First attempt

A few weeks ago, I snatched up some of the bead-board planks as they were being ripped of my back porch. It was one of the nice days we had so I managed to sand them outside...Mr. Zettel cut them in the assorted lengths for me and I stuffed them in the basement. Well, today I dug a few out, just to play with. I like the idea, I like the whole attitude these old, little boards ooze, but I don't care for the stencils I had. So, there in the title of "first attempt."

      The end result...I think I'll have a lot of fun with this, as soon as I get the right font to work with! 

         Carpe Diem, Raylene

Rainy Day Project

I had been debating about this foot stool for some time now. I found it in a second hand shop in Kalamazoo, Mi. when I was visiting my daughter, Jennifer. I was quite proud of the fact that I snagged it up for just $10 ! However, when I got it home it just didn't quite feel right in it's present condition. So, I changed it...and I've changed it again..this is the final result.

I took the old embroidered top off and painted over the distressed white I had done earlier. I used 2 coats of  licorice black acrylic paint. I had a scrap remnant of black and white striped canvas material and used that for the new top. Using my trusty mini staple gun, I tacked my new top on in no time! Applying a light coat of MinWax finishing paste (I love this stuff!)with a soft brush, I let it set for 10 minutes and then gently buffed it off. I screwed the top back on and there it is!! My little stool will look very at home in my bedroom in front of an old caned chair I'm redoing. Until next time! Carpe Diem! Raylene

 

busy, busy, busy

It's been very hectic around here the last few weeks. Trees (sniff, sniff) taken down, shingles being pulled off, and the old back porch roof, finally (YES) being ripped off. This old house is smiling from eave to eave as are its occupants!

 Eric and Mr.Zettel have been taking advantage of the nice weather we've had these past few weeks. Their work is much appreciated! Almost finished with a project I started a few weeks back. I've been sidetracked with other things and now that the holidays are fast approaching, I'm hoping to get everything done. A trip to Home Depot tomorrow for the paint I need to finish the dresser and then on to the baby-doll crib for Miss Lily's room. Until next time, Carpe Diem! Raylene

Surprise!

I love surprises! My dear friend Jim has been cleaning out his basement and showering me with all kinds of surprises off and on for the last month or so. Today, however, he really saved the day. I had been debating as to how I was going to finish a large project without hauling it down into the basement, and well, Jim came through for me with such a cool surprise!
 Is that not super?!! My other sander would have blown dust everywhere and I would have had to tarp the entire inside of my house! At least this will keep it down to a minimum.


 Jim and I share a lot of common interests, some of which are plants, gardening, refinishing furniture, collecting, collecting and more collecting. Of course then we realize we need to weed out in order to bring in more. So we swap, share and mull over what to keep and what not to keep. For instance, I am the proud owner of this beautiful Aloe plant. Do you see what it's sitting in? Another gift from Jim. It's an old prime rib warmer that also has the Au jus container to match. They're made from copper and make the perfect vessel to hold plants. I also have acquired a set of pink dessert plates and candle holders to match. I'm going to have to do something very special for Jim. Any ideas? Let me know, until then. Carpe Diem, Raylene

Rain Day

I love candles...Especially on rainy,dark days. They make a room warm and cozy. Even Jack and Lucy appreciate the quietness of a throw, candles and a good book the IPad.

 I'm still learning how to place pictures, so please bare with me. Here's a few shots of the project I'm working on right now. As soon as the weather breaks, I have plants and a garden to tend to and Eric will be back on the roof! Until then, Carpe Diem, Raylene

New Projects

The last few days have been very busy...My good friend Jim and I have been swapping garden plants and houseplants. He was here yesterday and shovel in hand I filled up the back of his SUV...he's dropping by later with more digs for me! Love swapping plants...In the mean time, I set out early this morning on a mission to gather together supplies I need for some projects I have in mind...The weather is suppose to turn rainy and cool for a few days and I thought now would be a good time to start. I have a few pics of some of what I'm doing and will do a step by step later when I finish. Can you guess? I had some inspiration from Kate  at Centsational Girl...check out her blog at  http://www.centsationalgirl.com.   

                                      Till next time... Carpe Diem...Raylene

October Golf!

A very golf happy John

John and I had a wonderful day Saturday. We golfed 18 holes in gorgeous weather, stopped at Sporty's for some awesome wings and shrimp after, proceeded to Wilson's cheese shop for some wine and cheese and then on to Jay's for some great homemade sausage and brats! A few more stops for odds and ends and we were homeward bound. Of course, it was one of those "stop and smell the roses" day, so projects were put on the back-burner. I think everyone should do that on occasion. It clears the mind and soothes the soul. 
But, back to the real world...I've been thinking about new projects and when and how I should start. Being that the weather is still cooperating, I'm thinking I need to do all the outside things first. The new roof is coming on this week and I wanted to post before and after pics to share. I'm so excited to see this grand old home getting it's well deserved make-over.  Carpe Diem, Raylene

Pumpkins and Hayrides!

It is the perfect autumn day! The temperature is expected to be in the high 70's, maybe even 80! Wow...I love this time of year. The colors, the distinct smell of the air, using the oven and crockpot for those great fall recipes and the pumpkins that abound every where! Speaking of pumpkins, my cousin Debbie and Dan, have an orchard in Montrose. Some of the family gathered there a week ago to meet Michelle, a new member to our family! Her and my cousin Frank were married a month ago and we wanted to get the chance to meet her and welcome her to our clan. While we were there, some of us climbed aboard the hay wagons for a trip to the pumpkin patch. My granddaughter Lily's first hayride and pumpkin decision making! The fresh pressed cider and donuts were so yummy! Thanks Deb and Dan for the great day!
With the weather being absolutely gorgeous, John and I are going to get in a last round of golf! Maybe I'll get him to stop at some yard sales along the way!!   Carpe Diem, Raylene