Nana's painted projects began to include crafts too. She got many ideas for things to paint from magazines, craft shows, and stores. She enjoyed shopping antique shops and collecting items to embellish. She was always sketching ideas for things to create and display in her home. She would incorporated textiles, metal, ribbons & twine. She also was an accomplished seamstress and she knew how to use a drill press and jig saw. Eventually she was making annual Christmas decorations to sell and share with family members. Each holiday there were different nick nacks she had spent hours making, so her decor was updated and fit her own style.
One of my favorite paintings is on an old wooden ironing board. She hung it with an antique iron piece and an old painted match holder.
This is one she did and framed.
She made each item in this vignette, including the shelf.
This was an old sled decoration she took apart and painted the bottom.
Here's a glittery Santa craft.
And this is the whole Christmas display. She is so good at decorating!
This is a closed off doorway, so they built a cabinet below and a niche above. She painted the interior, hung the mirror & placed a few old items with a live plant. So tastefully done.
She painted this lamp and framed a picture from a child's book.
Nanna created this corner shelf and another one like it on each side of the guest bed. She made the headboard from a fence she painted white. It is clever how she built the shelf with the cord behind it. The lace which overhangs the small shelf finishes it off well!
This chest was painted by Nanna and she covered a hole on it with the plaque. She used books to bring height to the ceramic duck and the cake stand to heighten the flowerpot. The two pictures were framed children's book illustrations. Everything is set on a doily or lace cloth and makes it look very feminine.
These are framed doilies, and the top one has an old button on it.
This dormer is decked out! Nana painted the cabinet and created and sewed the cat family. The antique mirror and oak shelf are mismatched but really work. The live plants are on hand cut/hand painted plant stands. She made the valance to go with the lace sheers. Can you tell her favorite colors are pink & green?
This is only a sampling of the decor she has had displayed in her home over the years. It is mostly one of a kind and is personalized for a traditional American home. Nanna has a true talent for interior design!
