Artisan Pieces -- cocktail table

One of my favorite resources is using local artists for bespoke (custom) products in my room environments! They add a strong personal, unique touch like nothing else! Usually the need arises from not finding the particular piece I had in mind for the space, whether that be the exact style, color, size, timeline, or price. Lately, I have been able to do quite a bit and it's a real treat!!

Below is a piece I designed for a recent music room/library. I collaborated with Asa Hoyt of A.W. Hoyt Metal Arts discussing the particulars of my design combined with his expert opinion in metal working so we could create a stable and interesting piece. I knew I wanted the piece to have an aged gold, retro, yet clean feel. Since the client has grandkids who roam the house at will, I wanted to make sure the top was resistant to scratches, stains, etc. but still giving us that clean Carrara marble look. Hello Cambria! And Voila'! Asa's fabulous metal table base with a Cambria Torquay top!

On to the golding: I had the table delivered to Candice Simpson of Textural Hues. Candice has worked on oodles of my projects, whether it is a decorative paint finish on a wall, accessory, or piece of furniture. We selected the color of gold (there are many!) for the legs, one part being base and the other a metallic paint finish, percentage of metallic to base and location of distressing. When all was completed, it was delivered!!

I think it's perfect!!

Art~~It's a good thing!! Later, Susan

Thank You Joan Rivers!!!

Joan Rivers?!  What?  Yes, you read it right.  We all need a little cover up now and then.  To begin, my gorgeous auburn locks have turned to gray.  Not the whole head, but enough.  HOWEVER, my hair grows so fast that within two weeks of coloring, I can see a little gray halo where my hair meets my forehead (so angelic like me, I know...). Do I have the time, or do I even want, to have my hair dyed every two weeks?  No way!  Tried the touch up dyes, disaster.  Tried brushing brown eye shadow on, no stick.  So I ordered Joan Rivers Beauty Great Hair Day from Soft Surroundings catalog.  It's a powder you apply to your hair with a makeup brush.  OMG!!  It is truly a miracle!  Totally covers my gray roots, matches my color, stays in when I brush or swipe my hand through my hair, doesn't transfer to the pillow at night, takes only 2-3 minutes to apply, and comes out when my hair is washed.  Really, I am floored and in love with the stuff.  It truly is a miracle!  Believe me, gray and auburn, when it comes to hair -- not a good combo.  You salt & pepper people got it made!

SPEAKING of cover ups...below are a few Before and Afters from a decorative painter friend of mine, Candice Simpson of Textural Hues.  Every time, I look at these photos, I am blown away by the gorgeous and transformative job she has done.  She truly is a miracle worker also.  Check it out!!

Stunning!  Feel like doing a little concealing???

~~~ Susan ~~~