Daily Thought

Everyday I receive Real Simple Magazine's daily thought....this was today's and I thought I would share! If you would like to see more, go to  http://www.realsimple.com  If your not familiar with the magazine, check it out!  Happy Tuesday everyone...carpe' diem, Raylene

 

Forgive all who have offended you, not for them, but for yourself.”

― Harriet Nelson

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Refinished Chair in a French Country/Shabby Chic style

Yeah! My first 2012 project is finished. I have been a "frequent flyer" of sorts, back and forth to the local Dollar General Store to get storage supplies as I try to keep my organization resolution in check. So getting the "first" project done is great! Anyway, here are some pictures of my first finished project of the year! I put the little black stool that I redid last year, in front of it. I've put the chair in a corner in my bedroom, where most of the time a robe, blanket or something is draped over it. I like it against the grey walls.

 Very simple project to do. I semi-dry-brushed the chair with Behr's Cottage White. (Some areas got a tad more paint then others.)  After the paint dried (about 20 min) I used a fine-grit sanding block to take areas of paint off and let the natural finish come through. I used about a 1/2 a yard of this print fabric I found at Walmart (I really wanted a French flour sack design, but couldn't find any in my area.) And there you have it. It has a sort of  distressed, French country / shabby chic look, wouldn't you say?
                                                    I've been following all sorts of folks on Pinterest and finding all kinds of new projects from some pretty clever people You can click on my Pinterest button to take you to the site. It is amazing! As I learn more and more about blogging, I have come to the conclusion that I need to place banners across my photos (this makes my blog easier to find with a search engine) and I need a better camera! I had a little help with an instruction tutorial from Kate at centsational girl. (http://www.centsationalgirl.com ) So, off I went to Piknik, only to find out that, unfortunately, they are closing their web site. sniff, sniff..  So get on over to www.picnik.com as they are letting everyone use all their premium features for free!  You have until April 19, 2012 to take advantage of this great offer. Kate has some great alternative suggestions for sites to use after Piknik closes.  If you have any questions about the chair, please feel free to drop me a line. I would love to hear from you...until next time, Carpe Diem, Raylene

Changes

Happy New Year! Like most people, I have set some goals and challenges for myself.I have a slew of projects, some from 2011 that were never finished and others still churning in my mind. One of my biggest goals is to become more organized. If I'm better organized, many things will fall into place, right? I also want to really work at my blog more..I want to plan ahead better and follow my inspirational one word, (I have 2).. breathe and patience. I need to shed the extra 15 pounds I gained after we quit smoking back in September (Yeah for John and me!How cool is that..we are non-smokers!)My list could grow much larger..I have plenty of room for improvement!But as long as I strive to be better, I think some things will be easier than others...Did I mention I'm thinking about Christmas already? and my garden and what I will harvest and make from it? Now that's thinking ahead and exactly what I'm talking about! Until next time, Carpe Diem, Raylene

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