It's over! Day 7

I have spoken of the total surprise we feel when first arriving at the January market-that of being excited to plan and design yet another holiday season for Black-eyed Susan, a full 11 months away! Keep in mind that I only put away the last ornament of 2009 the night prior to boarding the plane!

Well, the feeling at the end of market, after 6 full days and well into each night-is that of complete exhaustion and disinterest. Don't show me one more "way cute" thing, because I just don't want to look at it. Don't show me one more "show special" because I just don't need it. Don't show me one more "new trend" because I'm over it. The market is like a ghost town, no food, no treats, no drinks, no buyers, no shuttles. It's over.

Where did one full week go? A pile of purchase orders and a cart full of samples for next year's trees later, and we're out of there.

This was my documentation for the day:

Yet one more fabulous example of monogramming! I love the way this script monogram is positioned off center and unexpected. While there are many examples of trite and overdone monograms, this one speaks to me. (The "R" monogram inspired my photograph).

Many of my family and friends will love this, as I do! Not sure what the inspiration was for the artist, but in our book, it stands for "choose the right". I'm really loving this one, and I'm pretty sure Emily, Denise, Charlotte, Michelle, and Jessie will agree....oh, and Jill, Shannon, Marie...the list goes on and on. Yep, I love it.

At the very end of the day, while shopping for promotional lamps, we came across what I think may be one of the few examples of what glitter doesn't enhance... check out this lampshade. The lamp is pretty awful too.

A closeup of the glitter shade...who really thinks up this sort of design?! Next question, how many should I order?

That's it for another 6 months. For now, I'm spending the night in Charlotte, with my daughter Jessie, and counting on being entertained by my two adorable granddaughters, Fiona (16months) and Bella (4.5 years). It's the real payoff!

One step closer!

Well, we're one step closer to a stunning room!

And, during the process, Sneelock and I decided how to rebuild our retirement nest egg! We'll become a famous painting duo. I can spec the colors, and the two of us can execute the painting. I'm getting dangerously good a cutting in with a 5" angled brush (no taping!)

At the end of the day, my body was hurting all over. Fred said he was tired too, but he still had the attitude of sacrifice to give me a nice rubdown. He's definitely a keeper.

A long shot of the room. Note my signature black accent! The mantle, side bookcases and surrounding paneling....I know it looks like a black hole right now, but just wait! A little lady who was wondering around the house commented on what a lovely room we had (speaking mainly of the room assignment, location, etc.) and then under her breath I heard her say , "I don't like the black, though". I wish I would have invited her back to see the finished product to see if she had a change of mind! On the floor are the new and deeper shelves we had milled for the bookcases, and Sneelock doing his best to tap on one of the new Sherwin Williams paint can lids. We are using all eco friendly paint, donated by my favorite Sherwin Williams paint store in Newtown! They are so great to me. They never question my selections with a raised eyebrow! I highly recommend that location and ask for Mark, the store manager. He's great!

By the way, I highly recommend the eco-friendly paint! It covers great and there is virtually no smell. All for the good of the environment!

Next week, the stripes! I have mixed emotions about the execution of that part of the project. (I'm gaining a renewed appreciation for my usual painting crew.......)

Another shot of the room with painted trim, walls and doors! I feel a real sense of accomplishment. It's difficult to see, but the fabric leaning by the doors is the proposed drapery fabric--a beautiful 100% sheer linen with embroidered dots! Ahhhhh.

Last night, when I started the night shift (!) , I was lamenting about the excess furniture that is accumulating in the retail store. Suddenly, I realized that this favorite vintage chest is the perfect thing for our room! Check out the color, a soft cocoa-y latte color. I love using chests for locations other than the originally intended place. For instance, this was most likely a bedroom chest of drawers, but it works perfectly in a hallway with a fabulous lamp, a living room as an accent table, a foyer table, or even in a large bathroom for towels! Of course, any guestroom or craft room would welcome such a piece as well. I'm sure this will find a home in my room at the designer house. It will be available for sale, not to worry.

At the end of the work day, we had one dilemma.......Ian poured the wall color into the trim color can. Oh dear! But, never fear, one call to Mark at Sherwin Williams and a replacement was at hand. Thanks, Mark!

So, there you have the latest update! Stay tuned for more great design. And any stripe-painters out there, come on over!