tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3449505618824942041.post9194255007429072319..comments2024-03-28T16:44:44.407-07:00Comments on Studio E: The Italian Job or- How I spent my Summer Vacationelizabeth shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09042037455600427075noreply@blogger.comBlogger81125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3449505618824942041.post-27935669009924323322016-11-01T16:37:59.549-07:002016-11-01T16:37:59.549-07:00I LOOOOOOOOOVVVVVVVVED The Hobby Lobby! I only wi...I LOOOOOOOOOVVVVVVVVED The Hobby Lobby! I only wish that we had one up here in Canada. It took us decades to get a Michael's Craft store, so perhaps in another 10 years we may get a Hobby Lobby too! ;P<br /><br />elizabeth :Delizabeth shttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09042037455600427075noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3449505618824942041.post-763846948368014342016-11-01T15:57:53.243-07:002016-11-01T15:57:53.243-07:00Loving all the changes! Sometimes you just need a ...Loving all the changes! Sometimes you just need a fresh start with a nice clean palette. :) How did you like Hobby Lobby?! It's one of my favorite stores!!!Lindseyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17542012227699016313noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3449505618824942041.post-42036690440226312892016-10-26T10:32:40.976-07:002016-10-26T10:32:40.976-07:00Hello Alayne! :D
Thank YOU for your Very Encouragi...Hello Alayne! :D<br />Thank YOU for your Very Encouraging words! :D I certainly do Appreciate every one of them because I have been in yet another holding pattern with the Villa. However yesterday I think that I was able to get UN-stuck from a problem which I couldn't figure out, and so I am hoping to get going on this project once again. <br />But I am VERY HAPPY that you like what you are seeing. I enjoyed creating the atmosphere of this Venetian Canal house for the photos because it gave me a sense of direction which I didn't have until then.<br />And I also agree with you about Linda's cushions; they Are GORGEOUS! Her stitches are Very fine and her work is EXTRAORDINARY! <br />It makes my heart glad whenever I look at her gifts and/or the shared talents of All of my friend. <br /> GOD is Good and I've been Blessed! :D<br /><br />elizabeth <br />elizabeth shttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09042037455600427075noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3449505618824942041.post-59034433310195785512016-10-26T07:36:07.478-07:002016-10-26T07:36:07.478-07:00Dear Elizabeth...the progress you are making on th...Dear Elizabeth...the progress you are making on the Italian villa is inspirational. The colours and the accessories all add to the 'vibe' and make a person believe this is Venice and an aged villa on one of the canals...it is magic! You are a person that has a vision and if the look of a finished piece doesn't fit you aren't satisfied until it does...no making do for you! I admire that very much and try to emulate that when working on my own Victorian project. The petit point cushions are gorgeous...one must admire the tiny stitches and the designs created by Linda...lucky you to be the recipient of such miniature treasures! Love the colour of the wallpaper and the faded gradient of its design...you have done a marvellous job of finding items that add to the atmosphere and feel of the villa. Beautiful! Cheers, AlayneScrapbookingButterflyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04218199313356283513noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3449505618824942041.post-34939574328369005712016-10-17T13:54:12.346-07:002016-10-17T13:54:12.346-07:00Hello Christine! Thank You for your comment abou...Hello Christine! Thank You for your comment about the wallpaper, because I LIKE IT TOO! :D <br />Now regarding the gift wrap. I had to give it up. :((<br />I was soooooo wrinkled that even with several goings-over with a hot iron couldn't remove enough of the creases to make it usable. Therefore I had to go to PLAN B which - lo and behold has turned out even better than Plan A! Hip Hip HOORAY! :D<br />And I AGREE with every word you've said about Linda's embroidered cushions! Her needlework skills are beyond my wildest dreams and it makes me VERY HAPPY that I will soon have the opportunity to be able to have a permanent place for them inside this Villa.:D<br /><br />elizabethelizabeth shttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09042037455600427075noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3449505618824942041.post-58791315566068096572016-10-17T10:17:22.056-07:002016-10-17T10:17:22.056-07:00Oh that wallpaper is just perfect! Sort of duck eg...Oh that wallpaper is just perfect! Sort of duck egg meets distress!<br /><br />I had a good laugh at the gift wrap from 16 years ago - it's good to know I'm not the only one who saves things for years...'just in case!'<br /><br />Those embroidered cushions are beautiful! I keep meaning to try some embroidery at some point but I doubt I'd be anywhere near as good!<br />Your scene setup looks fabulous, even just as a temporary thing!<br />Last Alliance Studioshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08275905651993894510noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3449505618824942041.post-52415389761125593722016-10-13T12:28:53.944-07:002016-10-13T12:28:53.944-07:00Hi Sam! Thank you for your comment, especially wh...Hi Sam! Thank you for your comment, especially when it comes to the pictures! I enjoy taking them and I am VERY HAPPY that you enjoy looking at them. :D <br />I am being rather lazy right now and so progress is barely crawling forward, but hopefully my MOJO will return before too much longer, for a second kick at the can! ;P<br /><br />elizabethelizabeth shttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09042037455600427075noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3449505618824942041.post-51762757442388104212016-10-12T20:47:09.135-07:002016-10-12T20:47:09.135-07:00I always love reading through your posts. They mak...I always love reading through your posts. They make me smile. Your pictures are always great to look at as well. Thanks for being you!<br />Hugs,<br />SamSamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04886941510965517859noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3449505618824942041.post-35859900284798493122016-09-19T23:59:57.440-07:002016-09-19T23:59:57.440-07:00Awwwww Thank YOU Very Much Marilyn!:D
I think th...Awwwww Thank YOU Very Much Marilyn!:D <br />I think that I have explored more of Venice via the internet than I probably would have done if I was actually there in person. I have examined the footings, the flooding, the artwork, the politics, the climate, their food, their music, wars and religious history. I've investigated the chimneys ( which are a peculiar shape for good reason) , the structures of the buildings both inside and out which includes their gardens and their fresh water supplies. It has all been a Fascinating journey and I do believe that some of what I have learned over the past summer months has subliminally helped in the formation of the atmosphere of this dining room scene. :D<br />And I too, have high hopes for the staircase(s) yet seeing how this is a weak point for me, I am going to take it step by step, ( pun) so that the "dream" doesn't end up looking like a nightmare! ;P<br /><br />elizabeth :Delizabeth shttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09042037455600427075noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3449505618824942041.post-82546699561016329002016-09-19T04:33:14.048-07:002016-09-19T04:33:14.048-07:00I can assure you - your summer in your own Venice ...I can assure you - your summer in your own Venice beats travelling to the other one by a mile....well for me it does. I have done many a mile and often the real experience falls short of the imagined one - this way you have the imagined one actually coming to life for you - what joy! It is such a credible Venetian 'refurb' with, as you say, 'ugly' building site bits like the stairs which you absolutely know are going to be transformed into 'the stuff as dreams are made on'..... I love watching it all evolve as much as seeing the beautiful end product. Thank you for thinking out loud for us all. Marilynburygardenershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07930807695134677074noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3449505618824942041.post-37751547211576978322016-09-14T17:34:56.204-07:002016-09-14T17:34:56.204-07:00Hi Caroline! :D Thank You for Your Very Sweet comp...Hi Caroline! :D Thank You for Your Very Sweet compliment! It felt good to work out some of the ideas for at least ONE room. I grew tired of working on the exterior for as long as I have, and so coming indoors proved to be a welcomed change of scenery! ;P<br /><br />elizabethelizabeth shttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09042037455600427075noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3449505618824942041.post-26209138214594068312016-09-14T16:00:50.679-07:002016-09-14T16:00:50.679-07:00Such a treat coming over to your blog and watching...Such a treat coming over to your blog and watching you put stuff together. You have wonderful ideas!<br />hugs♥,<br />Caroline Cinderella Moments https://www.blogger.com/profile/12526390867330802509noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3449505618824942041.post-11909411767850170782016-09-14T09:08:58.523-07:002016-09-14T09:08:58.523-07:00Thank YOU Marisa and FYI-I have a sweet tooth when...Thank YOU Marisa and FYI-I have a sweet tooth when it comes to baked goods too! :D I am already thinking ahead to making Italian breads etc. for display in this kitchen, that is, when I get that far. <br /> Recently on another forage through the thrift stores, I found two books 1) the Cooking of ITALY published, probably in the late 60's, and 2) Pizza Pane Focacce! pub. 1998. I am already looking to TRY and reproduce some of dishes which I see in the photos. YUM! <br />However, I am still plodding along with the stairs having gutted the contents of the dining room in order to do so. For me the prep. is Always the most tedious work but I hope the staircase will be worth all of the hair I've lost because of it, in the end.<br />Stay tuned! :D<br /><br />elizabethelizabeth shttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09042037455600427075noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3449505618824942041.post-59682420801732510172016-09-13T08:19:27.845-07:002016-09-13T08:19:27.845-07:00omg, Im alway blown away when it comes to your blo...omg, Im alway blown away when it comes to your blog Missy, I have to go back and reread everything just to make sure my eyes have seen everything. it's like going into a bakery when they put out the fresh donuts (Im a foodie from way back before some smarty pants and the food network coined the phrase so forgive my references...also Im not wrapped to tight but you already knew that..hehe) I cant wait to see what you do with your stairs but best believe I'll be watching<br /><br />hugs<br />Marisa :) Marisahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08484302423812250789noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3449505618824942041.post-61830237973134586262016-09-11T10:58:24.022-07:002016-09-11T10:58:24.022-07:00Thank You Very Much Marilyn!!! :D I Greatly apprec...Thank You Very Much Marilyn!!! :D I Greatly appreciate Every Word of your appreciation! :D<br />When I found the hall paper I Loved it and knew that I was going to use it for this project yet I almost changed my mind when I was trying to work out a color scheme for the Villa. Now that it is ALMOST installed, I am glad that I stuck to my guns and went ahead with it. <br />Over the course of time, I have learned to rely on the camera's eye to pick up what my real eyes often miss, as well as for checking the placement of certain item within a composition, because it is easy for me to project what I Wish to see, onto what really isn't there; in short, the camera keeps me focused on the reality! <br />It was due to the eye of the camera that the entire scene came about and I can't begin to tell you how EXCITED I became when I began to seriously compose the dining room; it was truly ENERGIZING! :D<br /><br />Linda Parks needle work fit right in and so eventually will the gondoliers shirt and hat. It will take a while before I get to display them for real, but they Will be Displayed, and I am really looking forward to That!<br /><br />In the meantime, I am truly DElighted that you are overstuffed and have enjoyed yourself at the fair, since this kind of chocolate and candy floss won't cause cavities! ;P<br /><br />elizabethelizabeth shttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09042037455600427075noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3449505618824942041.post-52973427858351890152016-09-11T09:59:40.205-07:002016-09-11T09:59:40.205-07:00Okay Elizabeth - you've finally done it! You&...Okay Elizabeth - you've finally done it! You've rendered me speechless, which is a feat many have tried but few have accomplished! First off, I was stunned by the wallpaper itself - the way the colours in the paper slowly change from top to bottom and carry that aged look with them - stunning! Then I was blown away by your use of space, the construction of the staircase (the plan for which I may be stealing from you soon for my own project!), and the way you carefully monitored your sight lines while figuring out wall and door placements - so wonderfully instructional and inspirational at the same time. Then you upped the ante by creating a glorious vignette that just screamed Italian villa - absolutely beautiful! Finally, just when I thought it couldn't get any better you showed us the work from Linda Park - absolutely gorgeous and so fitting for your scene. The needlework left me not only speechless but so envious as well - and the gondolier's hat and shirt!?! - Stick a fork in me and call me done! I have to go rest now. I'm like a child who's been taken to the fair and overstuffed with chocolate, candy floss and given a shot of espresso! Okay - so much for being rendered speechless, huh? One last word, I promise -- and that word is: "WOW!!!" - Marilyn D., Oromocto, NB, CanadaMarilyn D.https://www.blogger.com/profile/09764957810468861925noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3449505618824942041.post-58656417243248680182016-09-10T14:34:49.479-07:002016-09-10T14:34:49.479-07:00Hi Sheila! :D
Thank you for your comment and your ...Hi Sheila! :D<br />Thank you for your comment and your Compliment about the concrete base. It took many layers of fussing and fiddling with it to get it to that stage, but now I think I can leave it be. <br /><br />Linda's pillows are little gems and they add sooooo much to the general ambiance of this setting, and I'm looking forward to including them permanently when the time comes. :))<br /><br />and the Dining room / Library was something I decided on the spur of the moment because I knew that I just didn't have enough space in this house to accommodate both rooms individually. <br />I used to live in a bigger house with 2 dining rooms and only One was used and that was only when we had company. The rest of the time we ate in the living room, however, I've come to realize that european cultures place a greater emphasis on sitting down to eat a meal, so I have had to keep that fact in mind as well. Learning new things about the Italian culture as well as their history has proved to be a great Adventure- as if I am discovering a new world<br /><br />- I feel like Columbus! :D<br /><br /> elizabeth elizabeth shttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09042037455600427075noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3449505618824942041.post-48928561936227875092016-09-10T13:18:25.334-07:002016-09-10T13:18:25.334-07:00Love the aging and around the base, like water has...Love the aging and around the base, like water has been lapping at it for years.<br /><br />Those pillows are just gorgeous and your dining room set up looks wonderful. People who use their dining room as a library? Reminds me of my house...dining room never used for dining.Sheilahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11074992134112478195noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3449505618824942041.post-88184314222748124812016-09-09T14:24:59.577-07:002016-09-09T14:24:59.577-07:00Hi Eloisa! Thank You Very Much for your comment a...Hi Eloisa! Thank You Very Much for your comment and for your Compliment! I am encouraged once again by making progress Inside the house, even it it all came towards the end of summer rather than throughout! <br />It makes me Happy too, that you also like my Beautiful Chair and Linda's Incredible Gifts- Thank You! :D<br /><br />elizabethelizabeth shttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09042037455600427075noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3449505618824942041.post-71690920240798042912016-09-09T14:14:20.775-07:002016-09-09T14:14:20.775-07:00Hi Marjorie! :D I Really Appreciate your thoughtf...Hi Marjorie! :D I Really Appreciate your thoughtful comments and observations regarding Villa Leone- Thank YOU! :D<br />I also LOVE the fact that both of us are involved in building Italian Villas; yours inland, and mine in the water, which means that there'll be unique challenges because of our respective climates and locations. Even so it feels like there's a partnership between us. <br />When I read about your handling of the stonework, laying slabs and repairing the walls of Villa del Vigneto I can readily relate, and not only That, but when I'm having dry spells, you are making progress and then the cycle goes into reverse. I think that we are meant to keep each other moving forward, don't you? ;P<br /><br />It took me a VERY LONG TIME to make the decision to shuffle the main floor rooms around and then even more time to decide what to do with the smaller one, so the floor plan as it is now, was one of those "PEE -or get off the pot!" situations which somehow found its own level, after I'd decided to act, but when I bought the wallpaper last Spring was destined for this house although I didn't know where exactly it would go. It is soooo pretty and I do LOVE it in the hall and your description of the "light from the shimmering water" reflecting on the paper! What a romantic picture it painted in my mind, as I read those words. :) <br />As to the rest, it is all just temporary, yet it has re-charged my battery for a while, which was a VERY GOOD THING, because I was beginning to wonder.....????<br />And I am Delighted that you ALSO are feeling re-Inspired to begin again Marjorie" because-<br />that is what (blog) Friends are for! <br /><br />Hoping for a New Post on VILLA DEL VIGNETO - real soon! :D<br /><br />elizabethelizabeth shttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09042037455600427075noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3449505618824942041.post-9533962663196189952016-09-09T13:02:50.415-07:002016-09-09T13:02:50.415-07:00Yes, I now have to move my craft room and I fear I...Yes, I now have to move my craft room and I fear I will never find anything again. But I am trying to be organized about it. :)Kathy S.https://www.blogger.com/profile/11104949532827464322noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3449505618824942041.post-47484609396633993292016-09-09T11:44:49.923-07:002016-09-09T11:44:49.923-07:00Has aprovechado muy bien las vacaciones y hecho un...Has aprovechado muy bien las vacaciones y hecho un gran trabajo. Realmente la silla es preciosa y enhorabuena por ese bonito regalo.Eloisa https://www.blogger.com/profile/02085676992015210405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3449505618824942041.post-70715890811702199972016-09-09T09:45:35.035-07:002016-09-09T09:45:35.035-07:00Thank YOu Very Much Faby! :D
I had "more fu...Thank YOu Very Much Faby! :D <br />I had "more fun than a barrel of monkeys" as I was putting together this scene, and the only downside is that I now have to take it all apart, to do the actual work to make it all a reality. <br />Nevertheless, it also felt good to have the opportunity to showcase Linda's Custom Cushions too! :))<br /><br />elizabethelizabeth shttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09042037455600427075noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3449505618824942041.post-58102249108223247792016-09-09T09:38:52.051-07:002016-09-09T09:38:52.051-07:00Hello, Elizabeth - I can definitely relate to your...Hello, Elizabeth - I can definitely relate to your feeling of being tired of doing "nothing" and thus being compelled to do "something!" I'm in much the same position, except that my compulsion hasn't produced any results yet. But you've produced some wonderful results on Villa Leone, even if they were slow in happening. I like the way that you bulked up the foundation; it does add a sense of solidity to the villa and should certainly keep those high tides at bay. You're working wonders with the floor plan of the villa - all your moves seem just right; I think the rooms will look so much more spacious. The staircase is going to be fabulous! I can't wait to see it finished. I LOVE the wallpaper that you found (even if it isn't really wallpaper!) Perfect! That color just seems to bring the sunlit glow from the canal water right into the rooms - I can almost see the light from the water shimmering as it touches the paper. The pillars are a great choice as well; they add an aged elegance that just suits the villa. And of course those lovely chairs, and the books, and the beautiful pillows all work together to create that gorgeous SCENE - you've assembled that in a wonderful way! I know that you are "feeling your way" as you go - but I think that you're assuredly going in the right direction. Your progress on Villa Leone has inspired me to stop doing nothing and get busy doing something! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this post (of course, I enjoy reading all your posts.) Thanks for sharing Villa Leone!<br />MarjorieMarjorie Baileyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12104669798186181705noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3449505618824942041.post-69365110347270979702016-09-09T07:26:31.638-07:002016-09-09T07:26:31.638-07:00The scene looks amazing and so realistic. Linda...The scene looks amazing and so realistic. Linda's gifts are precious.Fabiolahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12689788579523220109noreply@blogger.com