New Suite

Fun, isn't it! If you can't find what you want (and can afford) at the store, create your own.

That's exactly what we did with the headboard. There are still a few finishing touches to make it the best we can do, but for most purposes this small suite is elegant and ready for guests.

What do you think for it's name? Antoinette? Grace? Belle?

The Tiepolo theme started this room out, but as the room progressed it took on a life of it's own and so Tiepolo will have to go somewhere else.

Each room creates a statement with which you are enveloped in that dream. Come visit the Chateau and see whats new.

Changing Clouds of Love

Aren't the skies phenomenal in Missouri? They change so often and the cloud formations go from turbulent to wispy stratus with my favorite the massive cumulus. The only surety here in the weather is that it will change.

And so do relationships, often on a daily basis. The constant, like the sky and heavens above is the certain love one feels for another. That backdrop should not change, but be as eternal as the heavens above. This only happens when we put away our own selfish behaviors. I am as guilty as the next at not doing it all the time. The only redeeming quality any of us can have is that we are working on that betterment. Then trust in the Lords perfect love for we, who are so unworthy.

Yesterday Bob and Britt worked more on the stucco... Wouldn't you guess it's raining again, so that puts the completion of that off till better weather.

Since Bob made the trebuchets (catapults) for the schools to sling water balloons we have been thinking of other fun activities which children could do. Medieval in nature plus ones that will not hurt another. Any ideas?

Married at Last

Analisa and Kenny were radiant after their vows. Together at the romantic couples table they watched over their guest like Royalty.

May they ever enjoy the peace and love that comes through their union. Through all the trial leading up to the wedding they maintained level heads. Although those heads were elevated into the clouds!

Tapestry to Mural

Recreating another art work has it's limitations especially if you are working in different mediums. This mural was taken from a tapestry commissioned by Cardinal Wolsey when he was still popular in the court of Henry the VIII.

A tapestry has a woven texture, which I am not quick enough to recreate in paint. So instead I substituted his family crest for a Palmer crest and created a more fluid painting than a woven tapestry. With it, you get the effect without the expense or expertise of a woven tapestry.

Have fun with the art. Dont' be too critical. Enjoy

Bridemaid Remembered

Finally, the painting (recreation of the tapestry made for Cardinal Woolsey at Hampton Court) in the brides maid room is started!

This month Britt and I finished the clouds peering through the rafters of the chapel. We'll probably go back next year and add detail and more contrast. But with us reaching the tip of the ceiling at 42 feet, while balancing atop a swaying lift atop a ladder, I'm glad to have this much completed.

The floors in the brides room are acid stained and sealed Britt is working with Bob on the finish of the steps sweeping up in the entry.

Each day a new project. Each day a little more completed.

If Clouds Could Talk

Okay, I left the camera up at the castle. So no photos of the floor in the brides chamber or the doors in the entry.

We tried a different technique on the brides floor to see if we could get the amber to color a lighter version of itself. Then veined as usual. This time we didn't spray water first we put the amber stain directly on the concrete. Then veined with walnut, more amber and jade. While doing the veining I used extra sprits of water to blend and let the veins run. Doing the acid directly on dry concrete leaves what you do there, drops and all, be careful not to make veining to bold, remember in natural veining you have bold lines to narrow fading lines. Water helps with that.

While the acid cured Britt and I went to put clouds on the ceiling of the chapel. After 4 hours of wrenching our necks we went back to the brides chamber and cleaned the floor. It looks good! Then back to working on clouds. Britt has things timed and we're given an hour a cloud in each bay , it's closer to 2 that it actually takes (which is putting her schedule off). Schedules push us. Sometimes beyond our limits.

Sky Blue

Will the heating and air ever be done? Bob continued to work on those units.

Britt cleared and started to paint the ceiling a soft baby blue in which we'll paint soft floating clouds (I hope).

While I gold leafed the doors (there is still a little more to do,) Then I finished clearing everything out of the brides room and sealed the wall behind the mirror. Today, I will acid stain the floor, and help Britt with the clouds. It will be up and down all day.

Tomorrow I'll have more photos of our progress.