Creative control

Those two words describe me. I can be creative and I like to have control. Control over the neatness (or messiness of the house), control over where we spend our money, and control over how things appear. (I know that I am not in control of most of what I will be handed in life, but I am trying to make the best of it and let go of things when I need to. Sometimes, you have to purpose to let go.) So, instead of deleting and re-taking the photos, I share the photos that were taken by my son. He had full creative control.

The sign from a specialty grocery store and eatery just a short walk from our house. It is now housing three (soon to be four) of my table transformations. 

A portion of their large beverage selection: beers, ales, and tasty sodas. My son adds his fingerprints to it whenever we go. :)

I am fastening the table top back onto the pedestal. 

I decoupaged their logo onto the base for some branding.


I am working on the last table now. I will be certain to show the before and after pics and some details about the process. And, if you live near here- check out George Bowers Grocery! They have fabulous sandwiches and a jarred pasta sauce that is so amazing!

The finished product- Hoosier cabinet reveal!

Yes, I finished the hoosier (or baker's cabinet or cupboard) and boy was I pleased. I love how it turned out and I love the experience I gained by painting this piece. (Well, the painting was no new experience- the hours of stripping the paint was where I gained the knowledge. And, that is why I was able to listen to Steinbeck's Grapes of Wrath.)

T ah-dah! Naw, it is not staying in our kitchen. I would have done a different color to stand out from the yellow walls, but it does match, eh?

Inside the enclosed cabinet doors I painted periwinkle blue which gave it a contrast.

It is very rustic (some splits in the wood and a tad of the previous finish shows through, but I love it so).

And, a little reminder of where it once came. Definitely an improvement. Oh, if you are interested in purchasing this, leave a comment below and I can give you the details of where to go get it (in Staunton, VA of course!)

Welcome back!

Yes, I have been a bad blogger. I am so sorry. I am not neglecting my projects, however, I have neglected to inform you all about it. (And, as a side note, I noticed that most of you check out my blog primarily when I announce it on fb.) So, I am trying to get some in for the rest of this month. (There's that 'so' word again.)

This is a mug from my girl which soon got a crack, but I could not part with it. It now displays my brushes on the fridge. (Fridge? My workshop is all over the house....details on this soon.)

Check back tomorrow, please. It is the hoosier cabinet reveal!

Dresser transformation (before pic)

There are words I use a lot: hmm, well, so. They begin the majority of my sentences. I am trying to avoid them in my blog posts, but that might be impossible.

Today, I will be doing something with this old dresser that had a free sign on it. It is not quite antique. Most likely from the 60's or 70's so it is which makes it vintage.

I am staining the top and putting a wax on it. The base will be painted a great color-just building anticipation. We plan to use it as an entertainment center for now. I have seen others transform the top drawers to open storage for the dvd player and such, but I am not ready to make that commitment just yet. (I may sell it once I am done.....)

Callee's Cubes

I re-finished some great wooden storage cubes for a friend of mine (who is a college student and much younger than me). She had me re-do these fun cubes. Here is what they look like now:

I used a creamy base and a (mostly) neutral palette of grays, black, and browns. Then, gave one side a boost of color. It is indeed my favorite side. 

The cubes are so versatile! She will have several options with the ability to rotate and showcase new designs. 

A little before pic. They were in need of some tlc for sure. Stripes, chevron zig zags, block plaid print, and a bullseye is just what they needed.

Changes are coming!

I have been working on projects! Starting new ones and finishing others and continuing my work on the hoosier cabinet. (It is almost done!!! You will see pics and a post very soon.) I have been doing some footwork for my business plan with a goal of opening a shop. I am also working on updating my logo and other fun stuff. (Well, my husband is working on the logo for me. He is gifted in that area.)

So, for now, check out a store that is in the Shenandoah Valley: The Lady Jane Shop. There, I met Sara, the young, vintage-loving small business owner. When I walked into her store, I felt like I needed to see and take-in everything offered (chippy furniture, vintage luggage, unique lamps, flattering aprons, darling hand-crafted garland which she made, and more lovely items) and then I wanted to just sit down and enjoy it all.

We got to chat a bit and it was a boost of inspiration for this step of my journey to a brick and mortar store. (Don't worry. I won't really be in competition with her since she is in Harrisonburg which is a good 25-30 minute drive.) If you go to Harrisonburg often or will be there soon- check out her store! And you can find her on pinterest, too. 

Initial plaque

Here is a quick pic of a little plaque I did for my niece. Her first initial is a "J". This one turned out so well because the paper was already amazing. I covered the cereal box cardboard J in pages from an Italian book. 

It will hang on her wall (I'm certain) in a smart collection of other decor. My sis is pretty good at that. 

Here is another plaque that I gifted to a friend's son last fall. Yep- more cereal box letters covered in Italian book pages.  I used paper, paint, modge podge, and lots of love. to my niece- "Happy Birthday!"

I am halfway there

Hello again! I have been quite busy working on projects and researching some great stuff online and in our city of Staunton. Plus, the kids and I went on a winter retreat for their youth group. We all went snowboarding and returned home injury free! (very, very sore, though)

I whipped up a pillow last night. I had this map tea towel with detailed embroidery from a fave store of mine. I have been saving two of these towels for a couple of years. Well, I finally decided to cover a pillow with one of them. (The other will be waiting in storage just in case the pillow gets stained so badly that I just have to make a replacement.)

 I decided to forgo the zipper and just make the slide in style (like a pillow sham), so the back is open. I know, it's kind of lazy. 

So, there ya go. I am halfway to my goal of Six pillows.

Keeping my Bible

I just recovered my Bible. It is a journal style with wide margins that I have not yet filled, so it still has time to serve its purpose and the inside is still in decent condition. Oh, but the outside was bad.

 The binding cover torn and looking was rough. Then, I pulled the fabric a little more which made it uglier And weaker. Yet, I still used it and carried it to church. A tad embarrassing.

Here is the finished product. It required some sewing and a little bit of super glue.

I used some felted wool, suiting material, a button, and a fun clothing label I had been saving for just the right project. Here is the tutorial that helped me: moonstitches. I did not follow all the steps (like I did not use interfacing) but it gave me ideas of how to quickly fix my bible cover.

Court house color palette

While visiting Richmond, we stepped into the courthouse. I had to snap a few photos because I Loved the colors used to enhance the detailed architecture! 

This doorway is just the pass through from the lobby to the main hall. I am certain I have that shade of blue paint somewhere around my house. 

The columns are surrounded with a raised lattice and ball detail in the blue and gold. There is a muted rust color used on the handrails and throughout the hall.

I have a china cabinet that will soon showcase some of the same colors used on this map. There is inspiration everywhere.

Trip to the capital

This past week, we had a little day trip to Richmond. We visited the capital building and learned more about this great commonwealth and our free nation. My admiration for Thomas Jefferson grew even more - what a gifted man. He designed the capital in the 1700's (while in France) and gave it his Jeffersonian touch.

We toured this beautiful building and spent some time in the gallery of the house of delegates. We witnessed a historical event: one past delegate who served for 50 years surprised his good friend who is going on 52 years of serving in the house. Such dedication!

 

We are in the very room where Robert E. Lee accepted the duty of leading the Confederate army. (Most Virginians spend their fourth grade year learning all about Virginia. We are trying to catch up!)

I should have taken more photos of furniture to tie this trip in with my blog. Tomorrow, I will show you some color palettes that will inspire future pieces I will be re-finishing. 

The end

Two things ended for me today: The Grapes of Wrath and stripping the hoosier cabinet. I have been reading and listening to an audio version of Steinbeck's Grapes of Wrath. I am still mulling over the ending. I need my husband to finish reading so we can talk about it!

Simultaneously, I finished this stripping stage of the hoosier cabinet. Yay! I will take a few days to let it (and me) rest. Then, base-coat painting for me. (Well, I am not getting a base coat of paint- I am applying it).

I will post about some other fun stuff the next few days.

Suitcases or side table

I love the look of old suitcases. A magazine photo inspired me to hunt some down and just stack them on top of one another. The photo featured a dozen of them in various sizes, colors, and from several decades. It provides so much storage and style. 

My suitcases have also been acting as a bedside table. They will move to the hallway soon. I really need a nightstand with a drawer because I end up stacking too much stuff on top. But, I really Love the look. 

Decoupaged shelves

I sold an armoire last summer. (You can see it here. I apologize for the poor quality). The new owner wished to have shelves made to match the rose painted interior and sheet music decoupaged shelves. 

I just finished them last week. I really love using the sheet music. It came from a book I picked up at a thrift store for only 75 cents! Got to love those deals. 

I stacked the shelves on paint cans for the photo shoot. I hope to get a picture of the shelves in the armoire. I will try to share it.

Annnnd, a little side shot to show off the great pink color!

Don't be alarmed by my costume

When I began to re-finish furniture, I would not even wear a mask or goggles. I was mostly sanding away the stain or seal on wooden furniture. But I really should have worn some sort of protection. Next, I upgraded to a simple dust mask and my son's toy goggles. It was better than nothing.

Now, I get to wear the cutest mask with filters and big old protective goggles. In this picture, I have four layers of shirts, a vest and leggings under my jeans. My toes sure got cold. I might need to sacrifice a pair of boots to keep my feet warm.  (fyi- This outfit will be going to the trash as soon as the hoosier cabinet is done.)

Bedroom Before

I shared my desire to re-do my bedroom about five weeks ago. I have not made much progress...physically. Mentally, I have altered my plans a bit. Either way, I need to allow you a peak into the current state of the master bedroom.

I will re-finish the headboard and hope-chest (my husband made it for me before we were married). I will get new nightstands and an extra chest of drawers or dresser because we Need more storage space.

There is my new fave dresser! The only piece that has been converted for my new look. And, I left the ironing board in place on purpose. It is there everyday and I thought you should see it. I could at least put a cute cover on it. I hope to get a mirror to hang above this soon. 

 Isn't this corner fun? -sarcasm implied- The black frames are being re-worked right now. Maybe I can show the finished product next Sunday. I could use some ideas for the radiator. Oh and ideas on how to keep my husband from hanging so many things on the door's coat hook.

The faux fireplace is probably the best and worst feature. I just adore having all the photos displayed. How lovely if it was actually functioning, but, since it is not, the room is cleaner I am sure. 

Lastly, the globe adorned armoire, mirror, and weights. The weights are there for practical reasons only. Maybe someday we can find a way to work them into the decor. (not!) 

I did clean the room a bit before I took photos. I even stashed some of my piles and stacks in the hallway because they would have been too much of a distraction. Ha!

Two down and four to go!

Just a quick post about my pillows. Yes, now there are two pillows on the new couch. I hope that once I finally finish the six pillows, that I can still refer to the couch as 'new'. Yeah, sometimes I procrastinate or more accurately, try to do too many projects at once. 

It's an orange pillow and I really like it. -I recall back in elementary school that there were certain colors on the 'out' list: Brown, yellow, and orange. Funny that I am incorporating these colors into my everyday home decor.

The fabric is striped and full of texture. No zipper on this one, but an opening in the back like a pillow sham. It is still washable.

One down and five to go

We bought a new couch last week and we love it. Our former couch was a cute, antique, channel back. We could squeeze our family of four on it but it was getting tight. Our new and neutral couch needs some bright pillows. I plan to cover six pillows. Six! I don't want the cost of the new pillows to exceed the cost of the couch. I do not even want to come close. 

Solution number one: find some great fabric at a thrift store.

This cute table cloth was only $6. It is brand new and I love the bright, paisley pattern. 

I cut two layers of cloth a little larger than the pillow insert to provide a seam allowance. 

I pinned the right sides together and got stitching.

The best thing I did was add a zipper. This way, when (not if) the pillow gets dirty, I can throw the cover in the wash. I can suggest some great tutorials for inserting a zipper. (Just leave a comment so I can share the secrets.) It not too fun, but so worth the extra time, stress, and effort.

There is the new couch and the lonely, little pillow. (One down and five more to go.) I will keep you posted- promise!

Tuesday tucks!

My projects are taking me more than just one day to complete. I have a long list of projects I want to complete or experiment with, but I have all of these other responsibilities, too. I am home-schooling our 11 and 13 year old children, trying to exercise, and making some tasty food. I need to share about food. I love to eat it and love to cook and feed other people. I will share food stuff on Tuesdays. It's creative. It is kind of like up-cycling or re-purposing, too, right?

I thought about calling it Tuesday Tastes or Tasty Tuesdays, but those are used by other blogs. I turned to my wonderful, online thesaurus and found the word 'tuck'. This is another term for snack used by Canadians. I knew this, too! A friend of mine spent some time doing mission work with the first nation and shared some cultural details with us. 

I know this pic is lousy! My family was so hungry and just wanted to eat it, and I did not take enough time to make it prettier.

This is brown rice, carrots, zucchini, and terriyaki chicken covered with yumyum sauce. We chased it down with thai iced tea. All home made. Super tasty and full of calories.

And, here is the food in the kitchen. We ate so much and then ran off to a dress rehearsal of Much Ado About Nothing at the American Shakepeare Center's Blackfriars Playhouse. It was a good night. (Of course, this all happened last Thursday, but I am sharing it for Tuesday Tucks.)

Paris-inspired scarf

I have never been to Paris. (I was in Vienna once for a layover. I ate breakfast there and boy was it expensive. But, I love saying that I ate breakfast there, rode in a cab, and visited a church). I think we will visit Rome or any other city in Italy before we go to Paris or France for that matter. 

I have a friend who has a lovely scarf from Paris, France. Her mother brought it back for her. Well, when I saw her wearing this scarf over a year ago, I knew I wanted to replicate it. 

This is my version. I hope she is not upset when she sees this! (You know, copying is a form of flattery. Maybe she will let me get a photo of her scarf and I can let you see them together.) I knitted two narrow pieces, added a ball trim (that I had for over a year just waiting for me to work on this project) and re-purposed some faux velvet fabric.

This dress is the source for the ruffly part of the scarf. It is full length and that means I can make plenty more. Although, I think I want to do a neutral one next.

The scarf is handmade, and up-cycled, so it's green! I think I will post one or a few in my etsy shop soon.