Today I Paint...

I spoke with our carpenter yesterday and he told me that our cabinets are built and the doors have arrived! That means it's time for me to paint. He knew we'd be painting these cabinets, so he choose his wood accordingly (no oak or maple will be harmed in this process).

I've chosen "London" All-In-One Paint, which is a gray-green from Heirloom Traditions. This is the same color I chose for our cabinets in the main kitchen. This paint is awesome, and really stands up to daily use. If you're interested in checking out all their available colors and products, you can click on their company name above. (I'm not getting any compensation for mentioning or linking to them.)

Once these are installed, Handsome and I will decide whether or not I paint the lower cabinets all the way around the pantry. We'll see how the darker color affects the light and mood of the room first.

No time to waste today. I told him I'd be there by 10 am, and I have to take care of the barn girls and help with the doggers first. I promise I'll snap a few pictures while I'm working so I can give you a little peek at the cabinetry by Saturday. I'll see you tomorrow Friday!

OH, MY GOSH!!! I just realized that Tag didn't get his two-cents worth in this week. I'll make sure he gets to post tomorrow. Sorry, Tag. My bad. 

 

 

This and That...

Moonrise

I got a lot accomplished yesterday. A little laundry, taking care of the pups (as Handsome is still having debilitating back issues), and even painted the door thresholds. 

The paint had nearly worn the thresholds down to bare wood, and they looked neglected. I couldn't have that, so I took the wire brush and sanding paper to them, got down on my hands and knees, and painted them. Claudette was very curious, and decided to "help" by lying down in front of my knees while I bent over with the brush. I couldn't have done it better without her. You'll have to take my word that it's a vast improvement, as I didn't take a single photograph.

I did, however, take this photograph two nights ago as the moon was coming up over the farmhouse. I thought the moon was beautiful shining through the trees.

Cheeky Boo

I'm so happy I thought to put a clean quilt over the chaise portion of our next sectional. The girls really want to lie all over the entire piece, but we decided they'd be relegated to this single area. There's a lot of "no" being uttered right now, because they don't understand why they can't get up wherever they want (as they did before). We'll do our best to hold the line. (I'm sure they'll do their best to wear us down.)

Ta-Daaaa!...

Brynwood Needleworks - Carved Acorn Headboard - Before

Well, the suspense is over. I can finally show you what I've been working on. This is the before photograph of the detail on the headboard of a queen size bed set I purchase a few months ago.

Brynwood Needleworks - Carved Acorn Headboard -After

I waited to start work on it until I was healed from my last surgery. I knew I wanted to get the paint on before the weather got too cold to do that in the garage. I finished this project over the weekend, so I can finally share it with you! Have you guessed yet what drew me to this set?

Brynwood Needleworks - Carved Acorn Bed Set - Before

I found it on - you guessed it - Facebook Marketplace. It was about an hour away, so I showed it to Handsome, and he agreed we should get it. Once it was here, I realized it was a little (basement) musty, so before I could paint, I took the time to clean it with water and Murphy's Oil Soap™. Then I used the Deglosser from Heirloom Traditions All-in-One Paint Company.

To say there was a little elbow grease involved would be an understatement. I cleaned both sides of each piece - taking extra care around the spindles - and let it dry between sessions. When my nose and I were satisfied that I'd accomplished my goal, I was finally able to use the Deglosser to take the sheen off the wood finish. (I also removed the metal decorations from the footboard to deal with later.)

Brynwood Needleworks - Carved Acorn Bed Set -After

Once everything was, again, thoroughly dry, I began painting. I used the Heirloom Traditions' All-In-One Paint in Cashmere (white), and London (gray-green). The Cashmere took three coats to completely cover the oak finish. The London paint only took two coats.

Brynwood Needleworks - Small Bed Side Table Showing Drawer Detail

I also painted a small, antique washstand table I had to coordinate with the bed. The exterior is London, and I painted Cashmere inside the drawer.

I'm wasn't sure how I felt about the modern-looking drawer pull, so I've since actually changed that for a more rustic-looking one. I took the gold-tone medallions from the bed, and used Rub 'n Buff™ in a silvertone on them. I like them much better in the silvertone, but...

I also have some carved acorns that I've had for years. I may try those on the footboard to see if I like them better than the metal trim. If I do, I may switch them. 

The plan for this bed is to bring it into the main bedroom. As much as I love (and I really do) my farmhouse bed, I want to use that in a future guest room, and have a queen bed in the main bedroom. I just didn't like the mattress as tall as the last one was. It was nearly impossible for me to toss myself into bed every night with this gimpy knee. (My little brother wanted that set, so it has a good home.) 

I  have an antique oak table that's on the other side of my bed now. I've had it for 30 years, and I just can't bring myself to paint it. I do, however, have a table cover that fits it perfectly. I'm going to embroider it along the borders with my new flower obsession design, in colors that go with the bed and washstand. I think it will fit right in without having a painted finish. Fingers crossed. Otherwise, I'll find another washstand on Marketplace for painting. I see them just like the one I have all the time.

We have a few things we need moved in the house, so in a few weeks we'll hire professionals to do another "in-house move" for us. I'm making a list of what we want moved and where it needs to go, so I don't forget once they're here, and we can make the best use of their time. Time is money, you know.

When that happens, I'll be sure to take photos of the new setup. It will be all moved and settled before the snow flies, and we can just enjoy the new (and final) arrangement.

Now, what was I working on before this? Oh, yes. I remember. Time to get my morning coffee and then I'll get back to it.

Sweet Distractions...

Brynwood Needleworks - Carly

I've been painting out in the garage the past couple days. Claudette likes to hang out with me, so the dogs usually stay inside with Handsome. Once I know they're coming outside, I shoo her back into the barn, or the dogs do when they come out. Such was the case yesterday.

 

Claudette was sprawled out under the lawn chair that was in the grass. She was quite comfortable there, so when I went on a short break, I sat down on the chaise and talked to her. Then the back door opened, and out blasted three dogs. Bella came straight for the chaise, having seen my wee cat under me.

 

I managed to grab the collars for the black dogs, and they had a short standoff with my cat. Of course, Tag was standing next to her, and she wasn't quite sure what to do. I moved the two girls away from my chair, and Claudette hi-tailed it for the barn while I held the dogs at bay. Carly is respectful, but I'm still not sure about her mother, so it's best to give the cat a head-start.

 

Once the excitement died down, I was talking with Handsome, and we both started laughing when we saw Carly. She's a fetching fool. She had jumped into the back of Handsome's truck and grabbed a retrieving dummy out of the box he keeps them in. She came out to the yard, proud as you please, that she'd purloined one of her "toys". Handsome tossed a few times for her, but not before I took this picture.

She looks like a puppy in this photo, but she's nearly as large as her mother, and Bella is 55 pounds! I think the last time she was weighed at the vets, Carly tipped the scales near 50 pounds. You'd never know it from this image. She looks so much smaller.

I'll be back in the barn over the weekend, and hope to finish my paint project to be able to show it to you on Monday. I'm sure Tag will have more photos of the weekend to share on Tuesday. Off to get my morning coffee...

Farmhouse Renovation - Weekend Project...

Brynwood Needleworks - Rear Entry Update

 

We've been watching the weather for temperatures that would be warm enough to accommodate a little project for the "friends and family" entrance to the farmhouse. This past weekend, it got into the low 60s, so it met our requirements for painting.

 

We decided that the supports for the rear entry could look more cohesive with the porch work we did this fall if they were white, rather than the same as the siding on the rest of the house. We purchased the paint a couple of weeks ago, so I just had to wait for the right day.

 

Saturday, I set up my painting supplies, and Handsome set up the ladder for me. It was warm and sunny on the south side of the house when I started, so the project went relatively quickly. As I put the finishing touches on the job, the sun moved behind clouds, and the wind got a little more brisk. At least the job was done. We're both really happy with the way it turned out!

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Full View of South Elevation

 

I put away my painting supplies, cleaned my brush and Handsome put the ladder away for me (it was heavy!) and then I helped him finish the job he was working on. He gave me his sweatshirt and asked me to drive the tractor so we could move more mulch around.

We mulched the bed in front of the Compass Barn, and also along the south side of our big pole barn. We also put more in the beds in front of the porch, and on the north side of the house. We still have a bit more to move, but we decided we'd done enough for the day.

Although the weather was equally nice on Sunday, our elder son, his wife and our grandson came to visit for the Packer game and halftime meal. We really had fun, and when they left late day, it never entered our thinking to go back out and work. We can do that later this week. We just rested and reflected on our visit the rest of the day.

I'm back in the studio this week. Orders to mail, and more to fulfill. One of my projects is a bit more involved, so I've been procrastinating on it. No more. It has to get done. I'll show it to you when I finish. 

 

You'd think I'd know better than to put off the hard projects. Once they're finished, I'm always wondering why I waited. We'll see. At any rate, I'll be hoppin' today to make some headway. Busy me. Just the way I like it!

 

Watching Paint Dry...

Brynwood Needleworks - Painting Railing Parts

 

There are a lot more parts painted and stacked against the wall outside the frame of this image. Don't worry though. I'm not going to ask you to watch me paint. That would be unspeakably boring.

 

I'm only showing one of these images to show you what I haven't been doing. Baking, laundry, oh, yes...and needlework. Only loading the rollers with paint, and waiting for it to dry for the next coat. And, I'm not finished either. sigh

 

#2 Son arrives today to begin assembly, so I guess I'll be painting some of this after it becomes actual built railing. I'm good with that, but I'll certainly be happier when it's finished. 

I think I'll be in the studio while he works today. I wouldn't want to be in his way, after all. (We won't actually speak about my ulterior motives, right?)

 

Still Painting...

Handsome's Play Room

 

We started painting the inside of Handsome's outdoor room yesterday. It was built inside another building for added weather protection, as well as security. We completed the first coat of paint inside, will paint a second coat, and then tackle the outside. 

 

It's going to be really nice storage space once it's finished. The weather is cooperating, too. It's perfect weather for a little brush and roller action. 

Today, I'm having lunch and a little retail therapy with Daughter-in-law #2, and then I'll be back home to continue with this project. I'll share photos as soon as it's all done.

Studio Stuff...

Studio Shelf

 

I purchased this shelf for $15 over the weekend. Today, I gave it the first coats of paint so it will match our farmhouse woodwork. 

 

It's going to hang in the studio, and will hold some of the sewing-related figurines, etc. that are scattered about the room. Mostly, they're precious gifts from my blog friends, or items that were received in online swaps. It will be nice to have them displayed in one place. 

This dark brick color is currently showing through the light paint, giving it a pink tinge, so I'm going to wait until the paint is completely dry and give it a good sanding before painting again. I think it will be a "process". 

I had a few other projects around the house, so I'll work on them at the same time until everything is done. I'll feel pretty accomplished when I get all of them done. Then, I'll be able to show you. 

Guess I'd better get back to it. I have things to do while the paint dries! 

November already? Whew! Time sure does fly.

I've Got Sunshine...

Talented Second Son

Yesterday, Second Son arrived at the farm with a new door for my sewing studio. I've been waiting almost eight weeks for it to arrive, and I'm very excited that it finally came in.

Sewing Studio Door - Before

I didn't take a picture of the door before he started work, but I looked through old photos and found exactly one that showed it before. Once my studio was populated, the corner with this door was dark - even with the track lights. I needed a new door with a window, so I made the request, and our son, who is a carpenter, made it happen.

Sewing Studio Door -After

My beautiful new door allows light in throughout the day, and will bathe the room until the sun sets behind the woods at the top of the hill. I'm so happy with it.

 

It's a wooden door, and it's unfinished, so in the next few weeks, I'll prime and paint it to match the rest of the woodwork. I'll show it to you when it's all painted, but I just had to share my excitement with you right away. I know you understand.

 

I've Got Sunshine!!!

Just What I Need...

A Chair For The Bedroom

  ...another project!

I need a comfy chair for the bedroom, so naturally, I went to Facebook Marketplace (again). I found a great deal on a comfy chair and ottoman.

I'm definitely going to paint the legs white, and then I'm going to reupholster it. I'm debating yardage of feedsack fabric, canvas drop cloth, or quilted fabric. I'm going to spend a little time sitting in it while I contemplate how I want it to look.

I'm "getting there" with the bedroom, but not quite ready to share pictures. I still have to paint the dresser I bought, and then, the washstand (which I'm using as a side table). I'm leaving my oak commode alone. No way that gets paint, because I love it the way it is.

Don't worry. When I get the chair done, you'll be the first to see the results. It won't be this week, though. I've got orders to fill and more listings to write up. I'll probably break up the process by painting the legs on the chair...and repainting a few spots in the stairwell that got a little nicked moving the chair upstairs (sigh).

 

This is going to be a fun week. I also have a few special things on my calendar, and I can't wait to tell you about them! What do you have planned?

Farmhouse Update...

Brynwood Needleworks - Farm Kitchen Update

I've been asked to share photos, so I decided to show you updated kitchen photos. We're not going to complete this space until we've moved up, but there have been changes. This wall backs up to the staircase to the second story. It's the east wall of the kitchen.

The little cabinet came out of the pantry (originally sitting on the floor like this - right inside the door) and I'm using it as a stand for the portable convection oven and induction cooktop for the time being. No fancy farm chairs for us (yet). This is just a camp chair that came off the Flying Cloud before we took it to Ohio. Comes in handy when you need to set a spell.

Brynwood Needleworks Farm Kitchen Update

This is how I envision the finished kitchen on this wall. 1) Notice that handy laundry chute to the basement. Wet or dirty kitchen linens will slide right down to a waiting basket downstairs. 2) This little bump out is where the wall oven and microwave cabinet will be. 3) This area will be a run of butcher block countertop, with a gas cook top or full gas range in the center. I just haven't decided yet. There will be an exhaust fan above in an enclosure that will match the cabinets we choose. 4) The exposed piping will remain. It will be painted white soon. The flooring will be changed.

Brynwood Needleworks Farm Kitchen Update

The windows in the south wall of the kitchen let in wonderful, natural light. I'm going to make white linen curtains and a valance to hang across them. In the corner is a radiator. Our heating contractor is calculating how tall and how many "fins" are needed to go from this tall radiator to one that will fit under the windows to have the same output. Then, he's going to hunt for the replacement. That way, our second counter top can run the full length of this wall (the west wall).

Plans will be to have more butcher block counters; a large, white farm sink in the center; cabinets and cutlery drawers below; as well as a dishwasher on the near end. Above the dishwasher will be a single, glass door cabinet for drinkware, and at the other end of the wall, a double, glass door cabinet for every day dinnerware. I'm still debating whether or not we should open up the center of this wall (above the sink) with a stationary window overlooking the back "friends and family" entrance. We'll see.

Brynwood Needleworks Farm Kitchen Update

This picture was taken standing where those two vertical pipes (needing paint) are located. I'm looking back at the pantry and the west wall of the kitchen (left side) and door to back entry hallway. The appliance in the right foreground is the little counter top convection oven, sitting atop the former pantry cabinetry piece.

Much of the wainscoting will disappear once the kitchen is installed, but it's painted for now to finish out the room until we're ready to move ahead with the actual kitchen. We haven't decided yet if our oak dining table will serve as our kitchen eating area in the center of the finished kitchen, or whether we'll opt for a marble-topped island for making bread! We'll know better after we actually start working on this room.

Brynwood Needleworks Farm Pantry

 

Speaking of pantry...it's received its second coat of paint, and has really brightened up. The open space at the end of the floor-to-ceiling cabinets is where the base cabinet used to sit. It's in the kitchen space now.

 

To the immediate left inside the door is the current sink. We've decided that we're going to eventually take out this sink, and that's where our refrigerator will go. There's plenty of width for one, and we have enough depth, so it'll stay well back from the door jamb. It also keeps a large fridge out of the kitchen space, giving us more visual and physical room there.

I think that about covers this area until we get to installing a full kitchen (and new flooring). Next time, I'll share another painted room here. A lot changed upstairs since I left in October, and I want to share it with you very soon. That's all, though, for now. Time for me to get sewing!

Spot The Differences...

Brynwood Needleworks - Chimney Cap Project

 

I'll give you a hint. (See red arrow? lol) We've had a man on our roof for the past two days. The first day, he tried to use ladders, and came back with a machine with a basket to put him three stories off the ground.

Brynwood Needleworks - Chimney Cap Project

Let me just say, I have a lot of respect for anyone willing to get that far off the ground (with or without wings). He began by removing the old and unused television antenna, leaving behind the lightning rod.

Then, he shortened the brand new flue that was installed the day we signed paperwork for the farm. He thought it stuck too far out of the chimney, and would look awkward once he installed the chimney cap we commissioned.

Brynwood Needleworks - Chimney Cap Project

I think he was right. The new cap mimics the roof line of the farmhouse, and the roof looks so much better without the antenna up there, too. A vast improvement, that will keep out rain, snow and critters.

Brynwood Needleworks - Office - Before

 

Changes are taking place inside, too. Work has to take place in the front two rooms before the walls and ceiling can be painted there, so the first room to get a color makeover is the space that will become Handsome's office and our family library.

Wallpaper has been removed and the painting is 3/4 finished. I won't show a full "after" photo until the paint is completed, carpeting removed and floor is refinished - and the room is furnished, but you can have a peek at the paint so far.

 

 Brynwood Needleworks - Office - In Progress - Paint Colors

 

Of course, I had to take pictures of the job in progress, and I love how it's going to look! On the left side of the picture, you can see the color of the door jamb. That's the previous color of the door. There's only one coat of paint on the wainscoting, otherwise I would have included that in this picture, too.

Maybe I'll give you another look after the wainscoting is done, but not the entire room until later. What do you think so far?

Decision Made...

Brynwood Needleworks - Sherwin Williams Repose Gray and Ibis White - Pinterest Image

While visiting with our younger son and his family over the weekend, I mentioned to our daughter-in-law that we were mulling over paint colors for the farm. I told her that I'd already tried out a few grays on the wall, but I wasn't sold on the colors yet. I told her that I wanted to get a can of Sherwin Williams "Repose Gray" to try.

She told me that they just painted the interior of one of their flip houses with that color! (What a coincidence!) Well, you know we made arrangements with them to see the house before the weekend was over, right? We had wanted to see their progress anyway, and seeing the paint job was a bonus.

Brynwood Needleworks - Sherwin Williams Paint Chips

 

Long story short, we saw the house on Friday and loved the paint choices! So, the decision has been made. We'll be painting "Repose Gray" on the walls and ceilings and "Ibis White" on the woodwork. Trust me. You're going to love it in the farmhouse as much as we will.

 

As soon as our plaster walls are repaired and the new ceilings are up, painting will commence. Of course, you can count on photos as soon as we get some on the walls.

 

Dreamy Master Bedroom...

It's finished! The master bedroom is repainted and staged for our Saturday open house.

I love the new color. It's soft, bright and perfect for a master suite retreat.

Although Handsome and I loved the sunny yellow that was there before, we

agreed that the new color will appeal to more prospective buyers for our property.

Sherwin Williams Web image

In case you're wondering, this is the color we chose for our master bedroom. It

happens to be one of Joanna Gaines go-to colors on her HGTV program, Fixer Upper.

Web image

Here's another image that I found by doing a web search of the color.

It's interesting how it shifts a little between blue-tint and green-tint.

What do you think? Improvement?

I'm not finished yet. I have a few boxes to pack and take to storage, along with a few

that have to go to Suncoast Resale Shop (benefiting the Suncoast Humane Society).

I'd better get back to it. (Don't worry. I stop for a little "me" time along the way, too.)