Have you ever made anything for your listing?

[Lizzie]

Hello everyone,

Over the years of knowing many of you, I have noticed we have quite a creative group of people here in the CC. Many of you have great flare with the paint brush creating artworks for your walls, some of you have constructed your own furniture, knit beautiful blankets and some of you have even built the whole house. 🙂

These personal touches can really make your listing feel like a home.

Have you ever created anything for yours and do they ever become a talking point with your guests?

It would be great to hear your experiences.

Thanks,

Lizzie

[Marlena14]

It makes me smile that others have found  joy in creating the space. I'm committed to the idea of unique recycled and repurposed and it seems to be appreciated by those burned out by slick hi tech decor.  For me,  walking through the space is a reminder of people, places and history and I think guests pick up on the soothing comfort of items that get better with time. 

[Helen427]

@Marlena14 

Your listing is delightful.

How far is it to & long does it take to climb Mount Konocti?

What animals do you have nearby?

I love the great outdoor atmosphere of your home & how you have created warmth with natural furnishings.

All the best

[Marlena14]

Hi Helen,

I have to tell you the most beautiful place I've visited is your country. New Zealand is magnificent and Clear Lake and Mt. Konocti are as close as I will ever come to that kind of beauty and peace in a small way and  I've had delightful visitors from New Zealand. I even seriously considered moving there.

I'm embarrassed to admit I haven't climbed to the top of Mt. Konocti yet but I will in time.

There are mostly deer, raccoons, squirrels and many serenading birds that I overfeed like spoiled children. 

You must be aware of the area if you know Mt. Konocti. Clear Lake is the oldest lake on the continent (480,000 years).  Almost as old as me!

Take Care and thank you for your kind words.  Come visit! 

Marlena

[Sarah977]

@Marlena14  Yes, those home decor trends, now slick and hi tech and soulless, are so boring. I don't know if you remember, but about 15 years ago, these teeny tiny bedside tables were the rage in all the decor magazines. They were bed height, but so small there was only space for a small lamp on them- not even enough room to put your cell phone on, let alone a book, an alarm clock, a glass of water- you know, all the things normal humans usually have next to the bed. My daughter, who keeps up with home decor trends, went for these. Within a year she'd switched them out. They were so ridiculous.

Also ridiculous are the drapes puddling on the floor. Looks lux in a magazine picture, but totally impractical dust, dirt, and dead bug collectors.

[Carol777]

I have several copies of my watercolor paintings on the walls and in the hall near the exit I offer some copies for sale.  I made some into postcards and sell those four for a dollar.  I also leave a thank you card (for choosing my place) and enclose a couple of the post cards.  They seem to like it.  I gets lots of comments on the paintings.

[Helen427]

@Carol777 

Do you include items that you have in your home for your artistic creations?

I enjoy browsing through our local Hospice and charity shops, there's always something that's been created by a talented people.

[Katie-and-Matthew0]

We created name placards for each of the bedrooms so they'd be easier to identify for everyone involved. Our home is a historic landmark so we used the names of family members who originally built and lived in the home. 

[Kitty-and-Creek0]

I've spent more than 30 years creating and tending my garden, a sunny patch in the surrounding forestland. My guests love it, and I love sharing it!

[Rebecca]

The photos of your garden in your listing are beautiful @Kitty-and-Creek0 . The reds through to yellows of the acers are so seasonal. Is there a favourite part of your garden, or are you like me, and have a different part depending on the season? 

I do wish I could have some exotic birds like the hummingbirds in my garden. We have starlings (which provide a lovely forest feel at dusk before they roost) ...and on the opposite end of the spectrum, we have seagulls which delight us with their chip stealing chorus at all hours 😂 

[Kitty-and-Creek0]

@Rebecca 

My garden is a joy in every season. Right now it is a riot of autumn colors. In Spring it is like a Guatemalan marketplace of rhododendron, Azalea, dogwood flowers, and fruit trees in full bloom in every shade of pink, cream and white. Lavender and rosemary bloom all summer, and I delight in the bees humming as they do their gathering up thing. The hummingbirds are a joy and in summer the forest birds are a welcome distraction - tanagers, grosbeaks, thrushes, woodpeckers, mountain bluebirds in the meadows. Stellars Jays and Ravens include us in their daily announcements! Such a joy! Now that the rains have started, we are exclaiming over the fallen leaves with their paint jobs, the fragrance of the forest and the fungi beginning to fruit on the forest floor. Acorns are gorgeous and abundant, food for all the forest creatures. 

[Rebecca]

Okay, you've convinced me @Kitty-and-Creek0 - I'm booking a flight 😂 

In all seriousness, it sounds so beautiful. Isn't nature amazing, and it's a joy to behold and nurture that through gardening. 🍂 🍄 

[Kitty-and-Creek0]

@Rebecca 

❤️❤️♥️

You are welcome any time!