tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32899361368777591752024-03-13T00:58:54.712-04:00La Vie Vintage Bleu{ Vintage, Shabby, White & Blue }Armellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00771355295539567010noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289936136877759175.post-70471908795214905372012-03-04T14:39:00.000-05:002012-03-04T14:39:27.123-05:00Inspirational PicturesI haven't had much time for blogging lately, and I haven't done any new projects, but I wanted to share some inspirational pictures that I've found.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DgDs2VsxosE/T1O-EzLe0tI/AAAAAAAAAhY/OvpdAlJh2wA/s1600/soft+green+bedroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DgDs2VsxosE/T1O-EzLe0tI/AAAAAAAAAhY/OvpdAlJh2wA/s400/soft+green+bedroom.jpg" uda="true" width="312" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wd8vAialCJU/T1O-Ty6oIVI/AAAAAAAAAhg/G9qp9HqgjsY/s1600/Old-+fashioned+green+bedroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wd8vAialCJU/T1O-Ty6oIVI/AAAAAAAAAhg/G9qp9HqgjsY/s400/Old-+fashioned+green+bedroom.jpg" uda="true" width="312" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love these pretty soft green and white bedrooms.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They inspired me to do my own bedroom in the same color palette:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oBnMAvcNdoM/T1O-1Sx02tI/AAAAAAAAAho/GbCFAJ8JvFI/s1600/Collage+on+the+bedroom+wall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oBnMAvcNdoM/T1O-1Sx02tI/AAAAAAAAAho/GbCFAJ8JvFI/s400/Collage+on+the+bedroom+wall.jpg" uda="true" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mfv8T_bxWK0/T1O_KTapbbI/AAAAAAAAAhw/EMZb_fxA0DA/s1600/empty+frame+collage+on+wall.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mfv8T_bxWK0/T1O_KTapbbI/AAAAAAAAAhw/EMZb_fxA0DA/s400/empty+frame+collage+on+wall.JPG" uda="true" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wWLiTFxGTY8/T1PEXLzNVLI/AAAAAAAAAi4/OHMvmIF77NY/s1600/Armoire+in+Bedroom+%232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wWLiTFxGTY8/T1PEXLzNVLI/AAAAAAAAAi4/OHMvmIF77NY/s400/Armoire+in+Bedroom+%232.jpg" uda="true" width="275" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Well, that's all I have for now. Until next time!!!!!</div>Armellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00771355295539567010noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289936136877759175.post-70509338871652508732012-01-29T10:11:00.000-05:002012-01-29T10:11:23.321-05:00Sharing MondayLast Monday night , when I was looking through my email, I discovered an email from Jackie of <a href="http://www.shamborastudios.blogspot.com/">http://www.shamborastudios.blogspot.com/</a>. She had awarded me a Liebster Blog Award for my blog. What a nice surprise. Please make sure to check out her beautiful blog The Liebster award is given to blogs with under 200 followers in an attempt to help them gain more readers and followers." Liebster" means beloved, or" dear" in German. It can also mean "favorite".<br />
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Here are the 5 blogs I am sharing this award with:<br />
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1. Janel at <a href="http://www.hatingmartha.blogspot.com/">http://www.hatingmartha.blogspot.com/</a><br />
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2. Kelsey at <a href="http://www.fabulouslyflawedhome.blogspot.com/">http://www.fabulouslyflawedhome.blogspot.com/</a><br />
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3. SuzyQ at <a href="http://www.atthefarmhouse-suzyq.blogspot.com/">http://www.atthefarmhouse-suzyq.blogspot.com/</a><br />
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4. Maury at <a href="http://www.lifeonmarsblog.net/">http://www.lifeonmarsblog.net/</a><br />
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5. Karla at <a href="http://www.myserendipityhome.blogspot.com/">http://www.myserendipityhome.blogspot.com/</a><br />
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All of these blogs have something in common: The all have fewer then, or just slightly over 200 followers ( okay so I cheated just a little), and I loved the name of there blog. Keep up the goodwork and happy blogging.<br />
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Please follow these simple rules. <br />
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<span style="color: magenta;">1. Share your appreciation with the blogger who awarded you the Liebster by linking back to their blog.</span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;">2. Post the award.</span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;">3. Share the 5 blogs you are awarding the Liebster with and let them know that they have received it.</span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;">4. Enjoy the new attention this award brings to your blog.</span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;">5. And last, but not least - have fun.</span><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">I have been really busy these past 2 months, and haven't had much time for blogging, but this award has jump started me to get back into it again. Thanks again Jackie.<br />
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Armelle</div>Armellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00771355295539567010noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289936136877759175.post-77766799094825803832011-11-17T13:18:00.001-05:002011-11-17T13:49:51.718-05:00Decorating with Thrift Store Finds<div style="text-align: center;">I love thrifting. It let's me change up a room frequently and I don't feel guilty about spending money. I really can't justify spending full price for anything anymore. Here are some things I found recently.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iC23BQzFuEw/TsVG9p2KWzI/AAAAAAAAAfU/1sZFfwzg_QU/s1600/IMG_2129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iC23BQzFuEw/TsVG9p2KWzI/AAAAAAAAAfU/1sZFfwzg_QU/s400/IMG_2129.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7NGfhJ6WNks/TsVHGHH-oAI/AAAAAAAAAfk/EoMRMHTrHps/s1600/IMG_2127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7NGfhJ6WNks/TsVHGHH-oAI/AAAAAAAAAfk/EoMRMHTrHps/s400/IMG_2127.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wKNJjGLsqtg/TsVHNk9BS0I/AAAAAAAAAfs/sDmT3O4JWFs/s1600/IMG_2131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wKNJjGLsqtg/TsVHNk9BS0I/AAAAAAAAAfs/sDmT3O4JWFs/s400/IMG_2131.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZB9gwXNuoYQ/TsVHTYYQ-3I/AAAAAAAAAf0/wUIYYXX1Las/s1600/IMG_2130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZB9gwXNuoYQ/TsVHTYYQ-3I/AAAAAAAAAf0/wUIYYXX1Las/s400/IMG_2130.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This soup tureen was $7.99 at the Salvation Army store. It looks antique, but there were no distinguishing markings on the underside, so I'm not sure. In any case, I love it so it doesn't really matter. It matched my color scheme perfectly and sparked me to re-do my whole display on and over my antique sewing machine.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SvB1n-QMuB4/TsVK1NZZDTI/AAAAAAAAAgU/4UAR2GB7eMo/s1600/IMG_2139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SvB1n-QMuB4/TsVK1NZZDTI/AAAAAAAAAgU/4UAR2GB7eMo/s400/IMG_2139.JPG" width="378" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This plate was .99 cents at Value Village. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7ClgPMvyC7I/TsVN1psuJSI/AAAAAAAAAg0/WCssHVH_lUw/s1600/IMG_2133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7ClgPMvyC7I/TsVN1psuJSI/AAAAAAAAAg0/WCssHVH_lUw/s400/IMG_2133.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I added it to the wall display over my antique sewing machine as well.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nvySi7mUmWg/TsVL493pPVI/AAAAAAAAAgc/kGTmDKxJXrA/s1600/IMG_2142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="377" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nvySi7mUmWg/TsVL493pPVI/AAAAAAAAAgc/kGTmDKxJXrA/s400/IMG_2142.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I got four of these plates at the Salvation Army Store, at .99 cents each.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CCEPD0zR_WE/TsVMEFNqBcI/AAAAAAAAAgk/bDIKB0CTIbs/s1600/IMG_2134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CCEPD0zR_WE/TsVMEFNqBcI/AAAAAAAAAgk/bDIKB0CTIbs/s400/IMG_2134.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> There were matching bowls, which I didn't buy and now regret, but they blend nicely with my Mikasa French Country dishes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_74RsigQYoc/TsVM5DPahaI/AAAAAAAAAgs/KVlJv2SD4m4/s1600/IMG_2123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_74RsigQYoc/TsVM5DPahaI/AAAAAAAAAgs/KVlJv2SD4m4/s400/IMG_2123.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This plate was $1.99 at Value Village.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-stRoPkZlZ_0/TsVOBx49uuI/AAAAAAAAAg8/Dnk17Tqq5Vc/s1600/IMG_2124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-stRoPkZlZ_0/TsVOBx49uuI/AAAAAAAAAg8/Dnk17Tqq5Vc/s400/IMG_2124.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> I used this one to update the display over my bookcase. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">That's all for now. Happy thrifting!!!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Armellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00771355295539567010noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289936136877759175.post-55085560204361640332011-10-23T21:29:00.003-04:002012-01-21T01:56:34.914-05:00A Re-Inherited Antique Phone.<div style="text-align: center;"> Just a short post today. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Thought I'd take this opportunuty to show you this great antique phone I inherited.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nBRxhmgrf8U/TqTFTYb62nI/AAAAAAAAAds/_pk7LtUzmYE/s1600/Antique+phone+by+lamplight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" rda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nBRxhmgrf8U/TqTFTYb62nI/AAAAAAAAAds/_pk7LtUzmYE/s400/Antique+phone+by+lamplight.jpg" width="363" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cl-_I9qn7xs/TqS48OBknJI/AAAAAAAAAdM/Wa9hEXg6QI4/s1600/Antique+phone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="327" rda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cl-_I9qn7xs/TqS48OBknJI/AAAAAAAAAdM/Wa9hEXg6QI4/s400/Antique+phone.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The ear-piece had come off, so I used epoxy glue to repair it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k-vDKs8Bhw4/TqS4-anY63I/AAAAAAAAAdU/Mw_xw1po8QI/s1600/Close-up+of+dial+plate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="388" rda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k-vDKs8Bhw4/TqS4-anY63I/AAAAAAAAAdU/Mw_xw1po8QI/s400/Close-up+of+dial+plate.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And the dial cover was missing, so I took a picture of some hydrangeas from the internet and made my own .</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I got the idea from this great antique French phone I found a picture of.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-STEnu1S4r6U/TqS7L-WeuoI/AAAAAAAAAdk/-4Ql5uM3GoY/s1600/Antique+French+Phone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" rda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-STEnu1S4r6U/TqS7L-WeuoI/AAAAAAAAAdk/-4Ql5uM3GoY/s400/Antique+French+Phone.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I really like this Danish antique phone- but I'll settle for mine which was" free".</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Just for fun, here are some other antique phones that I love.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zKHCizG6bmc/TqWNjZwqEWI/AAAAAAAAAeM/hRKUTobXYHc/s1600/antique+phone+%25234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" rda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zKHCizG6bmc/TqWNjZwqEWI/AAAAAAAAAeM/hRKUTobXYHc/s400/antique+phone+%25234.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This one is sweet too!!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ECnSBunaUIA/TqWNa5XwPDI/AAAAAAAAAd0/ngSnpO-5m1w/s1600/Antique+phone+%25235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" rda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ECnSBunaUIA/TqWNa5XwPDI/AAAAAAAAAd0/ngSnpO-5m1w/s400/Antique+phone+%25235.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And I wouldn't kick this one out of my bedroom.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NawPr0jJ0_0/TqWNd-c3HeI/AAAAAAAAAd8/FVdC_tuL5lk/s1600/antique+french+phone+%25233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="327" rda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NawPr0jJ0_0/TqWNd-c3HeI/AAAAAAAAAd8/FVdC_tuL5lk/s400/antique+french+phone+%25233.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What can I say......</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_Gej5hFXuDI/TqWNgf13GFI/AAAAAAAAAeE/XVP5IVxQSBA/s1600/Antique+look+french+phone+%25232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="371" rda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_Gej5hFXuDI/TqWNgf13GFI/AAAAAAAAAeE/XVP5IVxQSBA/s400/Antique+look+french+phone+%25232.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And this one satisfies my need for a little bling in my life.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But back to reality........</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ie8CzvlTphU/TqS5DDDEonI/AAAAAAAAAdc/_C_WHv9U68g/s1600/IMG_2116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" rda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ie8CzvlTphU/TqS5DDDEonI/AAAAAAAAAdc/_C_WHv9U68g/s400/IMG_2116.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's the phone on my end table in my living room- and it even works . I'd forgotten how much work dialing a phone is , but I'll probably just use this phone for decoration, and to answer incoming calls.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> And did I mention that I saw the same phone at an antique store and they were asking $125.00 for it. The shop owner said she could get twice that for it, so it made me happy to tell her I had the same one and I got it for free.</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>Armellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00771355295539567010noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289936136877759175.post-65018839343320160282011-10-09T23:37:00.001-04:002012-01-21T01:59:16.761-05:00Empty Picture Frame Wall CollageMy latest project is to make a collage from empty picture frames. I have a space on my bedroom wall that I think will be just perfect for it, so of course I had to start researching some ideas to get inspiration. Here are some pictures that inspired me:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vJmfIHlW4x0/ToI4p12PizI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/Z8AqV0Y3kFs/s1600/Empty+frame+collage+%25236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" kca="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vJmfIHlW4x0/ToI4p12PizI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/Z8AqV0Y3kFs/s400/Empty+frame+collage+%25236.jpg" width="380" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div align="left">The first one is very close to what I am thinking of doing since my bedroom walls are a soft sage green color. I planned on having all my frames in antique white, in different shapes and sizes. The criteria for the frames was that they had to have a vintage feel to them, have a variety of interesting patterns and they had to be frames that I already owned, purchased from garage sales, discount stores, or even better- curbside finds. The more inexpensive, the better. I didn't care what color or material they were made from, as I was going to spray paint them all the same color - Heirloom White.</div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">I started by going through my own large collection of frames and choosing the ones that I thought were the most interesting. The next step was to make frequent visits to Value Village , Salvation Army and Goodwill stores. Most of the frames I found were from $1.00 to $5.00. Some had mirrors in them which I removed, and some had tacky art-work - but I was able to look past this and see their potential.</div><div align="left"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div align="left">Here's some of my hodge-podge collection of frames before spray painting</div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LLmObz3iHuI/ToI9uTC7OQI/AAAAAAAAAck/l_b7XRCpFrQ/s1600/IMG_2051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" kca="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LLmObz3iHuI/ToI9uTC7OQI/AAAAAAAAAck/l_b7XRCpFrQ/s400/IMG_2051.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And after spray-painting......</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bs0boc0AfRM/TpJmc9A34yI/AAAAAAAAAdI/qvx-E8UyJ1Q/s1600/IMG_2056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" kca="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bs0boc0AfRM/TpJmc9A34yI/AAAAAAAAAdI/qvx-E8UyJ1Q/s400/IMG_2056.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">Once I had all my frames, I removed all the backing material from them, and laid them out on a tarp. I decided to do a chippy paint look on them, so that some of the gold would show through after sanding. I rubbed a plain white candle in random areas on each frame, and on the edges, as well as anywhere there was a raised decorative detail. Then I sprayed all the frames with Rustoleum Heirloom White spray paint. When the frames where completely dry ( at least overnight) I sanded or scratched the paint off the areas that I had rubbed with wax. The wax makes it really easy to remove the paint and show some gold , without sanding off the underlying gold colour.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">When all my frames were done, I laid a bath towel down on my dining room table. I made sure the towel was the approximate size of the area on my wall that I was hanging the collage. Then I began experimenting with different layouts. I kept rearranging the frames until I was happy with the arrangement. Then it was onto the wall to hang and admire.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Here's the finished product: </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fSsynkOyDZ4/TpJgKdl6IzI/AAAAAAAAAcs/8YCF4OjK9NE/s1600/empty+frame+collage+on+wall.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" kca="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fSsynkOyDZ4/TpJgKdl6IzI/AAAAAAAAAcs/8YCF4OjK9NE/s400/empty+frame+collage+on+wall.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sea3wkTK7tU/TpJgjQoJruI/AAAAAAAAAc0/yfhlTIv-bsA/s1600/IMG_2113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" kca="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sea3wkTK7tU/TpJgjQoJruI/AAAAAAAAAc0/yfhlTIv-bsA/s400/IMG_2113.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm pretty happy with the result, but I think I would have used a few more larger frames if I could have found some that I liked in my $5.00 per frame budget. The good thing about this project is that I can easily change up a few of the frames, or add more if I want.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Hope you like the result. Until next time.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Armellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00771355295539567010noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289936136877759175.post-84890507276326486062011-09-06T21:22:00.004-04:002012-01-21T01:48:34.920-05:00Chalk Painted Antique Sewing CabinetDon't you just love it when you finally find inspiration to makeover something that you've been struggling with ( figuratively speaking) for ages. That's exactly what happened to me last week when I was looking at a posting on facebook from Annie Sloan. She suggested we take a look at this awesome antique sewing machine makeover from " The Empty Nest"- using Annie Sloan Chalk paint, of course. Now, you'll know if you've read one of my more recent posts that I recently discovered how to make Chalk Paint myself<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> ( a quick recap on that later). I also happen to own an antique sewing machine in a cabinet, exactly like the one that " The Empty Nest" did, so I was doubly excited.<br />
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The picture below is the cabinet that inspired me- she called her "Coco", after Coco Chanel, since her cabinet doesn't have the sewing machine in it anymore, and Coco Chanel prefered hand sewing to machine sewing.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l-bZdy5CaMA/TmREYozroKI/AAAAAAAAAak/E0n_BzEgpWs/s1600/Antique+sewing+machine+inspirational+pic+%25231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l-bZdy5CaMA/TmREYozroKI/AAAAAAAAAak/E0n_BzEgpWs/s400/Antique+sewing+machine+inspirational+pic+%25231.jpg" width="400" xaa="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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I've had my sewing machine for 18 years, and never did anything to fix it up. And believe me, it was in a terrible state. It is truly an antique (about 100 years old), once belonging to a great- aunt on a farm. That sewing machine made all the clothing for a family of 12, as well as many relatives and was very well used and loved. I put it in my living room, covered the badly scratched and worn top with a crocheted runner and displayed my collection of antique flow- blue china on and over it. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hlQZqnM26MY/TmTKa0lEgyI/AAAAAAAAAaw/E4MkzMDt8Vg/s1600/Antique+Sewing+Machine+in+my+living+room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" nba="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hlQZqnM26MY/TmTKa0lEgyI/AAAAAAAAAaw/E4MkzMDt8Vg/s400/Antique+Sewing+Machine+in+my+living+room.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
Not bad, but I am totally in love with " The Empty Nest" makeover, so I decided to spend this Labour Day weekend making mine look just as awesome. My cabinet is definately in worse shape, but I was up for the challenge. First order of business was to head over to Home Depot and pick up the supplies ( or in my case just pick up the supplies after work since I work at Home Depot). <br />
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Here's what you need :<br />
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*Chalk Paint in 2 colors ( recipe will follow)<br />
Sandpaper<br />
Painter's masking tape<br />
Paint brush<br />
Flat black spray paint- I used Tremclad Rust paint<br />
Plastic drop sheets<br />
Wood glue or Weldbond ( to fix the veneer that was coming loose on my cabinet)<br />
Furniture paste wax<br />
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*Recipe for home made Chalk Paint- equal parts latex paint and Plaster of Paris.You might have to add a little water if it's too thick, which mine was, since the latex paint I had was old and had thickened up a lot. Yup, that's it. A blogger friend of mine saw my posting about making your own Gesso, which is chalk paint also, and gave me this even easier recipe. And it really works. She got the recipe from an antique dealer. Gotta love bloggers- we're very inquisitive people. Only costs $5.00 for a large box of plaster of paris and you can mix it with whatever color latex paint you want. If it get's too thick while you're painting, just keep adding water as you go to thin it to the consistency of thick cream.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Next I called my neighbour ( a Fireman) to help me carry the machine outside- LOL. It weighs a ton since the original Iron Lady sewing machine was still inside. Once she was safely on my driveway, I vacuumed cobwebs and dust off every bit of her, then I hosed her down. It was a very hot day, so the water dried really fast. I'm sure I broke some antique refinishing rules by doing this, but it's for my own personal use- so- OH WELL!!!!!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Here's what she looks like before the transformation:</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-42NgR12DLNo/TmTPJ9qgX-I/AAAAAAAAAa0/TaBqXER0yd0/s1600/Cabinet++closed+%25232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="347" nba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-42NgR12DLNo/TmTPJ9qgX-I/AAAAAAAAAa0/TaBqXER0yd0/s400/Cabinet++closed+%25232.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tzSOg5sQhds/TmTPOjOc6vI/AAAAAAAAAa4/vLnPlXZ3b3U/s1600/Sewing+Machine+Cabinet+Open+with+sewing+Machine+%25232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="332" nba="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tzSOg5sQhds/TmTPOjOc6vI/AAAAAAAAAa4/vLnPlXZ3b3U/s400/Sewing+Machine+Cabinet+Open+with+sewing+Machine+%25232.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rAzFn6u5mjs/TmTPS8mGB9I/AAAAAAAAAa8/fWxYvA5bWS4/s1600/Close-up+of+sewing+Machine.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rAzFn6u5mjs/TmTPS8mGB9I/AAAAAAAAAa8/fWxYvA5bWS4/s400/Close-up+of+sewing+Machine.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As you can see, she's in pretty rough shape, but still a very beautiful piece of nostalgia. I'll be removing the sewing machine from the cabinet and cleaning her up too, but that will be another post, so stay tuned for that.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8jf9lFCbOX8/TmTPYjliefI/AAAAAAAAAbA/aYTqL-UBaiE/s1600/Close-up+of+cabinet+top+%25232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" nba="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8jf9lFCbOX8/TmTPYjliefI/AAAAAAAAAbA/aYTqL-UBaiE/s400/Close-up+of+cabinet+top+%25232.jpg" width="395" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t7zYg8SbVX4/TmTPdKV9ubI/AAAAAAAAAbE/UJiWqkOYvTs/s1600/Cabinet+top+close-up.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nba="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t7zYg8SbVX4/TmTPdKV9ubI/AAAAAAAAAbE/UJiWqkOYvTs/s400/Cabinet+top+close-up.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">You can see how badly worn the top is, and some of the veneer is coming loose. And the iron bottom is pretty rusted.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gE3iSzBjm2Q/TmTQyeV7IAI/AAAAAAAAAbI/rqtniNsGSX4/s1600/Bottom+of+sewing+machine+after+spray+painting%25232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gE3iSzBjm2Q/TmTQyeV7IAI/AAAAAAAAAbI/rqtniNsGSX4/s400/Bottom+of+sewing+machine+after+spray+painting%25232.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">After wrapping the cabinet in a plastic drop sheet to protect it , I gave the bottom 2 coats of flat black spray paint, and it looks 100% better already. And I have to say, I absolutely love the the Rustoleum ergonomic sprayer for the spray can- it really makes spray painting easy, and saves your hands from cramping. I definately recommend it- only about $7.00 at Home Depot.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Here is what she looks like with her first coat of home-made chalk paint ( Behr Cottage White mixed with Plaster of Paris), and a piece of repurposed wood nailed over the empty space where I believe a drawer once was.</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GLVxV4giYLM/TmbBwm6JWzI/AAAAAAAAAbU/p_wqSlZs_xQ/s1600/Close-up+of+cut-out.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GLVxV4giYLM/TmbBwm6JWzI/AAAAAAAAAbU/p_wqSlZs_xQ/s400/Close-up+of+cut-out.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">I added a cut-out from some paintable wallpaper and filled the holes with spackle. I painted the drawers and edges of the cabinet, as well as the cut-outs with French Silver by Behr( also mixed with Plaster of Paris) . Then I distrressed it and waxed it with MinWax Finishing wax in natural.</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"> Lots of buffing after that.</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"> And ..................</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">VOILA!!!!!!!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nJvH47ytg40/TmbDzGlryeI/AAAAAAAAAbY/sdKR66jL2rk/s1600/Glamour+Shot+of+Cabinet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" nba="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nJvH47ytg40/TmbDzGlryeI/AAAAAAAAAbY/sdKR66jL2rk/s400/Glamour+Shot+of+Cabinet.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Meet "Mademoiselle Chloe"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I A-B-S-O-L-U-T-E-L-Y LOVE HER!!!!!!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here are some close-ups of some of the detail.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RmhNi0QhZZM/TmbEdrxI_rI/AAAAAAAAAbc/MLOa-awG1gE/s1600/Close-up+of+drawers+with+candles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" nba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RmhNi0QhZZM/TmbEdrxI_rI/AAAAAAAAAbc/MLOa-awG1gE/s400/Close-up+of+drawers+with+candles.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rrt7zxS19Vo/TmbFZT-yp6I/AAAAAAAAAb0/yuv8NXorIts/s1600/IMG_2087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" nba="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rrt7zxS19Vo/TmbFZT-yp6I/AAAAAAAAAb0/yuv8NXorIts/s400/IMG_2087.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XZxApYa_Rj4/TmbFmHM5X2I/AAAAAAAAAb4/iSIX-6UOCPY/s1600/Close-up+of+distressing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nba="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XZxApYa_Rj4/TmbFmHM5X2I/AAAAAAAAAb4/iSIX-6UOCPY/s400/Close-up+of+distressing.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-if9MnPjaL18/TmbFwQTqd7I/AAAAAAAAAb8/AH3hZoaB6os/s1600/IMG_2092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-if9MnPjaL18/TmbFwQTqd7I/AAAAAAAAAb8/AH3hZoaB6os/s400/IMG_2092.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L-nlMf5OtAc/TmbGKwrQQlI/AAAAAAAAAcA/gNAmDJuC2rU/s1600/IMG_2090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L-nlMf5OtAc/TmbGKwrQQlI/AAAAAAAAAcA/gNAmDJuC2rU/s400/IMG_2090.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">I couldn't be happier with how it turned out, and I am now a Chalk Paint lover. Of course, I will not be buying any Annie Sloan Chalk paint since it is so easy and inexpensive to make yourself. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Until next time. </div>Armellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00771355295539567010noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289936136877759175.post-39737385615287043832011-08-13T10:43:00.005-04:002011-08-14T16:38:04.666-04:00The Mystery of Chalk Paint Revealed<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Hello Everyone!<br />
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I'm really excited about a discovery I recently made. Ever since I read about this amazing Annie Sloan Chalk Paint my mind has been in overdrive trying to figure out what it is. You see, I have an art background, and I knew that there had to be a product already out there and readily available. Well, I finally figured it out with a little digging and searching through the web. It is very simply Gesso. What is Gesso you ask- it is an very old product made out of powdered chalk, glue and water, used to prime canvases prior to painting with oil or tempera paint. You can also use it as paint, as long as you "wax " over it to protect the finish. The reason that you don't have to prime before you paint with it, is that it is, in essence a primer. Primer is just glue. This contains glue. And what makes it Chalk Paint?- Chalk. Pretty simple when you think about it. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9CQtwHrji7Y/TkaJmw7ASwI/AAAAAAAAAaM/nBMAYgoTQDA/s1600/Annie+Slaon+Chalk+paint+pic.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" naa="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9CQtwHrji7Y/TkaJmw7ASwI/AAAAAAAAAaM/nBMAYgoTQDA/s1600/Annie+Slaon+Chalk+paint+pic.jpg.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Annie Sloan Chalk paint</td></tr>
</tbody></table> How did I make this discovery you ask? Well, one day I was going through some of my fav blogs and came across one where the author paints furniture with Gesso- the ready- made kind that you buy at Art and Craft stores. This type is a synthetic product made of acrylic, but still very similar to original Gesso. I thought it looked strangely like the Chalk paint, but I couldn't be sure, so I decided to Google Gesso.<br />
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To my absolute amazement, the very first web site I came across refers to Gesso as "Chalk " paint. It even gives you some very simple recipes for making your own, and you will be "shocked "at how inexpensive and easy it is to make. There are 2 different types listed- original Gesso made from Animal glue , and an imitation version made out of Chalk powder, white glue- or PVA glue ( and I mean that really cheap Elmers glue) and water. You can even add pigment to it if you want to colour it. This is the one you will want for painting your furniture, and I will add the link so everyone can see for themselves what I saw. It even lists one of Annie Sloan's books as their resource for the recipe. I really can't believe it and am still dizzy from this discovery. Anyway, <a href="http://www.earthpigments.com/finishes/gesso-chalk-paint-for-furniture.cfm">here</a> is the link to the website, and happy experimenting with your own inexpensive "Chalk" paint.<br />
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Here is a snippet of the article just so you all know that I am "serious", and not just "delusional".<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IH4_T0YjDAM/TkaMWH4RPFI/AAAAAAAAAaY/V_Gx44NEzFs/s1600/Imitation+Chalk+paint+article.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" naa="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IH4_T0YjDAM/TkaMWH4RPFI/AAAAAAAAAaY/V_Gx44NEzFs/s400/Imitation+Chalk+paint+article.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Now I realize some of you won't want to go to the bother of making your own, and kudos to Annie Sloan for coming up with a way of making money from a very inexpensive product that has been around for centuries, but I for one will not be paying the outrageous price now that I know what it is. I am going to make my own, and experiment - you see there are very many different methods and ways of making Gesso. I take it as a challenge. <br />
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Until next time. Au Revoir.<br />
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This is an update to this post: Late last night I decided to give making this a try. I just couldn't wait. Now the only things I had were reguar chalk sticks ( the kind you use to write on blackboards) and Weldbond white glue. Since it was only an experiment, I decided to make a small quantity. I ground up the chalk with a mortar and pestal until it was very fine, added an equal amount of glue, and water and stirred. I didn't get the chalk as finely ground as I would have liked, but that's okay because for the real thing I will buy chalk powder from Home Depot. Then I colored it a pretty blue with a small amount of water color paint. It was a little runny, so I added more chalk and glue and painted it onto a scrap piece of board. I let it dry over night, and this morning I tried sanding it.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" naa="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZbaJVJhZmEo/TkgxgXk6KyI/AAAAAAAAAag/SeRBIAWd0_4/s400/sample+of+homemade+chalk+paint.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="396" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sample board with homemade chalk paint- after sanding and waxing.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"> Turns out the Weldbond is just too hard to use as the glue in this mix, but it looks really good. I was able to sand it with a palm sander, but it was too rigid to sand by hand, so I will use regular Elmer's white glue in the actual product. I didn't have any paste wax, so I rubbed the surface with an old white candle and buffed it with a cloth. It looks great. Now I know I can go out and buy all the right ingredients and make this paint really easily for my next furniture project. I just knew that with a little investigating I would figure this out. Yahoo!!!!!!!!!!</div>Armellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00771355295539567010noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289936136877759175.post-746372880055266672011-08-07T21:33:00.002-04:002011-08-07T21:38:30.479-04:00Vintage Shabby Chic Signs - Part 2Latey I've really gotten into making these cute vintage looking signs. This time I made a French inspired "Patisserrie" sign :<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C5qYNaXKix4/Tj8ra6YScAI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/JOjYknxZuTA/s1600/IMG_2033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C5qYNaXKix4/Tj8ra6YScAI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/JOjYknxZuTA/s400/IMG_2033.JPG" t$="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SHB5Ig1I11A/Tj8sLYlv3PI/AAAAAAAAAZo/OmQFhCbTyWQ/s1600/Patesserie+sign+%25234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SHB5Ig1I11A/Tj8sLYlv3PI/AAAAAAAAAZo/OmQFhCbTyWQ/s400/Patesserie+sign+%25234.jpg" t$="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close-up detail</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close-up detail</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close-up detail</td></tr>
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And this " Antiques" sign.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bK_3BoQDj7E/Tj87THNgTCI/AAAAAAAAAZs/prgds6-ULr8/s1600/Antiques+sign+%25233jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bK_3BoQDj7E/Tj87THNgTCI/AAAAAAAAAZs/prgds6-ULr8/s400/Antiques+sign+%25233jpg.jpg" t$="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tRqCAmP9PdE/Tj87Wv7D6iI/AAAAAAAAAZw/YJitc5EOVIY/s1600/Antiques+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tRqCAmP9PdE/Tj87Wv7D6iI/AAAAAAAAAZw/YJitc5EOVIY/s400/Antiques+sign.jpg" t$="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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I just love how they turned out, and they were really easy. Oh, and it only cost me $5.00. I'll give you a quick tutorial, so you can make your very own. <br />
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Here are the supplies you'll need:<br />
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Wood in your desired size and shape ( I got mine for free from the scrap pile at Home Depot).<br />
Wood applique's in scrolly shape( for the Pattesserie sign).<br />
Wood glue.<br />
Acylic or latex paint in Raw Umber and Sage Green.<br />
Sand paper, and palm sander.<br />
Faux finish medium ( optional)<br />
Spray paint in Heirloom White<br />
Drop cloth.<br />
An old white candle.<br />
Paint brushes- a foam one for coating the board and a fine one for the lettering.<br />
Old toothbrush.<br />
Hammer or screwdriver.<br />
Stencil or font from the computer.<br />
Lead pencil or charcoal stick.<br />
Chain for hanging.<br />
2 metal cup hooks or eyelets.<br />
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The first thing I did was go to my local Home Depot and look for the roughest piece of wood I could find from their scrap pile. The one I found had a nice big crack in it, so it was perfect for the antique/shabby chic look I was going for. They will let you have them for free if you ask, as long as you're not greedy- they let me take 2 at a time. Of course, you can use any board cut to size, but rough wood looks best. Then I bought a set of 2 decorative scrolly appliques for about $5.00. This was the only thing I had to buy, as I already had all the other supplies on hand. For the " Antiques " sign, I used a scrap piece of beadboard that I had left over from a previous project.<br />
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Next I used my palm sander to take off the splinters and round the corners a bit. Then glued the scrolly wood appliques to the top of the wood. You could also put some on the bottom if you wanted. Once the glue is dry, paint the whole front with the raw umber paint. Let dry thoroughly. Next take your old wax candle and rub it in random places on the edges and front of the board. Wherever you put the wax, you will later sand off the light paint and it will look chippy and cracked, and show the dark umber paint below. Then take the board, and chain outside and spray with 2 or 3 coats of Heirllom White spray paint. Use the drop cloth to protect your surface. Let this dry very well- at least 12 hours, or more if you can stand to wait.<br />
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Once the spray paint is dry, transfer your selected font onto the front of the board. If you're using a stencil, just use a stencil brush and light swirl the paint. Build up the layers slowly- 2 or 3 will be sufficient, as you will sand most of it off later. If you're using a font from your computer, as I did, print out your caption and size it. On the back side of the paper, rub the entire surface with the lead pencil or charcoal stick. Center the caption on your board and then using a lead pencil, trace around the outline of your letters. The rubbed pencil/charcoal acts like carbon paper. Now carefully paint the lettering with the sage green paint. I used 2 coats, letting it dry in between. If you make any mistakes, you can take a damp Q-tip and clean up the edges of the paint. It's really cool- it's almost like a mini paint eraser, and you can even go back and clean up edges that are almost dry. Let your lettering dry- I used acrylic paint, so it dried really quickly. <br />
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Now you're ready to distress. Take a hammer or screw driver and hit the board in random places to create dents- don't go overboard unless you really need to take out some " pent up frustations". Then go over the entire board with sand paper- go lightly at first, and then build up pressure where you want more distressing. The more you sand, the more faded your letters will be. And all the places where you rubbed wax previously will come off really easily and leave some nice dark spots. The thicker the wax, the more chippy it will look. If you're happy with the look, you can stop there.<br />
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I decided to add more layers of distressing by mixing more raw umber paint with faux finish medium and painting it over the entire surface. Then before it dries, take an old T-shirt rage that is wet and wrung out, and wipe over the surface. This will leave glaze in the cracks and dents and look aged. Let this dry. Then , if you want even more texture, take some plain water and mix it with the green and raw umber paint ( separately). Dip the old toothbrush in the paint, and then using your thumb, drag over the bristles of the toothbrush, and fine droplets of paint will spray onto the board. You might want to practice on a piece of paper first for this effect. Let dry again.<br />
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Now you're ready to hang. Srew in the cup hook or eyelets, then attach the chain. Voila!!! A beautiful vintage/shabby chic sign for next to nothing.<br />
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Hope you enjoyed this tutorial.Armellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00771355295539567010noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289936136877759175.post-613983456061580732011-07-28T16:04:00.001-04:002011-07-28T16:08:14.685-04:00Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Canada<span id="goog_1496320103"></span><span id="goog_1496320104"></span>It's finally available in Canada, and more to the point, in Southern Ontario- that amazing paint that everyone in blogland has been talking about- Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. And the funniest thing is, the store that carries it is located in Bath near Kingston, Ontario, just minutes from where my husband's family live - in fact, the store is on the same road that his brother and sister-in-law live on, and where his family home was, and still is located . Is this not a small world ???? I've been trying to decide if I wanted to spend the money to order it and have it shipped from New Jersey, which was the closest location to me I could find, but now that problem is solved. If you wait long enough, good things usually happpen.<br />
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I know, I know, stop talking already and tell us where it is. The store is called The Melon Patch, and here's the link to the web-site and Blog <a href="http://www.themelonpatch.com/">here</a>.<br />
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Now, unfortunately, I live 2 hours away in Toronto, but, it's still better then having to order it from the States and having it shipped across the border. I can just have one of my family members pick up the paint for me and get it when I go to visit- I'm so excited to try it out. I've already pre-ordered some paint and wax- they sold out of the Old White in just one week, and the owner of the store-Elizabeth is going to email me when it arrives.<br />
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Here are some pictures that I borrowed from the Melon Patch Blog, of finished items using the paint.<br />
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<div align="left">I can't wait to show some pictures of my own items once I get the paint. I hope all you bloggers in Canada will check out the Melon Patch site and blog- they will ship anywhere in the world. And I hope this little bit of information will be of help to a lot of people.</div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">Until next time. Au Revoir!!!!!</div><div align="left"><br />
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</div>Armellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00771355295539567010noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289936136877759175.post-39099098245514438382011-07-09T00:11:00.002-04:002011-07-28T16:07:03.114-04:00Shabby Chic Beadboard Sign DIY.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Well, I've been very busy with my new job, so I haven't had time to make any entries for quite a while, but I did manage to make some cute vintage-look beadboard signs over the last month. I had lots of extra beadboard left over from my Armoire makeover. I've always loved vintage signs and have wanted to do a project like this for a while now. Here are the photos of the finished signs in my garden, and home , and then I'll give you a breakdown of the items you need to DIY these yourself, and a quick tutorial. They're really easy and fun to do. The possibilities are endless- just let your imagination and creativity guide you.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NXhT8b33t7E/ThfAMP0O6fI/AAAAAAAAAYc/t1Cfe5bmaf0/s1600/Le+Jardin+%25231.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="135" m$="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NXhT8b33t7E/ThfAMP0O6fI/AAAAAAAAAYc/t1Cfe5bmaf0/s400/Le+Jardin+%25231.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qMzZUExBqVw/ThfAWfquRfI/AAAAAAAAAYk/SMrDcS0WH28/s1600/IMG_1970.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" m$="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qMzZUExBqVw/ThfAWfquRfI/AAAAAAAAAYk/SMrDcS0WH28/s400/IMG_1970.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the garden</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ulaDpLNLY5A/ThfAodVJ0KI/AAAAAAAAAYs/8-O6vao3YrM/s1600/Le+Jardin+in+the+bedroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="251" m$="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ulaDpLNLY5A/ThfAodVJ0KI/AAAAAAAAAYs/8-O6vao3YrM/s400/Le+Jardin+in+the+bedroom.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Le Jardin Sign</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7cdbpwWmBMc/ThfAuS49k5I/AAAAAAAAAYw/QXVmOAevaZs/s1600/Le+Jardin+close-up+%25232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="171" m$="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7cdbpwWmBMc/ThfAuS49k5I/AAAAAAAAAYw/QXVmOAevaZs/s400/Le+Jardin+close-up+%25232.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close-up of detail.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-722V7qHkMxQ/The_wnBfmWI/AAAAAAAAAYU/xtFVxZ3yBSQ/s1600/Rue+des+Violets+%25233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" m$="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-722V7qHkMxQ/The_wnBfmWI/AAAAAAAAAYU/xtFVxZ3yBSQ/s400/Rue+des+Violets+%25233.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AloiXc5Hy-w/The__ooRajI/AAAAAAAAAYY/AZ6iSxziDbE/s1600/Rue+des+violets+%25234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" m$="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AloiXc5Hy-w/The__ooRajI/AAAAAAAAAYY/AZ6iSxziDbE/s400/Rue+des+violets+%25234.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YP4Y16gzh00/ThfBJ_0JLyI/AAAAAAAAAY4/-Sb9uxUI2z4/s1600/close-up+of+crackle+detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" m$="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YP4Y16gzh00/ThfBJ_0JLyI/AAAAAAAAAY4/-Sb9uxUI2z4/s400/close-up+of+crackle+detail.jpg" width="316" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close-up of crackle detail<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fePCPY8eT5k/ThfBOVreIVI/AAAAAAAAAY8/JYH7fbnesAg/s1600/close-up+of+rosemary+detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" m$="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fePCPY8eT5k/ThfBOVreIVI/AAAAAAAAAY8/JYH7fbnesAg/s400/close-up+of+rosemary+detail.jpg" width="365" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close-up of painted and distressed detail<br />
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</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_yTvZeZ4Z5o/ThfBVy23CJI/AAAAAAAAAZA/KCEycZ5JhVA/s1600/Laundry+Sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" m$="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_yTvZeZ4Z5o/ThfBVy23CJI/AAAAAAAAAZA/KCEycZ5JhVA/s400/Laundry+Sign.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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Here's a list of what you'll need to complete these projects:<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">Beadboard or wood in desired size</div><div style="text-align: left;">Acrylic or latex paint ( One dark and one light if you plan on doing the crackle effect)</div><div style="text-align: left;">Paint brushes- foam or bristle</div><div style="text-align: left;">Stencil brush</div><div style="text-align: left;">Lead pencil</div><div style="text-align: left;">Antiquing medium or glaze</div><div style="text-align: left;">Old tee-shirt rags</div><div style="text-align: left;">Raw umber or other dark brown color acrylic paint ( to mix with antiquing medium)</div><div style="text-align: left;">Crackle medium</div><div style="text-align: left;">Stencil or font from computer ( for lettering)</div><div style="text-align: left;">Images from computer ( for Rosemary and Lavendar images)</div><div style="text-align: left;">Sandpaper ( and palm sander if you want0</div><div style="text-align: left;">Hammer or screwdriver</div><div style="text-align: left;">Decorative upholstery tacks</div><div style="text-align: left;">Matt acrylic sealer - spray or brush on.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Twine or ribbon for hanging</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I used pine beadboard for my project and acrylic craft paint, so I didn't need to prime the wood beforehand. Once you decide on the size, sand the edges of the wood or beadboard for a worn , soft look. Then brush with one or 2 coats of paint. If you plan on doing a crackle effect, use a dark coat first, let dry, then coat with crackle medium- all over or just in small areas as I did on my large Rosemary and Lavendar sign. Once the crackle medium is dry, brush on a light color over the crackle medium and the cracks will begin to show almost immediately. The thicker the paint, the larger the cracks. It's really important to only brush once over the crackle medium, or it won't work, so I suggest practicing on a scrap first until you get the hang of it. Of course, you can skip this step if you want, and it still looks good. Let the paint dry thoroughly. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">If you're using a stencil, dip the stencil brush in the dark acrylic or latex paint, and rub most of it off onto a paper towel. Then using a swirling motion, and barely any paint, fill in the stencil letters. This will give it a soft, worn look. If you want to use a font from the computer, you'll have to do a few extra steps. Once you have the lettering the way you want it, rub the back side of the paper all over with the side of the pencil, then place your lettering on the painted board and trace the lettering. This acts like carbon paper, and you'll get an outline of the lettering. Then usung a small craft brush, carefully paint the lettering. Don't worry if you don't get it perfect, because you're going to sand it and distress it later, and it will all get worn down anyway. Let your lettering dry. If you want to add any other decorative stencils or hand painted details, do this now as well. Let dry.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Now for the fun part. Take a hammer or srewdriver and start hitting the wood anywhere you want to create dents and crevices. You can even use a metal chain. It's a good time to get some of your pent-up frustrations out. Go as crazy as you want - or not - whatever you like. Anywhere you have a dent will get filled in with antiquing medium later, and take on an aged look- like dirt has collected over time. When you're happy with your dents, or have all your frustations out, mix your antiquing medium with the raw umber paint, at a rate of 4 parts antiquing medium to 1 part paint. You don't need a lot, so don't mix up too much. Paint over the whole sign with the antiquing medium,using a foam brush, and then using a damp t-shirt rag, wipe off most of the antiquing medium, using a light circular motion. Wherever you have a depression in the wood, the dark color will stay, and the raised parts will get wiped almost clean. The harder you wipe, the cleaner it will get. You may have to rinse of the rag a few times and keep working it until you get the look you want. If you take too much off, you can always go back and add more. Once you're happy with the effect, let it dry several hours or over night. Now , sand the edges and corners, as well as some sections on the actual sign. If you have hand painted any areas, make sure you go over them so they look aged and worn.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">If you are using the decorative upholstery tacks, hammer them in where ever you want them. If the tacks are too long, you can cut off some of the pointed end with wire cutters, hammer them into the wood, and then reinforce them with hot glue or carpenters glue. Once everthing is the way you like it, spray the whole thing with acrylic sealer and let dry. I used garden twine to hang my signs for a rustic look, but you could also use ribbon or picture hangers. Or just lean it against a wall.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">That's it. Enjoy and have fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Armellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664846680038117784noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289936136877759175.post-6191847465053385362011-05-04T17:07:00.001-04:002011-05-04T17:08:20.551-04:00Rustic Wreath- Quick and Easy DIY ProjectThis is just a quick post on a very quick and easy DIY project that I did this afternoon. It literally took less then half an hour. I wanted a rustic wreath to hang on the front of my Shabby Chic Armoire that I made for my bedroom, but I couldn't find anything that I liked at any of my usual stores- Homesense or Michaels. So I decided to make my own. I happened to have a mini grape-vine wreath that I had made a Christmas mobile with, and it already had some branches with off-white sparkly berries on it. I really didn't want the sparkly berries, so I used a sea sponge and some sage green craft paint to cover them lightly with paint. I hot glued a few more of the same same berry covered branches onto the wreath ( I had some left over from a previous project).<br />
I like the simplicity of the wreath, and the front of the armoire just needed a little something.<br />
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</div><div align="left">The next thing I did was made a wreath hanger with a simple piece of fabric that I ripped into a long piece, a piece of co-ordinating organza ribbon and three strands of jute cord. I just layed all the layers together and wrapped them around the wreath and hung it from the back of the armoire door. That's it- it didn't cost me a thing, and took less then 30 minutes to make. That's my kind of project. Here's a few more pics so you can see the hanging apparatus.</div><div align="left"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YqqSj-we1xE/TcG8cvFpcQI/AAAAAAAAASA/jrMWHtphTmA/s1600/IMG_1953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" j8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YqqSj-we1xE/TcG8cvFpcQI/AAAAAAAAASA/jrMWHtphTmA/s400/IMG_1953.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's some more pictures of the entire armoire with the wreath. I think you'll agree that it looks more finished with the wreath on it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hope you like it. I know I do.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Until next time- Au Revoir.</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>Armellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664846680038117784noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289936136877759175.post-4414586567259673002011-04-25T18:01:00.002-04:002011-05-05T19:41:29.175-04:00Shabby Chic Armoire Makeover- Part 3 ( The Inside )As promised, here is the third and final installment of my Shabby Chic Trash-to-Treasure Armoire makeover. I had to do three postings because it was such a long project, and I didn't want anyone to get bored with too much reading. To see the first 2 parts, click <a href="http://lavievintagebleu.blogspot.com/2011/04/trash-to-treasures-armoire-makeover.html">here</a>. I must say though, it turned out really cute- even my husband was impressed- he actually put his arms around it and gave it a hug and a kiss, and told me he loved it ( he's a super funny guy and makes me laugh all the time). Anyways, I'll get right to the good stuff- pictures of what I did to the interior of the armoire.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1MrYMtxi_6E/TbXgD7WBqoI/AAAAAAAAAPk/DZt0volQuI0/s1600/Armoire+in+Bedroom+%25232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" i8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1MrYMtxi_6E/TbXgD7WBqoI/AAAAAAAAAPk/DZt0volQuI0/s400/Armoire+in+Bedroom+%25232.jpg" width="275" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's a shot of it set up in my bedroom. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's a picture of the old armoire that I had in my bedroom to show you how much cuter the new one is:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">What a H-U-G-E improvement, if I do say so myself.</div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">So here are the steps I took to make the inside look as good as the outside :</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zMr96f9pJhU/TbXigAGx5iI/AAAAAAAAAP0/97stKvKYXgs/s1600/IMG_1836.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" i8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zMr96f9pJhU/TbXigAGx5iI/AAAAAAAAAP0/97stKvKYXgs/s400/IMG_1836.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">If you look closely at the inside of the armoire, there are recessed panels already inside, and I thought it would be really cute to put fabric covered panels inside. So I went to the grocery store and collected cardboard boxes, cut them to size, and used masking tape to attach the fabric to the panels. I found a really cute sage green and beige striped fabic at Fabricland- it almost looks like a vintage ticking fabric.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">Next, I hot glued the panels to the recessed areas in the armoire.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div align="left" style="text-align: left;">I also added a fabric covered board to the bottom drawer:</div><div align="left" style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For the front door, I bought a piece of foam- core, wrapped it in felt, and then wrapped the fabric around that. I hot-glued this to the upper inside portion of the door, and put another fabric covered panel to the lower portion of the door. Then I used decorative upholstery tacks to the edges for extra hold, and a more decorative touch. I'm going to hang my long chains and dangly earrings on this panel.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">I added a Shabby Chic white mirror to the inside of the door as well. I already had the mirror, and I think it looks cute tied with a fabric bow.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div align="left" style="text-align: left;">The armoire already had a hanging bar, but I added two shelves that I had cut to size from 1/4 inch MDF board that I painted .</div><div align="left" style="text-align: left;"><br />
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I'm storing all my accessories in this armoire,and I still have tons of room left. Now I can actually get to all my different purses without having to pull a big box out from under my bed.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The bottom drawer is for my "jammies".</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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And finally, I couldn't resist a few "glamour" shots that I styled with some of my jewellery.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o1XCQIOFXCU/TbXrIkvSM1I/AAAAAAAAARY/IRevJhxwSmw/s1600/top+drawer.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" i8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o1XCQIOFXCU/TbXrIkvSM1I/AAAAAAAAARY/IRevJhxwSmw/s400/top+drawer.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These are some of my faux pearl pieces.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FW8ULd_WVi8/TbXsfgOOpUI/AAAAAAAAARc/7Ql2R_7MGJ4/s1600/IMG_1937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" i8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FW8ULd_WVi8/TbXsfgOOpUI/AAAAAAAAARc/7Ql2R_7MGJ4/s400/IMG_1937.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is my wedding jewellery.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And finally:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I12VRl_qN1Q/TbXs-ZpzyUI/AAAAAAAAARk/b7bQT9NSDBs/s1600/Armoire+with+robe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" i8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I12VRl_qN1Q/TbXs-ZpzyUI/AAAAAAAAARk/b7bQT9NSDBs/s400/Armoire+with+robe.jpg" width="285" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is my spa bathrobe that I made with 100% cotton waffle weave fabric, and a contrasting piping trim. I'll be doing a more detailed posting on this soon, so be sure to check back for that.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Well that's it for this baby- I hope you enjoyed reading about it as much as I enjoyed creating and posting about it. Until next time- Au Revoir.</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div>Armellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664846680038117784noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289936136877759175.post-38888441182086145992011-04-11T19:16:00.011-04:002011-04-13T17:27:27.296-04:00Shabby- Chic White Armoire Makeover - Part 2 ( The Reveal)As promised, here is the final reveal of my armoire makeover. As some of you will remember, my husband found this vintage wardrobe/armoire left out at the end of a neighbours driveway in February. We brought it home and I have been giving it a complete makeover. It actually ended up being a lot more work then I had anticipated, but the final result was well worth it. I just love how it turned out. Here's a recap on how the armoire looked when we found it:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U3UCWN0JVXk/TaDI6Qw5jSI/AAAAAAAAAME/gkrHTfROiig/s1600/Before.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U3UCWN0JVXk/TaDI6Qw5jSI/AAAAAAAAAME/gkrHTfROiig/s400/Before.JPG" width="227" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before.</td></tr>
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<div align="left">It had a funny old-wood smell to it- not moldy or musty- but just old, and I'm happy to announce that I finally got rid of the smell. I tried everything- baking soda, coffee grounds, vinegar wash, mild bleach wash. None of these solutions worked. Finally I coated the entire interior with Bin primer ( this is a shellac based primer that seals in odours and stains). This got rid of the old-wood smell, but left a strong shellac odour which I really didn't want in my bedroom. I have left it airing for several weeks, and finally added two lavendar sachets-one in the bottom drawer and one hanging in the main compartment. Finally, it is suitable for putting into my room. I decided to use it as an accessory armoire, and put some really pretty details on the inside. So now , down to business, and here are the final steps I did to get it looking great. You can see Part 1 <a href="http://lavievintagebleu.blogspot.com/2011/03/white-shabby-chic-armoire-another-trash.html"><span style="color: #134f5c;">here</span></a><span style="color: #134f5c;">.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gU8-BLFWGJw/TaOMcS-iJbI/AAAAAAAAANc/fh88fuKMCd0/s1600/IMG_1922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gU8-BLFWGJw/TaOMcS-iJbI/AAAAAAAAANc/fh88fuKMCd0/s400/IMG_1922.JPG" width="241" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After<br />
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</tbody></table>This is the end result, and I will post all the steps on how I got this look, immediately following, for those of you who are interested.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pYD1UoDgUoU/TaN-X27qE0I/AAAAAAAAAMY/UzKcmRp5xKY/s1600/IMG_1852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pYD1UoDgUoU/TaN-X27qE0I/AAAAAAAAAMY/UzKcmRp5xKY/s400/IMG_1852.JPG" width="235" /></a></td></tr>
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's the front view before I added the glazing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YTRRNb7cFrU/TaN9781JJ-I/AAAAAAAAAMU/SnE3rnIcZCs/s1600/IMG_1843.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YTRRNb7cFrU/TaN9781JJ-I/AAAAAAAAAMU/SnE3rnIcZCs/s400/IMG_1843.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">This is a view of the top side panel, before I added the final glaze.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I used Behr Faux Glazing Medium and Behr Ultra latex paint in a flat sheen, both from Home Depot. The color is called Bear Rug, and the code is S-G-790, for anyone that's interested. I bought a sample size, since you really need very little paint for the glaze. The ratio is about 3-4 parts glazing medium to 1 part paint.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0zulJiE7mLs/TaOBQ6QpiHI/AAAAAAAAAMg/ElZ4uaxxwlk/s1600/IMG_1860.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0zulJiE7mLs/TaOBQ6QpiHI/AAAAAAAAAMg/ElZ4uaxxwlk/s400/IMG_1860.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">First you brush on a layer of the glaze.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iRuB3vAys_4/TaOBf6kBVSI/AAAAAAAAAMk/qUza10XX1sM/s1600/IMG_1861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iRuB3vAys_4/TaOBf6kBVSI/AAAAAAAAAMk/qUza10XX1sM/s400/IMG_1861.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then you wipe off most of it with a damp, soft cloth. The glaze stays in the cracks and crevices of the beadboard, as well as the areas the I distressed with a hammer. It also gives the piece an old worn look, which is the look I was going for.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UczE5Hwelyc/TaOCRZr0voI/AAAAAAAAAMo/TXtJlWoUApI/s1600/IMG_1862.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UczE5Hwelyc/TaOCRZr0voI/AAAAAAAAAMo/TXtJlWoUApI/s400/IMG_1862.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's another close-up of the glaze before it's all wiped off.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6RGvTuXH9fE/TaOCx0_mweI/AAAAAAAAAMw/HclKXn1EDpg/s1600/IMG_1870.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6RGvTuXH9fE/TaOCx0_mweI/AAAAAAAAAMw/HclKXn1EDpg/s400/IMG_1870.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div align="center">I used a small foam brush to get the glaze right into the crevices.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qNpKqLHKePA/TaOC2Uc9TmI/AAAAAAAAAM0/AoMBcIdBsk4/s1600/IMG_1872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qNpKqLHKePA/TaOC2Uc9TmI/AAAAAAAAAM0/AoMBcIdBsk4/s400/IMG_1872.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I used a piece of the scrap dowel inside my damp cloth to get some more of the glaze out of the cracks, as I didn't want it to be too dark.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qIxBWbhKGRQ/TaODB-T-8PI/AAAAAAAAAM8/zRCIsiOl1M0/s1600/IMG_1874.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qIxBWbhKGRQ/TaODB-T-8PI/AAAAAAAAAM8/zRCIsiOl1M0/s400/IMG_1874.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Keep wiping off the excess until you get the look you want.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-800KK0Q35s8/TaOClMSHhdI/AAAAAAAAAMs/GRfDw7OHPeQ/s1600/IMG_1863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-800KK0Q35s8/TaOClMSHhdI/AAAAAAAAAMs/GRfDw7OHPeQ/s400/IMG_1863.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's a close-up of the bead- board side panel. The trim around the panels is just wooden dowels that I cut with a saw and mitre box. The dowels mimic the bead in the bead-board, and are very inexpensive and easy to cut. I just glued the cut dowels around the edges with Weldbond glue and let it dry over- night with painters masking tape to hold it in place.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z_J738pDW8A/TaODFOTXBvI/AAAAAAAAANA/WMpI7IuRwnE/s1600/IMG_1877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z_J738pDW8A/TaODFOTXBvI/AAAAAAAAANA/WMpI7IuRwnE/s400/IMG_1877.JPG" width="270" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vT-JdrVrCUk/TaODKGc1D6I/AAAAAAAAANE/7zhq7lUPHw0/s1600/IMG_1878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vT-JdrVrCUk/TaODKGc1D6I/AAAAAAAAANE/7zhq7lUPHw0/s400/IMG_1878.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here are some more side views after I had wiped off most of the glaze.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qAqDIqm5hpM/TaODh0XphCI/AAAAAAAAANU/lQzNToy6pj0/s1600/IMG_1924.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qAqDIqm5hpM/TaODh0XphCI/AAAAAAAAANU/lQzNToy6pj0/s400/IMG_1924.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's a close-up of the door with some good views of the distressing that I did with a palm sander and some glaze wiped over it. I bought the crystal knobs at Home Depot as well. I had originally intended to use some vintage crystal door knobs from my husbands old family home, but I couldn't find an economical way to convert them into pull knobs. These ones cost about $4.00 each and I like the added sparkle of a little "bling" on my new armoire.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FBWq0w3To2k/TaODQzg-0yI/AAAAAAAAANI/kLuLLALeBrM/s1600/IMG_1913.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FBWq0w3To2k/TaODQzg-0yI/AAAAAAAAANI/kLuLLALeBrM/s400/IMG_1913.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gWjaKSOT2Wg/TaODV-RDk_I/AAAAAAAAANM/kA_c_rSyXqs/s1600/IMG_1914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="345" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gWjaKSOT2Wg/TaODV-RDk_I/AAAAAAAAANM/kA_c_rSyXqs/s400/IMG_1914.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's the bottom drawer, with close-ups of the wooden applique's that I added and the crystal pull knobs.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's a last look at the before and after:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M7M-l5PddpA/TaOIY2RG9eI/AAAAAAAAANY/I3nT1rkqnhE/s1600/Before.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M7M-l5PddpA/TaOIY2RG9eI/AAAAAAAAANY/I3nT1rkqnhE/s400/Before.JPG" width="227" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3nOTZjBeCx4/TaN9X8p3ZFI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/bQ3BBjFhowA/s1600/IMG_1921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3nOTZjBeCx4/TaN9X8p3ZFI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/bQ3BBjFhowA/s400/IMG_1921.JPG" width="241" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Well, I hope you've enjoyed the process so far ( I say so far, because I have even more to reveal with the inside of the armoire). I did something extra- special on the inside, but you'll have to come back to see that in my next posting. Otherwise, the posting would have been w-a-a-a-y too long. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Until next time. Au Revoir.</div>Armellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664846680038117784noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289936136877759175.post-11281195167285942012011-04-01T23:15:00.001-04:002011-04-03T00:14:21.740-04:00My Country/Cottage Guest BedroomI haven't posted in over a week- I just started a new job, and I have to start at 6:00 a.m., so I've been very busy and very exhausted. I have to get used to a whole new schedule, after being a stay- at- home wife for a year. Don't get me wrong, I loved being at home and doing all the projects and things that I just never had the time or energy for, when I was a Retail Manager, but I really missed the social interaction and of course, the money is an added bonus. I am working on the Merchandise Execution Team for Home Depot-<br />
( this is there own in-store team of reps, that service different departments within the store). The great thing is, it's Mon - Fri, no nights or weekends ( yippee!!!!) Anyways, that's why I haven't had time to post anything until now.<br />
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This week, I'm going to do a post, mostly pictures, of one of my decorating projects from several years ago. We have a basement apartment in our house, which we used to rent out, but now we use the extra space for ourselves. I have my art studio/sewing room/craft room, in what used to be the kitchen, a<br />
rec- room ( yet to be remodeled), a spare bathroom ( which my husband was banished to, as soon as it became vacant- I think separate bathrooms is a great thing in a marriage), and a second guest bedroom. <br />
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The spare bedroom in the basement has gone through many transformations over the years- I lived in the basement apartment many years ago, and it was painted a bright turquoise blue ( this was in style in the early 1990's). Before that, is was white, with little butterflies cut out of wallpaper , pasted all over the walls. This was not my decorating idea, but that of the former owner ( I'm sure it was a little girls room). Then it went back to white, after we rented it out to a nice young man ( turquoise just wasn't his thing- I wonder why?) When we finally stopped renting out the basement, I had a great time decorating this bedroom- I decided on a cute country/cottage theme, in cream and shades of blue. Unfortunately, I don't have any before pictures, but I'll share the after pictures with you here:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kYMsPM90ABM/TZaFXTKx0XI/AAAAAAAAALI/tKsRKofvxLM/s1600/IMG_1904.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kYMsPM90ABM/TZaFXTKx0XI/AAAAAAAAALI/tKsRKofvxLM/s400/IMG_1904.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The bed in this room was my first ever trash-to-treasures project. My husband found the bed, abandoned at a favourite walking spot in the valley near our home. He came home one day and told me there was a wrought- iron bed just left in the field- it was dark green at the time, and only had 3 of the 4 finials. I told him to bring it home, and I new right away I wanted to spray paint it in a nice creamy white. It took two cans of spray paint, because I didn't use a primer on it (I've since learned that you can save lots of time and money by using a spray primer first). It was so dark, I didn't think I'd ever get it covered, but it turned out pretty good for a free headboard and footboard. Then we bought a really inexpensive wooden frame and mattress from Ikea, and bolted the headboard and footboard to it. It's actually a really comfortable bed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mnscRRrVkG0/TZaFZtEgn8I/AAAAAAAAALM/ckAAcw2hMU4/s1600/IMG_1888.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="372" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mnscRRrVkG0/TZaFZtEgn8I/AAAAAAAAALM/ckAAcw2hMU4/s400/IMG_1888.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p2nWxXsYU84/TZaFci_wSDI/AAAAAAAAALQ/9D3PdgE8aWU/s1600/IMG_1891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p2nWxXsYU84/TZaFci_wSDI/AAAAAAAAALQ/9D3PdgE8aWU/s400/IMG_1891.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZeN4i2zURgg/TZaFqxla1iI/AAAAAAAAALU/a3ByFeaQRto/s1600/IMG_1896.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZeN4i2zURgg/TZaFqxla1iI/AAAAAAAAALU/a3ByFeaQRto/s400/IMG_1896.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I bought the quilted bedspread at Sears for $70.00, and made all the decorative cushions myself. The front one is a very recent faux grain- sack cushion that I made with canvas and acrylic paint just last week. The little side table is a wooden t.v. tray from Ikea as well.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lrK-GJx9yyA/TZaKQm0lTfI/AAAAAAAAALc/cPgVg1vap6E/s1600/IMG_1892.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lrK-GJx9yyA/TZaKQm0lTfI/AAAAAAAAALc/cPgVg1vap6E/s400/IMG_1892.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The rocking chair was mine, as a young girl, and I added a wooden applique, and stencil to the top. I also distressed it, and made the plaid cushion for the seat. The cute painted sheep and cow on the back wall are two of my original acrylic paintings.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DVAvfmrqbIA/TZaLc7ycKCI/AAAAAAAAAL8/QrS8yt9RXNg/s1600/IMG_1894.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DVAvfmrqbIA/TZaLc7ycKCI/AAAAAAAAAL8/QrS8yt9RXNg/s400/IMG_1894.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The room is quite small, so I had to take pictures from all different angles to get a good view of everything.</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jLR-L5wurU8/TZaKqiLqAlI/AAAAAAAAALg/38fXCy4B0Uo/s1600/IMG_1893.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jLR-L5wurU8/TZaKqiLqAlI/AAAAAAAAALg/38fXCy4B0Uo/s400/IMG_1893.JPG" width="288" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The wicker chest is from Pier One Imports, the frame leaning against the wall was made by me from decorative molding I bought at Home Depot. I painted it blue, then dry brushed a cream color over it. I also love the cute mirror from Winners/Homesense.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0zyiIyeGMKY/TZaKtpjMRYI/AAAAAAAAALk/rj1XBTFRKSA/s1600/IMG_1895.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0zyiIyeGMKY/TZaKtpjMRYI/AAAAAAAAALk/rj1XBTFRKSA/s400/IMG_1895.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One of the best features of this room is the wall-to-wall, built in closet. It's way bigger then the one in my master bedroom, and therefore, I use this for storing off-season clothing, and other items.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sxIpeyffLTE/TZaK4RBTenI/AAAAAAAAALw/vsuSRwLpCFk/s1600/IMG_1900.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sxIpeyffLTE/TZaK4RBTenI/AAAAAAAAALw/vsuSRwLpCFk/s400/IMG_1900.JPG" width="290" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here's a better look at the side table, and I keep a wicker basket with back-copies of Country Living Magazine for my guests. The rug is also from Ikea.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vNUz4aED3dM/TZaKxgyyQWI/AAAAAAAAALo/JZ7c-0XrkVc/s1600/IMG_1897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vNUz4aED3dM/TZaKxgyyQWI/AAAAAAAAALo/JZ7c-0XrkVc/s400/IMG_1897.JPG" width="295" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mzhvSMo_74E/TZaK_HJeppI/AAAAAAAAAL0/nC4uUXStWu0/s1600/IMG_1903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mzhvSMo_74E/TZaK_HJeppI/AAAAAAAAAL0/nC4uUXStWu0/s400/IMG_1903.JPG" width="278" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>I made the Roman Shade with a contrasting blue striped fabric and but some blue glass bottles along the window ledge to catch the afternoon sunlight. A sweet blue vase with white lilacs ( not real), adds a touch of casual country elegance to the painted radiator-cover box.These radiator covers are a great place to put accessories, and hide an unsightly radiator. This along with 3 others were already in the house when we bought it. They were all stained wood, so I painted them in the same color as the wall to make the room look bigger and more cohesive.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SSyKCoKhI00/TZaLWfuQCyI/AAAAAAAAAL4/vI99cQv7-jw/s1600/IMG_1902.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SSyKCoKhI00/TZaLWfuQCyI/AAAAAAAAAL4/vI99cQv7-jw/s400/IMG_1902.JPG" width="188" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div align="left">This is a close-up of the roman shade pull-cord that I made. I macrame'd blind cording, added 3 clay beads, and then frayed the end after knotting it- it's pretty cute I think.</div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">Well, that's my cute little Country/Cottage Guest Room. Hope you like it. </div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left"> P.S.- my trash-to-treasures armoire makeover is almost complete. Watch out for the final reveal very soon. It turned out soooo cute. I can hardly wait to share it with everyone. </div><div align="left"><br />
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</div>Armellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664846680038117784noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289936136877759175.post-67918295020356960602011-03-23T21:25:00.003-04:002011-03-24T22:37:50.188-04:00Antique Store FindsI finally made it out to my favorite Antique Mall, <a href="http://www.southworksantiques.com/"><span style="color: #0b5394;">"Southworks"</span></a>, in Cambridge, Ontario,last week They have 100's of vendors under one roof, and I always find lots of stuff that I love. I literally have to restrain myself from buying too much. The hard part is that they have" runners", who cheerfully take your selections to the front for you while you continue shopping. Not only does this deter theft, but it keeps your hands free, and you forget how much "stuff" you've accumulated. Of course, when you hit the cash register, it all comes back to you, but they are very nice if you change your mind about something. This trip did not disappoint, and since I had some birthday money in my wallet, I knew I'd be doing some spending. I forgot my camera, so I didn't get any shots of the mall, but you can see it in my link above.They have a beautiful virtual tour that you can take to see how great it is.<br />
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Some of you have seen my <a href="http://lavievintagebleu.blogspot.com/2011/02/antique-flow-blue-china-and-other-blue_17.html"><span style="color: #0b5394;">"Antique Flow Blue China"</span></a> here,that comes from this mall.<span style="color: black;"> I also found many of the items from this post<span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span><a href="http://lavievintagebleu.blogspot.com/2011/03/some-of-my-favourite-things.html"><span style="color: #0b5394;">"Some of my Favorite Things"</span></a>, here. It's well worth the visit and their prices are unbeatable. People go there from all over Canada and the United States. I can't say enough good things about them. But anyhow, I'll quit yapping and post some pics now:</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-J-dOIpB2WsM/TYlzAMcBPVI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/RGKpiB0xdVQ/s1600/IMG_1732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-J-dOIpB2WsM/TYlzAMcBPVI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/RGKpiB0xdVQ/s400/IMG_1732.JPG" width="373" /></a></div><br />
<ul><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3zELWHOat6Q/TYlzECUzLyI/AAAAAAAAAJU/fwZoyQkZDKU/s1600/IMG_1730.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3zELWHOat6Q/TYlzECUzLyI/AAAAAAAAAJU/fwZoyQkZDKU/s400/IMG_1730.JPG" width="248" /></a></div></li>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-echMdJZVJKw/TYlzL2J322I/AAAAAAAAAJY/TDkw5kLcXpY/s1600/IMG_1742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-echMdJZVJKw/TYlzL2J322I/AAAAAAAAAJY/TDkw5kLcXpY/s400/IMG_1742.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> This is a copy of my grand-parents wedding photo from France. It is circa 1920, or even earlier.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/--J3ngqNxFAs/TYlz6E0o4bI/AAAAAAAAAJc/k8XRtJN_C9A/s1600/IMG_1740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/--J3ngqNxFAs/TYlz6E0o4bI/AAAAAAAAAJc/k8XRtJN_C9A/s400/IMG_1740.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This cute litttle stool is an antique camping chair, which cost $40.00, but I just loved it!!!!! I love that it folds up, and it's curved to fit your "bum". And the bonus is that the green looks really good in my bedroom. I'm not sure what I'll end up displaying on it, but I posted a few options, none of which I'm" in love with". Oh well, I'll just have to shop my house for something to display there.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Next I found these great antique linen handerkerchiefs and hand towels- One bundle of 12 was only $6.00.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-pGb0-m8f8VI/TYl04noJaWI/AAAAAAAAAJg/8hpswKuh7fs/s1600/IMG_1729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-pGb0-m8f8VI/TYl04noJaWI/AAAAAAAAAJg/8hpswKuh7fs/s400/IMG_1729.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ETOxZmSIVXA/TYqXz1dv-wI/AAAAAAAAAKc/gLDBt7RrNjY/s1600/Vintage+linens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ETOxZmSIVXA/TYqXz1dv-wI/AAAAAAAAAKc/gLDBt7RrNjY/s400/Vintage+linens.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The lace runner is absolutely beautiful, and my mother bought that for me at $16.00.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-YgwcWyWxTcw/TYl1Dib-RAI/AAAAAAAAAJs/tupK8vdMT9I/s1600/IMG_1791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-YgwcWyWxTcw/TYl1Dib-RAI/AAAAAAAAAJs/tupK8vdMT9I/s400/IMG_1791.JPG" width="251" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-9uJ3HzPGAsM/TYl08JIkP0I/AAAAAAAAAJk/nO1-OQNPb8A/s1600/IMG_1733.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="96" r6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-9uJ3HzPGAsM/TYl08JIkP0I/AAAAAAAAAJk/nO1-OQNPb8A/s320/IMG_1733.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's a clos-up of the edge detail.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ZXwcqww5TpM/TYl1nbVjZUI/AAAAAAAAAKI/XSnAQ6thSM8/s1600/IMG_1797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ZXwcqww5TpM/TYl1nbVjZUI/AAAAAAAAAKI/XSnAQ6thSM8/s400/IMG_1797.JPG" width="380" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I tried it in my bathroom, but ended up using it on my bed, over a sage green throw blanket. I think that's where it will stay.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-escLUyxETS8/TYqYEo7ToPI/AAAAAAAAAKg/sp3efJ15vpA/s1600/IMG_1866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-escLUyxETS8/TYqYEo7ToPI/AAAAAAAAAKg/sp3efJ15vpA/s400/IMG_1866.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then I got this pretty tea towel with blue edges,for $2.00, which I put in my china cabinet with my blue and white china.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-P7Scu-LKz3A/TYl1GVgf7gI/AAAAAAAAAJw/y7dUBCBgOZo/s1600/IMG_1792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" r6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-P7Scu-LKz3A/TYl1GVgf7gI/AAAAAAAAAJw/y7dUBCBgOZo/s400/IMG_1792.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-oWZg2LVwPmM/TYl1RasDprI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/tBhSG0HTmoI/s1600/IMG_1794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" r6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-oWZg2LVwPmM/TYl1RasDprI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/tBhSG0HTmoI/s400/IMG_1794.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Here's how I folded it in my china cupboard.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Gk4bS46ZnR4/TYqYSYxY3NI/AAAAAAAAAKk/zsO3zsglSYo/s1600/IMG_1881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" r6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Gk4bS46ZnR4/TYqYSYxY3NI/AAAAAAAAAKk/zsO3zsglSYo/s400/IMG_1881.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is how I'm displaying it.</div></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">Then I used these pretty monogrammed hankies in my bathroom. It's hard to tell if the monogram is an "I" or a "T", bit it doesn't matter, because neither letter is part of my name- they're just pretty to look at.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0xfAJ0A9qYc/TYl1iwxOqpI/AAAAAAAAAKE/bxYyJbv_Dy8/s1600/IMG_1798.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0xfAJ0A9qYc/TYl1iwxOqpI/AAAAAAAAAKE/bxYyJbv_Dy8/s400/IMG_1798.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then I put this pretty scalloped hanky on this tray on the coffee table.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zY_BKz0D9x4/TYl1tffJdEI/AAAAAAAAAKM/R7w0miX86u4/s1600/IMG_1805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zY_BKz0D9x4/TYl1tffJdEI/AAAAAAAAAKM/R7w0miX86u4/s400/IMG_1805.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
All of the pieces,except the lace runner are linen, and they washed up just beautifully. Some were a little dingy, so I hand soaked them in hot water with Oxi-clean for 24 hours, and kept adding more hot water, as the water cooled down. Then I gently rinsed them, pressed out the excess water with a towel, then layed them flat on a dry towel until almost dry , then ironed them while stil damp. They turned out beautifully. You can also use a little vinegar or lemon juice on the whites ( it's a natural, yet gentle bleach), if you have some stubborn stains, but mine were in pretty good condition.<br />
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The rest of my "bootie" is rolled up in white acid- free tissue paper, in storage until I find a place for them.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-GXTizqgIrRU/TYqYmzxyzeI/AAAAAAAAAKo/QhdgfGMyI9I/s1600/IMG_1799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="392" r6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-GXTizqgIrRU/TYqYmzxyzeI/AAAAAAAAAKo/QhdgfGMyI9I/s400/IMG_1799.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-tKbE35uonmE/TYqYqJ126TI/AAAAAAAAAKs/RQjWljfNQhU/s1600/IMG_1802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="393" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-tKbE35uonmE/TYqYqJ126TI/AAAAAAAAAKs/RQjWljfNQhU/s400/IMG_1802.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-gU7x02i6xQk/TYqYslmkAtI/AAAAAAAAAKw/cNI7WwrSfIU/s1600/IMG_1803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="397" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-gU7x02i6xQk/TYqYslmkAtI/AAAAAAAAAKw/cNI7WwrSfIU/s400/IMG_1803.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hhR6Y7c8FTE/TYqYw3Q5UdI/AAAAAAAAAK0/nSNJDP3NuJk/s1600/IMG_1804.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="373" r6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hhR6Y7c8FTE/TYqYw3Q5UdI/AAAAAAAAAK0/nSNJDP3NuJk/s400/IMG_1804.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-DNaOGLOj2Eo/TYqY2Hhj6_I/AAAAAAAAAK4/4QfMcAqnBtA/s1600/IMG_1806.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-DNaOGLOj2Eo/TYqY2Hhj6_I/AAAAAAAAAK4/4QfMcAqnBtA/s400/IMG_1806.JPG" width="380" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Well , that's my little antique "fix" for today. I',m almost finished the transformation on my trash-to-treasures armoire, so check back in a few days for a look at that. It's turning out pretty " fab"<br />
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</div>Armellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664846680038117784noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289936136877759175.post-21298553269244770212011-03-18T23:50:00.000-04:002011-03-18T23:50:39.237-04:00White Shabby Chic Armoire - Another Trash to Treasure Project (Part 1 )Well hello all!!!! I haven't posted in almost a week- I have been super busy. First of all, I've been interviewing for a new job. After being off for one year, I've decided to go back to work. While I love being home and looking after my husband and home, and working on lots of projects, I really miss the<br />
day-to-day social interaction with others. And where is this new job? Well, probably the best place for a<br />
do-it-yourself junky :<span style="color: #b45f06;"> Home Depot</span>. I will be on there Merchandise Execution Team, if I am selected after my second interview next week. It's looking very good though. I'll keep you all posted.<br />
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Secondly, I've been busy with my next trash-to-treasure transformation project- a White Shabby Chic Armoire. As I mentioned a few weeks ago, my husband found a vintage wood armoire/wardrobe out for garbage ,at the end of a neighbours driveway. This along with some other furniture items came home with me to be transformed. I've been wanting a new armoire for my bedroom for years now, and have been living with a slightly out-dated almond gloss armoire from the late 1980's.<br />
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<div align="center">Here's what the armoire in our bedroom looks like now:</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-JRe-voVtO04/TYQPAHZFSHI/AAAAAAAAAG8/YV1dw8rbFmw/s1600/Armoire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" r6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-JRe-voVtO04/TYQPAHZFSHI/AAAAAAAAAG8/YV1dw8rbFmw/s400/Armoire.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As you can see ,it's far from the Shabby Shic/Vintage Cottage style that I love.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here are some pictures of the type of armoire I long for in my" boudoire".</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-tgIyU8xjYyA/TYQP1evIN8I/AAAAAAAAAHA/B12wuBbjvus/s1600/Inspiration+piece+%25233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-tgIyU8xjYyA/TYQP1evIN8I/AAAAAAAAAHA/B12wuBbjvus/s400/Inspiration+piece+%25233.jpg" width="278" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Love the beadboard panels on this one.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-QimDV3SOcm4/TYQP6dx6cbI/AAAAAAAAAHE/HVruOdT5NUA/s1600/Inspiration+piece+%25232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" r6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-QimDV3SOcm4/TYQP6dx6cbI/AAAAAAAAAHE/HVruOdT5NUA/s400/Inspiration+piece+%25232.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This one has some great distressing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-C7ZakSTOPzQ/TYQP_ZB2HGI/AAAAAAAAAHI/05f4MeqxPKE/s1600/Inspiration+piece+%25234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-C7ZakSTOPzQ/TYQP_ZB2HGI/AAAAAAAAAHI/05f4MeqxPKE/s400/Inspiration+piece+%25234.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This one also has some great vintage cottage detail.</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Yx8TJu7KoOw/TYQQN8JaedI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/IgFu-twI7jA/s1600/white+armoire+idea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Yx8TJu7KoOw/TYQQN8JaedI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/IgFu-twI7jA/s400/white+armoire+idea.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love the cut out detail at the bottom of this piece.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">My dream armoire wouold have some of the elements from all these pieces, so I was really excited when my husband found this piece. It's vintage wood, in fairly good shape, and just perfect for a Shabby Chic paint and distressing make-over. Here's what the little gem looked like before:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-BVFqUwxr2m0/TYQRxq8awkI/AAAAAAAAAHU/5_i143KhV5c/s1600/Armoire-before+picture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-BVFqUwxr2m0/TYQRxq8awkI/AAAAAAAAAHU/5_i143KhV5c/s400/Armoire-before+picture.jpg" width="236" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">See the nice panels already there, just waiting for bead-board inserts. And a lovely cut-out bottom</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-9AaZwQ3FXqc/TYQR70gBuNI/AAAAAAAAAHY/kdpQk4g4IAE/s1600/Armoire-inside+door.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-9AaZwQ3FXqc/TYQR70gBuNI/AAAAAAAAAHY/kdpQk4g4IAE/s400/Armoire-inside+door.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The mirror was just barely in place with masking tape and a few small nails. Very easy to remove and replace with...........? ( I'll keep you in suspense for now).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">There was only one itsy-bitsy, teeny-weeny problem with my new treasure. It kind of has a funky, old-wood smell. Not really musty, and there was no mold in it. But just a little something unpleasant lurking in those wood pores. So I did somne research on the good old internet for possible solutions- Some suggested a vinegar and water wipe-down( this didn't work). Still another suggested a weak bleach and water</div><div style="text-align: left;"> wipe- down ( this sort of worked, but I still smell a lingering old, sour odour)- does anyone know what I mean. I just don't want to put my clothes in there until I resolve this. Yet another source suggested sprinkling a mixture of baking soda and coffee grounds over the bottom of the shelf and inside the wardrobe and leaving it overnight. I tried this, and I really smelled coffee in the morning (better then the other odour), but after I vacuumed out this concoction and did the sniff test, I could still smell it. It seems better, but still not good enough. So I think I am going to go with the most drastic solution, which is to seal the entire surface with varathane when I'm done. Let's cross our fingers and toes, and hope this works. If anyone out there in Blog-land has a solution, please let me know.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"> And let the transformation begin:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-xH2hI6DSU6g/TYQWI2lxPuI/AAAAAAAAAHc/Tubf6V4GNrc/s1600/Cleaning+with+TSP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-xH2hI6DSU6g/TYQWI2lxPuI/AAAAAAAAAHc/Tubf6V4GNrc/s400/Cleaning+with+TSP.jpg" width="303" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">First I washed the whole thing down with TSP. Followed by all the above suggestions for neutralizing the odour. This has been an ongoing process for a week.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-GUq8H2Vg6KQ/TYQWUjsjU8I/AAAAAAAAAHg/vO9hlERDXNE/s1600/IMG_1825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-GUq8H2Vg6KQ/TYQWUjsjU8I/AAAAAAAAAHg/vO9hlERDXNE/s400/IMG_1825.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Add decorative wood applique's to the four front corners of the piece.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-I8JMpOk2yDQ/TYQWdmKHLZI/AAAAAAAAAHk/5zU1oMPUVSI/s1600/Mirror+removed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-I8JMpOk2yDQ/TYQWdmKHLZI/AAAAAAAAAHk/5zU1oMPUVSI/s400/Mirror+removed.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Remove mirror, making sure you snap it in half while your at it ( no blood was shed).</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-92utMb01FFQ/TYQXkGR7rDI/AAAAAAAAAIM/ayUHXF3O9Ow/s1600/with+broken+mirror.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="348" r6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-92utMb01FFQ/TYQXkGR7rDI/AAAAAAAAAIM/ayUHXF3O9Ow/s400/with+broken+mirror.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cut and glue bead-board paneling into the insets. The wood was too thin for the smallest finishing nail</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> (3/8 ") and extremely hard so I ended up using a staple gun and 1/2 inch heavy duty staples. I did this very close to the edge as I'm, going to trim the edges.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vd9eEoBHiN4/TYQXZ6WzBTI/AAAAAAAAAIE/ndOCalNvJ0U/s1600/side+view-+close-up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vd9eEoBHiN4/TYQXZ6WzBTI/AAAAAAAAAIE/ndOCalNvJ0U/s400/side+view-+close-up.jpg" width="303" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-tFJpgI1eE-0/TYQXftC_sOI/AAAAAAAAAII/GyWteGjri50/s1600/Side+view-+with+beadboard+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-tFJpgI1eE-0/TYQXftC_sOI/AAAAAAAAAII/GyWteGjri50/s400/Side+view-+with+beadboard+.jpg" width="203" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This was my first attempt at using bead-board, and it turned out pretty well.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Y62no3pooaE/TYQW8p9GbRI/AAAAAAAAAH4/zs0lE062s0Y/s1600/Front+panel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Y62no3pooaE/TYQW8p9GbRI/AAAAAAAAAH4/zs0lE062s0Y/s400/Front+panel.jpg" width="366" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I bought a piece of 1/8 " hardwood to mount bead-board for the space where the mirror originally sat.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-shCjuSKhK4Q/TYQW0l3GhlI/AAAAAAAAAHw/9lwvtwfkAJM/s1600/Dowel+trim%25232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-shCjuSKhK4Q/TYQW0l3GhlI/AAAAAAAAAHw/9lwvtwfkAJM/s400/Dowel+trim%25232.jpg" width="268" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-GGTjY8SYbKk/TYQW4NDhyZI/AAAAAAAAAH0/Q4kGXoJPXfE/s1600/Dowel+trim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-GGTjY8SYbKk/TYQW4NDhyZI/AAAAAAAAAH0/Q4kGXoJPXfE/s400/Dowel+trim.jpg" width="303" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Next, I mitre cut 1/4 inch doweling and glued it with Weldbond, around the ouside of the beadboard paneling, using blue painters tape to hold it in place over night. Made sure I covered up my staples. Some were visible afterwards, so I ended up taking them out with plyers. The Weldbond holds the bead-board just fine. Then I filled in any gaps with paintable latex caulking , let it dry, and sanded smooth.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-L7H_z16utB4/TYQWj56qWUI/AAAAAAAAAHo/ISyyXdenOHk/s1600/Close-up+of+distressed+leg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-L7H_z16utB4/TYQWj56qWUI/AAAAAAAAAHo/ISyyXdenOHk/s320/Close-up+of+distressed+leg.jpg" width="312" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Next, I took a hammer and screw-driver, and beat up the armoire a little more. It already had some dings and dents, but a few more never hurts ( Well, maybe it hurts the armoire, but not me-hehe!!!!!) and it sure was fun.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now for the fun stuff.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-gZdL5MKaSjo/TYQeGhSq4II/AAAAAAAAAIU/6KTYBZv_sN4/s1600/First+coat+of+primer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-gZdL5MKaSjo/TYQeGhSq4II/AAAAAAAAAIU/6KTYBZv_sN4/s400/First+coat+of+primer.jpg" width="303" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">First coat of primer- it still shows some of the brown through.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is the point where I had a minor mishap . As I was tipping the armoire to get it up on some wood blocks, to get it off the floor, I felt the whole darned thing falling forward . All I heard was a smack and a crack, as the door swung open and hit against the dresser in the room I was working in. I was a little afraid to look, and my husband, who was having a nap in the next room ,came running in to see what had happened. We tipped it back up, and sure enough, the poor door was injured. It was held together by 2 wood dowels- one had snapped in half, and the other had come completely out. That's what you get for trying to take short-cuts ( I thought I would just leave the door on and paint the hinges and all the same color). But this was not to be. We removed the door, and made some minor repairs, and now she's as good as new. I will re-attach the door after it's all painted. Well, small heart-attack averted, now back to work.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uaq9bDNpTWE/TYQeWP0-y2I/AAAAAAAAAIg/GP6g7oPzG1Y/s1600/primer+close-up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" r6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uaq9bDNpTWE/TYQeWP0-y2I/AAAAAAAAAIg/GP6g7oPzG1Y/s400/primer+close-up.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I primed the entire armoire with my favourite primer- Zinser 1-2-3. No sanding required, and since it's still a little cool outside, I don't have to vacuum up anything. In all, I used 2 coats of primer, since it was a dark color to start with.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-NhFgVmtdClc/TYQePnG_I2I/AAAAAAAAAIc/na48wVitlzg/s1600/Close-up+of+side+corner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-NhFgVmtdClc/TYQePnG_I2I/AAAAAAAAAIc/na48wVitlzg/s400/Close-up+of+side+corner.jpg" width="303" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here it is with 2 coats of primer on the outside. I can start seeing my vision come to life now. I'm getting excited!!!!!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-SMacTS-HeyA/TYQeAH7JM7I/AAAAAAAAAIQ/gZBwFmTp4OY/s1600/Close-up+of+bead-board.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" r6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-SMacTS-HeyA/TYQeAH7JM7I/AAAAAAAAAIQ/gZBwFmTp4OY/s400/Close-up+of+bead-board.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's a close-up of the beadboard panels on the side.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GQWFyp5XStw/TYQeMDZqfTI/AAAAAAAAAIY/g6iQb76cWNc/s1600/close-up+of+distressed+bottom+with+primer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" r6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GQWFyp5XStw/TYQeMDZqfTI/AAAAAAAAAIY/g6iQb76cWNc/s400/close-up+of+distressed+bottom+with+primer.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's a close-up of the bottom where there's some nice distressing going on ( YUMMY!!!!!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uaq9bDNpTWE/TYQeWP0-y2I/AAAAAAAAAIg/GP6g7oPzG1Y/s1600/primer+close-up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" r6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uaq9bDNpTWE/TYQeWP0-y2I/AAAAAAAAAIg/GP6g7oPzG1Y/s400/primer+close-up.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's the inside so far- it has a nice hanging bar, but I'm going to be adding some shelves and other goodies.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Well, that's as far as I've got with it , so you'll have to stay tuned for Part 2 and possibly, Part 3, depending on how creative a get with this. Hope you've enjoyed this as much as me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Until next time, Au Revoire!!!!!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div>Armellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664846680038117784noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289936136877759175.post-16600093700495461152011-03-14T09:43:00.000-04:002011-03-14T09:43:33.491-04:00French Ephemera TableThis is just a quick post on a project I did before I started blogging. I had a small tile top table that I bought at "Homesense" a couple of years ago. I loved the gracefull curving of the legs, but wasn't so "in-love" with the pattern on the top. What to do? Well, when I came across the Graphics Fairy blog months ago, I started downlouding lots of images of "French Ephemera" which I thought were really "cool". I figured I'd use them some day, and here's one of the projects I ended up doing with some of the images. I couldn't decide on just one, so I ended up doing a collage on top of the table, using Mod Podge. Unfortunately, I don't have a "before" shot, since it was made before I started blogging. Here are some "after" shots though, and I'm much happier with the table.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ztwPLgC5f58/TX4YF5QYr-I/AAAAAAAAAGM/EmBs6FV2N5A/s1600/French+Ephemera+Table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" q6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ztwPLgC5f58/TX4YF5QYr-I/AAAAAAAAAGM/EmBs6FV2N5A/s400/French+Ephemera+Table.jpg" width="302" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I used a French letter, postcard, piece of lovely handwritting that says "Paris" and perfume label. The lighter background is just some co-ordinating paper that I ripped to look like pieces of broken china. Then I added some lace and ribbon to finish it off. The whole thing was done using Mod Podge, and then a spray of clear acrylic sealer to protect it - and "voila"- a French Ephemera Collage Table in under an hour.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a name='more'></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5ksc4hrxPBs/TX4YM8NYxBI/AAAAAAAAAGU/lFbBlc8FGVw/s1600/Top+view+of+French+Ephemera+Table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" q6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5ksc4hrxPBs/TX4YM8NYxBI/AAAAAAAAAGU/lFbBlc8FGVw/s400/Top+view+of+French+Ephemera+Table.jpg" width="351" /></a></div><div align="center">Here's a close-up.</div><div align="center"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_pkrTR8oQmU/TX4YPHAIOOI/AAAAAAAAAGY/5Ze_F_MU3Ik/s1600/French+Ephemera+Table+%25233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" q6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_pkrTR8oQmU/TX4YPHAIOOI/AAAAAAAAAGY/5Ze_F_MU3Ik/s400/French+Ephemera+Table+%25233.jpg" width="318" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is a side view of the curvy legs, which I love.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EXCCvnc7rNQ/TX4YJ449rEI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/xEP2p_IRuJQ/s1600/French+Ephemera+Table+with+Candle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" q6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EXCCvnc7rNQ/TX4YJ449rEI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/xEP2p_IRuJQ/s400/French+Ephemera+Table+with+Candle.jpg" width="255" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I usually keep this candle on it, and it sits in my bedroom, but the lighting in there is not the greatest for photography.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hope you enjoyed this short, but sweet posting.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Au Revoir!!!!!!!</div>Armellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664846680038117784noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289936136877759175.post-56987663385144723892011-03-12T00:08:00.001-05:002011-03-14T08:32:59.628-04:00Some Of My Favourite ThingsWell it's Friday night, and I decided to post something, even though I haven't got any projects finished at the moment. I started the makeover on the armoire that a neighbour was throwing away last weekend, but it will probably take at least a week to get finished. I'll definately post a "before" and "after", when it's all complete. <br />
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I have been taking a lot of pictures of my favourite vintage, vintage inspired and antique pieces that I have around my house, so I thought I would share some "eye candy" with everyone. I just love going to antique markets, so I have acquired quite a few things over the years. I already did a posting about my antique "blue flow china", so I thought I'd just post some pictures of random pieces that I have. They're not in any particular order, and I couldn't pick a favourite if I tried, so here we go..............<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-_h8Fh8_veQM/TXrvezUEz6I/AAAAAAAAAE8/8zzBLc-Q8do/s1600/Antique+oval+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" q6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-_h8Fh8_veQM/TXrvezUEz6I/AAAAAAAAAE8/8zzBLc-Q8do/s400/Antique+oval+photo.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div align="center">This is an antique oval framed picture that I found several years ago at my favourite antique market "Southworks" in Cambridge, Ontario. My living room is a mixture of many shades of antique white and blue, so this works perfectly in my decor.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-yIDP33F3UeI/TXrwktYwQpI/AAAAAAAAAF4/x2oAqv4_Nj8/s1600/Antique+look+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" q6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-yIDP33F3UeI/TXrwktYwQpI/AAAAAAAAAF4/x2oAqv4_Nj8/s400/Antique+look+photo.jpg" width="292" /></a></div><div align="center">This is not an antique, rather antique inspired, and made by me from an image I got on the internet. The frame was from Homesense ( our version of Home Goods for those of you in the U.S.A)</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PH8y0o2f5ms/TXrvoCCYbvI/AAAAAAAAAFI/xMXBO3RzEiw/s1600/Antique+plate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" q6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PH8y0o2f5ms/TXrvoCCYbvI/AAAAAAAAAFI/xMXBO3RzEiw/s400/Antique+plate.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center">I love this pretty antique plate, also purchased at "Southworks" antique market. It sits on a shelf in my bedroom ( if you look closely, you can see that I didn't dust the shelf before I took the picture- haha!!!)</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/--2zEqUyQlhA/TXrvip_90wI/AAAAAAAAAFA/NHbloyHikOg/s1600/Antique+Mirror.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="353" q6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/--2zEqUyQlhA/TXrvip_90wI/AAAAAAAAAFA/NHbloyHikOg/s400/Antique+Mirror.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This mirror is also an antique, and I love the scalloped edge design. If you look in the reflection, you'll see an antique floor lamp, with a small birdcage hanging from it ( I keep a small candle in it for now, until I can find the perfect antique lantern to hang from it). Both pieces were purchased 3 years ago in a small village called Bath ( just outside of Kingston, Ontario).</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-mNm19Run_8A/TXrvloms9gI/AAAAAAAAAFE/HHZC8b6WTSE/s1600/Antique+Painted+Window.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" q6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-mNm19Run_8A/TXrvloms9gI/AAAAAAAAAFE/HHZC8b6WTSE/s400/Antique+Painted+Window.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center">I absolutely love, love, love this antique window that was handpainted by a local artist. I bought it at one of my favourite stores" Kimberley Jackson"- you can link up to there website through my sidebar. They make one-of-a kind furniture and accessories from reclaimed wood and antique windows/doors, etc. </div><div align="center"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-63wV_AvBqUc/TXrwMt4qq2I/AAAAAAAAAFk/4sgbtxOv27w/s1600/Painted+window+in+shadow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" q6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-63wV_AvBqUc/TXrwMt4qq2I/AAAAAAAAAFk/4sgbtxOv27w/s400/Painted+window+in+shadow.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is were it hangs in our front window.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-CcjkuKo0GkA/TXrvrcNKuxI/AAAAAAAAAFM/N4RIf8K0MIs/s1600/Dish+cabinet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" q6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-CcjkuKo0GkA/TXrvrcNKuxI/AAAAAAAAAFM/N4RIf8K0MIs/s400/Dish+cabinet.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This "chimney" cabinet was also bought at " Kimberley Jackson", and was a real splurge at $1300.00, but I bought it with my first ever "bonus" cheque from my last job as a home furnishings retail manager. The sconce beside it is also from the same place and is one of a pair (the other one is on the other side of a triptic hanging on my dining room wall). They were all made from genuine antique reclaimed wood, and are extremely heavy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-_btFwM8mwq8/TXrv0eRZVWI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/DNr2Lq0VVas/s1600/Framed+Silver+Cutlery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" q6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-_btFwM8mwq8/TXrv0eRZVWI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/DNr2Lq0VVas/s320/Framed+Silver+Cutlery.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This shadow box (from Ikea) holds a sterling silver fork and spoon set, with my name engraved at the bottom. I'm from France, originally, and it is the custom to give engraved silverware to a baby at their Christening. I left the patina on them so they look vintage ( and since they're from the 1961, I guess they technically are vintage ).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The rest of the items I'm going to show you are not antique or vintage, but they have a vintage or Shabby Chic feel to them, so I love them too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-orWp7K8psDo/TXrwFD7P1UI/AAAAAAAAAFg/jGHeXmDUhzU/s1600/Dried+Roses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" q6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-orWp7K8psDo/TXrwFD7P1UI/AAAAAAAAAFg/jGHeXmDUhzU/s400/Dried+Roses.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love this white planter, and the dried roses were the center-piece from my wedding cake.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-HDRwzCHnuec/TXrwCtmXDFI/AAAAAAAAAFc/FTQq_SyiBdE/s1600/Candles+with+stripe+bow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" q6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-HDRwzCHnuec/TXrwCtmXDFI/AAAAAAAAAFc/FTQq_SyiBdE/s400/Candles+with+stripe+bow.jpg" width="281" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> I love the look of hand-dipped tapered candles that are still attached. These ones are hanging on the knob of an antique singer sewing machine that came from my husband's, grandmother's house. This sits in our dining room with my collection of' " flow blue china" surrounding it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-QEUeBMB8Z-U/TXr6gObBJdI/AAAAAAAAAGA/Vzgd56W1W1k/s1600/IMG_1355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" q6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-QEUeBMB8Z-U/TXr6gObBJdI/AAAAAAAAAGA/Vzgd56W1W1k/s400/IMG_1355.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's how it looks in my dining room.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-TqSSkA4jFdw/TXrwgzJOQhI/AAAAAAAAAF0/8YnxdNGcLEE/s1600/Candles+with+flame.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" q6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-TqSSkA4jFdw/TXrwgzJOQhI/AAAAAAAAAF0/8YnxdNGcLEE/s400/Candles+with+flame.jpg" width="330" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These candles are not vintage, but I had fun with my photo-manipulating program making them look like they are lit. Gimp 2.6 is a free download on the internet, and my 9 year old nephew told me about it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Wj0YC4ygZVQ/TXrwdLqPnGI/AAAAAAAAAFw/GSOC7Lbzaso/s1600/Vase+and+angel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" q6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Wj0YC4ygZVQ/TXrwdLqPnGI/AAAAAAAAAFw/GSOC7Lbzaso/s400/Vase+and+angel.jpg" width="385" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The vase is really pretty, and was about $5.00 at Homesense. The little angel was from Michael's and cost a few dollars. I'm not a purist- if I like it, and it fits my look, I'll buy it.</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Fuzvm1qSJ2s/TXrwTlwBBmI/AAAAAAAAAFo/XdGCt1O01Co/s1600/Square+Laurel+Wreath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" q6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Fuzvm1qSJ2s/TXrwTlwBBmI/AAAAAAAAAFo/XdGCt1O01Co/s400/Square+Laurel+Wreath.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love this rectangular laurel wreath - and I bought that at the William Ashley warehouse sale about 5 or 6 years ago.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And finally.........</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-foB11z70MHg/TXrwuMMRHBI/AAAAAAAAAF8/EjGX7oLj1Ks/s1600/IMG_1581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" q6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-foB11z70MHg/TXrwuMMRHBI/AAAAAAAAAF8/EjGX7oLj1Ks/s400/IMG_1581.JPG" width="305" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I get many comments on this plaque. It lives on our bedroom door- and it couldn't describe my husband in the morning any better. Even he had to laugh when I bought this at a gift shop a few years ago. It even has a vintage feel to it- I smile every time I look at it. And that's what it's all about, this obsession with collecting unique and pretty things.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Well, that's enough for now. I still have lots more, but I'll save it for another time. Have a great weekend.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Au Revoir!!!!!</div><div align="center"><br />
</div>Armellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664846680038117784noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289936136877759175.post-70280412840334148632011-03-08T17:17:00.001-05:002011-03-11T00:17:25.607-05:00Vintage Look BottlesI love the look of antique and vintage look bottles. I have been a big fan of the Graphics Fairy for over a year now, and make many projects with her free graphics. I especially love using the perfume and cosmetic themed graphics. It's very easy to do- just print out the graphic that you like on your printer, and resize it to the appropriate size for your bottle and cut it out. I use Mod Podge to glue my graphics onto my bottles. Sometimes the ink runs if you put Mod Podge on the front of the graphic, so I spray with an acylic spray fixative/sealer in a flat finish first, if I want to protect the label. You can decorate with ribbon or raffia as well. That's it- quick and easy.<br />
<div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dgutTF4XCU4/TXanafx7BSI/AAAAAAAAAEY/LDovea45r0c/s1600/perfume+bottles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" q6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dgutTF4XCU4/TXanafx7BSI/AAAAAAAAAEY/LDovea45r0c/s400/perfume+bottles.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center">Here's a selection that I did in just one afternoon. All but two of the graphics are from the Graphics Fairy. See the link to Graphics Fairy on the right sidebar.</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-KStoKA2g2Bo/TXaopysulgI/AAAAAAAAAEs/mbcTb6haRAo/s1600/IMG_1643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="325" q6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-KStoKA2g2Bo/TXaopysulgI/AAAAAAAAAEs/mbcTb6haRAo/s400/IMG_1643.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">I use them in this cute cabinet in my bathroom.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-meRkVw7Ui7M/TXaozHAocSI/AAAAAAAAAE0/uzkHlV10gV0/s1600/IMG_1645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" q6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-meRkVw7Ui7M/TXaozHAocSI/AAAAAAAAAE0/uzkHlV10gV0/s400/IMG_1645.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The photo in the top left is another graphic I printed from a website- sorry , I can't remember which one. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-FKW8E9bV-ag/TXaosSqKg8I/AAAAAAAAAEw/HcaGQJeGrqI/s1600/IMG_1648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" q6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-FKW8E9bV-ag/TXaosSqKg8I/AAAAAAAAAEw/HcaGQJeGrqI/s400/IMG_1648.JPG" width="315" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center">I made my own custom liquid soap dispenser too, with an old plastic pump bottle and a Graphics Fairy label. </div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MJUdYU56up8/TXaokmTWuoI/AAAAAAAAAEo/RWpnJHs2gRw/s1600/IMG_1752.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" q6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MJUdYU56up8/TXaokmTWuoI/AAAAAAAAAEo/RWpnJHs2gRw/s320/IMG_1752.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">Here's another cute old fashioned milk bottle with another Graphics Fairy Label.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">Hope you enjoyed seeing this quick and easy project.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">Au Revoir!!!!!!</div><br />
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</div>Armellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664846680038117784noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289936136877759175.post-12033656892673301342011-03-07T23:04:00.007-05:002011-03-08T00:10:20.472-05:00Shabby Chic White Chair ( How One Man's Trash Became My Treasure ) <br />
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<div></div><div align="center">As I mentioned in one of my earlier posts, one of my neighbours had left an armoire, side table and T.V. on the end of his driveway, with a sign saying "free". I, of course grabbed them up with the intention of transforming them into something " awsome," at a later date. The T.V. is happily living in my husband's " man-cave" in the basement (this room will one day ,of course, be redecorated). But for now, it holds an assortment of mismatched furniture no longer wanted upstairs, and my "found" treasures. I will be revamping the armoire and side- table soon, in a future post, but for today I have another tale of a discarded treasure</div><br />
<div></div><div align="center">It seems this same neighbour is moving, and as I was driving by the abandoned house, I spied a little white chair sitting out by the side of the road.... in the dark.... all alone. I stopped the car and got out. Could it be a hidden treasure? Upon closer inspection, I saw that it was indeed made of wood- a little rickety, and definately in wrough shape. The paint was chipping off ( bonus in my books), and it looked a little grungy. And it was covered in snow. But no matter- I took that lonely little chair home with me.<br />
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This is what the chair looked like when I found it ( after a good cleaning with TSP). Oh, and I had to put a little wood glue between the two front legs and the seat cuz it was a little wobbly.<br />
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It already looks kind of Shabby Chic, but I can do better !!!!!!</div><br />
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<div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-hDt1Ypwza_g/TXWdIaCq3MI/AAAAAAAAADM/ZHH3tiE_nsA/s1600/Chair+-+as+found.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" q6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-hDt1Ypwza_g/TXWdIaCq3MI/AAAAAAAAADM/ZHH3tiE_nsA/s640/Chair+-+as+found.jpg" width="409" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Here's the chair in it's original condition.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-jkdjvscc21M/TXWdPLVHeaI/AAAAAAAAADU/jX8u8MI_bOs/s1600/Chair+close-up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" q6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-jkdjvscc21M/TXWdPLVHeaI/AAAAAAAAADU/jX8u8MI_bOs/s400/Chair+close-up.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These are the original cracked and chipped areas of the chair. Close-up detail of the front.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-233WozxJjBU/TXWdXz0zH4I/AAAAAAAAADc/bt7Lr0FE-Zg/s1600/Chair+back+with+additional+sanding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" q6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-233WozxJjBU/TXWdXz0zH4I/AAAAAAAAADc/bt7Lr0FE-Zg/s400/Chair+back+with+additional+sanding.jpg" width="303" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's a close-up of the back. It's already chipping- so I don't have to do much to it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UbSU2Ubx9KI/TXWdk3HGUZI/AAAAAAAAADk/ik0mujVUB5g/s1600/Chair+with+palm-sander.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" q6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UbSU2Ubx9KI/TXWdk3HGUZI/AAAAAAAAADk/ik0mujVUB5g/s400/Chair+with+palm-sander.jpg" width="303" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Took out the handy-dandy palm sander ( in freezing,snowy weather)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thank god we have a car-port for shelter)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-iJzkOY9lYQU/TXWdpKkcloI/AAAAAAAAADo/pfSSBG2bsW4/s1600/Chair+with+palm-sander+%25232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" q6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-iJzkOY9lYQU/TXWdpKkcloI/AAAAAAAAADo/pfSSBG2bsW4/s400/Chair+with+palm-sander+%25232.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I really should have warn gloves- my hands were freezing. But I did wear the oh-so-fashionable dust-mask and safety goggles!!!! ( Sorry- no pics as the hubby was at work)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FXclKPPnSKw/TXWdS2w2yPI/AAAAAAAAADY/tRxYwOTrZV8/s1600/Chair+with+additional+sanding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" q6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FXclKPPnSKw/TXWdS2w2yPI/AAAAAAAAADY/tRxYwOTrZV8/s400/Chair+with+additional+sanding.jpg" width="303" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then I sanded some more areas that still looked to shiny. I went right to the bare wood in some spots, and in other spots I just smoothed out the really rough chips and cracks. Don't worry- I left plenty of chippy paint for that lovely Shabby Chic look.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-irs3mH7-RZk/TXWdvFMYUHI/AAAAAAAAADs/mtFVSa9u_10/s1600/Front+of+sanded+chair-+close-up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" q6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-irs3mH7-RZk/TXWdvFMYUHI/AAAAAAAAADs/mtFVSa9u_10/s400/Front+of+sanded+chair-+close-up.jpg" width="361" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">See the nice big chips toward the back of the chair!!!!!! Now that I'm thoroughly freezing, I dust off the chair and take it back into my work area for some final touches.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZwFASNp0oQ4/TXWjSHiVNbI/AAAAAAAAADw/YE-u9CePYTA/s1600/Close-up+with+decorative+nail+heads.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" q6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZwFASNp0oQ4/TXWjSHiVNbI/AAAAAAAAADw/YE-u9CePYTA/s400/Close-up+with+decorative+nail+heads.jpg" width="303" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I hot-glued some antique-finish furniture tacks over the exposed steel screws, after clipping off the part that sticks into the wood.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-6Vn6qelyAiI/TXWjWjJdf0I/AAAAAAAAAD0/28hOUtzmCKc/s1600/Close-up+with+nail+heads.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" q6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-6Vn6qelyAiI/TXWjWjJdf0I/AAAAAAAAAD0/28hOUtzmCKc/s400/Close-up+with+nail+heads.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then I added more antique- finish furniture tacks to the front for some extra detail. Now, all I had to do was go over the whole chair with a light coat of brown shoe polish ( I read about this technique on an</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> e-how posting on the web). It gives the painted wood an aged look, darkens the newly sanded areas, and protects the chair all in one. Great, cheap idea !!!!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now she's ready to go to her new home in my living room. I decided to use it as a display table/plant stand since it's pretty rough for sitting on. I can just see my mother sitting on it and ripping her pants ( Youch!!!!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And here she is in all her Shabby Glory!!!!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-AWee75XE_cU/TXWnJrYNRaI/AAAAAAAAAEI/D_LsRHYyfDU/s1600/Chair+with+Blue+Hydrangeas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" q6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-AWee75XE_cU/TXWnJrYNRaI/AAAAAAAAAEI/D_LsRHYyfDU/s400/Chair+with+Blue+Hydrangeas.jpg" width="283" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I really love this option with the blue hydrangeas and the birdhouse, but I already have two bunches of</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> off-white hydrangeas in the ajoining living/dining room.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-jczv4eZxhOw/TXWnpTpn_DI/AAAAAAAAAEU/0byKZynqlh0/s1600/Chair+with+blue+vase.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" q6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-jczv4eZxhOw/TXWnpTpn_DI/AAAAAAAAAEU/0byKZynqlh0/s400/Chair+with+blue+vase.jpg" width="318" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This blue vase is really pretty too!!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-DO3z4BcyQWw/TXWng93dWsI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/VVGgmvcIuX0/s1600/IMG_1763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" q6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-DO3z4BcyQWw/TXWng93dWsI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/VVGgmvcIuX0/s400/IMG_1763.JPG" width="285" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And here's the third option.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> I'm not really sure yet what is going to perch on the chair- maybe one of my readers can make a suggestion. My living/dining room is antique white and a soft grey/blue combo. My husband suggested a live trailing plant of some sort- maybe with white flowers. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Well, there she is......rescued from a life of being thrown in the trash. I'm really happy with it, and best of all- it was free and very quick to do.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bye til next time. Au Revoir!!!!!</div></div><br />
<div> </div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm linking up to Metamorphisis Monday at </div><div style="text-align: center;">Between Naps on the porch<a href="http://www.betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/">http://www.betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/</a><br />
Made by me Mondays ><img src="<a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/button2.jpg">http://www.skiptomylou.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/button2.jpg</a>" /></a><br /> </div><div></div><div></div><br />
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<div></div><div></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>Armellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664846680038117784noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289936136877759175.post-13706402653935907992011-03-03T23:56:00.002-05:002011-03-04T03:25:35.068-05:00Faux Vintage Plaster Plaque- Do-it-YourselfI've been wanting a vintage plaster architectural piece for over my bathroom window for some time now, but didn't want to spend money on anything that we don't absolutely need. So my challenge was to make one, from things that I already have around the house. I have so many odds and ends of things, that I figured I could come up with something. Here are some ideas that inspired me.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-mG0v8XQKqcg/TXBU2-PVQpI/AAAAAAAAAUs/OnKlBopG7Ms/s1600/plaster+plaque+%25234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="173" l6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-mG0v8XQKqcg/TXBU2-PVQpI/AAAAAAAAAUs/OnKlBopG7Ms/s400/plaster+plaque+%25234.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-hEkFp4RuGa0/TXBU6LJQUWI/AAAAAAAAAUw/QUqSJcys4WE/s1600/plaster+plaque%25233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" l6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-hEkFp4RuGa0/TXBU6LJQUWI/AAAAAAAAAUw/QUqSJcys4WE/s400/plaster+plaque%25233.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-0nA53Doiibo/TXBU8U46fPI/AAAAAAAAAU0/6fjo_LJLMQA/s1600/plaster+plaque.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" l6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-0nA53Doiibo/TXBU8U46fPI/AAAAAAAAAU0/6fjo_LJLMQA/s400/plaster+plaque.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LZtDaoxJa2Q/TXBU_z6LtHI/AAAAAAAAAU4/qaw3L6mKFM4/s1600/plaster+plaque%2527s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" l6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LZtDaoxJa2Q/TXBU_z6LtHI/AAAAAAAAAU4/qaw3L6mKFM4/s400/plaster+plaque%2527s.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Hgqr_2MGcDo/TXBVEZ07SpI/AAAAAAAAAU8/nvkGtsaHPKk/s1600/plaster+plaque+%25232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" l6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Hgqr_2MGcDo/TXBVEZ07SpI/AAAAAAAAAU8/nvkGtsaHPKk/s400/plaster+plaque+%25232.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div align="left">The first thing I did was go through my craft room and house, to see what I could use to accomplish this. I already had several scrap pieces of MDF board from previous projects, and I was lucky enought to have one piece that was already the exact size as the finished piece I wanted. I decided on a long, narrow plaque: 4 inches high by 24 inches wide. This would fit perfectly over the window in my bathroom. If you don't have this, it's relatively inexpensive at any home improvement store, and they will cut it for you to any size you want . I had some 1/4 inch dowels , and a couple of pairs of old earrings from the 1990's that I could use for some of the detail. I did have to buy one large wooden applique for the main body of the plaque, but this only cost around $8.00 at Home Depot. </div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-tEK5YcJ5yq4/TXBaFqSHaBI/AAAAAAAAAVA/HDneuzOtFrk/s1600/IMG_1419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" l6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-tEK5YcJ5yq4/TXBaFqSHaBI/AAAAAAAAAVA/HDneuzOtFrk/s400/IMG_1419.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-G55p_nTrYfo/TXBbLBw6A8I/AAAAAAAAAVc/JLlMYRJSNIk/s1600/IMG_1433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" l6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-G55p_nTrYfo/TXBbLBw6A8I/AAAAAAAAAVc/JLlMYRJSNIk/s400/IMG_1433.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I took the earrings apart, and will later glue them down into the overall pattern. It looks kind of weird at first, but the finished products looks authentic.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Next, I glued the wooden applique' to the MDF board. Make sure it's centered and there's a boarder all around the outside of the applique'.</div><div align="left"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-GnvFJYI6pB8/TXBcV4EgR1I/AAAAAAAAAVg/HiTgsaoEBYc/s1600/IMG_1422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="87" l6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-GnvFJYI6pB8/TXBcV4EgR1I/AAAAAAAAAVg/HiTgsaoEBYc/s400/IMG_1422.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now you glue the dowels around the edges, and if you want, make an interesting pattern with smaller pieces of dowel in any bare spots on the MDF board.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ILuyHn5zdWs/TXBbDVmSOuI/AAAAAAAAAVU/l6Z_Y-0PhoA/s1600/IMG_1426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="383" l6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ILuyHn5zdWs/TXBbDVmSOuI/AAAAAAAAAVU/l6Z_Y-0PhoA/s400/IMG_1426.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-J3S-RrdmfXI/TXBbFX2xggI/AAAAAAAAAVY/Vblg5wdB-vg/s1600/IMG_1425.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" l6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-J3S-RrdmfXI/TXBbFX2xggI/AAAAAAAAAVY/Vblg5wdB-vg/s400/IMG_1425.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-eV8hlBm5pTs/TXBa8IjfhKI/AAAAAAAAAVM/or6WOQWF6nw/s1600/IMG_1424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" l6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-eV8hlBm5pTs/TXBa8IjfhKI/AAAAAAAAAVM/or6WOQWF6nw/s400/IMG_1424.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-WMSFj5Nv2nI/TXBa3dL6sFI/AAAAAAAAAVE/fkvAS0uGVYc/s1600/IMG_1432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" l6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-WMSFj5Nv2nI/TXBa3dL6sFI/AAAAAAAAAVE/fkvAS0uGVYc/s400/IMG_1432.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-jLPQJNCumlk/TXBa5R1KrgI/AAAAAAAAAVI/ut3OuXeCfNI/s1600/IMG_1431.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" l6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-jLPQJNCumlk/TXBa5R1KrgI/AAAAAAAAAVI/ut3OuXeCfNI/s400/IMG_1431.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-xrxMIjy2AhE/TXBfm6sio7I/AAAAAAAAAVk/ZIjhJ1EWnns/s1600/IMG_1434.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" l6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-xrxMIjy2AhE/TXBfm6sio7I/AAAAAAAAAVk/ZIjhJ1EWnns/s400/IMG_1434.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-NZR-fIUhew4/TXBfsrmf8hI/AAAAAAAAAVo/5gl4V4uJHyM/s1600/IMG_1435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" l6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-NZR-fIUhew4/TXBfsrmf8hI/AAAAAAAAAVo/5gl4V4uJHyM/s400/IMG_1435.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I hot- glued the earring pieces into place- looks really weird now!!!!!!! But the real fun is about to start. Are you ready? Here we go.........................</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ndk7L0EVDy4/TXBgUbkj4iI/AAAAAAAAAVs/csbppXbhMsQ/s1600/IMG_1438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" l6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ndk7L0EVDy4/TXBgUbkj4iI/AAAAAAAAAVs/csbppXbhMsQ/s400/IMG_1438.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Dip your fingers into the spackling compound and just start smushing it in all over the place. Get it into all the cracks and spaces between the earrings and MDF board. Put a thin layer over all the wood dowels and the wooden applique". And a thin layer overr the earrings (not too much or you'll lose the detail).</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-3WDiXxFtTak/TXBgaEnPENI/AAAAAAAAAVw/W-zcFpG_pvA/s1600/IMG_1444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" l6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-3WDiXxFtTak/TXBgaEnPENI/AAAAAAAAAVw/W-zcFpG_pvA/s400/IMG_1444.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I got smart and put on gloves after a while, although it did feel good to get that stuff all over my fingers- just like a kid doing paper mache' or finger painting!!!!!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Cyk3CsAoNmk/TXBgf0EJdwI/AAAAAAAAAV0/7xtJyUb7a0E/s1600/IMG_1441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" l6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Cyk3CsAoNmk/TXBgf0EJdwI/AAAAAAAAAV0/7xtJyUb7a0E/s400/IMG_1441.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Once you get the first layer on, let it dry over night.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-rtS75WgqsTw/TXBglop6GII/AAAAAAAAAV4/cmmgSi1OQnI/s1600/IMG_1445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" l6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-rtS75WgqsTw/TXBglop6GII/AAAAAAAAAV4/cmmgSi1OQnI/s400/IMG_1445.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If there are any areas where there is too much spackling compound, just wipe it off with a damp paper towel- BEFORE IT DRIES. When it's completely dry, add another thin layer or two, depending on how thick you want the end result. Don't smooth it out too much because you want it to look a little rough.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-mtZ-RdCEouA/TXBjLprFA3I/AAAAAAAAAV8/Dviyr_21cPc/s1600/IMG_1453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" l6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-mtZ-RdCEouA/TXBjLprFA3I/AAAAAAAAAV8/Dviyr_21cPc/s400/IMG_1453.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If there are any areas that are too wrough, you can give it a light sanding.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-RI0SJiCHRLc/TXBjT4shXPI/AAAAAAAAAWA/5Oi8l4fcYQY/s1600/IMG_1446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" l6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-RI0SJiCHRLc/TXBjT4shXPI/AAAAAAAAAWA/5Oi8l4fcYQY/s400/IMG_1446.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then with a wooden barbeque scewer, I scratched out any areas that were too built up with spackling compound. You want the design to be visable in relief. Next , prime and paint the whole piece a flat white color and let dry thoroughly.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XrnOHd32t6Y/TXBkWaaxZKI/AAAAAAAAAWE/amrpCerk_FA/s1600/IMG_1509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" l6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XrnOHd32t6Y/TXBkWaaxZKI/AAAAAAAAAWE/amrpCerk_FA/s400/IMG_1509.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-11MblSgi-r4/TXBkc9ycI6I/AAAAAAAAAWI/4yppb5IEUjU/s1600/IMG_1615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="72" l6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-11MblSgi-r4/TXBkc9ycI6I/AAAAAAAAAWI/4yppb5IEUjU/s400/IMG_1615.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I used a creamy white latex paint that I had left from another project. You could use acrylic craft paint as well, if the piece isn't too large.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DaTUFHZlVxU/TXBlUKdmbaI/AAAAAAAAAWM/Hkm-zc0RU58/s1600/IMG_1616.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" l6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DaTUFHZlVxU/TXBlUKdmbaI/AAAAAAAAAWM/Hkm-zc0RU58/s400/IMG_1616.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now, mix equal parts of a darker color craft paint with faux- finish medium. I used soft sage/grey color called Stonehedge Green by Ceramicoat. This green matches some of the colors in my bathroom, and besides blue, is my very favourite color.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DaTUFHZlVxU/TXBlUKdmbaI/AAAAAAAAAWM/Hkm-zc0RU58/s1600/IMG_1616.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" l6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DaTUFHZlVxU/TXBlUKdmbaI/AAAAAAAAAWM/Hkm-zc0RU58/s320/IMG_1616.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4_CKm_U8Xrw/TXBliiAE1oI/AAAAAAAAAWU/pWhmXlq6EjE/s1600/IMG_1619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" l6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4_CKm_U8Xrw/TXBliiAE1oI/AAAAAAAAAWU/pWhmXlq6EjE/s400/IMG_1619.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-byxL_AA1rT0/TXBlboFH5ZI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/SFnrNSbpOGQ/s1600/IMG_1620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" l6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-byxL_AA1rT0/TXBlboFH5ZI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/SFnrNSbpOGQ/s400/IMG_1620.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Paint this mixture all over the piece, getting into all the cracks and crevices, then quickly wipe off the excess on top with a damp lint-free cloth. Use a light circular motion so that the color stays in the crevices.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-xixUA8K5Ths/TXBnr9CKXQI/AAAAAAAAAWY/gHI70Sf_29o/s1600/IMG_1628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" l6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-xixUA8K5Ths/TXBnr9CKXQI/AAAAAAAAAWY/gHI70Sf_29o/s400/IMG_1628.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">With a damp sea sponge, gently dab over some areas to leave more texture, and some sort of bubbly looking areas. You want it to look really old and crusty. Then let the whole thing dry thoroughly- I left it over night.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BNuKYlVLCoc/TXBoXwl3X1I/AAAAAAAAAWc/5cBZenu9hEQ/s1600/IMG_1629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="75" l6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BNuKYlVLCoc/TXBoXwl3X1I/AAAAAAAAAWc/5cBZenu9hEQ/s400/IMG_1629.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here it is all dry- sorry for the bad lighting- I took these pictures at night.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now for even more fun!!!!!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-nVbsqo9D_gU/TXBo-uDzR3I/AAAAAAAAAWg/naURlbFeVmI/s1600/IMG_1631.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" l6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-nVbsqo9D_gU/TXBo-uDzR3I/AAAAAAAAAWg/naURlbFeVmI/s400/IMG_1631.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Take a flat-head screw driver and start to gouge out areas of the hardened "faux plaster"</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Dl9p9gjPpGs/TXBpCGoz_0I/AAAAAAAAAWk/Lp8JYHdjo9U/s1600/IMG_1632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" l6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Dl9p9gjPpGs/TXBpCGoz_0I/AAAAAAAAAWk/Lp8JYHdjo9U/s400/IMG_1632.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KauPCe6X0rM/TXBpFDnihfI/AAAAAAAAAWo/O1Znv_QXsO0/s1600/IMG_1633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" l6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KauPCe6X0rM/TXBpFDnihfI/AAAAAAAAAWo/O1Znv_QXsO0/s400/IMG_1633.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When you like the effect you've got, dab in some straight craft paint into the gouged- out areas ( the same color as you used with the faux- finish medium), and take off any excess. The paint will be absorbed into the cracked areas and look like old cracked, painted plaster. I'm hanging mine in my bathroom, so I sprayed it with two coats of flat arylic sealer. I decided it was a little too clean and bright looking, so, then I went over the whole thing with brown shoe polish, just very lightly, and it gave it an even older, more interesting look.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then for even more interest, I hammered an antique finish upholstery tack into each corner. To hang it, I used my staple gun and stapled picture hanging wire to each side. The plaque wasn't thick enough for a nail or a wood screw, and I didn't want to risk going through to the front and ruining it</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1PW-ycR49Ts/TXBqbnWGWqI/AAAAAAAAAWs/frtziioKCJU/s1600/IMG_1726.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" l6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1PW-ycR49Ts/TXBqbnWGWqI/AAAAAAAAAWs/frtziioKCJU/s400/IMG_1726.JPG" width="252" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here it is over my bathroom window. I just noticed that it's a little crooked in the picture</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IZoJk9KDNNo/TXBqeQpJM8I/AAAAAAAAAWw/f26WP4-QoWU/s1600/Faux+vintage+plaster+plaque-+close-up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="108" l6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IZoJk9KDNNo/TXBqeQpJM8I/AAAAAAAAAWw/f26WP4-QoWU/s400/Faux+vintage+plaster+plaque-+close-up.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's a close-up of it. I think it turned out pretty good- and it only cost me $8.00 Let me know what you think!!!! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Well, that's it for now. Hope you enjoyed this tutorial, and will be inspired to try making something from items you have around your house. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">My next posting will be all about my Spa's- since I just went to a lovely spa called Ste. Annes. I'll tell you all about it next time, and show you some cute projects and ideas you can do at home for the "Spa" experience.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Til next time. Au Revoir!!!!!</div>Armellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00771355295539567010noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289936136877759175.post-22850861534247766742011-02-27T00:00:00.001-05:002011-02-27T04:23:13.589-05:00A New Bedroom Mirror and Rug<div>Hi. I hope everyone is having a good weekend. It's Saturday night and I'm just lounging on the couch, watching T.V., with my laptop perched on my lap.</div><br />
<div>Have you ever had one of those decorating days/ weekends when everthing just falls into place. Well I did this weekend. I mentioned in my last post that I was going antiquing, but I never ended up going because there was a bad-weather alert in Souther Ontario for Thursday afternoon ( which never happened after all). But all was not lost- I decided to go to one of my favourite off-priced home decor stores ( Homesense) to look for a small wall- shelf for my bedroom. I didn't end up finding one, but I did find a great small rug on sale for $9.00 and a beautiful large mirror for over my bedroom dresser for $69.99. Considering I had $50.00 from a birthday cheque, it was a pretty good score at only $30.00 out of my pocket.</div><div></div><br />
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<div>I immediately went home and put the new rug down, and it was perfect. Next, I tackled the mirror- I still have the almond glossy matching bedroom set from the 1980's that my parents bought me for my first apartment after college- complete with triple- arched art deco style mirror over the dresser. Why is the master bedroom always the last room to be properly furnished? Maybe because no one else really sees it. I sooooo hate that bedroom furniture, and can't wait to get rid of the entire set, but I know I can't do it all at once Patience!!!!</div><br />
<div>I did recover the headboard 6 years ago, so it's not too bad, and now I have the mirror. Here's some pictures of what our bedroom looks like now.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-TbD2MLxBTUA/TWnGmVHiKsI/AAAAAAAAAS4/gcf-cVRvQrA/s1600/Old+Mirror.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="342" l6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-TbD2MLxBTUA/TWnGmVHiKsI/AAAAAAAAAS4/gcf-cVRvQrA/s400/Old+Mirror.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's the old mirror, circa 1980.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">The beautiful, new mirror!!!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jfd839Eph2M/TWnGuvLruzI/AAAAAAAAATA/GnECI7qKnZs/s1600/New+Mirror.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" l6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jfd839Eph2M/TWnGuvLruzI/AAAAAAAAATA/GnECI7qKnZs/s400/New+Mirror.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uIxVHy7N_Rk/TWnG11sC6aI/AAAAAAAAATE/N9Dh6ZU2UjY/s1600/Mirror+detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" l6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uIxVHy7N_Rk/TWnG11sC6aI/AAAAAAAAATE/N9Dh6ZU2UjY/s400/Mirror+detail.jpg" width="342" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Ls_43NEl7Rc/TWnPlFxKK4I/AAAAAAAAAT8/0VDiFh1Vo2I/s1600/IMG_1572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" l6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Ls_43NEl7Rc/TWnPlFxKK4I/AAAAAAAAAT8/0VDiFh1Vo2I/s320/IMG_1572.JPG" width="287" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> What an improvement- YES!!!!!!!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now here's my new rug.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1tqYpROVk4M/TWnIQAyjQ-I/AAAAAAAAATM/fR1Qx7ue0hI/s1600/Rug+Close-up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" l6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1tqYpROVk4M/TWnIQAyjQ-I/AAAAAAAAATM/fR1Qx7ue0hI/s400/Rug+Close-up.jpg" width="378" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I just put it at the foot of the bed, so you can see it as you walk in.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's the rest of the room. I love the cream and sage- green combo and the way it's decorated, but I JUST hate the furniture.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-qIo7nSScI4M/TWnQBBwzNsI/AAAAAAAAAUA/kvdRkO72Ybo/s1600/Bedroom+%25232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" l6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-qIo7nSScI4M/TWnQBBwzNsI/AAAAAAAAAUA/kvdRkO72Ybo/s400/Bedroom+%25232.jpg" width="303" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-O3EdB-NIVLE/TWnJVmy85YI/AAAAAAAAATY/KhNrZ4ueLfo/s1600/Headboard+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" l6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-O3EdB-NIVLE/TWnJVmy85YI/AAAAAAAAATY/KhNrZ4ueLfo/s400/Headboard+.jpg" width="303" /></a></div></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Here's the bed ( I made all the cushions). And the headboard was part of the matching set, but I covered it with a diamond-pattern taffeta like fabric.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-1PlDWTvvkAc/TWnJbfVll5I/AAAAAAAAATc/UnL_bEbZ228/s1600/Armoire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" l6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-1PlDWTvvkAc/TWnJbfVll5I/AAAAAAAAATc/UnL_bEbZ228/s400/Armoire.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's the oh-so- lovely almond gloss armoire ( can you see why I want to get rid of it- just kick it to the curb already).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-r-YiLTK7enQ/TWnJfTXyjEI/AAAAAAAAATg/0WicAy40NXs/s1600/Artwork+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" l6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-r-YiLTK7enQ/TWnJfTXyjEI/AAAAAAAAATg/0WicAy40NXs/s400/Artwork+collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I love my art-work collage and the wrought- iron candle holder and quilt stand. Some of the art-work is original watercolor my "moi". I did the two on the armoire, and the top two in the middle of the collage, as well as the second from the left on the bottom. One day I will post a separate page of all my watercolors, but for today, I'm just concentrating on the bedroom.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Here are a few of the decorative touches in the room.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-LSQxFK--l5s/TWnJpPUj7UI/AAAAAAAAATk/-sl7x2sz0mk/s1600/Window+Alcove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" l6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-LSQxFK--l5s/TWnJpPUj7UI/AAAAAAAAATk/-sl7x2sz0mk/s400/Window+Alcove.jpg" width="275" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> I love this little alcove, and the radiator -cover gives me a place for some more knick-knacks. And the hanging roses are from my wedding arrangements- I dried and sprayed them with hairspray. Still perfect after three years.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Irwk5xaJ_QA/TWnMbOJ-UqI/AAAAAAAAATs/Uk7m4baxVjg/s1600/Dream+Garland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" l6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Irwk5xaJ_QA/TWnMbOJ-UqI/AAAAAAAAATs/Uk7m4baxVjg/s400/Dream+Garland.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I think this garland with the word "dream" hanging on it is sooooo cute. And the roman- shade is linen, lined in black-out liner ( also made by me).</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-TDPiGMUjvWU/TWnJ11gpO6I/AAAAAAAAATo/y1lwfDAg2Ho/s1600/small+table+and+candle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" l6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-TDPiGMUjvWU/TWnJ11gpO6I/AAAAAAAAATo/y1lwfDAg2Ho/s400/small+table+and+candle.jpg" width="286" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The curtains are raw-silk and soften up the square corners of the alcove. I also love the curvy legs of this small wrought iron and tile table.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-YwSEw98-L-s/TWnMnQxvA4I/AAAAAAAAATw/gfAN32PPBis/s1600/recovered+chair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" l6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-YwSEw98-L-s/TWnMnQxvA4I/AAAAAAAAATw/gfAN32PPBis/s400/recovered+chair.jpg" width="252" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This chair is an antique and used to sit in my husband's, grandmother's farmhouse, and was originally covered in dark turquoise damask. It was stuffed with old bed-sheets and straw. I redid the cushions and recovered it with this pretty sage- green damask.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Well, that's about the size of it- it's pretty small, but cosy and pretty.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Anyways, as I was saying- this weekend just fell into place for decorating. Tonight, just before dinner, my hubby decided to walk to the corner watering-hole for a beer. Five minutes later, the phone rings, and it's hubby. "Guess what?" he says. " I was walking down our street, and someone has put out an antique armoire at the curb. Run down and see if you like it." So I threw on a jacket and my crocs and headed down the street. And sure enough, there was a beautiful, wooden armoire with a mirror and a drawer, just waiting for someone to take it home. It was the perfect size for our bedroom- just needs a small paint makeover. So I ran back home, called the hubby and told him to to come straight home and get a dolly, while I guarded that" baby" with my life. And then, I realized , there was also a cute table and a working T.V. in the pile. We need a new small T.V. for the basement, and there was a sign taped to it saying " it works". So we took all three pieces home- SCORE!!!!!!!!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Now, I'm not going to post a picture of these things, because the battery on my camera died, but you'll have to stay tuned for the awsomeness that I'm going to make out of this free armoire and table.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And the T.V.- it works!!!!!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Well, I guess that's about it. I'm finishing off a few small DIY projects that I'll post in the next day or so, and then I can hardly wait to re-paint and makeover the armoire and table.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Til next time. Au Revoir!!!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Armellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664846680038117784noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289936136877759175.post-51139757246154768452011-02-23T22:28:00.000-05:002011-02-23T22:28:24.086-05:00Become a Follower!!!!!!<div style="text-align: center;">Well, it's been just over one week that I've been blogging, and I am thoroughly hooked. I am learning sooooo much from all my kind readers and I hope I will grow to have a very large following.</div><div style="text-align: center;">If you like my blog and plan on keeping up with my decorating antics, please click on my follow button on the top right hand of the blog. This will let me know who you are and how many people are interested. Please also leave me comments at the bottom of each post so I know if you like what I'm writing about.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Well, I'm off on an antiquing trip tomorrow, so I should have some new treasures to show everyone. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WKa5M5_TJjY/TWXPSIQIYMI/AAAAAAAAAS0/stG-g0tfpqI/s1600/square+laurel+wreath.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" j6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WKa5M5_TJjY/TWXPSIQIYMI/AAAAAAAAAS0/stG-g0tfpqI/s320/square+laurel+wreath.PNG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Until next time. Au Revoir!!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Armellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00771355295539567010noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289936136877759175.post-59048885849417098532011-02-23T10:51:00.000-05:002011-02-23T10:51:47.824-05:00Thrift Store Shopping Shopping Bonanza<div style="text-align: center;">I absolitely love thrift store shopping, and going through Craig's list or Kijiji, looking for a bargain. Sometimes I have good luck, and other times, I find nothing. The other day, I went to my local Value Village Thrift Department store and came out within 15 minutes with 4 great things- a white decorative seving tray, a down-filled pillow insert, and 2 pairs of jeans for myself.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LjTTRdlfqGY/TWUnFW24PMI/AAAAAAAAAR0/HFbUlXTIUYw/s1600/IMG_1402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="283" j6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LjTTRdlfqGY/TWUnFW24PMI/AAAAAAAAAR0/HFbUlXTIUYw/s400/IMG_1402.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>This platter was only $1.99 and matched a 3-compartment condiment dish I already have. It was under a good layer of dust, but I wiped it off and it was in otherwise perfect condition. Took it home and put it in my dish cabinet, and now it looks like an antique piece (but it's not). <div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZcJ__SHR9Ak/TWUoaCSWuBI/AAAAAAAAAR4/kPmuZlNUK1s/s1600/IMG_1404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" j6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZcJ__SHR9Ak/TWUoaCSWuBI/AAAAAAAAAR4/kPmuZlNUK1s/s400/IMG_1404.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">See how perfectly it matches my other piece which was a gift from a friend.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The cushion insert was 100% down and usually retails for up to $50.00. It will be made into a pillow at some point. I payed $4.99.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Gg-Gfn4IGY/TWUpP7GZnTI/AAAAAAAAAR8/Eg6NhxAmJA0/s1600/IMG_1405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" j6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Gg-Gfn4IGY/TWUpP7GZnTI/AAAAAAAAAR8/Eg6NhxAmJA0/s400/IMG_1405.JPG" width="362" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-82Fm__BNzOU/TWUpb8bcpiI/AAAAAAAAASA/as3jMWtsKF4/s1600/IMG_1406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" j6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-82Fm__BNzOU/TWUpb8bcpiI/AAAAAAAAASA/as3jMWtsKF4/s400/IMG_1406.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This tray I found a few days ago- it looks like silver, or silver plate in the picture, but it's not - I will be spray painting it Heirloom White and giving it a vintage finish in another post, but it photographs like a fine antique- it has beautiful detail on the edges and handles.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BoeR8nzrg1A/TWUm3NaVnII/AAAAAAAAARw/2sqN-WOmLfo/s1600/Untitled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" j6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BoeR8nzrg1A/TWUm3NaVnII/AAAAAAAAARw/2sqN-WOmLfo/s400/Untitled.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I definately think I can do something with this!!!!!!!</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"> Now, I'm usually squeamish about buying second hand clothes for myself, but this Value village is in a pretty good area and you can sometimes find designer and name brands for next to nothing- and in very good, if not brand new condition . The jeans fit me perfectly and I payed $7.99 for one pair, and $12.99 for the other.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iQ3kU_5PpvI/TWUgIO5di5I/AAAAAAAAARo/S1Hq2WPKr8s/s1600/IMG_1407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" j6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iQ3kU_5PpvI/TWUgIO5di5I/AAAAAAAAARo/S1Hq2WPKr8s/s400/IMG_1407.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MouStdaCjNs/TWUgKtsiKJI/AAAAAAAAARs/16ebzGm15W0/s1600/IMG_1408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" j6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MouStdaCjNs/TWUgKtsiKJI/AAAAAAAAARs/16ebzGm15W0/s400/IMG_1408.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6fRGo-xff1I/TWUq1YsIfrI/AAAAAAAAASE/O_0z7ovW4GI/s1600/IMG_1409.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" j6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6fRGo-xff1I/TWUq1YsIfrI/AAAAAAAAASE/O_0z7ovW4GI/s400/IMG_1409.JPG" width="262" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These will look great tucked into my high riding boots.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J0dsHQggctg/TWUrLqXfTHI/AAAAAAAAASM/-dqgmE2MUVI/s1600/IMG_1410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" j6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J0dsHQggctg/TWUrLqXfTHI/AAAAAAAAASM/-dqgmE2MUVI/s400/IMG_1410.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What a bargain. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Total spent $35.00 + tax. I couldn't have bought even one pair of jeans at my favourite off-price designer store for that. Winners ( known as TJ Maxx in the states always has great deals, but not as great as this!!!!!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Do you have a thrifty shopping story to tell? I'd love to hear about it. My heart starts racing when I think I'm about to find something great for a steal. How about You?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Until Next time. Au Revoir!!!!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Armellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00771355295539567010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289936136877759175.post-2096078581899521392011-02-21T00:44:00.000-05:002011-02-21T00:44:06.395-05:00Are your Kitchen Counters and Appliances Really Clean?<div align="center">Tonight, after washing and putting away the dinner dishes, I wiped down my counters, back-splash and appliances like I always do. I thought everthing looked clean.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EFX42puu4Js/TWH4PqpotJI/AAAAAAAAANk/uvYHi9GFd-A/s1600/IMG_1481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" j6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EFX42puu4Js/TWH4PqpotJI/AAAAAAAAANk/uvYHi9GFd-A/s400/IMG_1481.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div align="center">Here's a picture of it, and no, it doesn't always look this neat. I staightened up for the picture. Sorry for the bad focus.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"> Then my husband made a comment that the phone in the living room looked kind of grungey ( is that the correct spelling? maybe it's grungy!!!!) So I broke out my secret weapon- the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. I love this product- just dampen, wipe and it magically cleans dirt and grime. Even my husband was impressed. So, then I decided to go over my counters with it, and boy was I disgusted when the magic eraser came up all dirty and grimey. I had just wiped everything down, and I consider myself a </div><div align="center"> clean-a-holic. Now, I was madly wiping down every surface- back-splash, fridge, kitchen telephone, microwave and window blinds. That damned Magic Eraser just kept showing me more grime. YUCK!!!!!!!!</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">Here's some pictures so you can see what I saw.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9FOFsUO9C50/TWHvXtjVmzI/AAAAAAAAAMY/zf1Izb7Od6E/s1600/IMG_1462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="366" j6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9FOFsUO9C50/TWHvXtjVmzI/AAAAAAAAAMY/zf1Izb7Od6E/s400/IMG_1462.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Looks innocent enough.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gl5uZPcltLQ/TWHviO6eyrI/AAAAAAAAAMc/m2d-oO0mUAs/s1600/IMG_1466.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" j6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gl5uZPcltLQ/TWHviO6eyrI/AAAAAAAAAMc/m2d-oO0mUAs/s400/IMG_1466.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EJuGmFXFvdU/TWHvj1oM4aI/AAAAAAAAAMg/brEyYvQwbZw/s1600/IMG_1467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" j6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EJuGmFXFvdU/TWHvj1oM4aI/AAAAAAAAAMg/brEyYvQwbZw/s400/IMG_1467.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Can you say GROSS!!!!!!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Well, since I'm taking pictures anyways, Here's the rest of my kitchen.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DPY7Tb3z9Js/TWHwQaDv4KI/AAAAAAAAAMs/bDz-WthD9TQ/s1600/IMG_1472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" j6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DPY7Tb3z9Js/TWHwQaDv4KI/AAAAAAAAAMs/bDz-WthD9TQ/s400/IMG_1472.JPG" width="273" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BhmDW5SE8EQ/TWHwTdVV2zI/AAAAAAAAAMw/03WfDk61Se4/s1600/IMG_1460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" j6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BhmDW5SE8EQ/TWHwTdVV2zI/AAAAAAAAAMw/03WfDk61Se4/s400/IMG_1460.JPG" width="286" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sEssHYl2TXs/TWHwZvJ7uKI/AAAAAAAAAM0/h2vqSVJMKuw/s1600/IMG_1458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" j6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sEssHYl2TXs/TWHwZvJ7uKI/AAAAAAAAAM0/h2vqSVJMKuw/s400/IMG_1458.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's all the white- and I cleaned it all up nice just for these pictures. I can't wait to get a new counter and back-splash, but no money for that right now.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love to decorate in vintage and antiques, but don't have a lot of counter space, so I have to use shelves and a free- standing Island / Counter for storage etc.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is my collection of green glass wear, antique coffee grinders, and copper kitchen wear, etc. Terrible lighting from our ceiling fan/ light fixture ( sorry).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My spice rack/ display shelf over the stove.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's a closer shot of my Fry's Chocolate Giclee' Print,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div align="center">This is my beautiful Counter/Island with which I could not live without. We eat most meals here, and there's lots of storage. It's from Cambridge Furnishings, and they customized it so it sits against the wall, since we have no room in the middle for an island, It's my absolute favourite thing in my kitchen, and I love the color. It keeps the kitchen from being too white- the cabinets and display shelves are Cottage White by Behr. Oh, and the wallpaper was already in the house when we bought it, and that will come down one day- it is okay color-wise, but I really DO NOT like wallpaper in an entire room. At least its vinyl and looks a little like tile, and is easy to clean. But the flowers on the wallpaper really have to go. One day!!!!! Oh, and my clock is from Walmart- it looks just like one I wanted from Restoration Hardware, only a little smaller, and was only $10.00. They just came out with a line of vintage looking stuff, and well- the price was right.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">Well, good thing I took these pictures, because the neatness lasted approximately 2.5 seconds after I was finished. That's when the hubby came in to get a bowl of chocolate ice cream, dripping all over my clean counter, and leaving his dirty dishes in the sink. At least I can look at the pictures. I will show better pictures one day, after I get a new counter, re-paint the cabinets which are chipping and take off the wallpaper. Lots of stuff for future posts in this house.</div><div align="center"><br />
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</div><div align="center">Bye til later. Au Revoir!!!!</div>Armellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00771355295539567010noreply@blogger.com2