DIY: Nook Book Shelves and Benchtop

<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_5087.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/jkomenda041/IMG_5087.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />Remember how I mentioned that our carpenter had installed a few simple shelves in our nook to hold our TV components? I like the easy bracket system he had come up with, so I duplicated it recently when I wanted to fill out both sides of the nook with shelves.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_4571.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/jkomenda042/IMG_4571.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_4560.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/jkomenda042/IMG_4560.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I pulled off the old shelves, but kept the brackets and cut down 1x2" primed pine boards with a miter saw to fit the back and sides. The side pieces were finished off with a 45-degree angle cut.</div><a name="more"></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_4582.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/jkomenda042/IMG_4582.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The first bracket installation is the most important. Starting with the bottom most shelf, I made one measurement and mark on one of the walls. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_4605.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/jkomenda042/IMG_4605.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Then the most important part after that first measurement is to use a level to mark all the way around the nook to help you know where to hang the brackets. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_4613.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/jkomenda042/IMG_4613.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I used an 18-gauge nailer to hang the back bracket first, right on the line, and then the side brackets.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_4625.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/jkomenda042/IMG_4625.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Once you have the first set of brackets perfectly level and installed, the rest of the measurements are easy. Just figure out the distance you want between each shelf, measure up from the bracket and make a little mark. If the first shelf is level, the others will be too.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_4635.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/jkomenda042/IMG_4635.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">When all the brackets were installed, I filled all the nail holes with spackle before giving the whole nook a fresh paint of gray paint.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_4652.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/jkomenda042/IMG_4652.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I used laminated pine boards for the actual shelves. Home Depot cut them all to size for me and I stained them with half classic oak and half driftwood stains.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_4600.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/jkomenda042/IMG_4600.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_4591.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/jkomenda042/IMG_4591.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The pine boards are just sitting on top of the brackets, but I could have nailed or glued them in place if I was more worried about it. I'm so happy with how these shelves turned out. I really love the thicker, more chunky look!  </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_5042.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/jkomenda041/IMG_5042.jpg" style="text-align: start;" />\</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I don't know why installing shelves has sort of felt too hard-core for me up until now. It's a crazy simple project!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_5002.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/jkomenda041/IMG_5002.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The bench solution was simple too! I didn't want to sew a box cushion, so I had a piece of 1/4" plywood cut to fit the seat area and used a coupon to buy a piece of 2" upholstery foam at Joanns.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_4686.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/jkomenda042/IMG_4686.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The bench is wider than the full width of the fabric. so I had to seam the fabric. The pattern made it pretty easy to line everything up, and a really good pressing fixes even less-than-perfect seams. In the end it's pretty hard to tell where the seam is on the bench. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_4684.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/jkomenda042/IMG_4684.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I think the key to a really soft and fluffy bench top is a good, high-loft batting layer. I used my trusty handheld staple gun to attach the seamed fabric. I went a little overkill on the stapling so there would be no pulling on the linen. (You can see where I seamed the fabric on the right side of the bench here below - it's not that noticeable!)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_4691.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/jkomenda042/IMG_4691.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I think the bench turned out nice. The pattern is fun and the seat is a comfy, inviting place now!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_5182.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/jkomenda041/IMG_5182.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br /><center></center>Have you made any shelving or bench tops yourself? Any tips you'd like to add?

DIY: Nook Book Shelves and Benchtop

Remember how I mentioned that our carpenter had installed a few simple shelves in our nook to hold our TV components? I like the easy bracke...

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Our New, Pretty Book Nook

<script charset="utf-8" src="http://vc.cdn.fm/video_conversationalist/system/published/opportunity/87735437/508_1131.js" type="text/javascript"></script> <br /><center></center><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_5018.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/jkomenda041/IMG_5018.jpg" /></div><br />Remember the odd nook we have in our living room? It's a funny little space that I wasn't totally sure what to do with for a while. We already have those big bookshelves in the front room so it seemed redundant to have books stored in here. Plus, it's really not that that big of a space.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_4560.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/jkomenda042/IMG_4560.jpg" /></div><br />When we built the fireplace surround, we piped through an opening for the TV and cable cords, so that the components could live on a shelf behind the nook. The carpenter who helped us with the fireplace threw up a couple of simple, but sturdy shelves that I painted out in the wall color (Ben Moore's Brushed Aluminum). We've mostly just left the space empty (slash shoved stuff back in there when doing the unexpected-company-is-at-the-door mad dash). Not exactly a great use of space.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_4571.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/jkomenda042/IMG_4571.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />Then I had a light bulb moment when I realized I was drowning in magazines (I hate to part with my favorites - they're like design books to me). I had been keeping the unread ones on our coffee table and then tucking them into a cupboard after they were read, which worked fine. But when you love and look at magazines as much as I do, and when you have a nook that needs something special, what to do was a no-brainer!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_5190.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/jkomenda041/IMG_5190.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />I will share tutorials for the bench and the new shelves soon - they were super quick and easy, and I think they make the space feel so much more purposeful. I went a little more simple and cozy on the styling because I'm dying for it to feel like fall here. (SEASONS: I MISS YOU!)<br /><br /><a href="http://r1.fmpub.net/?k1=cmx-metric&k2=508|437|1131&k3=post&k4=&r=http%3A%2F%2Fad.doubleclick.net%2Fddm%2Fclk%2F285108343%3B106039353%3Bz" target="_blank">Target</a> reached out about sharing their seriously great new Threshold line for fall. Think: warm, soft, cozy, comforting, with equal parts organic and modern. It's all <i>beautiful.</i> Like <a href="http://r1.fmpub.net/?r=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fthreshold-gold-task-lamp%2F-%2FA-15312583&k4=9040&k5={banner_id}" target="_blank">this brass task lamp</a>? It's gorgeous, solidly built and a really decent price point for something that looks like a million bucks!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_5135.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/jkomenda041/IMG_5135.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_5112.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/jkomenda041/IMG_5112.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The little glass terrarium and the green agate tray are both from Target as well. Either one would make a great holiday or house warming gift!</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_5196.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/jkomenda041/IMG_5196.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />These little benches are fab. The legs are exceptionally gorgeous (maybe the world is finally moving past the standard dark, squared off tapered legs!?) and I love the textile used for the upholstery!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_5136.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/jkomenda041/IMG_5136.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I hung a giant vintage mirror from a local antique store above <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2014/07/diy-leather-wrapped-console-table-and.html" target="_blank">the DIY console</a>. I loved the light the mirror brought into the room, but suddenly the wall felt a little boring, so I added a series of New York prints from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0789315483/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0789315483&linkCode=as2&tag=littgreenote-20&linkId=XZT3D2AUTLKNGGQJ" target="_blank">this book</a> in these pretty <a href="http://www.target.com/p/room-essentials-wood-box-frame-8x10/-/A-14630738#prodSlot=medium_1_20" target="_blank">limed wood frames</a>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_5104.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/jkomenda041/IMG_5104.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Over in the nook area, I added a few <a href="http://r1.fmpub.net/?r=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fthreshold-decorative-rope-basket-shell%2F-%2FA-15399635&k4=9037&k5={banner_id}" target="_blank">woven baskets</a> on the shelves for tucking away catalogs and unread magazines, and a few little vases and <a href="http://r1.fmpub.net/?r=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fthreshold-decorative-bowl-white-and-gold%2F-%2FA-15311429&k4=9038&k5={banner_id}" target="_blank">bowls</a> to act as catch-alls and bookends for the slippery magazines! I especially love the concrete vase with the gold stripe.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_5034.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/jkomenda041/IMG_5034.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">What could be more cozy and fall-appropriate than <a href="http://r1.fmpub.net/?r=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fthreshold-chunky-knit-pillow-beige%2F-%2FA-15311537&k4=9036&k5={banner_id}" target="_blank">chunky sweater pillows</a> and a super soft, tassle-y <a href="http://r1.fmpub.net/?r=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fthreshold-woven-throw-blanket-gold-and-cream%2F-%2FA-15312570&k4=9039&k5={banner_id}" target="_blank">gold throw</a>?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_5172.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/jkomenda041/IMG_5172.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I used this little <a href="http://r1.fmpub.net/?k1=cmx-metric&k2=508%7C437%7C1131&k3=disclaimer&k4=&r=http%3A%2F%2Fad.doubleclick.net%2Fddm%2Fclk%2F285108343%3B106039353%3Bz" target="_blank">side table</a> as a plant stand for one of my favorite snake plants. I'm obsessed with these plants because I can mistreat them for like a year or more and they never die! True love.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_5066.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/jkomenda041/IMG_5066.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_4997.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/jkomenda041/IMG_4997.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />It's nice to have a quiet, chill corner in what's normally a pretty bright and busy room. I feel like we all have our own little corners in the house now - Michael loves to retreat to the white settee in the music room to play his guitar, the girls have their own favorite spots in the playroom and now I get a special nook for cozying up with my beloved design magazines. :)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_5026.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/jkomenda041/IMG_5026.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_5124.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/jkomenda041/IMG_5124.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><a href="http://r1.fmpub.net/?k1=cmx-metric&k2=508|437|1131&k3=logo&k4=&r=http%3A%2F%2Fad.doubleclick.net%2Fddm%2Fclk%2F285108343%3B106039353%3Bz" rel="nofollow"><img class="nopin" nopin="nopin" src="http://vc.cdn.fm/video_conversationalist/system/published/opportunity/87735437/TargetLogo_125x125.jpg" /></a>This post is sponsored by <a href="http://r1.fmpub.net/?k1=cmx-metric&k2=508%7C437%7C1131&k3=disclaimer&k4=&r=http%3A%2F%2Fad.doubleclick.net%2Fddm%2Fclk%2F285108343%3B106039353%3Bz" rel="nofollow">Target</a>. Shop <a href="http://r1.fmpub.net/?k1=cmx-metric&k2=508%7C437%7C1131&k3=disclaimer&k4=&r=http%3A%2F%2Fad.doubleclick.net%2Fddm%2Fclk%2F285108343%3B106039353%3Bz" rel="nofollow">Home Décor</a> for modern luxury made easy.

Our New, Pretty Book Nook

Remember the odd nook we have in our living room? It's a funny little space that I wasn't totally sure what to do with for a while....

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Some Living Room Updates

<center></center>It's been a while since I shared some photos of the decorating progress in our house! I'm still trying to figure out what I want and where, but this set up has been working pretty well in our living room for about a month now.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_1961.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/IMG_1961.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><a name="more"></a></div><br />Michael bought me a giclee print of my favorite painting by <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=minerva+teichert&oq=minerva+teichert&aqs=chrome..69i57j69i61.4636j0j4&sourceid=chrome&espv=210&es_sm=91&ie=UTF-8" target="_blank">Minerva Teichert</a> (an LDS artist who painted a lot in the early and mid 1900s) for my birthday back in October. I really need to get it mounted and framed, but in the meantime it's just tacked up on the wall (ha!) where I think I want it to be. I hope it goes without saying that I know religious art can be a divisive and sensitive subject on design blogs, but I so appreciate how respectful all of you have been in the past when I've shared projects and art in my home that are based on my religion. It's so great that we can all support each other in our different life choices and paths, and find beauty in the differences. This print and Minerva Teichert's work in general has a lot of meaning for me and I love having it hanging in our home. And hopefully sometime soon it will be hanging in a legit frame!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_9497.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2016/IMG_9497.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />The Serge Mouille style sconces were <a href="http://www.infurn.com/us/msc-r1c-rotating-sconce-inspired-by-serge-mouille&affiliate=google-us?gclid=CKeO4oeCorkCFZFFMgodAGEAlA" target="_blank">bought here</a>. The site has really mixed reviews online. Lots of people claim they have never received their orders. It took about two months for these sconces to come (and then a couple more months for me to get around to hanging them), but they came and they were SO affordable at about $160 each. The quality is top notch, too. The brass fittings are absolutely beautiful and the whole thing is easy to install on the wall. So I guess if you have a couple months to sit around and wait, you can really get a great deal at Infurn.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_2016.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/IMG_2016.jpg" /></div><br />The sofa was a recent Craigslist find from a local seller. Her name is Kirsten and she is opening up an <a href="http://luxeartifacts.com/" target="_blank">online shop</a> of really beautiful and well-curated finds. The silky blue velvet is in really great vintage condition. And I <i>love</i> that there are four seat cushions. This is where we watch TV so it's nice for all of us to have a seat and plenty of space to stretch out!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_9404.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2016/IMG_9404.jpg" /></div><br />I threw the pink lumbar pillows (old, from Target) on the sofa just for the photos for a little color. I am working on an ottoman project that will bring in some color too, so I can leave the sofa bare then. I like it better without extra pillows.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_1961.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2016/IMG_1961.jpg" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo photo21.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/photo21.jpg" /></div><br />The Eames style Plycraft chair was my Christmas present to Michael. He'd been asking for an Eames lounger for a while (ever since I got rid of his beloved-but-incredibly-bulky leather club chair - <i>whoops</i>) but I wanted a lounger in an interesting color and for a good deal, of course. I ended up finding this one on eBay for a really great price and it was shipped from Florida to Arizona on a Greyhound bus! That was the first time I'd tried that shipping method and I was happy with how fast and inexpensive it was. Have you ever used the Greyhound method? I had to go pick up the huge box at the local bus depot since they don't deliver, but it wasn't an issue at all.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_9497h.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/IMG_9497h.jpg" /></div><br />The rug was from Rugs USA (<a href="http://www.rugsusa.com/rugsusa/rugs/rugs-usa-adileh/natural/200VBVI2A-P.html" target="_blank">still selling them here</a>) and the side tables are all vintage. The motel sign artwork and the LDS temple photo were hanging in our bedroom, but I decided to put up my Chinese panels in our bedroom instead and the scale of these two photos was perfect between the sconces.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_9394.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2016/IMG_9394.jpg" /></div><br />Like I said, lots to figure out here, but we're making some slow and steady progress on getting this home decorated. I'm really excited to get that ottoman finished now!

Some Living Room Updates

It's been a while since I shared some photos of the decorating progress in our house! I'm still trying to figure out what I want and...

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Thank You (and a little Rothko-esque art project)

<center></center><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_1282.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_1282.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />Thank you all so, so, so much for your kind notes and words of encouragement lately. Each one has meant so much to me. :)<br /><br />It has been hard for me to share everything here, and I don't think it would have been appropriate at the time, but it's been a very strange and difficult couple of months for me, filled with a lot of challenges coming from what felt like every which way. I thought I was managing it all okay, but the last couple weeks were when I hit my breaking point (Ha! breaking point!). I guess I didn't really realize how buried I was getting until the holidays and my broken arm forced me to stop for a second and take an emotional inventory? Everyone goes through low points, and I think it's healthy and important to be really open with loved ones about these things, which I totally failed at this year. I should have asked for help earlier, but it was like I was too busy to feel or something, so when I switched gears for even just a minute, it all came crashing down hard on me. I'm sure many of you have experienced similar emotions. It's no fun.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_1294.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_1294.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_1256.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_1256.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />Anyway, the good news is today I feel like the fog is beginning to lift. Things are looking up again. I'm feeling hopeful. I've decided I want to keep writing this blog and I've got some new plans that I'm truly so excited about. I keep having to remind myself that my arm (and my spirits) are still a bit fragile though, so I'm easing into it. :)<br /><a name="more"></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_1201.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_1201.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />Today I was itching to do something creative (and simple enough to do with one good hand). I had been looking around online for a print with some reds in it to fill one of my gallery wall place-holder frames, and I kept coming back to images like <a href="http://www.art.com/products/p14433291-sa-i3022392/mark-rothko-no-12-1951.htm?sOrig=CAT&sOrigID=0&dimVals=5000004-207268&ui=DDBF26D99AF1485191418BFFF8E7BAF4" target="_blank">this Rothko print</a>. I almost just bought one, but lately I've been wanting an excuse to paint something for myself. I didn't want to paint anything that required thinking or planning or really any technical skill. I just wanted to throw some colors on a piece of paper. (which is exactly what I did and is exactly the opposite of what Rothko did - just to be clear!)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_1204.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_1204.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />I used cheap acrylic paint from Michaels (which wiped right off my counters when I was done) and white wrapping paper (!!!!) because it was easy to find in my disorganized construction zone of a house, and it was the perfect size already for my frame. I used a ton of paint on this thing and it took basically all day to dry, but I had a great time layering on different colors, and mixing and blending.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_1205.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_1205.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I buy thrift store art all the time, just for the frames. This huge 35x49 brass frame was only about $4! I just had to take the time to pull it apart, remove the old art (but I was sure to leave the old linen mounting board! Good stuff!), and install my new art with a roll of mounting tape from the dollar store. I like the bit of dimension the thicker mounting tape gives the art. The paint dried on the wrapping paper in an interesting way and I like that the raised mounting left a lot of the texture in the paper and didn't smoosh it flat.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_1220.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_1220.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_1222.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_1222.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_1230.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_1230.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_1234.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_1234.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">You'll want to make sure all the mounting tape pieces make good contact with both the art paper and the linen board so you won't have any slipping issues in the future. (so annoying when that happens, right?)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_1237.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_1237.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My painting's really not very good, but doesn't it seem like everything looks better under glass? Once I had it all framed up, I liked it more.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_1241.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_1241.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_1288.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_1288.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>I can't tell you how therapeutic it was to do this little art project today. It felt good to do a project for me, just because I felt like it. And it felt good to be happy enough with the results that I wanted to share the photos with you all.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_1286.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_1286.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />Also, I know it's lame to copy a famous artist, but I really love Mark Rothko's color study paintings, so it feels like a little ode to him rather than a knock off since this is just for personal use. It will likely just be a place holder until I find something more permanent to put in the frame. In the meantime, I'm loving the jolt of energy these bright colors brought into our living room! And I think when I look at it over the coming weeks, I'll be reminded of some of the hope and clarity I'm starting to feel today.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_1244.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_1244.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />Thanks again, friends, for your patience and understanding. Big hugs to you all. xoxo

Thank You (and a little Rothko-esque art project)

Thank you all so, so, so much for your kind notes and words of encouragement lately. Each one has meant so much to me. :) It has been hard f...

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