Catching up

Well, as you know from my last post I have had a few projects in the works, my excuse for not posing, that and lack of ideas. I should finish my chair tonight and will be showing you that soon. My hall way has a couple more days of work and then I will show you that too. Well, here is a quick peek at the hall.

Then I did pick up a jar of the Reclaim paint by Caromel Colors....in black of course. Check it out HERE. I had a nasty little table in Jake's room that looked like this. It was not that bad when I put it in there and I don't want to know why it looks like this now.

                                                            And now it looks like this!

The paint went on like a dream. I can't believe how much better the table looks, no sanding, no priming.
Then the weather was so perfect, so unheard of in March. It was 70 degrees here the other day. I went out to clean up some leaves and  cut back some perennials. Just enjoying the sunshine and warm air. It is funny how the weather affects us. We moved the clocks ahead so there is light longer, but I was up early, put on some music. Pulled out the Kitchen Aid and whipped up a batch of Chocolate chip cookies. Dusted, cleaned, opened windows,  scrubbed the bathroom, cleaned the shower curtian, just plain enjoyed the beautiful gift of the day. Then I sat down at the end of the day for my snack. Enjoyed that feeling I get when bathrooms are clean, fresh air is flowing in and yes, I painted a bit in the foyer.

What I have been up too?

I know my posts have been few and far between, but I have been doing a few things that take a while. Then there is the whole Pinterest thing, I mean, can you say addiction. I can't stay away and have tons of new ideas too. I have almost 800 pins. That means lots of time spent looking.

My projects are that I am reupholstering a chair. I have class once a week. Now this is a lot more work than I thought. I almost gave up when we were taking it apart...my fingers ached and were all dug up. My friend was taking the class last fall and encouraged me to join her. One woman who started with her just gave up! Gave up on a beautiful chair. Kind of sad. Anyway I am seeing the light at the end of the tunnel I started a bit late, but feel I have caught up pretty well. I will be done in the next couple of weeks. So here are a couple of before pictures....you will have to wait to see the finished chair at home later.

I think the chair is going in my guest room, but I wanted it ti be neutral so I can put it where ever. The funny thing is my sweet hubby gave me this chair on our first anniversary. In 1974 that gold fabric was stylin'.

It has been in the attic of our garage for years and I have been going to toss it many times, but my sentimental value was too great. I just moved it aside. So now it has a new set of clothes. I will show you the finished chair in a few weeks.

Now my next project has been to finish my front foyer. We took the wallpaper off the upstairs hall last February and I was so worn out...I sanded kiltzed and painted six doors. Tore off wallpaper, cleaned, scraped, spackled, primed and painted the walls. Then I put my stencil up. Then I gave up.....the stairwell and foyer could wait. Now my son is helping me and we have all the paper off, and foyer scrubbed and spackled. The stairwell still needs to be done. My sore old hands need a rest. So you need to wait to see the finished project there too.

Here are a couple of befores.

   Here is a during shot. Now I am going to work on the stairwell which has the paper off, but needs to be cleaned. My son is away for the weekend, so it is just me. Don't expect much progress. I wanted to wallpaper again, but the paper I wanted is discontinued. Quite frankly after all this work to make the walls right again I think I would be insane to wallpaper again. I think I will just paint it a nice soft color :)

Shopping helps~

Ok, so work and life has been a bit stressful of late. I have not taken anytime off, let alone shop. So my friend Barb asked if I was in the mood for a road trip?? Road trip? I'm in. Her cute as a button daughter Shannon was coming too. I have gone with her and Shannon before. Love going with them. We shop alike, poke and look, find things for each other and laugh a lot. So they come by early in the morning and we leave for Connecticut. I had never been to these antique shops before and I do love new adventures.

                      Love this sweet little brown jug and the one behind it. I got them on our first stop.

                          What a great view, but I think I need a bucket bench to display my treasures.

 A great little place in called the Town Trader in R.I. had this basket and was just such a pretty shop...I want to go back and I can always use another basket!

By now the trunk is full and Shannon is kind of buried in the back. She is such a sweetheart and was still smiling as she squeezed in with her treasures and mine and Barb's.

I have stuff on the floor and in my lap and Barb had the camera.....I did not get a picture of her, but next time for sure.



My pewter sugar and creamer.



I still love the little brown jug the best. Almost the best, because having good friends who come to the rescue by taking you junking, antiquing for the day, can not be replaced by anything!

Thanks Barb and Shannon for a fun day.

~Happy Valentines Day~

~May all your hearts and homes be filled with love and happiness~

~Pantry Cakes~

I have been feeling a bit creative...and yes, I should be painting my bedroom, but I wanted a few prim valentines, so.....I googled pantry cakes. I found lots of recipes. Most were all about the same. Flour, salt, coffee, coffee grounds, and cinnamon. So I mixed up a batch and made six small heart cakes. Then I used a salt glaze heart I had and made the larger one. I need something more.....so I melted some yummy smelling wax and used some small molds I had, then rubbed them with cinnamon. You can see my results below.

Now, I want to do some cinnamon and applesauce ornaments that I can make with my cookie cutters. Once my brain gets going I keep thinking of stuff I want to make.

I had to make a batch of chocolate chip cookies because everyone kept coming in and saying, what smells so good? What are you making? No one was happy when I said "they are not to eat." So I made a little treat to keep them quiet.

What are you all doing for Valentines decorations?

Waiting for Spring.....

Not to much going on here. I am really waiting for Spring so I can get out in the garden. My Christmas present from my son was that he re built our old arbor. I had showed him a picture and this was what he did.

Now I can't wait until spring to see the roses come to life. I want to stain it to keep the natural weathered look. I just love how it came out and it was a total surprise.

So here is the before, just so you can see what a huge improvement her made.

~Saltglaze~

I am home here with a sore throat, trying to use my time sorting cleaning and rearranging. I started to put some of my salt glaze together for a bit more impact....I am not sure where it is going so as I wash it I am putting it on the floor. Mostly my older pieces because the newer pieces I use in the kitchen. I have had them scattered around the house. I use them to hold plants and such. I was a bit surprised as I put it all in one spot. Maybe I need a new to me old prim shelf to put it all on.

Oh boy, the dust here is unbelievable. I love how refreshed everything feels when I move dust or wash and rearrange. Now if it just warms up a bit I'll be happy.