Before The Painting Started

Just a few photos of my dining room before the painting began.

 Everything was neat and tidy.

 Then the contents of the guest room were piled in here.

 I'm hopeful that things will be put back to normal today.

 It makes me a little crazy when I can't get through a room.

 Doors need hung and furniture put back as well as pictures hung and fresh new bedding and curtains.

Hopefully today I'll have some help with the heavy pieces and the rest will be easy.

Back to normal with a fresh white guest room for family and friends.

Karen

A Day Of Rest

Well, I've managed to work myself into a day in bed.

It's the most perfect day we've had weather wise in a while.

Warm and sunny with a bit of a breeze and finally no awful humidity and where am I…in bed, dizzy, too tired to move and just feeling generally exhausted.

The guest room is painted now, but the contents of the room are piled everywhere throughout the first floor of the house, and I have no energy to put things right. My body is telling me that it's had enough.

My sweet daughter stopped in on her lunch break and made me a lovely croissant with cream cheese and jam and a cup of tea with wildflower honey. I promised her I would stay in bed this afternoon so she wouldn't need to worry about me, so here I am with my cup of tea, my computer, and a pile of books. Jack is sleeping on the floor beside the bed. Always near in case I need protection from any unusual sounds and such. He's such a faithful companion and a good watchdog.

Time for a nap now. Hopefully I'll feel better tomorrow and will have photos of a freshly painted guest room to share with you.

Karen

Pretty Prints From Italy

As I'm busy painting rooms and old furniture I miss having time to be creative, so I try to take a few photos along the way. Snapping photos here and there satisfies a bit of my creative craving.

Not that updating a room in my home or salvaging an old piece of furniture isn't creative.

It's just not the same as actually making something.

For now, some photos will have to do.

There is just so much work to do before the seasons change.
There will be lots of time for creating once winter arrives.
Until then I'm working as hard as I can to make my home a feel good place to be.

Karen

Back To School

This old chalkboard's been in my studio for years.

 Little girl's painted face on wood from 1966.

 Child size, paint splattered, folding chair.

 Small primitive foot stool, old wooden pencil box and books.

Nothing like todays back to school supplies.

Karen

Vintage Prom Gowns

Faded, vintage, prom gowns used as accessories for home decor is such a fun way to add some soft color to a room. Most times they are quite pricey, but I was lucky enough to find these for only $10 each.

I think this white one may have been a wedding gown.

They add a little romance to my dressing area.

 I found the pink ballet slippers for only $10 as well.

 Old millenary flowers are one of my favorite things to collect.

Delicate layers of sheer fabric.

So girly.

 Tiny dots.

Pretty colors

I love my romantic little corner.

Karen

Simple White Duvet

I've been wanting a simple white duvet for my favorite down comforter, but didn't want to spend a ton of money on one. Solution…flat white sheets. I use them for just about everything.

Just cut the sheets a little bigger than your comforter, stitch three sides and add some simple ties made from left over scraps for the open end.

Super simple and a lot less money.

I would suggest cutting the sheets to size as opposed to tearing them. I tore mine and they didn't tear straight. I ended up having to trim each side to even them up. It would have been much easier to cut them in the first place.

Karen

Freshening Up The Porch

Fall is in the air.

Mornings and evenings her in PA are chilly,  just the way I like it.

Brought home a few potted mums to ease myself into the change of seasons.

Wrapped them up in some leftover burlap scraps and jute.

The little tray was made from recycled wood.

Put together a simple wreath for my porch as well.

Such a sweet old owl made up of natural bits and pieces.

Filled an apple basket with a tattered tablecloth and some hydrangeas from my yard.

New project for the other porch.

Found this fabulous old rocker at "The Nomadic Trading Co." here in Punxsutawney last week.

Perfect for my porch!

Also purchased this amazing old tub there.

Not sure what we're going to do with it, but my husband just had to have it.

We're thinking of attaching it to the wall and adding some shelves for storing towels and bath supplies.

Or maybe use it as a large planter for flowers.

I'm going to have to think about this one for a while.

Any ideas?

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen