I prewash everything because my skin reacts to the stuff that they put in/on fabric. I buy a lot of fat quarters and my trick is to put them in the washer on gentle with a little soap, but I don't let the machine agitate them, I do it by hand. After spinning and rinsing (with a little fabric softener) I machine dry. Even THEN- the fabrics can still bleed a little. I recently made a rainbow Wheel of Fortune mini quilt with lots of white and I got nervous about all the white so I took my fabric scraps that I was going to use (already prewashed) and hand-washed them again in a white sink and every color had some bleeding, especially the red, green, blue and orange. EVERY color! Even the yellow bled. I was shocked.

Thanks so much for all of the thoughtful replies. You've really helped me start looking at my options differently. I agree with those who said that whether art "goes" the best or not, it should evoke an emotion and bring us pleasure to have it in our space. I really appreciate all of the links and suggestions and I'm looking at each one. The framed piece from my bedroom is back where it belongs. Although I still like it, I also felt that it was too small, too subdued, too fussy, etc. The blank wall is just fine until the "right" art comes along. Annz... I'm going to find more info on Robert for you. I misplaced his card so I read his name off of the picture (possibly getting the spelling wrong since it's somewhat hard to read.) I've emailed the organizers of the art fair where I purchased his work. I need to find out if he's finished the companion piece since I planned all along to buy it as well. Allison0704... I'm happy to hear that your daughter liked the PB chandelier enough to buy it for her room. I turn it on, day or night, whenever I'm in the room for more than a few minutes because I love it so much. Olychick and Snookums2... Thanks for the great idea to enlarge a framed piece. I'm filing that away for the future. Miz M... That looks beautiful over your tub. The colors are perfect with your valance. And what a clever way to store your hair supplies! Pattyxlynn... I love that picture! Although I really hope to bring color onto that wall, I am really drawn to that artist's work. Bronsynsmom... What an interesting thought... that one would stop seeing art after the initial flush wears off. As I think about this, I completely agree! Of all of the art I've had, there have been some pieces that I never tire of and smile each time I look at them and then others which become invisible after awhile. I think it goes back to choosing art for the emotional connection, something with personal meaning, rather than fulfilling a certain design criteria. All of your input has been hugely helpful so thank you! We have dinner guests coming 3 out of the next 4 nights so I need to put this aside for a little while. I'll post some options when I find them. Hmmm...maybe I can even get my 14 year old to show me how to photoshop the images into the picture of my room!

it's the regular black walnut. There are three knots on my top actually. I wish I had thought to take a far away shot when I had Jen's camera last night! Next time I will back up and take a full top shot for you guys. I can't believe no one else is in awe though. I never Ever thought rubbing alcohol would take of permanent marker from waterloxed wood. (someone on here said "Waterloxed - new verb!" and I am totally stealing that) : )

As a veteran vacation rental property manager for 18 years, I can tell you that Airbnb guests don't need to be exposed to your craft area. Drywall the "north" end off from the guest area, put a door directly into the laundry from your creative space, and reverse the door swing from the sun room into the guest area. Find a clever carpenter to build in a snuggle spot or kid's bed in the dormer. Use a good memory foam mattress that is light and thin enough to be pulled out of the recess so you can change and wash the cover; then slip it back in. Remove the two walls at the kitchen opening and simplify it with a single counter all across the window wall. Use a little microwave, a small bar sink, a 2-burner induction cooktop, and an under counter mini-fridge; perfect for aribnb. With the walls gone, position a small round tulip table and chairs where that opening was. Clean your two furry chairs and use them strategically out in front of the recess/bed/couch. Find an apartment sized sleeper sofa for the sun room. Sleep on it yourself and if you feel in needs a topper, buy one for it. Get a luggage rack and a storage coffee table that can do double duty.