Fairest of Them All

I had a bit of time the other day, my handsome husband was busy typing away on his zombie novel.  Yes, he is writing a zombie novel!  This is one book I cannot edit for him, however. I shy away from the walking dead whenever possible. In the event of a Zombie Apocolypse, I will have to rely on his extensive studies and expertise.

Gracie was in her playroom, drawing pictures of Peter Pan and Tinkerbell.  Two different worlds!

This gave me a chance to paint a Craigslist mirror I purchased a year or so ago. You may recognize it.  I apologize for this really awful photograph.  In my zeal to get started on my project I neglected to take a before photo.

I love the garden theme of the mirror, though I am not really fond of the natural pine.

After two coats of Annie Sloan Paris Grey, Clear Wax and Dark Wax, I was done.  Less than two hours, total! I used a blow dryer between paint coats to save time.  A blow dryer can also be used to soften the Dark Wax if you need more open time. The mirror is rather large, over four feet tall and very detailed.  It took more time to get the paint into the crevices.  As an aside, we will be removing the hideous carpet on the stairs and painting them grey!

Handsome husband just read this over my shoulder and asked "what's so hideous about the carpet?"  We have already discussed this.

Close-up of the garden implement detail, which is more evident with the Dark Wax.  I am very pleased with the results!

Two hours...Mumford and Sons on the stereo, mom creating, husband creating, daughter creating...dog snoring, cats"helping"...a very good day, indeed!

xo

Andie

Look Ma! No Paint!

This may never happen again.  I am not painting this Dutch Armoire that I found on Craigslist for $80...not a drop of paint!  Oh sure, I considered it.  You know I did!  Too pretty just the way it is.

                                               One problem, however.  Where will I put it?
                                                                  I already have six.

          What if I remove the horrible bifold doors in the bathroom and place the armoire in the niche?


                                                                           Ponder...

                                                                         Any ideas?

                                                                                xo
                                                                             Andie

Jenny's Cabinet

                            Finally finished the china cabinet "bibliotheque" transformation! I know, I know...this is the third cabinet I have painted for the Dining Room...but this time I intend to keep it!  We call it "Jenny's Cabinet", in honor of our beloved little helper who passed away last month.

The original china cabinet had glass doors and glass sides. Fifty dollars on Craigslist!  Here you see my beloved assistant, Jenny.

Original Craigslist photograph...you can see the side glass panels.

The bibliotheque I fell in love with.  It cost more than my car.

                One coat of Annie Sloan Pure White and a second Coat of Annie Sloan Old White, even over the glass side panels.

A coat of Clear Wax, then a coat of Dark Wax.

Here, you see the "bibliotheque" before and after the wax application and sanding. 

                                               Detail of painted and waxed finish.

 Another closeup.  The interior was painted with Annie Sloan French Linen.  We call it "Jenny Grey".

                                Closer view of the door panel with the Dark wax. When I "age" a piece, I consider how it was used and the manner in which is was cleaned.  The wax polish would have accumulated around the handles and pulls, the base would be marred from mopping and moving the piece, etc.

Any ideas on how to get the rug under the cabinet without killing ourselves?

Today I will be reupholstering the chairs with a salmon colored fabric with gold starbursts by Kravet...Craigslist STEAL!

I am participating in Shades of Amber Chalk Paint Linky Party!

Louis Chairs Before and After

One more project off the list!

 I purchased these chairs from Craigslist last year for $30...just $15 each!  I was not able to upholster them right away because I was working on the boxwood parterre.  (See the boxwood plants in the background?)

                                Inspiration in the form of a Duchesse Brisee from Christie's...

More inspiration in the form of a pair of Gustavian painted pine Bergeres, Sweden, early 19th Century...

                                                  Pair painted Gustavian chairs from 1st Dibs

                                                                      Paint inspiration detail

                                                                  Detail of 1st Dibs Bergere...

 I painted the frames with Annie Sloan Chateau Grey and her Dark Wax.  I also painted the medallions and part of the leg with Antique Gold craft paint.  I chose off white cotton duck for the upholstery.  I had a difficult time deciding between that and Waverly LaBelle Campagne toile.  My decision was made when I discovered Waverly discontinued the fabric.  I did find eight yards on ebay for the Louis XVI chairs in the breakfast room, however.  Look!  We finally laid the rugs!  I ordered hundreds of yards of grey taffeta for the drapes.  The windows are 18 feet high.  I hope I have enough time to finish them before gardening season begins!

I need to add more Dark Wax over the gold, I think.  It doesn't look as bright without the camera flash, though.

      A side view.  They need pillows.  I'm still trying to decide.  I can never make up my mind!

 The Waverly LaBelle Campagne toile would make lovely bolsters.  The Annie Sloan Chateau Grey has a slight green hue.  They complement each other very well....or Aubusson fragments made into bolsters?  Help me decide?

               

                                                                 

                                                   

                      I think the chaise needs a new cushion cover.  The toile isn't doing it for me.

This Craigslist mirror is going over the mantel now that I have decided on a wall color. Sorry about the fabric piled up.  I was trying to decide what to use on the chaise.  I didn't see it until after I took the photo!  The openings in the wall will be covered over with drywall.  It leads to the formal living room. The painting in the reflection is of the Archangel Michael by Guido Reni.  Michael is my husband's name, the Archangel is also the Patron Saint of police officers.  Soon I will be hanging my own Madonna (mother and child)  paintings.  I am excited!

                              A different angle.  I am keeping the walls white (I think).

                                                     Atticus and Mabel approve!

                                        Mabel even brought her mousie up for a nap!

             Grey mohair velvet on the chaise instead.  Which do you like better?  This or the toile?



Isn't it nice to cross projects off your list?  Eight thousand more to go!

xo
Andie

I am linking to Between Naps on the Porch, Metamorphosis Monday,
Savvy City Farmer, Thrift 'N On a Thursday,
No Minimalist Here, Open House Party

Before and During...

I would like to take a moment to thank my friends, old and new, for their kind sentiments and condolences after the great losses we have endured.  This year has been a difficult one, to be certain.  However, I am much comforted by the fact that so many people care.  In time I will remember Shenanigan, Frances, Duchess and Jenny without tears.  Thank you so much for your support and understanding.

I have been keeping very busy upholstering chairs (wait until you see them), painting furniture, making cushions and drapes, laying carpeting, adding to the gardens and acquiring more stuff!

I decided that the buffet deux corps I had in the Dining Room wasn't what I really wanted.  I posted it on Craigslist and sold it to a man from Transylvania (!)  He loved it so much he is actually having it shipped there when he moves at the end of the month!

 The china cabinet, purchased on Craigslist for $50. It is 5 1/2 feet long and 7 feet tall...a rather large piece.  It was damaged in transit but with a bit of wood glue, wood putty and sandpaper I was able to repair it. *Note to self*...listen to husband when he tells me the kids who respond to my "Movers Wanted" ad on Craigslist are stoners, (habitual marijuana users). He's trained in that kind of stuff. They just seemed really pleasant and calm!   I had to bail them out of jail and get their truck out of impound before I could get my china cabinet. They were driving without valid insurance. When they explained it to me, I felt sorry for them!  More later on how I hired them a second time and they started my armoire on fire. But I digress.

 Bibliotheque muse...

Another bookcase inspiration...

And another...

Tara Shaw

 Here is my beloved Jenny, trying to convince me to paint the interior "Jenny Grey".  I followed her advice.

 I had to pull her out four times!

 The interior was painted "Jenny Grey"(actually, Annie Sloan French Linen) and waxed with Annie Sloan Clear Wax.

 I carefully removed the glass panels behind the chicken wire, then painted the entire piece with Annie Sloan Old White.  The sides of the hutch were glass.  I painted them and let them dry thoroughly in between coats.  It took four coats to cover the glass. I wanted it to look like the antique bookcases I admired.

Closer view of the hutch.  It is lacking detail.  That will change with the application of Annie Sloan Dark Wax.

I took a small brush and painted all the hardware with Rub N' Buff Gold Leaf.  I sanded the cabinet until I was unable to move my limbs.  I removed too much paint so I added another coat, skipping spots here and there.

I still have to use Clear Wax over the entire piece, then Dark Wax on the details. I'm wondering if there is an Olympic Clear Wax applying event?  I'm in training.

Goodbye Dear Friend

Dear Friends,

It is with tremendous sadness that I share the passing of my darling Jenny. I cannot bear it.  She passed peacefully in my arms this morning.  For those of you who are unfamiliar with Jenny, her story is here.  She was, unequivocally, the sweetest cat I have ever known.  My husband gave her to me in December for my birthday.  Truly, the greatest gift I have ever received.  I am so sad. So very sad.
Jenny was 19 years old when we adopted her.  She had spent the past 13 years of her life in a shelter.
Even after all that, she was the most affectionate, loving friend I have ever known.  She followed me absolutely everywhere.  My shadow.
I miss you, friend.  I miss you.

 Such a sweet girl

 Eating my dinner

 Upon arrival to her new home.  Best day ever!

 Helping me decide what color to paint the china cabinet interior.  We chose grey, to match her beautiful coat!

Waiting for Santa to fill her stocking.  She fell asleep before he arrived.