At Home with the Guncles

I swear, I could wear out a camera at Randy and Kevin's house.  Cutest dogs, ever, a great collection of, well, too many things to count, and fun stuff going on all the time.

And it was very touching to me, that with all the cool collections and fabulous antiques they have, I saw bits and pieces of my own art work all around the house. This is a nest from my wire workshop

They've added some white birds for Spring to the cabinet of white pottery.

I'd love to find a top hat like this silk one they have.  It's hosting some paper clay creations I sent to them. The little elf is supposed to look like Kevin.

Hmm, kind of hard to tell from this photo.

There is a string of crystals hanging in the window of their patio room, that sends prisms all around the space every afternoon.   Here is Kevin, sprinkled in "light birdies", as my Sissy always calls them.

On Sunday, we spent the day in Randy's craft room with our pal, Regina. Over the years, he and I painted the entire room, floor and ceiling with murals, but there are so many treasures in there, not much shows!

Tad and Tillie ( Beloved Bishons of the Past) watch over us as we work there.

Regina worked on making a bird cage like the ones we had done at Karen's for the workshop at the Kozy Kottage.  Randy made cards (his specialty) and I cranked out a couple dozen birds to decorate my studio for Birdsong.

Randy also prepped the background for this painting he asked me to do.  A friend of his had a painting of a white peacock wearing pearls and he loved it, and asked me to copy it. I don't like to copy, but told him I'd do another version of it my own way. 

So, he found a swan in his wild life books and asked me to paint her.  The back ground is metallic, and the bird is regular paint. I think it really makes the swan stand out in a dramatic way.

The swan in the book had red eyes, but I went for pink.  It was a quick job, and there were some things I'd have tweaked if I had time, but I was finishing it up Monday before I went to the airport, and had to rush. Of course, at that point, I didn't know my flight was cancelled and I'd have hours to sit at the airport.

Randy is so kind about my artwork, he is my #1 collector.  Here is a watercolor of Zack that hangs in the craft room.

There is also a big screen TV in there, and he has a cabinet full of shows. I was able to get caught up on the few episodes of Downton Abby that I had missed and we watched Les Mis while working too.  Funny, when I "watch" TV while working, I rarely look up. At one point, I finally looked at the screen and was wowed, it was really a good picture.  I hadn't even noticed that it was such sharp high def.

I should ask what brand it is, I'm in the market for a new one myself.

Yep, it was a fun visit. Great food, great friends, great fun, great crafts, great TV picture (hey, that's important!) and great dogs.

Whimsy and fun at every corner. Accompanied by fresh shrimp.

And there are always big, brown eyes looking up into your face.

I'll leave you with some pictures around the house.  There is a treat every place you look there!

 

Comments

[Louise Oakes]

You really are a talented painter, the swan is beautiful, and I do like the pink eyes. Randy and Kevin's house is beautiful, with lots of lovely stuff. Lots of inspiration too.

[Debra Ganas]

Beautiful home with so many treasures to see. And I would love crafting with Randy.
I like to have my "stuff" around me too. I do not think I could create a thing in a bare (tidy) craft room.
Thanks for all the pictures of your Florida trip. I feel like I was there!
Debra

[Karla Nathan]

Doesnt he have a fun room? I love hanging out there!

[PHatfield]

Thanks-delightful photos! I also "watch" videos as I work...the TV is behind me so obviously I have it on for the audio only...glad to hear someone else has the same habit.

[jeanie]

I love it when you visit the Guncles. You always end up with GREAT photos and why not? What terrific subject matter. AND you always have fun and do great things. Love it!

[Charlotte]

Another wonderful, warm post. For all of these photos of charming stuff, your swan portrait stands out. Just beautiful, Karla.

[Linda P.]

Randy and Kevin have such a wonderful house! I love all the photos you shared with us. It's just so much fun to see how people decorate. Enjoyed seeing the sweet pups and getting the peeks at your lovely artwork. I really love your be-pearled swan and the paintings of the special pups.

[Sherry]

I love Randy and Kevin's home. It reflects Randy's fun personality! I enjoyed seeing all the pictures of his fur babies, craft room, collections and all the hand painted murals! What a great place!