tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19942447753068523522024-03-19T00:19:56.606-04:00Sissy's SalvationThrift store finds
Painted furniture
Vintage furniture
Salvaged furniture
Home decorSissyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16612538832839214357noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1994244775306852352.post-39822952214355150352012-03-01T19:29:00.000-05:002012-03-01T19:29:02.087-05:00Anitque MirrorYup! Been falling down on my blogging again. Actually, I've been falling down on a lot of things lately. Seem to be in one of those "slumps" where I kinda walk around in circles, scratching my head and don't know exactly where to start. But, I think I'm finding my mojo again. Spent my day sanding two pieces of furniture. I don't know..... everything has to be right for me. Ya' know, all the stars have to be aligned, the weather has to be just perfect. I guess I'm a high maintenance furniture refinsher. That's gotta stop! Time to get SERIOUS! <br />
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I picked up this mirror quite a while back. It was an immediate emotional love affair. There was just something about it that mesmerized me. <br />
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It's been in the pile with all of my other "projects" for several months but it was always in the back of my mind. Finally, last weekend I dug it out. That was not an easy task but I came out alive! It took an act of congress to get this baby out with no damage. Nothing fell on me and nothing got broken so the junk Gods were shining on me once again!<br />
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She had so many missing pieces that had broken over the years. I laid her out and began the task of disassembling her, the whole time holding my breath. <br />
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I threatened to kill Pig Pen if he came anywhere close to the table while I was trying to remove the mirrors. So far, so good. <br />
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It was time to perform some much needed plastic surgery on this poor girl. The wood was literally disintegrating! I was afraid to breath on it! I used the utility knife to cut off the pieces from one side that were missing from the other. Then, I used this Welder glue (which is my MIRACLE GLUE) to secure all the pieces that were flapping in the wind. I came to REALLY appreciate her at this point. Wish I could use Welder to fix my flapping parts. Ya' think I could fold up the skin under my arms and use this to glue it to my armpits? Hmmmm.... food for thought! <br />
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Next up... a little wood putty to fill in her missing pieces. Wishing I were made of wood right now. This could do WONDERS for crow's feet! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0zl1szdWPA9AKSNM3yntvGknM_k_ucXGQuYSp59Tpjv4h8zu2SkOlnqrVco5i7D-uptwcOoIUVSEF5GBkN6bfB_AOM17gCcIo2zlue4NOPNTLfQ3j-PFTqXKXqgKpo-L50N59T1BeG3Q/s1600/AntMirror3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0zl1szdWPA9AKSNM3yntvGknM_k_ucXGQuYSp59Tpjv4h8zu2SkOlnqrVco5i7D-uptwcOoIUVSEF5GBkN6bfB_AOM17gCcIo2zlue4NOPNTLfQ3j-PFTqXKXqgKpo-L50N59T1BeG3Q/s320/AntMirror3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
After the putty dried, I carefully sanded it to a smooth surface. Then I mixed up some homemade white chalk paint and started painting. After a couple of coats of paint, I mixed up a brown glaze and applied to make all the details stand out. <br />
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</div>I went back and forth.... to distress or not to distress. I decided not to. I was happy with her look as is! <br />
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I thought the glaze "antiqued" her enough and brought out the details. I didn't want to "over do" her. <br />
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I get all giddy when I find a date stamped on an old piece!!!! I was beside myself when I saw this stamped on the back of one of the mirrors. Actually, it was stamped on all three but only this one was legible. No wonder this poor girl was so brittle and her mirror so worn. Love her even more now that I know her birthday!!! <br />
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I'm more in love now than ever!!!! Hulk made some comment tonight about selling her. I didn't have the guts to tell him that I don't think I can part with her. Think I'll just "hide" her away for a little bit and then while he's at work one day, I'll hang her in the spot I have reserved. There's so much stuff around here, I doubt he'll notice???? She's mine!!!! I rescued her from behind a bunch of old broken down TVs in a shack of a building. We're "connected"! She deserves better than to be "sold" like a cheap...... <br />
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Until next time!!!! Whenever that might be. I want to be a good blogger. Really, I do. I know! You're thinking, "yeah, we've heard that one before". BUT, I'm really going to get it together. <br />
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Love to you all!!!!! Sissyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16612538832839214357noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1994244775306852352.post-63444101630676757992012-02-20T11:36:00.000-05:002012-02-20T11:36:02.620-05:00The month of Luuuv & the color red~ Kim from Vintage PaintsIn the spirit of Valentine's Day and February, the month of Luuuuuuuv, I asked my painting soul mate Kim, of Vintage Paints, to come over and share her flare with the color red. This girl has more talent in her pinky toe than I have in my whole body! And what she does with the color red on furniture is amazing! It take kahunas to paint with red but she does it so well! Grab a cup of coffee, a glass of tea, a beer, wine, Mt. Dew (whatever your vice may be) and sit back and be inspired! This lady inspires me every day! If you haven't met Kim or seen her work, well you're in for a huge treat! Take it Kim! <br />
<img align="right" src="SIGNATURE URL" style="border: 0px currentColor;" /><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Hello there! It’s Kim, from Vintage Paints. I am so honored to be a guest </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">blogger for Sissy’s Salvation today! We are going to talk about the color red </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">and my obsession with red furniture. </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">From Color Psychology: The most emotionally intense color, red stimulates a </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">faster heartbeat and breathing. </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Does the color red do this to you? It certainly does to me! It evokes many </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">emotions; excitement, happiness, pleasure. I think it’s the deep dark red that </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">really inspires me. I’ve tried several reds over the past year---some I’ve </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">liked, some I haven’t but through all of these trials & tribulations, I have </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">found the one. You know, my love/soulmate/makes my heart skip a beat. It is </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Benjamin Moore’s “Million Dollar Red.” </span></em><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-8P0zEuE0Or95S7CI1iRfvTKIC2G0ns3ZKSVZsmBke8fgz5hxRBHCd1WEy7UBJ-m07B-DJUWChvryY6t5rZ10iRMEd0GXWzf3nCQJapHiL9Jw2e2eiIo_Rdgz5pZ-WqV5AsVKVZg0kyk/s1600/Kim2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-8P0zEuE0Or95S7CI1iRfvTKIC2G0ns3ZKSVZsmBke8fgz5hxRBHCd1WEy7UBJ-m07B-DJUWChvryY6t5rZ10iRMEd0GXWzf3nCQJapHiL9Jw2e2eiIo_Rdgz5pZ-WqV5AsVKVZg0kyk/s1600/Kim2.png" /></span></em></a></div><em><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></em><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Isn’t that color gorgeous? I love paint and I love to pick out new paint colors. </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I was standing in Benjamin Moore one day, with a fistful of paint chips and on a </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">whim, I decided I wanted a red and chose this one. Now, it does go on a bit </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">strong and you might be thinking “what is Vintage Paints talking about, this </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">color is bright red”…you must stay with me here. Don’t fall off the deep end </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">like I did when I first brushed this color on my piece of furniture. It was so </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">bright and really not at all what I had envisioned. If you prime your furniture </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">first with a gray, the red will show better. I use this: </span></em><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVV2fQazDeteiZWtRbl8Wg2D5Y72sthaphkGndeoG-mhFFuLpSUjl2u_9ZUXRASUDM_RUm7namSsMvbqzm4O1FhMICWx_dLXGylTFlOFw1tEGbupPZxOYEHpi9sTW6wLpnb2Waw_wsSy8/s1600/Kim1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVV2fQazDeteiZWtRbl8Wg2D5Y72sthaphkGndeoG-mhFFuLpSUjl2u_9ZUXRASUDM_RUm7namSsMvbqzm4O1FhMICWx_dLXGylTFlOFw1tEGbupPZxOYEHpi9sTW6wLpnb2Waw_wsSy8/s1600/Kim1.png" /></span></em></a></div><em><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></em><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Be patient, red takes a few coats to get that fabulous deep red. The first coat </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">will have an orange/red tint to it. Let it dry thoroughly before you apply </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">additional coats, each layer will deepen the color. Now to truly get the deep </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">finish that I love, you need to do a dark glaze once your paint is nice and dry. </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I prefer black to anything else on red furniture. You can buy glazes pre-mixed </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">or whip up your own. I prefer to make my own.</span></em><em><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Glaze</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Glazing Medium (found at Michaels/Hobby Lobby)</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Black latex paint (the richer the color the better)</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Water</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Foam brush and soft towel (I cut up old t-shirts)</span></em><br />
<em><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></em><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I like my glaze to be pretty thick so it gets in all of those nooks and </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">crannies. I make sure my towel is pretty damp; not dripping wet but definitely </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">wet. Brush on the glaze and wipe off with the towel. You’re in total control </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">of how much and where that glaze goes. The wet towel really helps you remove </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">excess glaze and keeps the product moist, which extends your work time. Leave </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">it in the areas you want to accent. It really helps bring those details out and </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">make them more visible. Wipe off too much? That’s okay, just give it a few </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">seconds to dry up and reapply. The black gives you that gorgeous farmhousey red </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">that we all love! </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Here are some pieces I’ve done with Million Dollar Red and black glaze: </span></em><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></em><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Farmhouse Red Hutch</span></em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVfIEFNN4Yt0F2PyhBlf3MqlHxu-QLqHekK7CCiCeX77EtkBoeI5c4M-8DPU1L6xVHcUM75uF4TR8fhQJ83SgMf4Qv-asVkygDuIRZV0GeasZhu7apRCSTnOjKwWXR6NS6rUx69E_9Bkc/s1600/kim3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVfIEFNN4Yt0F2PyhBlf3MqlHxu-QLqHekK7CCiCeX77EtkBoeI5c4M-8DPU1L6xVHcUM75uF4TR8fhQJ83SgMf4Qv-asVkygDuIRZV0GeasZhu7apRCSTnOjKwWXR6NS6rUx69E_9Bkc/s320/kim3.png" width="132" /></span></em></a></div><em><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></em><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Farmhouse Red Bistro Set</span></em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil7Ol-PodoxQVdZovT2LB5k1__LXLKZErjE_iehP8fdciOFXnzuVICJKBqDy1Ed5zR9o2Tu5Zm4VqCp8LnRg2D3NlYueZpryEYmWkEEUNcJDUF3XJrP6qH-b1bEoQKimd4tQMZ_9l898s/s1600/kim4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil7Ol-PodoxQVdZovT2LB5k1__LXLKZErjE_iehP8fdciOFXnzuVICJKBqDy1Ed5zR9o2Tu5Zm4VqCp8LnRg2D3NlYueZpryEYmWkEEUNcJDUF3XJrP6qH-b1bEoQKimd4tQMZ_9l898s/s320/kim4.png" width="320" /></span></em></a></div><em><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></em><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Farmhouse Red Cabinet</span></em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg95a2RZNYds-aAmXkKMUPt-JELtMTRK8XDGCoJGm-YMUeW60cXYUrd3BYX1PtTvEAUgNiqaoqcgkjWwmd3XHBvX6uK-jqtWlRxnSW8GRclXXafoird6hVl7NW3elfNlhxfwTZilETV6pc/s1600/kim5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg95a2RZNYds-aAmXkKMUPt-JELtMTRK8XDGCoJGm-YMUeW60cXYUrd3BYX1PtTvEAUgNiqaoqcgkjWwmd3XHBvX6uK-jqtWlRxnSW8GRclXXafoird6hVl7NW3elfNlhxfwTZilETV6pc/s320/kim5.png" width="127" /></span></em></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Farmhouse Red Dresser</span></em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA_Q6eUhLqcbKcgQjGoK-Io5J7o6YwFP6RBFlF37LaKj9OdrWLtKvK0mLXbTjbWTPuqCiS8yams01YKm0puuRhyphenhyphennvJ_hanuEnvZvNHMqLY0qyH_ytWMoLG8gdzBTvsAt0_ZMx7hSEwDx0/s1600/kim6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA_Q6eUhLqcbKcgQjGoK-Io5J7o6YwFP6RBFlF37LaKj9OdrWLtKvK0mLXbTjbWTPuqCiS8yams01YKm0puuRhyphenhyphennvJ_hanuEnvZvNHMqLY0qyH_ytWMoLG8gdzBTvsAt0_ZMx7hSEwDx0/s320/kim6.png" width="320" /></span></em></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span><em> <span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></em><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I hope this makes red a little less intimidating! Embrace color, it’s good for </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">your soul. *and if you don’t like it, you can paint over it* :)</span></em><br />
<em> <span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Thank you so very much to my girl Tracy, for having me here! You inspire me </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">daily with your kind soul, lovely ideas and fabulous work! I am so fortunate to </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">be able to call you my friend. Love ya’, girly!</span></em><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></em><em> <span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></em><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Vintage Paints has left the building…</span></em><br />
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Kim is one of those rare people you meet in life! Such a sweetheart! When I was on my knees praying for comfort, after my father crossed over to Heaven, Kim was there waiting and comforting me. I will always be grateful for her presence in my life. She's one of the truly special people in this World and I thank God for putting her in my path!<br />
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You can visit Kim's blog here:<br />
<a href="http://vintagepaintsblog.blogspot.com/">http://vintagepaintsblog.blogspot.com/</a><br />
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And her Facebook page here: <br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Vintage-Paints/198118963548226">http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Vintage-Paints/198118963548226</a>Sissyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16612538832839214357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1994244775306852352.post-30658811377319522212012-02-15T15:31:00.000-05:002012-02-15T15:31:01.885-05:00Guest Blog at Vintage Paints!!!!!!My painting soul sister, Kim at Vintage Paints, was sweet enough to invite me over as a guest on her blog!!!! Talk about flattered! Kim is a wizard with paint so when she asked me to be her guest, I was SO stinkin' excited! <br />
If you have not yet visited the Vintage Paints blog, you are in for a real treat!!!! <br />
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<a href="http://vintagepaintsblog.blogspot.com/2012/02/guest-blogger-sissys-salvation.html">http://vintagepaintsblog.blogspot.com/2012/02/guest-blogger-sissys-salvation.html</a><img align="right" src="http://www.blogger.com/SIGNATURE%20URL" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbMsYFWNRqj15EfpWma2XXbwh334k3a1fmRbegWXft0NFCDkRhY2IfwEAVZZssRGeQrCWM4nJM4_xDkaedrm-o-c0SsnXCZ6mEsC9LUwyEKayi_nKWPnsGdWoPNZaqCtpEfYPwOweeHVg/s1600/Sissy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbMsYFWNRqj15EfpWma2XXbwh334k3a1fmRbegWXft0NFCDkRhY2IfwEAVZZssRGeQrCWM4nJM4_xDkaedrm-o-c0SsnXCZ6mEsC9LUwyEKayi_nKWPnsGdWoPNZaqCtpEfYPwOweeHVg/s1600/Sissy.png" yda="true" /></a></div>Sissyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16612538832839214357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1994244775306852352.post-76802936929809690682012-02-01T08:48:00.000-05:002012-02-01T08:48:40.510-05:00The BEAST! ~ repurposed sewing machine tableWill I ever learn to stop under estimating the complexity of things? I have all these wonderful ideas running around in my head. Unfortunately, I do not have all the skills to go with them! I had three sewing machine tables that I picked up here and there. My mom was wanting a new side table to go between her two new chairs. Of course, I chime in that I can re-purpose one of these tables for her, NOOOOO problem. Hmph!! Famous last words. <br />
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This is the one she chose.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFdanXbE-WtgC0nYVvM62WKchihenj6NgDWc3SWxanMNe5tY9m8c2GN9BW3F4Wt0_z6wLX8fIc_EAnMpjpQQLAqN_RUJQ6cxw58XTxQCNlqHs10hh2ME6PeUPO1Zvle8z2cqwnk0L7xi8/s1600/SMT5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFdanXbE-WtgC0nYVvM62WKchihenj6NgDWc3SWxanMNe5tY9m8c2GN9BW3F4Wt0_z6wLX8fIc_EAnMpjpQQLAqN_RUJQ6cxw58XTxQCNlqHs10hh2ME6PeUPO1Zvle8z2cqwnk0L7xi8/s320/SMT5.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">That's not a rat wearing a shirt. That's my Yorkie dog, Duncan. He has issues like is momma. :-)</div><br />
This table had a little more detail than the others and nice curvy legs. First up was to cut 4" off the legs to get the proper height for a side table. NOOOOOO problem! Hmph! I get out my tape measure and Skill Saw and proceed to hack the living Hell out of these legs. You know not even two of them were the same length. Who would have thunk?? I was so disgusted. Hulk came home from his fishing trip and found me sitting on the back deck with head in hands. "What's wrong, Babe?"... My reply, "I've $%#$#%%%^$$$.... stupid @#&^%$^%! I'm so @#&^%^%$." Then he proceeds to tell me how I should have done it and that I used the wrong type saw, blah, blah, blah. Thanks Bob Villa! Where were you 30 minutes ago?? So, I just swallowed my pride and asked him to fix them. He did. <br />
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On to step two. Build a shelf where the sewing machine used to live for storing magazines, books, etc. NOOOOO problem! Hmph! I make myself a paper template of the inside. So far so good. I transfer that to my plywood and move outside to cut it out. Besides my complete terror of the saw, that went pretty well. I screw the 4" pieces that I cut off the legs to each side of the table as braces for the shelf. I measure, use my little level, attach them. At this point, I'm thinking, "easy peasy... I got this." Time to put the shelf in. Didn't dawn on me that I would now not be able to get the thing in there because now there are 4 blocks of wood preventing me from angling it in there now. Once again, head in hands that eventually slide up to grab the hair and starting pulling! I take the shelf back out and cut it into two pieces. Take THAT! Finally get the demolished shelf secured in the table. Problem now? FUGLY with a capital F. It looked like a complete train wreck. How am I going to fix THIS??? Wheels start spinning.... gotta cover up the ugly. So, I bust out some fabric and Modge Podge. I won't go into how frustrating this step was because this post is getting way too long. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLl9AorkWK9_HCPKcbtICNRQqQbx08Nj5C2tDcLfhcGWyDDOZprvNvxsh8Vq5lS7Mxz4CmsrT4suwpc1v8oNckY3XhqbWWXJPK8M2uwoT2Da9G7zacZq1wTYWZxvUwb9aUxtT70i7Utxw/s1600/SMT4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLl9AorkWK9_HCPKcbtICNRQqQbx08Nj5C2tDcLfhcGWyDDOZprvNvxsh8Vq5lS7Mxz4CmsrT4suwpc1v8oNckY3XhqbWWXJPK8M2uwoT2Da9G7zacZq1wTYWZxvUwb9aUxtT70i7Utxw/s320/SMT4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>This is what I ended up with. Perfect? Far from it! Functional? Yes. A for effort, right? Just OVER THE MOON happy to be done with it! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYrN_8ANj3J35tBgXCBe2pgvlx6ibZJPBu01OC9DJypD5o3Yb-2Yp6Sgtd_zDuOKYPBKulp7NkUZx_Zx-SDogV2hNjc1Lp2oAOVKRuF_Y8DPs7MpfKEpYC5LI1ikbBleNJIYCzwy8JXZ4/s1600/SMT2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYrN_8ANj3J35tBgXCBe2pgvlx6ibZJPBu01OC9DJypD5o3Yb-2Yp6Sgtd_zDuOKYPBKulp7NkUZx_Zx-SDogV2hNjc1Lp2oAOVKRuF_Y8DPs7MpfKEpYC5LI1ikbBleNJIYCzwy8JXZ4/s320/SMT2.JPG" width="273" /></a></div><br />
I mixed up some chalk paint with a pale yellow oops can I picked up at Lowes. Wasn't sure what to do with the pull. It was so pretty and I wasn't sure I wanted to paint it. So, I soaked it in apple cider vinegar for a few hours and scrubbed it with an old tooth brush and it came back to it's shiny original finish. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN-fq11-c27m4y9mjWh7KvW2bTgv56_ERIiOsS3TuusIFRKCzvNz_QDLd-Bhkhspa7DkrYXGYG1UVBap345vR6exH26KwXmFXTn_R_u2bc1noCkMgDp-ufwPQwPzI65_q3-blcG1BS_Pw/s1600/SMT3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN-fq11-c27m4y9mjWh7KvW2bTgv56_ERIiOsS3TuusIFRKCzvNz_QDLd-Bhkhspa7DkrYXGYG1UVBap345vR6exH26KwXmFXTn_R_u2bc1noCkMgDp-ufwPQwPzI65_q3-blcG1BS_Pw/s320/SMT3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The little tray that used to hold spools of thread is now a little shelf to hold TV remotes. I just snipped off the "spikey thingies" and modge podged scrap book paper in the bottom. In retrospect, I probably should have painted the tray to match the table but I was WAY over it by this point. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJB3DK3vlorR-Ji7Z9QR3k1W9Nil2SOxqkBMEFwKbOiA2KMP9Hv78CxCJrRVWTOHfKKJnBqYRo4J0QgeWAU4NzFaozIA-5rXRW10S9-gOgcAmiRsPkpcb_drimRJMTT_5ixTZg91rEBpg/s1600/SMT6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJB3DK3vlorR-Ji7Z9QR3k1W9Nil2SOxqkBMEFwKbOiA2KMP9Hv78CxCJrRVWTOHfKKJnBqYRo4J0QgeWAU4NzFaozIA-5rXRW10S9-gOgcAmiRsPkpcb_drimRJMTT_5ixTZg91rEBpg/s320/SMT6.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Picked up a couple of old coasters at the thrift store, painted them and added the same scrap book paper with the Modge Podge. I glued felt to the bottoms as not to scratch the paint. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIl6ib1cB0cnjh2HlEJxq7kMLkgNyCE5dzCIbenMj8-o_uHvj8N_sZ40YIREgwoXld2gIqZgQl6yy0HvsvujTq3lIsjHra0TyhCMZKqQHLHMpm1-a2OfBV1I5AvrN2Pw_c0zFqh_mYJHg/s1600/SMT5-tile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIl6ib1cB0cnjh2HlEJxq7kMLkgNyCE5dzCIbenMj8-o_uHvj8N_sZ40YIREgwoXld2gIqZgQl6yy0HvsvujTq3lIsjHra0TyhCMZKqQHLHMpm1-a2OfBV1I5AvrN2Pw_c0zFqh_mYJHg/s320/SMT5-tile.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
And there you have it. All done and I still have a thread of sanity left and all of my fingers. Lessons learned: Either stick to painting items that require no construction skills or go to Tech and take wood working classes or ask my carpenter husband to work with me until I pick up the skills I need. Naturally, the first option would be much easier but that would be too boring for me. I've always needed a challenge and this definitely did me for a while!!!! <br />
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<img align="right" src="http://www.blogger.com/SIGNATURE%20URL" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" />Sissyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16612538832839214357noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1994244775306852352.post-21958087058717744842012-01-15T18:01:00.000-05:002012-01-15T18:01:32.702-05:00Apothecary Jars and the curse of OCDI've been having so much fun messing with this and that lately. I've been all over the board!!!! If a person could get inside my mind, I'm certain it would make them dizzy. I probably need to take a few steps back from the World Wide Web. There are so many ideas out there, well, it could drive this girl over the edge. Not that I have all that far to go, mind you. I have a "touch" of (actually full blow) OCD.. I get all these projects in my mind going and then the fact that they are unfinished haunts me. The OCD makes me work very slowly because every detail must be precise. Therefore, every piece I've bought and stored away calls my name. Then there's the fact that my house looks like a cross between Hobby Lobby and a wood shop which is driving me insane. You've got the obsessive.... which is the buying and creating and then the compulsive which can't tolerate disorganization. It's a double edged sword people!!! I'm working my way through it though!! Believe it or not I've mellowed in my old age. LOL!!!! <br />
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When I walk into a thrift store, I can't stay focused on searching for just one category of items. I see this and go "oooooh!!!" and I see that and go "oooh!!!" I really need to learn to talk to myself before entering the doors. The conversation needs to go like this, "Okay girl, we're looking for furniture today! Do not approach the glassware, picture frames or ANYTHING other than furniture". Gotta work on that! <br />
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BUT, I've been seeing all these pretty DIY apothecary jars on the Internet like these. <br />
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And these<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw2-qclEHkkJG9puJT7RrzdCB1iK8P4XkgmmOVVokV1HIRapdpFfPQPH4ITi3O9GBZ4MZhxi43ImsYjcx-806_NUIGr49Iy8C2UT9zs_WN3DTmqXkxe7n3PQDMFcXBClPGETdLqK8sKpI/s1600/109212359683456644_G07pc7xZ_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw2-qclEHkkJG9puJT7RrzdCB1iK8P4XkgmmOVVokV1HIRapdpFfPQPH4ITi3O9GBZ4MZhxi43ImsYjcx-806_NUIGr49Iy8C2UT9zs_WN3DTmqXkxe7n3PQDMFcXBClPGETdLqK8sKpI/s1600/109212359683456644_G07pc7xZ_b.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I really wanted to make some. They are just TOO cute!!!! So, in my thrifting travels, I was on the lookout for candle sticks that I could paint and then add empty jars with spray painted lids. Much to my surprise, I stumbled upon some REAL apothecary jars. You'd have thought I just hit the million dollar lottery!!!! Then, my whole mindset had to change. Searching, searching for candle holders to fit the jars. Luck would have it that I have found the honey hole of thrift stores! There are shelves of stuff packed so tightly that you are afraid if you move one item, the whole thing will come tumbling down! (taking Pig Pen in there makes my hiney tight and sends shivers down my spine!!!) Stuff has probably been there for 10.... 20 years. It's a "picking" experience not a thrifting experience! That's one of the perks of living in a rural area with so many tiny towns nearby. <br />
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So, after finding the jars, I lucked up and found these.<br />
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My stars must have been aligned perfectly that day! The one in the back was a ceramic class creation by Dot circa 1967. It was orange but I had already hit it with primer before I remembered to take the picture. The other two were the EXACT same style but in two different paint finishes. What are the chances of that? Ideally, I would have liked all three to be different since the jars were all different but, hey, thrifters can't be choosers! <br />
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I primed them and mixed up a concoction of chalk paint using plaster of paris, water, and Martha Stewart's Seaglass. I painted them ,waxed them and glued the jars on. And TA~DA! <br />
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The second picture is more true to the actual color (a seafoam green). My photography skills plainly suck! But, I have to let that go! Can't get obsessed with THAT too! <br />
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Here's the kicker. These apothecary jars and a little light house votive candle holder project I'm working on have sparked the idea of a bathroom makeover. (big sigh). Adding ANOTHER project to my scattered brain's agenda!!!! <br />
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It's all good!!! While I do drive myself crazy, the truth is I ALWAYS have. No matter what I'm doing, whether it's designing a custom kitchen or painting a thrift store find. I'm always my own worst critic and over analyzing every detail. The beauty of my life today is, I CAN slow down to the pace that I'm comfortable with and start taking life in stride. The "business politics" end is out of it and now it's all about the creating. I still have alot of work to do in the "not driving myself crazy" department but atleast now it's just ME doing it! <br />
That's right folks! I'm a little crazy but the first step is understanding and accepting your "issues" because we all have them. Next step is finding your place in the World where your "issues" work for you rather than against you. I've NEVER been more content! I've been blessed with two guys who love me for who I am... they always have. I just had to learn to love and accept me too. <br />
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Embrace and love who you are!! <br />
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<img align="right" src="http://www.blogger.com/SIGNATURE%20URL" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" />Sissyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16612538832839214357noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1994244775306852352.post-67987652783827471782012-01-08T09:24:00.000-05:002012-01-08T09:24:24.793-05:00Black Distressed Chest of Drawers and BookcaseI'm on a roll!!!!! Two posts in less that 24 hours. I know you are grabbing your heart Fred Sanford style at the amazement of it all. :-)<br />
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I recently re-vamped a couple of pieces for a friend. This girl has an eye for decorating that is beyond description! Her house is simply gorgeous so I was quite flattered that she asked me to paint a chest of drawers and bookcase for her little boy's room, which she is in the process of redecorating. <br />
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Here's what they looked like before. <br />
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The chest of drawers had been previously painted white and lived in her daughter's room. The bookcase had a coat of gray primer when I picked it up. Stephanie wanted them painted black and distressed. Distressed is always best when living in a room with an 8 year old boy!!! <br />
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So, I got to work. First step was to strip the white paint off the chest. I believe it had been painted with floor paint, and while durable, it had a texture that I wasn't digging. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNQv1-ffphByl6y2i-jomGLYMOgHQeiOflOGqpgFRxcENQ8f9YSpwcR7oIgYWDbdmSjNTeC5KlCekc_Omq6PFTipRbjfr5yQTJ6kLt9vHekdBdb-c-sgsXye_qWHpKLxs11yloaUJxsys/s1600/steph4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNQv1-ffphByl6y2i-jomGLYMOgHQeiOflOGqpgFRxcENQ8f9YSpwcR7oIgYWDbdmSjNTeC5KlCekc_Omq6PFTipRbjfr5yQTJ6kLt9vHekdBdb-c-sgsXye_qWHpKLxs11yloaUJxsys/s320/steph4.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
Kinda gross, don't ya' think? Stripping paint has to be one of the messiest jobs there are but this stuff is a miracle in a can!!!! After getting the old paint off, I sanded her down to get a nice smooth surface. Then I applied "Gripper" primer and then flat black paint. <br />
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Then some distressing along all the beautiful lines to make them really stand out. <br />
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I used the same technique on the bookcase. Because the two pieces were different wood species, the distressing didn't match and I DEFINITELY wasn't digging on that!!!! So, I applied Cherry stain with a Qtip to all of the distressed areas on both pieces. The last step was two coats of wipe-on Poly. I LOVE that stuff!!!!! It's easy as pie to apply and it gives a hand rubbed finish. <br />
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I took them back to their home yesterday and Stephanie was THRILLED with the results which made my heart smile. I'm always nervous when working on other's furniture but I was a little extra nervous on these because she has such beautiful taste. So, when she was so happy with them, I wanted to do the happy dance right then and there!!! <br />
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I'll leave you with before and afters side by side. I have seen others post their pics this way and I loved it because I could truly appreciate the before and after. SO, I was quite impressed with myself when I figured out how to do this!! <br />
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Hope y'all have a wonderful Sunday! We are having some beautiful weather again here in SC so I'm going to get busy today sanding several pieces. Then, when the weather turns cold, I can pull something out and paint inside. I'm getting smarter about this stuff!!!!! :-)<br />
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</div>Sissyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16612538832839214357noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1994244775306852352.post-79365815056742091052012-01-07T18:19:00.000-05:002012-01-07T18:19:19.369-05:00Chalk Paint Experiment = Facebook BLOW UP!Yep, it's really me! I have not fallen off the face of the Earth. It's been a while since my last post but I have a tendency to get tied up over on my Facebook page. I really enjoy the interaction and the amazing people that I've met! It's SUCH a fun place to be! I tend to get caught up and forget Blogland. I'm going to do better though, I promise. <br />
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Speaking of the Facebook page! Things have really been hopin' over there. I've had a nice steady stream of new friends since starting my page, a little over three months ago, and just recently did my first give away after reaching 200 likes. I was tickled to death to reach 200!!!!!! I just shipped the prize out two weeks ago to Final Touches Redesign. Then, I posted this a couple of days ago and my page BLEW UP!!! I'm talking about mind boggling numbers of people. Take a peak.<br />
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This is what got people swarming over. I was expecting swirls of smoke to come boiling out my screen! I've had almost 30 new likes in less than 24 hours. WHAT!? GET OUT!!!!! That's what I was saying this morning when I logged on. Surely, this is a nice dream and I'm going to wake up in a few minutes. <br />
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Here's how it all came about. You may remember that I wrote a post (forever ago) that I was going to experiment with homemade chalk paint. I'm slow like a turtle.... it's just who I am. Got that from my Daddy. He never got in a hurry for anything but I loved that about him. That was so much of his gentle, calm nature. So, a gazillion days later, I actually got around to doing it. I can't take ANY credit for the recipe. 2ndEssence is the one who developed the recipe I used and she was gracious enough to share it with others. I'm so glad she did! It's so stinkin' AWESOME!!!!!! (I'll share it with you at the end of the post). <br />
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I mixed it up, got out one of my little cheapo sponge brushes and got to painting. I forgot to take a before picture of the frames but they were just your basic ugly gold frames. After I painted them with the chalk paint, I then lightly dry brushed a couple of coats of white primer over the details. I was fresh out of white paint (can you believe that? Got every color under the sun but no white). Time to take a trip to Lowes for more supplies! To finish them up, I brushed on Minwax finishing paste (with my redneck waxing brush ~ a paint brush with a rubber band around the bristles). Hey, I'm the Queen of improvising and doing things as <strike>cheaply</strike> cost effect as possible.... got that from my Daddy too. LOL! <br />
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Here are some close up shots. <br />
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Who knew an experiment would cause such a stir??? I sure didn't!!! But, I'm so grateful that I (little ole' me.... the Redneck Princess) was able to inspire others. I don't think there's a better feeling in the whole World! I've shared the recipe for this paint numerous times today and I'm going to share it again here (and 1 million times more to anyone who is interested!) <br />
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1 1/2 cups Acrylic Latex paint (the one I used was Satin finish and I believe that's what 2ndEssence uses too with the exception of white. When mixing white I believe she uses flat)<br />
1/2 cup Plaster of Paris<br />
1/2 cup warm water<br />
First mix plaster of paris and water until there are no lumps and then mix in your paint. <br />
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This paint gives a timeless, antique look that is very soft and subtle and its <strike>cheap</strike> cost effective. I will definitely be using it again on certain things but will stick to my tried and true method on others. I think variety is the spice of life!!! <br />
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In closing, I found this painting hanging on the wall of a thrift store and I COULD not leave it behind! I had to save Miss Valda's art. <br />
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I thought of how much love and time she put into this (just as I do with furniture) and I was determined she was going to get a better home. While I didn't know how I would work this into my other things because it's not exactly my style, I so appreciated the skill and the colors. Not to worry, I have two people who want to give Miss Valda a forever home. Yay!!!!! We love and value you Miss Valda wherever you are! <br />
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Love & peace to all, <br />
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</div>Sissyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16612538832839214357noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1994244775306852352.post-41548798545602694742011-12-22T20:02:00.000-05:002011-12-22T20:02:16.563-05:00FEELING the true meaning of Christmas ~ for the first time!I'm sitting on the screen porch and I hear the nearby church bells playing "I wish you a Merry Christmas". It's so beautiful! So strange (and sad) that I've lived here for 12 years and never noticed the bells playing Christmas music. That is the second time today that I've heard them. This is the first year of my 41 years on this Earth that I TRULY appreciate the real meaning of Christmas. I think we all know what it's supposed to be about but we get so wrapped up in the stress of it all. I've been guilty of that my entire life. I saw a post on someone's FB page earlier asking what everyone is grateful for this year. Naturally, I'm grateful for my family. I'm one lucky girl!!! I get to stay home and pursue my dreams with total support from my sweet son and totally devoted husband. We are all healthy and have everything we need. I'm always thankful for those things. But, this year, I'm especially grateful for the spiritual awakening that has happened within me since my father's passing. The only way I know how to describe it is it was like looking through hazy glasses and then suddenly they are clean and everything looks so much clearer and more pure. My senses are so acute now. I hear and see things I never would have noticed before. When I hear those bells playing, "I wish you a Merry Christmas", somehow I KNOW that's my daddy telling me he's still here with me and that he's okay and he loves me and as he always told me, "It'll be okay". I know that sounds hokey but it's a "feeling" I get. I don't know how to explain it. I can just be going about my business and something stops me in my tracks. Almost like someone grabs me by the collar and says, "STOP!". (if you don't believe that, as I was typing this post I saw my cell phone light up and it said "receiving message". Took a while but a text came through from April..... a girl I met through FB who lives in Maine. I've never met her in person but she has become a good friend via telephone conversations. Her text was simply this: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NJqUN9TClM&feature=youtu.be">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NJqUN9TClM&feature=youtu.be</a> . A song titled "If I Die Young" by The Band Perry. That was TOTALLY random and to say that it sent shivers down my spine and tears to my eyes doesn't even begin to describe my reaction to it. I've never heard this song before but in the lyrics at the end of the song it says "funny how when you're dead people start listening". WOW is all I can say right now!) The greatest gift my father ever gave me was his death. As strange as that sounds, the dying process is much like a birth. As painful as it was to watch, now that I know he's made his journey and he's at peace in a place more beautiful than you or I could ever imagine, I can look back on it now and realize how blessed I was to witness his crossing over to be with our Father. I wouldn't take ANYTHING for the days and nights I sat by his bedside as he was making his way to Heaven. NOW, I get the true meaning of Christmas and I am forever changed for the better. Thank you Daddy! May you have the most beautiful Christmas at the table with Jesus in God's house! May you sing and dance with angels and enjoy your hard earned peace and comfort in the company of family and friends who went before you. "I wish you a Merry Christmas" too Daddy and I hear you loudly and clearly! As always, you are making sure I'm okay and I truly am okay now. I will NEVER stop missing you but I'm much better than you left me. You are taking care of me now just as you always did. Making sure my heart is taken care of. You are a remarkable man and your gentle and kind heart lives on. I feel it with me every day! So, you see, through this past year and all I've experienced I not only know that Christmas is to celebrate the birth of Christ...... now I FEEL it. It feels pretty awesome!!!!! <br />
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<img align="right" src="http://www.blogger.com/SIGNATURE%20URL" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" />Sissyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16612538832839214357noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1994244775306852352.post-65046875369945954242011-12-15T09:59:00.000-05:002011-12-15T09:59:09.869-05:00Chest of Drawers ~ Before & AfterHello friends! It's been a while, I know. Things have been hectic lately (well, in my mind any way). I seem to be having trouble keeping things straight in my brain. There's been lots of "static" in my brain waves! Not to worry, I'm not hearing voices! LOL! <br />
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I recently finished a chest of drawers for a client. I went over to take a look at her existing furniture so I could coordinate this piece. <br />
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Here is the chest before:<br />
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This girl has seen A LOT of use! But, she's all solid wood with no veneer. Those are the ones I REALLY love! <br />
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Here she is after her make-up was applied:<br />
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New mahogany stain and hand rubbed poly on the top. <br />
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Original knobs stripped and stained to match the top.<br />
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Sweet little scalloped detail on the bottom really popped after she was painted an antique white. Honestly, when I purchased this piece, I never even noticed the detail. It wasn't until after the primer went on that I saw how lovely it was. <br />
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Much better, don't you think? <br />
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Amazing what a little make-up can do for a girl! ;-) Okay, once again, I have spent too much time on the computer this morning. The thing has super natural powers. I try to stay away from it but every time I walk past it, it sucks me back in! Geez! There is no telling how much furniture I could churn out if I could stay off of this BEAST! <br />
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<img align="right" src="http://www.blogger.com/SIGNATURE%20URL" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" />Sissyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16612538832839214357noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1994244775306852352.post-91260373869076392752011-12-05T16:59:00.000-05:002011-12-05T16:59:04.950-05:00Seashell ChristmasI'm sure everyone knows by now that I have a serious passion for the coast and all things coastal. While I don't live on the coast (not because I can't tear myself away from the sleepy little town of Gilbert but because I'm po), I pretend that I do when I decorate for Christmas. My family's fondest memories are of times we've spent together while on or near salt water. <br />
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I was always a very traditional kinda girl in my Christmas decorating. A live tree decked out with red and white! A few years ago, after a spectacular summer of many off-shore fishing weekends with my two guys and gathering so many priceless photos from those trips, I decided to purchase a white artificial tree and decorate it with the shells we found on a deserted island that we had so much fun combing and also with the photos we had taken. I dubbed it the "family beach tree". That year, I still had the traditional tree and put the beach tree in the kitchen. My son fell in love with it and has only wanted it since.<br />
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Here she is! She's a little on the small side. Think I need to bite the bullet and hit a day after Christmas sale to see if I can score a larger white tree. Oh, the thought of that just made my stomach do flip flops!!! I loathe crowded stores!!!!! Guess that's why I feel so at home in the thrift stores. <br />
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Anyhoo, for the last few years, I have been expounding on the coastal theme and last year made this seashell wreath for our front door. <br />
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Glitter and seashells! Does it get any better?????? Tanya, over at "Make the Best of What's Around" is doing a blog post of Christmas wreaths so I threw this one into the ring! If you have a hand made wreath you should go over and post it on her Facebook page or link a blog post! I can't wait to see all the submissions she gets!!!!! <br />
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Hope you are having fun decorating and celebrating with your own family traditions! While our tiny beach tree is anything but traditional, it holds a lot of meaning for us and is very personal. So is this simple wreath. Every shell was picked up by us on a beautiful beach as we walked it alone.... just the three of us! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-whTZXzRXNDOHlmbXaoZiH338x5052ti3Ij-L2UUku1upd2km9CE57kVbMrW5gK5seg68cM-pbkXjxmfKPPz3HBx-jYOA0RoFbiPqTkODpgt-1-WRHK27eWI-B5JOTT_Yrmi3g-oCce0/s1600/signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-whTZXzRXNDOHlmbXaoZiH338x5052ti3Ij-L2UUku1upd2km9CE57kVbMrW5gK5seg68cM-pbkXjxmfKPPz3HBx-jYOA0RoFbiPqTkODpgt-1-WRHK27eWI-B5JOTT_Yrmi3g-oCce0/s1600/signature.png" /></a></div>Sissyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16612538832839214357noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1994244775306852352.post-78706226373600295402011-12-03T20:13:00.001-05:002011-12-04T18:35:59.467-05:00Back Out!Yep.... that's right..... my back is OUT!!! I scored some fabulous stuff on Friday but got a little cocky in thinking that I was still 20 years old and could move all this furniture around by myself. It's a pride issue! I could have just left it all in the back of the truck and waited till hubby got home. BUT, there's this "thing" i possess within me that says, "ha! I don't need help... I can do it myself.... watch me!" Well, I did it myself <br />
alright! Did it up real good! <br />
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<img border="0" dda="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2SI95bhtMLrMTHo-flAm2cS3r3GaUbv7bAU1kjpaM8xTcRxN-YaiulKQXBXA4nwZYdnMU8V_jUhP8Gtt_gzsdcNWSNsjaoswpfpt3-PqIiPo-_JZGfaFIKD9UhM6sJakN_KY2AB5BWfk/s320/BARCAB.JPG" width="320" /><br />
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First, I unloaded this very heavy solid wood piece! </div>
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Then a sewing machine table with the sewing machine still inside!~ HEAVY<br />
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The second sewing maching table with sewing machine still intact! <br />
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And two cute chairs. Okay, these weren't heavy and I'm sure they didn't contribute to my back injury but I didn't want to leave them out! <br />
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There was also a milk glass chandelier that I just remembered is in the front seat of the truck. In my pain, I forgot about it. Just tried to talk Pig Pen into going out and getting it and he said, "NO! It's scary out there in the dark!" (sigh) <br />
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So, as I've spent the weekend walking like a wounded duck and my son laughing his butt off at me (love you too baby) I could only work on upholstery yesterday and that was a challenge. One second, everything is fine but then I make the slightest move and it feels like I've been stabbed in the back with a knife. I move (very slowly), make a wrong move, the stabbing pain hits and I scream. Then Pig Pen yells, "Mom, are you okay!!?" Yes. son, I'll make it and then he's doubled over in laughter as he watches me try to walk all hunched over like a 100 year old person. He even asked if he and Dad should go to the store and get me a walker or a wheel chair. Ya' gotta love the children!!!! <br />
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And then, today, I really had to swallow my pride and ask hubby if he could go pick up two pieces from a client and get them unloaded by himself. I guess all those hours he spends at the gym pumping iron finally came in handy. So, my pride has come back to bite, ONCE AGAIN! <br />
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Please pray with me that my back will recover quickly as there is SO much to be done and also so I can be relieved of the humiliation of walking like a duck with a stick up it's &#% ! <br />
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Fun times at Sissy's Salvation right now! <br />
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Hope your weekend has been better than mine. ;-) <br />
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<br />Sissyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16612538832839214357noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1994244775306852352.post-67265530149220048902011-11-28T22:18:00.000-05:002011-11-28T22:18:13.914-05:00Clueless BloggerYep! That's me...... the COMPLETELY clueless blogger. All this "linking up" has me frustrated beyond belief. Post your link, put this button on your blog, etc. Well, I would gladly do that if I could figure out HOW! Ugh! I desperately want to connect with others and figure out this big bad blog land. I don't claim to set the World on fire in the smarts department but come on! How hard could it be? I see that I'm capable of many things but this has me stumped. SARAH!!!! Calling my blog savvy bestie!!! NEED SOME HELP OVER HERE! After all, you're the one who talked me into this blog thing! Need technical support! ;-)<br />
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Maybe one day I'll set the blogasphere (is that a word? did I spell it right? GEEZ!) on fire but for tonight, I'll share a sweet little project with you. You may have read somewhere here that I'm so thankful for Facebook. I've met so many amazing people but one in particular, my sweet friend April who lives in Maine. We met each other through some Zynga game. And people say those games are stupid and a waste of time. I beg to differ! While I no longer play them (too much painting to be done), look what happened as a result of the countless hours I spent raising crops and feeding animals! I met one of my dearest friends. While we have never met in person, we chat on the phone regularly and know so much about one another and support each other through good and tough times. April is an amazing person and I am so blessed to have her in my life. <br />
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I posted this sad looking shelf for sale. April jumped right in and said she wanted it! <br />
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We chatted on the phone and chose a color. <br />
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A lovely shade of green! <br />
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With a black glaze and some light distressing. <br />
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This girl has beautiful curves! <br />
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And 3 little pegs at the bottom! <br />
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I love this piece and hope that April will love just as much! I must sign the back with a sweet message to my friend to let her know how grateful I am for her friendship! <br />
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I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Mine was different this year but different can be good. I spent the day with my two guys and it was very peaceful and I have a lot to be thankful for! <br />
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Till next time! Got a chest of drawer reveal coming up very soon! Sissyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16612538832839214357noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1994244775306852352.post-14689021041615633962011-11-23T08:56:00.000-05:002011-11-23T08:56:37.401-05:00Fun With A Staple GunI hijacked hubby's electric staple gun about a year ago when I decided to recover my dining room chairs. I've been in love ever since. If you don't have one, you MUST get one! Put it on your Christmas wish list! <br />
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Over the weekend, I finally decided that enough time had passed for me to ONCE AGAIN work with the "Double Yucks". After admiring their paint makeover for a while, the memories of their difficulty started to fade. It was time to give them some clothes. <br />
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For years my mom had been using chair pads on them. You know the ones that tie on? Inevitably, the ties would break and it was a constant battle with the cushions. So, I decided I'd put a more permanent cushion on them to end her struggles. I went back and forth as to how I was going to put the fabric on them. Initially, I was going to make a new seat with plywood, cover that and attach from the bottom with screws. After a lot of thought, I scrapped that idea. Mostly because I was feeling lazy and I didn't feel like dealing with the saw. Not to mention that I usually work on a whim and when I decide I want to do something, I can't be bother with small details like the fact that I didn't have the wood or wood screws. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>It's kind of hard to see in the before picture but they have a curved groove at the back of the seat. I had some furniture nails, so I decided that I would use them along the curve and then wrap the fabric around the seat and staple it underneath. Here's how it turned out. <br />
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I wasn't sure how I felt about nail heads in general. They always reminded me of a very hideous 70's chair from my childhood. However, I have definitely changed my tune now! In fact, every thing I do in the future may be adorned with these lovelies! I think they bring a bit of sophistication to this otherwise plain and boring chair. OH, and the best part is the fabric! Guess were I found it?????? The clearance rack at KMart. Yup! But you say..... "KMart doesn't sell fabric"? Nope but they do sell curtains. I picked up two panels for $6 each (that will be $3 per chair when I get around to doing the other two). Oh how I love a bargain! <br />
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Now, the true test will be whether or not my mom likes them. Our tastes are quite different. Her fabric choice would probably be very bright vivid colors in a paisley or floral patter and that's what I intended to do but when I saw these curtains, I just knew it was right. Hopefully, she will be okay with it. If not, it can easily be changed. <br />
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Well, it's the day before Thanksgiving and I'm sitting on my screen porch in shorts. I LOVE this weather but it certainly doesn't feel like the end of November. Everything is different this year, without Daddy. I don't even know what's for dinner tomorrow. Hubby says steaks and I'm okay with that. Not really feeling the traditional thing this year. Time to start new traditions I think. So, little Pig Pen (my son) and I will decorate the Christmas tree tomorrow (while still wearing our shorts and flip flops). ;-) <br />
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I hope that everyone has a great day tomorrow and has countless things to be thankful for!! Happy Thanksgiving! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNcxOenQlczDX8VdDA7qq54K43z-JKeHPi9URLGtDgLIHM-k_SpRGIoLn6IbUTL8f9zpusX98lSjkuQncdiYyM6O5bcoHYo3EjB5qLLf14p3exdsQJ__f-Gqc9B2QiEcN7sk7W9hFi7Zo/s1600/signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNcxOenQlczDX8VdDA7qq54K43z-JKeHPi9URLGtDgLIHM-k_SpRGIoLn6IbUTL8f9zpusX98lSjkuQncdiYyM6O5bcoHYo3EjB5qLLf14p3exdsQJ__f-Gqc9B2QiEcN7sk7W9hFi7Zo/s1600/signature.png" /></a></div>Sissyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16612538832839214357noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1994244775306852352.post-54715961249336245272011-11-16T16:37:00.000-05:002011-11-16T16:37:23.796-05:00Ta Da!Here she is! The antique dresser that is FINALLY completed! She's all re-finished and ready to go back home. <br />
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I won't bore you with the before pics again. Let's just say that she was pretty banged up! <br />
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Now, she's quite lovely! While I prefer painting, this was pretty rewarding. I feel so good about re-storing something from the 1930's back to it's original beauty. I won't lie and say that it didn't kick my butt but it was worth all the long hours. <br />
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Oh, and how about my photo editing? Impressed, aren't you? Seriously, this picture thing is bothering me. I have several dilemmas in that area. First of all, I'm currently working on my back porch with no access to get large pieces in and out by myself. Muscle Man fixed that problem today by bringing home 4 thingies (i know they have a name but don't care to take the time to find out what that is) with wheels that you place under the furniture. <img align="right" src="http://www.blogger.com/SIGNATURE%20URL" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" />So, that's a plus! He's sweet like that or perhaps he's tired of moving furniture. Hmmm.. Second problem is that my house is on the small side and a little dark. So, inside pictures aren't working out so good! That's why you see the blue behind the dresser. I had it sitting in front of my china cabinet and I've moved this thing 1000 times by myself and I was over it! My solution? Put a blanket over the hutch on the china cabinet. And there ya' go! That's the redneck princess's solution to that problem! Done and moving on to the next project. <br />
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I spent my day outside in the beautiful sunshine sanding this girl. I'm not sure what the temperature reached today but at 4:00 it was 78 degrees. I can't begin to tell you how happy that makes me! <br />
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This chick is my new best friend! I fall in love very easily, if you haven't already figured that out. Doesn't take much to make this simple gal happy! She's solid and easy to get along with..... my kind of girl! As soon as I got down to her raw, natural beauty I was grinning from ear to ear! She, along with the weather, made me realize today how very blessed I am. I don't claim to have a perfect life but I am so grateful for the life I have. I have two guys who love me beyond measure (despite all of my flaws). We have a sweet little house that is all ours. I have so many blessings and I feel ashamed during those "down" times when I don't give thanks for them every day. <br />
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Today was awesome. Nothing "spectacular" happened. It was just a very calm day with warmth and simplicity. I love those days! <br />
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The antique dresser is finished and will be making her way back home this week. Been waiting for the Poly to dry completely before attaching her mirror for an after pic. Coming to you tomorrow, hopefully! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHP6TPiEA7c_bqsa2kbaHZJpYUE_2b1jbbF5hqlusohHFOdD3XxB-OO1ru3C71lOrjUuEyj3Y6913oXa2EHkV_OUfSHk4yq4oORIi4XxVnhqGel5zkgnQ-jVM95Wj3-Co93RAyTzbiMhA/s1600/Sissy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHP6TPiEA7c_bqsa2kbaHZJpYUE_2b1jbbF5hqlusohHFOdD3XxB-OO1ru3C71lOrjUuEyj3Y6913oXa2EHkV_OUfSHk4yq4oORIi4XxVnhqGel5zkgnQ-jVM95Wj3-Co93RAyTzbiMhA/s1600/Sissy.png" /></a></div>Sissyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16612538832839214357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1994244775306852352.post-1433008045650417412011-11-12T08:41:00.000-05:002011-11-12T08:41:32.828-05:00Makin' ProgressBeen feeling a bit bogged down with the two projects I've been working on. I must learn to not underestimate the complexity of certain things and NOT try to do two of those things at ONCE. I'm my own worst enemy! <br />
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I'm happy to report that I'm finally seeing light at the end of the tunnel and have made great progress. Been refinishing an antique dresser for a customer. I'll give you a sneak peak of where I am.<br />
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Honestly, this was a little scary since the ends are veneer and I knew sanding wasn't going to be an option. After 3 cans of miracle liquid, Formby's Furniture Refinisher, those scratches faded into a distant memory. <br />
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Voila! I'm in love with Mr. Formby. He's da' man! <br />
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A little crumb snatcher has etched their initial on one of the drawers. Yikes! <br />
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Sorry, kid. Mr. Formby out smarted you! Ha! <br />
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She's all stripped and has a fresh coat of Mahogany stain. All that's left to do is apply the rub on poly top coat. When I get her all put back together, I'll let you feast your eyes on all of her beauty. <br />
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Then there's these girls that I referred to as the "Double Yucks". You might remember that I was having quite a time trying to strip the 5 million layers of top coat off of them. <br />
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This picture is bringing back some ugly memories! There may have been some unpleasant <strike>things</strike> words said to these girls at their refusal to give up the top coat. <br />
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FINALLY, they have been transformed. Black paint with a chocolate glaze and a polycryllic top coat. I'm planning to make upholstered seats for them but I think that will wait a little while. We really need a break from each other! <br />
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Sweet and oh so much better! (Sarah, if you're out there, I need some photography lessons ASAP! Help!)<br />
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Can't wait to finish up the dresser because I've got some other projects that I'm itching to get started on!!! Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!<br />
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<img align="right" src="http://www.blogger.com/SIGNATURE%20URL" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" />Sissyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16612538832839214357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1994244775306852352.post-19416703558683963982011-11-06T16:36:00.000-05:002011-11-06T16:36:48.408-05:00How Sissy Got Her Groove Back - Keeping it Real!My last post was a bit of a downer, I admit it. So many emotions are running rampant these days. Lots to think about, lots to be sad about, lots to be ELATED about, lots of things to look forward to, lots of things to miss. You get where I'm going with this, right? I'm an emotional CLUSTER! But, ya' know what? I think that's okay. I could get all down on myself and not share this roller coaster of emotions and keep the craziness to myself and have a "fru, fru" blog but I've spent the majority of my life keeping my feelings a secret (with the exception of those that come out in my crazy facial expressions.... but that's another story!) The bottom line is, I think emotions are meant to be shared. I no longer see that as a sign of weakness, On the contrary, I see it as a sign of true strength. It takes courage to say what's on your mind and how you're feeling and getting past the wondering of how you'll be judged for it. I always thought it was the strong person who put on brave face during times of sadness. I came to realize that's an actual sign of weakness. I don't want to be weak anymore! I speak often about my daddy and how his Cancer and death have affected me. I often think people are tired of hearing about it but then I think, this is my blog and my voice. People don't have to read it if they don't want to, right? This is the place that I can come and say what I feel. I'm pretty used to people not wanting to hear what's on my mind but I figure this is the best place to "let it all hang out!" Confession is good for the soul. It's always been easier for me to write what I'm feeling versus verbalizing it. So, this blog has been very therapeutic for me. And, one of the most important things my father taught me, just before his passing, was that what others think "just doesn't really matter." That's what he said when planning his own funeral. He made it abundantly clear that we let his pall bearers (who he called himself and asked if they would do this for him) that they should be themselves, not worry about what to wear.... wear their jeans or overalls or whatever they have because "it just doesn't matter". Thank you Daddy!!! You are right, "it just doesn't matter". Being true to yourself and realizing what is truly important in life is ALL that matters! <br />
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So, let's move on to how I got my groove back. (I told you my thoughts are a cluster!) The last few days have been hard. Hearing all the Christmas jingles and commercials on TV and going to the stores and trying to take in all the decorations. Geez! I've been overwhelmed with emotions. I couldn't seem to find my motivation! I've had this antique dresser that I am to re-finish for a client for quite some time. My time line (by Thanksgiving) was pressing down on me. So this morning, I busted out the Formby's Furniture Refinsher and got to work. I always work better under pressure. The results were amazing. I was a bit nervous taking on this project because I don't have any experience refinishing furniture but I did SO much research and came to the conclusion that Formby's was the the route I needed to take. <br />
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Before Formby's:<br />
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Holy Moly! I'm so impressed with what this stuff can do!!!! I was worried about all the scratches but after Formby's they were gone! I'm so excited to continue working on this piece and know that it's going to be so beautiful!!! All it took to set me straight was a lot of seashells, hot glue and, today, a bottle of miracle chemicals! I've got my groove back and I'm raring to go! Stay tuned for this gorgeous girl's reveal! <br />
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Now, if someone could just take away the "commercial" Christmas, I'd REALLY be on top of the World! This year, I'm going to focus on a Christ filled Christmas because that's what it's truly about! God has wrapped his arms around me since losing my father. He's given me the gift of clarity that I will forever be grateful for!!!Sissyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16612538832839214357noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1994244775306852352.post-16192545211232348872011-11-05T20:55:00.000-04:002011-11-05T20:55:04.192-04:00Feeling "sea crafty" and lots of other thingsI've been a bad blogger lately. Actually, I've been a bad everything lately. I seem to have, temporarily, lost my groove or passion for everything. With the Holidays upon me, my stupid hormones raging, the cold icky weather (which I plainly LOATH), a hyper 8 year old boy with dyslexia..... I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed! Trying to come to terms with spending Thanksgiving and Christmas without my daddy seems to have gotten a hold on me that I can't quite shake. I truly wish I could skip it all and fast forward to May of next year!!! If I could bypass the next 5 months, I could skip all the emotions of facing family time with a major player missing. I could bypass all the cold, grey and dark days that are coming. I wish I could just be sitting on the front of the boat with the sun beating down on me and salt spray in my face. It's the only time and place I truly feel free! <br />
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So, I guess that's why I sat down last night with my glue gun, a 5 gallon bucket of shells and some rope and started working. I'm a little backward. Most people are making Holiday wreaths and decorations. Not me! Here's what I've been working on. <br />
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Takes me back to my happy place! I used to get so excited about the Holidays. This year, I'm just not feeling it. Put plainly, it's HARD! But, this too shall pass. I'll get through it to see another beautiful Spring and busting waves on the Ocean with my men. Hey, if playing with seashells is what gets me through.... I'm going to be okay! <br />
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<img align="right" src="http://www.blogger.com/SIGNATURE%20URL" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" />Sissyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16612538832839214357noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1994244775306852352.post-53684586174327415592011-10-29T20:51:00.000-04:002011-10-29T20:51:03.377-04:00Do you see the angel?Oh WOW! That's all I can say! <br />
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For those of you who know me personally or for those that have been following my blog, you know that Sissy's Salvation was born as a result of my father's year long battle with Cancer and his ultimate death. I prayed for peace and, as a result of that, Sissy's Salvation came to be. It has given me a new beginning! <br />
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Today, I posted some picutures of items for sale. <br />
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A freind, from high school, posted a message saying that her little girl wanted to know if I saw the angel in the mirror? No, I never would have seen it because I was too preoccupied with the task at hand. When it was brought to my attention and I saw it, tears came to my eyes! Thank you sweet Bailey! Thank you for helping me see that my daddy and God are looking over me and that I am on the right path! <br />
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<img align="right" src="http://www.blogger.com/SIGNATURE%20URL" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" />Sissyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16612538832839214357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1994244775306852352.post-38435501859731768902011-10-29T20:27:00.000-04:002011-10-29T20:27:08.383-04:00Thank you for your comments!Because I haven't figured out how to reply to comments left on my blog (I'm a newbie), I wanted to take a moment to say thanks to those who left responses about my chalk paint experiment. I've never used Annie Sloan's and don't want to step on the toes of those who do. I have no doubt that it's an awesome product! I've looked at all the pictures that have been posted of the furniture that has been painted with it and I drool. Here's my view on it. First of all, with the state our country is in, I'm only interested in buying American made products. First and foremost! Secondly, if Annie Sloan's paint is as easy to apply as it claims to be, then anyone can purchase a $35 quart and do it themselves. Lord knows there are enough DIY videos out there. That should be a little scary to all of those out there painting furniture for a living. The price, to me, is too excessive. Never in a million years am I going to pay $35 a quart for ANYTHING! That's just me because I'm a thrifty kind of girl! So, I'll just keep plugging along..... working my magic with what I have and a little experimentation only adds to the fun! Sissyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16612538832839214357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1994244775306852352.post-87201882307174128192011-10-28T17:56:00.000-04:002011-10-28T17:56:30.749-04:00OVER Stripping and Sanding!I've been working on the "double YUCK twins" here for a few days now. To say that I'm disgusted with them is an understatement. <br />
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These girls belong to my mother. I posted on FB last night about how I grew up with these chairs and how I'm AMAZED that none of the 1000 layers of top coat have worn off through the years. Must be some skull and cross bones product from the 70's that ate the lungs out of everyone who came in contact with it. I used a stripper on them..... TWICE. I sanded them for two days! Still I could not get them back to bare wood to re-stain them as I had initially thought I would. I have a tendency to have grand ideas and underestimate the complexity of certain things. I've always thought if I set my mind to something, I could acheive it. Don't get me wrong. I COUD HAVE acheived it but it would have taken atleast 2 or 3 more days of sanding and bleaching. Pure exhaustion and the aching in my arms and back convinced me to GIVE IT UP ALREADY! So, these <strike>pains</strike> chairs are getting black paint versus black stain. <br />
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With all that said, I'm pretty much over stripping and sanding (for the time being anyway). I've been drooling over the ever famous Annie Sloan Chalk Paint that is spread all over furniture blogland. However, the price makes me queezy. What is it? Like $35 per quart?. My <strike>cheap</strike> thrifty heart can't take it! I look at it, I salivate and then I look at the price and I'm like Sanford (of Sanford and Son) grabbing my heart and screaming, "it's a big one Elizabeth!" But, then there are the claims that no sanding or primer is needed. This paint will cover and adhere to ANYTHING. That part is extremely appealing! My aching arms and back say, "Yes FOOL! Bust out that credit card and get to ordering". <br />
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Not so fast aching body parts! I've read several blogs giving formulas to make your own chalk paint for $4. Now you're speaking my language! They say to mix latex paint with Calcium Carbonate (which I could not find at my local health food store), Plaster of Paris and some say sandless grout. Apparently the sandless grout is the formula for chalkboard paint (according to Martha Stuart). Who can argue with Martha? Well, I probably would but we won't go there! So, I'm going to give this homemade chalk paint a try over the weekend and paint a small piece and see what I get. <br />
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If this works, cover your ears because I'm gonna be squeeling from the rooftop!!!!! Sissyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16612538832839214357noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1994244775306852352.post-20612994724118214692011-10-21T19:52:00.000-04:002011-10-21T19:52:01.796-04:00I'm in LOVE!<img align="right" src="http://www.blogger.com/SIGNATURE%20URL" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /><br />
Little man and I were on our way home from the bank this afternoon when I decided to swing by a thrift <strike>store</strike> place not far from our house. This is not one of my favorite places to thrift because most things are out outdoors and randomly thrown in boxes and they don't usually have a lot of furniture. However, my opinion has changed. I will be stopping there WAY more often! <br />
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My heart skipped several beats when I saw this! I was sure it was an illusion. I found this beauty in a tent like <strike>building</strike> structure, way in the back behind a bunch of old TVs. I was speechless. My guardian junk angel must have been sitting on my shoulder and whispering in my ear to stop at this place that I don't particularly care for. <br />
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It was love at first sight! I HAD to have it! So little man and I jumped in the car, sped home, grabbed the keys to the "Tank" and headed back. She's mine. I just don't think I could ever part with her. Now to decide what to do with her. Hmmm? She needs A LOT of repair but she'll definitely be worth it! Sissyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16612538832839214357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1994244775306852352.post-56826454120876866552011-10-20T20:49:00.000-04:002011-10-20T20:49:12.197-04:00Crazy Week! (A Random Post) All over the board!<img align="right" src="http://www.blogger.com/SIGNATURE%20URL" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /><br />
After I returned from my leave of absence from Sissys' Salvation (vacation), I decided to work on a couple of small pieces to get me back into my paint groove. <br />
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I started with this great picture frame. <br />
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I was away too long because I forgot to take the before pic. Imagine brown and dingy. It dawned on me to take the picture after I applied the primer. Duh! <br />
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Here she is after white paint and brown glaze and the sweetest picture of my daddy when he was just a tot. He was such a cutie and the likeness to my son is uncanny! <br />
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Then I worked on this beast. The Pirate Ship wine wrack! <br />
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This crazy looking thing reminded me of a pirate's ship. It's big, rough and chunky. I envisioned it looking like a piece of driftwood. Never did I dream that something so small would be so much work! I just couldn't seem to get it right. Eventually, after many hours of work, this is what I ended up with. <br />
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The picture quality stinks because I wasn't patient enough to take the pic the next day when there was daylight. However, today has been so crazy there was no time for pictures. I'm now calling this one "Ship Wreck" because it kicked my butt! Please excuse my disgusting looking work table and try to focus on the piece. :) Sarah! Calling Sarah the photographer!!!! Are you out there? :)<br />
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So, I've been home 4 days. I've been painting and totally neglecting housework, cooking and laundry. (you ask, "so what's new about that?"). Nothing really. I haven't even completely unpacked my suitcase. A girl has to keep her priorities straight, right? <br />
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Today, I jumped in hubby's crew cab dual wheel truck (the "Tank") to pick up an antique mahogany dresser from a client and two of my mother's kitchen chairs. I will be refinishing the dresser and the chairs (2 at a time... total of four because I didn't want to leave her with no chairs). That should keep me busy for a while. <br />
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Tomorrow, I'm off to Lowes to buy supplies and get started. I can't wait! I'm a little "all over the board" at the moment. Trying to get back into a routine and so excited about my new found salvation and all the possibilities. I'm just so happy with where I am and what I'm doing. Finally, something that is all mine and it feels wonderful. <br />
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In my travels today, I stopped at the cemetery and had a long talk with Daddy. I had so many things weighing on my mind and so much to share with him. I put a little garden ornament bird in his flower arrangement some time back. It's wings go around and around when the wind blows. As I talk to him, at certain points, the birds wings whiz even when there's no wind. That's my sign that he hears me. It's hard to explain or even understand how you can be hurting so deeply over the loss of a loved one and yet be in the best place you've ever been. <br />
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It's been a crazy week! It's been a crazy life but I'm so excited to see where it leads me. I'm no longer afraid of anything. That's the gift my father gave me at the end of his life. Nothing I do ( or possibly fail at) can compare to what he went through. Thanks to my sweet father for giving me the strength and courage to follow my dreams! Sissyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16612538832839214357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1994244775306852352.post-69634316344372104342011-10-18T22:16:00.001-04:002011-10-19T07:32:24.997-04:00Out of TouchI've been a little out of touch the last two weeks. Went on vacation, and it was great, but I'm glad to be back home in my new found salvation. For the majority of my life, I hated to see vacation come to an end. I would begin the very first day counting down how many days I had left. Not anymore! I have found my comfort zone and I could NOT wait to get back home and start painting! <br />
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However, any time I'm on salt water with my boys my heart sings. Here's what we saw this week. <br />
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Beautiful SC marsh views from our deck.<br />
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Breath taking sunsets! <br />
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My "happy" place, Bay Point. This is my deserted island that brings my heart so much peace. You think you can just reach up and touch a cloud. <br />
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This beach goes on forever! I can't express how blessed I feel every time my feet hit these sands. I know that I am one of the very few people who ever walk it. There's just something so sacred about that! <br />
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My sweet husband waits patiently for me as I explore. The tides are too high and rough to put the anchor down so he can't join us. He simply waits. SWEET MAN! <br />
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Look what I found on "my" island!!!! Shells galore! I'm so freakin' happy, I don't know what to do with myself!!!! <br />
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Is there anything more beautiful than seashells? I could spend days, weeks, months picking these up and NEVER get bored. Every one is different! I guess, "junkin'" is in my blood. Whether it's a deserted beach or a thrift store, I could hunt and search FOREVER! Hidden treasure is what I love!Sissyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16612538832839214357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1994244775306852352.post-63887387803811075002011-10-05T15:39:00.002-04:002011-10-05T15:47:43.328-04:00Labor of LoveI finished Brett's rocking chairs!!! I feel like celebrating. This was a true labor of love and, while they will never be perfect, I'm thrilled with the outcome. These girls were in serious need of some TLC. <br />
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Do you remember them before? <br />
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YIKES! Lots of scraping and sanding but well worth it. <br />
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Aren't they lovely? So simple and classic. Now Brett's wife can actually use her grandmother's chairs and rock till her heart is content. It's rewarding to give new life to an old piece of furniture but even more so when there are memories and stories attached.<br />
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Makes me wish for a Mint Julep! Southern Belles they are! <br />
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I was working on a serious timeline with these ladies. Not just because Brett's wife's birthday is fast approaching but also because I'm heading to the Coast on Saturday for a week in beautiful historical Beaufort. My happy place! I can smell the "fluff" mud already! I'm going to sit on the dock and watch the sunset every evening and watch the dolphins swim by. Can't wait! I'm SO ready. Well, mentally, I'm ready. I haven't packed the first thing or shopped or done the laundry. I have nothing ready. I've got two days left though so I'll be okay. I'm actually not stressed about it. That is HUGE for me!!!! Stress used to be my middle name. <br />
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I've always been the World's biggest worry wart but not anymore. My 5th grade teacher actually wrote in my year book, "To my favorite worry wart." So, if I was that much of a worrier at 10, you can imagine what the adult years have been like. <br />
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I give credit for my new found peace to my daddy and to God. There's nothing like watching someone you love go through the dying process to make you realize how precious EVERY day is. Life is too short to stress over trivial matters or those things that you cannot control. There's no gift more wonderful than the sense of peace. I'm SO thankful for the peace I've found in Sissy's Salvation. Somehow, I know Daddy is watching with that sweet, gentle grin of his and that makes my heart smile. <br />
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<img align="right" src="http://www.blogger.com/SIGNATURE%20URL" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" />Sissyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16612538832839214357noreply@blogger.com0