Thursday, March 8, 2012

Shelf in my studio

With spring knocking on our door,
[thank you, Lord!]
my spring decluttering frenzy thankfully spilled over into my studio...
office...study....studioffice

whatever you call it.

I sorted through old magazines and catalogs,
shredded a ton of old papers and notes,
dusted and vacuumed,
and changed up the decor on one wall.

The old shelf was purchased this past summer
at a local antique market.
I tried to chew the guy down.

He wouldn't budge.

I smiled at him.

He still wouldn't budge. 

I batted my eyelashes at him.

No budging.


Good gravy...


But it came home with me anyway
because I loved it so much.
I gave it a swipe of ASCP in 'Old White',
distressed it a bit,
added a coat of clear wax,
and buffed it to a subtle shine.


Subway art:  Etsy

I used the "one-woman" hanging technique 
that I recently read about.
I don't remember what blog I read this on,
so if you're that intelligent blogger,
please let me know so I can give credit
where credit is due!

Take a piece of paper toweling,
and pull off a piece as wide as the item you're hanging.
Lay it across the back.

Locate where the hangers are and make a mark with a Sharpie.

Pick up the paper toweling
and tape it to the wall.
Make sure it's straight with your level.
Hammer your nails through the paper toweling where your marks are.

Pull off the paper toweling
and hang your shelf.
It turns out perfectly leveled!


Ingenious!



I placed little cedar seedlings in vintage clay pots during the winter season. 

A girl can never have too many tiny vintage pots, you know.




But these.....

THESE are my favorites.


I love the texture,
the color,
and the patina.

It's the perfect bleu-gray.


Zinc pots:  Etsy


Hydrangea and lavender whisper, "It's springtime!"








I played around with a couple new vignettes for the top of the bookcases, too.
A good decluttering = less "stuff".
I'm not one to have a lot of things scattered about anyway. The small rooms in this old farmhouse need simple decor, and since I'm influenced more and more by the rustic Swedish style, less is more.
I'm just leaving things out that have a special meaning to me.




My favorite photo of Hubby on our beloved island beach.


My office feels so much more clean and airy 
and organized.






Though I am considering taking the double bookcases that line one wall,
moving them upstairs to the extra bedroom,
and replacing them with a nice, big vintage armoire.
I desperately need more storage space for my craft supplies.

I've got my armoire-radar on, girls...

for something like this ~~


Wisteria


or...

be still my heart...

this.


Pinterest


And I'd be  perfectly  happy with something like this.



Pinterest

*sigh......*

Hopefully, I'll come across one this summer at the antique market that needs a new home.



Oh, I recently acquired a new French inspired pillow for the vintage church pew in my studio. I adore the faded words on it.
I won the pretty grain sack pillow from Ann at On Sutton Place this winter.
(Check out her beautiful Etsy shop. She's created some beautiful pillow slips, runners, and textiles there.)


Lettered pillow:  Antique Farmhouse, Grain sack pillow: Sutton Place Designs, Etsy


Ok...enough procrastinating.

It's time for a good closet decluttering next.
 

Ohhhh, boy........



Source


(If you ever saw my closet,
you'd be laughing...

I'm sure.)

[ Blessings ]




Linking to the parties on the lower right of my sidebar.
Just click on the buttons!

And be sure to become Linky Follower of Heaven's Walk!

72 comments:

  1. I love your simple vignettes. Good for you for decluttering. When I do that I find myself gradually adding back as the season goes on. I need to work on that! :-)
    Mary Alice

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  2. So beautiful, Laurie. I so love seeing the things you do around your home.

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  3. What a great post!!! Love your office space!!!And the sign is lovely!!! Blessings Lori

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  4. Love those armoires. If you saw my closet you would run!

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  5. Hi Laurie! Love your shelf and vignettes (and of course, those delicious armoires) ... but what really caught my eye was that adorable and irresistable clock!

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  6. What a great shelf, Laurie! Love the technique for hanging it. You've accessorized it so nicely, too. I love that little clock.

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  7. LOVE it all! Didnt you buy the zinc pots from my etsy shop?! I thought you did..It looks perfect!! xoxo

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  8. I'm with Rachel, I love it all too! Everything looks beautiful, Laurie...nice and simple. Don't you just love that feeling?
    hugs ♥

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  9. Looking good, Laurie! Just a question...does that last armoire come stocked with the booze that is in it? If so, will there be room for your StinkyCat/SillyDog home brew?;>) I am decluttering, too. It is that time of year. xo Diana

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  10. Love this dog...you are SO sweet, Laurie! I like all of the armoires and you deserve one. Love your new shelf, too. Sometimes we just have to knuckle down and pay what they ask!

    Remember to stop by and enter the giveaway!

    XO,
    Jane

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  11. Love the shelf, Laurie. I feel like I'm always organizing. Once I get done...it's just time to start over. Like cleaning...a never ending task. And I love it!
    Hugs,
    Fran

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  12. Oh I love everything you did! Spring is on it's way!! Did you see the weather for next week:) Wonderful!!
    So if you happen to find those wonderful armoires I need one to!!!

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  13. Why do I like zinc so much? I love what you did with the shelf! ~ Maureen

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  14. I'm in the middle of a closet clean out! How does it get so crazy! Your shelf is lovely...just lovely.

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  15. Hi Laurie..running thru blog land tonight...love the paper towel idea..love those armoires also! xoxokathee

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  16. I love everything you did in your studio office,,,these are my favorite pots, too! The message is inspiring !
    Sending love your way

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  17. Love the zinc pot especially. I always love everything you do and this is no exception!

    ~Shanon

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  18. Hi Laurie~ I love your shelf:) I have a real love for vintage shelves. I wish I had more room to put them. Also, have to comment that I love the candle holder in your header:) My favorite
    Hope you have a wonderful weekend
    ~Cheryl

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  19. Beautiful pictures and such a nice shelf. It looks so airy and springlike out. Funny when you can change about without spending too much.

    Hugs
    Elna

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  20. What a nice post !!..you make me laugh !!..hahahaahha!!..happy weekend...love Ria...xxx..

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  21. Lovely pics dear!
    Spring is arriving again during the weekend, can't wait:)

    Thank you so much for your kind words and regards!!
    Haapy Weekend, Love Malin

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  22. I love those armoires Laurie~did you ever read the story of how Antique Chase found her amazing armoire? Its a great story...love the zinc pots on the mantel too.

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  23. hope you find your perfect armoire, laurie:) i just love the shelf!

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  24. I am on the hope for the perfect armoire for our master bedroom too. I know I will find it....most likely when I am not looking for it. I found one this past winter. It was so Frenchy looking with lots of ornate detail and the color was perfect too but sadly it was too too big. Love your pretty mantle and old pots....pure perfection.

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  25. Before I tell you how much I love your shelf may I just say this post just made me laugh out loud...boy are you and I alike!!! Now...I do love that shelf and I am sorry eye-batting did not get the price down(almost always work doesn't it) but it was well worth what ever you paid!!! LOVE THIS POST!! x0

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  26. Loving those armoires! They can make anything around lem look like a million bucks!

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  27. Hi sweets! Your shelf looks beautiful and I can't believe that man didn't budge on the price! We will have to charm him this year. :) I love all your treasures and that amoire is gorgeous, will definitely keep my peepers peeled!! :)
    Have a wonderful weekend and I love your new header!!!
    xoxoxoxo

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  28. Lovely post Laurie! Loving your shelf that said person would not budge on. :)
    I need to get some cleaning energy so send some my way!! lol
    Blessings~

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  29. You did a fabulous job. Your shelf looks so pretty. Thanks so much for dropping by L'Heure Bleue At Home.

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  30. I love what you did. Just looks beautiful. Love your new header too. Have a great weekend.

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  31. Your shelf looks pretty with the pots and subway sign.
    You will need a semi to haul an armoire that size home!!!
    Are you talking about your clothes closet? No wonder the dog is trying not to laugh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    xxoo

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  32. the shelf looks fabulous and will be so fun to change out from time to time. believe me, i understand the creative soul! i bet you'll find that armoire this summer, and i can't wait to see what you do with it.

    michele

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  33. The armories were painted with my favorite colors with all the wonderful things inside. Your display on the shelves with the sign and pots is so unique and charming.

    I'm having my first linky party Simple & Sweet Fridays. Hope you can come by and visit with your wonderful ideas.

    Jody

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  34. Oh I love that verse and it looks great! This was a beautiful post!
    Have a happy week end

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  35. Laurie,

    Your shelf is so sweet! I love it (but then I always love your posts)! You have the best eye and everything always looks so fresh!
    Have a great weekend!

    blessings,
    karianne

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  36. That shelf is perfect.Love those vintage planters too.The shabby er the better.

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  37. Love it! I love the simplicity and calmness of your home. I have way too much stuff and I like to have too much out on display. You did a great job getting your shelf hung. We have plaster walls so I'll have to ask my husband to hang (I might mess up our walls). Your armoire wish list is gorgeous! I would love any one of those.

    ~Sandy

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  38. Love, love, love the armoires! I see that you are from MI. I was born and raised in Traverse City until I was 14. Then I became a southern girl. Thanks for visiting Shabby Sweet Tea today and for your sweet comment.

    http://shabbysweettea.com

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  39. Your shelf looks so fabulous! I will have to try the one woman paper towel hanging method next time I am trying to hang a shelf......very clever! Love all those armoires....can't wait to see what you find :o)
    ~Des

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  40. Great tip on shelf hanging! Thanks SO much for linking up!
    igottacreate.blogspot.com
    "Kiss Me I'm Irish" linky party now open!

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  41. Oh Laurie, your office pics are all magazine worthy. I just LOVE your look in there. Thanks for the armoire inspiration pics too. I was a lucky girl and found one last fall that I still haven't gotten around to painting yet, but I'm loving the finishes on the examples you shared with us. Happy space clearing in your closet! xoxo ~Lili

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  42. Laurie,
    This is gorgeous! Simplistic elegance!
    Adore the clay pots and the lavendar with the hydrangea!
    Fondly,
    Pat

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  43. Hi! :-) No snow here either, must be the white fence you saw outside the window! Enjoying lovely spring-days, with small flowers in the garden! Love it! :-) Beautiful pictures you are showing! Wish you a wonderful sunday! Hugs

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  44. You have at beutiful home and wonderful pictures!!! Greetings Anna (Sweden)

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  45. Yeah, you have all the right stuff. I'm trying all the time to go more spare. You've mastered the art beautifully!

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  46. Beautiful work space Laurie! I really love that sign too :)
    Cas x

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  47. the shelf is beatiful och lovely pictures:)
    have a nice monday
    hugs
    sandra

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  48. Love the sign of course... and oh boy do I want an armoire !! wish we had more space but then I would probably fill it up and need yet more space haha ! lovely post ! Have a nice week... Gail x

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  49. I love your blog because everything is so pretty. Your farmhouse looks amazing. I've been wanting to try chalk paint, and now I've been inspired by your project. Thanks!

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  50. It is so pretty!! And your hanging technique really is genius.

    Thanks so much for the inspiration,
    Karah

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  51. Laurie, Thank you so much for making my first linky party on Friday a success. Love your shelf in your studio idea.
    Hope you can visit again this Friday.

    Love, Jody

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  52. Beautiful decor! So simple and classic. I love the idea of an armoire - the ones in the pictures are gorgeous! :)
    Jennelise

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  53. Loving your simple and beautiful vignettes. Lovin the shelf and the pictures of armories. they'd would look great. Thanks for sharing your inspiration at Sunday's Best.

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  54. Well that hanging technique is fantastic. I love they way you've treated the shelf and also how you styled it.
    So simple and elegant
    Carolyn xx

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  55. Hello,
    Thank you for visiting us at Red Rose Alley. Your blog is lovely. I really like the LOVE PEACE sign. While I was reading, I noticed that me and my daughters have alot of the same interests as you. Jess loves Interior Design - in fact, she has her degree in it. We also love Photography. We would love it if you could follow us, and I would certainly come back and follow you as well. It's so nice to meet new friends. Have a sweet day. Oh, Passion of the Christ is one of my favorite movies too.
    ~Sheri at Red Rose Alley

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  56. That paper towel hanging method sounds great! Will have to remember that! Love your styled vignettes, I really love that plant pot! Those are some great armoires, great eye candy. Good luck with cleaning out your closet!

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  57. i always love your style! & those pillows are gorgeous :)
    x

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  58. I love that shelf with its simplicity. The seed pots are fantastic. And thanks for the hanging tip. I sure need that one!

    xo

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  59. I really like your distressed shelf. Those are so handy to have and add so much interest to a room. I love the simple accessories you added too. I'm like you and prefer a simple less cluttered look. If I bring something new into the house, something else must leave! Ha! I have that same pillow that you got at Antique Farmhouse. Mine is now in my dining room chair. I love how big it is, don't you? Good luck on your search for an armoire. I know that will really look beautiful in there.

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  60. Love the simplicity of this post!!!Blessings LOri

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  61. love your pretty white shelf and those bleu-grey pots! whenever i see something swedish/nordic country style, like a a book, etc. i think of you...i hope you get to go to sweden one day and see it all first hand!!

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  62. Great shelf, love the decor especially that cool subway art! Please come by my linky party hapening now to link it up - I would love to see you there!
    Stacey of Embracing Change
    http://staceyembracingchange.blogspot.com

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  63. I love everything...I really like the armories with the arches...so pretty.

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  64. Laurie, Thanks for linking up to Simple & Sweet Fridays. Just wanted to let you know that your post was the most viewed. Hope you can stop by again.

    Jody

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  65. Wow - I love all that you put together on that mantel. So lovely!! The colors look great together. Nicely done!

    Thanks for sharing this on the Take it on Tuesday blog hop. I'm pinning this!

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  66. Laurie, I just love visiting your home. Your studio shelf is beautiful and I am blown away by the simple hanging solution you described! Genius! I will be using that from now on!

    I loved your previous post, with the introduction of blues, and the return of the bullfrogs. You do live in paradise, both inside and out :)

    Thank you so very much for all your kind and comforting words while I was hiding away from the world. You are so sweet and your kind messages always lifted my spirits. Thank you from the bottom of my heart :)

    Donna

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  67. Oh Laurie! You're adorable! I love the paper towel method! That's brilliant! So wish you lived in my town b/c I think you'd be so much fun to hang out with! :) Love the "fruit" sign also!
    xoxo!
    Melody

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  68. That shelf is so nice...love those pots as well!
    Thanks for linking up to my party! I would love for you to stop back this Thursday to link up again!
    Stacey of Embracing Change

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Bless you and thank you for visiting! I read each of your comments and treasure them all. So, please make sure your settings will accept emails, or leave your email address so that I can reply! ♥ Laurie