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.