-10 for decorative pillows, but . . .

My new butterfly pillows from Bombay — aren’t they gorgeous?

While on my way to my usual go-to store for quality linens at discount prices [Quilts, etc.], I noticed a new store — ooh, a Bombay has opened up & wow, they’re celebrating with 40% off practically everything.  Of course, my bank balance was nowhere near surviving a shopping spree of everything I loved, but maybe a little treat, . . . for me.

My original goal was a duvet cover so I went next door & found the only Queen size on sale for $25.  Although originally looking for blue, it seemed like fate that it was a lovely deep red — a perfect match to those wonderful butterfly pillows next door.

I debated a little–a very little–then, yes, even with 40% off $39, I paid almost as much for ONE pillow [$23.40] as I did for the duvet cover — almost $47 for the pair!

The red & turquoise butterflies tie all the bedroom colours together — specifically the glass colours in the headboard, tables, & shutters.

I LOVE ‘em!   Along with a new $10 mohair throw, I not only refreshed my bed but also brought in some great designer style — all for less than $100 [including those damn taxes].

With the bed prettied up, I was inspired to do more with the side tables.

While shopping, I had picked up a few fresh flowers [no, I'm not willing to cut my blooming tulips outside!] — $6.97 got me enough for both turquoise vases.

Gee, what a novel idea — putting matching vases in the same room! 

Each vase has a glittery branch with butterflies — can you see it?  Hint:  one is red & the other is turquoise.

I’d been eyeing some little bird cages online for $9.99 & then saw these at Michaels — my kind of bargain at $2.99. That’s a big yahoo for shopping local.

Although I was looking for turquoise or blue butterflies, these feathery yellow ones were on sale at $2.99 [for 3] & actually look perfect on the yellow cages.

Of course, as soon as I got home, I kicked myself for not picking up more of these little bird cage beauties for other decorative vignettes — they add wonderful colour & texture with a lovely airyness.

And at night, the tea lights add a romantic glow to the room:

The bed at night — with the headboard lights on & the tea light candles in the bird cages lit.

My bedroom has always been an escape haven for me.  I usually try to keep it peaceful but I’ve never had one so pretty — how delightfully wonderful. 

For previous posts on making the bed [Project 7], see Raising the Sun Victoria Style and Christmas Lights Update Romantic Headboard.

Vanessa Dawne Studio of Design

Functional glass & wood art on Vancouver Isle

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Project 30 — Can’t Wait to Show Start of Elegant Blue Ivory Slider Shutters

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Yes, I prefer my windows to be undressed — I love the beautiful view [as does Lady, right] & usually my only neighbours are geese or maybe a couple deer. This summer, though, the landlord has thoughts of building a … Continue reading →

Project 29 — Window Boxes Set For Spring

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Along with lots of fresh green growth, the front rock garden has a couple daffodils blooming & about 10 buds on the way — thanks to improving the dirt & filling in a few bare spots last year. With spring … Continue reading →

Project 27 — Rainbow Window Opens Up View

Whew, I’m sorry for being late in documenting my latest projects — family matters have been taking up a lot of my time.  This window has been up for a couple of weeks & I’m loving it!

The Squared Rainbow window is cheerful with colour yet the clear centre affords an expansive view outside.

I’m blown away that my simpliest [a.k.a. easiest] window design, Squared Rainbow, makes such a dramatic difference to the porch.

Project 28 — CityScape Window Adds Interest

I love all the gorgeous colours that make up the buildings in the CityScape window.

Inspiration Kicks Off Changes

Inspired by SlowWood’s MUN 15 desk with its cool sides & shelf, I started seeing stuff around my place in a different way:

I always had a problem finding a suitable spot for this sturdy, dark brown wooden shelf [excuse the dust ].

Of course, it hit me, I could turn this upside down & create a mini-shelf for my desk — no building required.

I didn’t let a light rain stop me from spray painting it in the porch on newspaper.

Project 28 — CityScape Starts From Scraps

Well, thanks to Miss Mollie, my room-mate’s dog, I had to put the Squared Rainbow window on hold & start a new one.  The great porch protector does not like all this glass replacing the plastic — she needs a hole to jump out when the outdoor creatures are stirring.

She got caught pressing her nose against one of the three last plastic windows & within a couple days, her little hole was bigger & pieces were flapping in the wind.  So, another window from scraps was born:

Two side panels of CityScape window sit in frame [leaning on cabinet] awaiting larger middle panel.

Project 27 — Rainbow Start A Little Off

The far right panel of the Squared Rainbow window is installed.

Making each section was quite easy — after all, it’s all straight-line cutting.

I finished the bottom section in less than a day — 3 hours not including break time. 

I’m sure I measured the placement for the ½” wide lead — twice.

Somewhere along the way, I goofed — it’s kinda obvious the bottom lead is at least ¼” off — eeek!

It’s most obvious when viewing the window straight on.

But when you look down the porch, at a different angle,

Project 27 — Sparkling Turquoise Putty

I never did a day’s work in my life.  It was all fun.
Thomas A. Edison

After mixing the dry pigment into the white putty, I had a gorgeous turquoise mess!  The camera didn’t pick up the sparkly shine to my alien-like fingers.  Too, too cool. 

I mixed about a tablespoon of the dry Pearl Ex Pigment [681 Duo Blue-Green] by Jacquard Products [see Squared Rainbow Concept] into the oily putty — usually a whitish-cream.

It took quite a bit of mushing to get all [well, almost] the white to turn colour.  Hence, my alien hands.

I certainly don’t mind getting my hands mucky with putty — but this was extra fun! 

After cleaning,

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February 20th –> Yes, I’m a day late but . . .

These wonderful sites are hosting a blog hop for exposure to our sites:

Project 27 — Squared Rainbow Concept

Somewhere Over the Rainbow,  Bluebirds Fly  . . .

Photoshop concept drawing for ‘Squared Rainbow’ window — draft 1.

The first frame has been ready for a few days [geez, a week really] but I’ve been waffling about the design for the newest porch window.

A few things I considered when designing:

Net Inspiration — Admin Desk

Like so many DIYers, I get a lot of inspiration from gorgeous pictures available on the wonderful world wide net.  Here’s a few that I love:

Holly at decor8 has again done a wonderful job inspiring me with a problem I’ve had mulling around in my mind [like forever].  She recently introduced some wonderful finds from SlowWood in the Netherlands:

I love the natural wood tops, the gorgeous blue legs [bottom left], but especially, the 3-walled desk with the trestle legs [bottom right].

And SlowWood has exacting information

Project 26 — Dowel Opening Windows

Number 5 window in place — only 4 more to go!

The newest window addition to the porch has two small panels that open by swiveling on wooden dowels set in the top & bottom frames.

My redneck carpenter, Reddie, wanted to make another window that could open without mechanical means [i.e. hinges] — this design uses wooden dowels that allow the pane to rotate.

Project 23 — Modular Window Concept

Concept drawing [Photoshop] of window with modular panels made & installed separately.

It all started with this stunning piece of art glass — a clear ripple with green, plum, & blue tissue-paper-looking triangles & skinny strips of black rods infused throughout.

This baby was expensive.    The original price for the 9¼” x 20″ scrap piece was $42.00!  Even with more than 40% off, this little beauty cost me $24.00.

You buy glass by the square foot — this gorgeous stuff usually sells for $35 so it’s quite a deal at $19.  Still, considering I usually pay about $10 per sq. ft. for art glass, this is super special glass!

First Snow Thoughts

I’ve posted at Dawne Thoughts on our first snow with pics — and a video — of our dogs zooming around the yard:

The dogs race around the yard enjoying our first snow.

Since we only get a few days in the entire year that we have any kind of snow on the ground, Lady & Mollie get quite excited to play outside.

Check out more at Dawne Thoughts.

Vanessa Dawne Studio of Design

Functional glass & wood art on Vancouver Isle

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One Simple Goal

I learned years ago [hmm, yeah, like 20] that no matter how strong I started out on New Year’s Day, I did not keep my resolutions.  And the same ones were on the list — year after year [like another 20!]. 

So I started making goals — of course I was still a bit unrealistic — I made too many to be done in too short a time.

But, very, very slowly, I started achieving changes in my life.  When it was right — when I was ready, I baby-stepped my way through my list of goals.

For years [like 30],

Baby Steps Provide Productive 2011

Celebrate what you want to see more of.
Tom Peters

The porch entrance is alive with colour.

Everywhere I look in this old, not-so-mobile home, I see the beautiful colours of my work from 2011.

While my friend, Reddie, worked on his carpentry skills, I enjoyed designing furniture & windows using gorgeous stained glass.

I’m amazed at what can be achieved with baby steps & a year:

Project 21 — Glass Abstract Panel — Commission 1

The supreme accomplishment is to blur the line between work and play.

Arnold J. Toynbee

Blue Menagerie

Completed panel, “Blue Menagerie”, leaning in my window prior to delivery.

C’est fini. 

My first commission turned out beautiful.

Best of all — my client loves it! 

Project 7 — Christmas Lights Update Romantic Headboard

Medieval headboard stained glass panels lit from behind.

While shopping for Christmas lights, I found a string of ‘icicles’ that was only 4 ft. 6 in. long — the perfect length for behind my headboard.

And the icicles

A Big Roundup

Sneak peek of my first commission work-in-progress.

It’s funny how life happens in waves, eh?  [Yup, obviously Canadian.]  And as an Island Girl, I know it takes energy & mental stress to fight the powerful water, so, I simply go with the flow.  Of course, sometimes it’s not so simple . . .

Life happens. 

Project 14 — Architectural Glass Adds to Door

Glass panels installed in bottom of porch door.

Project 17 — ‘Green Trees’ Sliders Fini [for now]

‘Green Trees’  Sliding Windows — 2 outside, fixed panels of trees in textured clear glass with green glass patches completed — 2 inside all-clear sliding panels temporary.

A Quick Visit

A pretty little light came to visit:

Project 17 — ‘Green Trees’ Sliding Windows part 1

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First panel in ‘Green Trees’ window set reflects nature outside. I’ve finished the left stationary window in the new set of porch windows — another stationary one will go on the right, with two sliding windows going in the middle. … Continue reading →

Concept Drawings

I can’t draw but I love sketching out ideas.

Practically every project starts as a rough sketch, using whatever writing instrument & paper that happens to be nearby at

How Love Starts: Knox United Church

Knox United Church in Calgary, Alberta **

** all images of Knox United Church come from their website

The stained glass windows of Knox United Church, in Calgary, Alberta, represent a wonderful marriage of our medieval human vision & skill with earth’s beautiful glass & wood — the whole, as well as every detail, illuminated by the sun’s glory.

My love for stained glass began here, when I attended Knox with my family — the 3rd generation to do so.

I was christened in this church; I attended Sunday School

Project 14 — Seeing Clear Through

With the arbor & porch lights, we have a magical entrance. 

Now that I’ve done a few glass projects with lots of bright colours — closet, headboard, shutters, & windows — it was time to do a window in mostly clear glass.

Project 11 — Double Mosaic Windows

So beautiful throughout the day. 

Inspired by

Project 10 — Glass Planters Shine

It all started with the corner bookcases 

Project 9 — Gorgeous Glass Window Shutters

Upon returning from Calgary [helping my wonderful sister move into a beautiful home], I was quite delighted to see this at the small window in my living room.

[Well, the pieces of glass weren't there -- I put those there to check out colours & sizes.  ]

Project 11 — Window Mosaic Startup Looking Good

It’s quite exciting to see my latest project taking shape:

Continually inspiring me, the two glass sections are sitting in a living room window while

Guess What Suffers When I’m Busy?

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I must admit that I’ve been quite negligent to this poor website.  The “I’ll get to it” too easily comes to mind.  Yes, I’ve been busy — helping my sister move in Calgary & then glass projects here at home. … Continue reading →

Creativity XXXVII — Spray Paint Sure Blossomed Over the Years

I’ve been in the paint department mega times — like a lot! — over the last 8 months or so, but somehow I always managed to bypass the spray paint aisle.

Or maybe

Project 7 — Raising the Sun Victoria Style

How else would a Victorian celebrate the Victoria Day long weekend than by raising beautiful stained glass sun rays?

Yup, my medieval bed with stained glass panels is finished! 

Gorgeous?  Oh yeah! 

Unique?  Most definitely! 

My vision has been made reality.  What more can I say?

Project 7 — Sun Ray Panels Finished

Yahoo! 

Yabba-dabba-doo 

My bed panels are finished — waiting to be framed. 

I soldered the first side of the panels, took out the nail supports, & gently [while holding my breath]

Project 7 — Time to Solder Bed Panels

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Yahoo!  The leading is done on both glass panels for the headboard.  It’s cool to see the progress: Now I can solder all the meeting points — and add a little surprise.

Project 3 — Colour Change Bumps Elegance Level Up a Notch

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I learned an important design lesson this week.  It started last week when I went to Home Depot to pick up the one Martha Stewart fabric drawer in turquoise that I needed for my little bedroom unit. But whoa, I … Continue reading →

Project 7 — Inching to Elegance

Ooooh, my progress on the bed panels is exciting.  We’re headed for the straight-away now.

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Right now, I’m off to enjoy Mother’s Day with my loving son & the gorgeous sun on Vancouver Isle.  I hope all of you enjoy a wonderful family day.

Project 7 — Lead Brings Glass Together

I’m quite excited to progress to leading the bed panels.  The first one has it’s left corner squared for the outside lead came & the first row is in.

I’ve printed the cartoon [pattern] for the second panel — it’s waiting for me to glue it together so I can setup the leading in the first corner.  Squaring it is a bit tedious but it’s so important to do it right from the start or my whole panel will be out of whack.

This is the journey creating my headboard stained glass panels:

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I’ve got to the first piece that needs grinding — the dark blue for the top row is a tad wide.  First to make it an animal-safe zone.

Yes, of course Pardus grabs the best seat. 

Adding a Slideshow – in Post

This is the journey creating my headboard stained glass panels:

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Do I need my logo here? 

Adding a Gallery — in Post

This is using the WordPress instructions for Gallery.

I’m not sure what happens to the text.

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I’m wondering if I would use this type of post?  Does it allow images in much the same way?  Would my logo appear better in a smaller size?  Is the formatting or font different?  Speaking of which, what’s up with the text colours in the sidebars?  Some blue, some black — there’s no where to set that!

This is an ‘Aside’ post.

Creative Changes — Exploring Gallery

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So, I’m a little confused.  This theme has the option to make the type of post a ‘Gallery’ which I think means only one of these images will show up on the home page. There’s also a couple other things … Continue reading →

Creative Changes

You may have noticed a few changes around here.

I’ve changed to a new WordPress theme with a few more features.

I have a little bit of learning to do but I’m excited to make some improvements around here like:

• wider column for less scrolling
• larger images
• a gallery of images of my work
• different formats for different kinds of posts [huh?]
• an easier to read font colour [i.e. not grey on light blue]
• & many more . . .

Of course, this may simply be the beginning.

This is a ‘Standard’ post.

Creativity XXXVI — Happy Birthday to the Royal Couple

No, I don’t have my headline wrong.

As well as the British royal wedding of Prince William & Catherine Middleton, today is my Mom & Dad’s birthday. Yes, the same day — three years apart.

Project 7 — Waiting For the Sun

Sometimes I feel like I am forever trying to achieve an unattainable goal — like reaching the sun.

Then, I need to sit back [or down, as the case may be], review my progress, & set out a plan for the next steps. Not simply to plan it in my head but

Project 7 — Exciting Finish Cutting Red

Yahoo — all the glass is cut! 

With a little incentive from cutting the blue glass for the second corner bookcase door on my new project table, I set upon cutting the last colour for my headboard panels — the gorgeous red with yellow streaks.

Project 6 — Double Corner Bookcases Expand Space

The triangular bookcases fill the corners — expanding the space visually as well as physically.

I was quite surprised when the first corner bookcase was installed — the whole room seemed to expand.  So, I thought I was prepared for the effect when the second bookcase, in the other corner on the short wall, was put up.

Project 8 — Glass Project Table Up & Working

What a difference a little bit [well, quite a bit] of storage can do!  I finished painting the two base units, my room-mate took off the legs & apron off the kitchen table, . . . then poof, my glass project table was up.

Project 8 — Glass Project Table

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My inspiration from Pottery Barn. After a lot of humming & hawing about my desk area & what kind of units I need built, I found my inspiration at Pottery Barn in the Bedford Project Table Set.  Hey, it’s even … Continue reading →

Project 7 — Colour Starts, & Slows, Cutting Race

I am quite pleased with my progress on the bed panels this past week.  I had produced the pattern & cut most of the blue glass [at Beautiful Start].   A pictorial summary:

I made a slight change in the border colours because I wasn’t happy with the white.  I want the panel to have a ying/yang feeling between the sky — in the traditional-style border with opaque blue tones of rectangles & squares — & the sun — in a more modern-style using rays & triangles in bright-tone colours.

Project 7 — Start of Bed Panels

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I love modern technology!  Usually, printing a document that covers more than one page in Photoshop [Ps] can be a real pain — you have to ‘manually’ move each 8½” x 11″ section [minus printer borders] to its own page.  … Continue reading →

Not Curtains, But . . .

One of my greatest pleasures of living in the country is that curtains are not needed for privacy.  I can undress in my bedroom with no worries of anyone seeing in the bare window.

The huge living room windows, facing the water-side of the property, let in glorious light that floods the whole place.  From the first day I got Lady, she has always slept with me on my bed — now I sometimes find her snoozing out there in the chair, soaking up the early morning sun.

The only reason to cover them would be to hide the ugly brown frames — if this was my place

I’m Working On It

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from I’m Working On It I’ve been searching home stores, magazines, internet design sites — wracking my brain for some idea to cheaply cover the ugly carpets in this rental. Key words:  cheap and  rental — it has to be … Continue reading →

Project 7 — Headboard Glass Panel Pattern

  Ah, finally — I finished the pattern for my bed panels.  I call it Red Sun at Night.

This Photoshop [Ps] rendering does not do justice to the colours & flow of the stained glass. 

Project 6 — Beautiful Start to Large Glass Wall [project 9]

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The first much-needed bookcase is up!  Originally, I was thinking a regular [& I guess, boring] rectangle shape — but my carpenter wanted something ‘different’ & came up with this corner design. Each shelf is a triangle [cut at 45° … Continue reading →

ChristChurch Multiple Cathedrals Damaged

There are many churches in ChristChurch, New Zealand, that have been damaged as a result of three earthquakes in the past six months. 

The ChristChurch Catholic Cathedral — Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament — was severely damaged in the September 4th, 2010 earthquake.

ChristChurch Triple Tragedy

The image above is of the ChristChurch Catholic Cathedral — more info Feb. 27th.  The images & story below are of the ChristChurch Anglican Cathedral.

Just before 1 p.m. on Tuesday 22 FEB 2011, ChristChurch, New Zealand [Monday ~ 5 p.m. my time PST] was hit with a killing earthquake —

Project 4 — Pets Feed in Style

While I was cutting the glass for the tv centre, my room-mate decided to ‘whip together’ an idea I had which would solve a couple of problems.  It gelled from a DIY project I saw at Addicted 2 Decorating where Kristi transformed a small desk into a pet station.

With all this furniture-building experience, my room-mate has the cutting, clamping, & screwing down pat — bing, bang, boom, & he had this little baby built for me.

Lady Daisy May is a sloppy drinker — she leaves puddles

Project 5 — Glass Cutting

With the frames ready, I could cut the soft blue glass for the entertainment centre doors.  They turned out so pretty. 

Now, I have a place to hide knick-knacks, records, & some of the electronics — the tv-remote-reader-thingy & the speakers have come out to the shelves.

The most important cut