Hello, Creative Friends
The art of Gail McCormack
This week at ellen j goods felt especially full of experimentation, storytelling, and creative surprises. From decorative books and vintage-inspired finishes to playing with all of the IOD Summer Release, the studio has been buzzing with ideas — and maybe a little bit of our ejg chaos, too!
Thank you for being here and continuing to create alongside us.
If You Missed Us
This week we explored the idea that ordinary objects can become part of the story we tell in our homes.
One of my favorite projects was creating decorative custom books using some of the new IOD products. I love imagining a world where books become art, and also offer us a way to update our own home library to make our go-to books even prettier resources.
You can watch that quick tutorial here.
DIY Tuscan Wall Tile
We also spent time experimenting with texture and old-world finishes in our DIY Tuscan Wall Tile project using layered plaster, crackle effects, and gilded details.
These techniques create such beautiful dimension and depth, especially when paired with weathered surfaces using all of our favorite Pentart wall products.
This interesting technique uses Pentart Loft Spackle, Pentart Cracking Plaster Primer, and Pentart Cracking Plaster for making your own aged tiles.
You can find the tutorial here.
And Of Course… There Were Swans
This week’s swan planter projects reminded me how much I love incorporating nature-inspired elements into home décor.
I have collected swans for many years and have used them in my gardens and in the cottage as décor. Aged finishes, textured surfaces, and Pentart transformed these plain terra cotta pots into the most lovely garden planters.
You can find the Garden Pot Makeover tutorial and supply list here.
Schedule For The Week Ahead
Community Spotlight
This week we’re celebrating all of the creative friends in our ellen j goods Insider community who continue to experiment bravely and share their projects with one another.
Freddie Bender is a top contributor to the Facebook Insider group. She amazes us week after week with her prolific creations and experimentation.
We were absolutely charmed by Freddie’s little garden stakes made from the new IOD Frames 3 Mould. Aren’t they darling?
Thank you, Freddie, for inspiring all of us with your willingness to experiment and share with us. That is what creativity is all about.
What Inspires Us
This week I’ve been especially inspired by layered vintage surfaces: old books, worn plaster, aged garden elements, faded paper, weathered paint, and collected objects that feel like they carry history with them.
And birds in teacups. I’m sure it has something to do with the IOD Belgravia Transfer.
I keep coming back to the idea that creativity connects us through shared stories and experiences. Whether through art, decorating, painting, or collecting beautiful old things, there is something meaningful about making space for creativity in our everyday lives.
Birds & Teacups
Just for fun, I created a Pinterest board full of pretty birds and teacup paintings.
You can visit the board here.
We look forward to making beautiful things with you in the week ahead here at ellen j goods — with thrifted treasures, vintage inspiration, layered textures, and the excitement of the new Iron Orchid Designs collection.
Thank you for being a part of this special creative community. We look forward to spending time with you.
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