Entrance Transformation

Colourful glass & paint have transformed my entrance into a magical delight — click photo to see more at Dawne Design. 😉

Vanessa Dawne Studio of Design

Functional wood art on Vancouver Isle

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Why Did My Mac Need a Redneck Repair?

Find out at my new blog:  dawnedesign.net/blog

Vanessa Dawne Studio of Design

Functional glass & wood art on Vancouver Isle

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Li’l Glass Christmas Tree

😆

Merry Christmas

Please join me at my new site at:

http://dawnedesign.net/blog/

for my Li’l Glass Christmas Tree

Ho, ho, ho

Merry Christmas

♥

Vanessa Dawne Studio of Design

Functional glass & wood art on Vancouver Isle

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Big Net Changes for Dawne Design

I Need Your Opinion

With my desk moved under the living room shutters, I love my ceramic crane against the gorgeous glass background.

Oh yes, I’ve been absent from here for awhile — but that doesn’t mean I haven’t been busy.😆

Although I’ve really enjoyed blogging for free on WordPress.com, I realized that my glass business needed a more professional site — one that allows for a store, PayPal payments, a quick view of what I offer, & most especially, a site where the blah, blah, blah of my blog is not a mandatory read but a choice.

Of course, going ‘professional’ costs a few $$ but maybe not as much as you think.  At about $10 per year, the first step was registering a domain name: dawnedesign.net — which I did a few years ago [2? 3?].

At that time, I simply made a graphic in Photoshop that acted as an index [in tech-talk a ‘static landing page’] pointing to my free Dawne Design & Dawne Thoughts blogs, as well as what I was hoping would be my sales site — Rustic Glass Fusion.

But whoa, that site didn’t tie into my glass blog & it was a real pain trying to keep it up-to-date.  Why was I doing this the hard way?

So, I took the big step of purchasing my own hosting account.  I looked at a few hosting companies but that can be a confusing world for the newbie site builder — how do I choose?

Since I really love WordPress, my biggest priority was ensuring my host allowed WordPress.org installation & that they kept up-to-date with the latest version.  Most do, but how easy was the process? Some have great tools to help with this; some do not.

Since I’d registered my domain name at netfirms.com, I found their prices quite reasonable & they promised ‘one-button installation’ for WordPress.  Again, to keep things easier for me, I decided to keep everything with the same company.

Now at $5 per month, netfirms.com’s ‘Plus’ plan is pretty reasonable — the problem is you need to pay for at least a year up front.  So, my birthday present to myself this year was forking out $60 to cover my first year.  Easy, peasy & then I was set!

This is where WordPress.org comes in — the same ease at creating a site as WordPress.com but with much greater flexibility to make it uniquely mine.  Of course, this also means a bit of learning for me but netfirms.com‘s tools make even that a lot easier:

• installation really does happen with the click of one button;
• their Knowledgebase provides detailed instructions & video tutorials to help with every aspect of managing my new site;
• support includes an easy-to-use 24/7 text chat with technical specialists — I used it twice & found it quick, friendly, & most importantly, easy to understand instructions
• [support also includes telephone access but I haven’t found the need to use that yet].

Although there’s tons of WordPress ‘themes’ you could pay for, there’s even more freebies — I found everything I need in the Responsive theme.

I was extremely pleased with what I created [left] in only a couple hours — oh yeah😀, I was patting my own back.

You can check out the full page at dawnedesign.net

It’s pretty simple right now but, oh yeah, I have lots of plans … like tutorials, store, PayPal payments, slide shows, …

Here is where you’ll find my glass work — panels, windows, shutters, headboard, garden planters, lamps, … you name it, I’ll try it.

Best of all, my Dawne Design blog is separated off from the ‘business’ section — on its own tab on the top menu or it can be reached directly at dawnedesign.net/blog

I invite you all to sign-up for future posts about making glass projects & what I do with them around my home — top right on blog page.

Another bonus is a sub-menu with tabs to all my other blogs:  Dawne Thoughts with my thoughts on everyday life; Dawne Enlightened where I deal with mental illness; & my new GrandLUV.net about the joys & concerns of the modern grandparent.  There’s also a choice to come here for the old Dawne Design blog — at some point I will move these old posts to the new blog, … later.

So, after all that blah, blah, I’d like to ask your opinion of the new dawnedesign.net — good, bad, or neutral.  I’d like to hear it all, please.  Please leave a comment [viewable by all] or, if you prefer, check out my Contact page where you can fill out the form & send a private message to me.

Thanks so much — I appreciate all your comments.

Vanessa Dawne Studio of Design

Functional glass & wood art on Vancouver Isle

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Moving Furniture Creates Zones

My desk & chair fit perfectly under the glass shutters.

I know I ask a lot of this skinny mobile home but by moving a couple of key pieces of furniture, I formed zones for:

1. a skinny area for both desks along wall with corner bookcases & glass shutters,
2. a larger tv/conversation area in the middle with the couch & entertainment centred & the two Ikea chairs forming a U,
3. my glass work area with tons of shelves stretching into the kitchen.

Quite a few problems were fixed.  Now, there’s a nice flow through the 26′ x 11′ space.  Now, there’s enough seating when a visitor comes over without having to move a chair into place.

And now, I have room for another shelving unit in my glass work area — of course, I have to buy the lumber & get it built first. 😉

My work table was piled high with junk but eventually I did find a place for [just about] everything.

It’s ready now for the start of my next commission — a 14″ x 18″ panel.

I’m excited to get going on this one because I’m going to experiment with depth of perception by grouping small glass pieces among the larger pieces in the design.

Hopefully, the idea in my head can be translated by my hands to the lead & glass design, … hmmm, we’ll see.

I was quite surprised my drafting table fit so well under the shutters but with its tiltable top & movable sides, it was no problem to lower it.

I especially love my ceramic crane with the stained glass panels of the shutters as a background.

Day or night, the sleekness of the bird’s neck & head is beautiful.  And I have a wonderful new writing spot.

Vanessa Dawne Studio of Design

Functional glass & wood art on Vancouver Isle

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Check It Tuesday – writing √. . . next back to glass work

CHECK IT √  — tuesday Status Report:  **

√   wk 20–> writing freak
x   wk 18/19–> down & out 😦
√   wk 17–> business cards & grand-daughter joy
√  wks 14 through 1 –> please see Check It √  page index

This Week’s Project [+ previously missed weeks]

The drama has ended.  A little bundle of straw was placed on top of the stress mountain from the past year — I declared ‘enough’ — they ridiculed & attacked — I exploded back.  My shame was public.  Now, although not the way I wanted nor envisioned, the truth is out — I am beyond relieved.  I feel free — me again.

😆

A Special Birthday Wish

Happy 3rd Birthday to my Sweet Grand-Daughter

More at Dawne Thoughts — Sweet Life — Where to Start?

Vanessa Dawne Studio of Design

Functional glass & wood art on Vancouver Isle

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Check It Tuesday – organizing x business & family √. . . next writing & glass

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Okay, yeah, I changed the name but haven’t changed being late!  A whole week!  Eeek!  😦 CHECK IT √  — tuesday Status Report:  ** √   wk 17–> business cards & grand-daughter joy x    wk 16–> down & out 😦 √   wk … Continue reading →

Check It Tuesday – organizing √ . . . next more org & glass gift

Notice the name change?  I figure since I’m always late trying to post on Monday, I might as well admit defeat & change the day.  A baby step to less stress. 😉 CHECK IT √  — tuesday Status Report:  ** √   … Continue reading →

Check It Monday – cleaning √ . . . next organizing

Yeah, late again!  Can’t seem to much right these days — exactly why I need to get better organized! 😉 CHECK IT √  — tuesday monday Status Report: √   wk 14–> cleaning house & keeping it clean √   wk 13–> CityScape … Continue reading →

Check It Monday – CityScape & Purple Wave Windows √ . . . next

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Yes, I know this is Wednesday — oops, let’s blame it on Labour Day, okay? 😎 CHECK IT √  — Monday Status Report: √   wk 13–> CityScape framed & Purple Wave window installed x   wk 12–> missed Saanich Fair due to … Continue reading →

Surprise Pay It Forward . . . handmade!

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My sons & I loved the 2000 movie, Pay It Forward, with favourites Bruce Willis, Helen Hunt, Kevin Spacey, & especially, Haley Joel Osment.  And since the book is usually better than the movie, the novel by Catherine Ryan Hyde … Continue reading →

Check It Monday – Skinny Bench √ . . . next CityScape & Purple Wave Windows

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CHECK IT √  — business Monday Status Report: √   wk 11–> Skinny Bench painted [link to be added] √   wk 9&10–> Glass Only art show & summer fun √   wk 8 –> Fire & Ice Abstracts finished … Continue reading →

Make It Happen Monday . . . Fire & Ice Abstracts √ . . . next Summer Fun

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MAKE IT HAPPEN! — Monday Status Report: √    wk 8–> Fire & Ice Abstracts finished & Gallery submitted [link to be added] x     wk 7–> Winter Ice Abstract [Gallery 2] to putty stage √     wk 6–> Summer Heat Abstract [Gallery 1] to … Continue reading →

Of Interest To All Creative Types

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In love with medieval stained glass as I am, a site I often visit is Milly Frances’ everything stained glass.  Milly’s European background is impressive & I find great tutorials for modern work as well as great pictures of historical … Continue reading →

Make It Happen Monday . . . Winter Ice Abstract x . . . next Try, Try, Try Again

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MAKE IT HAPPEN! — Monday Status Report: x     wk 7–> Winter Ice Abstract [Gallery 2] to putty stage √     wk 6–> Summer Heat Abstract [Gallery 1] to putty stage ½√ wk 5–> Gallery Abstract 1 concept drawings & glass supplies √    wk  4–> … Continue reading →

Calendula / Marigold or Calendula Officinalis

Using natural herbs, flowers, etc. for many health issues has always been something I’m interested in. And, of course, in Medivel Art Studies we covered plenty on natural ingredients for dyes, staining, & colouring glass — I would so much … Continue reading →

Make It Happen Monday . . . Summer Heat Abstract √ . . . next Winter Ice Abstract

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MAKE IT HAPPEN! — Monday Status Report: √     wk 6–> Summer Heat Abstract [Gallery 1] to putty stage ½√ wk 5–> Gallery Abstract 1 concept drawings & glass supplies √    wk  4–> Porch Cleanup & Valance photos [link to be added] √    … Continue reading →

Make It Happen Monday . . . Gallery Abstract 1 ½√ . . . next Gallery Abstract 1 fini

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MAKE IT HAPPEN! — Monday Status Report: ½√  wk 5–> Gallery Abstract 1 concept drawings & glass supplies √    wk  4–> Porch Cleanup & Valance photos [link to be added] √    wk  3–> Flower Power leaded [link to be added] … Continue reading →

Make It Happen Monday . . . Porch Cleanup √ . . . next Gallery Abstract 1

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MAKE IT HAPPEN! — Monday Status Report: √   wk  4–> Porch Cleanup & Valance photos [link to be added] √    wk  3–> Flower Power leaded [link to be added] x    wk  2 –> Glass cutting/leading Flower Power √    wk  1 … Continue reading →

Elf Garden [Project 33]

I have quite a few empty picture frames sitting around — simply waiting for me to print photos in the right size & shape.  My excuse — the printer was low on coloured ink. 😐

Every day, I was getting more & more interested in the gorgeous collages I saw in Scrap Girls daily newsletters & on their website.  With each newsletter I had downloaded the free graphic, template, or paper texture — I was accumulating a nice collection of goodies.

Then, one day–quite awhile after getting ink cartridges–I decided I had to either do something or simply print out the photo as it was.  Geez, just fill that dull, blank frame!

Elf Garden

Using a favourite photo taken by my grand-daughter’s talented mom, I had a ton of fun in Photoshop adding

Make It Happen Monday . . . Flower Power √ . . . next Porch Cleanup

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MAKE IT HAPPEN! — Monday Status Report: √    wk  3–> Flower Power leaded [link to be added] x    wk  2 –> Glass cutting/leading Flower Power √    wk  1 –> Paint Bedroom Shutter Sliders — project #30 Elegant Blue Wonders Since … Continue reading →

Make It Happen Monday . . . Flower Power . . . up again

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MAKE IT HAPPEN! — Monday Status Report: x    wk  2 –> Glass cutting/leading Flower Power √    wk  1 –> Paint Bedroom Shutter Sliders — project #30 Elegant Blue Wonders Me–the expert procrastinator–decided to participate in Kristi’s Make It Happen! Monday, … Continue reading →

Elegant Slider Shutters a Blue Wonder [Project 30]

Something radically different for me –> I love–absolutely love–waking up in the morning now!  Here’s why:

My view from the bed — but my photography skills cannot capture the glorious morning light flooding the room in exciting blue & glimmering ivory.

Make It Happen Monday . . . Shutters √ . . . next up Flower Power

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MAKE IT HAPPEN! — Monday Status Report: √    wk  1 –> Paint Bedroom Shutter Sliders — project #30 Elegant Blue Wonders Last week, Kristi, at Addicted2Decorating, started a weekly challenge, aptly named ‘Make It Happen Monday’ whereby she, and anybody … Continue reading →

Make It Happen Monday . . . Paint Shutter Slides

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One of the hardest things about being creative is actually finishing projects.  So many times, I will start a great project, get it in place, & then go onto the next exciting project without actually finishing the previous one. Now … Continue reading →

Colour Fun

I’ve had lots of colour fun around the house lately. Check out gorgeous photos at Dawne Thoughts — they really stand-out on the black background.

Vanessa Dawne Studio of Design

Functional glass & wood art on Vancouver Isle

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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

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

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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 →

Window Boxes Set For Spring [Project 29]

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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 →

Rainbow Window Opens Up View [Project 27]

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.

CityScape Window Adds Interest [Project 28]

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

Inspiration Kicks Off Changes

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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 … Continue reading →

CityScape Starts From Scraps [Project 28]

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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 … Continue reading →

Rainbow Start A Little Off [Project 27]

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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 … Continue reading →

Sparkling Turquoise Putty [Project 27]

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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 … Continue reading →

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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:

Squared Rainbow Concept [Project 27]

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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 … Continue reading →

Net Inspiration — Admin Desk

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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 … Continue reading →

Dowel Opening Windows [Project 26]

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.

Modular Window Concept [Project 23]

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

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 … Continue reading →

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:

Glass Abstract Panel [Project 21 / 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! 😎

Christmas Lights Update Romantic Headboard [Project 7]

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

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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 … Continue reading →

Architectural Glass Adds to Door [Project 14]

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Glass panels installed in bottom of porch door.

Green Trees Sliders Fini — for now [Project 17]

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‘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

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A pretty little light came to visit:

Green Trees Sliding Windows part 1 [Project 17]

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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

Seeing Clear Through [Project 14]

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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 … Continue reading →

Double Mosaic Windows [Project 11]

So beautiful throughout the day. 😎

Inspired by

Glass Planters Shine [Project 10]

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It all started with the corner bookcases 😛

Gorgeous Glass Window Shutters [Project 9]

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. 🙂 ]

Window Mosaic Startup Looking Good [Project 11]

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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

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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