Writing on the Doorposts

Last week Steve and I decided to change out the chandelier in our oh so tiny 1st floor bathroom (I'm not kidding - It's more like the size of a locker than a powder room).  Like most of the cosmetic updates in this old house, it became a weekend warrior project.  

 The electrician had to cut some holes in the wall in order to run the wire up to the ceiling so the wall had to be repaired and re-painted.  Which meant that the sink had to be taken out so we could paint the entire wall.  

And that, somehow, meant that we needed a new faucet.  We also got a new toilet seat but that just isn't something photo-worthy. (We obviously can't be trusted in the hardware store unsupervised).

And because we are the kind of twisted people that apparently enjoy even more work, we took some inspiration from Rebecca and covered the walls in old book and Bible pages.   We used a universal wallpaper paste to adhere the pages and, so that they can be wiped down if needed, we applied three layers of clear coat on top.  Note: when I say "we", I mean Steve. He did a ton of work and totally deserves all the credit! 

My contribution was some ruffles and lace for the windows.

Oddly, adding the pages to the walls doesn't make the room look any smaller.

It turned out so beautiful that the kids are calling it the "hotel bathroom".  And on the plus side, it's a great place for kids to read Bible verses.  After all, they're a captive audience.  And the Bible says that we should take every opportunity to teach our children God's Word.  Almost sounds like we planned it this way.  Yeeeaaah, that's what I'm going to tell everyone anyhow.

And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up... You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

Winter Layers

 Our house has lovely, wavy glass windows but a not so lovely draft from those old windows.  So it can get pretty chilly in the Winter months without curtains.  But I don't especially like curtains.  I love natural light.  It's important to me that I'm not living in a dungeon all Winter. Believe me, the Chicago area Winters can be bleak with the overcast gray skies.  But even a thin layer between the windows and our heat bill can make a big difference.

I've been collecting different pieces of Battenburg and Tambour lace for a few months hoping to create some layered type of curtains.  One layer during the day, two at night.  The lace has made a beautiful pile in my fabric area but I knew that if I didn't hang them somewhere soon, they were likely to get ripped or ruined.  

 Right now they are just tacked up with push pins.  Why are men so picky about nail holes??  But I'm pretty sure that I love the look enough to make it a more permanent relationship.

 What do you think?

Linking with White Wednesday & Farmhouse Friday

Farmhouse Reborn

So I got a funny email last week from a friend.  It said, "I just got my Romantic Country and saw your article! Wow…the house looks fabulous…how exciting!"  Those of you who have been following my little blog for a while probably know how I reacted to that email.  "Huh?  What?"  Insert dumbfounded look here!  

Of course, I knew it may happen eventually but truly didn't have a clue when or if the photos would actually be used.  So I spent the last many days searching local stores for a copy (not an easy task during the week of Christmas/New Years).  And what do you know - our farmhouse really IS in Romantic Country!  I'm tremendously humbled to be in the company of my talented friends, Rebecca Ersfeld & My Petite Maison.  In fact, after seeing their homes, I'm stunned that our old house was chosen.  But I'm so delighted that the title of the article is Farmhouse Reborn.  What a perfect reminder not just of how the new year brings a fresh start but also of the new life that we have in Christ!

I have to admit that a few of the rooms featured have actually changed a bit since the photo shoot (like I could keep our decor the same for 9 months straight!).  Not the least of which would be that our guest bedroom has become home to our 14 year old son who has taken a liking to graffiti-style art (sigh).  But some of the changes are lovely.  If I ever get the Christmas stuff put away, I'll take some new photos to share.  In the meantime, if you'd like to see more of the article, you can pick up a copy of the Spring, 2012 issue of Romantic Country (It's available at our Target and Walmart now so it should be easier for you to find than it was for me last week)  Or you can view low resolution photos HERE.   

Tomorrow I will be sharing how to create the paper garlands that were featured in the article.

Hoping day two of 2012 is filled with your own rebirth and dumbfounding loveliness. 

Three French ROOSTERS

 .Earlier this week I had a rare few minutes alone so I made a quick stop at the local Salvation Army.  I was digging through boxes of antique ornaments when a rooster peeked out at me from under a box.

When I started sliding boxes out of the way, I realized there were lots of roosters!

$15.00!!  

It's old and chipped up and there are hand painted roosters and hens and chicks all the way around it.  Red isn't my color but I couldn't help but think how darling it would be at one of our Three French Hens markets. I called my  mom to come over and see my new find.  And she laid claim to it as soon as she spied it!  I'm not kidding, it was like a vulture swooped down!! 

 I never thought I'd actually give someone three french hens for a Christmas gift.

And look... we woke to fresh fallen snow this morning!!
I'm going to be singing the 12 Days of Christmas all day today.
(HERE are some fun shop-window pictures to go along with the 12 days. Click through the photostream to see all 12 days)

Homespun

A couple weeks ago I got this exceedingly ME style farm table.  It was one of the tables used in the cafe area at the Hens Holiday Market.  You can't tell it from this photo but the table is rounded on the ends.  So cool!  Anyhow, I've been searching for the perfect chair to sit at my project table (yes, I'm really trying to move all the clutter from the dinning room table to an actual project area).  Since we are putting our pennies toward Christmas gifts right now, I haven't been able to hit the resale shops but I remembered a chair that's been waiting for a make-over.

It's about as tattered as they come!

But I kinda love it for that very same reason.

It wasn't even until I took these pictures that I noticed it has little buttons sewed to the side.  I can't imagine why someone would put them there.  Maybe it was some sweet ol' lady's sewing spot.  Where all her homespun creations came to life.

My first project at the new project table is this throw.  Each crochet piece has to be hand stitched on.  

At least I won't feel bad sticking the sewing needle in the arm of the chair when I take a rest!

Longing...

 After months of sales... creating, loading the trailer, setting up shop and visiting with so many wonderful friends... I am longing for home.  For the first time in my life I can't wait for the long Winter.  

I can't wait to snuggle with my children (note the price tag on my boy's forehead, placed there by his older brother), feather the nest and curl up with a pile of good books (or, with my Nook app).  I can't wait to rearrange furniture, make curtains, simmer a pot of homemade soup.

The cabinet that I have been getting visitation rights with is finally off lay-away and I'm ready to fill it up with handmade pretties and homeschool projects.  (Check out the old mirror!  LOVE that!)

Just a couple more holiday sales and I may even be a regular blogger again.  =)

Have a beautiful weekend!

Decorating a Landing

Our second floor landing is such an odd shape.  It's only about 5 feet around and all the bedrooms shoot off of that landing.  There's no hallway, no window, it's dark and there's only one wall large enough to decorate.  It's always been an irritation to me because it's such a narrow spot and the studs in the wall aren't in places where I want to hang things.


So I was delighted when we found this mantle.  Actually I've used a mantle here before but I still had a blank wall above the mantle.  The difference is that this one is narrow and it's all one piece and the top half is a mirror so it helps light up the landing.
Mr. Blessing was not quite as delighted as I was about hauling a HUGE one piece mantle.


It only has one shelf so I may have to make one for the other side.
(Love this little French book)


But for now, I'm ok with putting tall items on that side to hide the difference.

The best part is that I can change the decor everyday if I want.

Linking up with: White Wednesday, French Inspiration, Vintage Inspiration

Summer Deck made out of Pallets

 We have a small area between the back porch and the garage that is a muddy, yucky mess all Summer.  There are large old trees that block the sun from coming though and when it rains we get mud puddles.  It's a space we all avoid.  We've been wanting a deck for that spot but the cost of materials was ridiculous.  My dad suggested making a deck from wood pallets.   So that's just what Mr. Blessing did!  Tip: If you are going to try this project, you'll want to get the heavier pallets with smaller slots between the slats of wood).

He set the pallets on cinder blocks that he leveled off.  And trimmed it out with old barn boards (that's him, digging through piles of barn boards).

We were fortunate that the red paint on the barn boards matched the trim on our house.  After two coats of white deck stain, it looks like it's been here as long as the house. (Pardon the leaves and debris - we've had some serious high wind/tornado weather lately).  We have a pallet company right here in town.  You probably have one nearby and they usually deliver too.  Mr. Blessings jokingly calls it our "hillbilly deck" but I think it's another one of his amazingly creative projects!

RUFFLES!

Last weekend Mr. Blessing and I drove into the Chicago suburbs to two different Target stores to pick up ruffled curtains.  I know, crazy!!  But what's a girl to do when there's only 6 panels available in the entire state?! 

Come on over to French Cupboard and check out the other ruffles that I worked on this week... 

French Doors

The Blessing Farmhouse is getting primped for an upcoming event but it does not look the part right now!  If you were to peek beyond any set of french doors in our home today you would be greeted with piles of stuff.  The kitchen stuff is in the dinning room, the mudroom stuff is in the living room.  How can reorganizing create so much chaos?  I felt bad when the dishwasher repairman had to climb through the living room this morning (ok, not really "climb" - more like "step over and around").

But I made the bed yesterday.  That has to count for something, right?!

Return to the Voila - French Inspiration Party

As the Kitchen Turns...

 Our kitchen is reflective of the rest of my life these days.  It's kind of a jumble!  My son has still be struggling.  Our whole family, really.  It's been a super hard week but while I have been busy being a mom, Mr. Blessing has been busy working on the kitchen for me.  It's our French Farmhouse Kitchen-On-A-Budget.

The inspiration for my cupboards came from this beat-up, old farm table.

Neighbor Bob stopped in yesterday and when I proudly showed him our new/old cabinet fronts, he said, "You like things sorta different don't you?" (hahaha)

I can't wait for everything to be done so I can show you.

(My version of Easter grass - Spanish moss)

This weekend I am definitely celebrating a resurrection of sorts in my son and a resurrection in our farmhouse kitchen.   But most important, let's all pause and celebrate the resurrection of God's Son!

Thank you God!!

Join us for Voila! - French Inspiration at French Cupboard

Nettoyage de printemps

That's French for Spring Cleaning.

 I wish there was something romantic about this project but the ugly truth is that my kitchen has been sorely neglected. It needs more than just Spring cleaning.  It needs a total renovation.  I'm going for a French farmhouse look when my dream kitchen emerges from the depths of this abyss.  But there are more than a few steps between neglected farmhouse and French farmhouse  I can't afford the counter top I want or the appliances that I want.  The old pine floors are looking well.... old.  The cupboards are icky and the walls need a fresh coat of pain.  And I can't afford to let things go any longer.  

I CAN however afford elbow grease.

 

 So this week we worked on counters and appliances.  I've heard of people painting their counter tops with great success so I thought I'd give it a whirl.  I mean, the thing couldn't get any worse, right?!  The key to making the paint stick is the primer. I used an oil based primer and let it dry over night.  Then I applied two coats of satin finish latex paint.  Again, let it dry very well between coats.

 I was hoping to get the color of cement (yeah, I know, I could just pour a cement counter but we've been a little busy round these parts lately and this was the finish that I could do without Mr. Blessings help.  Maybe later this summer we can tackle the real deal).   I did dry brush some brown and cream and silver to give it some depth.  Somehow that cement gray was more bland than I thought it would be.

 Ok, here's an important thing to know about painting counter tops...  Use lots of layers of clear coat and let them dry completely between coats.  I used a semi-gloss polyacryllic.  If you are someone who chops food directly on the counter, you're supposed to use a food-safe sealer.  However, I can't think of ANY painted surface that's going to hold up to chopping!  Just use a cutting board.

(As you can see the cabinets got primed once upon a time but I had to put the doors back on after weeks of not getting the project done.  So that's what we hope to tackle next week) 

 Have you ever painted appliances?  It was surpisingly easy. 

When.... Ok, IF we ever get the kitchen done, I'll share the finished photos with you.

Hope your weekend projects are less work and more romantic!

French Blue

 As we work our way through the house doing paint therapy, the living room has become a controversial color. I say that it's a grey/green (and I spent lots of time picking the exact color that I wanted so I firmly believe that I'm RIGHT!).  Steve says it's blue.  The kids say it's green.  My mom says it's French Blue.  It's called Verdigris and apparently it changes colors throughout the day with the lighting.

(This is the old terra cotta color, by the way.)

Here's a little more "french blue" for French Inspiration over at French Cupboard...

 Come on over and visit the other gals who are participating in Voila today!