It's a Birthday!!

September 2, 2016 Sherri Rice

August Blues Slipcover Studio is 5 years old this month!!

It's hard to believe 5 years has already gone by. It goes quickly when you enjoy the work and are able to stay busy. I truly have the best clients - to all of you, thank-you!! And I look forward to many more collaborations to come.

So, it's not a birthday without a little celebrating, and this time I get to give the gifts :) There are two ways to celebrate with me;

1. Buy a pillow cover (or 2 or 10...) - from now through September 15, all the pillow covers in the Pillows for Good shop are $5 off. Just use the code 5YEARS when you check out. $10 for every pillow cover sold will still go towards Empowerment Grants for refugee families in Iraq (then you get to be a giver, too!). And, as standard procedure for all things August Blues, all the pillow covers are washable and dry-able, so they do your family good, too. If you need a farmhouse pillow fix, this is your chance!

2. I'm giving away a one-of-a-kind pillow cover! I took the classic navy grainsack stripe and mixed up the stripes a little for a little twist on the typical pillow. And, as always, it's washable and dryable and $10 will be donated (this include the pillow cover only - it is sized 18 x 18" to best fit a 20 x 20" pillow insert).

To enter to win the pillow cover, find the post with this picture on my Facebook page or my Instagram account and leave a comment (I will count one entry per username). This giveaway will run until Wed. Sept 7 at 8pm CST. And, yes, it's open to Canadian friends, too!!

Birthday parties are fun, but they are best when celebrated together. This business is truly a gift to me. Thank you to all of my amazing clients, and all those who follow, like, comment, and share as I take this journey - I can't do it without you!

With my deepest gratitude,

Sherri

It's All About the Story...

April 2, 2015 Sherri Rice

I know most of you (welcome new friends!) are here for the slipcovers, so this is just a "heads up" that I am writing as an autism mom today. I will be back with some new slipcover projects soon!

So, I was sorting through some old files recently, and came across a couple of Myers-Briggs Type Indicator forms that I had filled out some years ago. One indicated that I was an ISTJ and the other, an ISFJ (you can read more about these here). With the benefit of a "few" years of living between then and now, I have figured out I probably land in the ISFJ category most often. It's fun, and can be helpful, to explore personality profiles and try to "peg" ourselves or those around us. However, as we interact with people, it's clear that an individual's personality is richer and more nuanced than just a label.

As many of you may know, our oldest son has autism (I've written more about it here and here). "Autism" probably brings a picture to mind, either a person you know or something you have seen or read, or some other connection. It's a label, but, much like ISFJ does not describe everything about me or necessarily predict how I will behave in a particular circumstance, neither does autism define our son. It might give you some clues, but he is most definitely his own person! A person who has grown so much in this past year, who is fun-loving and stubborn and who can navigate around Google Earth and Google Maps like it's his job!

Today is Autism Awareness Day, and while those for whom autism is a part of daily life will likely tell you that we are plenty aware, it is, nevertheless, a day to think more specifically about what we can do to make a difference for the 1 in 68 who have acquired this label. For my part, I am increasingly reminded that that everyone has a story. I have chosen not to share much of our autism story here in this public space because it's a story that also belongs to our son (and the rest of our family) and I want to respect that. However, in reading and listening to the stories so generously shared by others, whether they are autism stories or not, I have learned that the world is a lot less black-and-white than I once might have niavely imagined. Sometimes, if you pay too much attention to the media/Facebook/random internet stuff, the autism world appears to be very polarized by differences (and really, pick any issue and it's the same). But when I hear the stories of those who live it, I hear variations on a theme, commonalities that go deeper than whatever soapbox we may tend to climb on. I am learning to assume less and listen more.

So, this Autism Awareness Day (and beyond), let's look past labels and soapboxes and and assumptions and listen for the stories as we walk together. You may just find that your world gets a little more colorful!

Sherri

P.S. These pictures are some scenes from our Spring Break trip to Matagorda Bay, TX.

Happy 2015!

January 7, 2015 Sherri Rice

Happy New Year, friends! Yes, I realize it's already January 7 (where is this year going?), but this is only the second day that the boys have been back at school, so I have been trying to get my ducks in a row after the holidays. I just wanted to share a couple of things and then I will get back to slipcovers (and maybe some diys - have you been following along on FB and IG?).

First, for the last few years I have been choosing one word for the year (you can see my previous words here and here). This year my word is Faith. I chose it based on this quote by Angie Smith in a recent She Reads Truth devotional:

"The kind of faith God wants—the kind that is credited to us as righteousness—is that of Abraham’s, who believed in spite of his circumstances (Romans 4:19-21).

It’s the belief that lifts our heads from the words on the page and looks to the God who speaks them over us.

It’s the trust that comes when everything around you says, “impossible,” and yet you dare to hope anyway.

It’s the audacity to believe that His promises apply to us."

I love that last line; I wrote it on the chalk board above my desk right away. Faith, real faith that has God as it's object and isn't just a feel-good notion, really is audacious, isn't it?

In the past few months, as a family we have started down some paths that, regardless of the outcomes, are requiring ongoing faith in God's promises and purposes. If and when I am able, I will share more. For now, this is the word I need.

Second, and on a lighter note, I thought I would share my top 3 posts of 2014. It's always interesting to see what grabs peoples' attention :)

3. Designer Couch Makeover

2. Dropcloth and Pleats

1. Wing Chair Slipcover 2.0 (technically published in 2013, but mostly viewed in 2014)

Wishing all of you a wonderful new year!

Sherri

From Our House to Yours...

December 25, 2014 Sherri Rice

Just popping in to wish you all a Merry Christmas...

... may it be the loveliest of Christmas seasons, wherever you find yourself, with whoever you find yourself - and may it be just what you need to be ready for the New Year!

Sherri

Rice Family Rock Tour 2014

August 15, 2014 Sherri Rice

I promised a review of our summer vacation, so here it goes - presenting the...

Rice Family Rock Tour

Our trip gained it's nickname from the dominant landscape that we encountered as we traveled through New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, and Arizona. We usually take a portion of our vacation in the Rockies of Colorado, so these landscapes were an interesting change. I am not the best photographer, and some of these were taken from a moving vehicle, but maybe these will inspire your next road trip!

Stunning views from our hotel in Trinidad, CO. We have made a point to stop in this town for several years - we love the architecture in the downtown area.

Along Highway 12, west of Trinidad. For some reason when I see these rocks, I always think of the Rink-Rinker-Finks in the Dr. Seuss book, Oh, the Thinks You Can Think. And do you see the face?

A gorgeous valley view.

Twins :)

Hard to capture in a picture, but this area really felt like a moonscape. I was sure glad to see other cars on the road, because there was nothing else there!

Almost at Monument Valley.

Chevron rock colorations :)

And the classic Monument Valley picture. We stayed the next few days in Flagstaff, AZ, which gave us easy access to our goal - the Grand Canyon...

Pictures can not adequately capture the enormity of this place - it literally took my breath away! Lots of places you cannot see the bottom from the trails along the edge, and it just goes on for as far as you can see.

The next day we took a little trip to Sedona, AZ...

The best views are from the airport - this is a panoramic shot from there (I wish I would have remembered this feature on my camera when we were at the Grand Canyon!).

Then we took a side trip down the Turquoise Trail from Albuquerque, NM to Santa Fe, NM. I highly recommend this route over taking the interstate highway! And if you are looking for turquoise jewelry, you must stop at the Gypsy Gem in Madrid. She mines some of the turquoise herself, and teaches the skills to kids who live in the area; she knows her stuff! I found some great pieces there. Another must-see (which I did not get a picture of) is Weasel & Fitz: Purveyors of Curious Thangs. Our youngest is very proud of the recycled inner tube wallet that he found there, and I almost came home with a license plate lampshade - very cool stuff!

And then we got to Santa Fe. LOVE this city! The architecture, the atmosphere, the history, all definitely worth the trip. We will be back!

This is a view from a drive up to a ski area. I love the layers of mountains you can see from up there!

These buddies came along for the ride...

And this guy, too - trip-planner and driver extraordinaire :)

Proof that I was there...

And, of course, the boys. They are pretty good travelers (3000 miles and no DVDs needed!), but this was a pretty sweet sight at the end of the day :)

It was a pretty amazing trip - 3000 miles and 5 states in 11 days. And I love that the boys are old enough to enjoy and remember these adventures. Sometimes it feels like a bit of a circus, especially because we bring the dogs, but it is so worth it :)

And the icing on the cake, for me in particular, was our little stop in Abilene on the way home. Camille and I met online awhile back, and quickly discovered we had a lot in common (including both having professor husbands!). She and her family graciously made time for us to come by for a visit in-real-life. Such a sweet time; she is as gracious and welcoming as you would imagine from her blog. If you happen to need a place to stay in Abilene, you must see if their little B&B is available. And if you need a little (or a lot!) of decorating advice, she is your girl - truly lovely style executed in a very down-to-earth, liveable way. Thank-you, Camille!

So, now we are home and I am getting back to slipcovers and getting all my boys ready to go back to school. And dreaming of our next little family adventure...

Sherri

Friday Five

May 23, 2014 Sherri Rice

Happy Friday! It's been awhile since I have added anything here. Not for lack of work, but just not much to show, since I need to spend my time sewing (and looking after my family!). But, today I thought a Friday Five would be fun, so here we go... :)

1. Going to the dogs... I was going to give this it's own post, but there's not much to tell, except that dogs can have their own slipcovers, too! My client had a couple of large crates that she wanted to have blend into the decor a little more. So we had just enough fabric left over from this job to do this...

Top-stitched to match the couch :)

2. And what would a slipcover for dogs be without a quick peak at the buddies that live at our house...

This one is beagle through and through, but with very intense eyes, so she always looks quite serious.

And this one is our senior dog - going on 14! We have had her since she was 13 months, and she is the Professor's first dog :)

3. A conversation about dogs and slipcovers inevitably leads to laundry (at least in my house!), so I am SO EXCITED to report that these beauties (here and here - and this is not a sponsored post - Lowes has no idea who I am ) will be arriving at out house in 4 days! My mother will attest to the fact that our dryer has been in need of replacement for several years (yes, years!), so we will now have a pair that will work reliably and will have a larger capacity to handle all your fabric washing needs :) And did I mention we have the SMALLEST laundry room ever? First world problem, I know, but it is in the process of a little make-over, which I will show you, if we ever get it done ;)

4. In other exciting news, our oldest has been taking pictures with an old phone that he likes to play with. And I love what he is capturing! Here are some samples...

(Good thing I cleaned the bathroom!) These are unedited by me, except to add the watermarks. I can't wait to see what else he does!

5. And speaking of our oldest, we are embarking on a new therapy adventure with him, starting later this summer. We are very excited about the possibilities for him, but it has meant much communication between us and the therapist, and with the school, to set things up for the fall - part of why I have been a little absent from this place :)

So, Happy Memorial Day weekend, everyone - may it be a great time of remembrance and fun :)

Sherri

P.S. I have some great projects coming up - chenille and tassels, grainsack, and linen (not all the same project ;P )

Joy in the Fog

April 2, 2014 Sherri Rice

April is Autism Awareness Month, and if you have been following for awhile, you know that our oldest has autism. He is one of the now 1 in 68 kids (and 1 in 42 boys!) who is given this diagnosis.

I caught this picture the other morning, on our way to school. I LOVE that every morning, our oldest skips/runs all the way to school. We have to remind him to slow down and check for traffic, etc., but really, that is SOO much better than having to fight to get him out the door. He really enjoys school and we have been blessed with a great school for him to go to.

But, I love this picture because it represents a little of what this journey is like for our family. There is fog, lots of unknowns; and some days are foggier than others. But, there is also MUCH joy. Some days we have to fight for it (it's why I keep a list), and some days it's right there in front of us for the taking. But, isn't that what all of life is like?

So, I say my piece for Autism Awareness... because with numbers like that, you and your kids will encounter kids and adults who are on the spectrum. I was trying to put into words what I would like Autism Awareness to mean, and then I read what Kalyn Falk wrote and thought I would share her words instead...

"This is what I propose: On April 2nd, can we make two promises?

First, that we won’t pity people with autism or parents of those people. Because pity is the twin sister of hatred. It keeps a wedge between us and, trust me, it doesn’t help you see the beauty and gift that each person with autism has to offer and it doesn’t dignify that person or their parents. Curiosity, care and enjoyment might be better ways to go.

Second, could we declare April 2nd to be one day where we don’t talk about cures, vaccines, miracles or supplements? We just need one day when other people can simply accept the fact that autism exists and that the first goal should not be about how to eradicate it. As Temple Grandin, chief spokesperson for autistic people everywhere, suggests, without autism, there would be no electricity, no computers, no brilliant mathematicians or artists. Without autism, we’d be one big episode of Big Brother, where all people do is play a social game and not accomplish anything. So instead of trying to vilify autism and suggest ways that I can work harder at curing my child, would you instead like to buy my kid a Slurpee or take him out for a cheeseburger or (if you’re too scared to spend time with him) buy a gift to celebrate a parent or person who works with someone with autism?

The promise I can make in return is to remember that Autism isn’t the only thing I need to be aware of. Even though my world is coloured by this particular word, I can promise to remember that you may have a word that colours your world, and I will try to be curious and caring about that."

from “Mother of the Year and Other Elusive Awards: Misadventures in Autism," by Kalyn Falk (you can follow her here, too)

Enough said.

Sherri

P.S. A couple of links if you want more information:

10 Things Every Child With Autism Wishes You Knew.
a great descriptive video from the Dutch Autism Association
And more of our story is here and here.

Monday Housekeeping

February 3, 2014 Sherri Rice

(source)

Happy Monday! Or maybe the "happy" depends on how your team did yesterday? ;)

In any case, I have a few things to share with you before I get back to work...

1. Speaking of work, I have the best clients! And I am busy :) As I am working through my waitlist, family responsibilities are ensuring that I maintain part-time hours, but I am doing my best to streamline my processes to make the most of the work hours I have. I will be taking some time off this summer, so if you have projects in mind, let me know and I will add you to my waitlist and let's get those projects done!

2. I learn something new with each project. To complete this latest one (which I hope to show you soon), I needed to order new down envelopes for the seat cushions (see why?)...

... a down envelope goes around a foam core and together it makes for a very comfortable cushion. If you want to add a luxurious touch to your slipcover project, down envelopes are a great option for a very reasonable price. This is what they look like...

August Blues - down envelope for seat cushion

The foam slides right in there! Let me know if you want to explore this option for your project (I'm eying a few pieces in my house that could use an upgrade)!

3. August Blues is now on Instagram! I'm just starting out and still figuring it all out, but you will find me at augustblues :)

I posted these yesterday - Maple Scones (which were easy to make and delicious, by the way!) with the recipe from here.

4. Also, if you are a regular here, you may have noticed a new link on the sidebar. If you are thinking of trying out your slipcover skills and feel like you need a little guidance, check out the link at Custom Slipcovers By Shelley. She has made a great DVD that will walk you through the process in a low-stress, but professional way. She has lots of great tips - I got it when I was just starting out and I learned a lot! FYI - this is an affiliate link, so it helps out my bottom line a little, too, if you click through and make a purchase ;)

And now on to work... Have a wonderful, productive week!

Sherri

Welcome to August Blues - I'm so glad
you're here! August Blues Slipcover Studio strives to enable your home to better serve its purpose, by providing you with quality custom slipcovers that enhance the appearance and functionality of your furniture pieces. Established in 2011 and located in Denton, TX...Read More

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