Where have you been?

Don't you hate when real life gets in the way of your crafting-decorating-blogging? I've got projects and plans piling up all around me. It's month-end close at work and that means staying late - at least a few days a week.  Add to that the three-part Photoshop lessons Tom gave me for Christmas, and I haven't been spending much time at home these days.

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The Photoshop classes were fun (and I learned a lot).  I was absolutely terrified to go though.  I hate not being good at something in front of other people.  Ridiculous, I know.  How else am I going to learn?  The instructor was great and I was the only one who took all three classes in a row so I'm sure I was his favourite. 

The classes were held at Henry's, a Canadian camera store, and I'd recommend them to anyone.  We touched on a little bit of everything that Photoshop Elements can do.  Can't say I'm an expert now, but armed with my notes, I'm hoping my pictures get better. It helped that I've spent so much time working with Picasa and Picnik.

In my spare minutes I've been painting the baseboards and trim in the living room/dining room.  Semi-gloss white straight-out-the-can. One more coat on the second half of the room and it'll be ready to load in.  And then maybe I'll have something to show you!  Thanks for your patience - we're getting there.

This weekend I'll be making something fun for Valentine's Day. I'll share the pictures (edited using my fancy new skills of course) as soon as it's done.  Think sweet, salty, & pink! (And if you're thinking dirty thoughts just stop it.)

Daydreaming

This week I've been painting the fireplace each night after work.  It's taking a long time.  So while I wait for each coat to dry, I've been looking at accent colours for the new and improved living room. Just to refresh your memory, here is what I'm working with:

The green really isn't an issue since it's only in the kitchen/dining room. And the tile is only around the fireplace, though it does start at the edge of the living room. So mostly I'm just working with the new wall colour, the little bit of tile, and the tan furniture.

This was my first thought.  Ice blue curtains and pillows. 

Maybe soft yellow pillows and an ice blue throw.

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Or these pillows.

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Then there is navy.  My favourite colour. 

But I wonder if navy by itself would be too harsh.



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So I found navy and light blue. Softer, yet a striking contrast to the wall.

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Or I could embrace the orange and try something like this.

Bonus points for the burlap lampshade.

 

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The charcoal colours in this room make me giddy.  They look so rich.

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And this pendant light from Overstock.com has me drooling. 

Even Tom likes it and he doesn't like anything.

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But after all of this daydreaming I realized that the large artwork we have

is going to influence our colour scheme.

These pictures are b-i-i-i-i-g and end up being the focal point of any wall.

And I'm not sure I'm ready to give them up yet.

Any suggestions?

Map Yourself

Have time for a little fun?

Katie over at Latte Love has put together an interactive blogger map. 

Go on over and add your location - it only takes a minute!

 

Keep in touch (maybe even arrange a meet-up) with online friends

on your travels around the globe!