Fresh Find Giveaway Friday!

 Win this 8x10 original watercolor Strawberry Fields Bunny!

(see details at the bottom of the post)

I was so excited when Alison decided to coordinate with me to do a giveaway for you all! Last week, was not only my Dad's birthday, but also my sister's birthday. On her wishlist was a piece of art that she found on Etsy by the artist Alison Fennell. 

Let me tell you, I was BLOWN away by the special treatment and the attention to detail that Alison gave to me once I placed my order. Not only did my sister LOVE her magpie painting, but she was really impressed by the original handwritten owl birthday card that Alison created and included. 

It has been a long time since I've received such wonderful customer service that I was intrigued by Alison and the way she conducts business, so I gave her a mini-interview via email (since she is all the way over in Wales!) and wanted to share with you all what she had to say. 

How did you get started making your lovely artwork?

I first got started in art when I saw a local art show and the artist was there himself. I have never met a real artist and I had always loved watercolors. I bought one of his there and then and it coast nearly half a week's salary - but I had to have it. Then I asked him if he did teaching classes and he said he did and was actually running a total beginners watercolor weekend the following weekedn. The rest in history - that was 1994. I painted with him for 6 months twice a week in a group and have been experimenting and teaching myself with videos, books and lots of paper since.

What inspires you day to day?

What inspires me are the dramatic effects of light that models all we see. I love the conterchange of light and dark as it falls on anything. I spend a lot of my time squinting at things to see the shadows better and slow down in the car to look at a fab image when I shouldn't!

Any advice for aspiring small business owners?

I would always follow through on all sales. ALWAYS acknowledge your client - NEVER delay thanking them for selecting your work - this is a must. No body likes to feel invisible and it is rude. Always ship on same day if possible and make sure your packaging and presentation are as attractive and effective as possible. I think if you take the time to write customs labels legibly and print your clients address in a nice font with your logo it looks professional and people feel they can trust the quality and attention to detail of everything you do. When I write thank you notes I never rush and I am focussed entirely on that and I think of the person that has bought this painting and what it will be like for htem unwrapping it. Being in the moment every step of the way.

Which of your paintings means the most to you?

The piece that I have at the moment that means the most is one called the Raven - I just love the stark raw beauty of this bird with its uncompromising silhouete and blackes bluey feathers and his hooked gnarled beak.

Thank you Allison! I absolutely loved your advice for small business owners! Everyone could use a bit of this knowledge in everyday life as well! For more about Alison, check out this article and her blog. 

GIVEAWAY details: 

1. To enter the Strawberry Fields Bunny giveaway, simply visit Alison's Eastwitching Etsy shop to check out Alison's artwork and leave a comment on this post between today, Friday, July 30th, 2010 and Sunday, August 18th at Midnight CST telling me which piece is your favorite. A winner will be selected at random and will be announced the following Monday.

2. To receive an additional entry, you can link to this post on your own blog (include the url to your blog post in your comment). It is up to you to return to this post to enter your second entry after blogging about the giveaway.

3. Post about this giveaway on Twitter with a link to this blog post for another entry (follow @jamigoldsmith on twitter in order to show me your tweet). It is up to you to return to this post to enter your additional entry after tweeting about the giveaway.

4. Please follow imagine on the sidebar on the right. Anonymous entries will be ignored, so please include your e-mail in your comment. Your e-mail address will never be used for anything other than to notify you if you are the winner.

Great news! The giveaway is open WORLD WIDE! Alison will ship anywhere in the world! Alison, in the run up to what will be her 1000th visitor, is preparing to shower that lucky visitor with gifts...which will include THEIR OWN CHOICE OF A FREE ORIGINAL FROM HER STORE! Plus, several 10% discount vouchers for their FRIENDS and FAMILY! Thank you for entering and good luck!

CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED

the winner is Ludmila! Congratulations!

projects in progress

Project: Entire home makeover

(before)

(before)

(before)

progress on the above kitchen:

progress on the master bathroom in the same home as above:

progress in the master bedroom in the same home as above:

Project: Master Bath + Closet remodel

(before)

Existing Floor Plan

Inspiration Images

Inspiration Board

UPDATE!!! ABOVE PROJECT COMPLETED:

to view more photos of this project go here

If you're looking for an interior designer or interior design and decorating services and you live in La Verne, California or any of the Southern California surrounding areas, please email me at jamigoldsmith@yahoo.com. I'd love to help make your house a home! I also offer E-design services for those of you who live outside of the Southern California area. 

Thursday's This + That

Get spotted in this D & G silk-crepe mini dress while serving up some dainty treats on that set of Yedi Houseware Classic Coffee and Tea Polka Dot Dessert Plates. 

Wednesday Weekend Warm Up (Lauren Style)

Lauren had me at...martini! Good food, style chats and unique cocktail recipes is what you can find over at chatN'chow. After perusing her site for...hmmm...about a second, I knew that I had to have Lauren Guest Bartend for me during my summer series! Today, she's sharing with us her favorite way to spend her summer weekend & on the menu: Cucumber Gin Fizz. The first round's on me!

Summer in South Norwalk, CT is a blast. I live in a beach community with tons of restaurants, bands and arts events. Since our friends can walk over to our place we start with cocktails and apps on our balcony watching sunset and the boats coming in. Then we mosey over to one of the many restaurants with outdoor (key) seating where we can hang out and listen to music for the night. That's pretty much it. Super cas and a lot of fun!

The Cucumber Gin Fizz! I'm big into herbs & gardening! I've quickly tired of overly sweet cocktails and have moved more into martini's and savory drinks. One night I was grilling salmon and had extra dill and decided it would go great with gin.

**NOTES**

-For different drinks I like different types of gin. Tanqueray has a complimentary to use in this cocktail since it's not too herbal yet still has a nice clean flavor.

-Garnishes are an important clue as to the flavor in a drink especially if serving at a party and the flavor is a bit unusual.

Thank you, Lauren! Your summer weekends sound amazing and this fizzy concoction sounds even more amazing! I can't wait to try this garden in a glass! 

{Tuesday Thoughts}

Has anyone else been craving the beach? I live about 40 minutes from the beach and have definitely NOT taken advantage of the close proximity.

“The cure for anything is salt water—sweat, tears, or the sea.”

― Isak Dinesen

It's been decided; a little R+R courtesy of the Pacific Ocean is on the agenda this week. 

*images from Lund Lund

Makeover Monday: Insider Tips, Tricks & Expert Advice

I did a kitchen and bath consultation last week and got totally inspired by some of these images I found browsing on the internet, looking for ideas. I love this new contemporary line of cabinetry and hardware from Christopher Peacock. They're known for their classic + traditional cabinetry, which has always been a favorite in my book, but I'm loving this fresh new look that they've come up with! Especially the two-toned cabinetry and that checkerboard butcherblock! To die for!

Do plan ahead.

"Last-minute changes are very costly. Once cabinets and appliances are ordered, a change can have a considerable ripple effect on a tightly planned system." 

- Petra Schwartze, architect

Do draw up a budget.

"Set a budget within your comfort zone, and then examine just how far beyond that number you are willing to go if it becomes necessary."

- Susan Serra, certified kitchen designer

Do invest in good kitchen designs. 

"No matter what your investment in materials and labor, a functional design that makes your life easier is the essence of a new kitchen." 

- Susan Bloss, certified kitchen designer

Don't settle for a poor layout. 

"A mistake people make is to put the three major appliances on different sides of the island so they're constantly walking around it to get to them."

- Jerry DePersia, architect

Don't overaccessorize. 

"Avoid being seduced by the bells and whistles. Some accessories are extremely helpful; however, will you really take the time to insert each knife individually into its own little slot in the flatware organizer?"

- Petra Schwartze, architect

*tips from Kitchen and Bath Ideas, all images from Christopher Peacock

Fresh Find Friday! (Goldsmith Style)

A collection of gold...

...cuz it's my Dad's birthday and we've got the glitziest glam name around: Goldsmith. Happy Birthday Dad.

*all items can be found at Michael Aram

Thursday's This + That

This couple of peep toes swimmingly stop the show and that Koi pitcher will gurgle (gurgle, yes actually gurgle!) while you're pouring your favorite summer beverage (maybe yesterday's sangria?).

Wednesday Weekend Warm Up (Annemarie style)

On the menu for the weekend: Sangia from Annemarie! This is a classic staple for me when entertaining and I was so excited when Annemarie from Brunch at Saks sent over this recipe! I never thought of adding sparkling water! Love it! Put these items on your grocery list, it's a crowd pleaser! 

I was so excited when Jami asked me to bartend on her beautiful blog!  Summers here in Los Angeles are not awfully hot like some places, but we do tend to experience heat waves throughout the season, which makes having a nice cool drink poolside that much nicer!  Up until last year, I had never even heard of Sangria (yes- I've since moved out from under my rock), and now I just can't get enough. It's light, crisp, and refreshing- perfect for backyard bbq's or even packed up for a day at the beach.  

Thank you, Jami! Hope you all are having a fabulous summer!

*recipe & directions found here, photo found here

{Tuesday Thoughts}

"There is magic...in the deep-jewel-colored room, warm and mysterious, where you discover its many beauties as you sit, seduced slowly."

-Billy Baldwin

What do you think? Do you enjoy these jewel toned rooms designed by the 'King of Color', Jamie Drake? Or are you afraid of color?

Makeover Monday: Insider Tips, Tricks & Expert Advice

DESIGN TIP: Hang art in unusual places.

Hanging art on a wall, is not unusual, I realize, but hanging art lower, or even sometimes higher than eye level creates visual interest and moves the eyes across the entire space. Who said we always need to hang art at eye level anyways? 

I love how the team over at Woodson & Rummerfield covered a portion of this wall from floor to ceiling with a variety of framed art. They even set some on the floor! Not only does this create a taller ceiling effect, but it also draws the eye down to the floor. It's a kind of "pathway" for your eyes, visually directing the space. 

So head to the thrift store, your attic or gather pieces of art from around your home and re-create this look yourself!

Fresh Find Friday!

So many possibilities!

Check out the variety of Walter Panels they have over at inmod! Create your own unique pattern using shapes such as circles, rectangles, tear drops and even stars! Personally, the circles are my favorite. 

Paint them whatever color your little heart desires and arrange them on the wall however your little heart desires! You're the artist here! Add a bit of 3-dimensional drama and texture to your walls for a more interesting space. 

Thursday's This + That

Dress Fido in this Barcode Dog T-shirt and transform your space with that Barcode Pillow. 

Wednesday Weekend Warm Up (Anna Style)

Frozen Peach Margaritas were one of the most popular cocktails I used to serve back in my bartending days. Anna from In Honor of Design is Guest Bartending today, whipping up her special Frozen Peach Margaritas for us and sharing with us how she likes to spend her summer weekends! I want one now and it's only Wednesday morning!

My favorite way to spend a summer weekend always involves a body of water + suntan lotion + good food + family + and a good summer drink in hand! :) There is nothing better than the summer sun and enjoying good company. I really can't get enough! Margaritas are always my drink of choice so here is one of my new favorite drink recipes that I am happy to share with other summer lovin' peeps!

Thanks, Anna! This looks deliciously refreshing and the perfect cocktail to have in hand next to the pool! I can't wait to try one this weekend!

*Anna found this recipe here

{Tuesday Thoughts}

"If you are collector, let other people share your pride and joy. Don't sprinkle your collection out of sight in a meaningless jumble. Notice how groups of small objects, when they are well arranged, become important and effective. Remember that repetition is a form of emphasis. Collect what you will, but see to it that you arrange your hobby to its best advantage."

-Dorothy Draper

*Melanie's images found via The Style Files

and we have a winner!

Congrats to Haley of Scentsational Scents on winning a month's worth supply of Total Skin & Body Supplements from Perricone MD worth $140! I can't wait for you to try it and let us all know how it worked!

Makeover Monday: Insider Tips, Tricks & Expert Advice

A few weeks ago I held a giveaway asking participants to comment on their home makeover tips + tricks and an astounding number of you commented saying that painting old furniture was the way to go! I've been debating doing this to some old dressers of mine that I have in my guest room, but my boyfriend, whose Grandmother gave them to him, is giving me a bit of resistance. In my tireless hours of persuasion, I came across this article that I'd thought I'd go in for the kill with. I love what they did with a $25 dresser they found on Craigslist! 

What a difference! They did a fantastic job and in their article in Sunset Magazine they tell you exactly how they did it, including the exact paint colors they used! Click here to see the full article. I'm going to give you the condensed version (all taken from their article!).

Happy Painting!

To bring this dresser into the modern era, we first removed and set aside the drawers and wheeled feet. Next we removed and discarded the top trim piece and the drawer pulls. We smoothed out the bottom trim's frillier details with wood filler. Once it was dry, we used 220-grit sandpaper and an electric sander (rented from a hardware store) to lightly sand all visible flat surfaces. We hand-sanded grooves and detailing, then wiped all surfaces with a damp cloth. With a 6-inch paint roller, we applied two coats of low-sheen black latex enamel paint to all visible surfaces, using long strokes in one direction (we used a 2-inch paint roller for the corners and edging). When that was dry, we applied the gray paint accents.

Black (2132-10) paint from Benjamin Moore Paints

Add decorative detailing

Get our pattern (PDF)

After the last coat of black paint is completely dry (a day or two is ideal), plan your design on paper.

Remove the dresser drawers and knobs, and position drawers on a covered floor surface, lining them face up in the same sequence as they sit in the dresser (number them on the inside with a pencil).

Adhere strips of 1-inch-wide painter's tape (we like Frogtape; find stores at the website) flush with the outside edge of the two smaller top drawers. Next, adhere ½-inch-wide painter's tape flush with the inside edge of the 1-inch tape. Repeat with the 1-inch tape on the inside edge of the ½-inch tape. Remove ½-inch tape.

Use this same wide-narrow-wide tape application for the design on the three lower drawers. To ensure that the corners meet at 90° angles, use a corner ruler edge when applying tape. Apply pressure to inside edges of tape strips.

Apply two coats of gray paint with a 2-inch dense-foam roller, allowing time to dry between coats. Once completely dry, carefully remove tape, secure knobs, and reposition drawers in the dresser. Use a ¼-inch paintbrush and the gray paint to carefully fill in any gaps between the drawers.

For the new wooden drawer pulls, we applied two coats of black or gray paint to each. Once they were dry, we reattached them, along with the old wheels.

• $25 Craigslist find

• FINAL COST: $124

Fresh Find Friday!

Me like...

Dreamgate Wallband from Studio 1a.m. Found via Yanko Design. Very cool - I've been thinking about doing something similar like this in my guest bedroom above my bed. I want to make my guest room into more of a lounge/office/hang out space rather than just a guest bedroom that rarely gets used. I'll push my bed into the corner, rather than have it sitting in the middle of the room and place something like this above it to create a "lounging corner" where I can chill, but guests can still sleep when they visit. What do you think? Does your guest room go unused? Could you re-purpose it into a multi-functional space?

Please remember to enter my current giveaway! Only 3 days left to enter! New + loyal followers can both enter! Who wouldn't want $140 worth of Skin & Total Body supplements?!

Thursday's This + That

Set your table with this set of From The Deep Salad Plates from Anthropologie + cover your chairs in that Thomas Paul Deep Sea printed fabric from Duralee.