I’ve been moving a few things around, due, I’m sure, to being stuck in my own particular mattress vortex. There’s a whole heck of a lot I can’t do until that mattress is delivered and the old mattress is taken away. Which will be on Tuesday, by the way.
Since things are in a state of flux here, I have to give myself little projects to complete or I would go mad. The other day I painted some dollar store frames that I’m going to use in my studio. The studio that is to be rethought and decluttered, when I can get to it. Which will be after the mattress is delivered. Do you see how it all works? I also painted the mantel shelf that goes in the studio a paler aqua. I wanted to tone things down a bit.
Yesterday I cleaned out the closet in our spare bedroom that is, for want of a better word, my craft closet. Wait. Why not a better word? How about my All Things Creative Closet? I like that much better. Anyway, I sorted everything out, filled a trash bag with things I didn’t need and put a pile together to take to the Salvation Army.
Very satisfying.
Remember our trip the other day (which resulted in the red shoes) to Michael’s for some frames? Here’s what we framed:
This is a costume rendering done for a play Don did at the Old Globe many years ago. The costume designer, a wonderful guy who is sadly no longer with us, gave it to Don on opening night. It was in a plastic slip case and Don decided it should be framed because he wanted to honor it, as well as see it right here in the den every day. We really love it. Now it’s sitting on the music cabinet in the den, which is why that print in the top photo has moved to its new position behind Monty.
And we also found this shadow box frame for my vintage program for the Broadway play, Claudia.
Excuse the glare. This program was sitting on the shelf in my studio and, foolishly, I didn’t do anything to protect it from the sun streaming through the skylight. The color had faded quite a bit. Don’s the one who found the shadow box, which works well with the thickness of the program. I stuck the bride and groom cake topper in there on a whim. This might go back in the studio. Or it might stay downstairs. I’m not sure yet.
By the way, the framing process for the costume rendering was a bit of a saga. We wanted an inexpensive frame, so we ended up buying one that already had a matted black and white photo in it, thinking we would simply change out the print for the rendering.
Not quite.
The back had been sealed and stapled and it took forever to pry up the little doohickeys that held the matted print inside the frame. I used a screwdriver. I used a knife. I used pliers. Then we had to get the print out of the frame, which wasn’t easy. When we finally got it out, we realized we had nothing left to serve as the backing for the rendering. I thought of the foam board that I use sometimes for Etsy photos (and since I don’t have anything in my Etsy shop I figured I could cut it up) and brought it downstairs. Then I grabbed my exacto knife and cut and cut and cut – a long and tedious process – until we finally got the foam board to fit the frame. I also have to add a hanger, which is why it’s propped against the wall in the photo.
Though I do like that look. I try to have at least one framed piece propped against a wall in each room. It adds a sort of casual look that I’m really drawn to.
Lest we forget, here’s the view into the den from the living room:
As you can see, I can’t even see the framed rendering, which is on that cabinet to the right, when I’m sitting in my chair. The danged mattress is blocking it.
Happy Friday.
Glad you were able to find the frames you needed Claudia. I often find different ways to use frames with matted pictures in them. On Tues. I put our Barbara and Donavin’s pictures in frames with matting that matched the others behind the sofa and now I can see their beautiful faces all day long. It’s amazing to me how just a little change can make a room seem fresher and more homey. I know you are looking forward to getting your bed and reclaiming your home. This winter is weird! Usually when it rains in Fla. in the winter it gets much colder but this year when it rains the temps. go up. I sort of feel like we’re in the Twilight Zone sometimes but still we have it so much better than most folks.
It’s a very strange winter. Today the temperature hit 30 degrees and I was ready to shout “Spring is here!” Have a lovely weekend, Janie.
Claudia, I am impressed with how calm and resourceful you have been through the mattress fiasco. I think I must have a touch of OCD because I know that I would go over the edge were I in your situation. Have a good day! Tuesday is right over the horizon.
There have been days that I was extremely frustrated. But, in the end, there’s nothing I can do about it beyond what I have done, so I have to find something positive to do with my time.
Claudia, Love the framing, what wonderful tasteful memories you will both have ,with these pictures hung!
I so feel your pain, from having your house torn apart! Something amiss like that, just wears on you until you think it might never end. Tuesday will be here before you know it. Just look around,and see what you’ve accomplished in the mean time. Good Work! -Judy A-
Thanks so much, Judy. This will be a story I will tell one day. I’m a good storyteller!
Nothing is simple…is it? Great frames you found. I’ve been going a little stir crazy myself…was trying to switch a few things around…just because. It’s finally January 31… Thought it would never get here. I bet you can’t wait til Tuesday! That has been quite an ordeal for you…your home is going to look huge to you once that mattress is out of the way! We’ve already been informed by our local weatherman, that Sun Prairie’s groundhog, Jimmy, will see his shadow…so six (6) more weeks of Winter. Is nothing a surprise anymore? Enjoy! ;)
Really? They are predicting the prediction? Geez, that seems like a balloon that has been purposely deflated!
I love the frames and especially the items you have in the frames. The memories they bring back are wonderful. I sympathize with you and the mattress saga. Although my home isn’t in the same chaos as you feel yours is, it’s been quite depressing with no sunshine for weeks on end. I see a tiny, tiny hint of sun in the sky this morning and it’s amazing what it has done for my attitude.
Blessings,
Betsy
Whenever the sun is shining, my mood changes immediately, Betsy. I understand. Thankfully, this house has a lot of windows so when the sun shines, the rooms are bright and happy. Hang in there, my friend.
Echoing others above, the frames and contents look wonderful. What fun! It’s always interesting to me to see how much a room can change by switching out pictures or adding new framed items. Here’s hoping that the weather cooperates and you can indeed receive your new mattress next Tuesday — fingers crossed for you. Enjoy the weekend!
I’ve already checked the weather – a snow shower on Monday and cloudy but clear on Tuesday.
Loved reading about your “adventures in framing.” That costume rendering is SO Golden Age of Hollywood! I can see a whole grouping of them – what an interesting conversation-starter they’d make! I’ve often switched out the artwork in frames too, and a while back I figured out that the cheaper the frame, the stronger those gosh-darn staples! You need a crowbar to pry those suckers out! LOL. My own best framing story is how I once bought 3 8-inch square antique fruit prints [in excellent condition] for 10 cents a piece at a little country general store in Hemlock, New York. Then paid $147 to have them individually-framed about 10 years later. !!! Have a great weekend!
I worked on that play with Don. It was directed by our beloved Craig Noel, who founded the Old Globe. Don looked very dashing in that tux.
Oh, those staples, Janet! It was unbelievably hard to get them out!
Even though you paid a lot to have those fruit prints framed, I bet they look lovely!
Those staples are nuts, Claudia. I’ve bought that kind of frame a lot – sometimes they’re so hard to remove I’ve actually mulled over the idea of just tossing the frame and starting over with a better quality one. But then I’m too stubborn to let the staple win, and eventually I bust out every one of them. Though my hands are the worse for it, for sure. My weapon of choice is a screwdriver. And yes, even though it was pricey to have the fruit prints framed, they are all very happy to be out of their box and on the kitchen walls to be admired. The framers did a great job – once I had finally chosen the frame and mat colors that is. :>)
I thought of tossing this one too, Janet, but I was determined to make it work!
Count down. Sorting your craft/treasures and making the closet into an All Things Creative Closet is a good snow/cold/mattress in the way project.
Joy
Yes, it was Joy. Nice to feel like I have control over something!
That mattress will haunt your dreams until it is gone and the new one in place! This has truly been an ordeal. Love the framed costume print…very very cool!! Also the program is very special, Claudia, how cool is that! I guess you’ve had it a long time? I kinda like the little bride and groom in there! Keep hanging in there, this too shall pass and you can once again have peace in your home!! hugs!!!!
I’ve had it a few years – maybe 4 or 5? My friend Suzanne, who is an antique dealer, found it and gave it to me. I treasure it.
Claudia – You can say you have actually been framed!! Love both of those pieces.
Stay warm.
Judy
I will, my friend. Thinking of you and John and sending you both my love. Have fun treasure seeking tomorrow!
I don’t know if you have one of these in your area, but I have found great prices on frames at the “Christmas Tree Shop and That.”
We have Christmas Tree Shoppes – I wonder if that’s the same thing?
Yes it is. According to their website they updated the name to “make the shopping experience easier and more inviting” for new customers by adding “and That.” I guess people unfamiliar with the store thought it only carried holiday merchandise.
Those two frames look really nice, Claudia. I do love Michaels. I nearly always find something to love and use there. And they do have wonderful sales on frames. it’s true that you can spend less on a frame with a picture in it than you would for an empty one. Not sure why that is. You can find nice frames in thrift shops, too, again with pictures you don’t really want. Thank goodness you have a delivery date for the mattress! Woo-hoo!! Your den will feel like a ballroom once that thing is out of there! Have a wonderful weekend. x
Right now our bedroom seems really big because the bed isn’t in there – just the frame – so there is all this space. It will be much different with the bed in there. But better!
Nice job on the frames..the costume rendering is great..I can imagine Don in a top hat as tall as he is..lol
He wore a tux and a top hat this past summer in Pygmalion, too. That one had a lavender vest and lavender spats!
I loooove that image the costume designer did! Very classy.. I’m glad you got it framed. The other one in the shadow box turned out great and the little people in it give it nice depth. We’re off to the physical therapist for Dayle in a bit. What a painful recovery! ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
Poor Dayle – I bet it’s painful!
Love the gift Don got, what a unique and perfect item to give. I love this idea.
He wore that costume and Lewis Brown, the designer, gave him the rendering. Such a precious gift.
I’ve always loved your taste in artwork…I remember your post about the artwork in your bathroom. So Tuesday is the big day, huh? Only four more days…not bad. Hang in there!
I’m doing my best to hang in there, Melanie!
I really love that costume print Claudia. It is so great to have that I’ll bet. I sure do love that shadow box and that you added the little couple in there too. You have the best eye and I love the prints you have recently framed for the cottage. Speaking of love——your red shoes are awesome!!! I spent the past weekend out of town with my sisters and one had to go shoe shopping and there were the cutest red shoes and I couldn’t for the life of me talk her into them. I would have loved them myself but it wasn’t in my budget at the time. Now, if I’d seen your red shoes, I would have made room in the budget for those :))))
sending hugs…
They are so comfortable, June! Sending hugs right back to you. xo
Mattress Vortex. I love it. LOL.
Tana
That’s what it feels like, Tana!
Claudia…I noticed you bought floor wipes at Target the other day…Did you know “fleece” fabric makes wonderful floor/furniture wipes?! I had some leftover fleece scraps…I cut them to fit my Swiffer…They do an excellent job, picking up dirt/fur/dust…Very inexpensive too!
I feel your pain of living life askew Claudia and I love your rug!
Love the Top Hat and Tails picture..Will that mattress ever come???
Why don’t you use the mattress as a display by hanging the pictures on the old mattress until tne new one arrives!
: )
I love the costume illustration – great you have it framed, will make a fabulous piece to hang.
The mattress, you poor dear, you must feel like it’s part of the decor by now!
You sure are doing a lot to clean and organize – kudos to you, I’m stuck in a rut here!
Mary X