I’ve finished decorating for Christmas,

the last two wreaths hung.

Isn’t it always fun decorating a new space?

It all looks fresh and new somehow.

The small 4 ft tree is quite perfect although I confess to missing the big white tree. Out and about on the island this weekend I petted and fondled larger evergreens, the sight and smell was delicious. Maybe next year, who knows?

I’ve knit a second pair of fingerless mitts just like the first pair only these are shorties, just wrist length. One pair gifted and appreciated already, the second pair is wrapped and waiting. Okay, it is waiting to be wrapped but I’ll get there this week.

I’ll put together a few holiday photos soon to share as there is just nothing I enjoy more than looking at YOUR gorgeous Christmas Homes. Inspiring and wonderful! 

I’m truly counting my blessings spending Thanksgiving in the new (to me) house on my island of bliss. I send you peace and hope that your Thanksgiving is one of outrageous joy!

The last box was unpacked yesterday– okay I did find one this afternoon in the office but that really doesn’t count.

The enormous, sunny, fantastic space on the back of the house that will be home to my studio is almost complete. You know a creative space is never done, never finished, always in flux. Which is totally okay. I was kind of shocked to see that the layout was different as I’d found new homes for a lot of books and magazines before the move. Also fine, things change right?

Room for both cutting tables up, one higher and one lower

See the fabric for the project on the back table?

And the seatless bar stool on the front table?

Paint colors continue to be changing as well. Upon arrival I didn’t know which colors I wanted. At first glance I thought I wanted to go blue and swatched Sherwin Williams Salt Glaze (from a very old fan deck). Nope. Not the one. I like the color, I really do but it was just a tiddle too cyan for me.

Back to the drawing board.

Enter the new fabric that was purchased to cover the two bar stools. Enter inspiration.

I’m swatching Sherwin Williams Lemon Chiffon. Pale yellow but not without character. It looks a little green tinted in early evening light. Time will tell, I’m bound and determined not to rush.

Bar stools are ready to be recovered….. sassy valances are ready to be stitched. Rods have been purchased for the studio windows (SEVEN at 72 inches, thank heavens for a great sale at Joann’s). But what to do there? I’m considering covering only the bottom half of the windows and in nothing too heavy to block light. First thought? Burlap……. second thought? Gingham. Couldn’t be more different. Again, we’ll see how this evolves.

Someone mentioned to me that it’s almost Thanksgiving and that Christmas is right around the corner. I’ve been moving for what seems like light years and yesterday I walked on the beach. Surely this can’t be true.

Can it?

The truck pulled out on a rainy fall day.

We pulled out after a quick clean up.

I’m here.

Waiting for furniture. Bummer.

At least there has been time to clean, regrout countertops and wash windows.

I’m beyond anxious to settle in.

Holy Cow.  The boxes are mounting- big, small, ginormous and wardrobe size. I’ve gone through 5 rolls of tape and 4 rolls of paper. I’ve broken 4 nails and dropped a pair of scissors on my toe. Twice.

On we roll. The movers come in ELEVEN DAYS! I feel like I’m in great shape, the kitchen is in progress and the last big hurdle. I’m trying to remember what to leave out to take in the car just in case the truck gets delayed. Oh, and in case I feel like cooking a little something until I arrive on the other end. Not likely but somehow possible. It would after all be a horrible tragedy to have to go out to eat or order something in, right?

Once the kitchen gets done I’ll feel like I really have it well in hand and will then get organized to pack up the last minute things. My fear is that in my haste to get it done I’ve either packed something I need or already given it to Goodwill or something.

• I do have a few tips culled over the years (remember, I’m a badass mover, a frequent flyer if you will)
• boxes at Home Depot are about the cheapest around, they also have paper and tape
• Buy more than you need, you can always return them and it saves more runs to buy boxes when your time would be better spent packing.
• When you count wardrobe boxes add in at least one for those large prints or decor items that won’t fit in a regular box
• Make a list of what you will need in the Supply Box, that in between box to get you from pack to unpack. I always add candles, a lighter, some incense, some tea bags and a mug. Enough drawer and shelf paper to get that down first thing. Cleaning supplies like comet and a sponge, paper towels and some all surface cleaner. Paper plates and cookware, etc. A big bag of M&M’s. Let’s be serious moving is not a job for wimps and one must pack happy treats!
• Make a list of what gets packed and when. Then stick to it. I find that laying out a plan allows me to focus at work, get packing done and still find time to be rested and do something fun in small doses.
• Start a small notebook with thoughts and jot notes to yourself. Like, I was thinking the living room should be that yummy gray color…. or the junk drawer goodies are packed in box 19. List the phone number of contacts you may need on the fly.
• Create the super duper important box, usually no larger than a shoe box that will hold phone chargers and other easily lost things that are needed along the way. This way they will not get packed inadvertently and in the chaos you’ll know exactly where they are before, during and after. I always tuck in a small bottle of ibuprofen, a box of push pins, a tack hammer and small nails, a fresh tube of lipbalm, an emery board and some handcream.

The knitting bag is packed with projects (okay, mostly ones I did nothing with before the last house hunting trip). Knowing it is there at the ready offers tremendous comfort!

I’ll miss the coral creative space but just wait until you see the new studio! Light and space galore!

I plan to be packed well ahead of moving day, I’m one of those people who shows up early to just about everything so this will suit me just fine.

Moving Day also heralds the beginning of Creatively Made Home and I can’t wait for this online class! What a great opportunity to start with a blank canvas as it is, a new house— and fresh fire and creative inspiration from Jeanne, Jennifer, Sara, Kimberly, and Tracey. Hope you’ll be along for the ride as well!