Who says you can’t teach old dogs new tricks? I’m 62 years old and I used to describe myself as non-tech savvy but, thanks to Laureen Hudson’s coaching, here I am with a blog, a Twitter following, and a Facebook group of 1100. I’m learning all the time and loving it.
I’ve alluded to the fact that I’m hopeless at decorating (well, art work in general) and decluttering as well. I’ve had world famous interior designer Maria Killam’s blog on my blog roll for a while now because we are friends and I love to waste away the best part of a morning salivating over her beautiful designs and colour schemes. So, here’s the thing, I’m starting to change my old brain about interior design and I’m dabbling in tableaux and vignettes now. If you don’t know those terms, don’t worry, I didn’t a few weeks ago either. Just go visit Maria at “Colour Me Happy” and it will start to rub off on you, too.
So, here is my baby step into the world of home beautiful. I was going to take a “before” picture but it was really so embarassing that I decided to skip that humiliation. Just picture this little table with a piece of a toy wooden train, a couple of doula course binders, unopened mail, and heavenonlyknowswhatelse all jumbled up on top. The little cabinet was not lined up nicely like this under the big picture either–it was pushed more over into the corner (someone must have leaned on it while putting on their shoes and I never noticed).
The picture on the wall of the roses is a Value Village find and I love both the picture and the frame so much. I’ve had it and the little cabinet for years. I also painted my hallway and a feature wall in my living room this lovely shade of green about 5 years ago and was so exhausted that I never wanted to think about decor again as long as I lived. Good thing I found Maria.
Okay, now we’re getting to the tricky part. Apparently, a nice tableaux needs a tray to contain the ingredients. The only one I own is currently full of file folders, a place mat and a box of paper clips. . . it’s also a different type/colour of wood so even I know that wouldn’t work on top of this dark wood cabinet. But, come to think of it, I wonder if Maria would say “Yes, use it and pull in the colour of the floor”. Oh well. I did have a small picture in a frame that I thought would serve just as well to contain my elements. Cleaned it up nicely and laid it flat on the cabinet top. Then, I needed candles, flowers and books. Had the African violet and thank heavens it was in full glorious bloom. It can go into deep funks at different times of the year so this may need changing up according to the mood of the plant. My sister happens to sell these beautiful Party Lite candles so I have a lifetime supply of those, thanks Patty. Rather than go into books, I ventured out on my own and put a little display of business cards and the tile that says “Babies are such a nice way to start people”. Somehow, I have a feeling that venturing out on my own is not something I’m ready for yet?
The fun of this is that it isn’t permanent. I’m hoping that by sucking up to Maria in this post, she will give me some tips on how to improve on my first go in such a way that Martha Stewart will contact me and invite me down to New York to discuss life in prison and other things we might have in common. I could be the poster girl for “Decorating Transformations” if they have such a magazine.
My first client who came in and saw it almost died. She didn’t know I had it in me, I guess. My best friend was over last night and she laughed so hard she almost pee’ed her pants. I had been telling her all about Colour Me Happy so she knew from whence I was getting these high fallutin ideas! She’s expecting the jumble pile to be back on there next time she comes out from Calgary. I have such cynical people in my life, no wonder I’m slow to learn decorating.
Ha ha! Gloria, it looks great, except for the tile, which is nice, but out of proportion. It’s too small to put back there. Go you! I quite like the picture frame tray. I may have to try that someday, when I can actually try decorating again. Right now my idea of decoration is moving things up higher than Faelan can climb, and removing actual dirt (food, gravel, mud) from all surfaces as often as possible.
Gloria, you are so amazing, I can’t even believe it, you truly have a second career as a comedian, truly!! You must come for dinner, the sucking up has truly worked and I want someone as cool as you at our house! Tomorrow night?
I’m going to tweet this next!!
good one gloria! love your sense of humour too!
honestly, if i was your teacher i’d give you an A for your first design assignment. i think you did great!
hugs, guylaine
Yes, I see what you’re saying, Amity, and I think I need to go higher with something,too, now that I’ve reviewed Maria’s site. Looks like this will be an ongoing feature of my blog “Working on the Tableaux”. All suggestions more than welcome.
You’re on, Maria. What time?
Dear new, decorator,
I was laughing so hard last night I forgot that I was supposed to critique your first go at this.
First – Stuart is spelled Stewart – that might have been intended, I’m not sure.
Second – it really is too adorable, but a book that size would have worked just as well!
Third – the tile is quite tiny it’s true, and it works with what you’ve done, it’s you Gloria!
All in all I’d give it a 9 out of 10
6:30? Do you know how to get here? Allergies? Food likes, dislikes? Let me know
Hi Glo,
You’re too funny. Thanks for the morning giggle. And it looks fab.
Check out the link to my blog… Our family is doing a healing cleanse with my SIL, Dr. Debra Gibson, Traditional Chinese Medicine Doctor and Acupuncturist extraordinaire. We’re almost two weeks into it now, and oy! My energy is finally coming back. Before you know it I will be pregnant again and calling you. Hugs,
April
PS Loved the shout out to my mom on a recent post.
Aw, Gloria! I know nothing about the design on your table, but your blog is sure looking spiff, and you let me know about it via a DM on Twitter, so I’d say you’ve got it dialed in! =)
(Oh, and do I notice that your wall and your blog are the same color palette? Slick!)
Hey Maria, I did go and get my big Atlas and put that down instead of the picture frame. . . 100% better, would never have thought of that. THANK YOU.
Laureen, every once in a while by Divine intervention, the universe coordinates me
I finally got Technorati to register my blog, that only took about a year. Does everyone have to make a blog post with those weird letters? If I remove it now will it take me off Technorati? Thought I’d throw those things in while I have the attention of the experts, too 
G
Gloria, I posted it! Thanks for the mention; http://tinyurl.com/lhkbrj
Hi Gloria,
In discovering Maria Killam’s blog I get the added pleasure of discovering yours, too! Wonderful humor and pictures! I’m so glad I stopped by because I’m also linking your blog to my cousin here in Los Angeles who has in the past given birthing classes as well. Thanks for your light-hearted style.
I needed a good laugh after a day like this! You are great and very lucky to have a friend such as Maria! I have wanted to do a tablescape and just must put it together… have an idea, and now to pull it all together!
Can we see a pic with the atlas?
I love the picture!
I would personally put a more interesting plant in the pot, like a flesh eating one LOL, just kidding, though this kind of plant is a little grandmother like in the stuffy way. Oops, don’t mean to offend! A group of interesting cacti looks nice too for instance.
Sorry for budding in!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/22818838@N03/3855976055/
just took 3 photos of the emerging work of art. I love that “grandmother like in the stuffy way” description! Just what I DON’T want to be but even these little cacti things come off looking that way. Don’t worry about offending me EVER, Maria, you’re my coach and I’m coachable. Love g
HI Gloria,
I did not post that comment (look at her blog, it’s not me) I would NOT say such things. Where you okay with me shout on you? You didn’t comment so I was worried and came back to look, I’m glad I did, cause that Maria is not me. Mine are Maria Killam.
LOL!!
Sorry for confusing, didn’t mean to impersonate you! haha
The link to my blog is weird, I notice. Not sure how to fix that.
Gloria, I really like these new plants though! And the atlas works great!!
Okay, now I’m clued in. Can’t have too many coaches, tho, so thanx both Maria’s.
The latest update is that I am taking the transformation down the long hall, too. Went to Homesense and found a beautiful pure wool Indian runner. I’m blowing the minds of my family and friends.
Looks beautiful. You should send this post to the unclutterer blog (another favorite of mine and a Laureen Hudson find)!