Eye on Art Series - Maggie Greir

I was having lunch recently with a mentor and friend of mine, and we started discussing how rare it is to find people who seem to balance the "right and left brain" tendencies.  They are creative but also incredibly smart.  Well during this discussion, Maggie Grier immediately came to mind. 

 

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Maggie has a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Alabama but is a self taught painter.  She painted for fun during college and sold the pieces during local fairs and to decorators.  I love that her work has a modern feel but can easily be incorporated into a very traditional space.  Also, the colors seem neutral but there is often one standout hue that makes her work feel very unique. 

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Her artwork was featured in the 2010 Nashville Showhouse benefitting Tennessee youth, and continues to be featured in Nashville at Bennett Galleries.  These unique, and rather quirky pieces really set the tone in this space.

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It is not surprising that Maggie balances both spheres.  Growing up with two very creative parents who own one of my favorite antique stores in Birmingham (The Nest), Maggie has learned first hand that an eye for beautiful things is only part of running a successful small business in the creative world.   

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If you are in Birmingham and want to see a few of Maggie's offerings in person, there are several local spots where you can take a look - The Nest, Little House on Linden (one of my favorite galleries), and Charlotte Woodsen Antiques.  I am sure you can find a place in your home for one of these stunning pieces.

PS: Don't Forget - my current giveaway ends tomorrow at 5:00pm.  Click here is you would like to enter.  I'll announce the winner on Friday.  M.

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Eye on Art Series - Meagan Vucovich

This is my second installment of "Eye on Art."  For those not familiar with this series, this is where I focus on local artists who have amazing talent and are up and coming in the art world.  Well, today, you are in for a total treat!!!  The stunning work of . . .

Meagan Vucovich

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I recently met Meagan at a wine tasting for my husband's firm and thought she was so cute and interesting. Then, I came home and checked out her website and was equally impressed with her work! 

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Meagan grew up in Montgomery, Alabama and eventually made her way to Birmingham where she lives and works.  Art must be in Meagan's genes since her Mother is also an accomplished artist.

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Her favorite art is pet portraits and abstracts (which are my favorite).  But the fact that she does both really well shows her true range of ability.

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She also loves teaching and has taught sips and strokes for the junior patrons at the museum here in Birmingham and is in the process of organizing art classes for children.  

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If you would like more information on Meagan and her work, check out her website or Facebook page (here's a little tip, she sometimes hosts giveaways on her Facebook page, so you need to become a friend!).

How's everybody's summer so far?!  I, for one, could use a nap . . .  Maybe I can squeeze one in this weekend.   M.

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Things I'm loving at the Moment

Now for some total randomness.  I've been juggling design work and kiddos at home over the last couple of weeks.  I have to confess it's been a bit crazy - but fun crazy.  Summer seems to fly by, and I really want to take it all in and enjoy every minute of it.  I thought I would share a few things I've stumbled upon - a little summer randomness.

White Walls
I adore this space.  It looks like something you would find in a beach house.  Notice the white walls, ceiling, wall sconce and simple roman shades.  All this white accomplishes a couple things.  It makes the space feel bigger and it creates a backdrop for the pops of color on the beds.  Also, notice the headboards are actually upholstered cushions tacked to the wall.  So simple, but so much impact.    

Contemporary Bedroom design by Other Metros Interior Designer Joel Snayd

Sheep Artwork Tutorial
This simple tutorial for affordable artwork really packs a WOW.  Wouldn't it be precious in a nursery?!  Great Job, Em and Elle!

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Gourmet Popsicles

Everybody in Birmingham is talking about Steel City Pops.  These gourmet popsicles are all the rage.  I was having dinner with some girlfriends a couple of weeks ago and one of my friends could not say enough about them.  Then, my husband's firm hosted a dinner last week at the baseball field and Steel City brought a popsicle truck!  The flavors are so unique like avocado and blood orange, and they are all made fresh daily.  And to sweeten the pot (as they say), the owners are giving back by donating 100% of the profits made on their bottled water to developing water sources in third world countries.  So, a true community leader!

Do you remember my post recently of this picture?! . . . Wouldn't these gourmet pops make the most amazing dessert for a summer time dinner party?  Oh yea, I'm on it.  

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Crawfish Boils

Talk about a laid back party.  This past weekend we celebrated the birthday of a close friend.  She and her husband spent several years in New Orleans and all that culture, food and NOLA lifestyle is now in their blood.  So, of course, celebrating big for this cute couple translates into a crawfish boil!  I ate so many I finally had to stop when my fingers were numb from peeling them.  You just can't beat good food, good friends, good music and yummy drinks in the summer!

Hammock Chairs

At the beginning of the summer, I ordered a pair of hammock chairs for my kids.  They are getting too big to use the swing set in our backyard (which makes me a little sad).  But, I'm not ready to tear the whole thing down. 

 Instead, I converted the swing portion of our set using the hammock chairs.  Both my kids love to read, so they've been hanging out up there in late afternoon/early evening with a book.   

I'm thinking I extended the life of that swing set at least more summer!

Wall Container/Window Boxes

My husband and I took a recent trip to one of our favorite nurseries here in Birmingham.  It is a bit farther out, but their plants are always so healthy and really put on a show during the summer season.  If you live in Birmingham, it's truly worth your time to check out Collier's nursery.  

During our most recent trip, the cutest girl helped us (which is another reason to go there, the customer service is spot on).  She taught me something about planting window boxes.  Now, mind you, we've had this box for at least five years; and I've never thought about what she told us.  

The trick is to plant two different trailing plants on each end (so a total of four plants, rather than just two) - one in the back and one in the front.  I've always done just one plant on each end since the container is so narrow, thinking it would fill out nicely. 

 Well, the box has never looked this great, even at it's peak.   I think it's the contrast in color that really gives the container the depth you can't get from a single plant.  Simple idea, but huge impact.  Love it. 

San Tan-tonio Nail Polish

(I told you this post was random!)

I treated myself to a pedicure (which is rare for me, I usually do my own pedicures at home), and I'm loving this color!  I think it helps when you've had a little sun on your feet for color, but every time I look down at the polish it makes me smile (the name just kills me!)

(Bet you didn't expect to see my feet on a Monday!  I kept the picture small in case you tend to get queasy in the morning! Ha!)

Did everybody have a wonderful Father's Day?  We made steaks on the grill last night for our man of the hour; and I called my sweet Dad and wished him a wonderful day too!  

What's everybody been up to lately?! M.

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Artwork to Consider

While framing my sea fans, I decided we needed to talk about artwork in general.  For a space to feel high end, it's important to think outside the box on different types of artwork. The old adage, "buy what you like" does not always work. Too often, when clients buy what they like, their spaces have a "one note" aesthetic. They can't seem to put their finger on the problem; but the space just doesn't feel right. Many times, selecting similar artwork for a space will make a room very predictable and blah.

My rule with artwork - mix it up. When you are considering a piece of artwork, ask yourself. "Do I already have a piece that looks similar to this piece?" If the answer is yes, pass on it. Now, I'm not talking about a color palette here.  Obviously, the colors in the piece of artwork you select should compliment the room. But think different mediums for the artwork - oils, watercolors, etchings, architectural remnants, and clever objects used as artwork. You will be pleasantly surprised by the results of this little trick.

Here are just a few ideas I've found online for unusual artwork.

Telephones
(my kids probably would not even know what these were used for!)

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This is tutorial on turning a simple decorative wood piece from Home Depot into artwork.  Love it!

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An old door - still has it's hinges.

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Vogue Magazine Covers
Perfect for a room where you need some color.

A total industrial vibe with this fan cover.  And I love that they were clever about what they used to display the fan.  It all becomes part of the artwork.  Simple, but cool.

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Vintage Cameras

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Album covers

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A model ship - talk about a focal point.

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Letter box.

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Sheet Music

Remember, you can decide if you want it to be whimsical . . . 

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Or sophisticated.  It's all in how you decide to frame it.

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Vintage Scarf

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Even A Swimsuit!

 The real trick is to think about things meaningful to you and your family.  Then come up with a clever way to display them on your walls.  Have a marvelous day! M.

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Sea Fans - Tutorial

As promised, here are the steps for framing the sea fans.  I started with fans.  If you would like some of your very own click here.  Then, I picked up two square shadow box Ribba frames in white from IKEA.  Yes, I said IKEA.  I already had the linen, but you can pick up a yard or so from any fabric store.  In addition to these supplies, you will also need: scissors, exacto knife (box cutter), self adhesive fabric spray, a staple gun, monofilament thread, a needle, a drill, four popsicle sticks (just wait, I'll explain) and thick brown all purpose paper.

Step One

Measure your sea fans and determine the best placement of them in your frame.  Mark this spot on the backing board (which is provided with the Ribba frame).

Using your drill, make a small hole going all the way through the backing board.  You will also want to make a second hole in the backing board at the point where the base or root of the sea fan will rest.    

Step Two

Measure and cut your linen one inch larger than the backing board all the way around.

Step Three

This is very important (I did not do this on the first one and had to go back and redo it).  Secure the brackets and hanging wire onto the backing board (using the instructions provided with the IKEA frame).  

Step Four

Spray the backing board with the self adhesive spray and cover with the linen.  This will cover the fronts of the hanging brackets so they are not see in the final product.  

Step Five

Flip the board over and re-enforce with staples to secure the linen to the board.  This will prevent the fabric from drooping from the weight of the sea fans in the final product.

Step Six

Using the needle and monofilament thread, push the needle through the back and around the sea fan to secure it to the board.

You are basically sewing the sea fan to the linen.

 I looped it through the backing board and around the sea fans three times.  I did this for for the top and bottom holes I drilled in the backing.

Step Seven

Once you have loop it through several times, place a popsicle stick over the drilled hole on the back and tie off the thread securing the popsicle stick.  This will act as a support for the sea fan and prevent it from drooping in the final product. 

Step Eight

Remove the mat provided with the frame (you will not need it for this project) and place the backing board in place in the frame and bend the dark metal braces back in place to secure the backing into the frame. 

Step Nine 

Using thick brown paper and double stick tape, finish off the backs of the frames for a professional look. 

And that is it!  I know it sounds like a lot of steps, but they are all very easy.  It took me about 20 minutes start to finish.  No waiting around for glue to dry like with the intaglio project!  

Now, it's your turn.  I would love to see pictures of your finished project.  M.

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