Warm Holiday Wishes and Joy to All!
Looking back on 2019, and looking forward to 2020, brings a lot of mixed feelings - but most importantly, one of thanks and blessings!
If you didn't catch my lack of activity and MIA status in 2019 - JLynnJewels (my creative business for many years now) needed to be put on hold. You see, in late 2018, we began the process of getting our former house ready for the Real Estate market (top left photo), and put in a contract for our new home to be built in 2019 (bottom right). Having been in our old home since 2001, it was a huge undertaking in getting the accumulated items under control to a manageable level. UHaul LOVED us...multiple truck rentals, and multiple storage units. Our Son and Daughter also purchased their first homes in March and mid-May too (bottom left photos) - but we still managed to get the house on the market in mid-March. In April we received two offers, and closed in mid-May. We then crashed with our Son for a month, before finally moving into our new home in June.
Of course, in between all of this moving preparation and excitement, I also had an accident in early February. One that required an involved surgery, with some pretty impressive hardware to put my arm back together again. Today, marks 10 months since my accident, and I'm so very thankful for my family who have helped out in many ways (including packing up)...plus my fantastic Doctor, and awesome Physical Therapy team - both of whom were instrumental in getting me to the point where I could transition to home therapy, and continue working on my mobility and strength. I will skip all the graphic photos of stitches, bruises, and swollen arm to myself - and just share a really cool "Hardware" photo...
If you didn't catch my lack of activity and MIA status in 2019 - JLynnJewels (my creative business for many years now) needed to be put on hold. You see, in late 2018, we began the process of getting our former house ready for the Real Estate market (top left photo), and put in a contract for our new home to be built in 2019 (bottom right). Having been in our old home since 2001, it was a huge undertaking in getting the accumulated items under control to a manageable level. UHaul LOVED us...multiple truck rentals, and multiple storage units. Our Son and Daughter also purchased their first homes in March and mid-May too (bottom left photos) - but we still managed to get the house on the market in mid-March. In April we received two offers, and closed in mid-May. We then crashed with our Son for a month, before finally moving into our new home in June.
Of course, in between all of this moving preparation and excitement, I also had an accident in early February. One that required an involved surgery, with some pretty impressive hardware to put my arm back together again. Today, marks 10 months since my accident, and I'm so very thankful for my family who have helped out in many ways (including packing up)...plus my fantastic Doctor, and awesome Physical Therapy team - both of whom were instrumental in getting me to the point where I could transition to home therapy, and continue working on my mobility and strength. I will skip all the graphic photos of stitches, bruises, and swollen arm to myself - and just share a really cool "Hardware" photo...
One of the first x-rays (of many)!
BUSINESS WISE...
Although business projects have been on hiatus this year - the months of quiet, and not being able to do much with the arm, allowed me the opportunity to analyze, think, and plan for the transition and blending of the old and new products, ideas, and the focus for the business. If you missed the announcement on Facebook in January of last year, JLynnJewels will be joining forces with Creative Life and Home, and together will be offering a beautiful mix of Artisan Jewelry, Accessories, DIY Componets, Artwork, Decor, and some unique, small accent furniture pieces - as I get back into the swing of things in 2020.
As mentioned above, I'm still working on unpacking from our move, but I'm also refinishing some vintage furniture pieces for the creative spaces. During August, I purchased this lovely, vintage Armoire that was finished with Dixie Belle paint (one of my favorites). Unfortunately, although it looked pretty, it had not been primed for bleedthrough, nor was it properly cleaned (basic, deep, and enzyme treatments for musty/smoke odors on the inside of the cabinet - which I didn't realize until I got it home). The green pitcher photos really show just how much grime came off from inside the unit (this was probably the sixth empty/refill with basic Dawn/Warm water) - followed by deep cleaning with TSP, and then multiple enzyme treatments and sealing. I think she is almost ready for final finishing now with a clean bill of health and extension of life!
In September, I purchased a TLC project piece for $75. Aside from the crayon, nail polish, and other surface abuse - the entire piece had not been painted correctly, so we needed to strip this down to the original. In the process of doing that, I located the maker marks, and after researching online - discovered it was a vintage Ethan Allen Computer Desk/hutch/chair set. We are currently refinishing and retrofitting the pull out for a real drawer front, along with a few other subtle changes to coordinate with the cream and turquoise color scheme in the office. Needless to say - both pieces have been a lot of work, that have been completed in small increments of time and sections...but it's definitely worth the time and effort to see them both shine agan. Here are some pics in progress...
So for all of you that are tired of the social media perfection photos often seen on line - here are some real, authentic, "in the now" photos of my future creative spaces! Proof positive that I definitely have some hot messes going on lol!
Here's the future office - and for perspective, the counter height desk is 3' x 5', so you can visualize just how much needs to be put away. There are a few other things (stools, accent cabinet, and decor pieces) that need to be painted, but I'm definitely getting close to the finish line!
And here's the future Studio space...this will be my area for the messier projects (such as painting, drawing, dyes, metals, patina, and more). It's a smaller space but has a lot of storage between the double closet, cubbies, and a short line of 1/2 cabinets/countertops along one side. The large counteretop desk in here, is identical to the one in the office too - so a lot of surface work space at 3' x 5'. My Laundry and Utility sink are on the flip side of this space (bottom pic) - along with our Rescue Bunnies (Angel, Maggie-Moo, and Bella-Boo) - the desk under the window is the one for my office and will be moving once I do final sanding and painting.
Well that's the catch-up...and although I haven't returned to the bench for metal, jewelry, or woodworking yet, I have begun to draw and paint again. Here's a quick peek of my current work-in-progress...some Wooden Tree Ornaments that will hopefully be receiving an ombre dye finish, followed up with some fun handpainted details once they're dry :)
