The Frustrated Decorator... That's me!

Come on in.. take a seat...I will make you a cup of tea or maybe some fresh pressed coffee? I really would if you were here. This is what I love about blogging.. sharing my thoughts, pictures & venting whatever I want to share with you all. This post is about being a Frustrated Decorator.. I started a new group on FB that I think will be fun & will be starting a new blog as well. My mission is too creatively connect those who share the same passion but need help, have questions & love to look at pictures & post ideas...we will have interesting & talented designers who Will participate in this Group. Have a decorating dilemma you will be able to come over to The Frustrated Decorator FB page post a before picture & turn your decorating frustrations into decorating sensations. And much more. I find there is so much craftiness out there maybe a little too much for me at this time... I do love it all but my first & favorite passion is decorating. Don't you just love more then anything looking at home decorating magazine pictures, beautiful blogs & just shopping for great pieces. When ever I see a beautiful room on a blog or in a magazine I just feel so indescribable.. do you know what I mean? That feeling of excitement that makes you want to get up stand back in your romm & say mmmm I can make this room look better or mmmm again now where are those cardboard pieces so I can start moving stuff around. (No man here just cardboard) I really do get very inspired by it all. I think most of us have the same passion. I know you do. I love all the fresh new designs being shown... the Swedish rooms , farm houses, modernness, French Elegance... I love it all.. I don't know how to describe my style my dear friend Dore who I adore calls it Gypsy Brocante villa chic... yea that's me with a touch of the monastery look? Is there such a thing? The Frustrated Decorator will be a fun group to share & creatively connect with others . It's great on FB you can post a picture of a room ,comment & you never know who will stop by & give you great tips. So relax & take a peek at some of the things I have done to my home...I have a long way to go.. but that's all the fun... it never ends for us Frustrated Decorators.

A great find for the week. I picked this up at a local thrift shop for $20.00 it's painted distressed & has a washed burlap coffee sack bag as a seat.
a peek into our music/reading room my design dilemma with such high ceilings is what to do over my book case so I layered old picture frames on the side of a big old picture I have had for years. This is where The Frustrated Decorator Group will come in handy.
morning sunlight.. this beautiful mantel needs help above.. this is where The Frustrated Decorator Group will come in handy again. Any thoughts? Lovey urns & bigger mirror...
Just a random shot of my dining area not together this was the day before Thanksgiving this is behind the cozy sitting area you will see below. The gold curtains were here so I am working with them. I think I might have a chair addiction... do you.. way too many, different kinds I would get rids of some of them maybe just keep & paint my old Windsors... Paint Them?
just a small gathering of some bottles & placed on my vintage wooden cake stand. Yes that is a pumpkin top I placed on top of the old milk bottle. My sweet & beautiful friend Tracie makes beautiful things just like her. Her shell top bottle filled with stones & sand from France is nestled with some of my bottles that I collect. They are all over my home.
this is the after the bottom picture was the before sorry my dyslexia is kicking in. added a larger rug, the table is the bottom of an old stove. Placed a tray on top ( for now) & cover it with an old piece of linen...moved the chairs together added some pillows & oh the wine.. I think a glass is good for your creative juices.
I posted the above Before picture on FB last night needing a decorating fix. So after I pulled in some of my porch furniture wanting to create a cozy sitting area in my kitchen asking for some advise on fb one cool lady Deb Kennedy (do you know her you should she is amazing) commented & gave me some great tips, I started moving furniture around retaking pictures & posting the afters.
My mom is the creative genius behind designing the bones to this beautiful house. I will be featuring her fabulous home as my first post on the new blog The Frustrated Decorator. The Mexican octagon shaped pavers are my favorite... except when I am standing on them for hours cooing or cleaning.
As you enter the main room to your left I placed my old bench that was given to me as a gift from a customer as a thank you...it's got that perfect patina shade of greys.
My decorating dilemma was what to put above the bench. I wanted something different maybe architectural... a giant clock....didn't have any of that here so working with what I have & looking around my stash this is what I came up with.

The frustrated decorator at work late at night....... my favorite old French Shutters that's it! I also added my carved putti above I placed one of my birds nests on top. Do they look crooked? Should l I add some of my signature clay big rosaries on the shutters maybe too much this is where i get frustrated. I think I like it. What do you think? Well it's me.. That Gypsy Village chick oh I mean The Frustrated Decorator!

so for now please take a seat... relax come visit again soon to see how I am trying to get it all together.... xoxoxo The Frustrated Decorator.

Sorry Wrong Number...

One ringie dingie...due to my move & the computer geek who literately pulled the plug on all my computer info..boy did he pull the plug on ALL my contacts access & info to my website etc...gone. I had no back up as I am not a techie girl.. who knew After wanting to plant him in my rose beds ( ala Practical magic) all he has to say is sorry I am ending this conversation!!!!!
O.K. so I am here to tell you if you need me for now my new email is lvdellaporta@gmail.com. Sorry if you have been trying to get me with no reply. It's like a fresh new start...maybe it's time to plant some new seeds! oxoxo Laura

What time is it?

Verbena bird here... do you know what time it is? I think it is the time of the year when we start to get in the spirit.. I am starting to get that sparklie feeling inside. Or maybe it's the dust from the glitter ornaments I am working on for the store?

This is a short post as I am working nights around here getting orders out & getting ready for this weekends Art festival & Bridal show. Sooo I am just sending out a quick shout out to say get in the spirit, feel sparklie & think about planning on doing something nice this holiday season for those struggling & doing without. It's really hitting home to me as I see so many of my neighbors loosing their homes. so many without jobs too many struggling with families to feed here in THIS country. My sparklie little birdie has a message from the heart...

Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not. ~Dr. Seuss

Lets all think of giving something to those in need this Holiday season.. a meal.. a smile & hug...anything to help. Really do it in some small way I say for it will bring you a sparklie day!!!
xooxoLaura

Don't be bored!

Always with you in mind.. made from the finest antique frames we have collected in all shapes, sizes & colors.. these are great in any room.. great gift.. also comes with a sweet little handmade eraser. Avail at the shoppe now.

Oh & don't forget Tomorrow Friday is artwalk 6-8. Downtown Ocala.. see you on the square!
xoxox Verbena Girl

Getting there & grateful...

Hi blogging friends I really have been out of touch from the world of blogging and all that digital stuff. For some reason in all my many moves this ones was & still is the hardest. Are you an accumulator? Do you save way too much stuff? Are you a sentimental collector like me well when it is time to clean house & move your life it is stressful.. for me it has been overwhelming but it is great to get rid off all the stuff... what is that stuff anyway? I am in my new home here on the farm & have a way to go getting it together. I am posting some pictures for you to see some of the "things" I have kept & love.. Life is changing I love when this happens....it's like a rebirth for me... I will be in touch many good things happening... Love to hear from you. Believe me I am grateful I am finally getting there!!!! xooxo Laura
some of my many garden/ Victorian inspired paintings..one of my old addictions. over it now.
antique shoe rack I am using for extra bowls/dishes.. inspired by Rachel Ashwell.
My Grandmothers dishes & thrift shop urn find.
my carved old doors I never painted.. maybe in time a washed Grey?
my old cabinet that I had in my studio now stores my books.
what to do with an old shawl... tack it to your bathroom window... I placed a lladro ballarina I was given as a gift many years ago on the sill.
The real deal... Aunt Nannia"s cupboard I placed in my kitchen.. used for spices & vitamins.. another favorite piece I will cherish.
this chair & white cover..believe it or not is 17 years old... something I will be true to White, linen & Vintage
My favorite dresser I have had for many many years... I sold most of my furniture during my move but this one I will not let go of... for now
work in progress.. I want to create a sitting area in my bedroom with an alter/mantel honoring my Grandmothers...
what's this.... necklaces rolled up in an antique quilt from the move... oh way too many I have issues?
working on creating a dressing/closet area with all my favorite accessories.
my favorite view is from the shower... in the morning I look for the momma eagle sitting on the tippy top of that branch way up high in the tree top ( see the branch) feeding her baby... in the evening I look Up at the moon & stars count my blessings & thank God for being home here. xoxoxo Laura

The Best New Treasure!!!

As you know Fifi is my most favorite lady on the planet...there is no one like her... shall I list some of her best qualities...lets see now...these are just a few

best & kindest heart
the best style & taste
best editor on the Planet
best decorated nest located here in Florida
best decorated little guest house
and now the best new book!!!!
she really is just the best and she is also known as the the French Angel... the best French Angel


I am thrilled to announce & blog that Fifi has created her first book titled.. Romantic Prairie Style!!!! Look at the cover picture I can not wait to get my copy!!!! This will be the best new treasure to add to your collection... just like her!!!
Please be sure to preorder here

Change is in the air...

Verbena Girl here....do you feel it something is in the air.. it's starting to feel a bit like Autumn around here my favorite time of year. There is always something magical about this time of year.. and many changes usually happen to me at this time... and they are..... we are moving our nest (home) to the family farm and you know what that means... very busy packing my little element like a gypsy so each morning after I make the school runs I am getting my workout loading & moving stuff to the farm. I am trying to make this a time in my life to purge all my stuff & try to simplify. I have been trying to do this my entire life it seems. If you live in the area I will be planning a Hugh moving sale sometime in October. I will take lots of pictures & fill you in with my progress. I will be sad to leave my special tree house behind but I know it is time for a big change. I am blessed to have this beautiful empty house on the farm waiting for us.
I will also be updating our online boutique with some new changes please check back soon. xoox Verbena Girl

This is the beautiful view from my front porch...we have some great plans coming!

Displaying Sweet & Special Treasures

I wanted to share an idea I love & have in my home... well lately my home is upside down as I am getting ready to move to my family's empty farmhouse... That's another post... anyway as I was removing some of my pictures off the walls I though oh this might be an idea I can share. I love to cook & have many old recipes This is a sweet idea you can do with an old family recipe or make one look old. I love the idea of framing recipes, letters, old books cards etc...
Paper coking stains show a time when this yummy recipe maybe stuck to grandmas hand many times or maybe reminds me of the days I baked with my grandmother & licked the spoon from her cookie batch. Still do! If you have an old family recipe this is a nice way to display & share it on your kitchen wall. It makes a beautiful & thoughtful gift to a friend or family member.
adding pretty lace, old scrumpled old flowers & leaves are a favorite touch we love... or maybe you have another idea.
An old petite book of The Story Of Macbeth my mom had framed many years ago she gave it to me as a gift. This is something I have had for a long time & treasure.

Some ideas can be a child's favorite book growing up, an old poetry book or your tattered school book I love the idea of framing them. How about you. The End xoxoxo Laura

Painting the nest.

Well I finally cleaned up, scraped & got heat stroke removing the Pink Glitter Eiffel Tower & birdies I painted on my windows a while back. You know how it is.... you wake up one day & decide it's time for a change! Maybe it's the old age creeping in but I am into less clutter & a cleaner space around me. Using my new Verbena nested treasure logo I had it enlarged taped it on the inside of my window & with my craft paint went to work. I am in the process of making new pique assitte flower pots with a cool stain & will retake pictures when the front is complete. So for now to keep you posted here it is... it's not perfect but the price is right & my arms got a little work out.
Gone but not forgotten....Yes this is a Pink Eiffel Tower you are seeing...My ideas are endless & one day I though why not paint a pink Glitter Eiffel Tower on my left window.. a little wonky but it stopped a lot of traffic... and let me tell you there is NO traffic in Ocala.
second window I painted a birdie with pearl swags & birdie peace sign also added my version of whimsy sacred hearts... what got into me that day! Life of a hopless Retailer.
So this little birdies of happiness remain on the main doors of The Marion Block Building to greet you....see you soon we have many changes ahead & exciting news to come!!! xooxox Verbena Girl

Creative Wheels...

Lately my creative wheels are in high gear...you know how it is we wish our hands can go as fast as our minds.. but right now it's all... housework, kids, the shoppe & business... oh if we could only just play & create all day.. oh well..as soon as I get through this next week I will be posting & listing some exciting new designs & treasures I have been working on. xoxoo Laura
P.S. This pic is part of my lid collection. Has this girl flipped hers? Not yet!!!

That's an idea!!!

How do you like your eggs? Sunny side up, over easy, scrambled, poached, hard boiled, am I forgetting anything....well after making eggs in this house I save my cartons... and save...waiting to put them to good use...until recently I had an idea on what to do with them....
supplies needed... not much... scissor & egg carton

perfect fit for my "nested treasures" ring & things.

Now that's an idea!!!! Any other creative ideas on what else I can do with all the cartons I would love to hear. xooxxo laura

Girls Best Friend

Something that will never go out of style ... ROSES... a girls best friend.
French Cupboard is one of the prettiest blogs out there that features artisans & shops who create some of the most beautiful romantic wares... This Thursday come for a visit & see some all the dreamy rosettes created for this event. Here is one of my many rose creations...my Rosette Ribbon Belt I made for this event.. I wrote a love poem in French on this rosette added a silk ribbon, and some gems.... xoxo Late bloomer

Shell Of The Ball

Ok all you shell lovers... here is another shell creation & fun project you can do. I have several of these SEA GODDESS NYMPHS ( I call them) around my home. They look really pretty in the bathroom. My dear friend Kim gave me this statue & said do something with her.. so what does any girl with 500 pounds of shells around her home do.. glue gun the shells on that girl! By adding a touch of pearls, jewels, lavender flowers, ( she loves that) and making a pretty cross necklace out of old pearls is such a great way to alter a bust. Funny her shell hair she reminds me of me when I use to wear those spongy PINK rollers as a kid... remember those? What do you think.. Shell of the Ball? I am giving her to my friend Kim today...hope she loves her new look or locks I should say. xoxo Laura

Let's Get this Party Started!

I am participating in the talanted Karen Valentine of my desert cottage 2nd annual blog party "Where Bloggers Create" it's a big blog hop, where everyone shows off their creative working areas. Currently this is my studio.. I have some pictures posted as I am sure you have a lot of party hopping to do thanks for stopping by...Let's party!!!

Welcome to my creative nest. I am very fortunate to have such a grand space in my home. This is the upstairs of my house. I converted our upstairs sun room into the family/living space & made my old living room my studio. I have lots of sunlight, large windows and overlook lots of old mossy oak trees, sky oh my feathered friends are everywhere... it truly is Heaven here.. all I need is the ocean. To be honest I find myself creating most of the time on my old kitchen farm table even with all this space one table is enough for me ...this is where I find my inner peace. xoxoxo Laura
come on around the corner...lots to see
sometimes I bottle up all my feelings... here they are!
the lace wall I created using old lace panels, clips & wire.
somethings I do with my old dishes...
I use the top of my long mantel to hold some of my dishes before they get broken ( the other hundreds are in my garage)
using wire I clipped old lace to separate my reading area from the studio
nests are everywhere they store & hold all my ribbons, roses & cards
some of my handmade jewelry, mosaic bird bowls just hanging around a beautiful cage lady my mom gave me for my birthday years ago.
sit down relax I will make you a cup of tea.. take a look around some more..I will do all the talking... so what else is new.
I collect vintage birds, fabrics, nests, old vintage hats, dishes, bottles& lots of ribbons. Well just about everything old & romantic.
my sitting area with all my inspirational books I have collected over the years. I hope to write one one day.
what to do with those wood drying rack... drape doilies & lace of course!

my little antique green enamel table where I solder, make jewelery & make a mess.
one of my favorite finds are these incredible hand embroidered colorful umbrellas from India. I did not know where to put them.. what do you think?
one of my work areas.. that green cabinet is from England it use to store teas.. I love it.
made from an old window I have had this cabinet for about seventeen years. I have a thing for old cabinets. I store some of my favorite antique fabrics here & my old tins.
I love my very long cabinet I had made out of old windows from a farm house here in Ocala I use this to store ribbons, boxes, fabric, buttons .. lots & lots of goodies.
Well I guess it's time to take a seat & start another unfinished project..oh don't leave I love having you around.. have another cup of my tea or just stop back soon as I am redoing my studio this summer. Thank You for stopping by & seeing where my heart & soul will always be !!!! xoxo Laura
Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything beautiful, for beauty is God's handwriting.- Emerson