The simple pleasures of home shine brighter
when the spirit of God intertwines our hearts
with His gentle Joy.

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Light Dining. . .

Light dining ~ On Crooked Creek ~ 
is more than just the hues chosen for our current tablescape.



"Mr. Ed" and I are both 
trying to cut back on our intake of carb's!




He, being a meat and potatoes man. . .




and I, being a "bread" lady, 
we'll need all the willpower we can muster!!!




Getting us started with our light dining,
I've chosen my beloved Mother~in~law's silver flatware,
combined with a vintage linen embroidered napkin.




Our everyday bee water goblet is paired nicely 
with a crystal etched wine glass from our tour of Europe.




Our light sage green Majolica embossed trays
will serve for this evenings entree. 
Instead of napkin rings, 
I used the handle to encircle the napkins.




Placing the reticulated ivory salad plate
atop the tray keeps our salad portions
as the center attraction of our meal.



Although, our tablecloth is white and light,
I added a layer of ecru crocheted lace 
for a more intimate dining experience.



I adore the intricate handiwork of this table topper
adding just a light touch of color and texture.



The blend between the reticulated ivory  dinnerware
and the crochet topper add an air of romance, as well!



Here's what's on the menu for tonight's dining pleasure. . .



Waldorf Salad

Baked Chili Con Carne in Au Gratin Dishes


On Crooked Creek ~
we're keeping the tablescape and the menu 
with light dining in mind!



Until next time. . .


www.betweennapsontheporch.net


On Crooked Creek will be joining 
Tablescape Thursday!

Be sure to visit
for you’ll come away
filled with amazing inspirations
for use in your own home décor!


Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Size Does Matter. . .

Size does matter
when purchasing a new area carpet for Studio One!



When I purchased the vintage carpet above,
I had no idea what size area carpet I needed for Studio One.
This vintage carpet had the correct color palette,
a Spring theme and a great price. $old!!!



Once the vintage carpet was removed,
"Mr. Ed" and I measured the vacated area 
to determine the appropriate size needed for my work space.




By using the painter's tape,
I had a clear visual picture 
of where each length of carpet would end.



And, what width size would be best suited for the space, as well.



Oddly enough, 
the previous  5' X 8' is still the best size for this area!



This allen+roth Ice Blue 5" X 8" area carpet 
makes such a dramatic change in Studio one's work space!
I  a d o r e  this diamond on the diagonal pattern!!!





The plush cut gives such comfort to my legs and back
as I stand at my work station!




Exactly the light and bright 
updated look I was needing in Studio One!



And when you're the largest decor element in a small space. . .
size does matter!


Until next time. . .

www.stonegable.blogspot.com

On Crooked Creek is joining 
Yvonne @ StoneGable for
Tutorials Tips and Tidbits.

And. . .

www.betweennapsontheporch.net


Susan @ Between Naps On The Porch
for Metamorphosis Monday!


Be sure to visit
for you’ll come away
filled with amazing inspirations
for use in your own home décor!


Sunday, January 27, 2013

Taking Tea. . .

On Crooked Creek ~
Taking Tea has multiple meanings.
What you're about to read is about the mobile type. . .

After recently breaking her wrist, elbow and hip, 
a dear friend of mine has been residing
at a local Rehab and Treatment Center.

So~o~o. . .
after exchanging phone calls, we made plans for a visit.
I surprised her with Taking Tea. . .




Tea for Two was arranged 
by filling a vintage wicker basket 
with all the necessities for a mobile tea.
After lining the basket with a tea towel, 
I began with sage green mugs.
Next came creamy ivory plastic plates 
and hydrangea paper napkins.



Then I wrapped bottles of water 
and inserted beside the mugs.



I placed another tea towel over the necessities
for cushioning and to keep the plate of scones from sliding about.



Cranberry and orange miniature scones
with orange infused glaze
placed atop lacy paper doilies on a sage green dinner plate.



"Mr. Ed's" borrowed thermos 
affectionately named "The Silver Bullet"
was filled with freshly brewed Cranberry Orange Tea.

Loaded into the car, 
and a quick trip across town,
Taking Tea was just what the doctor ordered. . .
for my friend. . .and for me!


Until next time. . .



www.stonegable.com

On Crooked Creek will be joining
Yvonne @ StoneGable for
Tutorials Tips and Tidbits!


Be sure to visit
for you’ll come away
filled with amazing inspirations
for use in your own home décor!



Saturday, January 26, 2013

Stylin' In Studio One. . .

With "Mr. Ed's" carpentry skills,
the  project list officially began this week!

While I was waiting for Gorilla Glue to dry. . .
it was time for a bit of Stylin' In Studio One!



The dress form, a gift from "Mr.  Ed",
(affectionately named Lizzie. . .short for Elizabeth)
was much in need of a bit of style!



Lizzie, dons a shimmery silver shawl,
One of the many gifts sent from "Mr. Ed"
while he was stationed in Korea during his first tour of duty.




Paisley and lacy,
swirls and fringe,
the triangular shape allows for ease of draping.



Vintage heirloom pearls give Lizzie a stately appearance.



Two single strands of pearls
and one delicate gold chain with pearls 
surrounded by gold beads on either side
adorn the draped neckline!
A gold leaf pin hold the shawl in place.




Lizzie's posture exuberantly states elegance.




So ~ o ~ o . . .
while the Gorilla Glue is drying
On Crooked Creek, I'm making great use of my creative space ~
Stylin' In Studio One!




Until next time. . .



www.commonground-do.com

On Crooked Creek will be joining
Debra @ Common Ground for
Be Inspired Friday!

With a love for all things vintage,
I am continually inspired by visiting
with the participants of this weekly meme!

Friday, January 25, 2013

Color Palette Reveal. . .

2013 is the year for updating Studio One!
and I'm pleased to announce. . . 
the color palette has been chosen!!!



Midsummer's Dream ~
is the hue of the cabinetry in Studio One.
This hue is nearly identical to the original color.

Turkish Coffee ~
Although not being used,
this is the exact shade of one of the dressers in Studio One.



Popular Gray ~
is the exact shade of the cement unfinished walls 
that flank the entire length of one side of Studio One.

Versatile Gray ~
has been chosen for some furniture updating.

Grecian Ivory ~
will be used to help in making some fabric choices
as well as several of the accent pieces that I have!



As you can see,
 the Grecian Ivory hue is prevalent in the pair of hares
and the shelf they are perched upon.
I do believe that the hares are giving their approval 
on the newest addition to Studio One.




The Ice Blue hue of this area rug is close in color to Popular Grey.
What a difference in the overall lightness this rug choice makes 
in Studio One, not to mention the addition it gives to my comfort level when standing at my workspace.




At the present time, "Mr. Ed" and I are sawing, gluing, painting, 
compromising and re~arranging (again)!
Throw in a bit of shopping for necessary supplies 
and desirable accessories, 
and I can tell you that we are busy 
making the needed changes and updates in Studio One  for 2013!


Until next time. . .

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Winter's Twilight. . .

Winter's Twilight ~ 
painted by Mother Nature's palette 
during the Winter months is subdued ~
creamy ivory, palest dove gray and inky charcoal.

On Crooked Creek chose the richness 
of these subtle hues to create a serene dining room.



Taking my clue from Mother Nature,
I chose a subtle color palette for the buffet top.



The new, creamy ivory floral and vine pattern paper
gives a light and bright overall appearance to this vignette.



Toning down the warm honey hues in the oak
began by placing a ruffled linen table runner on the buffet.



A white porcelain serving platter
placed behind the silver service defines the vignette.
The white vintage damask tea cloth 
gives a much needed touch of softness 
atop the the metallic edges.



A miniature faux fern adds a splash of color
while keeping an airy and light balance.



I chose a commemorative plate of the Mound City Courthouse
in hues of creamy ivory with sepia tones and a gold rim 
to bring in Mother Nature's inky charcoal palette.



"Mr. Ed" and I obtained our marriage license 
at the Courthouse in 1969.



Extending the serenity of the dining room along the buffet,
I placed a crystal vase with creamy ivory faux Dahlias.



Still clinging to the hope of measurable accumulation of Snow
On Crooked Creek, I did substitute the "Let it Snow" plaque
with my silver tray chalkboard. 


In keeping with a light and streamlined decor,
I added my over ~ size pears
atop the china buffet and hutch. 


The completed china buffet and hutch is
enhanced greatly by a serene color scheme.


Behind the glass doors of the hutch,
I simply de ~ cluttered and streamlined 
the amount of accessories.

* * * * * * * * * * * *Tip and Tutorial * * * * * * * * * * * *

It is On Crooked Creek's hope from this subtle change
that you would be inspired to try something different 
in the backdrop of your cabinetry.

Photo #1):
You can see the warm honey hue of the oak cabinetry.
Before the addition of the background, 
I used small accent lamps for illumination to this dark area.



Photo #2):
"Mr. Ed" applied adhesive gift wrap to the back of the cabinetry.
Trimming with a box knife, 
after measuring and cutting to approximate dimensions 
for a custom fit!




Photo #3):
Many times, I place the main item of display first 
to get a idea of what is needed to enhance the overall design.


Photo #4):
Even  without the finishing touches
already you can visualize the huge impact 
changing the background of the cabinetry makes.



Final words ):
By using gift wrap or wall paper,
you haven't made a permanent decision 
in the background of your cabinet. . .
which can  be easily switched 
when the decor changes.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

So ~ o ~ o. . .
Mother Nature stroke your brush
and paint a Winter's Twilight
on this serene dining room make ~ over.



In creamy ivory, palest dove gray and inky charcoal
dining On Crooked Creek is now, pure delight!





Until next time. . .


www.stonegable.blogspot.com

On Crooked Creek will be joining 
Yvonne @ StoneGable for 
Tutorials Tips and Tidbits!

And. . .

www.commonground-do.com

Debra @ Common Ground for
Be Inspired Friday!

And. . .

www.astrollthrulife.blogspot.com

Marty @ A Stroll Thru Life for
Table Top Tuesday!



Be sure to visit
for you’ll come away
filled with amazing inspirations
for use in your own home décor!