Handmade With Love - Happy Anniversary

<div style="text-align: center;">Twenty years ago today, my man and I were married.  Wow!  It really seems like it was just yesterday.  I can't even begin to describe how much I adore this man.  Before we start celebrating, I wanted to share with you the special gift I made him.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">He has been asking me for a while to make him a drive in theatre sign whenever I had time.  So, I thought it would be really cool to make a sign inspired by the drive in theatre in his favorite movie, Grease.  I got to work and this is what I came up with.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Jwx4CPLn_lJkLkb6dobMxU211I4qIYl9OruX3jzWCrhlpogZQm2un-bCSpx8jKbZF-y4YFMVmr6kX2O8rC28hEpX6zG0wjgkeI5K1h_CK5TzCoPnYIJuybmdKRyUEMSWoacJMQSuzlg/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Jwx4CPLn_lJkLkb6dobMxU211I4qIYl9OruX3jzWCrhlpogZQm2un-bCSpx8jKbZF-y4YFMVmr6kX2O8rC28hEpX6zG0wjgkeI5K1h_CK5TzCoPnYIJuybmdKRyUEMSWoacJMQSuzlg/s640/013.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I built a simple frame with 1 x 2's and then attached lattice strips to the front of it with a nail gun.  Then I stained it with Minwax Special Walnut and printed a few stencils off the computer.  I just used plain white for the words and then, to give "Drive-In Theatre" some pizazz, I took a pencil and dipped the eraser end in black paint and added dots in the words to resemble lights.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaSyEZjAcXqLPDUpnAFPgSW7oZKMLAjTvmAWyrpmDLEu-i5PyI0_dFy9waYz_d6ZWVP275XClk8NVg-omGzkK81o7o7HQdp0-gksLN_rQ0nPVy3_c-iC0h6qOqUD0I_OsFPPoX5RmI28I/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaSyEZjAcXqLPDUpnAFPgSW7oZKMLAjTvmAWyrpmDLEu-i5PyI0_dFy9waYz_d6ZWVP275XClk8NVg-omGzkK81o7o7HQdp0-gksLN_rQ0nPVy3_c-iC0h6qOqUD0I_OsFPPoX5RmI28I/s640/014.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">That's it!  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglAGeJMBM6G5NDnttLA3gOlxxUeQwoiU3E1GRY4yB64myOwnWhr4znb1cOT3JeH8RLPIc4X0rzNRfuMxtjdOH2yMhScFcc1NLYOv093wUVjqZr2gQdi170MJzEdGk1SeX4UR8-O3gNATs/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglAGeJMBM6G5NDnttLA3gOlxxUeQwoiU3E1GRY4yB64myOwnWhr4znb1cOT3JeH8RLPIc4X0rzNRfuMxtjdOH2yMhScFcc1NLYOv093wUVjqZr2gQdi170MJzEdGk1SeX4UR8-O3gNATs/s640/016.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I always like to give my hubby something made from my heart.  I know those things are more important to him than anything I could buy and I know this will mean so much to him.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Have a great day everyone!</div>

Handmade With Love - Happy Anniversary

Twenty years ago today, my man and I were married.  Wow!  It really seems like it was just yesterday.  I can't even begin to describe ho...

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Salvaged Wood Shelving

Howdy!  I've been planning our den redesign for my sweet hubby and one of the things he really wanted was a unique shelving unit to display some of his vintage collections.  I've had my eye on this salvaged wood shelving piece at Restoration Hardware for quite some time now and thought it would be the perfect piece to showcase the things that make him happy.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbBpFKoDYW7cMkDfcUwA_6fhKpaqv-gVIh3zpYB-fyhdtAyOmkcYHH9gXh09zXKLkR-3fQfKcZtEedh_iNmq5DMLLTeUHSXaRIY3N3kuGm7Zq5yJm2KzCLvGcW4tYqxVpb6t6olmN9ouc/s1600/prod1605031_av1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="624" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbBpFKoDYW7cMkDfcUwA_6fhKpaqv-gVIh3zpYB-fyhdtAyOmkcYHH9gXh09zXKLkR-3fQfKcZtEedh_iNmq5DMLLTeUHSXaRIY3N3kuGm7Zq5yJm2KzCLvGcW4tYqxVpb6t6olmN9ouc/s640/prod1605031_av1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.restorationhardware.com/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod1606017&categoryId=cat1680014">Restoration Hardware</a></div><div style="text-align: left;">But, at nearly $2000, it's not even in the same universe as our price range, so, I knew that I would have to come up with a way to build my own version if I really wanted it.  So, first thing to do, find some castors that I liked <strike>that were cheap or free</strike>.  I found an industrial set like in the photo but they were too expensive, as well.  Then hubby came home the other day with a set of castors that he found, I couldn't believe how perfect the timing was.  I was super excited to get started on the piece and he was super excited for me to get finished. :)  Time for more barn wood.......<br /><br />I started by prepping all the planks, which consisted of hosing them down, scrubbing with a brush, soap and water, letting them dry a few days in the sun, then sanding down completely with a palm sander, rinse again and let dry in the sun.  Then I took 220 grit sandpaper and lightly sanded the wood to give it a smooth finish.  I decided what size I wanted the shelf to be, 5' x 3' with a 12 inch depth, and cut all my boards accordingly.  Here's what I had after all that.  Beautifully salvaged wood.  (And crunchy brown grass......please rain.)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVlX6Oem_II9So30a5KbYbVdgb7Fp-i1N_sPjMTD-B-qZl6-UUS-TOT8xwfo6SGGMrlgjhM-jnOhBOGjceC3_pASPE9l1qA9JOWYiTNElYlbfPwGc748JrQc5Oz1dq7XpnweeItKtYMXU/s1600/P1000504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVlX6Oem_II9So30a5KbYbVdgb7Fp-i1N_sPjMTD-B-qZl6-UUS-TOT8xwfo6SGGMrlgjhM-jnOhBOGjceC3_pASPE9l1qA9JOWYiTNElYlbfPwGc748JrQc5Oz1dq7XpnweeItKtYMXU/s640/P1000504.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>The small planks in the photo are the lip that I attached to the front of each shelf to create the illusion of a thicker plank and provide a nice finish.  For the steel rods like in the inspiration photo, I used 1/2 inch wood dowels that I spray painted oil rubbed bronze.  I bought corner brackets at the hardware store and spray painted those as well, to create the same detail as the Restoration Hardware piece.  The castors had a good bit of surface rust, so I sanded that off with steel wool.  Hardware is all ready!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghEJ5bI4LdSOLFQgMN4zADW6ZVny1zMdCOCs01Hzhf6YJYXVauCAAKJx1rpinXtLgIWmx8WPeyMgryxdHc7Gp_WrfDmtbv3hcvZtVh95-bbk3_mcKEc35dn4vgxbKzrc0pAOfUXW1ArjQ/s1600/P1000503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghEJ5bI4LdSOLFQgMN4zADW6ZVny1zMdCOCs01Hzhf6YJYXVauCAAKJx1rpinXtLgIWmx8WPeyMgryxdHc7Gp_WrfDmtbv3hcvZtVh95-bbk3_mcKEc35dn4vgxbKzrc0pAOfUXW1ArjQ/s640/P1000503.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>I have to say that this was a hard project to work on.  Mainly because it was 100 degrees both days I worked on it and also because the wood weighs a ton.  The first day, I just wasn't feelin' it and had to sit and stare at the pile for a long time to figure out how I wanted to do it.  After a couple of hours, everything started coming together and I got busy and didn't take anymore photos till I was finished.  The second day I worked on it, I was so happy to have my hubby home, instead of working, to give me a hand.  It was HEAVY.  And hot.  And I just wanted to get it finished so we would stop melting.  Here's what I came up with.....<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA6mCIFW05KLh6OEXXp6M2oM7_jFjN1UhD17AJ_Sg_YndwoEBSYueFhmxqEJ9Qke4ViZuSa-uPKo4OuslmhtMSNuSgjvhpsxqtJDEHqm3hvzAxqiQtYjiwcfd4jELMhi-UyXBYWYCGZdA/s1600/P1000523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA6mCIFW05KLh6OEXXp6M2oM7_jFjN1UhD17AJ_Sg_YndwoEBSYueFhmxqEJ9Qke4ViZuSa-uPKo4OuslmhtMSNuSgjvhpsxqtJDEHqm3hvzAxqiQtYjiwcfd4jELMhi-UyXBYWYCGZdA/s640/P1000523.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>I tried to create the same detailing as the piece in my inspiration photo.  Corner brackets....<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhijozPEflRDDTO31qVBbbGnZYGQWHs3TTYemg_u2w50Uf7e13HlTOplMKQGiaZjKbCHhqNj6_wv8U4ANQjcKPVuSSDfxDkrYQnWkaGl8IOh8FuqrfvDOEHhHkGEBzTa2JS9e3tEWOLIXs/s1600/P1000524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhijozPEflRDDTO31qVBbbGnZYGQWHs3TTYemg_u2w50Uf7e13HlTOplMKQGiaZjKbCHhqNj6_wv8U4ANQjcKPVuSSDfxDkrYQnWkaGl8IOh8FuqrfvDOEHhHkGEBzTa2JS9e3tEWOLIXs/s640/P1000524.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>"Steel" rods......<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8hmpF0pFzNp_CULRnyZEsGOcNHlz-F_YikkA_y0eaP87xqRrDhzEgwmUnOV3Vecs7ZNZIJKADW4ly4p8lQMvBnhPBnivxiwbo3ssbpzhCj27xcl_P5XyQ09y-1ALLdRs12QH74cmNgI0/s1600/P1000525.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8hmpF0pFzNp_CULRnyZEsGOcNHlz-F_YikkA_y0eaP87xqRrDhzEgwmUnOV3Vecs7ZNZIJKADW4ly4p8lQMvBnhPBnivxiwbo3ssbpzhCj27xcl_P5XyQ09y-1ALLdRs12QH74cmNgI0/s640/P1000525.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>And castor wheels......<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQE9D7ebENTl-xQSlHw5F6Ogidq73ErJoX84uifJuGfnagvMc8bkxTu1HtfQxspkO-bWqNc-UJPJz7CSNc4o85kum7ufYfLccBzRYtMyMXeVcNTYhidzE4SusAP4c2gxbya3zpqwHAzPs/s1600/P1000511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQE9D7ebENTl-xQSlHw5F6Ogidq73ErJoX84uifJuGfnagvMc8bkxTu1HtfQxspkO-bWqNc-UJPJz7CSNc4o85kum7ufYfLccBzRYtMyMXeVcNTYhidzE4SusAP4c2gxbya3zpqwHAzPs/s640/P1000511.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>It's not exactly like the other piece but I'm pretty proud of it and my hubby LOVES it.  THAT makes me so happy.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ0PJn0pS_CZjfOMD2nMLETmZGA6GC65PJOrtE_hfhsE_RQZ40CYJmYI6sVCLpxyzS6sqeMX35GKqCYSe3YSUxmnq4Ry4MnwLcUyxY2VAahQ_NgxqfKM-FLnxV1iPsQi4bfcDGqmXoBSQ/s1600/P1000514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ0PJn0pS_CZjfOMD2nMLETmZGA6GC65PJOrtE_hfhsE_RQZ40CYJmYI6sVCLpxyzS6sqeMX35GKqCYSe3YSUxmnq4Ry4MnwLcUyxY2VAahQ_NgxqfKM-FLnxV1iPsQi4bfcDGqmXoBSQ/s640/P1000514.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I can't wait to put it in the room and fill it with his special finds.  He found a few really cool things at an auction this week to put on the shelf, one of which I'm going to blog about this week because it is so cool, that I was even surprised by how much I liked it.  Bet you'll never guess what it is! :)<br /><br />So, that's it!  I'm still picking up other things for the room here and there and can't wait to put everything together and surprise him!  Stay tuned for that.  I'm so excited to be doing this for him.  And he is so excited that he's like a kid in a candy store! <br /><br />Have a great day!<br /><br />P.S.  Almost forgot, total cost to build the shelf, about 10 bucks, for the cost of 4 wood dowel rods and 2 brackets.  Everything else was either found or a supply we already had.  Gotta love that!! </div>

Salvaged Wood Shelving

Howdy!  I've been planning our den redesign for my sweet hubby and one of the things he really wanted was a unique shelving unit to disp...

Read more »

Vintage Bread Boards

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxRfplC8BV7nBi0b6QvOg59Cf_MqVT6gKYCOb0s4Sj7x8IX3smBcknhsxnoZdwS_5HLW16RtHU2lqUkMI16jhUhm9hg6sGiuVlGRKzRfOe8jwXJeCyNlPDhdjJELE5GQ1JSuet1K4Qd9E/s1600/P1000397.JPG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxRfplC8BV7nBi0b6QvOg59Cf_MqVT6gKYCOb0s4Sj7x8IX3smBcknhsxnoZdwS_5HLW16RtHU2lqUkMI16jhUhm9hg6sGiuVlGRKzRfOe8jwXJeCyNlPDhdjJELE5GQ1JSuet1K4Qd9E/s640/P1000397.JPG.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>There is just something about vintage bread and cutting boards that I just love.  Maybe it's that they remind me of being in the kitchen with my grandma as she cooked with so much love when I was a child or maybe it's the lovely patina they have after years and years of being passed down from generation to generation.  I just know I love 'em and have a hard time saying no when I find one at a flea market or yard sale.  These are some of my favorites....some new, some old.  I don't use the old ones, I just admire them in my kitchen. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ9hyuN13DsCjrYfCI3QkbgDwbasbL2PtsY4DIqp2osJOrw73LuHR72hjMM3w7l7ILr54eZhU1Gf93j2pio_BEKP1X3G3Ys-ocxzYPgvALM8teILpQX50Vs4sXyVP3t6iGYqBKJUtairw/s1600/P1000382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ9hyuN13DsCjrYfCI3QkbgDwbasbL2PtsY4DIqp2osJOrw73LuHR72hjMM3w7l7ILr54eZhU1Gf93j2pio_BEKP1X3G3Ys-ocxzYPgvALM8teILpQX50Vs4sXyVP3t6iGYqBKJUtairw/s640/P1000382.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>I've scoured flea markets looking for little miniature versions of antique bread boards to use for individual servings or small loaves of bread at our dinner table, so that each family member could have their own, but haven't had any luck.  That made me wonder how hard it would be to make my own for my kids to pass down someday.  So, I gave it a try. <br /><br />All you need are some scrap pieces of hardwood, such as oak or maple (I used oak because that's what I had), a jig saw (and please wear safety goggles), sand paper, cordless drill and food grade mineral oil <br /><br />If you happen to live near a cabinet making factory, like we do, they are usually happy to give you the scraps free of charge and they don't need to be very big scraps to make these.  Each of mine are about 12 inches from the bottom to the top of the handle.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnRNHOXdTdxFVv8wNgJ3fpUYLTW044oigxy4JcBLwLsiCV3Dwa3kAh3-SMqU1IUh6XqDzCVXNcmGEmyst9o_c7OPspTweIdiUCXGlhoHmna2dZ9UkIoVTZOIwDe75MnTrskt4hgDyFtbE/s1600/P1000403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnRNHOXdTdxFVv8wNgJ3fpUYLTW044oigxy4JcBLwLsiCV3Dwa3kAh3-SMqU1IUh6XqDzCVXNcmGEmyst9o_c7OPspTweIdiUCXGlhoHmna2dZ9UkIoVTZOIwDe75MnTrskt4hgDyFtbE/s640/P1000403.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>These are the shapes I chose to make.  I basically just used a hand mirror handle, cutting board handle, etc. to trace the shape onto the wood and then carefully cut out the shape using a jig saw.  It doesn't have to be perfect, it is supposed to look vintage, afterall. <br /><br />After that, I sanded down the edges to smooth 'em out and give 'em a worn look.  I used 150 grit sandpaper.  To make them look authentic, I drilled a hole through the handle.  Wash them well and let dry completely, then re-sand, as the grain will raise a little from being wet.  Do this a couple of times, then when smooth, coat heavily with mineral oil.  Let that soak in well and wipe off the excess after about an hour.  Done!  <br /><br />To wash, use warm soap and water and towel dry.  NEVER put in the dishwasher.  Re-coat with mineral oil occasionally if it looks like the wood is drying out and to keep them looking beautiful.  <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ndDIvBq5bWaqmYsUkjBfazJUrdyBez7mIbqhCJAq4HN-UUbt3SQs99Rdh6yVGKaELwE9fPOsXs2bvu0SqBOiqg5GNMlnZWsbiiKZ9LFAARqyWPfooppk6d2wcsoETayVB7Q181LTfmQ/s1600/P1000396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ndDIvBq5bWaqmYsUkjBfazJUrdyBez7mIbqhCJAq4HN-UUbt3SQs99Rdh6yVGKaELwE9fPOsXs2bvu0SqBOiqg5GNMlnZWsbiiKZ9LFAARqyWPfooppk6d2wcsoETayVB7Q181LTfmQ/s640/P1000396.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>My hubby brought home this old wooden caddy the other day and I thought it would be perfect in the center of our farmhouse table filled with the bread boards and other accessories we use.  I tied up our plain white napkins with jute twine from the hardware store, a fun alternative to napkin rings.  I picked up these vintage salt and pepper shakers on Ebay years ago.  Isn't the wood on the crate beautifully worn?!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh86-GsMcPP4obrkn9Y1qHG9Bn5vLI1X1NseTnRWJa1_S5J49VqI8UsZkSUhTWmjdxN4Biz5Y97cjskTMcos7n2YAxmWAiaG33ze3miVRZ_-boT0qJrVKmhjxIg-sLd62EA_VL_Pw8Q1RE/s1600/P1000394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh86-GsMcPP4obrkn9Y1qHG9Bn5vLI1X1NseTnRWJa1_S5J49VqI8UsZkSUhTWmjdxN4Biz5Y97cjskTMcos7n2YAxmWAiaG33ze3miVRZ_-boT0qJrVKmhjxIg-sLd62EA_VL_Pw8Q1RE/s640/P1000394.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>It also has a little handle in the center so we can tote it outside to eat on the porch if we want.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq-3gja2-jBoR6_YtKVPZz5M64ZwQAniPrD9rkdax7y3KC_PHg1fG3RiZJEAetAk6StPHnLlYHo9GG3lv8YnzwcU6HMJJe3f3BMugHH9X7ThySGRPRMUnOK5ZVv-RH3q2VVnQdF9MknmE/s1600/P1000399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq-3gja2-jBoR6_YtKVPZz5M64ZwQAniPrD9rkdax7y3KC_PHg1fG3RiZJEAetAk6StPHnLlYHo9GG3lv8YnzwcU6HMJJe3f3BMugHH9X7ThySGRPRMUnOK5ZVv-RH3q2VVnQdF9MknmE/s640/P1000399.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>And since I didn't spend any money to make them, I thought I would treat us to these fun little rosewood bowls.  How cute do they look on the little bread board and they are perfect for dipping oil, bruschetta or whatever else you enjoy eating with your bread.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0CkP-Qj8Wwa2DRPvxWYLqO-I1akHw_aGST0q9X0S1wd4pTbxyTbhyphenhyphenVogEhG6Vq4S21yv4bzYuVB8r5h2MG7f9rkyQrUkY4v-Dbm-iiOwQpkaLP923-of-lWara9VF0gDnSgs_IUUFtOQ/s1600/P1000402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0CkP-Qj8Wwa2DRPvxWYLqO-I1akHw_aGST0q9X0S1wd4pTbxyTbhyphenhyphenVogEhG6Vq4S21yv4bzYuVB8r5h2MG7f9rkyQrUkY4v-Dbm-iiOwQpkaLP923-of-lWara9VF0gDnSgs_IUUFtOQ/s640/P1000402.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I ordered the bowls from <a href="http://bahari.com/html/rosewood.htm">here</a>.  They're called rosewood condiment bowls, if anyone is interested.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEignazdQ0mVk94OCtsW9VlHXzTVIWQuCn2oUJS74t9X1c16SXRXqGoL1gS0NNNTAZpPj1avmgoMlW8y80GlQ06IM1x0QJMKgYf030mD5yY_VdkD7ZAzAlS-NPOMXEsH8E9AvjFW_i6YXCs/s1600/P1000406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEignazdQ0mVk94OCtsW9VlHXzTVIWQuCn2oUJS74t9X1c16SXRXqGoL1gS0NNNTAZpPj1avmgoMlW8y80GlQ06IM1x0QJMKgYf030mD5yY_VdkD7ZAzAlS-NPOMXEsH8E9AvjFW_i6YXCs/s640/P1000406.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>This was a fun little project and fairly easy because they're small and could be made with a single piece of wood instead of several joined pieces, like most larger cutting boards.<br /><br />And speaking of projects, my couch recovering dilemma has turned into a nightmare!  Hopefully the nightmare will be over soon and I will have a pretty couch to show you in the near future.  And I haven't forgotten about those shelves.....time has just been getting away from me lately!  I promise to have them up soon!  Happy Friday my friends!<br /><br />Have a great weekend everybody! :)

Vintage Bread Boards

There is just something about vintage bread and cutting boards that I just love.  Maybe it's that they remind me of being in the kitchen...

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HOME DECOR: A BATHROOM REMODEL

<div><div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-size: large;"><strong>As homeowners, it is important to make upgrades and improvements to our homes</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">this is especially true with bathrooms. </div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Dated plumbing, tilework and fixtures will hamper the sale of an otherwise lovely home and lead buyers to believe the proper maintenance may not have been performed over the years. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">In this bathroom remodel, my client wanted a furniture look to the vanity. We found this semi-custom model with a travertine marble top, but you can also use an actual piece of furniture, (new or vintage) have holes for the sinks cut and a piece of granite or marble made for the top. </div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglnlpSt0up_xvk68kQsFuvN_bZqSdYqFNackkGNjtiVw9Zdm7MdvR6R2kIB4aS-uadoW8ybILt1UEuIZyiWXKrHo31Vd8ZL9GtQIkSzT035J1QMt_qkR35_GHCuMLjNoPgy_jlpG6EcnI/s1600-h/upperbathvanity.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="463" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383816817532954962" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglnlpSt0up_xvk68kQsFuvN_bZqSdYqFNackkGNjtiVw9Zdm7MdvR6R2kIB4aS-uadoW8ybILt1UEuIZyiWXKrHo31Vd8ZL9GtQIkSzT035J1QMt_qkR35_GHCuMLjNoPgy_jlpG6EcnI/s640/upperbathvanity.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div></div><div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkvtKmwOuHQ8LhItBZ76HhV-ObZFEfwTB-4a4jnq8pnpv0JnmlHdaDiudK2w56NLABbOsf_AnnDyrM4PI2PTvRw6LyzPdBae_sFLVFRkXACczH3EIhh2sui0LnKVYSNIHMES5p03ONpkQ/s1600-h/IMG_2381.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="512" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384413755736960210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkvtKmwOuHQ8LhItBZ76HhV-ObZFEfwTB-4a4jnq8pnpv0JnmlHdaDiudK2w56NLABbOsf_AnnDyrM4PI2PTvRw6LyzPdBae_sFLVFRkXACczH3EIhh2sui0LnKVYSNIHMES5p03ONpkQ/s640/IMG_2381.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br />My clieint fell in love with this beautiful handmade tile by Sonoma Tilemakers. The handmade nature of these tiles creates a depth and variation in the glaze as well as slight imperfections in the tiles (they are not completely square or perfectly straight) which gives a slightly rustic feel to the otherwise elegant patterns. I had so much fun putting the patterns together to create this shower wall. <br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRhvcX9KUw9cZye8MheQ7IVwuv3fNzRbnUk5DSFNHTPfbQMiHgfLYmsWOdPLtlbOsBkv9i_2FTY9ftp8iCAzT8oQ7FHjnEbb793Ya4WBfp9gM67b2OzMPRSmt2lLha71auPzspRHcm2dA/s1600-h/upperbathtilework.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383816805828101250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRhvcX9KUw9cZye8MheQ7IVwuv3fNzRbnUk5DSFNHTPfbQMiHgfLYmsWOdPLtlbOsBkv9i_2FTY9ftp8iCAzT8oQ7FHjnEbb793Ya4WBfp9gM67b2OzMPRSmt2lLha71auPzspRHcm2dA/s640/upperbathtilework.jpg" width="576" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br />We added a niche in the shower wall for easy access to shampoo or soap. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhia5wV1r8YT9SYRQ7T1asQRB6LejhlvztryE-Mp62p6kaQVNk2mAYYxiS60bnBXiZccS1nXLgNcyoH3jDNtMjJEsP_MoHFjC67uywF7l3fbif59-J__awXrK-69JsdumjseSza-nloIjs/s1600-h/upperbathtowelrack.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="321" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383816799720403106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhia5wV1r8YT9SYRQ7T1asQRB6LejhlvztryE-Mp62p6kaQVNk2mAYYxiS60bnBXiZccS1nXLgNcyoH3jDNtMjJEsP_MoHFjC67uywF7l3fbif59-J__awXrK-69JsdumjseSza-nloIjs/s640/upperbathtowelrack.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Brushed nickel fixtures and towel bars were selected </div><br /><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVWwmR5DxxHDgUc0BhGbX-Xug29UiUPkI1rpmBlOagbYOt563JXipEj1tRQ7i0mE7WpwascCIpEOvXqsUFlQtePWJmi_vPxWbDjxb9E1iLv403YELN6lPAfW0VrksO7HsXsWh598xtasg/s1600-h/upperbathsink.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383816428621842178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVWwmR5DxxHDgUc0BhGbX-Xug29UiUPkI1rpmBlOagbYOt563JXipEj1tRQ7i0mE7WpwascCIpEOvXqsUFlQtePWJmi_vPxWbDjxb9E1iLv403YELN6lPAfW0VrksO7HsXsWh598xtasg/s640/upperbathsink.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br />Here is a close up of the sink with the backsplash detail behind. <br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg9gxu5zj8O7QG2INfCt1qwwWRYI8bIMZilteE3Pnjpo6IVuz-rF3V97ssdiNdIPmwSh6in9xAdk5TKGlciOhjerosg2eZKP6Vl_xSHnKb60ZCeM_xW89t9PnBEWOh0E1jwXXgD1Ah5gw/s1600-h/upperbathshower2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383816416734129890" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg9gxu5zj8O7QG2INfCt1qwwWRYI8bIMZilteE3Pnjpo6IVuz-rF3V97ssdiNdIPmwSh6in9xAdk5TKGlciOhjerosg2eZKP6Vl_xSHnKb60ZCeM_xW89t9PnBEWOh0E1jwXXgD1Ah5gw/s640/upperbathshower2.jpg" width="458" /></a></div><br /><br />When you are doing a bathroom remodel on plumbing that is over a few years old (in this case over 20), always open the wall and check the plumbing out. A preventative check now will save tearing out new tilework later. <br /><br /><br /><br />New shower fixtures usually require the installation of a new thermostat or valve, so you will already have access inside the wall. In this case, we also raised the height of the shower head to accomodate the 6'2" husband. <br /><br /></div><div>A beautiful new frameless glass shower enclosure keeps the water in without obscuring the beautiful tile work.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRvFyzd95u8OqxqZjArG0gKWlPeb9mto8giZxIV6dgmLfr23zHmoFNiyp4sWL_raHo1AYNSHD5FKy5s_jHMXZ7nlKXhsgNan2pdpOBGD8EMR_SQdCxgQ1op7qPl5mWD3h9-GHAemwqhAo/s1600-h/upperbathshower.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383816119209367650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRvFyzd95u8OqxqZjArG0gKWlPeb9mto8giZxIV6dgmLfr23zHmoFNiyp4sWL_raHo1AYNSHD5FKy5s_jHMXZ7nlKXhsgNan2pdpOBGD8EMR_SQdCxgQ1op7qPl5mWD3h9-GHAemwqhAo/s640/upperbathshower.jpg" width="454" /></a></div>  <br /><br />We also took the tilework all the way to the ceiling. </div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbaaKfX8-bqXT8lTVHmSmtx8F4hP9XJSJdU9ykzm0Ft-anpz75E-YM7DIXr6s7glGtB28Lw7g_FaQaniPre0rVSXdKR9Kgn9qDWH8Kd_-ms_84JJUYq5PCc4V3cOw8_CLJUPkS60qqbP8/s1600-h/upperbathglass.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383816112603616386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbaaKfX8-bqXT8lTVHmSmtx8F4hP9XJSJdU9ykzm0Ft-anpz75E-YM7DIXr6s7glGtB28Lw7g_FaQaniPre0rVSXdKR9Kgn9qDWH8Kd_-ms_84JJUYq5PCc4V3cOw8_CLJUPkS60qqbP8/s640/upperbathglass.jpg" width="476" /></a></div><br /><br />And wrapped the window with tile as well. The frameless glass shower door opens in or out for easy access. <br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1COKv6KyaLOj-ugVNbK0zQQyUH1tdY96otu6Mi2Sjk8Z1uPWZgOpfVozcjgHMcQPDzlQFmh6LN5_pJ_lTlom75kw-0oTiGoKL_ntkZtLcRbryRI8SndxEy3JUDAnAnRdRHkdeFuVKQyU/s1600-h/IMG_2380.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="554" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384413745984637282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1COKv6KyaLOj-ugVNbK0zQQyUH1tdY96otu6Mi2Sjk8Z1uPWZgOpfVozcjgHMcQPDzlQFmh6LN5_pJ_lTlom75kw-0oTiGoKL_ntkZtLcRbryRI8SndxEy3JUDAnAnRdRHkdeFuVKQyU/s640/IMG_2380.JPG" width="640" /></a></div></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The floor was covered in a sturdy porcelain tile resembling travertine. We layed it very tightly together, with minimal grout lines like stone. The insets are actual etched travertine. The result is a wonderful old world look, exactly what the client wanted! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpDSW_-pX2WjHssbTJZf-Z8ADgByK6ihVdKvdWaBacaIMT_-mpnhiXip1_Su8iVdG3wE6_WlG08hh4wa7hh7d-FX3JKbfDUWdTl339Pd51ALNutXHQLxlRSesVvA3WFwI551K46-wPMyg/s1600-h/upperbathart2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383816102498349650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpDSW_-pX2WjHssbTJZf-Z8ADgByK6ihVdKvdWaBacaIMT_-mpnhiXip1_Su8iVdG3wE6_WlG08hh4wa7hh7d-FX3JKbfDUWdTl339Pd51ALNutXHQLxlRSesVvA3WFwI551K46-wPMyg/s640/upperbathart2.jpg" width="514" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">My client fell in love with this image by Montserrat Masdeu of a Tuscany or Provence building and garden. Because we were placing it in a potentially damp area (this one over the toilet, next to the shower)</div><div style="text-align: center;"> I had it mounted on a foamcore board and I gel coated it. </div><div style="text-align: center;">This process not only protects the print, but when done correctly with brush strokes that mimic the painting, it actually looks like an oil painting. No glass is necessary. </div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh64SucIUAl0-1sag2xKlH9qnKDmYNc9hiOWqDprmNPTLsDKapbHZW6ixDZKhdhVsDePAEbP2Y1wMxqMtDLqB8EDamMN4oyIHituAvHI_6WduHENN8kk3NesQd04DkqUtz-FqwR0B7Cew/s1600-h/IMG_2384.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="500" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384413767251796114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh64SucIUAl0-1sag2xKlH9qnKDmYNc9hiOWqDprmNPTLsDKapbHZW6ixDZKhdhVsDePAEbP2Y1wMxqMtDLqB8EDamMN4oyIHituAvHI_6WduHENN8kk3NesQd04DkqUtz-FqwR0B7Cew/s640/IMG_2384.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">One of my favorite images, this is the companion piece to go in the sink/dressing area. You can see some of the brush strokes on the left side if you look carefully. </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWTuSJFJoLXjUfjb1RomJ06rSwUFaHgSJbRe4cF9Ch4ekV3fqEddEbsslu2mSmrucY4lhvkwNQM5Z85nYmyJh3f-1ubGQcPLw0RMx7c-SYvnbI6o87vB9XhWU-eMGv1CtcSgfK30PX-IE/s1600-h/upperbath.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383816089015191954" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWTuSJFJoLXjUfjb1RomJ06rSwUFaHgSJbRe4cF9Ch4ekV3fqEddEbsslu2mSmrucY4lhvkwNQM5Z85nYmyJh3f-1ubGQcPLw0RMx7c-SYvnbI6o87vB9XhWU-eMGv1CtcSgfK30PX-IE/s640/upperbath.jpg" width="480" /></a></div></div><div>We painted the rooms a soft gold which contrasts beautifully with the dark wood and blends with the tilework. We added crown molding, a new baseboard and a wider door molding for architectural detail. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUWaG5Y-rzfO9iZa30cD9ygMWG0ZO4V6BRX2zuxmAI4rb5N47cwYyvqa89-eRhSjue2KE5TCWlXJaEVCRlptSgGuG8pDIUOPFIqDygtsJ8ygW_VO0ILGcHhWG1sldPr6SVPgFuzS_29pE/s1600-h/IMG_2383.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="367" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384413758837059682" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUWaG5Y-rzfO9iZa30cD9ygMWG0ZO4V6BRX2zuxmAI4rb5N47cwYyvqa89-eRhSjue2KE5TCWlXJaEVCRlptSgGuG8pDIUOPFIqDygtsJ8ygW_VO0ILGcHhWG1sldPr6SVPgFuzS_29pE/s400/IMG_2383.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieyn6Vos8UHb-fanCVZsNHToE1DUgr3MsmZAvssfxNcPQh5ZSxDTjvXGk70xwjFrby9gFGI68tIX-WZ1ruKBXlM76VbM668fWf4fHh51nLrj3xu2tOHVaWn3lPwhsi0xuHapxyRo7AccM/s1600-h/upperbathart.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="616" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383816082157299826" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieyn6Vos8UHb-fanCVZsNHToE1DUgr3MsmZAvssfxNcPQh5ZSxDTjvXGk70xwjFrby9gFGI68tIX-WZ1ruKBXlM76VbM668fWf4fHh51nLrj3xu2tOHVaWn3lPwhsi0xuHapxyRo7AccM/s640/upperbathart.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>We removed the construction grade mirror and added a wider and larger mirror - taking it to the ceiling and expanding its width to both walls. On installation of the mirror, we had a hole cut and installed the vanity light directly over the glass. This not only looks great, but reflects more light into the room. <br /><br />Last of all we added the artwork (by the same artist) <br /><br /><br /><br />The color has been off a little in this post.  There are not actually any pink doors in this room - and the walls are not lemon yellow - but hopefully you get the idea and feel correct!</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div> </div></div></div></div></div></div>

HOME DECOR: A BATHROOM REMODEL

As homeowners, it is important to make upgrades and improvements to our homes this is especially true with bathrooms. Dated plumbing, tilewo...

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