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Artists who paints in oil en plein aire. Member of the three member Plein Aire Cottage Artists. Members: Mary Rose Holmes, Violetta Chandler and Helen Tilston

Sunday, March 18, 2012

May the light of your soul guide you




My new lamp
Our guest bedroom receives  reflected light from the palm tree which sways and dances in the gentle breeze. Also reflected are the diamond shaped sparkles from the salt water canal - the wall literally dances on a sunny day.  The room has tall ceilings and there is a balcony.
View from balcony - each day the water differs in colour depending on light
We painted the room in Skylight (Farrow & Ball).  I am now shopping in my own house for pieces to fit in this room.
 In a break between painting, on location, in Sarasota this week, I spied this lamp - it is antique statuary and the shade is a bridal veil from 1926 - I fell in love with it and it came home with me. The lamp I love (my husband has reserved his opinion) The existing wrought iron bed I found at a farm auction many years ago.  The tapestry (not yet sewn to the pillow) was found in Venice, Italy.  The little cottage  I painted in encaustic and is part of my Irish cottages series. This is how the left hand side of the bed looks presently (I'm unsure) 
Should I use this lamp?

The rooster lamp was created by Ziva who painted the rooster and then hand-painted the shade.  Do I use a rooster in the bedroom?

More shopping around my house for potential items

Irish cottage series in encaustic by Helen Tilston
Still life painting by Helen Tilston

Waterford crystal lamp - Our Lady of Sorrows, Helen Tilston I would like to use this lamp but it is part of a pair in the living room
Chantry Island Southampton painted by Helen Tilston

A triptych being painted by Violetta, Mary Rose and Helen - this will fit perfectly above my bed

I wonder if Violetta and Mary Rose would let me have this painting for above my bed.  It is a commissioned piece and highly unlikely.


I welcome your input on my guest room.



Posted by at

72 comments:

  1. Jane and Lance HattattMarch 18, 2012 at 9:17 AM

    Hello Helen:
    This is all absolutely magical and what a wonderful setting. How lovely for your guests to wake to such a view and to be able to wander outside onto the balcony. Perfection indeed.

    Your lamps, each one very different and totally individual, are all, in our view, most desirable but for the left hand side of the bed we should probably be drawn to the idea of the cockerel crowing to wake people at the start of the day. The Waterford one is beautiful, but a pity to split the pair and something so handsome deserves a place in the drawing room.

    We are immediately in love with the pictures and certainly think that 'Our Lady of Sorrows' and the 'Still Life' [which is wonderful beyond words] should both be hung in the room. Indeed, why not place them all for they would, we are certain, give your guests enormous pleasure.

    When you have finished, please do come and arrange our spare room. You are welcome to shop around the house - such a splendid phrase!!

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    1. helen tilstonApril 3, 2012 at 3:21 PM

      Dear Lance and Jane

      My apologies for the delay to your beautiful comment. I love your idea of the cockerel crowing for my guest's to wake up.
      You are so right the Waterford's belong in the drawing room.

      I think the guest room will be a work in progress for some time yet. There really is no hurry and the right objects will find their way in.

      I would love to come and visit your delightful homes and inspect your lovingly collected items

      Helen xx

      Delete
  2. LindyLouMacMarch 18, 2012 at 9:54 AM

    Your guest room is very attractive, but with a view like that who would worry about how it looked inside. :)

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    1. helen tilstonApril 3, 2012 at 3:24 PM

      Hello Lindy Lou

      Thank you for such a rich and kind comment.

      My best for a great week
      Helen x

      Delete
  3. Elizabeth Rose StantonMarch 18, 2012 at 11:27 AM

    I adore your paintings...and you MUST use the rooster lamp!!!

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    1. helen tilstonApril 3, 2012 at 3:26 PM

      Hello Elizabeth Rose

      The rooster is there presently. Now my husband is complaining as he liked it beside his reading chair. (Men!)

      Helen xx

      Delete
  4. MadeliefMarch 18, 2012 at 11:32 AM

    I enjoyed your tour of the house! What a lovely guest bedroom you have. I think I prefer the lamp with the simple shade. It looks more 'quiet'. The rooster lamp is very pretty though!

    Happy weekend,

    Madelief x

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    1. helen tilstonApril 3, 2012 at 4:44 PM

      Hello Madelief

      Thank you for your suggestion. My husband agrees with you. here's wishing you a great week
      Helen xx

      Delete
  5. SuzeMarch 18, 2012 at 11:46 AM

    I'm with Lizzie. I think the rooster lamp is somehow just right.

    Your opening paragraph had my insides melting with yearning.

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    1. helen tilstonApril 3, 2012 at 4:47 PM

      Hello Suze

      Thanks for your input. It is still a work in progress.
      I am greateful each day for my beautiful home and its location
      To a great week!

      xx

      Delete
  6. Hesta NestaMarch 18, 2012 at 12:46 PM

    I absolutely adore your antique lamp with the bridal veil shade, it is exquisite, I think I would have had to take it home with me if I had found it...gorgeous! Have a wonderful week.
    Jo xx

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    1. helen tilstonApril 3, 2012 at 4:48 PM

      Hesta Nesta

      Thank you for the ultimate approval of my lamp. I love it even more now that it is settling in.

      Wishing you a week full of goodness
      xx

      Delete
  7. Pura VidaMarch 18, 2012 at 1:45 PM

    That lamp is to die for! Just so pretty

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    1. helen tilstonApril 3, 2012 at 4:49 PM

      How sweet of you to comment. Thank you for your validation of my taste.

      My best

      xx

      Delete
  8. MiseMarch 18, 2012 at 3:47 PM

    Yes, dear Helen, the rooster on one side, and the bridal veil shade on the other! The place will be a wonderland. Lucky, lucky guests, with such character indoors and the beautiful light outside; they will be enraptured and never leave.

    I too love the notion of shopping round the house; I'll borrow the phrase straight away.

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    1. helen tilstonApril 3, 2012 at 4:51 PM

      Hi Mise

      Thanks for visiting. Perhaps it is an Irish thing, having the juxtaposition of the bridal veil and rooster in the same room!
      Hmmm perhaps we need to compose a song about that!! Take it away if you like.

      My best

      xx

      Delete
  9. JenMarch 18, 2012 at 4:39 PM

    I do love your paintings. As for lamps--they all have charm and a different effect. I think the whimsy of the rooster and the bridal veil would be fun for guests.

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    1. helen tilstonApril 3, 2012 at 5:20 PM

      Hello Jen

      As it stands your suggestion of the rooster and the bridal veil is how it is. It has been a busy couple of weeks an I plan on returning and putting the finishing touches on it.

      Thanks for visiting
      Helen xx

      Delete
  10. Jacqueline @ HOMEMarch 18, 2012 at 4:57 PM

    Ooooo Helen,
    I would never deem to advise you on any decorating dilemas....it all looks beautiful to me and, as long as you love it then it's right. Go with your instincts and you can't go wrong. XXXX

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    1. helen tilstonApril 3, 2012 at 5:22 PM

      Hello Jacqueline,

      You are so kind to refrain from advising. Like you said, go with one's instinct and it will work out.

      Wishing you a great week

      Helen xx

      Delete
  11. Stacy CUrranMarch 18, 2012 at 5:39 PM

    I love the paintings you showed...they amaze me they are so good! And the room looks great too. I'd go with whatever your heart tells you on the lamp!
    Stacy

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    1. helen tilstonApril 3, 2012 at 5:23 PM

      Hello Stacy

      Thank you for your kind words. You advice is so welcome and I shall follow my heart.

      My best for a great weekxxx

      Delete
  12. BonnieMarch 18, 2012 at 5:53 PM

    Helen, I learn so much by reading each of your posts. I actually love the first lamp. Like your husband my own would probably withhold an opinion....or maybe not, he is quite opinionated when it comes to decorating. I adore the Irish cottage. Bonnie

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    1. helen tilstonApril 3, 2012 at 5:26 PM

      Hello Bonnie

      It seems like we have husbands with similar taste! hee hee

      Thank you for validating my purchase and complimenting my art

      Helen xx

      Delete
  13. Acquired ObjectsMarch 18, 2012 at 6:05 PM

    I have to say I love that you "shop" your home. It always breaths new life into our things moving them about. I say go with your heart on the lamp, what feels right will be. Thank you for stopping by my blog you're always so kind and sweet.

    Enjoy your Sunday Evening!

    XX
    Debra~

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    1. helen tilstonApril 3, 2012 at 5:29 PM

      Hello Debra

      You say it well when you say it breathes new life in our objects hen we move them around. It amazes me how it brings out a colour or texture which was unseen in a previous setting.

      Your blog is always enlightening.

      Helen xx

      Delete
  14. valerietilsten59.blogspot.comMarch 19, 2012 at 1:20 AM

    Dear.helen...
    it.all.looks.so.beautiful...i.love.your.lamps.all.of.them..
    have.a.try.with.the.new.one.and.see.how.you.feel..its.so.soft.
    the.paintings.too.would.look.great.
    most.of.all..what.a.fantastic.setting.your.home.is.at..its.beautiful..
    did.the.manatee.ever.come.to.visit.again..
    i.spent.some.time.moving.some.photos.and.vases.and.what.nots.around.last.week...
    Whatever.you.choose..will.look.lovely..
    valxxx

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    1. helen tilstonApril 3, 2012 at 5:32 PM

      Hello Valerie

      Always lovely to see you here, as well as Facebook. I am really liking the guest room. Oddly you should ask for the manatee, we saw one in St. Petersburg when Aidan was visiting us. I posted about it.

      Have a wonderful week and pats to the horses xx

      Delete
  15. rjerdeeMarch 19, 2012 at 3:05 AM

    You must have found that bridal lamp at Posh on Palm in Sarasota...looks like a Susie creation...am I right?

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    1. helen tilstonApril 3, 2012 at 5:36 PM

      Hello Becky

      You are spot on! Don't you just love that store. I know of no other like it, do you?. Their linen sheets have me drooling.
      Have a special week

      Helen xx

      Delete
  16. A Bit of the BlarneyMarch 19, 2012 at 4:07 AM

    Wonderful post. I especially like the Chantry Island picture!!! Have a grand day! Cathy

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    1. helen tilstonApril 3, 2012 at 5:37 PM

      Thank you Cathy for your visit.

      Chantry Island is off Southampton, Ontario on Lake Huron. A very special place

      Helen xx

      Delete
  17. MrsLittleJeansMarch 19, 2012 at 9:06 AM

    I adore the paintings Helen...I do agree that you need to have those three panels above your bed. Love the white wrougth iron too! I would be inclined to put the Waterford Crystal in your bedroom. I like light, I hope when sun falls on parts of it rainbows appear around you. I love the others too but my favorite for your bedroom is the crystal. Kitties are mesmerized by reflected lights dancing on the walls. Sending you love! xx

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    1. helen tilstonApril 3, 2012 at 5:40 PM

      Hello Mrs. Little Jeans

      Thank you for your support and friendship. Waterford steals the show every time. You are right the sun plays all kinds of games when it hits on crystal. I can see your cats being entertained indefinitely.

      Much love
      Helen xx

      Delete
  18. gillyflowerMarch 19, 2012 at 11:22 AM

    You live in such a beautiful place Helen - and the bedroom is looking beautiful, I love the F and B paint colour on your walls, and such lovely personal finds - the lamp is lovely.
    I'm sure you will find the right lamp by trying them out, you will just know when you have hit on the right one!

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    1. helen tilstonApril 3, 2012 at 5:41 PM

      Hello Gilly

      Thank you for your kind words. F and B colours are the best and always harmonious - I am still playing around with the room. One day it shall get complete then again maybe not. ha ha

      Helen xx

      Delete
  19. S. EtoleMarch 19, 2012 at 11:36 AM

    Such a fun quandary to ponder.

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    1. helen tilstonApril 3, 2012 at 5:42 PM

      You word that so perfectly and thank you for commenting.
      My best
      xx

      Delete
  20. Clara TurbayMarch 20, 2012 at 6:40 PM

    I celebrate the good ideas i find here every time.

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    1. helen tilstonApril 3, 2012 at 5:43 PM

      Thank you Clara

      I enjoy reading your blog also. Have a special week
      xx

      Delete
  21. Jane the BookladyMarch 22, 2012 at 12:40 AM

    Hello Helen,
    I do so love putting together the elements of a room. Your guest bedroom seems full of peace and light.To match that feeling I would suggest- your little cottage picture, Our Lady of Sorrows and of course the new light and bridal veil (SOOOO beautiful!). Thanks for letting my 'play' in your room! Jane xx

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    1. helen tilstonApril 3, 2012 at 5:45 PM

      Hello Jane

      I am delighted that you played in my room. What fun. Your suggestions are all wonderful and I thank you sincerely for taking the time to comment. I am glad you like the bridal veil lamp. It still pleases me very much each time I walk into the room

      Have a wonderful week

      Helen xx

      Delete
  22. La Petite GalleryMarch 23, 2012 at 5:06 AM

    Hi Helen,
    Missing those palm trees, and very nice art.
    You have a lovely spot. I like Sarasota.

    yvonne

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    1. helen tilstonApril 3, 2012 at 5:46 PM

      Hello Vyonne

      Sarasota is a beautiful place and palm trees enchant.

      Thank you for your kind words and for visiting.

      Have a glorious week

      xx

      Delete
  23. A Super DilettanteMarch 23, 2012 at 5:58 AM

    My dear Helen, I fell in love with your choice of lovely shade colour from Farrow and Ball. I think all of the lamps above would go well with your room. I have remember seeing your painting of Our Lady of Sorrows a couple of years ago when you first painted it and I love the way you capture this sumptous rich blue of the Virgin's robe. That particular shade is very much favoured by the old Masters such as Roger van der Weyden. Have a lovely weekend. With love, ASD

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    1. helen tilstonApril 3, 2012 at 5:50 PM

      My dearest ASD

      I knew you would like F & B and this particular shade. It works beautifully as the water plays an important role in this particular room. Thank you viewing Our Lady of Sorrows and I find your comment most interesting. I shall be researching Roger van der Weyden.

      It is always special when I hear from you.

      Helen xx

      Delete
  24. AnonymousMarch 23, 2012 at 12:41 PM

    Thank you for your comment on my blog. How nice of you to visite my blog too! I like your blog, its beautiful!

    Greetings from Holland,
    Esther

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    1. helen tilstonApril 3, 2012 at 5:51 PM

      Hello Esther

      Welcome and thank you for following my blog.

      I look forward to your posting and find your write of interesting matters.

      My best,

      Helen xx

      Delete
  25. flowers on my tableMarch 23, 2012 at 5:50 PM

    Hello Helen, what a beautiful guest room you have made. I love the blue walls. I love your new lamp, it is so unusual. I think maybe because it has such personality it is hard to pair it with another lamp. I am inclined to think perhaps the plainer one is better than the cockerel.Or perhaps you should just have the one lamp until you can find a mate. I love your paintings, especially the Irish cottage. You have a beautiful home, in such wonderful surroundings.

    Many thanks for your comments, so sorry for the belated reply. I agree with you that the stencils are great for a small room. Have a lovely weekend, love Linda x

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    1. helen tilstonApril 3, 2012 at 5:54 PM

      Hello Linda

      I love and appreciate all your suggestions and comments on my room. I love living here and water is always calming and we get spectacular sunsets. I love to paint when I visit Ireland and the cottages are disappearing. My mother's home, a cottage is still in good shape. We do not own it, sadly.

      I am looking forward to visiting your blog. I have away from blogging for a couple of weeks and miss my friends.

      Helenxx

      Delete
  26. Rattus ScribusMarch 24, 2012 at 9:47 PM

    Hi Helen.
    I absolutely love your painting (Chantry Island). The colors remind so much of some beaches on Puerto Rico when I was younger. You could wade into the ocean, stand chest deep and still see the sand and your feet under the aquamarine water. Great memories.

    Thank you so much for your kind words on my post on Heavenly Minded.
    All the best,
    Ruben

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    1. helen tilstonApril 3, 2012 at 5:57 PM

      Hi Ruben

      Your blog always inspires. How fabulous you hold such beautiful memories of Puerto Rico. I was there many years ago and loved it. The azure waters are spectacular and to fly into Puerto Rico is very special.

      Chantry Island is on Lake Huron, off Southampton, Ontario.
      Thanks for your kind compliment

      Helen xx

      Delete
  27. Emilie's daughterMarch 25, 2012 at 3:54 AM

    I had to laugh at your expression "shopping around the house". I know what you mean. That's what I often do as well - when I want to change things and want to see the results as soon as possible. I love that statue lamp and from what you describe all the items have a history and that something very precious. Your painting of Chantry Island is marvelous and extraordinary. The colors are so vibrant I absolutely love it and admire your talent. Thank you very much for your kind wishes regarding the healing of my foot. Pain is less but it is still swollen. But as you know: Ill weeds grow tall... Have a beautiful Sunday, Helen! Christa

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    1. helen tilstonApril 3, 2012 at 5:59 PM

      Hello Christa

      I do hope your foot has healed fully. Chantry Island is on Lake Huron - off Southampton Ontario and is a magical place too.
      We visit at least once a year. I love to paint when there. It is so rewarding moving object around the house and giving them new life.

      Have a wonderful week

      xx

      Delete
  28. Lisa GordonMarch 25, 2012 at 9:27 AM

    What a beautiful room, Helen, and I do so LOVE that lamp.
    Happy Sunday to you my Friend.
    xo.

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    1. helen tilstonApril 3, 2012 at 6:01 PM

      Hello Lisa

      Thanks for visiting and happy you approve of the new lamp.
      It is staying and I love it even more.

      Wishing you a great week

      helen xx

      Delete
  29. CherylMarch 25, 2012 at 11:04 AM

    You have created a beautiful room, love the color of the walls and I like the first lamp...how does one decide? Of course you could always rotate the lamps around...

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    1. helen tilstonApril 3, 2012 at 6:15 PM

      Hello Cheryl

      Apologies for the delay in responding. I thank you for your compliment on my room and approval of the colour. I hope to find some time to return to working on completing the room soon

      My best

      Delete
  30. UnknownMarch 26, 2012 at 4:51 PM

    Oh, Helen, what a sweet romantic retreat! I would choose the rooster lamp, somehow it seems to fit in the room and to the other side! Your art work is exquisite and almost all works will look fine. I am drawn to the still life and the Chantry island painting.
    I do as you do: shopping in my own house for treasures to be used at a different spot when whimsy strikes!
    Lovely room for guests!

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    1. helen tilstonApril 3, 2012 at 6:17 PM

      Hello Victoria

      Thank you for your kindness. It is rewarding shopping in ones home and finding the objects which come to life when transplanted.

      Wishing you a delightful week

      Helen xx

      Delete
  31. LaPouyetteMarch 29, 2012 at 5:22 AM

    Beautiful and peaceful images, Helen!

    A very lovely post indeed!

    Thank you so much for your comment, yes, I do love Itzhak Perlman, for me he's one of the best violonist, and best together with Daniel Barenboim. How lucky you to have seen him in person.

    If you like and find the time, have another look at my post, I've inserted youtube videos of a concert with Itzhak Perlman in Japan, just wonderful, you might like watching and listening to it.

    Sorry for late visiting your blog and comment, but still working non-stop in our garden, very heart- and backbreaking :) :(

    Best wishes for a lovely and sunny spring at your end of the world and warmest greetings,
    karin

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    1. helen tilstonApril 3, 2012 at 6:23 PM

      Hello Karin

      A warm welcome and thanks for visiting.

      I love visiting your blog and your music always touches my heart
      Itzhak Perlman is a star in my mind and I shall be hanging out on our blog and listening to him. Do you like Pinchas Zuckerman? I saw him on a couple of occasions and he is also most memorable.

      Gardening is so rewarding and such backbreaking but how one sleeps following.

      Wishing you a delightful week Karin

      Helen xx

      Delete
  32. AnonymousMarch 29, 2012 at 3:05 PM

    Beautiful post and great blog! Would you like to follow each other?

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    1. helen tilstonApril 3, 2012 at 6:24 PM

      Hi Laura

      Thank you for visiting and welcome to my blog and thank you for following. I will look forward to knowing you through your writing.

      Helen

      Delete
  33. Castles Crowns and CottagesApril 3, 2012 at 4:25 AM

    YOUR GUESTROOM is just, DIVINE, HElen. OMGOODNESS, that lamp, that SHADE is so ethereal that you have captured a wonderful feel for ANYONE who will have the pleasure of staying there!

    MY WORD, your art is fabulous. YOU my dear are living your dream, surrounded by the color of BLUE and all the fresh inspiration nature can provide. I LOVE THAT ACAUSTIC work on the Irish cottage; it has a waxy surface? I am not familiar with this type of work but I really am interested in this my dear. AND THEN that beach scene????? IS THAT NOT wonderful with the blues?

    I have a lot to learn about what I will be doing with my art and writing, but for now, I am enjoying the art of working soley with PAPER. I just made a bridal centerpiece that sold last night, after I finished it. NOTHING BUT paper was used to make a wedding dress and it was sheer fun. I am on spring break so I have the time to experiment!

    THANK YOU FOR YOUR VISIT DEAREST, and enjoy! Anita

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    1. helen tilstonApril 3, 2012 at 6:28 PM

      My dear Anita

      How lovely to see your smiling face. Thank you for your kind words on my guest room. it is still in progress.

      Thank you for your encouragement on my art work. The encaustic is beeswax and oil paint. I am going to be working on some commissioned pieces and if I can I will post and perhaps video the process.(sometimes easier said than done!)


      I am delighted to hear your art and writing is going so well and I will be waiting with bated breath to hear of your progress. You have the gift of art and writing Anita. How special.

      Wishing you a delightful week

      Helen xx

      Delete
  34. 24 CornersApril 3, 2012 at 11:04 AM

    Helen...your lamp is absolutely wonderful...a fairytale unto itself! This I think you should paint, maybe sitting in an open window, lacey curtains blowing in a gentle breeze, and your beautiful sparkling water glistening in the background...oh sorry, I've gotten myself carried away!! ;)

    You have so many lovely choices to enhance your airy guestroom. I found myself liking the juxtaposition of the first lamp with the new ethereal one, the tones would play nicely off each other and the contrast would be interesting. Your paint color looks lovely too...such fortunate guests you will have!
    xo J~

    (Love your Irish cottage!)

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    1. helen tilstonApril 3, 2012 at 6:32 PM

      Hello Jessica

      I love your suggestion on the still life - how fabulous. I can see this type of painting. I have many commissions to complete and will certainly think of your suggestion when some free time emerges.

      Thanks for suggesting which lamps and I am hoping to complete the room soon.

      Jessica wishing you a delightful week

      Helen xx

      Delete
  35. flowers on my tableApril 3, 2012 at 1:12 PM

    Hello Helen, lovely to hear from you. I hope you are well? Many thanks for your lovely comments. My client is painting the walls from cream to a greyish white and has lovely bed linen in broad grey stripes, so it should look lovely when it is completed. Have a wonderful week. It has been trying to snow here today! Love Linda x

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    1. helen tilstonApril 3, 2012 at 6:34 PM

      Hello Linda

      I find your projects are always so interesting and your paint finishes really complete a room. Your clients are fortunate to have you to guide them.

      Wishing you a great week Linda.

      Helen xx

      Delete
  36. helen tilstonApril 3, 2012 at 6:18 PM

    Fabrizia

    Thanks for visiting and following. I am looking forward to viewing you blog.

    My best

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  37. KathysueApril 22, 2012 at 7:05 PM

    Helen, you are such a talent, your painting is gorgeous. Kathysue

    ReplyDelete

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