This blog is called Sew a Fine Seam (like you hadn’t figured that out 😉 ). Because sewing has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Because no matter what else I do I will always sew (as long as I am able anyway!). It’s a part of who I am! It’s how God created me and I rejoice to be able to use the talents He has given me.
I struggled just a bit with the title Sew a Fine Seam because sewing isn’t the only thing I like to do. I like to craft with paper, I like to use my hot glue gun, ribbon, glitter, and lots of other crafty things. I like learning to play the piano. I like decorating my house and helping others with theirs. I like blogging. And I like to paint. I love photography. (this list may or may not be complete) In the end I always came back to the fact that I am always sewing something no matter what else I have going and ‘Sew a Fine Seam’ it became.
I have had a love for paints and brushes for most of my life too. My painting days began with the box of water paints all kids have at some point it seems. About 8 colors in a plastic box along with a brush. Cup of water and a piece of paper or coloring book and an artist is born!
In grade school I had an art teacher who brought her oil paints and some oak cupboard doors to school and gave us some lessons in oil painting. I began my own collection of oil paints sometime around junior high/high school. I still have a box of them stored somewhere around here. I enjoyed it, and even considered taking some professional lessons, but I moved on.
After I was married I eventually painted every room in our house – some more than once already 🙂 I enjoyed it although I will say I’m about ready to hand the painting of ceilings over to someone else when they need it again. I also started painting furniture here and there when I had a piece that needed an update. And then I started blogging.
And I was inspired by all the inspiration out there. One thing I never liked about painting furniture – it had to be a nice warm, not raining day so I could paint. And whatever I painted needed to dry well so I could distress it like I liked. And my husband did NOT like latex paint on furniture. So every time I painted something it was not really all that great to him. Then I found chalk paint and now milk paint. Now I can use my dining room table (covered with a drop cloth) as my work table, and I can paint in any kind of weather. Now Travis likes what I paint – it’s not rubbery latex. And I’ve found a passion for painting that I think might just stick around for a while!
I am contemplating finding a spot to set up a space with my handmade stuff. And furniture makeovers. And some fun vintage finds mixed in. I’ve always liked shops that used furniture and vintage pieces as props for the main items but also had those props for sale. This is the format I want to take. This is the format I plan to use at the event I’m doing in a few weeks. (yes, I know I said I’d share more about that. I will try to get that post written this week.)
The table in this post I found at a thrift shop a few months ago and I finally painted it during my painting frenzy a couple of weekends ago. I used a stencil I received from Royal Design Studio after winning a giveaway! I used AS Chalk Paint in Duck Egg and topped it with Paris Grey. Love those 2 colors together. The stencil I did in AS Chalk Paint Coco and distressed it lightly. I used clear and dark wax. I’m hoping someone wants to give this a new home because, much as I like it, I don’t have a spot for it in my house. It’s going to make a great piece to take to the event 🙂
What about you? Do you like to paint? What kind of painting do you do?
Sew a Fine Seam
linking up!
Hi Jill, it sure is fun having so many creative interests isn’t it? The only problem is there isn’t enough time to enjoy them all as much as we would like. I hope you are able to find a place to sell your work!
Liz
Yes, Liz, it is fun to be able to do so many different things. But it is hard to know sometimes when to let something go and work harder at something else! Just because I can doesn’t always mean I should!
I’ve always thought you should have a space to share all of your talents and with your gift for styling it’s sure to be a success! You’re such an inspiration Jill, have come so far since I met you not long ago!
Thank you Pam! I have to stop and look back sometimes and remind myself that I am making progress! Fear of failure still gets me sometimes – I need to just keep pushing on!
I do a lot of painting, but I don’t know that I necessarily enjoy it! I like getting to the finished product. 🙂 You can just tackle anything! I’m sure anything you transform will fly out the door!
Ah Jennifer, thanks so much for the vote of confidence – I’m battling some fear in this – so afraid it will crash and burn!
I like to paint, but I also have this thing of liking to get it done quickly! Hmmmm…wonder where that came from? I also am bad at procrastinating and thinking it sounds like too much trouble…
Yeah I like to get stuff done quickly too – one of the reasons I love AS paint – it dries so quick I can just keep on working!
I really need to get you here for a visit. I have a french provincial dresser that I want to use as a television stand. It could really benefit from your painting expertise. 😉
Kellie it would be really fun to help you out! How about after the new year we get it on the calendar?!
I love that table. I used to toy around with acrylic paints for several years and did tons of craft shows with painted slates for the Holidays. I also like to paint walls-I’m with you on letting someone else do the ceilings! Have a great Monday- xo Diana
Thank you Diana – love getting your comments 🙂 Acrylics I never really got into but I think we did use them in art one year too. I liked working with oils because I could keep messing with them – LOL!
You have many, many talents all of which are impressive. I really want to try AS paint, especially with all your posts and pictures of your beautiful projects using it. I can’t wait to her more about your show and see more of your creations and transformations.
And, I too, do not enjoy painting ceilings 🙂
Ah thanks Amy! You are such a great friend – I’m not sure what I did without you! Wish you were close enough I could run over for an afternoon and we could paint together!
You continue to amaze me! That table is beautiful…and your sewing…don’t get me started on your AMAZING sewing! Hope that all is well. Hugs, kimberly
Awww thanks Kimberly! I enjoy sewing and creating new things – to me it’s just what I do! Thanks for your sweet comment!
I need to see something painted with chalk paint in person! Does it leave a smooth finish or is it more flat with a grippy texture? The pics look like it’s smooth… I have a few dark pieces of furniture that I’d like to lighten up 🙂
Come on over Laura! The paint is flat but can be sanded super smooth and then you put a wax finish on it that gives it a luster like no other! I have several things right now if you want to come see them.