Let me dust this thing off....

Haven't touched my blog in weeks! I feel out of touch for real this time...haven't done much computer wise outside of work in a while.  I tell ya what I have done though...I've seen a lot of movies, read a book, spent a lot of time with my peeps, ruined a slipcover, sewed a lot of pillows, covered a lampshade, acquired another cat, started 530am workouts again and I painted this....

Here's the before to this big old girl. I used chalk paint in Old White & sealed it with Fiddes & Sons clear wax.  The sanding part was messy but it's a smooth as silk finish and it's so easy to get an authentic distressed look with chalk paint.  It was super expensive though - $89 for 2 quarts (with shipping)!  I will say that not having to prime or prep at all was worth it! 

 

I found this design on the internet from the Paperchase Folk Tree collection and loved it.  It has a Scandinavian feel to me which is what I wanted for this piece. 

I posted this and then messed with it some more..I think I'm finished now, so here's the after, after: 

 I used my overhead to keep scale and acrylic paint, then sanded and added a stain to dull the colors a bit.  I wanted it to look worn & faded.

 I outlined the flower tree so it would stand out.  I like how it looks a little haphazard & folksy.

The extra storage is AWESOME!

I love this part - little bird hooks for our keys!

I love all the muddled colors

Still can't believe I got this armoire for $40.

Pretty details.

Here's a back view.  We have an open floor plan and this helps separate the front door from the living/dining rooms.  So you can hide if someone comes to the door and you're not decent (and by you, I mean me)!

Now on to my newest little wanderer...

This one just showed up last week.  Scraggly little guy with an eye infection, ear mites, hungry...all kinds of beat up...will you just look at that poor little face.  I think he was working me.

 So we fed him, loved on him, took him to the vet, got him neutered & named him Scooter.

 I tried to make him an inside only kitty but I can't tame his wild heart.  He's happiest skipping around the yard.

He follows me to the mailbox every day.

Here he is after dinner...big old tummy and ready to nap!

So there ya go...more furniture & another kitty!  Another bit of good news, we're now sponsoring a little boy from the Philippines.  His name is Fritz and he's 9 (the same age as my son). I'll share more info on the program as I learn it myself.  I got started here.  We're really excited to get to know this little boy. 

Now that I finally posted something I hope someone is still around to read it!! 

Hugs to you - until next time,