How it all comes together

Some people ask me how I decide what design goes on which letter.  I pretty much look at the bedding or pictures of the room and go from there.  I like to know the wall color because I don't like when the base color is the same or close to the same as the wall color- it just makes them blend right in, instead of making a statement.  Sometimes people want certain designs and make requests for certain patterns- but using the colors that compliment the bedding (ex- polka dots, stripes, checkerboard, diamonds).  Here's are a few examples of how letters match up to the bedding.

More from TLB

Picture Dump time!  Sorry some are blurry and some of the colors are off.  I'm typically taking these pics at 11:00-12:00 at night, and without sunlight (and patience) this is the best I can get.  You get the idea...

TLB

Over the past few months, I've taken on some orders from The Letter Boutique.  Carrie has a wonderful business that continues to be successful.  She has added more painters over the years; its almost hard to believe we have painted together for over 5 years!  Take a look at some of my recent names.

New pictures coming this week! I promise!

Nothin really new going on around in our little world.  Sami has not had her ACL surgery, and for now we are holding out.  She is now walking on all fours, and hasn't really shown any signs of favoring the hurt leg.  She takes glucosamine daily- so hopefully between that, staying in the crate while we aren't home, and using the ramp to get on the couch- she might be ok without surgery.  So keep your fingers crossed!

One of my best friend's got married last month.  Her husband is in the Air Force, and when they returned home from their honeymoon they had a few days until they had to report to- MONTANA!  Nothing like moving across the freaking country.  I'm so happy for their new lives together, but just wish it were a little closer to home!  Jessica was a beautiful bride and the wedding and reception were spectacular!

I have been busy painting- so sorry for the lack of blog updates!  I promise a few pictures THIS WEEK!  I have done a few personal orders, but mainly filling orders for The Letter Boutique.  Carrie is great to work with and I enjoy picking up orders when I know I have time in my schedule to fill them.

Until next time!

I'm back!

I hope everyone is having a wonderful 2010 so far.  If its going anything like mine, the new years resolutions have already faded away and you find yourself thinking "How is it already May?" (give or take a few days :)

I am taking new paint orders, and have already gotten a few lined up.  I'm not trying to "over do it" this year with my little side hobby here, but I do realize that once I start painting, I enjoy it!  Sometimes I have a tough time giving up my evenings catching up on my Tori and Dean DVR's, but overall, I love it.  I love the satisfaction a finished piece gives me!  I am painting a few orders with my friend Carrie over at The Letter Boutique for a few weeks.  She just had her site revamped, so you should check it out!

Zack and I are doing well.  We realized not to long ago that this July will be our 5 year houseiversary.  Hard to believe that it's 5 years old already!  No big vacations for us this year.  Which is not that big of a deal since Zack's parents have a place at Emerald Isle.  Our calendars are full with 3 weddings that we are in this year (and the parties and showers that go along with that) and our little girl, Sami Sue has to have surgery.  She's just like me, and tore her ACL.  We're hoping for a miracle in the next few weeks- but if not- it will be surgery time.  Fun.  Double fun for the 8 weeks of crate confinement that follows that.

Thanks for stopping by.  I hope to add a few new pics in the coming week.  See you soon!

Our Kitchen Update

:::  I am participating in Thrifty Decor Chick's Before and After party  :::

I have always loved the look of a tiled backsplash.  We do not live in a "granite counter top neighborhood" and since this is our "starter" home, we aren't trying to sink a lot of money into it.  We do however want to make it OURS.  Comfy, modern, but cozy.  You know, add a little here and there to give our home character.

My mom and dad recently did their kitchen backsplash and offered to do ours as a Christmas present!  (No, they won't adopt you, they're all mine :), well, and my sister's too!)  We decided to do our New Year's weekend, since we had an extra day to rest.

We, cough cough, THEY, started Saturday morning bright and early, and all was finished by Sunday around lunch!  I love subway tile.  Simple lines, clean, timeless.  We didn't want any fancy decoration tiles, crazy designs, etc.  We wanted something that we loved, but that when we decide to sell this house, the next owner would be able to incorporated into their style. 

Of course with me, its never just one project!  I also decided to paint the back kitchen wall, get a new clock, canisters, a window treatment, new light over the sink, and well now we are working on new barstools.  I could only paint one wall in the kitchen due to the layout of our house.  Basically the other walls also belong to other rooms.  (Open floor plan)

Ok, enough talk.  I'll let the pictures do the talking now.

Before.  Complete with some Christmas decoration :)  Click any picture to enlarge

Before... the other side.

Later that night... 

And the other side...

And with grout!

After!  With the paint and new cornice board over the window!

And now my new clock and light:)

Hope you like my "new" kitchen, and hope it inspires you! 

I still don't cook- however it is a beautiful room to walk into!

Winter Break!

I will be taking a break from ByPami in January, February and March.  This will allow be to make a few blog updates and get ready for spring!  I'll still be painting though- no worries there!  I'm hoping to get a few items done for some family and friends Christmas presents!  (I know- it sounds insane!)  I'll also be spending some time with my little Sami.  She is having back issues with her back, so please say a few puppy prayers for her!  Check back for ByPami updates over the next few months!