d reyne's

Snow Day!

2012-01-19T15:18:00.001-05:00

It's Officially A Snow Day here at our house!

It started to snow just after 9:00 this morning and has been coming down quite steadily ever since!
The big beautiful flakes!
Snow globe material!

I have been out a few times to keep the path between our house and the cottage cleared.

If I don't...it becomes quite treacherous!
I love Snow days, especially when I get to stay at home.

I walk from window to window
Taking in the view from each vantage point...
(Sigh)

There is such a wonderful peace that comes with freshly fallen snow!

A quiet hush that covers everything!

I think I'm going to fix a cup of cocoa...
Grab a cozy throw and Pin!
Have a wonderful, cozy day!

A few more updates

2012-01-10T13:49:00.000-05:00

Hello Everyone!
Tuesday's are usually a bit slower paced for me so...

I thought I would take advantage of the amazing light that was streaming into the house and show you a few of the things we did prior to the Holidays.
Sound like fun?
Let's start in the kitchen and dining room...now remember,
We are not finished but I did do some quick decorating to get us through until we began working again.
You know me...always putting the pretties out before the construction is complete:)

Our kitchen island is now at about 75% complete . Just days before the kids started to arrive for Christmas...we installed the zinc counter top.
And yes....we did it ourselves....and yes...I will show how we did it in a few days!
I have one more small counter to wrap so I thought I would give you the tutorial then.

I have had several emails about this project and promise to share the details. Ireally love how it turned out!

I must warn you though...this was a bit tricky!

My hubby cut down the legs on these barstools to make them counter height.

We've had them for awhile...even used them in the house before the renovation. I kind of like them here in the new kitchen.

What do you think? Should I keep them or still look for the upholstered ones I had been thinking about?
So many decisions...but I have learned to take my time and not rush into anything...It has made such a difference!

Hubby framed the fireplace out just before Christmas too. It's will be a pass through with a vent free gas log. I still have to decide what I want it clad in...so here it sits...waiting for me!

I've always wanted a fireplace in the kitchen and dining room...I can't wait to see it finished!
Soon...
This is our nearly completed dining room...we are really close in here!
Once the fireplace is completed we can install baseboards and have another ta-da to add to our list! YAY!

We actually eat here every evening!

Yesterday I had a few errands to run in town so I stopped into my favorite junk shop.
These amazing doors called out to me and I had to bring them home!

Can you say LOVE?
That's just how I feel about these babies!
They are nearly the same color as my reclaimed hardwood floors!

The Living room and Library are coming along too!

I promise to share more pictures of these rooms soon!
I have practically spent all my time in the living room lately...basking in the sun! The weather has been so warm and wonderful...I don't want to miss a minute of it!

I'll be back soon to share the how-to's and why for's on the zinc counter project...
Until next time,
Many blessing my friends!

Trip to Tot's

2012-01-07T18:21:00.001-05:00

Each time Rebecca gets into her SUV...
I truly believe that Willie Nelson is crooning out "On the road again" somewhere in the background.

I am normally NOT part of her road trip crew but when she suggested we go to Kentucky to see our dear friend Theresa and her new store...I even volunteered to drive!

Theresa aka TOT lives about 3 and half hours from my home and so we headed south and like Thelma and Louise...of course there was a bit of road drama!
But Oh baby we had fun!
Theresa and her husband Craig just opened a brand new brick and mortar store in the cutest little town ever!
The little 2 block section of town is literally lined with shops!

But Theresa's shop took my breathe away!

Isn't this adorable?

Here we all are...did ya notice I chopped my hair off? And look at Theresa!! I am loving her gorgeous long hair!

Once inside...I barely took pictures because I was so engrossed with every little detail! I am so into display...It was like being a kid in a candy store!

Serious Eye Candy!

Everywhere you looked amazing treasures!

Fabulous textures and her color palette...knocked my socks off!

Always the salesperson Rebecca was trying to sell me this alabaster lamp base...I loved it but have been afraid to buy anything small until we are a bit closer on the house! ( I have plastic bins full of things I haven't even seen in years!)

Besides...this will give me an excuse to go back! :)

After our shopping and sight seeing... we met up with one of Theresa's daughter's and her children for dinner at their favorite Mexican food restaurant.
All I can say is "Oh baby"
It was fabulous!
But not as fabulous as Theresa and Craig's home!!!
As most of you know who follow her blog...Theresa has been busy making some serious changes to their home and I couldn't wait to see them for my self!

This is where Theresa shines! She is a master at display!

I am so in love with her new color palette...It had me thinking...

Day dreaming...

Wondering if I should darken the walls in my own living room!

Rebecca caught me in Lala land! HAH!

Isn't this fabulous?

Every single thing spoke to me!

If you ever get a chance... ask Theresa about this head sculpture...it's mind blowing!

Her television is even white! Oh my goodness this is so cool!

Rebecca and I were trying to figure out how we could get a few things stuffed into my little car :)
I so love these old windows!
(Rebecca had her eyes on some chairs in Tot's bedroom!)
Rebecca did her first post on our trip and will do a second soon so go by and see what I was too busy gawking to take pictures of!

We had a wonderful time and are so grateful to Theresa and Craig for allowing us to be their house guests!

If you ever get a chance to visit Kentucky...ya'll really need to stop by and see this adorable little store! It's so worth the visit!

Time Worn Interiors

211 East Main St.
Glendale, KY

A Fresh start

2011-12-31T14:28:00.001-05:00

They say that absence makes the heart grow fonder.

I am hoping that this is the case.

December has been a blur and I must admit on more than one occasion...I considered deleting my blog altogether.

I had gotten out of the habit of turning on my laptop each morning. I felt overwhelmed and didn't think I wanted to share this.
As things started to slow down...I began to miss my friends.
I weighed it out and realized that I blog because of these friendships!
Sharing our ideas and projects...

Giving and receiving an encouraging word. Celebrating the good times and sometimes even the bad.

I feel so blessed to have met some wonderful friends through blogging!

So Thank you!
All of you who take the time to stop by!

It is the beginning of a brand New Year~a fresh start to all things.

We are taking some much needed time away from the renovation but will pick up where we left off just before the Holidays in a few weeks. We made some serious progress and this is probably why we are so worn thin in places.

I have so much to share with you and will.... just as soon as I catch my breath again.
I do hope everyone has a fabulous New Years . Whether you stay home and bring in the New year in a quiet fashion or go out...Enjoy!

All but one of my images were taken from Pinterest! I just love this site!

Christmas and House Updates

2011-12-06T12:16:00.002-05:00

Hello My Friends!
I can't believe it's already Tuesday!

So much is happening here at home with the renovation and Christmas just weeks away now.
Holiday decorating is almost complete in our home and over the next few days or so, I thought I would show you what I did in each room. Sound like fun?

Last week, I wallpapered the Library.
I chose a classic wallpaper from one of my favorite companies. Even though it is a bit difficult to hang, I still wanted to use it in here. It has to be over lapped like vintage papers and then cut through both. It makes for a perfect match, but it's tricky.
The paper isn't prepasted but that really doesn't matter because I always roll my own paste on anyway.
It's also not vinyl. I really don't like the feel of vinyl papers and try to stay away from them if at all possible.

By choosing a timeless paper I knew it would not be dated quickly and...I just loved the simple pattern in shades of blue and white. It reminds me of coral!

This wonderful little French table is in the new Library...you can see the wallpaper in the background.

Which is now as far as it will get before Christmas.
I am so happy with how it looks and feels in here.
I am waiting on the area rug and the headboard fabric. The headboard is being upholstered in heavy linen and I decided to have a nail head trim done on the edge.
Remember, we have a Murphy bed in this room and will be using this as a bedroom for The Holidays.

So, what do you think?
I am really pleased thus far and of course, look forward to the Spring when the bookcases will be built.
I also have to wait until then to order my grey willow chairs. They are just not easy to find in the Winter...for some reason. :)

Progress in the kitchen is going at a snails pace but at least it's moving.
Over the weekend the new galvanized shelves were installed on the freshly painted cottage planking.

When my hubby got home from work yesterday I already had them decorated!
He simply rolled his eyes and wired my outlets!

I couldn't wait to play with my dishes on the shelves!

Silly I know, but it just makes me smile each time I pass through here!

This is a close up of the metal!

I am so glad I went with the metal shelves. I love how they look against the planked walls.

Today I am mudding (tape and bedding) the living room ceiling! Ugh!
It's my goal to at least get the Christmas Tree and maybe a sofa and chair moved in there before all of the kids arrive in the coming weeks!
Less than two weeks before my daughter arrives!
So much to do.... so I must be off!
Until next time....

Working for Peanuts

2011-11-28T18:34:00.004-05:00

Late Saturday Afternoon, my hubby and I were taking a little break when I decided to open a bag of peanuts.
A protein snack to get us through until dinner.
It was at this moment that my hubby said " I guess I now work for peanuts!"

"What a deal!" I told him!

While crushing the shells in our hands to get to the nut inside ...we were both quietly admiring all that we had accomplished over the course of the week.
We have really been putting in the hours!
Like the peanuts we were eating...our home was coming out of it's rough exterior revealing the prize inside.

As I have mentioned before...
This will be the first Christmas in 5 years that ALL 4 of our kids will be here AT THE SAME TIME!
We are so excited!
It's also our motivation to get us a little bit further along on the house!

This past week the very last of the lathe and plaster was removed from our living room...WOO WHO!!!!
The rough shell is now gone!
The electrical was ran...
and then the walls were dry-walled.

He then began framing out the tray ceiling!

To give the Living room some architectural interest...The room will have a 32" dropped area around an 8 foot center section.
The center will then be covered in beaded board! This will visually tie the library and living room together
While he worked on the ceiling...I decorated the Christmas tree!

For now it's in the library but it will be moved into the new living room in a few weeks!

This is my VERY FIRST REAL TREE!

Ever!
I have never had one... even growing up!
We chose a Norwegian Pine and it smells fabulous! It's so beautiful!
I will share more after it gets moved into the Living room.
But for now...
I did get the library painted!

And the ceiling pickled.

Whether you call it pickled or whitewashed...I just love how it looks!

Tomorrow I will finish painting window trim and give the cottage planking in the kitchen a second coat!
By Wednesday I hope to hang the wallpaper in the library and install the Windows treatments.

This will be as far as the Library will get before Christmas. It will be after the new year before we can get the bookcases built and installed.

But I am really pleased at what we have accomplished these last few weeks...Even if we are merely
Working for peanuts
Until next time...

This Color Please

2011-11-23T10:57:00.008-05:00

I love technology!
I love being able to take something into a paint store and saying" This color please"
At my neighborhood Lowes...I am often known to carry in something very random and ask for it to be matched.
This time... I was pretty easy on them...it was a simple piece of linen.

But in the past...I have carried a zinc bucket...a tarnished silver spoon and even....
A small piece of concrete...wet no less!
They all know me and never say a word....just smile!

Well, this was the piece of linen I carried into the store on Monday morning.
And of course, they were able to match it.
They even knew to wait for me to say "3 gallons of eggshell and 2 gallons of matte"
Why?
Well, one of my favorite tricks is to mix my own paint.
Especially if I am going to need a lot of one color.
This linen color is going to be the ceiling and walls in my kitchen, dining room, living room and staircase.
It will also be the "jump off" point for the kitchen cabinetry.

Heres the trick:

You will need an empty 5 gallon bucket and lid

The 5 gallons of paint

A big stirring stick or mixer.

Combine 4 of the 5 gallons of paint into the bucket.

The can of paint that is remaining... add about one quarter of it to the 5 gallon bucket. I mix a little of both finishes in this can and replace the lid for later.

I also keep the 4 empty paint cans...for now.
Why the 2 different sheens?
I am not a big fan of shiny finishes. The moulding, doors and trim are all that I usually paint in a Satin or Semi gloss finish.
The low and no sheen finishes allow me to use a finishing paste on them when I work with furniture and cabinets.
I also love how the 2 sheens combine with other colors to make my own custom palette. (More on this later.)

A LOT has transpired here since my last post...here is a timeline of sorts. I took pictures every morning at the same time just to see the process unfold!

Another little trick.
When we dropped the light fixtures to paint... we covered them in foil...so much easier than wrapping in plastic!

They look a little bit like alien probes!

The new wall and ceiling color.

And then....
The island was brought in!

Actually, the segments were brought in , built and secured to the floor and then sided on site.

The drawers and doors are not here yet, nor are the interior fittings like shelves and pullouts! But soon!

Now...
Remember when I told you we HAD to work on the front porch because I needed the flooring for another project?

This was it.

These floors now wrap my new island!

After I scrubbed them like crazy that is!
They will need to be sealed after they are sanded once more...but I am loving it so far!
What do you think?
Are a you a peely paint person?
I am normally not but I think because it has such history for me...I will always appreciate it.I love it at others peoples homes and at work but for me...I tend to want a really pretty paint finish or a gorgeous antique. I decided to give it a go though and see how I do with it!
If I can't handle it...I am sure I can get the guys at Lowes to match a color for me!

Today the crown moulding will be finished on the back wall and I will try and get the cottage planking painted.
(It's currently just primed.)
We are volunteering this afternoon at a local mission and then again tomorrow as well so things will slow down a bit. But we will be right back at it on Friday!

I hope everyone has a Wonderful Thanksgiving!
Until next time!

House Updates

2011-11-18T17:35:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday!
I hope everyone had a wonderful week and possibly has plans for a fabulous weekend!
Now that I am finished at Horton's...
My time and energies are once again concentrated on the house renovation!
This week I worked on the floors and installed the cottage planking in the kitchen and dining room.
Here we are on Monday Morning...Not much has gone on while I was working at Horton's.

I did manage to get the drywall joints mudded though...

By Wednesday afternoon. I had almost completed the cottage planking in the kitchen...(Waiting on hubby to install the chair rail so that I can finish the upper planks that will be behind the refrigerator.)

I still have a little bit more to go in the dining room but went to work on the floors!

And as of about an hour ago...I had completed the sanding!
I rented the drum sander yesterday (Thurs.) and finished up today!

I wanted to show you how they look before the brown paper goes over them.

In some places you can still see the outlines of the rugs that once were there. They hadn't stained the floors in those areas and so it is a bit noticeable...but my new rugs will cover!

I must tell you...I told a lie to the guy at the equipment rental place. He said" I couldn't handle the machine. It was Powerful and had quite a pull" He then said That my husband would need to operate it.
After he loaded it...
I told him that was the plan. I lied. My hubby didn't even know I had rented the equipment until he got home from work!

I had finished the entire kitchen and dining room before he even knew what I had been doing!
Then, only for a few minute did he even handle the sander.
The only thing about being female that sometimes irks me is that men don't think you can handle tools!
I have just as many power tools as my husband and use them a lot more than he does!
But I will let the poor guy think that only men can handle the equipment! This time!

I will spend the weekend priming and painting the ceilings and newly installed planking.
Then...
The real fun will begin.
While my hubby removes THE VERY LAST OF LATHE IN OUR RENOVATION PROJECT and installs drywall...

I am going to wallpaper the Library and paint the Murphy bed.
By Wednesday or Friday...we will begin installing...

OUR NEW KITCHEN CABINETS!
I just might hyperventilate!
We don't have them all yet...mainly the island and back wall components.
The pantry and wall oven unit are not completed yet and neither is the base for my farmhouse sink.
They had to wait until my sink was here before they could build the base.

So much to do but just wanted to share the progress!

Have a wonderful weekend!
Hugs from here...

Horton's Christmas Open House

2011-11-13T11:36:00.004-05:00

I hope everyone had (or is having) a fabulous weekend!

I will spend most of (today) Sunday resting. Saturday's Open House in Tipton was one of the best we ever had!
Our attendance was steady all day and if you were in one of the terribly long lines to check out...
You were given a quarter pound of fudge that is handmade right in the store at our Candy counter!
Well worth the wait to those who had to stand for sometime!

We really appreciated your patience!

I have a Lot of pictures to share so grab something warm to drink and plan on being here a bit...
I will try to show you around as if you just arrived at the store...
Here we go!
If you came in through the front door....

Welcome to Horton's

We are so glad you're here!

Windows always give me fits to design when it needs to be accessible as well as cute!
The second I saw these vintage red suitcases...I knew what I wanted to do! Santa was going to come for a visit and stay awhile!

Right this way ... this is one of the burlap wreaths I made!

This officially "Vignette 1"
"The burlap room"

Some of the burlap stockings I made...Two of them I wrote on and the rest I left plain.
They can be personalized with a Red Sharpie!

It was well received....to say the least!

Some of the sachets and tiny scalloped burlap trees I made!

Just before you enter the cottage...a small desk area with one of my favorite shots...that I took a blurry picture of and can't retake because it sold!

Ugh!

Okay, just this way....

These vintage Screen doors were actually open for the event on Saturday but I always love them and take a picture of them closed!

The dining room and kitchen or "Vignette 3" if you are going back and forth between the collages I made and shared with you a few weeks ago!

Here is the kitchen once again.

I made some linen apron smocks and here's Mabel modeling one for you!

I think she looks great in the kitchen!

This is a closer look at the linen ribbon I am so enamored with !

Cookies anyone? This is a few of the clay cookie ornaments I made!

Okay so now turn around and you are looking at "Vignette 4"

Otherwise known as the living room!

Pin It

Dreamy isn't it?

The last vignette I have to share with you was actually the first to be completed...
"Vignette 2 "or the butterfly room!

Hmm m....I thought I had more of this vignette...might just have to see what Rebecca was able to take.

Oh Yes!

I bet you were wondering where Miss Rebecca was during this shindig...
She and her amazing vintage treasures are what greeted you at the side entrance!

Did I manage to get any pictures of her this trip....nope!
Sorry!
All of my pictures were taken in the days before the event on Saturday.
And she said....NO PICTURES of her at this time...but the last picture...that's her sleeve!

Well, I hope you enjoyed your virtual visit to Horton's.
I am a bit tired but want to go visit with Rebecca before she returns to Chicago.
Have a blessed week!

2 days and counting!

2011-11-09T21:56:00.000-05:00

Hello my friends!
It has been one crazy week.
We have all put in some serious time at the store but we are nearly finished.
We are now just 2 days away from our Annual Christmas Open House at Horton's.

This evening we completed the cottage.
I adore this wonderful Vintage Fireplace and shutter screen.

I had been making stockings, pillows and smocks from my favorite putty colored linen.
I am in love with the linen ribbon on the mantle...I might have to order myself a roll for home!

The dining table is done in vintage linens, tarnished silver and mercury glass.

I love the peely vintage doors and silver trays!

The little kitchen vignette...we even have a vintage stove this year!
I couldn't resist doing a baking theme!
This is my newest candle collection...Christmas in the Kitchen.

It's a Christmas cookie scent with lots of cinnamon and nutmeg.
It smells so wonderful in here!

Don't you just love the Holidays? Baking and spending time with family?

I am looking forward to spending some time in my own kitchen this season!
Did I tell you that ALL 4 plus 2 of my kids will be home this Christmas?
It will be the first time in over 4 years we were all together at the same time...I am so excited!

I have much more to share but I am so tired this evening I didn't want to do anymore editing!

Tomorrow Rebecca arrives from Chicago. She is setting up a tiny store here at Horton's this Holiday season. Her fabulous Handcrafted wares and vintage finds will be here throughout the Holiday season!

I can't wait...of course she is staying here with us and it's always so much fun to have her!

She is hosting a blog party on Saturday from 2-4. We would love it if you came by and said "hello"

It's going to be a blast!

So don't forget...

This Saturday, November 12th...from 9-6 at Horton's

See ya there!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

2011-11-04T17:22:00.001-04:00

Hello Everyone!

As you might have guessed, I have been spending all of my time at Horton's this past week as we prepare for our Annual Holiday Open House!

It's just a week away...
And...
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas around here!
Next Saturday, November 12th is the big day and we still have so much to do!

I thought I would share some of my projects with you and let you sneak a peak at some of the vignettes I have completed at the store.
Sound like fun?

The first picture is of some of the pillows I have made for the event and then later....my etsy store!

It's printed burlap and ticking!

They were made for this room of the store.

Along with these letters.

I really love the tiny bottle brush trees in the center of the O

I might have to keep a set for myself!

I also made these sachets from printed cotton and filled them with my French Fig fragrance.

Such a sweet little gift idea or... to keep for yourself!

The fireplace mantle in this room. I love the paper script ribbon and butterfly's.

We have just started working in the main area of the cottage

The tree is nearly complete and I will share more photos with you as we finish each area!

I hope you have a wonderful weekend...I am spending mine out in the cottage finishing up some loose ends
Until next time...

Topiaries in Tinker

2011-10-28T20:15:00.003-04:00

We are now 14 days away from the Christmas Open House at Horton's!
Everyone has been so busy wrapping up last minute details ...we can't wait to share them with you!
But today...

I spent the morning out in Tinker House!

Do you notice anything different?
a few weeks ago we installed a new window over the sliding doors...
Creating an awning!

Then added some reclaimed brackets and finials.

Years ago I bought 3 vintage brackets that had been taken off of an old house.
2 were installed on the cottage...

And when we found this wonderful old blue window ...
I asked my hubby to cut the third one in half to support the new window awning on the front of Tinker.

On the back side ...we added another reclaimed window over the sill.

This was a perfect fit!

Almost as if it were meant to be!

The weather was absolutely perfect so I took the opportunity to plant some of the mini ferns and ivies I took from the pots on our deck.
I try every year to do this....But don't always have the time!

I decided to use galvanized pots because they will look great in my utility room which is where they will be moved in a few weeks.

These pots and mini buckets do not have holes in the bottom so I put a layer of packing peanuts at the base of the pot to help with water drainage. I don't want my roots to be soggy!

I then added the potting soil...
The Ivy plant and a wire form I made from an old coat hanger.

I then gently wrapped the ivy around the wire frame.

Finished off by adding additional potting soil and in some of my pots...
Added a really cool moss!

I love this little pot from IKEA. It reminds me of eyelet. I thought this one would be great in my little bathroom window in the cottage.

I watered and fed them with miracle grow and left to sit in the sun for a few days!

Now,where's my misting bottle?

I hope you find some time to do something outside during this glorious season too!

Until next time....

The one thing that leads to another

2011-10-26T07:27:00.001-04:00

Hello Everyone!
I hope your week is going well thus far.
I have been soaking up the Autumn Sun and working on our home renovation for the last few days.

The one thing that always leads to another...
Our new hallway...

Is now complete~Ta-Da!
Since this house has never had a hall before...this is a very big deal for us!

The only thing we have yet to do...is install the doors and the transom glass.
We are not doing this yet because I don't want to have to keep them clean!
I am going to wait until every bit of renovation dust has settled ! Okay so not all of it. Just the big stuff!

This is the utility room at the back of our home and then the garden just beyond. I chose to use burlap draperies instead of doors...I really like the openness.
Out of this little window at the end of the hall...

You can see Tinker House and the cottage.
I am often asked about the cottage and how far away it is.
As you can see...just a few steps from the house.
Going back down our new hall ...

We pause for a moment so that you can see the Venetian plaster walls!
I love them!
The entire hallway was done in in this technique~even the ceiling!

We are now working in the new kitchen and dining room.

Well, currently waiting to rent the floor refinishing equipment.
Then, We will be working on the kitchen and dining room!
My hubby still has mill work to complete and I...
Must get back to work out in the cottage/studio.
We are now 17 days away from Horton's Christmas Open House!
If you haven't already,
Mark your calenders for
Saturday, November 12th
I will be there as well as my dear friend Rebecca!

I still have much to do!
Until next time...

Amazing Autumn!

2011-10-19T07:34:00.000-04:00

Oh Happy Day!
It has been raining for 3 days straight but I am not going to let it dampen my mood!
It's Autumn in Indiana and I am drinking it all in.

Every morning as I make my way out to the cottage studio...I do a little leaf peeping!
I can't get over all of the amazing color!

I have been so busy lately I haven't gotten my camera out in a while so I thought I would repost some pictures I took last Autumn of the house down the road.

It's my favorite forlorn house!

I love the woods patina and the architectural elements

So much that I used a shot for my new header...

And the window trims are being duplicated at home!

There is something very magical about Autumn.
It draws you in ...keeps hold of your heart well into the coming months.

via

My days are currently filled with thoughts of Christmas...but just knowing that beyond the door of my tiny studio...

This awaits me....

via

Keeps me going!

I hope you have a wonderful Autumn afternoon and take time to

Peep at the leaves!

Until next time...

Holiday Inspiration

2011-10-13T23:18:00.000-04:00

Happy Friday my friends!

It rained all day yesterday (Thursday) which actually made it easier for me to finish my design boards and start working out in my cottage studio...

I thought I would share some of my thoughts/design boards with you before I began sewing...glue and glittering...painting and wrapping.

I have never shared these before except with the Horton's...usually it's very hush, hush until the big day!
So...shhh...don't tell anyone!

Our theme for the year is:

A Very Vintage Christmas

There will be 5 or 6 different stories or vignettes each with their own take on our theme.
Some are larger areas with many different elements that I will surprise you with at the event!
Some are much smaller but still quite lovely and memorable!

Now remember...these are merely my thoughts based on merchandise we ordered back in April and are currently pricing!
All of the images are from my pin boards on pinterest.
Are you ready?

via

This is what will greet you as you enter the Secret Garden Gift Shoppe at Horton's

via

This is a smaller area, more intimate and cozy~ It has a vintage fireplace as it's focal point!

via

More Elegant ,Traditional and Timeless~lots of Crystals

via

Whimsical and fun~ a pastel take on the Holiday.

I think I will leave you with these for now...
Leave something to share in the coming weeks as my projects here at home are completed!

What type of Holiday decor do you gravitate towards?
Do you have a collection you add to each year?
I would love to hear from you!

Until next time...Have a blessed weekend!

Last of the Summer Fruits

2011-10-10T22:46:00.002-04:00

It has been unusually warm lately. Temperatures in the mid 80s!
I have spent most of my free time out in my garden...
Putting it to bed so to speak.
This was the last basket I was able to gather from the potager this weekend!

There is nothing more wonderful to me than a Salad...
Made fresh from our very own garden!
This year... we were so blessed to have cucumbers and carrots this late in the season.

The okra is my hubby's favorite! It's such a treat for him...okay, me too!
I love fried okra!
Even though I really love the warmer weather...
This little Indian Summer has made it difficult for me to focus on my job.

What you might not know is ..I had taken a sabbatical from my job...a short break.
Well, a 10 week long break!
I needed sometime to work on our home...finish some of the loose ends before we start other projects...

But now...32 days until the Christmas Open House... I am back at the store.
Focusing my attention on the event.
As Creative Director for Horton's...It is my job to create a dreamy Christmas environment .

A shopping experience for our customers. This will be the 9th year I have done this for the Horton's...My 25th in the design industry~makes me a little tired just thinking about it!

Each year...Brand new challenges await us.
This year, we have a whole new store to work in!
I will be keeping you up to date on the process as well as any new developments here at home!
So have a wonderful week and see you soon!

April and Autumn Entry Decor

2011-10-05T10:26:00.000-04:00

Today is such a special day...

It's my sweet and darling daughter April's 27th birthday!

Happy Birthday April!
This is the two of us this Summer, right after the French Flea Market.
We took a day trip to Bloomington and to Oliver Winery.
April lives in Texas so I won't get to see her today...so big hugs from here my sweet one !

Today, I am spending the day out in my garden doing clean up...
Putting the potager to bed for the approaching cooler temperatures...
And preparing my entry areas for Fall.

For many years now, I have done the entry areas for my clients homes. This year, I have decided to take some time off.
The only urns, window boxes and doors I will be decorating...Are right here at home.
I am even going to show you how I do my overflowing urns.

Usually, if I decorate you house for the Holidays...I also decorate for Autumn.
And this is the real trick to building the foundation for Christmas. It's really all done right now.

Let get started!

This is one of the urns in my garden. I removed the center planting...in this case a topiary that needs to be planted in the ground... but left the outer ring of flowers.

Then, I placed ON TOP of the existing flowers a Christmas Wreath made of faux greens. This one is a 24" mixed green wreath.

Then in the center of the pot...I poked in some limbs that had fallen from my trees. I save these things for a couple of weeks just so I have enough for my outdoor decor!

As I begin the cleanup of my potager for the Winter...I KEEP my clippings and cuttings!
This is a pile of grapevine, blackberry and sweet annie.

I then begin inserting them into the wreath form using the wiry greenery as twist ties.
If you look real close, you can still see the living plants underneath!

Next, I cut some of my favorite plants that dry well...hydrangeas, lavender, dusty miller and snowball .
I even went out into the field behind my home and collected flowering weeds because they had great texture!

I continue to insert stems...

Until it is full to overflowing with greens that will dry right here~beautifully!

In the urns closest to the house, I add wheat, burlap ribbon and a birds nest that had fallen this Spring.
Each year is a little different. Sometimes I add potted items to the center such as Kale, mums or asters.
And sometimes the center is filled with pumpkins!

For smaller urns I simply ROLL the existing flowers to form a wreath! Add grapevine and then begin inserting my stems.

This is the back door to our home. It is still under construction but I decorate this area anyway!

Under the lantern, I filled the existing galvanized pocket with the same naturals I had used in my urns.

In entry areas I always use stems that have a wonderful fragrance. In this case more sweet annie and lavender. Both smell amazing and just seem to say "Welcome" to me.
This afternoon I will work on my cottage window boxes using the same techniques.

The reason I do my Christmas foundations now is "pic-a-bility".
Right now, I am able to insert my stems into dry soil. As the weather changes it becomes frozen and I can't get them as full.
Also, everything that is here now...stays throughout the Winter...
As the base for my Christmas greens! It is so much easier to insert greens into this base than to start from scratch!
**One of the major achievements is that you don't have to use as many of the more expensive Christmas picks or greens...but you achieve the lush, overflowing look!**

I hope this helps inspire you for your own outdoor decor for Fall and then Christmas soon after!
Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Fall is in the air!

2011-10-03T10:09:00.000-04:00

Happy Fall Ya'll!
It really feels like it today as this is the second day in a row where the temperatures were in the mid 30's when I awoke.

Some serious frost on those pumpkins!
But since I have yet to buy my pumpkins this year...I thought I would share a few I made for the cottage!

Especially the mantle...

And the dining table.

I wanted to make myself a few pumpkins but wanted something a little different~ so I made these little darlings from cream felt ...handpainted the leaves and stems...

Then, sprinkled glitter to the tops for the "Frost on the Pumpkins" look!

On the mantle, I mixed them with mercury glass, birch pillars and my hand poured soy candles!
These are the very candlesticks I bought a while back. I painted them the same color as the upper kitchen cabinets~vintage. And then distressed them a bit.

One of my favorite things~anytime of year...
Old silver trays and platters!
I use them everywhere but especially love them mixed with cloches and candles!

They seem to really makes things glow!
The perfect Autumn ambiance!

I am off to work in the kitchen and dining room.
The floors are nearly ready to be refinished. I have spent at least an hour on them everyday for about a week. Peeling and scraping off the old tar paper!
But I can see light at the end of the tunnel! The room is 27 feet long and I have completed 22 feet! Yay!
so close!
Until next time...

The difference a day makes

2011-09-27T11:30:00.002-04:00

Or in this case...3.

This weekend was one of those....
Wow! Look what we did type of weekends!
I managed to get a few Fall things out... Nothing really major...just a few touches here and there like this spring wreath I bought last year from TOT. I simply added some scrabble cards and book page leaves!

But in our new dining room...

We finished removing the 100 year old linoleum and tar paper back...

Bucket by bucket...inch by inch

Until it looked like this! Yay!

Once we complete the kitchen floor...we will rent the refinishing equipment and be done with the wood floors.
I am so glad we decided to reclaim the original floor! A lot of work but so cool!
Don't you think?

We hung the last of the dining room drywall and mudded it.
Then, cut a channel in the ceiling.The electrical wire was then embedded over to where my chandelier will hang. This was the only way to get power in the middle of this room without tearing out the ceiling.My grandparents had drywall hung over the existing lathe and plaster and we didn't really want to take it down if we could help it.

We then turned our attention to the staircase. Made some foam board mock ups of a few banister designs.

My hubby calls these "Visual aides"
:)

I wanted something cottagey with a touch of Swedish or Nordic fretwork.

What do you think?
I still have a few of the foam mockups to try out before we make the final decision...but I like this look.

This is the terribly narrow and steep staircase that we opened up. (It was always closed in.)
It now feels wider even though it's not!

Years ago...as in 12 years ago...I handpainted this rug on the steps to lighten it up a bit.
I am repainting one but using a vintage feedsack as inspiration. More details on this project soon.

We are also turning the staircase into the dining room by changing the last 3 steps. More pie shaped and easier to navigate.

Well, that was our weekend... I am spending today cleaning up the drywall dust that has once again permeated the entire house. Oh so much fun!
Have a wonderful week!
Until next time....

Dishtowel Pillows

2011-09-23T12:03:00.000-04:00

Happy Friday!
I am gearing up for a weekend of drywall, wall-mudding and priming!
Woo Who!
But before I got busy...I thought I would share a few pillows I made this week from Target Dishtowels!

A few weeks ago I ran around to a few Targets to get me some of these dishtowels that Theresa (TOT) told us about!
I wanted to get them made for the window seat in the cottage before Autumn was in full force!
I love this shade of red!
It really does have that old feed sack look!

I hope you have a wonderful weekend planned...
As for me...
You will find me here...

This is the dining room of our home!
Or here...

Our new Kitchen!

I will be back soon with more house updates!
But if you haven't got much going on...
Horton's is having an Autumn Artisan Market this Saturday
They would love it if you were able to make it out!
Until next time....

The Sleepover

2011-09-22T17:47:00.001-04:00

It's Thursday and as promised...

We're having a virtual sleepover here at the house!
What fun to have some friends over to see the inspiration for my new gathering spaces and to share their own favorite movie set designs!

I have tried out a new recipe :

Salted Caramel Cupcakes

recipe here

Picked the last of the grape tomatoes and basil from my potager.

To make a caprese salad

Here is the super simple recipe:

2 large handfuls of grape or cherry tomatoes

1 large handful of yellow grape tomatoes( optional)

Fresh mozzarella balls

Freshly picked basil leaves, torn or cut into pieces

1-2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

1-2 tbsp olive oil

Sea salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and toss until thoroughly mixed.

I picked up a few loaves of French bread...

Some great cheese, fresh fruit and a few bottles of wine!

Lit a few of my Frost on the Pumpkins candles I poured last week for my Etsy shoppe...

And put on my new fave jammies

As I wait for everyone to arrive...I ponder on The gathering spaces of our new home...
For me, it is vital that our living room, kitchen and dining room live well!
That each area has merit but flows from one room to another.
How these rooms feel is just as important to me as how they look.
That's when I decided to use movies that I love for inspiration...The ones that just make you feel good!

Monday I shared with you that I had decided to treat myself as a client...base my choices on the things that we love and how we really live.
We spend our time at home outside in the garden... cooking... reading... on the computer(just me)..and of course renovating this house :)

Down time is family time. Whatever we're doing...we usually do it together!
For Hubby and I ...this means movies!

I have 3 movies that I watch quite often because of the set design. The first two are hilarious!

I fell for the set design of "It's Complicated" for 3 reasons:

First:

How comfortable the house feels

A place where friends and family gather! It's so laid back and cozy.

Second:

Her Belgium Inspired Kitchen

Love the open shelves, skirted cabinet front and the upholstered counter stools.

Third:

The amazing gardens!

~via

I sometimes pause the movie on these frames just to gawk! As you know...I love to garden! I spend a lot of time out in my potager...
This garden is simply stunning!

My next favorite movie set is:

Now,
I really love almost everything about this set!

But since I am only working in 3 areas right now...that's what I will concentrate on....
Otherwise we will be here all night~literally!...but can I just say!

Oh my goodness...Her bedroom is fabulous!

And this vignette with the chair, ottoman and table....oh yeah! My heart is fluttering!

Moving on...

I love the living room in this beach house.

Again, it feels good

The color palette is yummy and very much what I have been thinking about for our home.

Love this little reading nook. It is the inspiration for our own tiny library...which is actually just off of the living room!

Transoms....also inspired us when we were designing ours!

without glass panes inserted

Then there is the dining room!

Nothing but love here!

I still haven't decided whether I want a really large round table like this one or a long farmhouse.
I love round tables because they look so pretty skirted and because you get to see and visit with everyone at the table!

Farmhouse tables are cool too...Which would you choose?

How beautiful are these chair slips!

And this built in plate rack!

Something similar is on my list of "for sures"!

I like the kitchen on this set too...but not as much as...

This one!

This is Amanda's kitchen/gathering space in The Holiday. My favorite feel good flick!

There are those slipcovered barstools again...love them!

Overall, this kitchen style is a little too contemporary for me...BUT

I love how open it is...The Refrigerator Armoire...The Island...The Lighting....
The Slipcovered Furniture...And...
The Gorgeous Wingback Settee~Oh so much love!
Here it is once again!

Well, if it isn't another round table and slipped chairs! Go figure!

It's so much more than just a kitchen...it's a Gathering Space!

I also like the living room in this house.

But again, it's really because of the slips and the sisal rug.
Love the vintage chests flanking the fireplace! Gorgeous styling!

Somehow...
I have to have a vintage velvet ottoman like the one in Iris's Cottage!

Yummy and pretty much perfect in every way!

Adorable entry area~ this door, halltree and light fixture.

So cute!
For me, these movies have some seriously amazing sets. They convey the feelings that I want for our home.
They just seem to say...please make yourself comfortable!
It is my goal to tie them together...create a space for my family that has Feel Good Vibes like the movie sets I shared here.
Timeless, Classic, Comfortable....Home.

Do you have a movie set that you love? Oh Please tell!
Have you seen this site?

click here to visit

This is where almost all of the movie set stills came from! Always something cool to see~check it out!

My guests will be arriving soon.
I have invited a few of my friends over to share some of their faves! Each of them has a very distinct design aesthetic ~So different ~ Very beautiful! Always thought provoking.
So head on over to see what they brought to the sleepover! (Some will be arriving later than others...so check back! )

Rebecca ~Rebecca Ersfeld.com

Jami ~ Freckled Laundry.com

Lolo~The adventures of stig and lolo

Lynne~Dreams on 34th Street~French bread and family

Suzan~The Old Grey Mare

Amy~ Maison Decor

Nita~Mod Vintage Life

And now it's your turn! we would love for you to join us~
Link up with us and share your sleepover goodies, jammies and favorite movie(s)!
Or leave us your thoughts in the comments!
whatever you decide~Thank you for stopping by!

Col. Mustard in the Library with the Candlestick

2011-09-19T15:06:00.001-04:00

I sit here on the floor of our soon to be Library ~still trying to solve the great mystery of my home design dilemma.
All that comes to mind at this point is my favorite board game growing up!
Clue!

The difference is I am clueless!
I have my notes and my clippings...years worth...but still can't solve the great mystery.
So, I decided to treat myself as a client.
One of the first things I did was hit the closet!
Yep!
I went and looked at my clothes...not just what is hanging on the rods or folded on shelves or in drawers...
But at what I really wear.
Then, I did my research on me.
Favorite music...
Food...
Hobbies...
And then the really big clue....(for me at least)
What movies or books do I love...literally devour!
The ones that I read or watch over and over....why? Is it the story...or the interiors?
Because of my career and passion for home design...it's both but a lot hinges on the house sets

As far as movies...there are 3 that I watch monthly while I sew or work in the studio! (No kidding!)

There are more...but these 3 really speak to me!
The sets in these movies are my WOW!
I love each of the homes and for so many reasons!
How can I choose just one?

So, I have decided to take all of my favorite elements from the 3 and combine them to suit our home!
And just as if I were a client...I will return on Thursday with my design boards.
Because I would love for you to help me make some final decisions!

I have even decided to have a virtual sleepover!
I will tell you about the snack foods I will bring to the party...what kind of music...the wine...and of course, We will watch my 3 favorite movies and compare house notes!
What is it about these sets that speak to us?
I will even tell you about my new pajamas that I plan on wearing! So cute!
So...put on your thinking caps and plan on being here for the sleepover!

It's going to be a blast!

House Thoughts

2011-09-15T10:33:00.000-04:00

Hello my friends!

Do you have one of these?

Or perhaps, one of these?

Perhaps you are not quite certain what it is...
It's my home file.
For 6 years now I have collected ideas for our "New" old home.
Thoughts...ideas. My Dream file!
It started out in a binder with clear pockets for samples and pictures and then became a tote...
And now. it's a metal basket!
Yikes!

It's gotten a little bit out of control!

I have made several attempts at organizing a bit better...

There are dividers for different rooms...
pockets for samples...
paint chips and fabric.

But the truth is, I am always sifting through it and don't put it back!

Or...My direction has changed and I have kept both the original ideas and my new ones!

Oops!

So this morning, while I wait for it to warm up a bit... :)
I am working on my Home thoughts pile!

I need to make a few final decisions before we head into the main areas of our home!

The gathering spaces.
Living room
Kitchen
And Dining room!
The weekend is once again almost here and hubby has things he wants to work on...once I make these decisions!
Oh the pressure!
So send happy thoughts and I will do the same for you!
Until next time...

What's in a name

2011-09-12T20:43:00.004-04:00

Mandy has nearly completed my blogs facelift so I thought I would tell you why I made the change.
It has now been five years since we first began the renovation of our home.
For me, it seems even longer than that!

I found this amazing picture while pinning today and it made me think about our own home...

via

The decay is evident but there is something eerily beautiful about it. You have to look beyond the current state of things to see the beauty...the life of this house.

We have taken a house that has been in my family for 3 generations ...
And transformed it into Our Home.
And let me say... we are getting close to completion! Really close!
Prior to this renovation, our home was always referred to as Nana and Gramps.
Even though we have owned it for 15 years...
This is how everyone thought of it.
It was in need of severe changes...there was a lot of deterioration. some things needed to be addressed immediately!

this is the original house sitting on a limestone then brick foundation.

Over the course of 5 years...twice Bill has told me to go outside until a wall was supported. Remember, this house is over 100 years old! And many people have remodeled. Beams were cut that were load bearing.
Walls were removed and then not stabilized.

The first years were consumed with rewiring of the entire house, new plumbing, heating and air ductwork to the upstairs. New furnace and ground work for central air (the condenser will be added this next Spring.) There is a new water heater, water softener (required in this area).
Insulation was installed where none ever existed and all but one window was replaced. That's a whole lot of windows and doors!
AND DEMOLITION!

Believe it or not...this is my utility room! The bucket sink now sits where the commode is in this picture...Hard to imagine!

Whew!
I can't even tell you how much demolition!

This is taken from our old kitchen, looking through the wall into our old living room...now kitchen/dining room

Would you a like to see a few before and afters?
Creating these collages have really helped Bill and I see just how much we have accomplished.

Some things are even further along than these pictures show but I haven't taken any pictures in some areas for awhile...it's on my to do list!

The first 3 pictures are taken from almost the exact same spot!

The laundry room/utility room.
Sometimes things are just drawn and then created!

In some areas..there aren't any before picture available because the room didn't exist!
The hall is one such area! (It was part of our old kitchen/dining nook)
But this gives you some idea!

This is taken from almost the same place too...See the door in 2? it's just to the right in the other 2

This area is even further along and I will share it soon!

The upstairs bath was actually a little closet!

And the closet/Master bedroom...was once our kitchen and part of the back porch! The only thing that remained in the same place...was the door to the closet!
It once was the entrance to to back porch!

So much has transpired here at home...But just as much has taken place in our lives!
Along this path that we were on...We changed.

We grew even closer.
We discovered what was truly important.
Our Relationship with the Lord and each other.

Don't get me wrong...I want this to be finished more than I care to think about...but I have learned to enjoy the journey.
I have reclaimed my life.

I have discovered how to find my joy in the little things.

So what's in a name?
My new outlook on life!

I have reclaimed the joy that I thought I would never again truly know.
I rediscovered that it's the simple things that my children now share are so much apart of who they are as adults.

It's not the surroundings...it's the ones that surround you...
with Love!
Until next time...

Reflections and candle making

2011-09-12T00:01:00.003-04:00

It's Monday again!

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend...

Paused for a moment to remember the fallen of 9/11, those they left behind...
And the brave men and women who stepped in to help.

It crossed my mind several times yesterday. I don't want to forget what happened.
I want always hold in my heart how I felt that day. How close we drew to each other... as a nation and as a child of God.

For a time...We truly were: One Nation Under God.

I spent the morning pouring candles. Remembering the day as it unfolded 10 years ago!
It just doesn't seem that long ago!

The memory still so fresh and vivid.

In the afternoon I watched some of the events taking place around the world while my candles set up.

The weather is now is full Fall mode and today I plan on setting out my Autumn decor.

These pumpkins are sold but I was putting fragrance into the tiny pouch tucked inside each one.

It was just this time last year when I began pouring soy candles!

I wanted something healthier natural...
Beautiful...
Scented with the most fabulous fragrances~ Rich and Timeless.

I really enjoy the process of making candles.

Especially designing the fragrance. I use Premium Fragrance oils (the kind used in beauty products and essential oils from plants...
100% soy wax...

And vintage or reclaimed containers.

It takes a great deal of thought and care to design just the right fragrance.
I spend alot of time just on this process.

I usually have to go outside for a bit and then smell it again to decide if its what I was trying to achieve.
I then write down my steps so that other batches will be just as wonderful!

For Fall this year, I have created two new fragrances.

Frost on the pumpkin~ this fragrance was the first I poured this morning.

I wanted something that reminded me of how it feels on the morning that frost first appears on the pumpkins that sit at our back door.

It's cool, crisp but a little sweet like warm pumpkin pie with whipped cream! I always love how the frost sparkles in the morning light so I sprinkled the tops with a light glitter!

I can't wait to burn one!

The second fragrance is A cozy afternoon.

I was thinking about something yummy baking in the oven, maybe a old fashioned cream pie. Warm, fuzzy socks and a comfortable throw. A hot cup of something that has been sprinkled with fresh nutmeg.

doesn't that just sound amazing?

Then, I poured a favorite...French fig!

It has been a best seller since I first started to make them! If you love figs...this will make your heart sing! It has a base of Mediterranean Fig, french lavender, oakmoss and a secret ingredient.

I burn them year round but especially love them during the cooler months!

Maybe this afternoon I will upload them into my little Etsy shoppe...but right now, the fragrance completely fills the cottage!

What a wonderful way to start the Autumn Season!
I hope you have a wonderful start to your week!
Until next time...

A freckled laundry give-away featuring my pumpkins!

2011-09-09T07:53:00.000-04:00

Happy Friday!

I wanted to quickly tell you that my dear friend
Jami at Freckled Laundry is having a give-away!

click here

And the prize will be one of my Burlap Pumpkins!

She contacted me at the first of the week about doing a feature on them!

But after several emails... we decided to do a feature/give-away...And you choose which one you want!

Head over to Jami's for a chance to win!

She is in the midst of a flooding situation where she lives and even though I suggested she wait until things got better...she posted this last night! (Yes, Jami...I am shaking my head at you!)
Please keep her and her family in your thoughts and prayers!
Good Luck to you!
Have a wonderful weekend!

House Updates

2011-09-07T17:47:00.002-04:00

This has been another busy week!
Hubby is home working on our Home Renovation!
It seems like he's jumping around but it normally has something to do with
"This has to be done before we can do this"
SO far....
We have a new window in what will be the kitchen (This was once our living room)

And dining room (Also our former living room)

The new window in the dining room is much larger and the light is fabulous!

He then went back outside to work on the front porch!
This is where he is right now!

Much to his dismay...I asked if he could reuse the original beaded board ceiling
Since we are creating a front entry on half of the porch it will not be as much going up as came down!
Along the way we discovered That there was once another enclosed area here on the porch!

In almost the exact place we are building ours!

The original porch was added onto sometime in the early 20's ...about 4 foot along the entire North side of our porch. Our porch is an amazing 21 foot long!

Here are the first bead board planks back going up.
It would have been so much easier to have just bought new...But I love the color and patina of the old!

In the long run...we will be glad we did...you just can't duplicate this kind of age and color!
The layers of paint buildup...it's just cool!

While I was working out in my studio...he started removing the last of the tar paper from our original hard wood floors in the new kitchen...

Dining area...living room and library! Okay, so really it was only for an hour or so...to show me what we need to do.
I will take over now that I have finished shipping pumpkins for the moment!

Restoring the original hardwood floors is another one of those things I really wanted to do. I love how they were patched over time...the nails where the boards popped and they would nails them back down...
and the areas where huge rugs were laid. I only recently found out that in alot of older homes like ours the floors were never finished under these area rugs. That's what we have ran into here too!
I think the floors will be really beautiful when they are done!
Now all I have to do is decide what color to stain them!
Any ideas? I was thinking a warm grey or weathered finish ...what do you think?

This is where you will likely find me for the next few days!
Until next time...

Some changes in the air

2011-09-05T19:51:00.003-04:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend and those of you here in the states...the extra day was nice wasn't it?
As you might have noticed...
My blog header is getting a bit of a makeover thanks to the wonderful and talented Mandy!

Mandy's beautiful blog click here

It has been on my mind for awhile now...

To change the title of my blog.

To make it more true to my life now...

I will tell you more soon!

But for now,

I wanted to show you my sweet Autumn Clematis

As you can see...

It's in bloom!

And as usual...

It's really lovely

Don't you think?

Even the new vines that were planted on both sides of Tinker this Spring are budded out!

Well, I have to get busy.

Pumpkins have been a big hit in my etsy store and I am trying to keep up!

(Thanks to those of you who purchased them!)

I have a new design to share with you once I ship out the weekends orders
I think your gonna like it!

So, until next time...

It's Pumpkin Time!

2011-08-29T15:11:00.000-04:00

The temperatures have changed so much...I am getting in a Very Autumn Mood!
Since my son's arrival last week, we have experienced crisp, cool mornings!
So....It's Pumpkin Time!

I just loaded Burlap Pumpkins into my little Etsy Shoppe!

And this year, I have a Limited Edition Collection...In Cream!

This collection is made from prewashed Cream Burlap and embellished with hand dyed burlap leaves, vintage lace, ribbon and buttons!
They are also scented with Fresh Pumpkin essential oil!
So cute!

The little one is only 6 inches in diameter but I think it's my favorite! It reminds me of the little ghost pie pumpkins!

the larger one is roughly 8 inches tall and really cute too!
Just thought you would like to know...
Because they never last very long!

Rope lighting

2011-08-29T08:12:00.001-04:00

The last few days have been a blur!
My youngest son is still here on leave
So very little is being done on any of our projects.
I did manage to rehang the cottage chandy one morning before he awoke though!
I decided to remove the chain...
And hang it from rope!

I had found this old piece of rope out in the shed and wanted to use it somehow along with
A vintage barn pulley I had bought last year after the French Flea Market .

Just a little something to change things up a bit! Add a touch more character!

I love the look...so much more like a lantern now!
Don't you think so too?

Highly Contagious and Addictive

2011-08-22T07:31:00.000-04:00

Yes, I am talking about Pinning on my Pinterest Boards!
I now find myself pinning every free minute on my life!
I keep thinking "This too shall pass"
But it hasn't yet!
I practically pin in my sleep!

Debby Steele via My Style Pinboard on Pinterest

One of the most amazing discoveries as I curate my mood boards is seeing a certain style emerging.
One that I was uncertain of.
Seriously,
I have worked in the field of design in one capacity or another for 25 YEARS!
I discovered as we began the renovation process....
I really didn't know what I liked anymore!
I liked what would sell in the stores I owned or worked in...In a clients home or showroom...
I like what was trendy and the latest must have....

I was lost as to what I really liked!

Now, I am seeing through my pin boards...my style!

from thoughts of home via Pinterest

from thought of home via Pinterest

If you haven't started pinning...you should!
It has been so wonderful to see things "come together"
Another "true love" aspect of pinning for me is that the original author of the pick...gets the credit via a link to their web page!
So I will never loose track of the source again! ( I really hate it when I can't remember where I got a picture from...I can't return to see more:)

http://alifesdesign.blogspot.com/2011/08/pretty-porches.html

On Pinterest, The link is right there at the bottom of my pictures!

I now have a link to my Pinterest Pinboards on my sidebar so that you can see my latest pins!

If you pin too...I would love to follow along with you as well!

If you don't see me here for a while, better check my boards...I am probably pinning!

http://pinterest.com/dreyne/amazing-gardens-and-architecture/

Well I am off to begin cleaning before the youngest one arrives tomorrow!

Until next time....

A Finished project and a winner!

2011-08-21T16:49:00.001-04:00

Happy Sunday!
It's been a really busy week...But I made it through and thought I would let you know who won the give-away!
Thank you all so much for being a part of Tinker's 1st year! Your comments made me smile!

Number 21:

It's me said...

It looks wonderful !!....please count me in darling...enjoy your day....love love from me...xxx...

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

So Ria, email me with your mailing address and I will get your gift right out.

As far as the rest of my Sunday post...

I finished painting the chair I bought on my little trip...

Covered the seat in white linen...

Made a slipcover for the back of the chair from one of my all-time favorite shirts that I seem to have outgrown of late.( serious throat clearing going on here)

And placed it in the cottage bathroom.

Now don't look at the bathroom grout! This is where my hubby showers and If I don't clean it daily...it turns orange because of our awful water! But My youngest son will be here this week for shore leave. It seems the Navy has agreed to give him 10 days to spend at home before they need him back on his ship! Yay! So I will be scrubbing the deck as he says all of tomorrow for his arrival on Tuesday!

Okay, so where were we,

I have always had a bit of a pet peeve about chairs in the bathroom.

I think there needs to be a place to sit down other than the commode! So no matter the size of the bath...there's a chair in it around here!

I painted the candlesticks creamy white too but will wait to put them out this week...when I put Fall out!

I know what your thinking (it's too early), but I spent the better part of my week resetting Horton's for the Season and well, I am so ready here at home too!

So, See ya soon!

Tinker House is 1 and birthday presents!

2011-08-16T21:38:00.001-04:00

Woo Who!
I love days like today when you get to spend them doing what you love to do...
Where you love to do it!

In Tinker House!
It has been one year since we completed the construction of our little backyard folly!
And I have enjoyed this little house more than any thing we have ever built!

Not much has changed really...I planted Sweet Autumn Clematis on both sides this Spring
In a few years, it will cover Tinker and make the little house look like it has always been here...
Which in a way, it always has since so much of what we built it from came from the house renovation!

But let me show you around a bit...

This is the South side looking North West to the main house, deck and pond area...

And due North to the Potager!

( I sound like a Hoosier{person from Indiana} giving you directions like this! Too Funny!)

Part of a very old ladder that my Gramps had...It now holds two weathered buckets

Just inside Tinker

The tiny perch where I spend quiet afternoons reading...
(Not as often as I would like)

Looking down on the Potager...
And in the late afternoon sun!

The back side and the cottage in the distance.
Tinker House is so small but ever so quaint!

I love how versatile it has been and how much I actually use it!
I am out here everyday!
I think everyone needs such a place...A place to dream and to Create!
So...Happy Birthday to Tinker House

And since it is a birthday celebration...
We need gifts!
So I am going to give away a tote filled with some of my favorite things
One item will be a copy of my latest read...

To one of you who came to the party!

Let me just say...This book has been life changing for me!

Just leave me a comment on this post and maybe even be a follower (but it's not a requirement!)
I will let you know in a day or two who won!
Since I just sprang this give-away on you...chances of winning are quite good!

So...now we need cake!

Thank you for stopping by and helping me celebrate!

I am also linking this post to the always fabulous Kathleen at Faded Charm for White Wednesday!

visit Faded Charm here!

Until next time...

A gift of friendship!

2011-08-16T08:46:00.000-04:00

I feel so blessed to have met some of the most amazing, talented, creative and caring friends since I started blogging 2 years ago!
Blogging has really changed my life and I am so grateful to you all! I am daily inspired by you!
Recently, my dear friend Sandi sent me this great canvas piece as a gift!

I had set it against the wall in the house but...
I have been feeling a little down this past week so I decided to find a great home for it~in the cottage.

I hung just above a vintage galvanized bucket of wood moulding and millwork taken out of our home during the renovation process. The galvanized pedestal came from Horton's this past Spring!
I have used it both inside and out this Summer and love, love, love it too!

The Canvas color is the coolest shade of Aqua/grey with cream writing in a black frame~perfect!
I really love it and wanted to share it with you!
Maybe it will make you smile as it did me!

Thank you Sandi! You're the best!
If you haven'y stopped by Sandi's blog lately...you really should! She has such a beautiful blog and always does the sweetest posts!
I love her style...White and Wonderful!

click here to visit Sandi!

I hope you stop by again tomorrow...it's Tinker's birthday and I spent sometime this weekend getting my little Folly ready for the change in weather!

Until tomorrow!

A giveaway at Old Grey Mare

2011-08-14T12:07:00.001-04:00

I hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend!
I just wanted to quickly let you know about a giveaway at my dear friend Z's blog.
Suzan is such a fun friend and when she decided to do a Traditional giveaway...
I donated a couple of items from my Etsy shoppe

The first item is this natural linen sachet filled with French Lavender!
It looks like a little present and is just as cute sitting in a bowl as it does in a drawer or linen cabinet.

The second item...

One of my new favorite things.
This pocket made from a paint tarp!
I have them in several places in my home now and love how versatile it is!

I do hope you stop by Z's blog and check out all of the amazing gifts that have been included!
There are so many chances to win and some wonderful participants!

(click here to visit)

I will be back soon with an update on my treasure hunt finds...and Tinker's 1st Birthday!

I still can't believe I had my little house for one year now!

Treasure Hunting

2011-08-12T07:59:00.000-04:00

Once again I awoke to a beautiful morning!
The weather is cooler and the sky is a fabulous shade of blue!
I thought I would share some of my treasures with you!

I've been needing a chair for the bathroom in the cottage (I sold the one that was in there)
Something a little bit smaller and plain so that I could put a slipcover on it!
This is what I found!
Along with...

These great candlesticks and mirrors!
I have a very old french settee in the upstairs hall that I am recovering and needed a mirror to go above it.
Found it!
This one is really old and gold...
But I have an idea!
Of course, I will share it when I finish!

The smaller mirror and the 3 wood candlesticks are for the mantle in the cottage...(it was needing some attention)
I hope you have an amazing weekend...I will be painting and enjoying this very Autumn like weather!
Until next time...

An unexpected get-away

2011-08-10T10:45:00.002-04:00

This morning I awoke to a glorious sunny day!
The coolest temperature we have had in months!
And to this hydrangea!

I had just picked it...
Brought it in...
And placed it on the bathroom window ledge in the cottage...
When my sweet hubby called
"Join me"
He will be away for another day so...
I am!
I am bringing along two new books!
Both fabulous so far!
And his truck so that I can go treasure hunting!

Before I leave I wanted to share my garden pick of the day with you!

It will have faded when I return so I leave it with you to enjoy!
Here on my bathroom window's ledge!

It's Monday

2011-08-08T10:48:00.000-04:00

Monday is a fresh start...
An opportunity to begin again what you may have left incomplete at the end of last week.

My sweet hubby will be out of town this week and even though I already miss him...
I have several little projects I am going to get done...while he is away!
Projects that need to be wrapped up...
Completed!

I have made a promise to myself:

I will not start any new projects

Until I have taken the countless I have already started ...

to completion.
Or, as far as I can without his help.

This is a big step for me.
I am always starting something else while doing this or that...
It's exhausting!

So on this Monday...
I am giving myself a chance to catch up and begin again.

I hope you give yourself a fresh start today as well!
I know I will only be able to stay on track with His help and your thoughts prayers!

Happy Monday!

A change of View

2011-08-03T13:09:00.001-04:00

I Thought I would show you what I've been doing this week while I wait for the kitchen to be completed in the cottage!

My hubby made me this little shelf with hooks so that we have a place to "hang our coats and hats"
I've always had something here but used it in our new closet. So he made something! Super Cute!

Yesterday,
I showed you the bookcases that flank the fireplace as I started my new project

After I removed everything and dusted I worked for awhile covering books with leftover wallpaper from my kitchen project.

And this is what it looks like finished!

I tucked in some of my cloches and mini cake plates...
Moss and yarn balls...
And these cool boxwood balls

I also decided the leave some of the books uncovered since they had a touch of red.
This stack on floor was a gift from a friend!
(Thank you Susie!)

She has a new blog but has shopped at the store where I work for awhile.
Please stop by and visit with her if you get a chance!
She gave me these books for my new library~ which is not complete so I will use them out here for a bit.

Summer changes in the cottage were subtle this year since I really work out here now!

But more often than not you will find me here on days like today looking at a book or magazine!

Or just looking at the little kitchen!

Yes, it still makes me smile!
Thanks for stopping by!

Thank you Amy!

2011-08-02T15:12:00.000-04:00

Hello Everyone!
I hope your week is going well and and that you're keeping cool!
It's so hot outside is has kept me from getting much done in the garden.
So...
I am doing a few things in the cottage before I get back to work on the house renovation!
While I wait for the last few things that will complete the kitchen...
I have been picking up a few accessories!
One of which just arrived and to my surprise...
Was recommended by the always amazing Amy of Maison Decor!

It's this vintage scale!
And even though my sweet friend does not Do Red...
She emailed me on Friday with this etsy find!
Isn't it cute?

I love it and already have a special place picked out for it in the cottage.
So "Thank you Amy" for finding this sweet little treasure!

I am working on the bookcases in the living area of the cottage.

I have decided to rework them and have several new books that need to be wrapped in cream and white paper!

Until next time!

Almost...but not quite

2011-07-29T13:21:00.001-04:00

Happy Friday!
I am so glad the weekend is here!
My hubby will be home to help me finish a few loose ends on my cottage remodel and...
I am planning on cooking for the first time in weeks!

As promised...here are a few more pictures of my Cottage Kitchen.
The before and after:

Quite a difference!
I must tell you I always liked my black cabinets....
But I LOVE the new ones!
A few things are still left to be finished but I wanted to share it before the weekend!

The sink hasn't been replaced yet, but hopefully next week.

And yes!
That is a RED stove!
The paint finally arrived and I got it done in a day!

I did some research and found a source for the paint online! It was really easy!
I know it's not for everyone,
And a lot of you won't even like it...but it really makes a difference in the little kitchen!
I was so concerned that a large number of you wouldn't like it...I almost didn't show it to you!
Since it was to be the only punch of color...I did it!

I've gotta tell ya!
It makes me smile every time I see it!
I am so.... happy that I did!

Next,
I got out all of my favorite white pitchers, silver spoons and mercury glass to use as accessories until my mom arrives!

And love how they look on the new counter top!

I kept it simple...didn't want any clutter...

And I am thrilled with the results!

This vintage high chair is Rebecca's but I am buying it from her!
It was left behind when she went back to Chicago after the French Flea....and I love it!
It has a new home here in the cottage with my Rosemary and favorite cookbooks!

Well, I still have several things to complete before this day is done...
But I promise to return and share the rest of the remodel with you!
Have a wonderful weekend!

The countertops!

2011-07-26T08:31:00.003-04:00

I actually just moved all of my goodies into the kitchen this morning and have to say..."I love it!"
I can't wait to share the finished project with you but it will have to wait for a couple of something somethings to arrive and be installed!
(ya know, secret stuff )
So in the meantime,
I found this uber cool paint that actually allows you to paint the existing counters without all of the headaches we used to have. (Previously, it took several products and about a week to pull this off!)

It's by Rust-oleum and is available at Lowes!
It took an afternoon and then the next morning to do but needed to dry for several days!
So I wallpapered!
First the walls under the cabinets were papered with the crackled cream wallpaper!

Then inside the doors and cabinet interiors!

I used two papers for this! The gingham inside and the vine print on the doors and pantry interior!

But here are the steps to refinishing your own countertops.

Get your sander back out and a dust mask!
I sanded everything with 120 and then 220 grit sandpaper! Wipe them down...
Then with my small sponge paint roller did a first coat.

About an hour later...did a second coat!
This stuff has a toxic odor!
I wasn't able to spend anytime in the cottage after I did this! So I pulled weeds again!
The next morning,
The third and final coat.
( I had to do three coats because I was using such a light color over a darker one!)
I actually sanded between coats with 220 grit paper because the roller was shedding!
First I rolled one way...

And then the other.

While it was drying...
I went outside and worked in the potager!

And planted an ivy topiary in Tinker house!

The next day, I started tiling the backsplash!
Here are the materials you will need... all except my tile saw which is on the porch! (too messy!)

My hubby was actually home for this but just took pictures!( well, okay and cut my trim pieces for my next step) :)
I really do all the tiling projects here at our house!

This technique is called "buttering"
I like to install my tiles using this method since I am a little slow and don't want my mortar/adhesive to dry too quickly!

Because I am a girl...and really don't like messes ( and because I have to clean them up) I wipe the edge to get any extra off the sides before...

I press it to the wall!
I then use these little tile spacers so that the grout line will be the same all the way around.

Viola!
I also put tiny pieces of cardstock between the counter and tile.
This created a small gap that I will later fill with caulk.
No pictures of this because I had a lapse and forgot I was actually blogging about this! Oops!
Speaking of which,
I must really love you guys! This was hard enough without having to stop and take pictures!
:)
But I DO really love you and hope you will try this for yourself!
You really can do it!

So, Anyhow,

TA-DA!

A tiled backsplash!
(We live for the TA-DAs! around here!)

After it dries...at least a day!
It's time to grout!

More stuff you will need:

Follow the directions on your grout and always mix it in a glass or plastic bowl!
(Don't ask me how I know this!)

On small projects... it is soooo...much easier to use your fingers and push the grout into the seams.

When the grout hazes over,
It's time to wipe them down with a damp sponge or cloth.
Next, I installed a piece of trim over the tiles to finish them off. (Yes, the trim hubby cut)
I just used a regular adhesive for this.

Ran a tiny bead along the edge of the grouted tile...

And pressed the trim into it!

This really finished off the new tiles!

After the glue dried...I caulked the edge of the counter and the tiles with white silicone.

And here it is!

Whew!
I am tired! But really need to head outside and mow my yard!
So I will leave you with this!
Hopefully by Friday, 1or 2 of the 3 remaining things will be here and I can share the completed kitchen with you.
I will give you a hint about two of them.
First,
These doors had the fronts cut-out...

Were then painted and waxed...

And have been sent away!

Second,

Notice anything missing?
Well, I just hope it gets here so I can show you what I had done to it! (hint: no...I didn't buy a new one!)

The third thing is we are getting a new sink and it will need to wait until next week! It's the one thing I don't think I should fool with on my own!
I just don't think I even want to learn how to install sinks that involve a garbage disposer!
At least not yet!
I am off to mow!
Until next time,

The Cottage Kitchen...part deux

2011-07-25T10:23:00.002-04:00

Hello again and Happy Monday!
It has been a very busy weekend here and
Wow!
Did I get a lot done!

The little kitchen in the cottage is coming right along...
Actually, it's nearly done but I am going to show you how I did it!
Step by step!
Let's start with the cabinets shall we!

First of all, everything was removed from inside of them.I loaded everything into boxes and took them to another room.
(This gave me a chance to sort through things and get rid of and /or donate them if they will not be used here and were still unopened.)

Then the doors, drawers and hardware were taken off!
The doors, drawer fronts and cabinet fronts were then sanded.

I used a 120 grit sandpaper and really made sure they were smooth!

This is my mouse sander. I use it on everything! It's actually my second sander because I use it so much!:)
You can do it without a sander but it just takes alot longer.

After sanding, everything was washed down with a mild soap and water and left to dry.
After they were dry...I rolled on a coat of paint with a small sponge roller and then brushed over the top.

I did two coats on everything!

And sanded in between coats.
This is a very important step in order to have that smooth finish when they are complete!

A quick word about paint.
I have been doing this paint technique on furniture and cabinets for years and it really works for me.
The trick is to use a paint in a flat or matte finish. I have tried to use satin before and it just causes the paint to roll when I sand.
My favorite paint right now is from Lowes and it's the new Hi-def or Ultra Premium.

Because I was going so light over so dark...I needed it to cover!
This paint does just that!
I have used so many paint companies over the years and I am not kidding this is such a great paint!
It's just thick enough to give you coverage and really doesn't need to be re coated...I just wanted to in order to have the finish I was going for.

After they were allowed to dry overnight...I lightly sanded them again to give them an aged look.
I wanted them to have a well-used ,vintage appearance.

I also use 220 grit sandpaper to give it some depth of color!

Especially in the corners.

You can see the black and the natural color of the cabinets!

Now for the fun part!
In order to for the cabinets to have a vintage feel , I did a hand-rubbed finish.
These are my all-time favorite products for this technique.

Briwax is not always available so I sometimes have to order it online. Here

This is my gadget!
It's a polishing brush!
I love it because it makes the polishing go so much faster!

SSHH!

This is my super duper inside secret: So don't tell anyone:)

In order for this to really work, you need to dap your cloth into the darker shade first and then add it to the natural.

To apply the paste...I use my hubby old work t shirts!

Rub a thin, even coat over the entire surface.
After about 15 minutes...you can buff it out.

Then apply a second coat! I also use another t shirt to buff out!

I do at least two coats to give it that amazing sheen and luster found on vintage furniture!
It also makes it so much easier to keep clean.

I am so thrilled with how the cabinets look!
So what do you think so far?

I will be back tomorrow to show you the interiors which have been painted and lined in wallpaper
Okay...here is a sneaky peak!

See ya then!

Cottage Kitchen Redux

2011-07-21T14:11:00.001-04:00

Hello and Happy Thursday!

As I told you in my last post...
I just started another project here at the Reno Ranch and thought I would share it with you.
It's the kitchen in our Cottage!

my mood board!

Late this Spring I shared with you that my Studio/Cottage was going to be my mom's new home.
But before she can move in...some changes needed to be made.
Mostly Paint and carpeting instead of the tile in the living room/dining.
My mom resides in Texas and is not fan of cold floors during our deep freeze winters!

She is also not a huge fan of my aqua!

I have too much of an investment in this color...so...
How do I bring red into an almost all Aqua, White and Cream environment?
I did some research!
And the answer was really simple and French!
Of course!

In the 1800's the Fabulous French married Red and Aqua together to create a simple and elegant farmhouse look!
So here we go...

I found this pretty quilted fabric....it's called "Corsage"
And it reminds me of those fabulous french boisson quilts!

Then I found this cool wallpaper that is cream on cream crackle!

I matched the wallpaper to a gorgeous shade of cream called "Vintage".
This color will be used on the upper cabinets.

I then matched the color of the fabric background for the base cabinets.

It's called granite dust and it is a chameleon color! It is actually a grayed aqua but at certain times of the day even looks like a putty color.

I then found two more wallpapers that I loved.
This coral and cream gingham and vine print will line the interior of the cabinets!

Next on my list was a countertop paint and tile for the backsplash!
Found them both while they were mixing my paint!

The countertop paint is ivory and the ceramic tile color is bisque!
The vine design in the tile ties in my cabinet papers !

So one last look at my old cottage kitchen!

Make way for the new!

I have a very busy weekend ahead of me !
Wish me luck!

My Flea Market Purchase

2011-07-19T11:16:00.001-04:00

I had hoped to show you my flea market purchase yesterday but ended up spending the day outside in my garden....WEEDING!

Ugh!

So without further ado... here it is!

My new grey table!

I just love it!

It has an old plank top and a shelf where my french wire baskets will reside...

Great legs...

And it is long and narrow...just like my soon to be dining room!

So, what do you think?

I truly love it.

Rustic and simple already painted in one of my favorite colors!

I bought it from my friend Amber of {Damask Designs.}

here's my table in her space at the French Flea Market :)

She has the most adorable things!

I always look forward to seeing what she is going to come up with!

my table on the second day! :)

She is truly blessed with an eye and an amazing talent!

She and the shopgirls are always a joy!

If you get as chance...stop by and tell her hello!

{Damask Designs}

Well, I have a major project I am about to start this afternoon and I will return to share the details with you soon!

So until next time,

Horton's French Flea...part deux

2011-07-14T14:21:00.002-04:00

Hello my friends!
Thank you so much for your patience these last few posts as I try to share some of our photos and memories of last weekends Event at the store.

our perimeter fence...made from pallets!

I am still dragging...literally getting from one chair to another! And my brain is a little foggy...
But,
It never takes me long to get back up to running speed!

In the meantime,
Here are some random shots of the event
Enjoy!

Pretty cool huh?

Well, give me a few more days...maybe even until Monday and I will share my Big purchase with you!
It's really great! (at least I think so!)
If you still haven't got enough...head on over to my other blog Hortons of Tipton for some more pictures and meet the vendors and Horton Family
Until next time!

The French Flea Market and Artisan Fair

2011-07-10T17:21:00.001-04:00

Hello My friends!
I am sure you were beginning to wonder about when I would let you see some of my pictures of this weekends Event...

Well, Today is the day!

We were all so....busy with last minute setup...
Then the Event itself...
That I was unable to get a post in before the show!

I am thrilled to tell you...
We broke all attendance records we had even thought to set...
Before noon on Friday!
At last count, we had over 1800 people come to shop the Flea Market!

Some from as far away as Canada!

Many more from Kentucky,
Ohio,
Illinois,
and Michigan!
My dear blog buddy Sandi @ Wayside Treasures came to see us from Michigan!

With the additional vendors inside...

We were able to have 22 of the most Amazing Merchants and Artisans!

A few from the world of Blogg are:

Amber and her "shopgals"

Carrie and Doug with Hothouse Market!

Jackie with Shambora Studios

Rebecca Ersfeld And her daughter Jodie

Rebecca And Jodie Stayed with us so we were able to spend the evenings of the event with them as well as our usual "after party" at my new dining table in our soon to be dining room!
(I will share some pics of my flea market purchase with you soon!)

We also got to meet:

Nikki from Vintage farmhouse

And

Angela with Unexpected elegance

As well as many others from all across the state of Indiana!
I will share some more of our wonderful vendors soon!
For now,
I thought I would show you around my space!

My daughter April came from Texas to run things for me!

She did so all by herself on Friday
And was joined by my son's girlfriend Amanda on Saturday!

This allowed me to run around and do ...Well, whatever it is that I do to make this event run as smoothly as possible so that the Horton's can take care of everything they have to do...which is alot!

that's me on the left!

So, where was I...

We decided to do a Pastel French Studio Theme this year...

so we planted in buckets...

Painted on chairs and pillows...

and really played off of the "Atelier" theme

I really had a wonderful time playing around in my real studio at home getting ready for the event!

even my outdoor signage was paint related!

Once the girls were settled...

Karen Kay and I did some shopping...and picture taking!

Speaking of pictures...Our precious French mimes were a huge hit
As was this photo booth we made from old doors!

I saw people in it all day on both days!

Some of them were quite silly!

We were serenaded by a wonderful young musician!

And truly enjoyed the whole experience!
I will be back with more after I get some rest...But I hope you enjoyed your tour thus far!

Until next time!

Tinker's 1st resident

2011-07-01T08:31:00.000-04:00

Happy Friday Everyone!

We are now just one week away from THE EVENT ...and I haven't much time to spare...
But every morning
I still head out to our deck to drink my coffee and just breathe for a minute.

I try to focus on the overall beauty of my garden...not the weeds or flowers that haven't been planted!

While looking out at Tinker house....
I saw movement!

A closer inspection might be required...

As I started walking that way...

A tiny bird popped out of my tin hat birdhouse wreath!

A new resident for Tinker House! The Very First!

I tried several times to get a shot of her in the little nest she has made but to no avail.

But it just thrills me to know that she too has taken a liking to Tinker!

Well, I must get back to work!

Time just keeps on ticking!

Consider this...your postcard in the mail! :)
Until next time!

Something's Gotta Give...My Library inspiration

2011-06-27T19:20:00.000-04:00

Well Hello There!
With a mere 11 days to go until The Event...
You might be wondering why I'm doing a post on my Library!
I know !
I'm wondering too!
But ...This is what I'm doing to keep myself from getting nutty over the last few details!
My hubby has been working every spare minute on our newest room...
The Library!
Recognize this picture?

click here for picture info.

Your right if you guessed it's from the movie "Something's Gotta Give".
One of my all time favorite, watch regularly movies!

For years now I have wanted a little niche...a quiet place just off of our soon to be living room where we could sit and read or even look out into our yard from a comfortable chair.

It was once the Sun Porch!
It had 11 windows, a door and NO Insulation!
So as you can imagine...Scalding hot in the Summer and Freezing Cold in the Winter!
UGH!

Over the last month or so... It has transformed !
This afternoon, I went in to measure the Windows for treatments and was amazed at how comfortable it was!
I was actually able to complete my task and didn't overheat!

This will also be the new home for our Murphy Bed that was once in the cottage!
Creating yet another place for overnight guests when the upstairs is full!

This wall will be filled with bookcases, a small built-in settee, and a flat Screen TV.

I have found a few fabulous rugs at Dash and Albert...
A simple floor lamp...
Small table...
And just the right wicker chairs!
I think I might have found them at Wisteria.

I love the weathered grey finish and the fact that I can also use them outside is a huge bonus!

I am also thinking about pickling the ceiling and bookcases in a grey wash...but I 'm just not sure!
what would you do?
I would love your input!

For now, I am waiting for hubby to build the transoms, bookcases and so forth...so I have a little bit of time!
But not much!

Well, I must get back to work!
Remember,
11 days
Until
The French Flea Market and Artisan Fair

I know!
But soon enough it will be here and then not another sound from me about it until next year!
:)

Ruffled Linens

2011-06-23T13:55:00.000-04:00

Hello my Friends!
I hope everyone has had an enjoyable week thus far!
Mine...has been a bit ruffled!
After I hung my sheets on the line...

I actually just sat in my chair...

For a whole 10 minutes!
Gasp!
What was I thinking right?
But I did and thought I would share that moment with you!

I also thought I would share a wonderful Etsy store with you!
Ruffled Linens

That's where I got these gorgeous ruffled linen pillowcases!

She is currently moving and filling orders but when she returns...please check out Christiana's amazing Etsy store!

click her logo to visit!

Not only are these pillowcases beautiful...
When she shipped them they smelled heavenly!
I have got to find out what she misted them with!
It's a must have fragrance!

Well, I must get back to work! SO Much still to do and very few days until
The French Flea Market at Horton's

Have a wonderful Weekend!
Until next time...

Wayside Chapel

2011-06-22T00:12:00.001-04:00

On the way home from our son's this past Sunday
I asked my hubby to please stop so that I could take a picture of this adorable little chapel

it's the tiniest, sweetest thing I have ever seen!
The last time we were here...I didn't have my camera!
but it was late in the evening...and all lit up!
It even has little stained glass windows!

It makes me smile just looking at the picture! I hope it does the same for you as well!

I am linking up with Kathleen at Faded Charm

for another of her Fabulous White Wednesdays!

Meet Lucy!

2011-06-21T14:59:00.001-04:00

Hello Everyone!

I am so sorry for not posting in a while...I have been busy getting ready for the event in

17 days! Oh my goodness!

I must admit, it's sneaking up on me a bit and I feel like I have no time for anything.
We did spend Father's day at my son's house and met our new grandbaby dog...Lucy!

Isn't she a doll!

They had just picked her up on Sunday afternoon...just in time for Father's day! Tommy's first!

I had worked that morning on a few projects out in the studio and thought you might like to see them!

The first is a slipcovered tuffet.

I wanted to do something in linen ruffles but wanted it to be easy to take care of too!
So I went with a slipcover!

The second tuffet I made from the document print fabric I used upstairs in our Recovery room!
you might remember the post I did on this tiny room upstairs back in March!
If not...here is the link:http://www.dreyne.com/2011/03/recovery-room.html

I really like this one and if it doesn't sell...May just keep it for myself!

They are both going to the event in a few weeks!

Well, I must dash off so much still to do and so very little time left in which to do it!
Here's one more picture of Lucy!

Have a wonderful rest of the week!

Meet Mabel

2011-06-14T09:56:00.000-04:00

Hello my friends!

Some people have pin boards...
Others...doodles...sketches....gathered pictures

And then their are those...myself included....that do all of the above!
Sometimes...I even build mini still life vignettes to keep me focused!
Meet Mabel!

She has been very kind and patient lately as she has had to model several new smock designs...
Purses and totes...And the occasional paint tarp!
What a girl!

Currently she is wearing one of the Aprons we wear at events and my latest handbag design!

she has also allowed me to prop a ton of stuff at her feet as I "get a feel"
For my space!

She has inspired me!
So has all of my painting paraphernalia!

How do you stay focused...inspired?
I would love to know!

I am grateful that I still have my cottage studio to plan all of this out this year...It has allowed me to walk away from it and return...picking up where I left off.
My sewing room is stacked now with pillows and such but underneath it all ...
It is still as it was last Summer!

I am excited about my space this year at Horton's
And the products I have gathered or made
I can't wait to share them with you!
Thank you for stopping by!