What We Treasure - Finds and Revelations

This is not the post I planned to do today. Before you think I'm doing an early Christmas post, I must tell you it is not.

Really, it's not! I meandered away from my original plan, but then I do that often. I usually plan about two day's worth of activities and somehow imagine I'll be able to accomplish them in one day. That being said, I can't remember the last time I was bored. I remember being bored as a child, but not in decades.Some activities I enjoy more than others, but there's always some fun project to occupy my time. (Like blogging!)

My day began with a few errands, and I just so happened to find three garage sales in my path! I promise I didn't plan it that way. I went to all three, but only purchased items at the last one. (Unless you count the lemonade I purchased from the cute little girl at the second one.) I spent 11.50 at the third one, and brought home the nativity scene, which needs a little taupe and white paint touch up over the yellow and orange, don't you think? Otherwise, I love it and it was $3. I also found some more tarnished silver plated items - an ice bucket and a sugar bowl. And a cute little bottle for .25c.

This ceramic bust was only $1. I don't know where it will go yet, but it will go somewhere! 

I also found some trim and curtain hooks. Again, I don't know what I'll use it on, but for a quarter, SOLD.

After the garage sale, I rented a couple of flicks at Red Box, and then spent some quality time with my favorite aunt June! I love hanging out with June. She treated me to lunch and then we headed to Goodwill. (Wonder why I enjoy her so much?) We both found a few items we thought we needed. 


I left four taupe and red floral linen slipper chairs (In great condition!) there, though. I would have LOVED to bring them home with me! They were only fifteen bucks each, but the budget is extra tight lately. I know when I go back they'll be long gone. Oh, well. 

On the bright side, (No pun intended!) this lamp was $3. I've been looking for a glass lamp with a cute shape so I can try the Krylon Looking Glass spray paint. I don't know if it needs to be clear to achieve the effect I want or not. I wonder if it works on any surface other than glass? Has anyone tried it yet? There are some basic instructions on ivillage.com.  I want to make some lamps that are sort of like these from Pottery Barn:

I also found more Christmas stuff - the tree above was $1, which is really cute. I like it, but I think I'm going to paint it white and stain it. What do you think? I also found two of these little terra cotta planters that I think could be painted white as well - maybe allowing some of the gold to still peek through. 

After Goodwill, June and I visited another favorite relative, Violet. She had a fall recently, broke her neck in three places and is in rehab. I love Violet. We are kindred spirits and never run out of interesting topics to discuss. We've not visited in person in over a year - just by phone. She lives in my city. I could just kick myself for not visiting until it involves a hospital stay! 


I go about my little life - going to work and doing my little projects. And now blogging. (Which I really enjoy.) I put off visiting the people I dearly love, thinking I can do it later. Now, later doesn't come until it's at the hospital. 


I really need to prioritize better. Projects will wait - even blogging posts. People are more important than things. They will not always be here waiting for us to visit them. I get that about the chairs I left at Goodwill. Why don't I get that about the people I love?


Word for the Day:

Romans 7:15

I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.


May our priorities be HIS priorities; may all things get done that need to get done, and may we always be surrounded with people we love!


-Revi


Linking with Donna today:


http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/ - Saturday Nite Special

The Quest for My Own Great White Way Continues...

Don't ask me why. I can't tell you because I don't know. This strange attraction to a white palette is growing stronger. It's not even a conscious decision. Look at my latest two projects before they were lightened up:

#1 - A handmade sort of wonky mirror purchased for $4 at Goodwill. If I had some of the famous Annie Sloan chalk paint, I would've used it. Sadly, Annie Sloan has not made her way to Amarillo yet. 


Instead, it received a coat of faux "chalk paint." I've seen half a dozen recipes, each adding a different substance to latex paint. I know it's still latex paint with other stuff added, and not the chalk paint everyone loves. Still, I had some unsanded grout from a past project, and some flat off-white mis-tint paint, so I decided to try it. My faux was very thick - 2 Tbsp. grout to 1 cup paint. Still, the coverage was pretty good compared to straight paint. I'll probably use it again, but I won't buy more grout for this purpose. 


After painting it, I lightly distressed it, and lightly stained it with Minwax Gel Stain walnut stain. You'll see it toward the end of the post.

#2 - A chair I have recovered once before. I bought it for $15 at a Thrift Store a few years back. It's sturdy, and I like the shape. I recovered the seat, but left the newly exposed second layer of fabric on the top. It was in great shape, and it coordinated with my black floral print. I liked the two-tone look, so I just trimmed it with black gimp. It's been this way for 3 years.

The wood details on this chair are pretty. It's a little beat up, but I'm not going to paint it. (Amazing, I know!)

First things first: Remove the old fabric. Next, little touch-up with Minwax Gel Stain Walnut. Next, add a layer of batting. Use the fabric that covered the chair as a pattern and cut new pieces - I used drop cloth. Staple it on. 

• For any simple upholstery project like a seat cushion or back, it's usually best to begin at the centers. 
• Pull the fabric snugly and staple. 
• Move to the opposite side and repeat stapling at the center.
• Continue out from each center,  pulling and stretching and stapling your way out to the corners.  
• When you get to the corners, fold and tuck the remaining fabric until it looks neat. (It's sort of like wrapping a package.) 
• Staple and trim as needed. 
• Each project is a little different, but this usually helps your fabric to lie smooth and taut. 
• Any wrinkles end up at the corners under the tucks and folds.

• To finish the raw edges, trim any excess fabric with a straight edge razor blade. 
• Using fabric glue, glue on trim to cover staples. 

I went to Hobby Lobby after work to buy ivory gimp trim. They wouldn't sell me 3 yards, only a whole bolt of what was remaining - over $16 for the trim. It wasn't in the budget to spend that much on trim. So, I used grosgrain ribbon. I don't really like it, and will probably purchase the gimp later from another source and redo it.

One by one, pieces are getting lightened up in my home. It makes me smile. So does she, the little hairy beast.

Here's a little bit of trivia I only just learned when the title of this post floated to the top of my brain. 

The Great White Way is a nickname for a section of Broadway in the Midtown section of the New York City, specifically the portion that encompasses the Theatre District, between 42nd and 53rd Streets.

Nearly a mile of Broadway was illuminated in 1880 by Brush arc lamps, making it among the first electrically lighted streets in the United States.

The headline "Found on the Great White Way" appeared in the February 3, 1902, edition of the New York Evening Telegram. 

The journalistic sobriquet was inspired by the millions of lights on theater marquees and billboard advertisements that illuminate the area, especially around Times Square.

It is so interesting what you can learn on Google these days! I don't know how we ever lived without it. 

Word for the Day:

Psalm 51:7

Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.


May we all see each other on wash day!


-Revi


Posting this week with:
http://knickoftimeinteriors.blogspot.com/ Knick of Time Tuesday

http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/ Nifty Thrifty Tuesday

http://capersofthevintagevixens.blogspot.com/ Blog Hop

http://restoreinteriors.blogspot.com/ Restored It Wednesday
http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/ Wow Us Wednesdays
http://primitiveandproper.blogspot.com/ Piece of Work Wednesday

http://www.fadedcharmcottage.blogspot.com/ White Wednesday

http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/ Under $100 Link Party
http://savedbysuzy.blogspot.com/ Suzy's House Party
http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/ Transformation Thursday

http://thriftydecorating-nikkiw.blogspot.com/ Thrifty Thursday
http://www.houseofhepworths.com/ Hookin' Up With HOH Thursday

http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/ Feathered Nest Friday

http://www.missmustardseed.blogspot.com/ Furniture Feature Friday
http://www.remodelaholic.com/ Fridays on Remodelaholic
http://redoux.blogspot.com/ Friday Redoux Link Party
http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/ Frugal Friday
http://www.findingfabulousblog.com/ Frugalicious Friday
http://twenty-eight-0-five.blogspot.com/ Potpourri Party
http://www.atthepicketfence.com/ Inspiration Friday
http://commonground-debrasvintagedesigns.blogspot.com/ Vintage Inspiration Friday

http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/ Saturday Nite Special

Courtney Made My Day!

Tomorrow is my two month-iversary blogging. I just logged on and got a sweet surprise - an email telling me I'd won an award! It just happens to be my very first one. Thank you Courtney, from The Apprentice Extrovert for sharing this Versatile Blogger award with me! You have made my day.


If you guys haven't visited The Apprentice Extrovert, stop by and check her out. Courtney's one amazingly talented, tasteful and versatile Aussie!  Her style is fresh and eclectic. Case in point:

The rules for this award are:

1. Thank and link back to the person who gave the award to you

2. Share 7 things about yourself

3. Send it along to 15 other bloggers and let them know you have awarded them!

Here are 7 things about me you might not know.......

1. I am an oldest child of teen parents who are still with me, and I adore them!

2. I have 3 young adult children, and I adore them!

3. I love foreign films, but don't get to see them much.

4. I eat pretty much anything except liver and canned spinach.

5. I love fall and winter most of all.

6. I'm currently reading slowly and loving "One Thousand Gifts" by Ann Voskamp

7. I love volunteering with hospice.

Here are my 15 Versatile Blogger Nominees:

It took longer to pick 15 than I ever imagined it would! There are so many great blogs I love to follow. I'm passing the award onto these wonderful blogs, who also happen to be sweet, polite and lovely ladies. Some of them are relatively new, and you may not have seen them before. Please stop by and check them out. You'll be so glad you did!

1. Villa Barnes - Rosemary is so generous with tutorials & product information!
2. The Feathered Nest - Dawn does amazing collages with vintage ephemera and fabrics.
3. Cedar Hill Ranch  Anita has a beautiful ranch, and she's so creative!
4. Knick of Time - Angie loves the old stuff, and she does great things with it.
5. Shabby Story - Lynn has some great ideas!
6. Burlap Luxe - if you love texture, patina and a neutral palette, Dore is your go-to girl!
7. Out Junking - Lisa finds THE coolest stuff and uses it in such creative ways.
8. Capers of the Vintage Vixens - This mom-daughter team is fearless!
9. Art@Home - Ricki Jill loves all forms of art and incorporates it beautifully into her home and life.
10. Modern Country Style - Sarah is featuring the home in "Something's Gotta Give" now. Yumm.
11. The Midwest Cottage - Liz is working on some really cool burlap pillows in her latest post.
12. The Dedicated House - Kathryn's style is classic, but with a twist!
13. The Ivy Cottage - Talk about versatile! Amanda is a renaissance woman.
14. Walnut and Vine - Rebecca and Wanda are excellent at staging with vintage pieces.
15. Wayside Treasures - Sandi finds the coolest stuff and does great things with it.




Word for the Day:


Philippians 3:14

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.


Have a blessed Sunday!


-Revi

Going Green

I've shared with you the fact that pretty much every room in my house is in transition - some more than others, but basically I'm in a mess. That's ok, only because I know the end result is going to be worth the mess.


What I'd really like is to go all white and neutral, but realistically that is not possible. I bought a green sofa and love seat from Sofa Mart a few years ago, and it's not in the budget to buy a white one now. 

After my roomies move (aka my son and his adorable but very messy lab) white might be an option. Now, it's just not. This sofa will move from the den to the living room to replace the red one the adorable lab has enjoyed eating over the past two years. 


My plan: 

• Paint a nice neutral color that will work with greens now and with whites later on
• Decorate my living room with a wide variety of greens

This is a very realistic goal, since I like green and I already own and love plenty of interesting green things. 

This is a different approach than I have ever taken before. I usually go for rooms with a full palette of color. Now, I'm isolating one color in each room - a red den, a green living room, a white bedroom, a brown guest room, etc. This is an experiment, using the items I already own, just mixing them differently. (And probably painting a few!) I'll let you know how it turns out when I figure it out!


Since the dining room is open to the living room, I'll mix some greens in my all white scheme there. Green napkins, serving pieces and glassware and plant life might be all I need. 


Now for the meat of this post:  A green chair. Well, NOW it's green. It's another freebie from my church. It looked like this when I lugged it home:

The finish was in very rough shape, but the shape is interesting with a mid-century modern vibe. It's an interesting piece to try to integrate into the eclectic mix planned for my living room. I want to have a cottage-industrial-eclectic vibe; cozy but offbeat and interesting.

Remembering my recent gut-wrenching experience painting a rare Heywood Wakefield table before I discovered what it was, I inspected the chair for identifying maker marks. It is from the now defunct American Chair Company of Sheboygan, Wisconsin.  After searching Google for about an hour, I decided it probably was not a sin to paint this chair.

I purchased a can of Rustoleum Farm Implement Green - AKA John Deere Green. The color fits the chair's personality. Next, I patched a couple of places on the arms and sanded them. 

One can was the perfect amount for this chair, but after painting it, I decided it looked a bit plain and flat.

I rubbed a thin layer of Minwax ebony stain on it to add a little sump'n sump'n. It was subtle, but it worked.

My plan of action involves more than just painting. This project will probably take a few weekends. It includes:

• removing two windows, 
• patching and texturing where the windows were,
• patching and texturing a mailbox hole,
• painting the door and the front window with shiny black oil-based paint
• filling lots of nail holes from hanging previous decorative items,
• framing a large mirror over the fireplace, 
• replacing 3 light fixtures,
• spiffing up the wood floor,
• painting the walls the right neutral color

With Thanksgiving drawing near, I have my work cut out for me! It is of course all dependent on my roommates moving, too. I don't want to move the sofa into the living room if the dog is still here. I also can't paint the window or the door she has scratched up until she's gone. 

You might be asking why I'm removing windows; I LOVE windows. (I have no covering on the front window, since I love the look of a bare French window.) 

My house began as a 2 bedroom, 1 bath, 1 car garage home in 1945. At some point, a master bedroom and 3/4 bath, a den and utility room, and another garage were added. Adding the second garage covered two windows in the living room. The outside of the house was re-bricked and it is all cohesive. But, inside, they never did anything with the windows. They are still there, with sheetrock behind them. I chose to cover them with drapes and cornice boxes when I moved in. I have painted 7 rooms in this house so far. It seemed like the easiest option when I moved in. The time has now come to do it the right way. 

Word for the Day:

Jeremiah 17:8

They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”

May you plant yourself near the source of living water, and may your leaves be evergreen!

-Revi

Linking to http://primitiveandproper.blogspot.com/ - Piece of Work Wednesday

A Humble Life

You've seen this humble guy before. He has played a supporting role in many of my posts, though he has never been featured. He's the strong, silent type.

He's been with me from the beginning. Simple and versatile in his lowly state.

He's always there - ready to serve, a nice size on which to display some project recently finished. His height is good for taking photos. He travels inside or out. Sometimes, I've left him outside overnight without a thought.

Still, he is there for me, waiting patiently next to my white hutch. He is ever ready for his next assignment. 

He came into my life in a slightly different state. I met him at a yard sale; he was covered in a layer of rose-beige enamel. I paid two dollars for him - a bargain. He had nice legs, and I've always been attracted to a fellow with nice legs.


He sat in my garage for a year or two. Finally, I brought him inside and slapped a coat of paint remover on him. Off came the rose beige, and underneath was a coat of creamy white. Peeking out beneath the white was a coat of light green. I stopped, not wanting to go further.

It pleases me to see the all the various layers of paint. There is also a crack where the two pieces of wood meet that form the seat of this humble stool that serves as a table. It adds character.

I love the tiny flecks of rose beige among the creamy white and green paint layers. All the colors this stool has ever been can be seen at once in varying degrees. 


This stool is a visual metaphor - revealing how all our layers all come together to make us who we are, with varying amounts of each visible to those who know us. It is our layers that make us beautiful, our different colored layers give us our own unique character. 


Our seeming imperfections do not keep us from fulfilling our intended purpose. They do not keep us from going beyond our intended purpose. Our patina only makes us more beautiful. Even if we only serve a humble supporting role in the eyes of the world.

Word for the Day:


Ephesians 4:2

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.


May you happily find your intended purpose today and every day!


-Revi


Linking with:

http://www.knickoftimeinteriors.blogspot.com/ Knick of Time Tuesday
http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/ Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
http://moderncountrystyle.blogspot.com/ Fall in Love Wednesday 

http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/ Under $100 Link Party

http://savedbysuzy.blogspot.com/ Suzy's House Party

http://thriftydecorating-nikkiw.blogspot.com/ Thrifty Thursday

http://www.missmustardseed.blogspot.com/ Furniture Feature Friday

http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/ Frugal Friday