It is with mixed emotions that I tell you this was my last week competing in Creating with the Stars.
It was such an amazing experience, and the creating part was a blast. I really didn’t mind the sleepless nights or the running to Homegoods for the right accessory to get the perfect shot before I lost sunlight. It was such a thrill, and I couldn’t have enjoyed it more.
I will say, keeping it a secret was very tough, especially when your friends tell you they’re voting for projects that aren’t yours. Each week my jaw dropped to the ground as I saw what the other contestants had done. The time and talent was incredible, and it was just an honor to have my work shown alongside theirs.
But I feel like I’m going out on a high note. I felt so good about this one, and it almost made me want another baby (almost). When I decided to do this pattern, I thought it would be perfect for a kid’s room. I actually painted it in our living room (it’s the wall behind where the couch sits now, where the big thrift store art I upcycled hangs) and staged the nursery with borrowed and purchased items. It’s a perfect representation of my style: clean and classic with something a bit exciting – that green! A little pattern, a little sheepskin, some modern, some traditional; I wouldn’t change a thing.
While I’m sad to be leaving Creating with the Stars behind, I’m so excited for all that April has to bring. Micah has been working long hours on our master bathroom remodel, and I know he’ll be glad to have me back at his side. We’ve got some pretty crazy deadlines for something really exciting happening the last week of April. But with no immediate deadlines I can now look forward to attending Go Blog Social this weekend. My dear friend, Kelsey, is coming in town for it and staying with us, and I am so looking forward to some good old-fashioned girl time.
In case you aren’t following me on Instagram or Facebook, here is the link to the news interview I did on Monday. How that ended up happening is a blog post in and of itself!
I can’t end this little chapter without thanking some people. Michael, my mentor, was beyond wonderful. From talking through ideas, to little styling suggestions, to reassurance and support, I can’t thank you enough for your kindness and guidance. You were a dream to work with! My husband was a huge help and didn’t bat an eye when there was no dinner on the table and the house was a dirty disaster. And the rest of our family helped with anything and everything: from letting me borrow items to taking my kids for a few hours. It really was a team effort, and I was so blessed to have this team.
I look forward to sharing tutorials on the stenciled wall and the other projects from the last round in a few weeks.
Megan Duesterhaus says
Gwen, I wanted you to know that I adored this project, it was my favorite – I've been thinking about it ever since I saw it over at EC2 on Monday. Such a neat and creative way to add subtle and beautiful interest to a wall. Bravo – you should be so proud!
themakerista@gmail.com says
That is so sweet of you, Megan! Thanks for your kind words and for reading. I really appreciate it today!
Summer Hogan says
I love this project Gwen! It is so classic with a fun edge!! One of my fave's for sure! Congrats on everything!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks so much, Summer!
Gigi from Wisconsin says
Gwen – I am so disappointed your design did not make the cut. I felt it was by far the best of the bunch! You are amazing, be proud of all you do!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, Gigi! I was disappointed too, but looking forward to what's to come. Your kind words me so much to me, thanks for reading!
Julia Konya says
Like I said already, the voting has been shocking! Love your room
Katerina says
I have to say that I was SHOCKED by these results!
My top three were yours, the kilim, and the art deco.
It's so hard to not say something negative right now arghghggghh.
http://www.lexandliv.com
Jaime Costiglio says
Gwen so happy to have had you as competition, I loved the simplicity and modern edge of your wall stencil design. On the bright side we are now free to get back to regular projects (and clean up the aftermath :))!
Kristin@bliss-athome.com says
I just loved this! The styling is phenom and the colors are pretty awesome! Excited to hear your news 😉 xo K
Elizabeth @ The Little Black Door says
The voting on this has been crazy to me. I loved loved loved what you did. Cheers to you for winning (in my book).
Jennifer@The Chronicles of Home says
As usual, it seems, I was really surprised by the results. Glad you are spinning it so positively – the great experience and the beautiful project you submitted. Sounds like you still have plenty to keep you busy 🙂
Laurie from Laurie Jones Home says
Gwen, I totally voted for your project! I loved it!! It was no contest for me! You did a great job these last 2 rounds! You're super talented!!!
Jennifer BNHblog says
It was a great project and I loved following along : ]
Maggie Fieger says
I thought this might be yours but the nursery threw me . . .
themakerista@gmail.com says
I didn't really think that would throw anyone, but I've gotten that a few times! I love doing kid's spaces, they are really fun. 🙂
Brit -House Updated says
This was my fave (and I totally voted for it)! Sad to see you aren't showing us your next projects on CWTS, but looking forward to seeing more on your blog… 🙂
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks so much, Brit! I look forward to you following along!
Alexis Middleton says
I was so bummed to see you were out! I loved this space and the handpainted look to the wall is just gorgeous. I will definitely be following along over here with all your upcoming projects. Can you tell me more about that crib sheet? It is amazing.
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks so much, Alexis! You can't buy it as a crib sheet, but you can buy the fabric to make a crib sheet (which is rather easy) here: http://www.fabricguru.com/?subcats=Y&status=A&pshort=Y&pfull=Y&pname=Y&pkeywords=Y&search_performed=Y&cid=0&q=malakos&x=0&y=0&dispatch=products.search
Thanks for following along and the support! I really appreciate it!
Sharon M. says
Hi Gwen! I voted for your project. Had no idea it was yours, but it was my favorite. I thought that it looked the most "livable"out of all the other projects. You know. A creative project that people would actually do in their homes and that you could live with. The other projects were great too, but sometimes I think when they're competition projects they just look a little too over the top. Sorry you are out, but your project rocked!
Autumn Beach says
Wha?? Honestly, I'm shocked!! I really am. But you are exiting with grace and style. And I'm SO excited to see this master bathroom! 🙂 So much more in store for you, Gwen. I'm sure of it.
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, lady! I hope so!
Autumn Beach says
I know so. 😉
angietrue says
cant wait for the tutorial for this great wall stencil. You did a great job on EC2.
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, Angie! I look forward to sharing once Creating with the Stars is over!
Diana Trotter says
Not only was your paint DIY beautiful, but now learning that you staged it as a nursery, it makes it even cooler! Yours was one of my favs…couldn't vote being the ECC blog assistant, but I just wanted to say hello and congrats on all the amazing work you did. We loved having you and look forward to staying connected 🙂
themakerista@gmail.com says
Diana, that means a lot coming from you, thanks so much! I loved being apart of it and had a blast!
Jacqui Madsen says
Gwen, congratulations on a truly amazing project! I look forward to following you and to seeing what's coming next! All the best, Jacqui @ Brooke Eva
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks so much, Jacqui! Best of luck with this week's project!
Lynda Hamilton says
So sad to see you go this was an amaZing project!!! Loveeee the stencil beyond words and the colors!
Perfection! Great job.
Go get some rest. I won the last season of crafting with the stars and know how tired I was after that. And the projects you all did blew any of mine away. Enjoy some much deserved rest!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks so much, Lynda! It seems like it gets more and more over the top each year, but I loved how it stretched and pushed me. I had so much fun!
Thanks again for the kind words and support!
Alyssa@Clever Nest says
Hi! Thanks for stopping by and commenting on my mirror makeover!:) I'm so happy/jealous that you made it into the Creating with the Stars competition! I was also blown away by the projects, good grief, there are seriously talented ladies out there! I have to say I am seriously impressed by your staging and photography skills. That's something that people don't normally comment on, but to me that makes the difference between amateur and professional quality posts. Love your work! 🙂
Alyssa
themakerista@gmail.com says
Alyssa, you don't know how much it means to me to hear this! I so appreciate you leaving a comment. I know that the photography and styling are things that most people don't even think about noticing, but it's one of my favorite parts and thank you for sharing that. I love to obsess over it. 🙂
Hope you have a lovely week!
Gwen
Bethany DeVore says
Loved both of your projects for CWTS! Can't wait to see your bathroom reveal!
Elaine says
I thought your wall was beautiful and I voted for you!
Christy James says
So sad this amazing nursery wall didn't make into the next round! It's stunning, for real. Seriously 🙂
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, sweet, thanks so much, Christy! I had a blast putting it together!