Monday, July 6, 2015

What Next?


All my wedding creations are complete-


the banner for the rehearsal dinner


and treat bags for each place setting at the rehearsal dinner were finished up last night.


Today we will buy Steve's clothes for the rehearsal dinner (I took care of mine in May)


after we drop off paintings in Carpinteria for an upcoming group show.


Steve asked me what I will do now that I'm done with the wedding - except for the actual event in 12 days.


I began this morning by removing all of the patriotic touches around the house.


And, I am working my way through the house changing vignettes here and there to make the house welcoming for family members who will arrive next week.


Books on my old sewing box in the entry


are held up by some fun little birdcage bookends I found at Michael's the other day.


I went to Michael's for a chalk pen to finish the last chalkboard and ended up spending $85 on "stuff" in the dollar bins - I couldn't pass up the bookends or the cute little striped bags and who doesn't need Scrabble bandaids?


A birdcage that will be used at the wedding left an empty space in the entry so I decided that a basket full of dishes would look cute - it's my house and I can showcase whatever I want - right?


And now it is time to go out to my little garden house to play.


I wasn't going to participate in Where Bloggers Create 


at My Desert Cottage this year because right now I don't have one organized creative space.


But, the link party is always fun and it's a good incentive to get things organized.


Be sure to check out Karen's blog on Friday, July 11 where everyone will be linking up their creative space.


Or better yet, show off your own space.

65 comments:

  1. Carol, your posts always inspire me to do more and to do better. I cannot praise your blog enough:)

    ReplyDelete
  2. I love your home decorating books and always see pretty things throughout your house. I need to do some decorating too! Sweet hugs, Diane

    ReplyDelete
  3. Oh, your creative space is well worth showing, Carol - you simply must! I love your wedding touches, and I bet you're really looking forward to the event. And yes, indeed, we can create vignettes with whatever we want, wherever we want! I have beaded purses in the dining and living room, and dishes in the bathroom, lol. Love your dishes, and the new birdcage bookends. Your $85 chalkpen looks great! ;) I hope you thoroughly enjoy your son's wedding, and your family company.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Oh, your creative space is well worth showing, Carol - you simply must! I love your wedding touches, and I bet you're really looking forward to the event. And yes, indeed, we can create vignettes with whatever we want, wherever we want! I have beaded purses in the dining and living room, and dishes in the bathroom, lol. Love your dishes, and the new birdcage bookends. Your $85 chalkpen looks great! ;) I hope you thoroughly enjoy your son's wedding, and your family company.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Oh, your creative space is well worth showing, Carol - you simply must! I love your wedding touches, and I bet you're really looking forward to the event. And yes, indeed, we can create vignettes with whatever we want, wherever we want! I have beaded purses in the dining and living room, and dishes in the bathroom, lol. Love your dishes, and the new birdcage bookends. Your $85 chalkpen looks great! ;) I hope you thoroughly enjoy your son's wedding, and your family company.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I am sure you will find something to do after the wedding--after you rest a bit. Anticipation and preparation is a good part of the fun of a special event. And afterwards, the memories.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Actually, we are starting to plan a two week road trip for September and there is quite a bit of planning that.

      Delete
  7. I haven't participated in Karen's link party for a few years now, thanks for the reminder!! Enjoy the wedding!!!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Wow you are really busy! I know everything will be so beautiful with all of the wedding preparations you have been doing. I hope you had a lovely 4th of July. Have a nice day and week.
    Julie

    ReplyDelete
  9. I AM SO THRILLED FOR YOU and the wedding guests, the bride and groom and the atmosphere that is going to hug you all. The mist of the sea, the roar and song of the beach; I want to be there again!

    I LOVE THAT QUOTE about the ocean kissing the sea shore. How fabulous is that.....

    Carol, it's so fun to know you and share our love for creativity and nature!

    ReplyDelete
  10. The wedding is almost here! Its going to be so lovely!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Have you told us before why the bride and groom have a book or library theme? I think that's so neat!! I'm sure you've told us and I just don't remember.

    Your guests are going to adore your cottage. All of us sure do!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't know if I have ever explained the theme.

      On January 14, when the photographer made the 2 hour drive to take engagement photos, it was pouring down rain. It rarely rains yet that day it rained for 24 hours straight. Aylin had just come from having her hair done and they knew any outdoor photos would not turn out as they had planned. The original plan was to take pictures of them on the beach where they both grew up, but instead they headed downtown to the charming shops. They popped into Calico Cat Book Shop and immediately started grabbing books. Both Aylin and Joshua majored in English at UC Berkeley. ALL of the photos in the book shop turned out so cute that they took the idea and ran with it. The tables for dinner do not have numbers - they are named for some of their favorite books. It has turned out to be such a fun theme for decorating. And it definitely fits these two avid readers.

      Delete
  12. I was going to say: Well, when the wedding is over, she'll find comfort and peace out in back.
    Brenda

    ReplyDelete
  13. I bet you do have some extra time now that you've finished all of the wedding stuff. How fun! Love your Coke carrier. So cute. Everything you do is darling. Always enjoy reading your cheerful blog.

    Try to rest up before it becomes crazy!!

    Judy

    ReplyDelete
  14. I love seeing all your creativity for the wedding!! I know it's going to be so so lovely!
    Mary Alice

    ReplyDelete
  15. All your wedding pretties are just wonderful! You are so creative. Can't wait to see pictures of the event!

    ReplyDelete
  16. As always, another color filled and inspirational post. You have such a wonderful talent!

    The wedding is going to be fabulous and I look forward to seeing pics of the happy event. You have done a fantastic job with all of the decorations, etc.

    Enjoy your road trip in Sept. ~ FlowerLady

    ReplyDelete
  17. I'm sure the wedding is going to be glorious as welh as your home is charming. Don't we always spend more when there's a dollar bin? I mean, really! I went to Hobby Lobby and did well today to not spend but $25. The grocery store, not so well!

    ReplyDelete
  18. I had to laugh ~ I've been caught in the maelstrom of Michael's dollar bins myself... "Honey, I have NO idea how that got in my bag!!"

    I think I've mentioned this before, but I'd like to LIVE at Calico Cat Book Shop!!! ;)

    All the stuff for the wedding looks wonderful ~

    ReplyDelete
  19. Lovely post and under 12 days to go now for the wedding.

    It's so lovely, a happy time.

    All the best Jan.

    ReplyDelete
  20. So glad all the preparations are done and maybe you can relax and enjoy all that goes along with a wedding! I need to do some work in my creative space for sure and change out some vignettes also. I am in LOVE with those cute bird cage bookends!! Wishing you a great week.
    hugs,
    Linda

    ReplyDelete
  21. Hi Carol :)

    The little mice are so cute. Of course everything is, but I loved that especially. And yes, you can decorate with anything you want and anywhere you want and you do it so well :)

    I just know the wedding is going to be wonderful. I hope you have a great time, which I'm sure you will.

    I hope you had a wonderful Fourth :)

    xo,
    rue

    ReplyDelete
  22. The wedding goodies look great! How fun to use your creativity for such a special event. Your son and soon-to-be daughter in-law must be over the moon excited.

    And, Carol...only you can make a basket of dishes look good! I love all of your decorating.

    ReplyDelete
  23. So it's the calm before the storm now, huh? Well, I hope you enjoy your "unstructured" creative time and each day until the wedding! So exciting!

    ReplyDelete
  24. I can't imagine you being at a loss for what to do next!
    Thank you for the reminder about Where Bloggers Create. I am not participating this year, either, but I always look forward to visiting.

    ReplyDelete
  25. So fun Carol all the wedding stuff is done and you can relax until the big day. Enjoy this time and getting ready.
    Woooo Hooooo so excited for all of you.
    Kris

    ReplyDelete
  26. Wow, everything done for the wedding, and what creative ideas you came up with. At the moment I'm not to creative because there's so much work going on around the Charmer. Sometimes I think it will never be done or be like last year and the summer was over? I'd love to show my new craftroom but I think I'll be passed out on that day? Love you basket of dishes!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Love those little mice...so cute!! How wonderful to have everything done for the wedding. I haven't shared my creative space in several years on where bloggers create...just might do that this year.
    ~Cindy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, I hope you share. I am going to do some organizing in my little garden house tomorrow and then I will take pics.

      Delete
  28. I know you must feel relief on having everything finished for the wedding. Now's the time to enjoy!

    ReplyDelete
  29. You have so much on your plate right now, Carol, but I know you are having a ball. And you are so creative, you are making that couple so happy. My son and fiancé are not doing anything 'homespun' as my other two children did. It's sort of formal and the bride-to-be does most of the planning with her mother and sister. I guess that's okay---looking for dresses for the wedding and rehearsal is about enough stress for mw right now during this busy summer.

    Keep you head above water and continue to give me inspiration and good karma! :)

    Jane x

    ReplyDelete
  30. Congratulations of finishing all the wedding projects. Wow! I find this all amazing, Carol. Your home is always welcoming. Enjoy all the festivities and your house guests. Happy Wedding, Aylin and Joshua!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Sweet Carol I feel your excitement and wish you joy and now that all prep is done some relaxation!
    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  32. Isn't is crazy how quickly the total adds up when we just need a couple of items from the $1 bin? You must be getting SO excited for the big event! I've never joined in with Karen, but actually just posted and mentioned that I was going to try and link in this time - hope I get my office clean :) Many blessings to you over the next 12 days!! Cindy

    ReplyDelete
  33. I love those bird cage book ends. The wedding theme is unique and I am sure will be a day to remember.

    Debbie

    ReplyDelete
  34. You have been so busy. Everything looks great. Have a great time with family during the wedding. Your creations for the wedding look so nice.

    ReplyDelete
  35. You must be getting very excited! What a fun time for you and your family. Your little cottage looks great! I'm not participating in the Where Bloggers Create Party this year because I have a conflict with the Mad Tea Party.

    BTW your wedding decorations are so cute!

    ReplyDelete
  36. Your guests will be enchanted as soon as they set foot inside. I just love the birdcage bookends that will greet them.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Hi Carol, you are so caught up and organized. Love everything for the rehearsal dinner. Love that sweet birdcage bookends and the goodies you found at Michael's dollar bins. I need to stop over there and stock up too. I am trying to pull off getting things ready for WBC. I missed last year for the first time since the beginning. Life is just getting so busy and even more so since my hubs retired. Love the basket of dishes. Your ocean side cottage is always an inspiration. Have a fun and creative day. cm

    ReplyDelete
  38. Congrats on getting everything done for the wedding and with time to spare, good for you, I bet that's a weight off your shoulders? I think you should relax a little now.

    ReplyDelete
  39. Those goodie bags are so creative, what a treat they'll be. Haha, I guess I'm not the only one who goes into a store for one thing and comes out with half the store. Now it's time to enjoy some quiet time before the special event.

    ReplyDelete
  40. You have been one busy bee! Congratulations on completing all the wedding things early! Way to go! Your home is looking great as always. Love the bucket collection...so fun! Enjoy your down time and your house guests. I am hoping to link up to the party as well...we'll see! Have a blessed week!

    ReplyDelete
  41. Okay, so now I am off to Michael's today - love those bookends. Waiting for reports (and photos) from that wedding!! Enjoy~

    ReplyDelete
  42. It's exciting the wedding is so close and you've done a great job on your end. Can't wait to see the tour

    Cindy

    ReplyDelete
  43. Love all your vignettes! Your guests will love them. I love the bags you bought. They are so cute.

    Kathy

    ReplyDelete
  44. Hello there dear Carol!
    It's wonderful to be visiting blog friends again. :)
    Your creativity is always an inspiration to me. And how exciting to have a family wedding...absolutely thrilling!
    The dish vignette is so lovely, actually...brings those creamy sunny colors in...
    It took me a very long time to realize that I really should do what I want in my home...it's not there to please anyone but me and my family, of course...I do allow them to have their own elements... :)
    So absolutely...do what brings YOU bliss...
    Hugs,
    - Irina

    ReplyDelete

  45. "Ontem foi embora.Amanhã ainda não veio. Temos somente hoje, comecemos!!!Qualquer ato
    de amor, por menor que seja, é um trabalho pela paz" (Madre Teresa de Calcutá)
    Linda postagem, amei a gaiola!

    Um grande abraço, Marie.
    __________________________

    ReplyDelete
  46. I know you must be so happy to have everything ready for the wedding now. Now, you can sit back and enjoy all the festivities to come! I'm a huge Michaels fan too. Love the cute stuff you found there.

    ReplyDelete
  47. I love all your new touches, but especially that basket of dishes - so cheerful! All good wishes to the nearly-weds!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am glad that people didn't think the basket of dishes is weird. I love those dishes and am glad that I can see them throughout the day.

      Delete
  48. Oh Carol,
    I can immagine how excited everyone must be for the wedding. Everything looks wonderful. And loving your new entry vignette. The birdcage bookends are adorable. Think I too will be participating in Karen's party this year. I've been wanting to for a while but I really didn't have a space to show but now I do...Yay! Can't wait.

    Hugs,
    ❤️Ana

    ReplyDelete
  49. Your decorations for the wedding are beautiful and so clever, Carol. I can just imagine how exciting it is there now as the day gets closer! Love all your pictures and sweet vignettes.
    Happy week!
    Helen xox

    ReplyDelete
  50. You must be excited with the wedding coming up so fast. I'm glad you're all prepared and I'm sure it will be beautiful and everyone will enjoy it. Your home looks sweet as always with all the vignettes you create. Enjoy!

    ReplyDelete
  51. Doesn't it all looks wonderful?
    I hope the next 12 days goes smoothly for you!
    Your house always seems ready for guests... well, I always feel welcomed. ;)
    Love those scrabble band aids! FUN!
    I've got the party book marked...but don't have one organized creative space to show!
    I'll just hop around and check on everyone else's creative spaces. ;)

    ReplyDelete
  52. Hello Carol, I enjoyed the peeks around your home. Now I have this craving to go to Michael's...
    I love looking at all the little details you have going on. Very inspired here! Enjoy the little bit of extra time before the big day :-)

    ReplyDelete
  53. Enjoy the big day...after all of your hard work ! :)

    ReplyDelete
  54. Enjoy the big day...after all of your hard work ! :)

    ReplyDelete
  55. I love all of your pics. Please tell me the name of the floral dishes in the basket? Darling decor by the way.

    ReplyDelete
  56. Beautiful...I love looking at all your fun work, creative ideas and your fun way of living. :-))
    Inspiration! I Love It!
    Carla

    ReplyDelete
  57. Sounds like you have been very busy. Love all your Michaels finds. You are so creative, I know you will put everything to good use. Your guest will enjoy your beautiful home. Have a great week! Maria

    ReplyDelete
  58. Carol, love the bags and the bookends! I never go to Michaels, but might need to now and then. Your basket of dishes is just perfect! I'm sure the wedding will be fabulous!
    hugs,
    Jann

    ReplyDelete
  59. Oh all your wedding preparations look so wonderful and completed well before the day too! Sarah x

    ReplyDelete
  60. I'm amazed at your organisation, being all ready for the wedding!

    ReplyDelete
  61. Aren't you glad that you're retired now. You've been one busy girl!
    And I love the bird cage book ends

    ReplyDelete