Lee, I'm a new quilter too. I have several projects started. One is a signature quilt, and that is my main project, as I need to have it done by August. I started making my sister tablerunners for Christmas gift, so I work on them when I'm sick of seeing stars (fabric in signature quilt). Some are pieced made from specific blocks that I just want to try..some are paper pieced. My mood dictates which I will work on. I like the idea of having something to sew whenever I want to sew, but I don't want to start 100 things, and then end up over my head in unfinished things. So, I think 3 or 4 things to choose between is fine for me, and it breaks the monotony. Finishing things is important to me, too. It creates discipline in a creative process, and I need completion to achieve personal satisfaction. I keep each project in a new pizza box with a label on the front. Then, all I have to do is look and see what to choose from. This also keeps my area uncluttered so I can start a project stress free. Sometimes, when I want to just be creative, I put my ideas for future quilts on paper. I'll spend hours using graph paper, figuring out the blocks, the size, etc. I then put them in a notebook. Will I ever make them???? Who knows!! But, the creative process is important to me. When I do these designs, I'm learning a lot...about placement of blocks, sashings, secondary patterns..and it gives me time to think through the piecing and quilting process. Creating the quilt itself is not the only creative aspect of quilting! We all want to "do it, try it all"...but this is a joyful endeavor...there's no prize for doing the most projects...remember, you have the rest of your life to make all the things you want to make.

The "free" mockups are usually for people without a PRO designation. If you need a mockup the expense should have been part of the business plan for your renovation. Did you get a quote from Celery? Was it too expensive?

Is your current budget for a complete new paint job or more extensive work? For complete new paint, I suggest a "cedar" color take from the reddish bricks for the shakes with an offwhite trim to match the lighter stones. If just repainting the trim, use the offwhite of the stones as a guide. Please post an update when you are ready.

Some suggestions... 1. I would extend the wood siding down to the ground in front and paint it black. This simplifies the facade and helps to make it feel more modern, and contrasts with the brick. It makes it feel crisp. 2. Either flatten the bay window or make it a box bay and extend the black aluminum surround to the bottom windows. This further simplifies the facade and brings in and architectural element. 3. Update the door with a more modern version to match the modern asthetic of the rest of the house. 4. Remove the shutters. They don't match the more MCM style of the house. 5. When it's time to replace the roof, go with black shingles. It will help with more contrast. 6. Landscape, landscape, landscape. Here is what it could look like...