Lamp Fix And...

Yay!  I fixed my lamp!  Nope, it wasn't broken, just hideous!  It surely didn't start out hideous, I can take ALL the credit for that.  Me and my impatient self.  Let me show you how my lamp started out when I first acquired it. 

Here it is when I brought it home from the yard sale.  Do you remember I told you I bought this lamp with the shade for only $3.00?  I would have bought it at the $5.00 they originally had it priced at but they offered it to me for less.  It was closing time and they certainly didn't want to take it back inside.   I really liked it as it was but wanted to give a little something extra special.

So I added glaze to it!  I used my Burt Sienna glaze and really should have known better but I was trying to use what I had on hand.  It wasn't a horrible look but was waaaay bronzier then I wanted it.  I just kept thinking in my head I should have used a Mocha glaze.

This is how it looked going on...

This is how it looked after drying a few days, very bronze!

I let it sit as it was for the summer until a few weeks ago when I finally went out and bought some Mocha glaze.  For some strange reason I seemed to think I could just add the Mocha right over the Burnt Sienna and all my troubles would be solved.  I probably came to this conclusion after trying to wipe off the Burnt Sienna but it wasn't coming off easily.  I thought to myself, I'll just cover it up then!  So I did, and it certainly wasn't as bronze as it was before but...

This is what I ended up with after two coats of Mocha glaze when I made myself stop and take a breather.  It sooo wasn't turning out the way I had envisioned it in my head!  It was time for a break and to rethink this project.

Hideous!

I really wanted to just add an off white glaze and be done with it.  But I wasn't thrilled with the streaks from the glaze that I left on the lamp either, I left too many!  Since the glaze was not wiping off as easy as I had thought it would I was contemplating starting over.  You know, spray painting the whole lamp and then doing a mocha glaze.  But there had to be an easier way.  Then I saw the lamps that Kim @ Savvy Southern Style did and realized what I needed to do, so I did it and Woohoo!

 I went down to the basement and picked up a fresh piece of sandpaper and went to town.  I sanded and buffed until I got the look I wanted and then added the off white glaze.  Perfecto!  Thank you Kim, sanding was the extra step I had not thought of.  It really gave the lamp a wonderful blended look and helped the final coat of glaze achieve the look I knew it would!  I really need to work on being less impatient!

 

While I like some streaking I wasn't digging the whole lamp being as streaked as I had it before. Not any more though!

I love having the gold shine through again too.  I have lots of gold frames and accents in my dining room  where this lamp is.   The gold of the lamp was never really the problem I just didn't want a solid gold colored lamp.

 

I think it looks aged to perfection now!

And the off white glaze on top softens the whole look beautifully.

Whew!  I am finally well pleased with this project!

I am happy to be joining http://www.betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/ for Metamorphosis Monday.  It's the party where we all get to show off our latest transformations.

Follow the link above for more wonderful stories of change.

Ooops!  I almost forgot..I finished all the yellow pillows for the couches!  This project is not totally finished since I still have the red pillows to do yet, but I thought you'd like to see a little more progress.  Amazing how much easier it is to sew in a room with air conditioning that works.

Looking better, 4 down and 4 more to go! 

Thanks for stopping by, please leave me a note if you do!  Hope you had  a great weekend too!

Mary

Why do I blog?

Have you ever been asked this question?  To a non blogger, the world of blogging seems so strange.  For the most part many people just don't know anything about blogging.  I sure didn't before I started and I would have never guessed myself to be a blogger either.  It is hard to believe that yesterday with my latest table scape post I have done 100 blog posts already. 

 Who knew I would have that much to share?  So, today in honor of this 100 posts mile marker I have decided to do a post explaining why "I" blog.

For each of us blogging holds a different purpose or mindset.  When I first started blogging I too questioned why do this?   What is a blog?  I read somewhere that a blog is like an online diary, but unlike a diary it is one you share, however the diary is primarily about your thoughts.  In the world of blogging, I have discovered there are as many different types of bloggers as there are subjects.  It would also appear that there are also just as many followers as there are subjects.  Followers are those that link together with other blogs to read.  Which brings me to my question to myself why blog?  I certainly didn't want to share my inner most deepest thoughts with the world, although I am sure there are many bloggers who do.  The why for me was easy to answer as I was fortunate enough to be introduced into the world of decorating blogging.  I came across someone who made the extra effort to not only maintain her own blog but invite others into the world of blogging.  Thank you Debbiedoos!

In my decor "blog world" I have found a place of beauty and inspiration like none I've experienced before.  What I did not expect to find was the connection of friendships that have emerged.  The ladies I blog with are some of the most kind and encouraging women I have ever encountered in my life.  We share so many creative ideas, finds, and everyday inspiration to decorate our homes and enhance our surroundings.  We are kind and considerate of each others feelings and styles.  We are boastful in only the most lighthearted way and are always happy to encourage another.  The ladies I blog with are NOT arrogant or haughty though I am sure there are those types out there.  We are not too busy with our own lives to acknowledge and encourage each other at times daily or weekly.  That is what is most humbling to me.  It is amazing how many women are out there like me who long for friendships that simply make time for each other.  I have tried this in real life and have had only a few successful friendships that fit any of the above qualities.  If you have this in real life you are truly blessed because believe it or not there are many people out there who do not. 

For me personally, I also try to keep my blog as "my happy place".  It is my place to escape so to speak, amongst others.  LOL!

  The friendships I have made are real but they do not often share all the details of my life.  Sometimes real life issues do surface, but for the most part I try to keep my blog positive.  Why?  Because in my life the realities of my life such as age, raising my sons, dealing with aging parents, extended family, unemployment (or employment) marriage, maintaining a home can often be riddled with stress.  My blog is where I get to come and relax and unwind and focus on all the pretties.

  Because I have a creative nature that is SO visual, I often like to just look at my own blog and SEE what all I have created.  This helps me improve and enjoy the fruits of my labor.   Of course there is the danger of allowing your blog to dominate your focus and pull you from your priorities as with anything in life.  I really try to maintain a balance but sometimes need a reminder. 

Now for those of you who do not blog let me give you one more insight into the world of blogging.  In my circle of friends we have parties on different days where we all link together and share a similar theme of interest.    What has amazed me the most about these parties is when you participate in these you often come across so many other types of bloggers.  For example I like a party called Metamorphosis Monday where we share all sort of projects or things that we have changed.  Within this link alone, I have seen huge groups of furniture restorers, jewelers, crafters, etc.  In another link Tablescape Thursday, there are huge groups of professional tablescapers, nonprofessional collectors, freelance photographers, and writers.  There are groups of bloggers that follow each other who are gardeners, quilters, knitters, foodies, bookworms,beach combers, political minded, and religious minded to name just a few.  There are even bloggers who have figured out how to make money from their blogs through contacts, sales and supporters.  There are so many different types of blogger groups that I have not even scratched the surface.  It is surely a wide wide world out there in blogland!

If you enjoy writing and sharing your thoughts and ideas with like minded individuals I encourage you to do so.  You can be as open or as closed with your blog as you want to be.  You can post as often or as little as you want.  You manage it so the choices are all yours!  You will be surprised how many people are out there who can share and inspire you in your field of interest, or how much you have to offer them.    I would hope that you find it a place to find the good in life as I have.  There are negative bloggers out there.   It's best to leave them well enough alone!

  So in celebration of my 100th post, I have decided to send out encouragement.  If you find yourself in a place where a blog sounds like something you want to do but are not sure how to start let me help.  I still have so much to learn and like most of us bloggers we are all learning together.  The technical side of blogging comes easier to some of us then others, but getting started it so much easier if you have a friend to help lead you along the way. 

 Finally for all my blogging friends who are so kind enough as to read through this whole post.  God bless you!  You have been such a blessing to me and I hope you have enjoyed some of what I have had to offer too.  It has been fun and such a learning experience so far.  Now you know a little more of my mindset of why I blog with you.  I am excited to think of where the future will lead me in blogland.  Thanks for all the support and for being my followers and my friends!

Have a great weekend Everyone!

Mary

Market Basket Tablescape

Today I am featuring one of my favorite everyday sets.  You have seen this before paired with other dishes to create a Cinco de Mayo table but today I want to feature it alone.  I purchased this set several years ago from Ross.  It's called Market Basket, isn't that a wonderful name.  I've set our kitchen table for dinner tonight as this is where we always eat and will do so tonight after the photo shoot.

I'm also trying something new in an effort to save a little time..it's just photos!  Hope you enjoy!

Dishes; Market Basket from Ross

Tumblers; Tervis

Flatware; Tuesday Morning

Napkins; Old Time Pottery

Placemats; Tomlinsons Warehouse

Napkin Rings; yardsale

Glass Candle stand; yardsale

Fitz & Floyd fruit vase; Tuesday Morning

Metal chicken wire basket; Ole Time Pottery

I am joining http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/ for Tablescape Thursday.  Be sure and visit this link if you like to see more inspiring settings.

Hope you enjoyed my setting today.  Please be sure and leave me a comment if you do!

Thanks for stopping by!

The Green Master Bedroom

Good Morning Miss Jenny!  How are you today?  I am doing much better now, not 100% yet, but much better!  Thank ya for askin!

I just wanna tell you how much I am enjoying summer school  at http://jennymatlock.blogspot.com/search/label/Alphabe-Thursday

  I sure hope I am going to pass with flying colors too!  Hehe! I don't know why I was worrying so much about attending cause you sure do have some nice folks in this class too!  If you don't believe me just visit the link above to see how wonderful her class is.

 I just hope they stay nice after I show them my GREEN bedroom.  I know it ain't, oops, I meant, "isn't" for most people but I love it!  I could show you a dozen plus green things all around my house that are green but I really want to share my room.  See, it is my happy place Miss Jenny and believe it or not I really did try several greens until I got to just the right shade that I wanted.

This is when you first walk in the door.  There is lot's of window lighting in this room.  It really does change the color of these walls all day cause the sun is ever shifting over this room.

My walls are painted Parakeet from Sherwin Williams.

They look much more limey in these pictures then they really are.  As you can see I got a green armoire there too!  Naw, I didn't paint that!  I bought it exactly as it is, didn't have to do a thing to it.  It was cheap too!  Somebody told me once that green armoire clashed with the green on my walls.  Broke my heart!   I totally didn't get it, cause I personally love all shades of green!

On my bed I've got a green dust ruffle, can you see it there?  It's plaid, I made it myself.  See, I used to have a Queen bed but this here's a King bed now.  I bought this green plaid bed skirt for my Queen and I actually bought two more because they were only $5.00 each.  Why? Well, so I would have the extra plaid fabric if I needed it of course.  No mam, I wasn't trying to be sassy.   I just get excited, see, I was gonna make some pillow shams an use the plaid for a ruffle but have never gotten around to it.  Turns out, I was able to cut two of these  dust ruffles down the middle, sew them back together and make one big King size dust ruffle!  Now that was smart wasn't it?

I wanted a casual tropical look in my bedroom because that what makes me happiest.

I just have to show where some of my newest yard sale finds ended up.  When I saw those oval pictures of those hummingbirds with a peach background I knew they'd be perfect in here!  Look how wonderful they look next to my dark GREEN oval mirror I already had over my bed.

 

They have the same peach background that is on my cornice boards.  I got these cornice boards from my husbands family when they sold the house he grew up in.  I was so thrilled when I was able to use them in this house.  I've had them for some time.  They sat for 7 years in the attic of our old house cause I didn't have windows they would work on.  They are a perfect fit to my master bedroom.  Maybe one day I will change out the fabric but for now, I love it and have actually designed the whole room around this fabric!  Yes mam, that's no lie!  Look, it even has the same green in the fabric as on my walls, in the darker leaves, and a lighter green that matches my armoire too!

Look in the mirror on this photo and you can see some of why I love my cornice boards.  They have a beautiful shape.  The  yellow pillow shams I have on my bed are from our old Queen bed, they don't match my cornices exactly but have similar colors.  I have a quilt that matches the shams but will be looking for a replacement soon in a King.  I sure wouldn't mind some help on that, that's not cheating is it?

Course I had to have a few pillows embroidered from the store I used to work at!  My coworker, the embroiderer thought I was crazy when I told her I wanted that peach thread on this green trimmed linen pillow sham.  Then afterwards, she said, OMG!  I love it!  She's funny!

I'm really proud of this headboard.  When we got the new King size I needed a new headboard.  I found this at a consignment store for $40.00 It was brown so I painted it an off white color!  I think the design of the headboard looks sorta tropical, don't you?

Here's a close up of this old armoire I keep the TV and stuff in!  As I said, someone had already done all the work on this old thing to make it look pretty!  It' nothing special at all but it reminded me of those old cabinets you see in somebodies beach house!  Perfect!

It even already had these adorable crystal knobs.

And these great big pretty crystal knobs on the bottom drawers.  Oops!  I thought I already rotated that photo, guess not, just turn your head okay?  I just love me some bling!  Do you?

Here's a peek at my bling in the bathroom.  Yes mam, that is a green crystal chandelier in the bathroom!  OK, well it's most likely just glass but it sure shines like crystal.

I have it hanging right over my tub!  I'm not gonna show ya the bathroom today you'll have to see that another time.

Well that's it!  I know it's a little out there for most folks, but not for me.  This room suits me so well!  I'm not a real formal kinda gal, although I can be, and I love color.  I love a warm inviting space and a lush tropical environment.  I couldn't name this style if I tried...it's just me!

One more thing Miss Jenny, if you think photographing yellow walls is challenging just try photographing green walls with a yellow base.  Now that's for the experts!

Thanks for stopping by today!

Mary

 

On a Hot Summers Night!

  I have a tale to tell, from the great outdoors today.  It's a story that's been told many times over, and yes it's a story of before and after!

If your a regular follower you have heard me recently complain about our upstairs AC unit leaking freon and needing repair.  Well...turns out it was much bigger then just leaking freon.  It actually was going to need a new cooling coil unit..in layman terms that means big bucks! 

 The problem was the repair was going to cost quite a bit with no guarantee that the rest of the system would continue to work well with the new parts.  The system had apparently seen better days at only 10yrs old!  They sure don't make them like they used to yall!  So here's what went down..

Here's a close up of our Old Miss Upstairs unit after her breakdown.  I actually thought she looked much better then Mr. Downstairs unit next to her.  I certainly hope Mr. Downstairs didn't hear me say that!  Miss Upstairs must have agreed with me though and decided they needed to part ways.

Because this afternoon, Mr. Downstairs met a New Miss Upstairs right after Old Miss Upstairs left and invited her to move on in.  Even though she is much more petite in size he has heard she is very energy efficient and he likes how cute she looks by his side.

   

I bet before long he will probably be thinking, "How will I ever keep up with this new young thing?"

I'm certainly hoping he will figure it out and everybody can cool down again. 

I am joining Debbie and friends at http://debbie-debbiedoos.blogspot.com/

for her Before & After Party

and Susan at http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com/

for Outdoor Wednesday

BEFORE

AFTER

Happy Wednesday Everyone!   Stay Cool!

Mary