Anticipation...

I have the buffet that I am working on next washed down and taped.  I am so excited to get started with painting tomorrow!  If all goes well, it will be ready for sale before Thanksgiving...

Being Comfortable at Home

Many years ago, I remember a woman, who was years down the road from myself in age and life journey, say that she didn't want anything in her home that she would be afraid for people to use. 

Amen to that!  But, I love beautiful things. 

Utilizing reclaimed and redesigned furnishings is a way to create a beautiful atmosphere in your home while honoring people over things. 

A hand painted chest of drawers can be truly remarkable... and it had a previous life... and it can have another if your great uncle inflicts a large scratch with his cane, or your great niece adds to the artfulness with her new Christmas crayons.   Instead of mishaps signalling trouble in the relationship, all they need signal is that it is time for a touch up... or perhaps even another new era for an old chest of drawers:)

End Table Teaser...

This is the fun stencil that I just applied in Old White over the Arles on the end table I am working on.  The contrast between the two will fade a bit, and be a great color combination when I wax it... and the colors are yummy with the Marble top!

Spurred by Thinking about a Dragonfly Stencil and Proportions...

"Shape and idea and measure will always beautiful;  but the Authentic Beauty, or rather the Beyond Beauty, cannot be under measure... the beauty of that higher realm must be, simply, the Nature of the Intellectual Good."  Plato

Not sure I can explain.  That is just how my mind works:  I thought about something that is lovely to me, and then I went to find some words for why:)

Itching to Get Started

I am in the middle of working on a small end table... a great little guy on casters with a marble top.  I am doing it in Arles, and think it is going to be adorable when done.

I am itching to start my next project though!!  I will be working on a BIG buffet:  It has great detailing.  Stay tuned, and let me know if you need a buffet before the holidays!

This picture is just a little teaser on the buffet before I get started....

Old Ochre with Light and Dark Wax

This is after a coat of light wax, followed by a coat of dark wax the next day.

To Remove Annie Sloan Wax from Hands and Brushes Try...

I accidentally discovered that this J.R. Watkins Home Care Dish Soap will remove the wax from your hands and your brushes if the wax is still 'wet'.  Rub the dish soap in thoroughly before putting any water on.  Work the wax out, rinse and repeat as necessary.  It smell a whole lot better than mineral spirits!