Monday, July 14, 2014

Join me for another stop on the Blog Tour...


A few weeks ago, Larissa of Prodigal Pieces asked me to join in on a fun Blog Tour.  She posted her stop on the tour last week...Prodigal Pieces Blog Tour...

Larissa's life (both creative and personal) is truly inspiring...she is the mom of 6 children.  One is only 3 months old.  She still finds time to hunt for treasures and then "re-create" them for her home and her online shop...Prodigal Pieces on Etsy. 
I'm guessing she's WAY better at "multitasking" than I am?!?
We share a common love for all things lost and discarded.  She has a great eye for redoing furniture of all eras.  You should definitely stop over for a visit...
Chipping with Charm: Blog Tour, Prodigal Pieces...http://www.chippingwithcharm.blogspot.com/
You WILL be inspired :)

Now its my turn to answer a few questions...

1.  What are you working on right now?
We are in the middle of a major kitchen redo.  We are doing it in a few "stages".  
Stage 1:  New appliances 
Stage 2: New cupboards and counter tops
Stage 3: Tearing down a wall and adding an island
Stage 4:  Turning a closet pantry back into a closet...with a "twist".  
 We are still waiting on the counter tops.  But otherwise, we are in the middle of "Stage 3" right now.
This is a "before" picture.
We painted the cupboards and made new beadboard doors 14+  years ago now.  We thought about trying to duplicate the look but decided that our time would be used better to replace and add additional cupboards.  We will have fun finding ways to repurpose those cute beadboard doors and drawers.
  Stay tuned for the "after" :)

2.  How does my work differ from others?
 I love re-purposing old discarded things in new and unique ways.
Many times I switch things up...  
For instance, I brought this old ladder INSIDE for a unique bed canopy...
And I brought those vintage head boards OUTSIDE for a unexpected patio fence...
Chipping with Charm: Blog Tour, Headbpard Patio Fence...http://www.chippingwithcharm.blogspot.com/
Something else about me...
I like simple projects the best.  I use lots of glue, twine and magnets.  Junky, quick and easy...that's my "style".
Chipping with Charm: Blog Tour, Hinge Frame...http://www.chippingwithcharm.blogspot.com/

Chipping with Charm: Blog Tour, Blue Jar Solar Lights...http://www.chippingwithcharm.blogspot.com/
 I think these Ball Jar Solar Lights might be my easiest idea yet!!

3.  Why do I write/create what I do?
I have been a "stay at home" mom since my oldest was 10 months old.  I started creating little projects over nap time as a "creative escape".  It refreshed my soul while my little one refreshed his body.  I guess that's probably why my projects are so easy.  "Immediate Gratification" :)
My youngest started Kindergarten last fall and I am still creating.  Only now I am selling my "wares" at shops and shows.

 My friend Joan (Signs of the Times) and I share a booth at Antiques Downtown in Elk River MN.  We also do a couple of small shows per year.  And I use my blog to connect and share ideas with friends like YOU.  
I feel very BLESSED to be able to do what I love (mostly) from home.  I have dreams of someday owning a cute little shop and project studio someplace.

4.  How does your writing/creative process work?
Dare I tell you that my creative process is totally "random"?  
I take each idea as it comes (usually when I am supposed to be sleeping!!) and go with it.  I like to call it "Divine Inspiration" :)

  I tend to freeze up when  I try to set "deadlines" and "pressure" to create for posts and events.  I really enjoy a more relaxed approach to blogging and creating.

   Well, that's enough about me...

Now I have the pleasure of introducing you to three of my favorite blogs.  All three of these ladies are super creative and genuinely kind.  They all have their own unique style...yet, I think you will agree that they compliment each other quite nicely...ENJOY...
Chipping with Charm: Blog Tour, My Salvaged Treasures...http://www.chippingwithcharm.blogspot.com/
Chipping with Charm: Blog Tour, My Salvaged Treasures...http://www.chippingwithcharm.blogspot.com/
 Betsy of My Salvaged Treasures
 Betsy has been a lover of old stuff for as long as she can remember.  "Point me in the direction of a good flea market, vintage store, or yard sale, and I'm as happy as a kid in a toy store.  I'm always on the hunt for vintage treasures I can turn into something new and unusual.  Sometimes I buy things with a specific plan in mind, and other times the strays I bring home will sit for ages before inspiration strikes.  I believe just about anything can be turned into something new and wonderful with a little imagination and some great junk."

Chipping with Charm: Blog Tour, Vintage with Laces...http://www.chippingwithcharm.blogspot.com/
Chipping with Charm: Blog Tour, Vintage with Lace...http://www.chippingwithcharm.blogspot.com/
Julia shares her passion for sewing, creating mixed-media artwork and decorating. She loves to use vintage treasures, rusty junk and nature elements for her creations and enjoys repurposing items.
 
Chipping with Charm: Blog Tour, Itsy Bits and Pieces...http://www.chippingwithcharm.blogspot.com/
Chipping with Charm: Blog Tour, Itsy Bits and Pieces...http://www.chippingwithcharm.blogspot.com/
Linda of Itsy Bits and Pieces

Linda says "Itsy Bits And Pieces is a creative blog featuring vintage finds, re-use projects, decorating ideas, home tours, and more! Colorful photography and whimsical displays will inspire you to use vintage items in a modern way! I am a vintage dealer, writer, and photographer who loves to blog and create...I find inspiration everywhere..."
 
That was so much fun!
Thanks Larissa for inviting me to join in.  And thank you Betsy, Julia and Linda for playing along!  
I can't wait to see where you ladies take us for a visit next Monday...

Happy Creating,

14 comments:

  1. Thanks so much for inviting me along. It's an honor to be on the same tour with all of you creative and inspiring artists.

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  2. I loved reading all about what you're up to, Laurel! Thank you so much for including me with Betsy and Julia on your tour...it has been fun! So much creativity in blogland!

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  3. Hi Laurel, Your kitchen redo sounds very exciting and I look forward to seeing what you've done. I'm sure you come up with lots of cool and creative repurposed ideas for storage and decoration.
    Thank you so much for inviting me along with Betsy and Linda to the blog tour. I'm in wonderful creative company here.

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  4. Laurel,
    Love this tour of you and my other favorite bloggers. You are a great team of lots of fun inspiration. Loved seeing all of you on tour. I cannot wait to see that kitchen I know it is going to be fabulous.
    Kris

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  5. Love the photo of your old kitchen and can't wait to see the new one. We remodeled our kitchen a couple of years ago and it is a lot of work...but so worth it when it is all done. Enjoying this tour...can't wait to see next weeks where some of my favorite bloggers take us.
    ~Cindy

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  6. What a fun tour! I enjoyed learning about you and your blog and am happy to be following you along via GFC. Now I'm off to check out the others that I didn't know about.

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  7. I really enjoyed your tour, Laurel! I'm always inspired by your creativity and it was fun to hear a bit more about how and why you do what you do :) Can't wait to see your kitchen project!

    Jeanette

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  8. I've been out of the loop for a while (gone for a month!) so I really feel like I need to catch up! Loved reading more about you Laurel...simple is the best! I'll have to check out My Salvaged Treasures...Julia and Linda are already two of my favorite blogs that I never miss...this has been a great tour - thanks for sharing...

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  9. Thank you for the awesome shout-out, Laurel! I can't wait to see what you do with that kitchen, and I about died when I saw your canopy!! You are so gifted with creativity and the Lord has blessed you immensely.

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  10. Such a fun post! Really enjoyed reading it and looking at the pictures! I'm so excited to see your "New" kitchen soon! So fun to hear more about you too, thanks for a lovely tour!! Have a lovely week!! xo Holly

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  11. Well you just introduced me to Vintage With Laces, I have never visited there before so I'm heading over.

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  12. I've always been a fan of your creative inspirations, just never commented, I'm shy :) that sounds better than I lurk through blog land and never leave a comment.
    But a blog tour is a great time to start...those ball jar lights a awesome! but the iron bed frame fence has got to be one of my faves.
    Thank's for the glimpse of your blog world, it was fun to read.

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  13. And a picture of our porch furniture on the sidewalk. We can probably put them back on the porch now. The paint is dry :)yard fencing

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Thanks for your sweet comments! Please also feel free to contact me through email or on my Chipping with Charm Facebook page. I love hearing from you :)