Category Archives: Home Decor & Organizing

We LOVE to decorate and organize – so check this category out for lots of ideas.

Old Things Made New

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Up-cycling furniture and decorating with thrift store finds is all the rage these days. And I am fully on board with this movement but, I admit that I have never been a patient or enthusiastic shopper. My girlfriend on the other hand has a gift. Though she doesn’t shop often she always comes out with fabulous finds. She was one who first spotted this chair in the thrift store and relayed the vision of it’s full potential to me. She didn’t buy it that day because she felt like she lacked the ability to restore it. We make a good team, her and I, because while my shopping skills are poor, my crafting skills are solid. The following day I picked up the chair and set to work recovering it – as a surprise for her.

I thought I’d share the process with you. This isn’t a complete step-by-step guide but, for those of you out there who can wield a pair of scissors and run a sewing machine it will, at least, set you in the right direction. :)
Although the upholstery was worn out the springs were good, the frame was intact and the cushions were firm and comfortable. It was worth recovering.
I began first by choosing a solid heavy weight upholstery stye fabric. After that I purchased the matching thread and zippers. I wanted the slipcover to be removable and washable so I decided to have zippers on the main cushion and the back cushion. I made the cushion covers similar to the original design. I used the actual cushions as my patterns and cut the fabric to fit. Starting at the back with the zipper first and then following the shape of the cushion (see diagrams below). The cushion back was essentially the same – although less boxy. Starting with the zipper on the bottom first an then cutting around, pinning, sewing and following the pattern of the existing cushion.

Covering the main frame of the chair is a bigger job but still very doable.  Again it is a matter of using the chair’s own shape as the pattern. Your sewing lines will follow the obvious lines of the chair’s frame. Always place the right side of the fabric down while cutting out your pattern. Pin and sew as you go. You need a LOT of pins for this!This pin line will be the line you follow when sewing.
Continue following the chair’s outline. Cutting, pinning and sewing until you have covered the entire body of the chair. Keeping a decent amount of fabric hanging on the bottom so you can hem nicely. I do a regular stitch line on all the seams but then go along them again with a thicker zig-zag stitch for extra durability.Flip the slip cover right side out to hem. Keep in mind that this whole piece needs to be pulled over the chair so slits in the corners are a must (shown below). My girlfriend loved the surprise – we snuck into her home one afternoon and left the chair in her living room. I added a small throw pillow which I made from some fabric taken off an old lampshade she had loved.
As mentioned above, this isn’t a truly detailed outline on slip-covering but hopefully it sets you on the right path. If you have any questions please ask – I’ll do my best to answer them. :)

~ Micheline

Pyromania

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Never put a 60-watt bulb into a 40-watt socket. Apparently it can be a fire hazard, as my favourite chandelier and I discovered a few years back.

Upon selling our home in Cranbrook I admit that I was a little sad my favourite chandelier wasn’t joining us in Creston. Perhaps that’s what possessed me to replace her ailing 40-watt bulb with the more powerful 60-watt version. At least I like to think it was that and not simply stupidity (carelessness, lack of fire-safety knowledge, etc).

Regardless of the reason, the loud crack and instant flames coming from my dear chandelier after a simple flick of her switch was enough to render me momentarily frozen –apparently I’m not the person you want around in a crisis. My husband Shane is the person you want around in a crisis and fortunately he was home at the time of my little, um, “incident”.

Emergency abated, we replaced our damaged chandelier for the new homeowners and brought her to Creston.

Why? Because I collect beautiful things; beads, crystals, bits of odd paraphernalia. As an artist, I just can’t help myself. I see their beauty and wait for the opportunity to spotlight it.

In this case, opportunity came in the form of one beautiful (albeit damaged) chandelier, my electrician brother-in-law, my assortment of collected bits ‘n’ pieces and some light brown spray paint.

The chandelier before and after.

And while I hope my photographs will inspire you to look for and encourage the beauty in all things (including people) I also want to do my part in encouraging ongoing fire safety awareness.

Fire safety and prevention was observed in Canada last week, October 7th – 13th and the following link contains important fact sheets you can download as well as some fun and educational children’s activity sheets: FIRE PREVENTION CANADA

~ Micheline

NEW Art Prints on Etsy!

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Hey folks,

Just putting a bug in your ear – I’ve added a HEAP of new affordable prints into my Etsy shop. These were created from my original artwork. Check it out at this link>MISH MASH!If you have missed out on seeing the gallery of my work – check it out here >>>> ARTIST’S GALLERY!

HAPPY DAY!

Micheline

Margaret Lake

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I had never heard of this beautiful place until I was commissioned to paint it. Margaret Lake is set within a mountain cauldron in Glacier National Park – it unbelievably picturesque. I am thinking this place should be on everyone’s bucket list!

I loved the photograph (above) that my client sent me right off the bat and was super excited to try it but once I got into working I realized this was going to be a big project. Not only was the canvas large – 5′ x 4′ – the image was super detailed and involved too.
Let’s just say it took a “wee-bit” of time to complete…

I like to do a sketch first. I don’t always follow it exactly but it gives me an idea of where to start and it’s good to warm up first. ;) In my, Peak In Progress post, I mentioned that I do a watery type of acrylic sketch first and then start putting down my basic map of paint after. I do a lot of layering – adding the detail last.I don’t have my own studio area yet but my family is kind enough to share the dining room with me. :) I did work the details in the sky early on this one but I left off doing that with the rest – mainly because of the size – I really felt like I needed to get the basics down throughout. I think I was hoping that if I did this it would all feel a little less overwhelming – ha ha!This is a close-up to show how I put down the basics first – focusing mostly on form and colour – no detail.After getting everything down I was then able to move on and start shaping things up – I really wanted a chunky geometric feel to the mountains. After this I worked more on smoothing things out and adding the details.I wasn’t happy with the foreground mountains – they seemed to compete too much with the background colours – so I decided to darken them and put them into shadow. It made for a better contrast.Finished off with little details here and there and voila – FINIS! Okay – so that looked fast and easy but it wasn’t at all! HA HA! I feel like this photo doesn’t do this 5′ x 4′ canvas much justice – it is far more interesting in person. I will also say that I love the upper portion of this piece the best. This often happens to me – sometimes I will like sections of the painting more than the painting as a whole – but we are always our own worst critic. ;)

Hope this is at least inspiring to some folks out there!

Micheline

A Peak in Process

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Though I lived in Cranbrook, BC for 14 years it never occurred to me to paint Fisher Peak. Not because it isn’t beautiful – it is truly grand – I think one just becomes accustomed with or even complacent with one’s surroundings. The things that we see on a daily basis don’t always seem inspiring…

This commission was an opportunity look upon this familiar scene with fresh eyes.

My first thought upon receiving this commission was to paint Fisher Peak along with the wild sunflowers that pop up all over the hills just outside Cranbrook. I started looking through some photographs by Janice Strong and I found this one >

I used this photo, along with some of her other images as my main sources of inspiration. Generally I will do a full colour pre-sketch but this time I did only a pencil sketch.I always do an acrylic drawing on my canvas first – this is my guide. Normally with my acrylic paintings I will paint from background to foreground but this self-imposed rule is pretty fluid. In this case I felt inspired to start smack-dab in the middle first and then work my way back. I do not pay very close attention to detail with my first layers of paint. The object for me is form and general shape – it is like creating a map for the details that will follow.Once my map is laid out I then dive into the details – this time I started at the very back of the painting with the sky and moved forward from there. With both my background layers solidified I move forward into the next layer. Once again creating a general map of paint to later apply the detail on top.At the very end I like to add stylized lines throughout the painting to pull things together. You can see an example of how I’ve have done this with the red & yellow lines in the mountain.‘Fisher Peak’ – acrylic on canvas – 2′x 3′

I always apply a medium varnish coat to finish and protect the painting.

Honestly, I didn’t expect this painting to come out quite so colourful but, in the end, I like the brightness because once hung it is super visible in any light. Above all my clients loved it (which is always the best part :) ) and it gave me a new view of an “old” view.

Have a great first day back to school everyone!

Micheline :)

P.S. If you haven’t already – please see more of my paintings here in this > GALLERY or check out my Etsy shop here > MISH MASH

Ode to Elvis and Graceland

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Okay, if you haven’t already guessed, I’m an Elvis fan.  And, I have a guest room dedicated to him.

I sewed everything myself (except a few of the pillows) –the curtains, bedspread, trunk protector and even the mattes for the Elvis pics –you wouldn’t believe how much work they were!

You won’t find any cheesy black velvet Elvis paintings, white jumpsuit bobble-heads or side-burned chia pets. There are no life-size cardboard cut-outs of the King, no blinking neon bar signs heralding his name and no numbered, limited edition collectors plates adorning the walls.

What you will find is a modern twist on the whole ’70’s thing –what I hope can be considered an affectionate nod to Elvis’ Graceland. The room is painted in Benjamin Moore’s Jackson Tan and features plush chocolate brown fabrics and animal print. Lime green pillows, tasseled swag lamps and –on the walls—ten lovingly cropped and altered photos of my favourite Elvis parts (eyes, lips, hands and…did I mention lips?) complete the vibe.

Above all it’s supposed to provide comfort, because that’s what Elvis is to me. He’s my chocolate milk, my mashed potatoes. He’s comfort food for every rainy day I’ve ever experienced and every future one I expect to have. He’s been with me since I was five and will forever live in my heart. For me, Elvis is home.

(And yes, I do actually let people sleep in here when they come to stay!)


This is the room before my trip to Fabricland. Gotta love a blank canvas!

Believe it or not, I ordered these swag lamps from Avon.
As you can sorta tell from the before picture, the room is divided into a bed and a sitting room area. These “chairs” flip out into mini beds. When my niece and nephew were little they would sleep on these when they came to visit. Now my boys steal them to lie on while playing video games –but I always steal them back!

Gorgeous, isn’t he? ;)

I’m very selective about what goes into this room but luckily my friends –and my sister, Dawn, (who bought me this tray) –know my taste. She also bought me the Blue Suede Chardonnay wine.
You can’t really tell from the picture but the bottom of the tray is a photo of Elvis. The cork has Elvis’ silhouette on it and so does the pen. The book is blank and guests are encouraged to document their visit within its pages. Of course my sister always forgets to do this…

This is an Elvis: A Legendary Performer Vol. 3 picture disc that my good friends, the Halls, gave me for Christmas a couple of years ago. It was originally released in 1978 about six months after Elvis’ death.
The eye mask was a 40th birthday gift from another good friend, Marianne. It’s an Andy Warhol of Elvis’ eyes. And, yes, I look really freaky when I wear it (but I wear it anyway…)

~Trina

Miscellaneous Camper Comforts

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This blog should wrap things up. It’s everything that didn’t fit under any specific category or that I forgot to include elsewhere –like forgetting to mention that it’s a good idea to have skid-proof liners on the bottom of yer cupboards and closets so stuff doesn’t slide around as much.

For the camper:

Fold-up table –we put this outside the camper so that we can keep things like moist wipes, beach towels, foot towel, 20 litre water container, drinking cups, sunscreen, and bug spray handy.

Large, flat, plastic washbasin–big enough for you to stand in. I fill it with soap and water and put it outside the camper, on a mat, with a towel nearby. Anyone with dirty feet washes and dries them before entering the camper.

Shoe mat –we always have runners as well as crocs or sandals and they all usually have some degree of sand or dirt on the soles. The shoe mat collects this so I don’t have to spend all my time sweeping out the camper. After all, I hate sleeping with sand in my sheets.

Flashlight and extra batteries –I have extra batteries for everything in the camper that uses them.

Maps –while technology is great, a good old-fashioned map is great to have on hand just in case technology fails you.

Citronella candles, wasp traps, fly swatter etc.

Solar lights and lanterns

For the campers:

Earplugs and sleep mask–it can be noisy with a bunch of snoring guys at close quarters. It can also get light out pretty early. These ensure I get my beauty rest.

Glow sticks –these are not only fun for kids to wear at night, they allow you to keep track of yer kidlets in the dark.

Extra clothes –I’ve found that it’s good to have a few extras of the essentials on hand (yes even for Dad) as sometimes the boys forget to pack these things. When I can I like to stock the stuff that’s too old, ripped or stained to allow out in public but that is still functional enough to “do the job” camping.

These items include an extra pair of pants (I like to pack yoga pants for comfy evenings by the fire but jeans, sweats or khakis work too), shorts, t-shirt, warm sweater or hoodie, socks, underwear and pj bottoms (for the boys –I never forget my pjs…).

Swimsuits –it’s disappointing to find you’ve forgotten yours. Even if you remembered to pack one, an extra swimsuit never hurts.

Sunglasses, hats, sandals, runners

 Small sewing kit –make sure it includes needles, thread, extra buttons and safety pins.

You’ll also need some basic tools just in case. My husband insists on being responsible for this as well as any of the maintenance items we need so I can’t provide you with a trusted list here. Instead, I’ve included the following website link: RV STUFF

Whew! I think we’re done…now we can concentrate on entertainment… Hope you enjoy camping this summer! :)

~ Trina

P.S. If you would like this list on paper and in your hot little hands please click the little share box below to print off this post! Oh and don’t forget to check out all my previous camping posts > CAMPER COMFORTS!

Camper Comforts Fun and Games

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While none of this is essential to survival I could make a strong argument for its being essential to sanity –especially if the weather turns on you! Having these items also provides a great opportunity for you to play games together as a family, encourages reading and can bring out the artist or naturalist in yer family.

This is what I have in my camper:

Adult and juvenile novels — we are a family of readers so I have a number of books on hand that I rotate out of the camper as they’re read. I also have an exercise book with stretches in it –in case nature inspires me to strike a pose or two.

Nature book –I’m also on the look out for an inexpensive bird watching book. Let me know if you know of a good one…

Hiker’s/biker’s Guide –specific to the areas you generally camp.

“How-to” art book, watercolour pencil crayon kit and art paper –this kit is great because you can draw your picture first then go over it with a wet paintbrush to turn it into a watercolour painting.

Notebook and pen &/or pencil –you never know when you’ll have to leave yer fellow campers a note letting them know you’ve popped off to the grocery store –and you might need it to make that grocery list, too.

Games –pack yer family’s favourites. You may also want to consider classics like scrabble, yahtzee, chess, Chinese checkers etc.

Shut the Box–yes, this is another game but I’ve listed it separately because I think everyone should have this in their camper. It’s not only a fun game to pass around while sitting at the campfire, it can also be played (and enjoyed) by the very young to the very old. If you can count on yer fingers you can play (and hone yer math skills). If you don’t have this game, seek it out!

Playing cards –card games can also be an excellent way for kids to hone math skills. I always have a couple of decks on hand as some games we enjoy require a deck per player. A crib board is nice to have too but I like to use paper and have the kids keep score (more math).

TV and DVD player, DVDs –obviously this is optional. We only bring ours on long trips.

 iPods, DS, Gameboys etc. –whatever electronics yer kids are into. We have a “T-Free Zone” (technology free) rule during the day (since the iPod is for music it’s exempt), allowing games to come out for awhile in the evening. We also make sure we have the supporting chargers for all electronics.

If you have any favourite rainy day games to share, drop us a line and tell us why you think they should be a camper staple. I’ve also included a link to a website that provides instructions for making yer own >>> “Shut the Box” game.

~ Trina

Emergency Camper Comforts

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Even though I was never a boy scout (being a girl and all…) I still grew up learning how to be prepared. Well, except maybe when it comes to can openers (as those of you who read my Kitchen Camper Comforts post know). Anyway my point is, it’s important to be prepared for emergencies when camping –unless you like driving around a strange town at two in the morning looking for a 24 hour supermarket only to find out that they lock up the Gravol at 6:00 pm. ;)

I know you can’t possibly plan for every emergency but I like to plan for as many foreseeable ones as I can. Aside from a sudden onset of flu, I also like to be prepared for sore throats, headaches (in my case migraines), insect bites, rashes, sunburn (or any burn) cuts and sprains, and fire. Here’s my basic list of must haves:

Standard first aide kit–this covers the “more serious cuts and sprains” emergencies.

Box of waterproof band aides –waterproof is important if you want them to (somewhat) last. I also buy non-latex because of my allergy to latex.

Polysporin –I like the “heal fast” formula but if you do a lot of hiking, biking etc. when camping you may want to consider the “Poly to Go” antiseptic spray for its convenience.

Eye drops –these are helpful for flushing out the eye. I don’t think I’ve been to the beach yet without one of my kids getting sand in his eyes…

Ear drops –I don’t actually pack this because no one in my family is prone to swimmers ear or ear infections but if this is something you worry about, you’ll want to consider packing these.

Sunscreen –this is a must! I like to use Sun Defence Minerals by Eminence on our faces (because of my skin sensitivities). This is a powder that uses zinc oxide. It’s hypoallergenic and water-resistant and doesn’t sting the eyes. For information on how to best protect your family from the sun’s harmful rays, check out the following website:  MAYO CLINIC

Aloe gel –this is good for cooling sunburns (and other burns). I try my best to make sure the kids are coated in sunscreen but despite my best efforts it’s easy for them to get a little pink (especially on the shoulders). This stuff cools the burn. I use this in first and follow up with natural shea butter (I covered this in a “Camper Bathroom” post) to prevent peeling later.

Insect repellent –I like the spray.

After bite – if you use it right away, it really does work!

Tweezers & sewing needle –for splinters and ticks. You’ll also want to check out Health Canada’s website on Lyme disease for tick prevention and removal information: Lime Disease & Tick Removal

Lavender and Tea Tree essential oils –this is optional but I like to have it on hand as they are both excellent treatments for cuts –and lavender works well on pimples and insect bites, too.

Medications –be sure to read the indications, warnings and directions of any medication before using. When in doubt, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Acetaminophen &/or ibuprofen – Both medications lower fever and reduce aches and pains. Ibuprofen also reduces inflammation. Acetaminophen is milder on the digestive tract than ibuprofen. In large doses, acetaminophen is very toxic to the liver.

Gravol –I used to have both adult and child doses but now that the boys are older we all take the adult gravol –just in different doses.

Prescription medications –I always have about a ten-day supply of my prescription medication in the camper, just in case we decide to extend our stay somewhere. Asthmatics, diabetics etc. will also want to make sure they have a full inhaler, extra insulin etc. on hand just in case.

Pepto Bismo tablets –for minor indigestion.

Cough syrup &/or cough drops –if one person in your camper has a cough at night, none of you will get much sleep!

Fire extinguisher –make sure you check the expiration date at the beginning of each camping season. The following is the most extensive RV fire safety information I’ve come across: RECREATIONAL VEHICLE (RV) FIRE SAFETY GUIDELINES

So this is my basic list. We sometimes let the kids invite friends along to come camping with us. I always make sure that I know of any special medical needs, medications &/or allergies the child has prior to leaving so that I can be prepared. I also ensure that I have permission to administer medications to the child if I feel it’s necessary.

~ Trina

Camper Comforts Bathroom

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My camper bathroom looks nothing like this but isn’t it pretty!?
You can check out more lovely bathrooms here @ dragonfairytail.com

I’m a creature of habit –especially when it comes to my beauty routine. I’m not a high maintenance kind of gal, but if I’m missing one of my basics, it bothers me.

I’m also big on dental hygiene to the point that I always have extra toothbrushes in my house (and camper). If a child sleeps over and forgets his toothbrush, I pull out a new one from my stockpile. Once used, it goes in a ziplock bag with the child’s name on it for the next sleepover.

Why am I so obsessive? Poor dental hygiene can lead to cavities and gum disease that may contribute to many serious conditions, such as diabetes and respiratory diseases.  According to Health Canada, poor oral health has been linked to sleeping ,behavioural and developmental problems in children.

But I digress… ;) Below is my toiletries list for the camper:

Hand soap –I use the liquid stuff because it’s less messy than bar soap.

Toothbrushes and Toothpaste –we all use electric toothbrushes at home but for camping we each have our own “regular” toothbrush. I also have a couple of packaged toothbrushes just in case…

Dental Floss –this is a must –everyone including the kids’ friends—is expected to floss at night. For ease and convenience I use the individual dental flossers.

Contact lens solution, extra carrying case and glasses case –my husband and I both wear glasses and contacts and like to be able to switch between the two when camping.

Facial cleanser –I like Cetaphil because it’s a gentle, liquid cleanser that can be washed off with water or wiped off with a cloth. Good when you need to conserve water.

Facial cream &/or hand/body lotion –I use different products but if you just use one, that’s okay too.

Shampoo & conditioner –if yer a higher maintenance person than me you may also consider having the rest of yer “hair team” on hand.

Brushes &/or combs –I also bring a hair band, hair elastics, and barrettes.

 Razors –his and hers –just in case!

Toilet paper –one ply is recommended. My husband feels that two-ply is fine and if it’s a problem, he’s the one that’ll be fixing the septic system.

Feminine hygiene products

Optional –these aren’t must haves for everyone, but they are for me so I thought I’d list them:

 Shea butter –I get the unprocessed kind, which smells a bit “earthy” but is good for healing sunburns and is an amazing skin softener.

Lipstick, mascara, eyebrow definer –I’m not a huge make-up person but these are the basics that I keep in the camper all summer long –just in case we want to go somewhere nice for dinner…

Cold cream –if I do wear make-up, cold cream is great at removing it.

Exfoliator for heels –I absolutely hate crawling into bed with dry, scaly heels that catch on my sheets. For me, this is a must.

You may have other bathroom basics that you can’t live without. If you think they may be invaluable to others please leave us a comment.

I’ve also included some links to websites on dental hygiene since I’ve managed to make quite an issue of it at the beginning of this post… <rolling my eyes>

Trina :)

P.S. Right below this post is a little box titled ‘share’ if you would like to share this with friends or print it off then just click the little arrow beside ‘share’ to bring up these options.