Canning The Light

I loved canning with my mom. Good fresh picked farm food from our own gardens. I never saw a grocery bought vegetable till I got married. So I have a fondness for these beautiful old canning jars.

I used six different types of Ball canning jars and figured out how to make them into lights for my little cottage. I try to surround myself with things which remind me of my farm life. They make me smile.

Good thing I have a an amazing hubby whom will work with me tirelessly. Sorry I didn't take progress pictures showing how this was accomplished. there are many tutorials on the internet.

Thanks for visiting.

SK

SK's Fridge to Vintage Steamer Trunk

With the amazing photo talent of Carole Marie my vintage steamer trunk comes to life.

Painted Lady French Doors

Painted Lady French Doors

I used these old french doors to experiment with light, dark and texture effects.. The color and painted effects make me smile.

The doors were left without any varithane or other protectant. With the moisture in Oregon I need to make sure these doors are waterproof. I took some time figuring out a fun and unusual color combination and texture.  An old plastic lace tablecloth came in handy. I have one that is multi-painted from various projects. It's fun just by itself. Painting clothes, tarps and such have a story to tell. Don't get rid of them. My girls have taken a pair of my thirty year old painting pants, cut them up, matted and framed the best parts as a memory of our colorful past...

SK's Tissue Paper & Copper Walls

I love small interesting spaces. So when I designed this 4'x5' guest bath I had some decisions to make. It had very tall ceilings and light pine floors so I could do just about anything I wanted color wise. But I also wanted an interesting texture on the walls.

This a fun but messy project.

SK Dislikes Stainless Steel

I can't say much after that title, because the statement is horribly true. I Hate Stainless Steel. Hey the stuff looks great. Until...Kids get to it. Or hubby. Or Me. I must admit.

The stuff seems to glom onto fingerprints. We were constantly trying to find a way of keeping it shiny and free of greasy fingerprints. So here ya go...

SK's Little Worn Out Hutch

I needed to dig deep to save this poor little baby. Found in a farmers field, it had seen better days. The interior was covered with old wallpaper and glue. Stripping it was an adventure. I found old news clips and ads.

A Little French Bistro

This poor baby was left in the weather too long and was so upset it started to split. It needed to be completely sanded down to the wood. I then wood patched the rotted areas and sanded.

Poppin Up Posies

What can be more fun than redecorating a babies room?

SK's Time For A Clock Break

Fun  Clock  Project

This was a fun project. I wanted an oversize wall clock. I have seen some really cool wood ones, but I didn't want a wood or metal clock. The painted alternative was a little more difficult to figure out.  

SK's Half There Table

SK's  Half  There  Table.

I needed a little table in my tiny, tiny bath. I had just under 20" next to the toilet. I needed a little lamp for a night light. I could have just plugged in a little night light, but I wanted something a little prettier.
                                      

Copper... Really SK?

  Concrete to Rust

 Still experimenting with Metal effects paints. Pretty cool if you ask me. Others aren't as excited. Maybe it's the old farm girl in me...

Come on in and see how it was done.

                                                                                       

The Awesomeness Of Having Daughters

Having Daughters

Just a point I must make. My daughters, Darcy( a chef) Summer (overall artist/photographer) Are amazingly talented.

I had to post this post of Darcy's. Just  bragging rights I guess. I thought you might get a kick out of her and her creative process. Naw. She's not like me at all...

http://darcyandsilverspooncakes.blogspot.com//

Valentines Treats

Chef Darcy of Silverspoon Catering in Utah

                                                      Chef Darcy's Custom Cupcakes

What Makes A Professional, Professional?

Professional? SK Sartell

With a history as sketchy as mine, the art and design lessons learned over forty five years must surely be of some use as I get older. You would think...


As I begin a creative project I really try to "see" what I am trying to achieve. This imagining can be a far cry from reality as most of you know. But sometimes we get it spot on and sometimes we're not even close.


Take for example this little well loved table given to me by my secret garage shopper. She seems to trust me. Heavens.

More Old Finish Fun With SK

Old Pine To Metal

I'm still having fun with experimental paint finishes. This is about my most favorite so far. I keep looking around my house to see what else I can refinish. My concrete countered island is next. 

I was given this great old bench by a garage saler in my area, knowing I wouldn't leave it as it was.

Kind Clients whom Become Kind Friends

Old Stuff *New Friends

 

Color Me Antique

SK's Wood Frosting and Modern Masters Oxidizing Paints

SK Sartell, Wood Frosting & Modern Masters Paints

I'm having a blast working with some "new to me products". First I love texture and have found a great long lasting texture to use with hand-cut stencils. Then I tackled metal reactive paints from Modern Masters Paints.

SK's Pine To Copper

Whoopee. A cheap $50 pine armoire.  My first conception drawing

 

I Hate Old Brassy Gold!

A Chandelier Rebirth

Built In 1940 Doesn't Make You Old.

This little 1940's home is built like a brick on ten acres of amazing Northern Idaho Mountains. As I re-design and the endless projects come to fruition we see a gem emerging. This will be a wonderful, warm and cozy home. Complete with an unfinished basement to design. Hmmmmm...Giddy thoughts.

As we complete projects I will update with pictures. This little house is 8 hours away so it's impossible to work every weekend.

The Fresh Fragrance Of Laundry

Fresh Homemade Laundry Soap

An Old West Themed Wedding

Thought and thousands of hours were needed to bring this western themed wedding to a successful conclusion

 A full musical was performed on the specially constructed stage

 I have planned and carried out many a wedding and event but this one was over the top. And I just did the final touches of floral on the three tiered cake and the brooch bridal bouquet.. Boy was I glad this is all I was expected to do..
.

 Burlap and Lace.

 

Fresh Flowers finish Summer's three layer cake. 

 A pretty antique cupboard was used to display the delicate chocolate espresso

 and white chocolate cupcakes.

Lemon Poppy Seed with Blackberry frosting and Drizzle

From Ugly Yellow To Painted Faux Granite

  There are those kitchens that make you want to gag when you step into them. This old 50's kitchen has those ugly yellow tiles, I swear must have been left over from some old hospital job. The builder must have had them in a shed somewhere. Hmmmm....I know let's use them is this kitchen. Ugh!

Chef Darcy of Silver Spoon Catering

What mother wouldn't take the opportunity for bragging rights! 

Daughter Darcy, or should I say Chef Darcy is continuing her quest of the best food possible.

Visit her sites and get your holiday orders in soon.

http://www.chefdarcysilverspooncatering.com/

http://chefdarcysilverspooncatering.blogspot.com/

 We Love you and am so proud of you Darce.  Mom

Catebutterpillarfly

Catabutterpillarfly

SK's Newest Children's Book

Hand-painted original watercolor

Painted Family Tree

Family Tree

Sam's Anitque Brooch Wedding Bouquet

SK's  Diamond and Pearl Bouquets 

Spring Into Summer!

Spring Into Summer!!

Lady Bug, Lady Bug

SK's newest children's book is being published.

Just a few projects left....

One breath at a time. Each time a small part of this project is complete I sigh with relief and enthusiasm onto the next. 

SK's Floral Design

Just a few of SK's Floral Designs

SK's New Cottage

From Old Leaning Structure To Fun New Cottage
by SK Sartell

This poor old building will  have a new life to live.  Built in the early 1910's and added on and on. Owners whom really didn't have a builders knowledge or skills.

Family Trees

Paint is such a fun way to add personality to a home. This family tree needed to be just a bit different than all the vinyl and painted trees. I didn't want it to conflict with the amazing handrail.

The tree was drawn on a paper template, cut and then taped to the wall. We then sponge painted around the outside edges for a 3-d effect.

Summer Lakey added her two bits up and down the latter for a few hours. Loved having her help me.

The owner plans on adding additional pictures and maybe even a birds nest for texture and definition.

Think Outside The Box...

♥ Handmade Gifts ♥

Whether it be for that special holiday or birthday a handmade gift is so much more memorable.

These pretty little wool felt booties were a gift to our granddaughter. I wanted to make something very special with bits of mink and a few pearls I had left from other projects.

Farmhouse Gets A Facelift

As a designer you have the privilege of perusing many clients homes.  I have had a great time doing this with several homes of one family. Each has a different eye for style and color. Each has been a joy to work with and I have had fun imagining  new spaces with these sisters and mom.