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SpriNg 2014 T H E B R YA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E

9 WAYS TO IMPROVE CURB APPEAL DOWNTOWN BRYAN STREET & ART FAIR APRIL 12 GET INVOLVED IN THE ARTS IN THE BRAZOS VALLEY THE LATE WINTER LANDSCAPE

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House and garden Tour and Luncheon set for April 9

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Downtown Bryan

strEEt & art fair april 12

by SHauNa lewiS THe eAgLe

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he fifth annual Downtown Bryan Street & Art Fair on April 12 will feature the exhibition and sale of art, along with performances by local dance, theatre and music groups.

The fair, sponsored by the Downtown Arts and Culture Association and the Arts Council, will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., on West 26th Street in Downtown Bryan. Admission is free. Artists’ booths will be judged in a juried competition, and awards will be given to the top three places in a “best booth” competition. One artist will also receive the “community favorite” award, based on attendees’ votes.

Rachel Hoekstra, visitor services coordinator with the Arts Council, said organizers expect many artists – from the area and also from out of town -- to participate, with a large pool of artists submitting applications already by mid February. Organizers also expect several attendees.

The art fair is held in conjunction with Texas A&M University’s Parents’ Weekend from April 11 through April 13, an event that typically draws in thousands of visiting A&M students’ parents each semester, according to event organizers.

“It’s just a great way to get people to come to Downtown Bryan … and to give local artists an opportunity to show their art,” Hoekstra said.

The deadline is March 7 for artists to submit applications to participate. Artwork must be original, handmade work, and artists must be at the event to participate. Art categories are 2-D mixed media, 3-D mixed media, ceramics, drawing, fiber, functional art, glass, jewelry, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, watercolor and woodwork. The application fee is $25, and is non refundable. The booth fee is $175, and will be accepted once an artist’s application is approved.

For more information on the Downtown Bryan Street & Art Fair, visit http://downtownstreetandartfair. com or call the Arts Council at 979-696-2787. For more details on Parents’ Weekend, including a schedule of events, visit http://parentsweekend.tamu.edu.

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Natural BEauties House and Garden Tour and Luncheon set for April 9

Contents

2 Downtown Bryan Street & Art Fair April 12

6 Get involved in the arts in the brazos Valley

17 Spinning a yarn: Artists can learn fiber arts techniques at Bryan classes

19 lighting sets the stage for outdoor fun

20 Faux distressing adds a rustic touch

22 The late winter landscape

From B/CS to Broadway and Back!

Kids Workshop, Aladdin Jr. April 25-May 4

June 23 - 26 & June 30 - July 2 Performance at 7PM on July 2.

Tickets Can Be Purchased Online At Our Website, www.Theatrecompany.com The Theatre Company, Located in the Tejas Center, behind Joann’s Fabrics

Funding for these organizations is provided by hotel taxes from the cities of College Station and Bryan as distributed through the ACBV.

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Home iN Style Spring 2014

9 ways to improve curb appeal metro creative connection

Homeowners who want their homes to make strong first impressions must prioritize curb appeal. Homes with strong curb appeal sell well and can impart a welcoming feel to all visitors. Improving curb appeal need not be expensive, and the following are a handful of ways to improve the appearance of your home.

1. Install a bold-looking door in a vibrant color or one with a custom design. This helps the home stand out from other properties in the neighborhood.

2. Edge the driveway to create a distinct border between the driveway and the lawn or other landscaping features. This helps homes appear neat and well kept.

3. Use outdoor lighting to make a home more inviting. Outdoor lighting also makes properties safer to traverse at night.

4. Clean a home’s exterior to remove mildew or discolorations from the siding, driveway, patio and other outdoor elements.

5. Improve landscapes with fresh plants and seasonal color.

Homeowners without the time to plant can consider container gardens, which don’t take much time to assemble but still add appeal to a home’s exterior.

6. Prune planting beds and add new mulch to restore color.

7. Add shutters and accent trim to a home’s exterior to improve on the beauty of the house.

8. Install new fencing or give a fresh coat of paint or stain to an existing fence.

9. Replace concrete paths with tile or stone walkways to make entryways more impressive and inviting.

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gEt iNvolvEd iN tHE arts in the Brazos valley

by Katie mitcHell SpeciAL To THe eAgLe

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f you are looking for an outlet for your creative abilities, The Arts Council encourages you to make time this year to find new ways to express yourself! You may have always wanted to try something new but never knew where to begin. Well, we have great news! There are endless ways you can get involved with the arts and connect with others who share your interests in the Brazos Valley. We are all artists in our own way, and it’s easy to get started.

Interested in quilting? The Brazos Bluebonnet Quilt Guild is the place for you! A variety of quilting groups meet throughout the month, giving you the flexibility to join the group that fits your skill level and schedule. For more information about the guild, visit bbqg.org.

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Home iN Style Spring 2014

classes at Intersections Textile Learning Center for those interested in learning more about hand weaving, spinning and so much more! The Spinners & Weavers members are enthusiastic about sharing their knowledge with all those eager to learn. If you do not have room for a loom at home, you can even rent one from them at Intersections! For more information about classes and membership, visit weavebrazos.org.

Release your inner artist! The Brazos Valley Art League (BVAL) is a great way to meet artists and learn more about a variety of visual art techniques.

Members meet in the BVAL Studio at The Arts Center every Wednesday to work on pieces and learn from other artists. BVAL also hosts exhibits featuring member pieces in several locations throughout the region, including The Texas Gallery at The Arts Center, Downtown Uncorked, the Brazos Center and College Station City Hall. For more information about membership visit bvartleague.org.

Interested in becoming an author? Join the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators – Brazos Valley (SCBWI-BV)! This non-profit organization is open to anyone who is interested in the creation of literature for youth, from picture books to young adult novels. Amateurs and professionals are welcome to bring books and ideas to monthly “Schmoozes.” Join SCBWI-BV in March for their discussion on “The World of Speculative Fiction,” and see if this group is a good fit for you. For information about membership and upcoming discussions, visit brazosvalley.scbwi. org.

Do you love being active? The Brazos Dance Collective offers classes open to adults interested in intermediate and advanced modern technique.

Classes began on Jan. 13, but you can join at any point in the semester. Your first class will even be free! With the mission “to enrich lives through movement and dance,” involvement with the Dance Collective beats any time at the gym. Invest time in self-expression with this wonderful group. For more information about classes and membership, visit brazosdance.org.

Have you ever thought about acting? Singing?

Dancing? How about all three! The Theatre Company

in Bryan is an exciting organization that opens its arms to the community for involvement in its shows.

Putting on an average of eight musicals per year, this hard-working group consists of performers of all ages and experiences. There is opportunity for everyone to shine in this group! For more information about auditioning, visit theatrecompany.com.

If musicals are not your thing, there are other opportunities to get involved with local theater.

StageCenter Theatre is Bryan-College Station’s longest running community theater, and it has produced plays in the area for over 50 years.

StageCenter is a volunteer-run organization, creating wonderful shows for people of all ages. Auditions are open to the public and StageCenter encourage all types and levels of involvement. For more information about auditioning and getting involved, visit stagecenter.net.

Become a STAR at The Arts Council this year!

These volunteers are Starting The Arts Revolution by planning events, assisting with The Arts Council’s educational programs and promoting the arts in our community. Our STARs are a group of hardworking individuals dedicated to making the arts accessible to residents and visitors, as well as raising awareness of cultural opportunities in the area. For more information on volunteering and membership, visit acbv.org or call 979 696-2787.

There is a person worth expressing in all of us.

Whether it be through weaving, performing or reaching out to others, we all have the opportunity to grow and help others grow this year. Get creative and involved in these and many other organizations that the Brazos Valley has to offer. Take the first step to follow your passion by visiting acbv.org and clicking on the “Affiliates” tab - see all of the arts organizations in the Brazos Valley. Join one group, take one class, volunteer at one event and make this year your best one yet!

Katie Mitchell is a marketing intern at The Arts Council in Bryan. For more information on The Arts Council, visit acbv.org or call 979-6962787.

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House and garden Tour and Luncheon set for April 9

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he Bryan-College Station Woman’s Club’s 2014 House and Garden Tour and Luncheon on April 9 will feature three homes in the Traditions subdivision in Bryan and the theme, “Natural Beauties of Traditions.”

The event, a fundraiser for the club and its many community outreach activities, will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The theme is reflected in the three uniquely beautiful homes, each incorporating materials, color schemes, designs and décor that have made the houses a perfect fit in the natural setting of Traditions. The homeowners have all lived in many different homes through the years, and each home reflects a lifetime of experiences. the homes are: tHe mcelroy Home 3340 Sycamore trail tHe mcKiNNey Home 3313 emory oak tHe SpatH Home 3301 emory oak

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Home iN Style Spring 2014

tHe mcelroy Home Susan and Ted McElroy’s Sycamore Trail home was built by Ellis Custom Homes, LLC. Kirby Fleming was the architect, and Susan Jackson was the interior designer. The home was completed in 2011, and has over 4,000 square feet of indoor living area.

The architectural style is French Country Chateau.

Materials used include tumbled cobbled stone and some stucco. All of the doors are of knotty alder, and the floors are maple. In building the home, the McElroys wanted to create a warm and rustic home where their two married daughters and four grandchildren would feel welcome. They planned the one-story home around the needs of their family, with each daughter and son-in-law having privacy and quietness, so the home would be a safe haven and getaway.

Visitors entering the front door will immediately notice the openness of the living space. They will see the living room, dining area, breakfast area and kitchen, and also have a great view of the outdoor entertaining area and pool. It’s a friendly space where no one will feel left out of what’s happening. A focal

point of the living room is the 90-year-old Steinway baby grand piano, which is a treasured family heirloom.

The dining area was especially designed to accommodate the family’s large circular dining table.

This is where the architect began in designing the home. The table is actually a circle within a circle, as the crescent leaves can be removed to form a smaller round table. One nice surprise is that the dome above the table and the one in the entry were faux painted by Gisella Miller in time for the tour. The large chandelier over the table is of wood and iron.

The large kitchen has no wasted space. The huge semicircular bar accommodates both indoor and outdoor guests. The barstools’ woven seats add a natural effect. The backsplashes are of tumbled marble. The large center island has a built-in steamer, often used by the family, and an unusually shaped copper sink – ensuring that every space is be used.

The built-in desk, Susan’s “command center,” displays treasures from eight friends of Susan’s who have known each other for 25 years. The friends are now scattered across the country, but she is reminded

of them daily.

Just because something is useful doesn’t mean it can’t be pretty, and that is obviously Susan’s philosophy. Behind the white cabinet doors is the “appliance garage,“ where Susan keeps her larger mixer, blender and food processor hidden, but easy to find. The freezer is disguised as white drawers beneath the cabinets.

Between the kitchen and dining area is a wonderful butler’s pantry and wine room, with places for everything. The couple loves to collect good wine, and they travel to Napa, California, at least once a year. The cozy breakfast area has a great view of the outdoor living area.

The wing to the right of the living area contains the guest rooms, which were particularly designed with the McElroys’ daughters and grandchildren in mind. The bedroom for the grandchildren is a bright, cheerful place, with four built-in bunk beds. The kids call this “the bunk bed castle” and love to visit. They also have their own bath. Susan’s great-grandmother’s wicker chair can be seen in this room.

One of the McElroy daughters loves Paris, and her

fondness for all things French is evident in her room.

There’s even a three-foot model of the Eiffel Tower.

This room and the other daughter’s room both have private entrances to the patio/pool area.

The other McElroy daughter loves Colorado and the Rocky Mountains, and there are touches throughout the room that serve as reminders of that part of the country. She and her husband go to Steamboat every summer and winter, and photos from both seasons are displayed in the room.

While exiting the guest wing, visitors will notice the special bluebonnet painting that was painted by Ted’s mother, Martha McElroy, a wonderful artist who is no longer able to paint due to illness.

To the left of the living area is the master suite. The study is filled with photos from Ted’s many trips with friends to golfing venues around the world.

The master bedroom is cozy and inviting. Susan’s favorite thing about this room is that it has an old Tuscan feel; yet none of the furniture matches since it was purchased at different times. The art over the bed was bought at a starving artists’ market many years ago.

The master bath has slate floors, a large walk-in shower and an alcove with a barrel ceiling, above a soaking tub where the stresses of the day are sure to be washed away.

Also in the master wing is the utility room, with a specially-built dog shower. There is also a large antique storage cabinet that was once in a fabric store. When Susan found the cabinet in Houston, she immediately called the architect to tell him he’d have to extend the wall to accommodate the 90-inch long piece. He said he’d make it work, or he’d buy the piece from her. He was able to accommodate the piece.

The outdoor living area is more than 1,000 square feet of space where the McElroys enjoy the 11th hole of the Traditions golf course, grill, watch television and swim.

The beautiful freeform pool with a fountain was built last summer by Sean Hawthorne of The Pool Guys, and the hot tub overflows into the pool. With a fireplace and two seating areas, it’s a perfect place to entertain. The living area and bedrooms on the back of the home all have direct access to the pool and THe eAgLe www.tHeeagle.com

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Left to right: The McElroy Home’s utility room contains a large antique cabinet that was once in a fabric store. The home also features a nice outdoor area for entertaining, a handy butler’s pantry and a kitchen that makes great use of space.

backyard, and the kitchen is only a few feet away.

The landscaping is indigenous to the area, except for several olive trees, planted in honor of the couple’s love of wine and of the Napa Valley.

Landscaping was done by Keith Jones of Landscape Expressions. Ted planted and cares for his own garden. He has grown lettuce, tomatoes, okra, blackberries, strawberries, pepper, squash, asparagus and broccoli.

Just inside the front door, visitors will see pictures of the five different homes where the family has lived, and Susan seems adamant when she says this is their last home. They’ve had good times in all of them, but after a tour, visitors will see why she says that their Sycamore Trail house is the place they want to stay.

The McKinney Home

(pictured on front cover) The next home on the tour, the McKinney Home, belongs to Lou Ann McKinney and Dr. Mike McKinney. The home was exclusively designed by residential designers, Sullivan, Henry, Oggero, and Associates. Together, they created architectural elements to design a French Chateau home for the McKinneys. Architect Bat Oggero worked closely with the couple to ensure their vision was realized.

The existing topography, lot elevation, floor plan and outdoor living spaces helped to enhance the beautiful views of Traditions’ Jack Nicklaus Golf Course.

The McKinneys were inspired during their 10

Home iN Style Spring 2014

travels to Europe to build a historical French-period home. The home, which takes up more than 6,000 square feet, is constructed of Lueders stone from Salado, stucco, iron, copper, double arched walnut doors, classic marbles, granites and wood selections, including cherry, knotty alder and reclaimed maple.

The home was built by Ron Blatchley and Fred Willems, and was completed in 2013. Flooring in the home was done by Faith Floors and Aggieland Carpet One. The Marble work was done by Marble Craft.

In considering the design, the owners wanted a home to accommodate their three sons and their families. The McKinneys have three Aggie football sons who can immediately fill a room when they visit with their families.

“We wanted our six grandchildren to come for a visit and have plenty of room to roam and play,” Lou Ann said.

Lou Ann turned to Joshua Ortiz and Ray Jezisek, of Ambrose Furniture Works in Bryan, to assist her with the interior design of the home, a blend of French country and French regency style décor. In the past, the McKinneys’ homes have been decorated in a traditional style with rich woods and jewel tones.

Here they have decided to go to a more Frenchcountry style. Lou Ann said she is “moving out of the box,” by decorating in a style different from what she has used in the past, but she chose a style that she feels fits this home and its surroundings better.

When entering the front door, visitors will find themselves in the grand two-story entrance. The winding circular staircase is made of white oak, and the floors in the entrance are of hard reclaimed maple. If visitors look up, they will see the dramatic plastered domed ceiling – which features the French cross surrounded by swirls and hearts – and complements the home’s classic design. Subdued lighting heightens the effect.

Atop the entrance to the formal dining room is a niche with a French country mural of a lady and her dog on a river’s banks. This mural was hand painted

by Denise Bailes, owner of Chameleon Interiors.

Bailes also designed the faux plaster wall finishes found in the butler’s pantry, dome, powder room, master bath and dining room.

To the left of the entry is Mike’s two-story study.

It is paneled in cherry wood and has a granite credenza and knotty alder cross beams on the upper ceiling. The oversized French Bergere olive damask velvet chair nestled in the corner provides the perfect venue for reading. Mike was presented with his swivel desk chair, with the gold seal of the State of Texas, which is the one where he sat at the State Capitol during the time he served as a state representative. The Vervain linen blend damask floor to ceiling drapery shares the softness of the home, while maintaining a masculine vibe for Mike.

The office is the perfect place to display memorabilia from the McKinneys’ older sons’ football days at

Texas A&M University and in the NFL. Also, displayed are books and items from Mike’s 16 years of medical practice in Centerville, his time as Texas commissioner of Human Services, his days in the state legislature and his stint as the chancellor of the Texas A&M University System.

To the right of the entry is the formal dining room. The dining room furniture was recently reupholstered, and new draperies were added. The dining room is used for formal entertaining, and can accommodate up to 12 guests. The traditional rug is accented with a bold red border, and the curtains have a crackled patina effect that draws the light colors from the rug. The traditional mahogany rectangular double pedestal table is used to entertain family and special guests. The gold wood carved mirror sits above the buffet with a pair of matching lamps. The ceiling is hand faux painted in gold and pearl.

The master bedroom is classically decorated with a chocolate brown, plum, gold and green damask headboard and a pair of French Bergere chairs and ottoman in the sitting area off the master bedroom. Pictures of Lou Ann’s parents, Bob and Pat Sherbrook, sit on the table between the two chairs. Carved Bombay chests flank the bed. The bedding and custom pillows were designed and fabricated by Lou Ann and her business partner Jan Creery. The French carved armoire is centered at the end of the bed. The bench is covered with plum silk, and accented with gold jelly roll pillows with tassels at each end.

The elegant master bath features both groin and barrel ceilings, with faux hand painted designs by Denise Bailes. Lou Ann designed the bath around the large arched window over the garden tub. The rough and honed marble back splash highlights the Alaskan granite and cream tones. The dark emperador slab marble floor rug design enhances the bath floor. The infinity mirrors here provide views that seem to go on forever and further help to create an elegant master bath retreat for the homeowner.

The panoramic view of the Traditions golf course is the most notable feature of the home, and the formal living room instantly captures this view. A linen upholstered daybed keeps the space open, while the embroidered silk drapery frames the view.

The banks of the creek give rise to the majestic woods and the greens, which include both the ninth and eighteenth fairways. The classic cast stone fireplace mantel hosts a pair of antique sculptures, and over the fireplace is a painting of the Coliseum in Rome, which Lou Ann bought for Mike after a trip to Italy.

The large family room is connected to the living room by a double-sided classic designed cast stone fireplace. It features a gorgeous view of the golf course and the bridge over the creek. The gold flecks of the deep textured sofa with a long bullion skirt catch the light and glimmer of the pool outside.

The breakfast area, conveniently located near the outdoor cooking space, is nestled nearby, affording a more relaxed dining area.

The cabinets in the French country style kitchen were done by Kent Moore Cabinets. The granite-top

counter-height angled bar is surrounded by five bar stools covered in French blue and cream zebra fabric.

The backsplash is of travertine marble. The wood stove hood is quite large because Lou Ann felt it needed to be big to fit the room. She saw a picture of one she liked and had it done locally. With two sons who played in the NFL, she has been known to cook up huge amounts of food to satisfy the appetites of three former offensive linemen and all their friends.

The convenient butler’s pantry is between the kitchen and dining room. The rough and honed marble backsplash highlights the Alaskan granite and cream tones.

Just off the entry to the kitchen is a built-in office area with a desk for Lou Ann and a utility/laundry room. Between her office and the utility room, more of the boys’ football memorabilia is displayed.

The circular stair case landing affords a bird’s eye view of the niche painting and dome, and when looking closely, a person can even see a bird on one of the painting’s tree branches. The upstairs game room is the perfect setting for guests to watch a movie or football game, while enjoying the activity on the fairways. While most media rooms are dark, they wanted to keep the casual but sophisticated feel of the rest of the home. Traditional woven medallion draperies frame the golf course view and intentionally mismatched sofas are upholstered in honey moiré chenille. Belgium textures and French patterns give the space a curated feel. On the wall are framed football jerseys representing the various teams for which their sons played.

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The McKinney Home’s French Chateau décor theme is carried out with touches such as a mural of a woman and her dog next to a river (top left) and a dramatic plastered dome featuring the French cross (top right). The master bedroom is classically decorated in rich colors (center), and the outdoor living space features a pool and view of the Traditions golf course (left, center).

Mike McKinney’s office displays Aggie memorabilia and a chair from where he sat during his time as Texas state representative (lower left). The home also features a powder room (bottom, center) and an elegant master bathroom (lower right).

The upstairs bedrooms were designed to create a comfortable space for family and guests. The McKinneys wanted to ensure that each of their sons had a room to call his home away from home when visiting with family.

The front bedroom hits every design rule by contrasting textures, colors and patterns to create a luxurious space. Roman shades with textured trims create a pattern over the French doors, while the natural pewter silk flows from the silk embroidered coverlet.

The back bedroom bronze silk damask draperies complement the heavily embellished ruby linen and silk bedspread. Natural gold linen was used on the existing wooden frame bed panels and accented with French natural nail heads.

The third upstairs bedroom has a turret, and children in the neighborhood enjoy playing there and pretending it’s a castle.

Back downstairs, the backyard is dominated by a classically shaped pool and spa, built by Mobley Pools, on the upper terrace, and a simple lawn sloping to the creek beyond. When the McKinneys bought the lot, there was an eight-foot drop at the back. They hadn’t planned on a pool, but with the steep drop, they felt they had to have it. Alan King, the landscape architect, also designed the pool and brick work.

King, owner of The Land Design Group, Inc., designed the landscape to complement the classic style of the home. Sweeping lawns and stoneaccented planting beds greet visitors with layered boxwood, holly and Italian cypress.

The outdoor sitting area is done in Italian marble with no seams. The outdoor living area and kitchen provide a cozy space with lounge furniture facing a wood-burning fireplace. Mike enjoys grilling a variety of meats for special occasions. Lou Ann wanted the ceiling on the patio to look faux painted, so she had it whitewashed to the perfect white sheen.

The goal of the guest suite was to create a soft and luxurious experience similar to a luxury boutique hotel. An antique mirrored headboard with a neutral glazed linen sits in front of a screen printed audubon wallpaper. A carved French secretary provides both function and contrast to the French heritage distressed nightstand. This room is accessible to 12

Home iN Style Spring 2014

the outdoor living space, allowing guests the ability to enjoy the pool, a cozy fire, a movie or a little golf.

The single garage entry is designed for the guest suite entrance. This provides a private parking area for out-of-town guests.

Like most Aggies who live in Traditions, the McKinneys built their home with Aggie game weekends in mind. The home is perfect, indoors and out, for the family and guests to enjoy life in the place they “love so well.” Traditions was the perfect location for this family with deep Aggie roots to build their home due to the wooded topography, proximity to their beloved A&M and the warmth of the people in the community.

The Spath Home

(pictured on page 4) The final home on the tour, the Spath Home, belongs to Justine and Jeff Spath. The Spaths have traveled throughout the world, and it seems they’ve spent their lives preparing and planning for their home in Traditions. Throughout the home of over 10,000 square feet, the Spaths have incorporated furniture and mementos from their time spent living and traveling abroad.

The striking Traditions home was designed by architect Robert Dame, built by Keys & Walsh, and decorated with the assistance of Mickey Bufalini of Collaborative Design Group of Houston.

Throughout the home is the beautiful decorative artwork of The Queen Bees, two talented women from Houston who have helped to make this home one of a kind. The floors were all locally done by Brandon Claiborne of Hardwood Designs. Most of the downstairs is walnut, while the library and most of the upstairs are Texas mesquite. Landscaping was done by local landscape architect Keith Jones, of Landscape Expressions.

Through the front door is the dramatic entry with double reverse staircases, iron railings and wood handrails. Visitors’ eyes will be drawn upward toward the ceiling, where they will see the breathtaking dome, which is made of plaster and was faux painted

by The Queen Bees. Their work is seen everywhere in the home, including the wainscoting and trim work.

The family lived in France for a while, and Justine wanted part of the house to look like a French

country home. The Queen Bees have added touches throughout to achieve this desired look. The ceiling light in the entry was especially made for this home

by AMS Lighting.

Visitors should look everywhere in the home, or they will miss something. Look up to see unique ceilings, many made with natural materials; look down to see special floors, like those in the wine room and outdoor area; and look all around to see interesting shapes and uses of wood and paint, as well as a unique backsplash in the wine room made of wine corks.

After the entry is the family room, a great gathering place that displays many items from the family’s travels. In here and in the kitchen are bowls and a bird cage from Indonesia, where the family has lived. Justine said that this area, along with the kitchen and breakfast room, is her favorite part of the house because it is “the heart of the home.” The kitchen opens into the family room because Justine loves to entertain and wanted to “feel part of the entertainment.” Visitors will see rolling pins and ice cream scoopers that belonged to her grandparents and great-grandparents.

The breakfast room and dining room are nearby.

The octagonal dining room has an antique French chandelier. The dining room chairs are from Indonesia, and the gong, which was made in Jakarta, served as the family’s dinner bell in Indonesia. The dining room has French accents and an antique French chandelier.

The wine room has a striking terra cotta ceiling design done like a church ceiling in Florence, Italy.

Brandon Claiborne used old wine barrel sleeves in the floor design. The doors are from India. The cork backsplash was made by Justine using corks from wine bottles used throughout the years. Many even have reminders of the date or place written on them.

The dramatic library is two levels, with a circular stairway leading to the library’s balcony area. All the cabinets were custom designed and made by hand, and took a year to build. The room’s rich stained paneling, coffered ceilings, iron balcony and mesquite floors make it an inviting place. This is Jeff ’s favorite room, and it’s modeled after the couple’s favorite restaurant in London, which is in an old library.

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Home iN Style Spring 2014

Justine and Jeff Spath’s daughter’s guest room features a ceiling made of old barn wood and soft grays and taupes (upper left).

The Spath Home is made for entertaining, with features such as a game room (upper right) and a pool and outdoor living area (center right photos). The house also boasts a beautiful entrance (lower right) and two-story library (lower left).

As visitors exit the library to the right, they will arrive at the master suite, designed to look like a French country home. The master bedroom has a fireplace of plaster, which was faux painted by The Queen Bees to look like stone. The gold and cream doors on the wall behind the bed were put together to form a piece of art and serve as a backdrop to the French bed.

On the ceiling of the master sitting room is a large, old wood panel, which the Spaths found in Indonesia knowing that some day they’d have the perfect spot for it. The Queen Bees did the faux painted doors here, which were copied from some seen in an antique shop in Paris. A plaster fireplace with a faux glaze accent is at the room’s center.

The cabinets in the master bath were built to look like pieces of furniture. In front of the bathtub is an old schoolhouse chair that belonged to Justine’s great grandmother. The bench between the bedroom and master bath are from Indonesia. Also part of the master suite are the coffee bar and gym.

Back in the entry, the staircase leads to the living room on the second level, and then continues to the home’s third level. The living room offers a breathtaking view of the pool and golf course.

The home overlooks the second hole, and at Jeff ’s request, every room on the back of the house has a view of a golf hole. The two statues in the living room are actually old French property markers. The doors here are old and from Pakistan. Behind the sofa is a sideboard from Malaysia, which displays a barber chair, also from Malaysia. The Wayang puppets on the sideboard are from Indonesia, as is the trunk displayed beneath the sideboard.

From the living room, visitors will continue up the stairs to the third level. First is the room of the Spaths’ son, a junior at Texas A&M UniversityGalveston. His room and bath are decorated with Benjamin Knox paintings. At the foot of his bed is an elephant chair from Indonesia, which was actually used to ride on an elephant.

The Spaths’ daughter has two degrees from A&M, and now works in Houston. Her room features soft grays and taupes. The ceiling is made from old barn wood and was whitewashed by The Queen Bees.

There is a charming alcove off the bedroom, where there is a painting done in France of the daughter at a young age and a trunk that ancestors brought from Poland.

The large game room with mesquite floor

gets lots of use. There is a pool table and framed memorabilia from various Olympics the family has attended, as well as from two Super Bowls and proam tournaments in which Jeff has played. The bar has a granite top and cowhide inserts on the front. There is also a movie theater, with a southwestern ranch theme.

After heading down the back staircase, visitors will want to see the outdoor living area and kitchen.

The base of the fireplace is made of a piece of petrified wood found on the property. The freeform pool and hot tub are beautifully lighted by four firepots. The lights for the pool are on an automation system, and can create many different moods, depending on the lights chosen. The large terra cotta pot was bought

by Justine in Indonesia on the side of the road, for $5. Landscaping was done to resemble a European garden with rose bushes and lavender.

Visitors will leave knowing a lot about this couple and about the importance of family in their lives.

Justine said, “We love nothing more than enjoying the sounds of kids, laughing and enjoying the home and the pool!”

More about the tour Those attending the tour are sure to agree these homes are “Natural Beauties of Traditions.” The three couples have raised their families, and they’ve worked hard to plan homes that will welcome children and grandchildren back for visits, as well as homes that are perfect for their lives after the kids and grandkids leave.

Tickets to tour all three homes are $15, and luncheon tickets, sold separately, are also $15. Tour tickets can be purchased on the day of the event at any of the homes. Tickets may also be purchased in advance from any club member, by calling the club director at 979-822-5019, or by e-mailing thewomansclubbcs@verizon.net.

Luncheon tickets may be obtained by contacting Sandra Petty, at 979-775-2449, emailing her at spetty@suddenlink.net or by calling The Woman’s Club at 979-822-5019. April 2 is the last day to make luncheon reservations. The luncheon, to be held at The Woman’s Club, is open to members and nonmembers and will be served from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

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Spinning a yarn

Artists can learn fiber arts techniques at Bryan classes

By Holli L. Koster Special to The Eagle

F

or Helen DeWolf a piece of fabric is far more than a vehicle to produce clothing or other household wares.

Raw material holds artistic potential.

“Fiber arts speaks to my soul,” said DeWolf, a longtime fiber artist and president of the Brazos Spinners & Weavers Guild.

The guild, a haven for spinners and weavers of all stripes, has been in existence since 1976. The guild often demonstrates during First Friday events in Downtown Bryan, at Washington-On-The-Brazos State Park in Washington and at other venues.

The guild also offers community classes on techniques of hand weaving and spinning – in some classes spinning fleece from animals into handmade yarn that can then

be used for weaving, knitting or crocheting.

“This art form is so much a part of everyday life, but people don’t realize it,” DeWolf said. “From the clothes you wear, the things you sit on and some of the things you use – all are somehow related to fiber arts.”

For DeWolf, fiber arts – which can encompass anything from spinning and weaving to creating and using felt and making baskets – has been a lifelong interest, spurred by her parents’ interest in quilting, painting and sculpting.

Her artwork encompasses felted (wet and needle) and mixed-media wall pieces, as well as tapestry using digital photographs of nature and archaeological subjects for reference.

Another member of the guild whose experience with textiles is rooted in her upbringing is Kay

McWilliams, vice president of the guild and a handweaving instructor.

“I was taught to knit at 5 years old,” said McWilliams, who says her “Intro to Weaving” class is great for beginners wanting to learn the technique. This class – which includes materials with the $45 fee – gives participants an opportunity to work with a table loom, potentially weaving a table runner or a plain weave sampler to take home.

McWilliams said by learning various techniques, participants can learn to make a wide variety of objects, from tapestries – flat, woven objects that often include a picture and hang on the wall – to high-fashion garments such as scarves and jewelry, to household items like rugs, drapes and room dividers. Participants can also

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Photos provided by Brazos Spinners & Weavers Guild. Brazos Spinners & Weavers Guild members create a variety of fiber arts. The guild also makes demonstrations during event such as First Friday in Downtown Bryan, and offers community classes on techniques of hand weaving and spinning.

learn to make small items, three-dimensional projects and even pocket purses and baskets.

Laurie Schlitter, who has been spinning and weaving for more than 25 years, says she joined the guild to become involved with others who enjoyed fiber arts. Schlitter, whose mother taught her to knit and crochet, learned how to work with fibers many years ago in a city-offered class in Pennsylvania.

Schlitter, who has raised sheep and angora rabbits and grown flax and cotton -- enjoys weaving tapestries using handspun and hand-dyed yarn.

She has taught various weaving, spinning and dyeing classes to children and adults. “It’s relaxing work,” Schlitter said. “It quiets you in the midst of a busy day.”

Schlitter teaches several spinning classes for the guild, including “Spinning a Yarn,” in which she teaches participants to use a drop spindle to spin fluffy, clean wool into a yarn that can be used for weaving, knitting or crocheting. The guild provides a drop spindle for use in class and wool for spinning for a rate of $35, plus a $2 supply fee.

Also in a two-part class, she takes participants through the process of cleaning and sorting fleece and otherwise prepping it for the spinning wheel.

All classes are held at Intersections, a textile learning center where guild members work on a variety of projects and sell finished wares on consignment.

The center, located at 3812 Texas Ave. S. in Bryan, is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Schlitter said Saturdays are prime days for individuals who may be considering a class or joining the guild to stop by and see members working on projects.

“Many of us come in to hang out and work on Saturday,” Schlitter sad. “If people have questions on a project they are working on, they often stop in for feedback. There are usually quite a few members there.”

DeWolf said she encourages people to come by and “show a little adventure.”

“Come find out how much fun this can be,” she said. “When we demonstrate at Downtown Bryan, children often find the spinning wheels so interesting. The shop and classes offer them a chance to touch, try and play with fiber.”

For more information on the guild, its members and classes, call 979-219-6191 or visit weavebrazos.org.

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Home iN Style Spring 2014

Lighting sets the stage

for outdoor fun ‘T metro creative connection

is the season for making changes in and around the home. The pending arrival of warmer weather renews homeowners’ vigor for various home improvement projects, and many have grand plans for interior and exterior renovations as they prep their living spaces for comfort, beauty and entertaining opportunities. While there are many worthy projects to pursue, adding outdoor lighting to a home can help increase its value and make the home safer and more attractive in the evening hours.

According to the American Lighting Association, with a few updates to outside lighting, families can make even better use of their homes at night. Adding outdoor lighting is easier and less expensive than many homeowners may know, allowing them to transform an existing patio, deck or pool area

into an enjoyable nighttime retreat.

Pool parties, dinners on the patio or barbecues with neighbors become even more memorable when outdoor lighting is added or improved. But homeowners who want to install or upgrade their outdoor lighting should consider the following tips, courtesy of ALA. Improve navigation. Lighting is typically layered into a room or outdoor space in three ways: overhead, task and ambient. Even outdoors, where there are no typical boundaries and borders, those three layers are necessary. Outdoor overhead lighting should improve visibility on steps, paths and walking surfaces, especially where there’s a bend or an intersection. Task lighting can be used around cooking or gardening areas. Ambient light will cast a comforting glow around any outdoor space.

Enhance security. To improve

visibility and security, combine a motion detector with a sconce to illuminate dark corners or entryways. Be sure to aim lights away from the door to improve visibility.

Lanterns on either side of the door can give a home a warm, welcoming appearance and improve the safety of entryways.

Create outdoor rooms.

Outdoor lighting at the borders of a space is a great way to create barriers, both vertically and horizontally.

Lights in a tree create something akin to a chandelier hung in the middle of the sky, and even accent lights in the general area of the edge of a patio, deck or porch will shine across the space and provide enough of a comfort level for people to understand where things are.

Reduce glare. Outdoor lighting that casts a glare can be blinding, as can light that’s too bright. Lighting along paths should be cast downward, with fixtures that are hooded. A variety of lighting options will create layers, allowing you to add or subtract as necessary.

Exterior-safe dimmers also can provide flexible control over the level of light, as can movable fixtures

added to a patio or porch.

Add decorative elements.

Just as arbors, pergolas, patios and other outdoor elements help to enhance the style of an outdoor space, so, too, can lighting contribute to a well-designed landscape. Lighting should play up decorative features of a yard and add the ambience that homeowners desire. Step lights make passage safe while also highlighting molding or trim details. An outdoor chandelier can make for a wonderful accent during dinnertime on the deck or under a pergola. Patio lights provide atmosphere as well as illumination for cooking outside.

Enhance views from inside.

Outdoor lighting can make the view from inside pleasant and enjoyable.

Use a variety of lights, including spotlights on trees, lights dotted along pathways and accent lights on unique landscape features, to create an idyllic landscape visible from inside the home.

Outdoor lighting enhances functionality of yards and landscapes while making such areas safer for homeowners and their guests once the sun has gone down.

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Faux distressing adds a rustic touch

By Kristin Hilsabeck Special to The Eagle

D

Photos by Daniela Weaver Photography

istressed décor is a popular element seen in homes today. I have many customers that want to add this rustic touch to their home without spending lots of money or wasting hours painting layers of paint just to sand it down. This technique allows you to not only customize the colors of your piece, but involves no sanding. After you have distressed your project, there are a number of different elements you can use to create a personalized project.

Distressed Frame with Jute Flowers This is a simple project to start with, and you can find these square frames at most craft stores. I am in love with this bright aqua color and how it works with the jute and buttons.

Supplies: Wood picture frame 2 different colors of paint (For a weathered look, I like to go to a gray for my primary coat, but the color combinations are endless, depending on the look you are going for)

1-inch bristle brush butter tub lid, paper plate, bowl, etc., for your paint 36 inches of jute 3 buttons hot glue scissors hair dryer Optional: embellishments (i.e. burlap, crosses, buttons, etc)

Paint your first coat of paint. This is the color that will “peek” through the distress. Even if it is a 20

Home iN Style Spring 2014

thinner paint, only one coat is necessary and does not need to be applied with a heavy hand. Don’t forget the edges and the sides. Let dry completely and wash brush.

The second coat of paint is where the actual distressing will take place. Here is where less is more and you will only want to use a small amount of paint at a time. Starting on the back of your frame or project is a great way to practice, as many people often apply too much paint initially.

Decide whether you want to paint with horizontal or vertical strokes. Using a clean paintbrush, dip the tip of your paintbrush into the paint and very lightly brush on your paint in several areas across your frame, all in the same direction. Go back over the areas you have applied paint and continue brushing until no more paint is coming off of your brush.

Repeat the application of paint until you achieve the desired distressed look. It is always better to start with less, as you can add more if you need to. Depending on your brand of paint, you may need to go back over areas a second time.

Because you are applying such a light amount of paint, it will dry very fast and will generally dry while you are working on another area of your project.

If you apply too much of your second color, you can use a piece of sandpaper to reveal more of your primary color or you can repeat the second step with your primary color to achieve a more distressed look. Just remember to keep your strokes in the same direction.

When you are happy with the distressing, you can add the embellishment of your choice. Here, we will be adding simple flowers using jute and buttons and applying them with hot glue. You

will most likely have strings from the hot glue that we will get rid of in the next step. Using 12 inches of jute, pinch one end while twisting and wrapping around the tail you are holding into a spiral pattern. After you have gone around twice, place an amount of hot glue -- that is similar to the size of the spiral in your hand – onto the frame. Very carefully, transfer the jute to the hot glue and press down. Continue wrapping the jute around while adding a small dab of hot glue to secure your design. When you have achieved the desired width of your circle, cut the jute and glue the end down. Hot glue a button in the center if desired. Repeat twice.

Using a hair dryer on high, blow-dry your frame. This will help get rid of a majority of the hot glue strings. Make sure your frame is on a flat surface. Once you have finished applying heat, let sit for two minutes to allow the glue to reset.

You now have a distressed frame that did not take hours and (hopefully) did not require any sanding. Between colors and embellishments, you can create a fun selection that makes great gifts, table numbers and beautiful décor. You can apply this same technique to any wood project.

Just be creative and have fun in all that you do!

Kristin Hilsabeck is the owner of Artastic Craft Studio, in College Station. After teaching elementary art for five years, she left teaching to open an art studio that is centered around crafting and all things Pinterest.

She currently teaches kindergarten, in addition to a variety of classes at the studio.

For information on Artastic Craft Studio, including a class schedule, visit www. artasticcraftstudio.com.

tHE latE wiNtEr laNdscapE

1729 Briarcrest Bryan, Texas 77802 Publisher Crystal Dupré Director of Sales and Marketing Ron Prince Advertising Manager Linda Brinkman 979.731.4719 linda.brinkman@theeagle.com Creative Services Manager Jim Bob McKown 979.731.4706 jimbob@theeagle.com Special Projects Dawn Goodall Special Projects Editor Shauna Lewis 979.731.4704 shauna.lewis@theeagle.com Section Designer Courtney Lewellen For questions or comments, please call: 979.731.4738 or email: homeinstyle@theeagle.com www.theeagle.com

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Publication Date: Thursday, May 29, 2014 Space Reservation Deadline: Friday, May 2, 2014

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Home iN Style Spring 2014

by cHarla aNtHoNy SpeciAL To THe eAgLe

WHAT TO DO nOW AnD PREPARIng FOR SPRIng

S

pring is just around the corner – the time of year that Texans look forward to enjoying the outdoors before the heat of summer arrives. Attend one of the many festivals or events across the state, but be sure to plan an outing to see the spring wildflowers.

And, to ensure that you truly have a spring break, there are landscape maintenance tasks you can do now, that will leave you time to enjoy this pleasant season. Take advantage of days with mild temperatures to do them yourself or have them done by a professional. mulcH Check out the mulched surfaces in your landscape. If you see areas of bare ground around shrubs, trees and perennials, they need more mulch. A two- to three-inch layer of mulch, such as shredded hardwood, pine needles or shredded leaves, helps to prevent weeds and conserve moisture.

If there are piles of leaves on your lawn, shred them and just leave them on the lawn. They will decompose slowly, serving as a slow release source of nitrogen.

SpriNg Fever aNtiDote Sowing seeds indoors can bring relief from spring fever, and is an economical way to increase the number of colorful plants for your summer landscape. The selection of varieties is limitless – gomphrena, coreopsis, celosia and more. Browse through seed catalogs and shop online to find what you like, keeping in mind that temperatures will be getting warm by the time the seedlings are ready to plant outdoors.

If your eyes yearn for color now, there is still time to plant cool season annuals, like petunias, pansies and snapdragons. pruNe Generally speaking, most central Texas

gardeners should prune in late winter — January to February. The exceptions are spring blooming plants, such as wisteria, spirea, viburnum, forsythia, redbud, Carolina jasmine and most springblooming roses.

Some pruning of woody plants can be delayed until new growth begins in the spring, when you can easily determine which parts are alive and what is dead. If it is obvious that stems and branches are dead on woody perennials, such as lantana, prune them back now. To be certain, barely scratch the stem with a pocket-knife. If the tissue is green, it’s still alive. If the tissue is brown or tan, the branch is dead.

Note that it is not necessary to prune crape myrtles, but if you do, then late winter is the time.

Do not cut off branches that are larger than ½ inch in diameter and avoid topping crape myrtles. This practice spoils the beautiful natural shape of taller varieties of this exceptional landscape plant.

Do not be in a hurry to remove damaged plants.

Some plants like esperanza, firebush and some salvias may appear dead, but they are just slow to begin spring growth. However, the damaged growth on tender plants such as cannas, elephant ears, ginger and other tropicals may be pruned away until you reach living tissue. Make sure the base of these plants is then mulched at least six to eight inches deep to protect the crown – the growing point.

A note about oleanders damaged by this winter’s cold - dead, curled leaves observed in local landscapes suggest branch dieback. Choose to wait until swelling buds and green leaves farther down the branch reveal where the plant is alive. Then trim off dead branch tips and cut back severely colddamaged branches to a lower branch junction or a main trunk. Since the milky white sap of oleander is poisonous, be sure to wear gloves, keep your fingers away from your face while pruning and

wash your hands thoroughly. Dispose of cuttings and do not burn them because fumes from burning oleanders can also be toxic.

Soil testing Have your soil tested now, and with test results in hand, shop to find the fertilizer that your lawn needs. Soil testing measures soil fertility.

Performed every three to four years for lawns, a soil analysis provides important information about the available nutrients in your soil. For information on how and where to submit a soil sample, go to soiltesting.tamu.edu.

In Brazos County, turf specialists recommend waiting until after April 1 to fertilize your lawn.

Apply pre-emergent herbicides now, to prevent warm season weeds.

Irrigation system – check it out Make an inspection of your in-ground irrigation system. A checkup – including examining sprinkler heads, running a performance test and irrigation scheduling - can result in significant water and cost savings. Sprinkler heads should be operating and adjusted properly to avoid watering sidewalks and driveways.

Drip irrigation If you have drip tubing in place, look it over for leaks and emitters that are not working. If you are not yet using low volume irrigation, give thought to where it can be used in your landscape. The most efficient method to water shrubs, flower beds and vegetable gardens, low-volume (drip or trickle) irrigators deliver water over a long period of time to plant’s roots. Compared to sprinkler systems, they lose little water to evaporation and runoff.

Installing a drip irrigation system is a somewhat easy, do it yourself project, but most irrigation

companies can design and install the tubing for you.

Rainwater harvesting If you are not yet capturing run-off – the rainwater that flows off your roof – look into rainwater harvesting. This conservation method stores rainwater in barrels or large tanks for later use. Water harvesting not only reduces our dependence on ground water and the amount of money spent on water, but also reduces off-site

flooding and erosion by holding rainwater on the site.

For additional information on these topics, go to our website – brazosmg.com.

Charla Anthony is the horticulture program assistant at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Brazos County, 2619 Texas 21 W., Bryan, Texas 77803. Her e-mail address is cmanthony@ag.tamu.edu.

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