Blue Boudoir Set... OK, it's really not that Racy

This set would make a great pick-me-up for a room for Spring!  I love the blue color and the sass of the lines on these.  The chair has a French poem in the fabric on the seat about good friends:)  You can find these pieces at Not 2 Shabby in Littleton.

Dresser and Lamp in Wheat

I literally just finished this dresser this morning, and took it over to my space at Not 2 Shabby this afternoon!.  My husband thinks it would make a great bar for a media room.  I can see it anywhere from bedroom, to nursery, to dining room!   a little tip... if you go buy it, bring some help... its heavy!

I did the lamp in the same color with a bit of white for detail, and a crisp new white linnen shade.

Today was one of those days in Colorado where it was winter, then spring, then winter... and so on.  I couldn't get very good light to show the subtlety of the color... which I really like.

Coming Soon... Tuesday the 28th at noon... to be exact:)

I am moving some things in a great new boutique, Not 2 Shabby, in Littleton! 

There are some beautiful things there done by several talented people.  Come on by starting this Tuesday at noon, take a look, and pick up a little something to welcome Spring into your home!

Not 2 Shabby

3625 W. Bowles Ave. Littleton, CO 80123

10am to 6pm 

Tickled Green

One night this week at dinner my eight year old said, "A boy at school asked me why I am such a hippie.  I told him it must be because I have lived with my mother for eight years and she is a hippie."
(Hippie probably not, but Little Miss Organic and Non-toxic definitely!)  Out of curiosity,  I asked her "What makes you think I am a hippie?"  She thought for a minute and then said, "Because you like me to keep my things clean." 

Looking for a Way to Divide your Room or Space?

Consider suspending artwork from the ceiling!  This gives you a flexible... and removable means of separating spaces.

Artwork as a Room Divider

I really like cozy spaces. I like the sense of intimacy they give when you are gathered with friends or family... or even just nestled in with a book.   I initially thought that I wanted to complete the wall behind these bookshevles (which divide the space between our kitchen eating space and the family room.)  The "problem"(... if you can call it that!) is that we are fortunate enough to have some amazing views and good light from that entire side of the house, so I decided to take an intermediate approach rather than move to something permanent at this point. 

If you want to try it, here is what you will need for your project:
       2   Same Size pieces of art in wooden frames or "gallery wrapped" on wooden stretchers
       4   Screw in Picture Hangers
       2   Lengths of Chain
       4   S Hooks
       2   Eye Bolts
       2   Toggle Bolts
       2   Washers
       (If you need help getting just the righ items, go to a local harware store, like Ace rather than a  
       big box store.  They have people who will help you find just the right little parts.)
       The other usuals... tape measure, screw driver, drill, etc.

The Kitchen Side

I found this set of large matching frames at a furniture consignement store.  They had pictures that I really did not care for... but no matter, as it was the frames that I was after.  The size, color, and light weight were all perfect for what I was envisioning.  You can also have frames made to suit your space.
Just keep in mind that you don't want them to be too heavy.

I ordered two canvas prints online from retailers who sell custom sized canvas art.  I asked that they be sent rolled rather than stretched.  When they arrived, I took them to my local frame shop and had them adhere them to foamcore and cut them to the exact size that I needed. 

It was simple enough to put them in the frames then (involved some taping and another piece of cardboard in the back to keep them taught in the frames).

Family Room Side

The next step was to screw hangers onto the backs of the frames in exactly the same two spots on both frames. 

Back to Back Hangers

I have to be a bit maternal here... or a cross between Mommy and Bob the Builder... you MUST use toggle bolts to suspend these from the drywall on your ceiling... and for goodness sake, make sure they are of sufficient size to more than support the weight of your frames!  The frames I used are very ligthweight, but being one for a bit of overkill, I still wanted to use toggles that were large enough to absolutely ensure that I was not going to have them pull through my ceiling.

I am also asthetically persnikity, and I didn't want the hole to show... so I inserted a washer between the hole and the back of the eye bolt, which covers it in a cute sort of industrial way:)   

Eye Bolt with Washer

The next step is to simply measure out your length of chain exactly.  I literally counted the links!  Use cutters to snip the chain to the right length.  Attach the chain to your eye bolts with your first set of 'S' hooks.  Now get someone to help you hold it while you use the 'S' hooks to suspend the artwork from the chains, and Voila!  You have a great looking room divider, some great artwork, and a lot of flexibility.  If you are entertaining and want the space more open.... simply take down the art and the chains for the evening.  If you want to change your room decor... no problem, simply order new art in the same size and replace the existing pictures.

Try this:  Get a large piece of canvas at your local art store, put on a coat of Gesso, and have your kids, or whole family, paint something fun for one side!

Mod Podge and Chalk Paint: Now I'm Cracking Myself Up...

My experiment with trying to decoupage maps into the drawers of the rustic 'map'chest (I may have to rename it now!) failed with results that took me right back to my kid craft days in the 1970s. You know, if you are that old, wrinkles and bubbling.  Mmm Hmm. 

So, I got to spend some quantity, if not quality, time with a spray bottle and a scraper.  And a glass of wine.  The wine really turns it into a classy experience.

So back to the drawing board.  I decided to go ahead and use chalk paint in the inside bottom of the drawers.  I wanted to contrast somewhat with the exterior, while keeping with the country gentleman look.  So, I brushed on a first coat sparingly in cream.

Well, now what to do.  I wanted an accent wash.  And I don't especially like waxed interiors on drawers.  And there is that big old bottle of Mod Podge (Matte Finish of course... remember the wine... this is not a low budget operation!) sitting there mocking me. You see where I'm going.

Oh yeah.  Mixed myself up a little chalk paint, dab of water, and a healthy dose of Mod Podge and voila... I'm Mod Podging my chalk paint!

Now the surprising part of this story is that I am really happy with it.  It has a nice color washed look, and the wood on the bottom of the drawer is sealed.  Not sure if people who grew up in the city do this kind of thing, Mod Podging their chalk paint and all.  But I didn't grow up in the city.  That wine must be going to my head.  I'm off to give it another coat;)

Here is how those drawers turned out... and the Map Chest is officially done!

The Blue Desk Supporting the Arts!

I love this color for this desk!  And I love it when my desks support good work!

It will be going to it's new home in the foothills, in an historic cabin this weekend.  It's new owner works with WESTAF:  "The Western States Arts Federation (WESTAF) is a regional non-profit arts service organization dedicated to the creative advancement and preservation of the arts." 
It sounds like it will have an interesting life there, and help keep life interesting for the rest of us by advancing the arts! 

I Love What it Reminds Me Of...

When I see an old piece of furniture with good bones, it is a reminder to me of what can be with some imagination and hard work.  This gives me hope in life:)

Sneak Preview of Good Friends Dining Set

This is one of six chairs & double pedestal dining table set (and a little something extra!) that is in process.  The set was originally by Thomasville, is all hardwood, and is in very good shape.  It is going to be a really unique set... and I'll tell you when it's done what makes it even more special;)

Addictive Chemicals:)

In the movie, So I Married an Axe Murdered, one of the characters espouses his belief that Col. Sanders "puts addictive chemicals in his chicken to make you crave it fortnightly."  (Along with his 'political' views about the 'Pentaverate' the members of which are The Queen, The Vatican, the Gettys, the Rothschilds and Col. Sanders... who pretty much run the world from their headquarters at 'The Meadows' right here in Colorado!)

I love Annie Sloan's Chalk Paint so much that it makes me think she must put 'just a little somethin extra' in each can!