Be Colorful Coastal

You Won't Believe Where I Went To Create This Photo Book

 

 

Are you looking to pull together a photo book in a hurry?

 

I found myself in a time-crunch bind like this earlier this year but I discovered a place where I could design, order, and pick up my beautiful 11x14 premium photo book in less than 24 hours! Plus, with the online store coupon, it costs less than $120!

 

 

 

 

I belong to an art collective in Florida. It is a neighborhood group of artists ranging from neophytes who want to try out a new hobby to dedicated and supremely talented artists. At one of the get-togethers, we were encouraged to bring in some of our artwork to share. That proved to be challenging for me. My canvas is frequently furniture or home decor objects that would be cumbersome to transport to a meeting. Plus, most of my work was up north and has been sold. My best option was to create a portfolio album of my past creations with photos saved on my computer. 

 

 

 

 

As usual, I procrastinated and by the time I started putting my portfolio together, my group meeting was only a few days away. Where could I find a printing service that could have my book ready that fast? Most of the sites I had used before involved uploading my photos and having them send me the book through the mail. I needed something local.

Who came to my rescue? Walgreens!

Be forewarned that not every Walgreens offers this service. I live in Florida where there is a Walgreens on nearly every corner. But, in our area, only two Walgreens pharmacies can create these books. So I would advise you to call first to confirm that your local Walgreens can provide this service.

 

The books are available in twenty-four hours or less! The sacrifice for that quick turn-around time is that the book cover is only available in plain black, but black would have been my first choice anyway. For me it wasn't an issue. I did, though, add my own logo with a paint pen.

 

 

 

The website is easy to navigate and the premium book offers some great two-page layouts

 

 

 

 

 

 

and appealing graphic suggestions to make the process so simple.

 

 

You can choose if, or where, you want to add text and then select your font.

 

 

 

 

 

The pages are all non-glare and because the book can be laid flat, it was a perfect way to display my portfolio.

Thank you, Walgreens. Who knew? You can find their coupons here.

 

 This book would make a wonderful gift or you can create one for yourself to document a new baby, a new home, a trip, an anniversary, or even a memory book for an aging parent. There are so many life events we want to remember and this is such a great way to do just that. 

You're welcome. 

 

 

A Blogging Perspective

• I am sharing my blogging and fresh start insights today with A Stroll Thru Life. 

 

Blogging. I've been at it for a while now.  I began my blog, which was originally called BeColorful, to promote

my own uniquely painted furniture and home decor.

Wow, holy novice! Some of those posts were embarrassingly primitive.

 

Sue's Tea Cart

 

 

 

Sonnie's Cabinet

 

 

 

wine mixed media

 

 

 

Bab's Lamp

 

 

 

 

Bistro Set

 

 

 

Teresa's Table

 

 

 

 

Suzy's Table

 

 

 

But, my artistic style has changed and continues to evolve. I needed to take a break from painting to determine where I wanted to head next. When I do eventually return to my artistic outlet, and as I look at these older photos, I think it will be soon, I hope it will have a new look with a Palm Beach flair. I would like to try and create a modern take on the classic chinoiserie style (think more of the Lilly Pulitzer does furniture). Ultimately, what I want to do is to pair my creative drive and my love affair with casually elegant and coastal chic furniture designs.

 

 

Muffy's Table

 

Like my painting style, my blog has also morphed from just a venue to showcase my furniture and home decor items to a place where I can also share our remodeling projects and room designs. This direction became even more pronounced after we purchased our home in Florida. I love, to share our remodeling efforts and the adventures of downsizing our home up north, and I will continue to do just that, but the influence of a tropical environment has definitely made its mark on my design direction here on Be Colorful Coastal.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I usually step away from the blog during the Christmas holidays because I wonder who has time to read blogs in late December and I want to focus my energies on the people and things that make this season so special for me. But now the last of the Christmas decor has been packed away and I am giving some thought of where I hope to go with this blog in 2019.  I have had two weeks to reassess. Stepping back and looking forward with fresh eyes and intentions was, I think, a good thing and I hope you will agree and continue to follow along. This year I would like to include some travel tips, organizational hints, thoughts on having a second home, and some unique entertaining and style ideas as well. It's why I read blogs, to learn something new from people that share my interests. I hope to be able to say that you will find enough fun, interesting, and creative ideas that you can incorporate into your own world and that they will keep you coming back for more. 

 

Sue's Place

Colorful Coastal Game Table

Let The Games Begin

 

 

 

I was looking through some images of previous BeColorful Designs that I had created and I ran across these images of one of my favorite projects. So, in the spirit of Throw Back Thursday, I thought I would share it here on Be Colorful Coastal.

 

A color loving client had asked me to repaint her game table.

Her only request was that it coordinate with the vivid pinks, greens, and blues in her home.

Color me inspired.

When I first laid eyes on this table it was a sedate number in black and brown.

 

 

There were a lot of surfaces to this piece and

I grossly underestimated the number of hours that the project would take.

The inset of the table was set up for backgammon and the top is designed for chess.

 

 

I taped off the backgammon template and began priming.

By the middle of August,  it was looking more like this.

 

 

 

I wish you could know the client.

She worships at the alter of bright colors and whimsical patterns. As I said, other than the color direction, she gave me a free hand in the design. 

To give myself an inspirational jumping off point, I took some images of the inside of her home.

This bright and bold pairing greeted me in her foyer.  So, right from the get-go  I knew this woman was going to let me pull out all of the stops.

 

 

 

 

This delightful duo, along with a raspberry pink sectional, will be in the same room as the game table. 

 

 

Seeing her home and her furniture choices made it obvious that this is a client that is fearless when it comes to color and pattern.

So I went all out on this one.

It is difficult to take pictures in my studio with its overhead lighting so forgive the glare and shadows.

 

Drum roll please.....

.......

The table without the top -

 

 

 

 

 

and now with the chess board top on.

The customer wanted more aqua in this piece and I think it pulled together well with the raspberry pinks and  lime greens.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I really liked how the legs turned out.

Sometimes I never really know where I am going.

These pieces often seem to have a will all of their own.

This table was no exception.

I can tell from this close-up picture of the leg that I need to go back in and touch up the underneath side of the table a bit.

 

:0

So I will do that and top coat the entire piece and then I will be able to turn it over to its new home.

Even in that flamboyant space, I think this lively one will be able to hold its own.

Yes, another BeColorful project out the door.

It's like coloring the world one piece of furniture at a time.

:0

xoxo,

P

 

Sharing my game table here:

The Dedicated House Before and After

Southern Savvy Style

The Creative Circle