A February self-portrait and other thoughts ...

Self-Portrait Winter 2011

Yes, this is me or at least how I feel during this very cold, very long and very snowy winter.  Each week a new blizzard bullies us and keeps our kids home from school.  The sky mocks us with glorious sunshine and glistening snow piles but once it lures us out of our home - the ice and freezing cold reach deep into our pockets and steal whatever warmth we have hidden.  I want it to end ... but wait, there's more to come and February has only just begun!

My house and backyard this morning

We shovelled, although you can't tell can you?  This is my deck and backyard.  It is very quiet here except for the sound of icicles snapping and plummeting into the snow. 

My house and backyard in my dreams

This is a picture from my dreams ... or maybe it's an actual picture of my backyard in Spring time.  It is usually filled with the sounds of birds singing, kids laughing and the trickling of our water fountain.  I long for this picture to re-appear.

Brimfield Antique Show this Spring

When a relentless winter has held you captive in your home for so long, you begin to dream about sunny climates, vacations that don't entail skiing or snowshoeing and other fun things to do in Spring.  The Brimfield Antique Show signals the real start of Spring for me.  This year it will be held May 10-15th. 

But that seems an eternity away ...

Cambridge Antique Market

I recommend that you bundle up, strap on your snowshoes and get yourself to the Cambridge Antique Market at 201 Msgr. O'Brien Highway in Cambridge, MA.  If you enjoy the thrill of the hunt at Brimfield and want to get a head start on your treasure hunting then the 5 floors of vintage and antique goodies will definitely delight you and help to get you out of your snow rut. Grab a friend and a little bit of cash and have a fun two hours or so hunting down something fabulous for your snow covered home.  I'll share with you some of my finds all for under $100 ...

Vintage Brass Tray with bamboo details

I was looking for a sweet tray for our bar area and came across this beautiful vintage brass tray for $19!  It was covered by years of tarnish but had a beautiful shape and design to it.  

My Brass Tray

I gently cleaned and polished the tray and found it to be so beautiful - now I use it for display as well as for my bar.  Great find and a great deal too!

Vintage Bench

Hidden under a pile of junk, I found the perfect little antique bench.  It needed some sanding and some polishing and now fits perfectly into a little nook near the front door.  A little perch for handbags and packages ...

Tapestry with nail head trim tops my found bench

Hand Painted Pochoir Prints by Davis Gray

These prints may have been my best find of the day.  They are now hanging in my son's "man-cave" or as we mother's affectionately call it, "the playroom".  I actually stumbled upon these on the top floor of the market.  It was my last walk through and I saw them in a crate on a chair.  Through the layers of dust you could see that they were hand painted or so I thought.  No matter, the scenes were dear to me ... 4 paintings of the American Revolution including the battle at the North Bridge. 

It turns out that these prints are very collectable.  They are hand-painted pochoir prints by Davis Gray (aka: E.B. Walden 1929-1995).  Pochoir means "stencil"  - these are actually lithographs that have been hand painted by watercolor artists.  The originals were created by Davis Gray and he then created lithographs  which were then given to one of his talented artists to watercolor.   These hand painted pochoir prints are no longer being produced and have become extremely collectable over the years.  You can buy laser prints of these very desirable scenes  at Grays Watercolors.  Let me give you a closer look at my find ...

Pochoir print of Battle at North Bridge

Pochoir print of Boston Massacre

Pochoir print of Battle of Bunker Hill

Pochoir print of Lexington Battle Green

I just thought these were great.  The subject matter was so exciting to me and that is really where the value is - as long as it is something that speaks to you - you really can't go wrong.  The fact that I paid only $14 for each of them, meant I really didn't go wrong at all!

Frozen bird statue in my backyard

So, to all you snow birds that are looking for an adventure close to home and more importantly away from home ... do some treasure hunting.  You just might find something magical.

...the whited air Hides hills and woods,

the river and the heaven,

 and veils the farmhouse at the garden's end.

The sled and traveller stopped, the courier's feet Delayed,

all friends shut out, 

the housemates sit Around the radiant fireplace ...

Ralph Waldo Emerson

self-portrait after the next blizzard

see you soon,

Ellen~

Alphabet Soup ...

Love Letters by Ellen McHale

The creative process is an interesting thing.  You start out making one thing and the next thing you know you are off in a million different directions.  I have been thinking about doing a series using letters or the alphabet as my inspiration. First, I needed to come up with my alphabet and see how the letters felt to me.

Paste paper alphabet by Ellen McHale

I cut my individual letters out of my paste paper supply.  As beautiful as the paste paper alone was - I really wanted to add a bit more oomph so I embellished the paste paper with my white pen for some added interest. 

Paste Paper Letters in Letter Tray

Once my paste paper alphabet was completed I let them sit for awhile on my desk in a tray.  I started to think about how and where I would use them.  Perhaps on a new piece of artwork or maybe they might make their way onto a new product.  It was time to come up with some samples or a prototype of sorts to see how they might look.  

Love Letters paper weight

With Valentine's Day just around the corner I came up with my Love Letters piece and thought that it would look lovely under a piece of french crystal.  A new paper weight was born - maybe just for me or maybe for someone I love.

W Monogram

E Monogram

I began to randomly place my E initial and my husband's W initial on some of my vintage letters to see how they might look. It got me thinking about some frames that I had found last year at Restoration Hardware. They have been sitting on a shelf without anything in them as of yet ...

W and E monogram on vintage map

I printed out our monograms on decal paper and smoothed them over some vintage maps that I shrunk down to size.  The monogram decal ended up looking like a watercolor wash an effect that I wasn't expecting but ended up loving ...

Monograms in Restoration Hardware frames

The frames alone were lovely and sculptural.  With the monogram on the vintage map the frames are now fantastic.  They will be going upstairs to decorate the top of our armoire in the bedroom.

Monogrammed Hand Towel

I've got monogram on my mind so why not a hand towel or a tea towel or some great linen napkins?  The wheels are really turning now ... 

Butcher Apron

I've been working on a prototype for a line of aprons for Nelley Kelley 2011.  This "alphabet" day has given me the motivational boost that I've been in search of.  I decide to take some of my flour sack fabric and finally commit to making my apron sample.  The E monogram is just what I need to dress it up until my Nelley Kelley fabric line comes in.  I love this apron - no bib - perfect length.  I'm excited and you will be too when you see some of the fabrics that it will come in ...

Nelley Kelley Fabric coming soon ...

Here is a little sneak peek of one of the Nelley Kelley fabrics coming this Spring.  Won't this look great on my butcher apron?  

So you've got a little glimpse into my erratic creative process.  One thing begets another but that is just the way I like it.  There is nothing like a snow day in New England to pull one out of a creative slumber.   

See you next week with some vintage finds that I'm sure you'll love ...

Ellen~

Let there be light ...

Vintage Candlestick

We needed some more light in our bedroom now that the short days of winter have gobbled up the late afternoon sunlight.  In an effort to continue with my quest to "shop" at home for things I need - my gaze landed upon a vintage candlestick that I've had in our home for the past 10 years or so.  I really don't use it for candles instead, I love it for it's chippy paint and it's curvy lines.  It looked like the perfect base for my bedroom lamp ... so a new home project was born just in time for the big snow storm.

Candlestick now wired as lamp

I brought my candlestick down to my local hardware store to see if this candlestick could easily be converted to a lamp.  Here in Concord, I am so lucky to be able to bounce ideas off of Scott Vanderhoof of Vanderhoof's Hardware Store.  His store has been a mainstay in historic Concord for 100 years and is still owned by the same family.  I got to know Scott when he was kind enough to talk me through cutting some antique tins that I had found and wanted to use for some of my artwork.  Since then, I pop into the store from time to time to discuss some of the projects that I'm working on and Scott helps steer me in the right direction in terms of supplies needed.  Today was all about lamps and Scott was more than willing to help me create a lamp out of my vintage candlestick.  You can buy lamp conversion kits in your local hardware store or lamp store if you want to tackle this project on your own.  

Scott Vanderhoof of Vanderhoof's Hardware Store

This is Scott holding a vintage tin that I gave him to say thank you for all of his help.  It depicts his ancestors - in front of Vanderhoof's Hardware Store circa 1900. 

My new lamp!

The fun part was finding the perfect shade for my brand new lamp.  I settled on a cream colored burlap drum shade from Pottery Barn.  It had the right mix of vintage and modern that I was looking for. I can't wait to put it in the bedroom.

My one-of-a-kind bedroom lamp!

I just love the look of my new lamp.  It makes great use of something that I had hanging around my home and now it is no longer just decorative but utilitarian to boot!  It makes this little corner of the bedroom warm, inviting and finished!  

If you are looking for a quick project like mine ... look around your home and try to see your objects in a different "light".  Perhaps you have something there that you love that could be put to good use in a different way.  Tables, benches, trays, candlesticks and baskets can easily transform themselves into beautiful and unique bars, lamps, bookshelves and seats if you only know how to look at them differently.

see you next week,

Ellen~

Reorganize, Redecorate, Repurpose

My reading pile for 2011

Happy New Year!  I most often celebrate the New Year by reorganizing our house and my studio.  It's the feeling of starting fresh with a sense of purpose that I'm seeking when I'm hauling out the tree and begging my husband to move just one more piece of furniture for me.  After the excess of the holidays, it is rather nice to have things more spare and pared down.  Removing the clutter frees you up to so much possibility and that is a great way to go into the new year  ...

Even the bookcases get reorganized!

I start by moving all my decorative objects into one room where I can assess what stays and what goes.  By moving your objects into one space, you get to see the objects in a different light and are more open to using in them in a unique way.  The fun for me is to shop in my own "store" and find forgotten things that can be repurposed.  In my bookcases, I've used vintage tins, pottery, small oil paintings and even glass bakery cloches to add dimension to my books.

Books that inspire hope

Books are used as decorative items throughout my home as well.  They look beautiful piled up on a side table or on the floor beside a favorite chair. Rotate your books seasonally - here I've put out books to inspire me throughout the cold winter.  It's fun to curl up with a cup of tea and dream of the garden in the Spring.

Our Living Room 

You would never believe that this picture was taken after 2 feet of snow fell outside.  The sun was streaming in and we just finished decluttering.  It looked like a breathe of fresh air.  It was time to move on to my studio - I have to admit that I was dreading tackling that area!  At least I know that I have a place to come for a respite.

String and Tape get a home

The same organizational philosophy holds true for even our most messy spaces.  Put it all in a pile in the middle and decide what stays and what goes.  Once you've pared down to the essentials then "shop" your stuff.  Remember to reuse, repurpose and recycle!  Here I've used a vintage menu holder to corral my everyday twines and tapes.

Bits and Bobs in Jars

Art and Craft supplies can overwhelm you very quickly.  You need to develop some storage solutions that keep them neat and organized but also keeps them visible so you are not buying the same items over and over. I have found that clear glass jars work best for my smallest items.  I have them in every shape and size and have them stacked on an old rack that I can wheel over to my work table when I'm ready to create.  

Even my desk gets the 2011 clean-up treatment

The last stop on my clean-up spree is my desk area.  It is usually covered with all my "to do" piles and is generally one big mess.  I don't like sitting there because it can be a claustrophobic nightmare.  So I apply my clean-up principles.  The desk is wiped clean and only things that are needed and make me happy go back on it.  I run to the hardware store to have a piece of plexiglass cut to fit the desk.  I line the desk with some beautiful vintage papers that I've been saving and then place the plexiglass on top. Voila - instantly my desk becomes a work of art in itself!  Some pretty bowls, a lovely paperweight, a vintage toast stand for my notebooks and cards and even one of my vintage glove molds add some character and joy to my work space.  Now this is looking like a space to get creative in ...

Inspiration Board

Now that clutter has been banished and I'm at peace again with my surroundings - I can begin to dream about what comes next.  Happy New Year to you all - I hope this inspires you to reorganize just a little space in your home or office.  I guarantee that it will open up a big space in your creative mind.

see you next week,

Ellen

Merry Christmas and Many Thanks

Merry Christmas from Nelley Kelley studio

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas.  Thank you to all who have taken the time to read my blog and support my artistic endeavors.  Your uplifting comments and enthusiasm for what I'm creating is so meaningful to me.  I am so appreciative.  I'll leave you with a few of my favorite images of the week and hope to see you all again in the New Year!

xo

Ellen

Liam's ornament (age 4) still hanging on the tree!

A little something from my God-daughter ...

Erin's ornament

Wishing a peaceful holiday season to all ...

Edible Homemade-Holiday Gift

Give a Gift from the Kitchen

A gift from the kitchen is always welcome at this time of year.  What could be better than a beautifully packaged container of homemade granola?  This granola is better than anything you can buy from the grocery store, it is relatively easy to make and it is absolutely delicious spooned over yogurt or eaten straight from the jar! 

You will need to make your way to your favorite cooking store.  For me, that means a quick walk to - 

The Concord Shop which is the place to buy your kitchen essentials.  There, I find great canning jars and sweet little scoops to tie onto my finished gifts.  The famous Concord Shop is the one place I can count on to have exactly what I am looking for.

Dried Fruit to be mixed into Granola

Gather your ingredients, turn up your holiday tunes and get ready to bake some delicious granola to give and to keep.

You will need:

1 lb. old fashioned oats ( I use Quaker Oats)

1 c. shredded coconut flakes (sweetened or unsweetened)

1/2 c. slivered almonds and 1/2 c. chopped pecans

1/4 c. sesame seeds and 1/2 c. wheat germ

1/4 c. light brown sugar and 1/2 tsp. kosher salt

1/2 c. safflower oil

1/2 c. honey

1/3 c. water

1 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract

1/2 c. golden raisins

1/2 c. dried cranberries

1/2 c. dried bing cherries

1/2 c. chopped dried apricots

(you can substitute whatever nuts that you prefer in your granola and you can add or subtract any type of dried fruit.  It is up to you and your taste buds!)

How to:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

In a bowl toss together: oats, coconut, almonds, sesame seeds, wheat germ, brown sugar and salt.

In a separate bowl whisk together: oil, honey, water and vanilla.

Stir wet ingredients into dry mixture.

Spread granola on to rimmed baking sheets.

Bake for 15 mins and take out of oven to stir granola and sprinkle on chopped pecans. 

Return pans to oven changing the rack position of your two baking sheets.

Bake for another 15 mins and stir the granola and change rack position of your baking sheets.

Bake for another 5 - 10 minutes depending upon how hot your oven is.

(once the granola is looking golden in color, you can remove from oven)

Mix in dry fruit once granola comes out of oven

Take baking sheets out of oven and mix in your chopped dried fruit.  Stir the granola and allow it to cool on the baking sheets.

Granola ready for packaging

Once your granola has cooled, scoop it into your canning jars or plastic bags. At this point, you can pull out the yogurt and scoop some granola on top and have yourself a well deserved snack break. 

Ellen's granola packed with Nelley Kelley gift tags

Tie a small scoop to the jar and add a little gift tag tied on with some twine or some ribbon and you've got yourself a wonderful gift that is sure to be a hit.  The granola will stay fresh in it's container for approximately one month from the date it is made. It is delicious spooned over yogurt or ice cream, great with cold milk in a cereal bowl or just eaten out of hand as a snack. For an added gift, print out the recipe onto a little card and tie it onto the granola gift jar. 

Enjoy and make some extra for yourself!

see you soon,

Ellen

Handcrafted Holidays

Limited Edition Ornaments by Nelley Kelley

Nelley Kelley Studio was featured at a Holiday Market home show last week - hosted by Valerie Thayer.  It was a wonderful event and got me thinking about just how special "handcrafted" gifts are.  Most often when you buy handcrafted - you are buying locally although there are some fantastic catalogs and online markets that offer up some truly inspirational pieces. (Sundance and Terrain are two of my favorites).  Consider adding some handcrafted items to your holiday shopping lists this year.  You will be supporting local artisans and you will be giving something that is unique and from the heart.  Here is a round up of some handcrafted items that I will be giving this year.

Shadyside Sweets

Cherie Langell of Shadyside Sweets is offering up some delicious toffees, brittles and brownies packaged to perfection. 

Sweet Stands by Nelley Kelley

Many of my readers know that my gift this year will be my vintage Sweet Stands.  Not only do I  use them for presenting candies, cookies and cupcakes but I also use the smaller stands as jewelry holders. 

Courtney Fraser of EllaBelle creations

The new line of leather belts that EllaBelle is carrying are beautiful.  Buy an extra buckle so that you can change the look of your belt and get more wear out of it.  Of course, the key rings and headbands make great little stocking stuffers too!

French Crystal Paperweights by Nelley Kelley

The other gift that I am giving comes from my new line of french crystal paperweights featuring my favorite destinations. They make a great hostess gift or stocking stuffer for our travelling friends and family.

The Ginger Bread House

These sweet chalets come already assembled and await your decorating touch.  A bag of candies are included for you to put the finishing touches on your Ginger Bread house. Donna Thomas has custom chalets and castles for you to choose from. Another sweet idea for a hostess gift this year.

Bookplates by Nelley Kelley

A gift of bookplates to go with a favorite novel or cookbook is always in good taste. My cookbook gift for the season is Ina Garten's new cookbook, "How Easy is That?"

Made with Love by Nanny

My mother in law made me the beautiful vest that you see above.  I thought it was fitting to end this post with the real reason we buy handcrafted items - because they are made with love and that is something that can't be manufactured.

see you soon,

Ellen