a trio of roses 26

Mona Pendleton | Sunday, June 5, 2016 @ 9:55 AM | , ,

Hi! I hope all is well with you! I'm still here, living the dream and enjoying life :) Although I had a project to share, it's been over a month since I took the time to craft for various reasons. I sort of lost my crafty mojo along the way. Not sure if it's related to the 6 years non stop of blogging, dt responsibilities or a combination of various things. I may have one more Prima project to share then my term will be complete. I've stepped down from the other dt's that I was on, just lost the interest to craft. I've been quite busy taking care of my family, myself and completing domestic projects around the home. I've always been involved in fitness since childhood and that has carried over into my lifestyle. Being a woman nearing 50, maintaining my girly shape has become even more challenging but I'm always up for the challenge :) I spend many hours a week exercising either indoors or outdoors. It's a lot of hard work and dedication but is so rewarding. Here I am at the gym :)
My sweet husband built and surprised me with this rose garden for Mother's Day! 
Another HUGE project that both Scott and I tackled was replacing our outdoor couch cushion coverings. I received a quote for $1,200.00 to replace the cushions which I thought was quite outrageous since I have the ability and skills to sew! I cost us $250. to do it ourselves! Scott cut ALL the fabric and I did all the sewing :) Here's the before picture:
and here's the after:

Here's my little helper Gretchen putting the cushions through quality control :)
Scott made a custom cabinet to store my paper organizer in. Here's a few pics along the way. Once he built it, he base painted it brown so when it was distressed, the dark brown surface would peek through:
I painted it using Martha Stewart chalk paint:
We both worked on sanding it to distress it, Scott applied the antiquing glaze then I applied the polyurethane:
and here it is in my craft room :)
Feeling refreshed after a month's break from creating, I pulled out my paints and palette last night and followed along with Gary Jenkins Old Fashioned Roses video tutorial. This is a 12" x 12" gessoed board: 
I need to get the hang of a paintbrush in my hand again. Just like anything, practice, practice, practice...


I'm linking this to Paint Party Friday:
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Be Sweet ;)
post signature


 Comments

26 Sweet Comments So Far:

Fran said...

Wow, impressive post. You have been quite creative with your garden and beautiful patio setting.

Davi said...

Life seems to be overtaking us all lately! I love the recovered cushions, a great choice of fabrics to go with your patio! Your paper cabinet turned out Really nice too. Your painting is Great, pretty roses and I love the leaves :)

Giggles said...

Oh my goodness you didn't stop creating...you just put your focus and energy on a different projects...sculpting your body, sewing those stunning cushions which are by far more glorious than the originals...Love the pillow pattern so much....and then painting that amazing cabinet..wow you are a creating genius! Love your stunning flowers too...you are so prolific at everything!! A wonderful inspiration to all!

Hugs Giggles

Greta said...

I've been looking for you frequently, Mona, & wondered if you were on another trip. So good to keep your priorities straight. That is some hubby you've got--so sweet to build the rose garden & oh my goodness--what a cabinet! The cushions are stunning, but the picture with Gretchen takes the cake! You couldn't tell it by me that you hadn't kept painting as I think this may be my favorite--just beautiful! I knew all along I needed to keep up fitness & now I'm paying for my laziness--yuk! Determined to get off at least some of these extra pounds, though, before I go see my cousin. Hugs, Greta

Lisa Elton said...

So much prettiness in your post Mona and look at you pumping iron!! Your rose painting is ever so pretty. I've missed you in bogland, but am happy to see you're enjoying life!!

Sue Marrazzo Fine Art said...

GREAT to see your flowers!
They are so so LOVELY!
Thanks for sharing your fitness photos...I share your passion.

Cheryl W. said...

You have completed some amazing projects and your newest painting is beautiful! With that fantastic new rose garden, you've got some perfect models to pose for you.

Jill Norwood said...

Mona what a lovely post! Love your gorgeous painting and all of the fantastic home beautifications! And way to go on staying in shape. I hit 50 this year and it sure does take more effort to , at the very least, not lose more ground....at least in my case. :) Hugs! Jill

Marjan said...

Nice to see you back on your blog. Wow, you have been busy with all the lovely projects and how well they turned out! The painting is wonderful too, the detail stunning! And so is your shape :)

Astrid Maclean said...

A wonderful post Mona, enjoy these new adventures! Change is always good! Beautiful transformations around your home and those roses look stunning!! And well done on your efforts at keeping fit and healthy!

Ros Crawford said...

Oh my goodness! Your skills are amazing ... I love your outdoor revamp! And taking a peek inside your world is wonderful... What a lovely home you have. Love your painting too and you haven't lost your touch at all! You look great even from the back BTW! Nice to see you posting ...

Kim said...

You've been quite busy. I love your cabinet! It looks amazing. You have mad see girls skills. So glad to see you creating again.

Helen Wallace said...

Ah Mona - good on you for taking a step back to re-evaluate your priorities. So many talented artists have arrived at the same spot. Thanks for sharing your fitness, your sewing and decorating skills, as well as your wonderful painting. Go well.

Unknown said...

It's great to read that you are doing wonderful! Keep it up!:)

suzyb said...

Wow Mona, your cushions are magnificent. Excellent job! Saved a ton of money and you got what you wanted and the colour you wanted. Love the cupboard you both had a hand in making. Looks amazing. I have always loved the distressed look!
Your paintings are coming along too, love the fact you have taken it up again. Miss you layouts tho'. They are stunning. Talented woman right there!!!
Hope you have a great week.
Victoria, BC
Canada

Susan Lankford said...

Thanks, Mona, for your honesty and sweet transparency in this post! I have often wondered how in the WORLD you produce so many projects and are so artistically productive! On the other hand, your artistic endeavors are just traveling down another road....the outdoor couches are fabulous...you and Scott have never ending talent (and patient perseverance). And what a wonderful job you both did on the craft room paper cabinet...sweeeet! In short, your Mojo is just focused in other areas for now. AND your painting is better than ever (I know nothing about painting...I just judge by my eyes).
Finally, one thing you must never stop doing is the physical exercise....HUGE mistake to stop and then later attempt to return to it! You look so fit and I know you must feel wonderful! Hugs, Susan

Stella said...

Geesh you have been busy! Your closet, rosebed and couch look fab! And keep up the fitness;even your back looks great:) I often wondered how you were able to create so much and with so many obligations in various DT's. Blogging is fun but also time consuming. And taking a break is a good thing. I think no one of us can keep up with everything and your personal life and interests are always first.
Oops almost forgotten; your painting is gorgeous!

Patty O'Malley said...

You're still crafting, Mona, by doing all the home decor projects. Your cushions looks so much more beautiful than what the original ones where even when new. Your husband is quite talented, too. I love your painting--doesn't look like you need to practice!

MackieMade Paper Creations said...

Wow, Mona! Look at those shoulders!!! I wish I had loved fitness! Instead I love sweets and carbs! Haha! Your hubby is the sweetest! You are a lucky girl! I wondered where you were! I thought you may be on another wonderful trip! Instead you have been working hard!!!! And your painting is gorgeous!!!!

Paper Profusion said...

Wowsers girl - is there no end to your talents!?! All the home decor looks stunning. I can relate to lost mojo, but you sure are creating in lots of other fab ways. LOVE your artwork too. Nicola x

Lisa said...

I totally understand about losing your crafty mojo. Sometimes all of the blogging and DT commitments and commenting...it gets overwhelming. When it's no longer fun to create, it's time to take a step back. I'm afraid I may get to that point soon. I'm five and a half years of blogging and though I've really decreased the number of posts, it's still hard to keep up. Real life gets in the way. I get up at 5:30 just so I can get an hour in on the stepper and then another half hour on the treadmill each night. It's hard to find time to keep up with crafting and blogging. I am so, so glad you are still painting. I wish I had that talent...I can't draw for anything. I've even tried with step-by-step books, but it's just not there :) I would so love to paint and I'm enjoying following along with your journey!! The roses look amazing!! I love the colors!! And wow, you and Scott did a phenomenal job recovering the cushions!! They look amazing!! Okay, I guess I better end this book of a comment now!! ;) Have a great day!! Big hugs :)

Lisa
A Mermaid's Crafts

Renee Dowling said...

A talented lady in so many areas. The blue on the cushions is lovely. Well done!

You have gorgeous back muscles.

Julie said...

Magnificent post, Mona! Thank you for sharing so much with us! I see that even though you've been blogging less, your creativity has not waned! You are truly an inspiration; between your fittness (you look amazing - those shoulders - oh my) and your art, you really inspire! You 2 did a fabulous job re-covering your patio furniture; love the pattern you chose. Your Scott is a definite keeper; so sweet to build a rose bed for you and a custom cupboard! Love the finish! And, of course, your painting is just magical! Love the colors and contrasts. You haven't lost anything! Amazing!

Petra Swart said...

Oh, I enjoyed this post seeing all the photo's of what you've been busy with, Mona!!!! Your cushions look fabulous and how lucky you are to have a hubby who can do such a sweet rose garden and WOW, that cabinet looks wonderful!!!! The two of you are such a great team!!!!
Every time I see a new painting of yours, I think to myself: 'that's the best one Mona has done and it's my favorite', but next time there's another stunning one and my thoughts are the same!!!! Your talent is truly amazing, Mona, and your paintings are all wonderful works of art!!!! TFS!!!!
Nearly 50 - me, too!!! WOW, you've got the shoulders and figure of a 20-something!!! Good thing to keep fit!!!
Keep well!!!

Val-Belle said...

WOW... ok now I really feel totally inadequate... you are a wonder woman.. I don't do exercise, I am just lazy :/ I love the make over of your furniture and that is no mean feat to get that looking so stunning. I love the after. And the garden and the painting. AMAZING!

Samra said...

First of all, I admire your dedication to staying fit, which truly shows from that gym pic. Second of all, you seem to be able to do anything, you superwoman! The patio set turned out great! (I can't sew :( ) The rose garden looks fantastic! And your painting looks simply marvelous! WOW!!! Amazing!!! I was wondering what was going on with you, with no posts for a while...I am glad to hear it was just life and taking care of family...I can't believe I missed this many posts from you??!!!?? I guess I just had too much going on in my life too, nothing exciting like new rose garden or anything like that...anyways I am glad you are happy and well!
HUGS
Samra
Paper Talk with Samra


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