SK On Elderberry

SK's Wildflower Mural

Hoping To Make Dreams True.

It's a tough task making new friends in a strange new location. Far away from family and lifetime buddies.

But this is what I must do. Although I'm more antisocial than most, I blame it on the artistic side of the brain. I seem to love being around amazing people. I soak up their talent like a dry sponge. But I grew up a very lone wolf.

So seclusion is not odd for me. I love the peace and silence. But it's a conundrum as I am inspired by joyful people.

So there it is. The split personality that is mine to bear.

Jo was one of the very first people to put her arms around me and welcome me to this Idaho Rocky Mountain, small town home.

I soon learned she was a masterful gardener, which I am not. (my farmer father would be ashamed)

Her gardens are a joy to behold and I can simply sit and watch the hummers spin around and through the colorfully lined flower paths.

She has a garden shed. Poor baby. Brown and neglected. I simply suggested an update. Who knew what I was getting into.

This is the first proposed mural.

My studio is yet to be completed. The roof was going on as I painted.

The painting was inspired by these lovely wild gardens.

Her whimsical fairies are a delight. I found one around every corner. Hidden or dancing in a corner of delphiniums.

I used a heavy duty painters tarp for this mural. When push came to shove, the owners couldn't and wouldn't take the chance of having to leave the mural if they chose to move.

So canvas it was to be.

After dampening the canvas, we stretched and stapled the fabric to a plywood backing. I primed both sides of the canvas three times. As the canvas dried, it became taut.

Favorite flowers, a favorite verse and beloved animal and insect visitors.

As the mural was completed, I painted a clear matte marine varnish on both sides of the canvas.

The completed mural canvas, was re-stretched on it's new garden shed home. Each edge was sealed with a primer and a frame was created to cover the attaching screws.

We were blessed to have a local professional volunteer to make a timelapse video. In time we shall see how the work turns out.

Thank you Chuck. It was a pleasure working with you.

Chuck Smith, Sandpoint, Idaho Videographer.

Thanks for visiting.

SK & Modern Masters Paints

http://www.hometalk.com/sksartell/project
http://www.pinterest.com/sksart
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SK's Studio

When design overloads the builder (my hubby)

Each of our new homes projects have been a bit overwhelming for my personal builder. We have been here for seven months and are finally working on the studio I have dreamed of for many, many years.

The studio has been dreamed of for so many years I can't recall where the ideas first began to be put down on paper.

The room has a private bath and work sink. The cathedral ceilings are fifteen feet high and face the eastern mountains.

I couldn't waste this view.

The roof trusses are designed and built to be cathedral ceilings looking over the mountain views and an extra bonus room for guests on the front side.

The roofs are all to be old fashioned corrugated tin.

I love the sound of rain on tin roofs. It's akin to music.

These poor men are under a 80 degree sun. Talk about a Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.

As the roof is finished, I start laying out windows which have been gathering dust for years.

My dream of a full window wall is coming to life. With questionable ideas and designs we begin to place over twenty windows.

The center view wall has a bump out which will be the home of a handmade trundle bed at night and during the day a nice place to watch the snow fall for inspiration.

As of today, the window wall is a third complete.

The plywood woods were miticulousy sanded, primed and then painted with Modern Masters Metal Effects Paint in Rust and copper patinas

Modern Metal Effects Paint

My Hand-Built Bath Doors

My Deep Sinks.

This sweet little bay contains a trundle bed looking out over the mountains and cliffs. This has turned into a favorite spot for me and the cat Mr.

From my bedroom door. Such stunning images, it's hard to grasp.

Thanks for visiting.

SK & Modern Masters Paints

http://www.hometalk.com/sksartell/project
http://www.pinterest.com/sksart
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Copper and Rust Concrete Counters with SK

Painted Concrete with SK

I have been incognito for many months. We have moved to the Northern Idaho Rockies and in the middle of building our retreat. So I apologies for being slothful. And I'm anxious to be complete with the many projects I have planned.

I'm not a granite kind of girl. And I love concrete counter tops. I have created these hard surfaces in my last three homes. I can't seem to hurt them. And if they do get marred, I simply put on my painting clothes and go at it. Once every three years or so, I will sand lightly and apply another coat of clear finish hard coat.