I've been looking for some more artwork for our living room for quite sometime, most of artwork Mr. CLH and I agreed on was way to pricey for our pocketbook. So I decided to do a painting. I haven't painted in a few years and thought this would be a good testing the waters project for me. I usually paint with oil paint, however it can takes days and days for oil paint to dry and its messy to clean up. So for this painting decided to Oil Paints cousin Acrylic paints they dry super fast and the colors mix effortlessly.

When my painting is all done, I hope it invokes a sense of power, beauty and calm. Hopefully this testing the waters painting will get me painting more often. I'll have to share one of my favorite paintings I've done soon.

For the painting I used The Artist's Canvas 24x36 available at Micheal's Craft Store. I like using the artist style canvas because they are are gallery style and all the staples are hidden. Next to my canvas is another painting I'm working on.

I keep all my brushes in a simple 'flower pot' style glass vase

I bought a simple set of 24 Acrylic paints made by Reeves

I always pull out the colors I plan on using for the painting, making sure I like how the colors flow before beginning.

Shades of blue

The best part of painting is when everything wet, it makes it easier for me to manipulate the layer of colors easier.

I don't use a easel, I place my paintings on my lap { under my drawing board } or on the floor and work over the painting

I'll share the entire painting after its completed and hanging in our living room. On a side note, I forgot how relaxing painting is for me. What do you enjoy doing that helps relax you?

For the past few months, I've been on a serious fabric fixation. I think it all started a few months back when I came across some great fabric for lumbar pillows for our living room { the pillows are finally done} I love this fabric its adds the perfect extra touch to our living room, I'll share the pillows soon. The fabric is called Key West from Calico Corners.

Then I was on the lookout for some more amazing fabric for my bench makeover. When I found this amazing modern grey and white fabric called Blythe also from Calico Corners. For more on the bench re-do click here.

On one of my many trips to Calico Corners, I had been eyeing Dahlia Aegean fabric and the Dove version both are so pretty and modern. I know the fabric would compliment our dining room re-do so I added the fabric to our Ikea curtains which added the extra oomph I was looking for. For more on our dining room re-do click here.

While browsing online last week on Fabric.com, I found some more amazing decor fabric at amazingly affordable prices. I usually don't buy fabric online because, I'm a very visual person and like to touch and feel fabric (see if its the right color and weight for a project etc.) but I was impressed with Fabric.com return policy and low shipping costs { they also have fabric samples available}, anything over $35.00 ships for free. Free is a good word!

Now for the fabric I found for two different rooms in our house. I really like the fabric below, its made by Diversitex called Postinio Indigo. The fabric style reminds me of a Ikat fabric, I've been digging Ikat for quite some time and like this version of it. The fabric was on sale for $6.64 per yard! Regular price is $18.98 per yard....talk about a deal.

The next fabric I found is modern print by Amy Butler called Fresh Poppies. I like the gray and gold mixed with the light pink flowers. This fabric was only $8.98 per yard another deal! I'm hoping the fabric looks as petty here as it does in real life.

I hope both of these fabrics add the extra interest for both rooms in our home. Any guesses what I'm going to use the fabric for?

{ I ordered the fabric on Friday and it its already on it's way to my house! }

Oh and why I'm on the subject for fabric they have an amazing selection of outdoor fabric. I'm not sure if I'm going to DIY route for pillows for our front porch. Here are a few fabrics that caught my eye.

Waverly Lenox Lacquer for $12.98 per yard. I saw an outdoor pillow with this fabric at Home Goods for $12.99 - you can make 2 large pillows for $12.98! Plus the cost of stuffing which is a affordable.