I recently had a fun job at one of the apartment complexes I maintain: the building management bought several huge paintings from local artist Andrea Cassetta. Andrea supplied the hardware to mount the pictures to the wall, but since these are hanging in a public space, I modified them a little bit to keep them from being casually removed.

I really like the way the large pictures brightened up the space.

One of the joys of having repeat clients is that I get to see my projects long after they're completed, when people have had a chance to use and enjoy them. For example, I recently got a few pictures from my client Suzanne showing how she's styled the basement lounge which I painted for her.

I also hung the rocking horse and the chandelier for her. Here's another view of that light fixture; it's really cool.

She also put that Rustic Industrial Hutch to good use:

Last but not least, she bought a pair of bedside tables from me. I love it when I can sell my furniture to people I know; it's like I don't have to part with it at all.

Thanks for sharing, Suzanne!

Take a look at my latest project: a harvest table for the holiday season. My wife's parents came to visit us for Thanksgiving, and as a gift to her, I replaced our wobbly old particle-board table with a larger, sturdier table which I hand made from antique chestnut and spalted ambrosia maple.

I originally made the table several years ago, but it was over four feet wide and eight feet long, much too big for the typical dining area. It was also unfinished. I spent several days cutting it down to size, finishing it, and adding a few special touches.

This was definitely a story with a happy ending. Click on the slideshow to see the details.

Here's hoping that you and your family have an equally happy holiday season!