tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27399504871078614502024-03-18T02:02:22.838-05:00Cottage of StoneAdventures in historic preservation (renovation!) of a stone home built in 1906 in Baldwin City, Kansas.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger234125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2739950487107861450.post-89765923782765219432011-12-23T09:59:00.000-06:002011-12-23T10:00:44.287-06:00Wishing everyone a wonderful Christmas!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFLtyaJ6zZWt7rhHF8P5aea39pii5shmfF_GmuwCnmOwRibWdNU53jjSO7kVJ4aHS78Eh9-brbyLxZO2qOI_tcyIgCVEwAHkFs8oBOPHQFFU5zVhzFrsO_56YSt2HYVgOXwLcJHfFwBks6/s1600/merry.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5689354221815067410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFLtyaJ6zZWt7rhHF8P5aea39pii5shmfF_GmuwCnmOwRibWdNU53jjSO7kVJ4aHS78Eh9-brbyLxZO2qOI_tcyIgCVEwAHkFs8oBOPHQFFU5zVhzFrsO_56YSt2HYVgOXwLcJHfFwBks6/s400/merry.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2739950487107861450.post-65972669695095903822011-12-02T13:53:00.003-06:002011-12-02T14:19:58.501-06:00black doors? bring it on!<div>Those who follow me on Twitter will have noticed me sharing progress pictures of the dining room. It is so much easier to snap a picture on the phone and share it than to upload everything to the laptop and create a post. Sigh... the life of a blogger, right?</div><div><br /></div><div>Now is a nice time to catch up the non-tweeting folks!</div><div><br /></div><div>We did manage to (finally) get all the walls looking reasonably nice. Considering <a href="http://cottageofstone.blogspot.com/2009/03/dining-room-in-progress-or-bad-things.html">what we started with</a>, it couldn't get anything but better! We finished applying the sandy texture to match all the walls (eliminating the smooth border around the top of the walls and from the middle of the wall down to the floor). Next was priming and painting. I chose a fun, yet not too <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Pepto</span>, pink from the discontinued Martha Stewart line at Lowe's called Sugar Egg Pink. Trim was painted a nice white called Milk Sugar by Laura Ashley.</div><div><br /></div><div>The plan is to paper the ceiling and install a nice crown molding. The crown will be painted white and given a fun little black racing stripe. That racing stripe will appear again as a room divider between the blue entry way and pink dining room. We also have some other fun splashes of black.</div><div><br /></div><div>Which brings me to the doors... These go into the living room (left) and basement (right):</div><div><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 225px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5QCKWSn6RaYvWhlTttvN4BRcF4GxEeqTG7PlfQDGrN5MN7gKEo_J10aSWe9dm-v9UMf4q_RbVwCDJ9L-as9-6isjIFP0yxq4GKNfDG0GQT9BZSVnhYyuMtbfmL7w-cjSL6smuJxvDgINb/s400/IMAG1232.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681622418381090946" /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Woody <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">McWooderson</span>. I have always thought the doors looked a little strange. All the trim is painted white, and then there are wood doors. How odd! Manhattan Nest to the rescue! Seeing Daniel's blog about his <a href="http://manhattan-nest.com/2011/11/03/black-doors/">black doors</a> was finally the little push Steven needed to agree that we could, as Mick Jagger said, "Paint it black!" (Get it? Rolling Stones... Paint It Black? Moving right along...)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 225px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK9m6F9x0kCHYLzG1N0tcGoEo8OtpuuqZCUdvUQ1RpMVSEsy7PNuJa5XloR7FXp4GDJSkLwjiq9kY5pzQlt9FClyzyKlmdwX5gGPYCIe7IPNmIBdAsDxMyVSLygPPW8mWxLRsp9NDFu6t4/s400/IMAG1233.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681622414251247762" /></div><div><div style="text-align: left;">Oh, I hear Steven weeping softly... Primer... and a few coats of black paint...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 225px; height: 400px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_4GQQayIxD3yfgjEmA_NXIFFsYk5XpiojW_oItIEM7qUMPw71tt2w6V_jVdpdn-fLebfvteTDlGEewS5gtejlkm6WrWl84fR-X0-KT_rU4eoTEx7-vE1hq24elH0HYrvD8Ihei7TdHOoM/s400/IMAG1234.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681622408539090338" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">On a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">side note</span>, how pretty are our doorknobs! I am thinking of polishing them all up. At the risk of looking like cheapo 1980s brass, I think against the black, these could really be <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">blingin</span>'!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 225px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNOilytYQMKzXrdnmXa0e2dmfJXGttFAjh37taDfXpKBOJb9ld4DTXOyZ3RZs9d6mbYAs3MqZ_dUw-wJLXsKSP8qdKFa8nFr3jRmRN9T9Y_rjQ3KBIvz1eXTdkERnPW730Hc2HYWBcOCHN/s400/IMAG1244.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681622406100910722" /></div><div><div style="text-align: left;">And here we go. Black doors. Aren't they pretty! I am going to give them a coat of satin poly since our kids are tough on doors. But I am really excited with how they turned out. I think the go really nicely with the black and white windows <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">a la</span> <a href="http://www.doorsixteen.com/2008/11/21/tiny-progressions/">Door Sixteen</a>:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXUik7sx-kU_pnrK8fOOjcWMk5krVnHLskmGf-ZbSs79xLICRcJHo9pvXbIz-BfcHNTTWyrBGx-RRuHn77HMvDhEMQ2q_8C4DvJd-Uy6g5UhX2flS-kIXoi3VSeFJH6Nf1HHl_sCWZ_Wq3/s1600/IMAG1245.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 225px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXUik7sx-kU_pnrK8fOOjcWMk5krVnHLskmGf-ZbSs79xLICRcJHo9pvXbIz-BfcHNTTWyrBGx-RRuHn77HMvDhEMQ2q_8C4DvJd-Uy6g5UhX2flS-kIXoi3VSeFJH6Nf1HHl_sCWZ_Wq3/s400/IMAG1245.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681622421385621282" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">You know, I have been influenced so much by Anna's aesthetic. While my walls will never be all white, Anna has really moved me toward modern, clean lines. Out goes the antiques, in comes the modern. :) So, thank you, Anna!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">More dining room pictures yet to come. It is really close to being done, guys!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">(And I really am loving the camera in my Android phone. So much easier to snap pictures now!)</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2739950487107861450.post-24872411479234788062011-09-09T19:49:00.005-05:002011-09-09T20:07:21.807-05:00Ch-ch-changes in the master bedroomSomething has been bothering me about our master bedroom for some time. When we moved in, it looked like this:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGmt2zieX7awBwVdvbJEAP4f9Xv9DRY0hnP1Waik3jFK9SH28tiDlKffd4KDEhQcUMzghRH3htjrScVMGELrbPDzbwXFBlNp4Ws4iKtdhcONdfRf9yrks3I7qY1Oonjm9brKX3sQuPkJUE/s1600/l_bbe4c7997ad237673f84cb700b0e83c3.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGmt2zieX7awBwVdvbJEAP4f9Xv9DRY0hnP1Waik3jFK9SH28tiDlKffd4KDEhQcUMzghRH3htjrScVMGELrbPDzbwXFBlNp4Ws4iKtdhcONdfRf9yrks3I7qY1Oonjm9brKX3sQuPkJUE/s400/l_bbe4c7997ad237673f84cb700b0e83c3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650527186224130386" border="0" /></a>It really felt like living inside a toybox. I love wood, don't get me wrong. But the floor matching the walls really made it feel very, well... toybox-like. After a lot of sanding, priming, and painting (as chronicled <a href="http://cottageofstone.blogspot.com/2009/01/master-bedroom-update.html">here</a>), we had this:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJv8H1Kq4EA0OWkYbpZIjDzX4aK3dA7R97WJ01Y_BUb9zFTeIq9BaVEjz6Uui3aYkTZUmPFqCbSkou1cxgPqgUsP9I8v4_65dHbeaYVLbYMVxsvfsHq0YCIc-4R2AgeIM80tbnh4sv4sx3/s1600/P1010266.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJv8H1Kq4EA0OWkYbpZIjDzX4aK3dA7R97WJ01Y_BUb9zFTeIq9BaVEjz6Uui3aYkTZUmPFqCbSkou1cxgPqgUsP9I8v4_65dHbeaYVLbYMVxsvfsHq0YCIc-4R2AgeIM80tbnh4sv4sx3/s400/P1010266.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650527195604291858" border="0" /></a><br />I absolutely love the pale pink walls. The furniture that has followed me around for the past 15 years just wasn't cutting it for me. It was SO BIG! And I really wanted another look. I ended up buying a <a href="http://cottageofstone.blogspot.com/2009/08/ikea-shipping-costs-are-freaking-insane.html">cast iron bed from LL Bean</a> (super reasonable shipping, by the way).<br /><br />The old bed and dresser were sold on Craigslist. I saved the nightstands for quite awhile now... but with the new influx mid-century modern pieces in the house, I really wanted to bring something smaller and cleaner in. Steven began wiping up some new nightstands from my hand-drawn sketch (a post on those to follow).<br /><br />But even with new nightstands and a new bed, I felt the room needed something else. I think there really is not a focal point in the room. There are planks everywhere, running every which way. One end of the room has built-ins, one has 2 doors. One wall has 2 windows, the others a huge expanse and a door on the end. It is all very asymmetrical and there is nothing to balance it. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozlyRA31akc5swnD-fXaAdsQzGR3hnYgk2YYiiZJugPU95X6vKU3WxQjRwQbeYY-vFAtNhOe2fTgeIcOr48VcMOjBD2XgnWI8exIpf69tgNhz-phUveUxkxID0U6PIMGAcgIi1YagKR_O/s1600/P1010264.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozlyRA31akc5swnD-fXaAdsQzGR3hnYgk2YYiiZJugPU95X6vKU3WxQjRwQbeYY-vFAtNhOe2fTgeIcOr48VcMOjBD2XgnWI8exIpf69tgNhz-phUveUxkxID0U6PIMGAcgIi1YagKR_O/s400/P1010264.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650527203066716322" border="0" /></a>My solution for this was for Steven to add some solid panels between in the windows. I thought if we "connected" the windows with solid panels (thus eliminating some of the planks), it would give a focal point for displaying artwork. The panels would be painted white, to make black frames pop. In my head, at least, it gives the eye a place to rest.<br /><br />Are you feeling it? Are you with me?<br /><br />Steven has the panels and trim caulked and ready for primer. The nightstands are assembled and ready for paint. I cannot wait to share. Stay tuned!<br /><br />One area I haven't decided on yet is the closet... not sure I am digging on the curtain I made to replace the cheap-o closet doors. Also, the knickknacks over the doors are on their way out as well.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2739950487107861450.post-55220071442323314742011-09-09T19:43:00.002-05:002011-09-09T19:48:50.618-05:00Tatum Evan Four Months<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhImfE3_cqKAL54TtsTlUW_a7BNBZR46d7NMdLrgluO7cfKGhyphenhyphenfBBs1lVVZG9j2FQD2uCHxOTfEwg3La9Goyw7Zsu5msQXQ2upnkbNdbw0t_P1PjZFcOe8Cr1f-_QUIF402vyaGcDR5KXnG/s1600/IMAG0844.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 225px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhImfE3_cqKAL54TtsTlUW_a7BNBZR46d7NMdLrgluO7cfKGhyphenhyphenfBBs1lVVZG9j2FQD2uCHxOTfEwg3La9Goyw7Zsu5msQXQ2upnkbNdbw0t_P1PjZFcOe8Cr1f-_QUIF402vyaGcDR5KXnG/s400/IMAG0844.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650525944493185298" border="0" /></a><br />Each month we will be taking a picture of Tatum Evan in his nursery, as inspired by <a href="http://makingitlovely.com">Making It Lovely</a>. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKwzbfEhnBG5MRA2ZLGnZXSvpJ55f5A3MLW9GdX-t81knOevySXmZjW1OG-lDVu-dehs28mwFTA8bh7SWXoR0rF9pthJd7oEU2MrKZZo5sVG0J7bmiR2GvtYEdBprsbbXz-aFmBDkw1haZ/s1600/tatumcollage4.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 285px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKwzbfEhnBG5MRA2ZLGnZXSvpJ55f5A3MLW9GdX-t81knOevySXmZjW1OG-lDVu-dehs28mwFTA8bh7SWXoR0rF9pthJd7oEU2MrKZZo5sVG0J7bmiR2GvtYEdBprsbbXz-aFmBDkw1haZ/s400/tatumcollage4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650525935047840722" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2739950487107861450.post-55445491663890230312011-08-15T16:23:00.008-05:002011-08-15T17:19:44.450-05:00Tour of the NurseryI have been promising pictures of "The Nursery," aka Bowie and Tatum's room, formerly known as Bowie's Room, for months. I finally got a spare moment to snap some pictures... granted the pictures are taken with my phone, so they are not high quality shots. But I think some pictures are better than no pictures, right?
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<br />So without further ado... a little tour.
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<br />Some day, when Tatum actually decides he is ready to sleep in his own room and not snuggle in bed next to Mommy, I will be reading bed time stories and maybe doing some midnight nursing in this rocker. We had this custom-made at USA Baby when I was pregnant with Bowie and it finally has made it's way into a proper room. The stars rug was also snatched up from Pottery Barn Kids about the same time.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCZyVlsvgSK4nEs2Wr5iW33_cDg9KtvNc3hi4Hv3cqqaciI5daTO2Gy0Wf6aU5rAiFSql3QMeOykEVOYtdpg3QMl_t-C9CYjBwVtUVs9O21zBKpzOLpzEeLG2QiIOvCgq9mrtbCGI1hhUH/s1600/IMAG0712.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 225px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCZyVlsvgSK4nEs2Wr5iW33_cDg9KtvNc3hi4Hv3cqqaciI5daTO2Gy0Wf6aU5rAiFSql3QMeOykEVOYtdpg3QMl_t-C9CYjBwVtUVs9O21zBKpzOLpzEeLG2QiIOvCgq9mrtbCGI1hhUH/s400/IMAG0712.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641201196194528498" border="0" /></a>
<br />Wow, this shot is a bit blurry. And a bit busy. The room won't be quite so crowded when Tatum is ready to move up to a big boy bed as we plan on doing a twin trundle for the boys. This will free up enough space for a vintage play table we picked up at Habitat ReStore.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_qoa_fOQjfKiKta8qfFilVbvYDGv9KRYi52JieNCLBKGDC9xiExgoBArB10wglWOt9FzjTRvIl2EF7R2MRJHyWHw83zMIREGBBLNmLtDiMdMqHP24QvjQ2rm7xkGnUr8_7aESbOoUYeC1/s1600/IMAG0713.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_qoa_fOQjfKiKta8qfFilVbvYDGv9KRYi52JieNCLBKGDC9xiExgoBArB10wglWOt9FzjTRvIl2EF7R2MRJHyWHw83zMIREGBBLNmLtDiMdMqHP24QvjQ2rm7xkGnUr8_7aESbOoUYeC1/s400/IMAG0713.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641201190527777186" border="0" /></a>
<br />The shelves are not perfectly styled, and I doubt they ever will be. All the boys enjoy placing things on the shelves and the arrangement changes every day. But this is not a magazine room, this is a real room for real little boys... so a jumble of toys it will remain!
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<br />Tatum's crib is a fixed-side Jenny Lind. It came only in white, so Steven painted it flat black to match Bowie's twin cast iron bed. We purchased the crib from Babies R Us with a 20% off coupon. The crib was a splurge -- a pricey gorgeous giraffe set from Rikshaw Designs.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNA1MQJJ7UjyO5FL4HDr_VehePQRJtcso6-iNGGUiQ8s8o60OcP6vs4WUaHj0OQzU8gOgpt_xEvqaEtBY4X0iPscBVp7cveYS8_xD-MK4yOsvSiQWZLEJEgv7txnvWHhvNw3j1BsC2OjQm/s1600/IMAG0715.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNA1MQJJ7UjyO5FL4HDr_VehePQRJtcso6-iNGGUiQ8s8o60OcP6vs4WUaHj0OQzU8gOgpt_xEvqaEtBY4X0iPscBVp7cveYS8_xD-MK4yOsvSiQWZLEJEgv7txnvWHhvNw3j1BsC2OjQm/s400/IMAG0715.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641201005923789906" border="0" /></a>
<br />And right beside the crib is big brother Bowie's bed. Bowie's vintage cast iron bed was a $20 Craigslist score that we straightened up a bit with a rubber mallet.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJIMekH6Z5Wh3VIdB3fBFaO_Hj4AuMXUDwp1szyt6hvLUEbITNTfj42_hbE8lWszrCxn8i6G5YhTXbH1ofBlwKTjcGP7p8JUlOGpjuddKL2gnpWepVnVztYn8t2Evl9o2qwhubkzqQXUoS/s1600/IMAG0717.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 225px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJIMekH6Z5Wh3VIdB3fBFaO_Hj4AuMXUDwp1szyt6hvLUEbITNTfj42_hbE8lWszrCxn8i6G5YhTXbH1ofBlwKTjcGP7p8JUlOGpjuddKL2gnpWepVnVztYn8t2Evl9o2qwhubkzqQXUoS/s400/IMAG0717.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641200999083623586" border="0" /></a>
<br />Over Bowie's bed is a framed screenprint on a Guster concert poster by Furturtle.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwbx5vlfz0PE8O95Bd1VqsU4DGVCGchETiV4rAliQqL_kXdhsIaIEJBsf7Y-UEA2aXr-Fj3epc3N6u_4s_tEYuRdUzppi2xO-K2T_6KClvLWySNMMsdajlDfhSpjtqLgslbW_7wLTalRNw/s1600/IMAG0718.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 225px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwbx5vlfz0PE8O95Bd1VqsU4DGVCGchETiV4rAliQqL_kXdhsIaIEJBsf7Y-UEA2aXr-Fj3epc3N6u_4s_tEYuRdUzppi2xO-K2T_6KClvLWySNMMsdajlDfhSpjtqLgslbW_7wLTalRNw/s400/IMAG0718.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641200993068312066" border="0" /></a>
<br />The boy's share a vintage dresser we picked up at the Good Ju Ju flea market. It was originally painted a girly pale purple with shabby chic sandpaper distressing. I made it a bit more masculine with flat black and replaced the mismatched brass knobs with milk glass ones from Hobby Lobby.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9BFfYk_7ladswuVHcrbbFBwaHFqiAfoNH28s1KXoru2PUVv_7i7LfiQ5Ky0wX3zmYSQDlmp0G036QCSvMYDHRdnjpeI2EoM777Xbrvo5IwSZoY7Vhl_fED732COthxLUproDwp63xxx7b/s1600/IMAG0719.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 225px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9BFfYk_7ladswuVHcrbbFBwaHFqiAfoNH28s1KXoru2PUVv_7i7LfiQ5Ky0wX3zmYSQDlmp0G036QCSvMYDHRdnjpeI2EoM777Xbrvo5IwSZoY7Vhl_fED732COthxLUproDwp63xxx7b/s400/IMAG0719.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641200989427899442" border="0" /></a>
<br />This is the closet we saved. (The other become the bookshelves on the other side.)
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_7DYtJmP2xoLbRAagYtIchsV0AB72lruPkUnHtmQuB_Xu90Yf-x4uNzRbrqdsPuRT1yspIs4LRNiHO6UOEcvsQzCT5ceQxWfzb82RuXjv5VIDuaxJQjNkud-98_b8qsqB_R9IoX_wSbC-/s1600/IMAG0720.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 225px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_7DYtJmP2xoLbRAagYtIchsV0AB72lruPkUnHtmQuB_Xu90Yf-x4uNzRbrqdsPuRT1yspIs4LRNiHO6UOEcvsQzCT5ceQxWfzb82RuXjv5VIDuaxJQjNkud-98_b8qsqB_R9IoX_wSbC-/s400/IMAG0720.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641200592830393810" border="0" /></a>
<br />Bowie's duvet is from Land of Nod. The orange sheets were ordered from Amazon. The white dust ruffle is from Target.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaPVhlanHZr8TBiTQUTcqkwuFSRP0BPTP5dVOTXGxEFHsmgUrjNKSoM1VsES_x36tpP6wQSIa2ZpCgwgMSaHPeSt48Sy7ipXKzX_3d14YM7lenU2YhseahaFXQmBNjjLi3CI3qZ8qnSGnD/s1600/IMAG0721.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaPVhlanHZr8TBiTQUTcqkwuFSRP0BPTP5dVOTXGxEFHsmgUrjNKSoM1VsES_x36tpP6wQSIa2ZpCgwgMSaHPeSt48Sy7ipXKzX_3d14YM7lenU2YhseahaFXQmBNjjLi3CI3qZ8qnSGnD/s400/IMAG0721.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641200521323896914" border="0" /></a>
<br />This vintage nightstand was $3 at Goodwill. It was a badly damaged Sears Harmony House piece that I primed and painted flat black. The "V" handle was original and received a shot of silver spray paint. Bowie inherited my old iPod. The lamp is from Ikea.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLmUfkj0YCJyzb1RTn0dHEp5hRLE3IUYJJVfIYb4HoGLuV-gnOLuFFH__SQOg60ASesHmg1OV5rpUHaTcHr5IqK04eEb_9CMiCRmYD95cNu6KlF0twx2FT3UaSqlSQQj0DSf5HckOfPUpP/s1600/IMAG0722.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 225px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLmUfkj0YCJyzb1RTn0dHEp5hRLE3IUYJJVfIYb4HoGLuV-gnOLuFFH__SQOg60ASesHmg1OV5rpUHaTcHr5IqK04eEb_9CMiCRmYD95cNu6KlF0twx2FT3UaSqlSQQj0DSf5HckOfPUpP/s400/IMAG0722.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641200518121859442" border="0" /></a>The barn star was purchased from Craigslist and painted flat black. The gyro-ceiling fan is by Minka Aire. It actually rotates around and the lights dim, all by remote control. Steven had to do some fancy wiring work in the room to hide the very modern control unit for the fan.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5rIAY8qjmDla8-p-gIKZQwbBEm3RHxkKaGtjS2hKKPlAhFSN9PH-BBjFHrz0D07AWrljHd9ErELUr7wT7zNjwycIa3zvGmbIp2AajoWZ_MzpVvX1_dBlEBbJW-xUSpYZD_EM_1VxAbmHc/s1600/IMAG0723.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5rIAY8qjmDla8-p-gIKZQwbBEm3RHxkKaGtjS2hKKPlAhFSN9PH-BBjFHrz0D07AWrljHd9ErELUr7wT7zNjwycIa3zvGmbIp2AajoWZ_MzpVvX1_dBlEBbJW-xUSpYZD_EM_1VxAbmHc/s400/IMAG0723.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641200509328731090" border="0" /></a>The lights on this ceiling shelf are a great nightlight. Another assortment of vintage Tonka toys on the shelf.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPsAbAhUu9uq61VKc7q9RO8EKF0uEPRUuCw93FFQJ6yqNn5isEf84NuoFCsgVHDgZAIyMO3Z2z6jYXkZ_q1yLBFd9X8EnNUetRD_6JCKm-55oKsTPWqlFv3oVuCfzZYG64qq9PpKPDUt4K/s1600/IMAG0724.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPsAbAhUu9uq61VKc7q9RO8EKF0uEPRUuCw93FFQJ6yqNn5isEf84NuoFCsgVHDgZAIyMO3Z2z6jYXkZ_q1yLBFd9X8EnNUetRD_6JCKm-55oKsTPWqlFv3oVuCfzZYG64qq9PpKPDUt4K/s400/IMAG0724.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641200504087379378" border="0" /></a>
<br />The curtains and sheers are from Target. Hardware from Bed Bath & Beyond and moon and stars finials from Pottery Barn Kids.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNHEJ5dHLPDnPZpKr2uF9hz6HY5ZY3F2O9jTMgQMRdU9rXCYhf2QIUt5HRO9s505bBvwengwmkxbTqbIlOIssw5ZoJ3_OAQoF02PPnveyBvYy7oTUfzKBkXelFVx32ic9SsKNOVuIsJs0H/s1600/IMAG0725.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNHEJ5dHLPDnPZpKr2uF9hz6HY5ZY3F2O9jTMgQMRdU9rXCYhf2QIUt5HRO9s505bBvwengwmkxbTqbIlOIssw5ZoJ3_OAQoF02PPnveyBvYy7oTUfzKBkXelFVx32ic9SsKNOVuIsJs0H/s400/IMAG0725.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641200150225816914" border="0" /></a>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifxW9EAjk-z18r0_UTZlqfHpzgeBv4NGfPFxBNi9hRCuweQJALGhCFf4L_jT17R1QBT-xyupTzKrodGtz3nIy1iZkmhzMOZ7UItSC8CpHNfgzXDf3KCNsCrzH433XrYgN8me2yjVxi8wmK/s1600/IMAG0726.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifxW9EAjk-z18r0_UTZlqfHpzgeBv4NGfPFxBNi9hRCuweQJALGhCFf4L_jT17R1QBT-xyupTzKrodGtz3nIy1iZkmhzMOZ7UItSC8CpHNfgzXDf3KCNsCrzH433XrYgN8me2yjVxi8wmK/s400/IMAG0726.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641200143065760770" border="0" /></a>
<br />The door knob for the closet is vintage. We salvaged it from am old farmhouse that was being demolished.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvYroXz7GnFJPKcobThpA0vgb7V6P7phoWA7RBGbV1EQOGSw9_FmCiKrXnOffRTcDhvykygo-j21G1ClCue0vuXS3lxqzJn5Wp4BtR-PZj8ihc2tQc2BEQHLRYexlY6oj88NjIlwUP2gX5/s1600/IMAG0727.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 225px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvYroXz7GnFJPKcobThpA0vgb7V6P7phoWA7RBGbV1EQOGSw9_FmCiKrXnOffRTcDhvykygo-j21G1ClCue0vuXS3lxqzJn5Wp4BtR-PZj8ihc2tQc2BEQHLRYexlY6oj88NjIlwUP2gX5/s400/IMAG0727.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641200140408194962" border="0" /></a>I fell in love with this giraffe mobile from Pottery Barn Kids. Plain white and understated... Unfortunately, it had been discontinued. I found it on Craigslist for less than retail.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVZRFEumws5uxemOwDk5ELUB3OtPWdN_Bbc-J3v4UPzp6CC5EXbdn8-dnd9GXtYQvPKz6a8Ufftc5lM9fYf-eDZ5_kWVZOcm85rYGQAc5zSXW7XoRDhy3h8WlNqU531ibpkEQqLm1fxPJA/s1600/IMAG0729.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 225px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVZRFEumws5uxemOwDk5ELUB3OtPWdN_Bbc-J3v4UPzp6CC5EXbdn8-dnd9GXtYQvPKz6a8Ufftc5lM9fYf-eDZ5_kWVZOcm85rYGQAc5zSXW7XoRDhy3h8WlNqU531ibpkEQqLm1fxPJA/s400/IMAG0729.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641200136356362450" border="0" /></a>A giraffe for Tatum. Since Bowie has a favorite elephant, "Buddy," since he was a tiny baby, we decided Tatum should have giraffes. See that lovely cap at the bottom of the door frame, by the base trim? The original plinth blocks were lost during the construction of the room, so Steven made all the replacements. The little metal piece on the door is the other side of a magnetic doorstop that keeps the door from swinging in to the bookcases.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCcTiIPMMjdV9DDHazmaRfznzatx4jJyF15D4r_ftAJ1mLkj22srYnrjKn-1rzEFhmtvslO-QTSi11SGA4itIkp5kw_i43F0xgol5Ow3s74t9Wj6Gurw4gq79FwaBanILpVkOm9WJQZyhY/s1600/IMAG0730.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 225px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCcTiIPMMjdV9DDHazmaRfznzatx4jJyF15D4r_ftAJ1mLkj22srYnrjKn-1rzEFhmtvslO-QTSi11SGA4itIkp5kw_i43F0xgol5Ow3s74t9Wj6Gurw4gq79FwaBanILpVkOm9WJQZyhY/s400/IMAG0730.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641200130349482674" border="0" /></a>Two little beds, side by side.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVjxNnKBSIOzdu29B8wgkV_563VptbIrmGpoFpJLLeeUcb0kHugx2QaSGKowv7N-VOU5cT4Rd7ajghQbHHRKaXUTZTPxZM6k8CIC05NjVI2pQlS2sCYUqntdRNh0diFpcB1UvbpJm8Kczi/s1600/IMAG0731.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVjxNnKBSIOzdu29B8wgkV_563VptbIrmGpoFpJLLeeUcb0kHugx2QaSGKowv7N-VOU5cT4Rd7ajghQbHHRKaXUTZTPxZM6k8CIC05NjVI2pQlS2sCYUqntdRNh0diFpcB1UvbpJm8Kczi/s400/IMAG0731.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641199777116515778" border="0" /></a>
<br />Bowie's guitar leaned up against the rocker. He is a rock star, after all.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTGOKZdgjBk1FZvkr3xKyZ7cvAxlQPsLnrbuHkXkTVhjHca4kcGA7HJaS82zPB34DdAEMjwFdlMZqpzYhOOoBCuoL0o0y-mtCQ83FOCv6xLMVSmROEYIqR5IAKZg-DMTqxOhyphenhypheny-ZRPXXyN/s1600/IMAG0732.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 225px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTGOKZdgjBk1FZvkr3xKyZ7cvAxlQPsLnrbuHkXkTVhjHca4kcGA7HJaS82zPB34DdAEMjwFdlMZqpzYhOOoBCuoL0o0y-mtCQ83FOCv6xLMVSmROEYIqR5IAKZg-DMTqxOhyphenhypheny-ZRPXXyN/s400/IMAG0732.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641199772464318482" border="0" /></a>This lamp was from Pottery Barn Kids, but the shade is from Target. I really fell in love with an orange round side table from Crate & Barrel, but it just wasn't tall enough. So I found this metal table at Home Goods and Steven sprayed it Popsicle orange.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpbTTr2fIVmPKhnIQJhI1srnksVy5KPCAQs8hgGh-iBOJP0h2xfXX4nL7qLQmQwPxZrotUdOgaggtftkmUcM0rw0faD1y03vnP7wyzOLXL172duQzyNQu67rbKVvLDMgxoSWSg4cNhf6Hp/s1600/IMAG0733.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 225px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpbTTr2fIVmPKhnIQJhI1srnksVy5KPCAQs8hgGh-iBOJP0h2xfXX4nL7qLQmQwPxZrotUdOgaggtftkmUcM0rw0faD1y03vnP7wyzOLXL172duQzyNQu67rbKVvLDMgxoSWSg4cNhf6Hp/s400/IMAG0733.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641199771298976978" border="0" /></a>Bowie's favorite toy truck, a "Buddy L." We bought it since he named his elephant "Buddy" when he was a baby.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjutWT3CDH9HA2nkXcW73q_ONDzBWHrWnOQTi9v5fW21SPzsa9QtSQ4m7EP2P9J3RmAQ29r6RCThpyLhO5YpH3JWryBcvG_aTRkcFfjJaK5SO5WpFlNx7kzDJUg1igCqLmKVvxjPbJygwL3/s1600/IMAG0734.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjutWT3CDH9HA2nkXcW73q_ONDzBWHrWnOQTi9v5fW21SPzsa9QtSQ4m7EP2P9J3RmAQ29r6RCThpyLhO5YpH3JWryBcvG_aTRkcFfjJaK5SO5WpFlNx7kzDJUg1igCqLmKVvxjPbJygwL3/s400/IMAG0734.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641199761433069202" border="0" /></a>
<br />This ceiling is a masterpiece! Everyone thought I was crazy when I said I wanted corrugated metal and wood beams. Now, I think it is perfect!
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPBcGjoaW1ld_tRKGcle8zvIDzlCTbUdnP0jtY5goqRZg776KiQXj1r_3iSpr9FnpH8v_OSXmkFcL2uKTclVQDI22XYD0fqyKVr5JSu3BkV4FLXujnjSiPccrLf8j2l0eRVgZs5aTDJivG/s1600/IMAG0738.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPBcGjoaW1ld_tRKGcle8zvIDzlCTbUdnP0jtY5goqRZg776KiQXj1r_3iSpr9FnpH8v_OSXmkFcL2uKTclVQDI22XYD0fqyKVr5JSu3BkV4FLXujnjSiPccrLf8j2l0eRVgZs5aTDJivG/s400/IMAG0738.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641198403197654338" border="0" /></a>
<br />A close-up of the giraffe bedding.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjew4Df3Njf9xkJMN2a1GCls0vfiDXYGaA-TFB2z6Aya1VZx4ME4qFO9OG4Jk9b4nNDFM8WFLi2gUf2NvY5cWWiwmnRB0ZeP_OBL3XB6Zse4k9MRETmotStbeTC5IkrXoBUPb_SDqbpWrXF/s1600/IMAG0739.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjew4Df3Njf9xkJMN2a1GCls0vfiDXYGaA-TFB2z6Aya1VZx4ME4qFO9OG4Jk9b4nNDFM8WFLi2gUf2NvY5cWWiwmnRB0ZeP_OBL3XB6Zse4k9MRETmotStbeTC5IkrXoBUPb_SDqbpWrXF/s400/IMAG0739.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641198402318746690" border="0" /></a>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVZTtuAEAl5BMFXmX6SJmci3G0aIjbESjEOuiAvBVvSrEpFjyutOyJ7fnPC-BiK3WhQEP-gF_SAT_Qj5JrGJHFPU1PuGwjQCcv8Euc3PpSzKuPml09wmB2Ya5AfI5fWttgeAEcy_-EE6vX/s1600/IMAG0740.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 225px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVZTtuAEAl5BMFXmX6SJmci3G0aIjbESjEOuiAvBVvSrEpFjyutOyJ7fnPC-BiK3WhQEP-gF_SAT_Qj5JrGJHFPU1PuGwjQCcv8Euc3PpSzKuPml09wmB2Ya5AfI5fWttgeAEcy_-EE6vX/s400/IMAG0740.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641198397099587682" border="0" /></a>I spent hours staining these floors. I wanted them to look a bit worn, even though they had just been refinished. I chose Minwax ebony stain and matte polyurethane sealer.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVnc6H5l7b6zURzjVdf8kZiajkienOoDixMg6O4wCd9LuNLnoj1DQFd78khMGOVV0IyH2nsSkBH1SN0DNZcCFn3TZx5IxawjOEtggVxQVx2nGsuA9flb6ppmKTzHzyYwLxHYCp6oTs5Bnu/s1600/IMAG0741.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVnc6H5l7b6zURzjVdf8kZiajkienOoDixMg6O4wCd9LuNLnoj1DQFd78khMGOVV0IyH2nsSkBH1SN0DNZcCFn3TZx5IxawjOEtggVxQVx2nGsuA9flb6ppmKTzHzyYwLxHYCp6oTs5Bnu/s400/IMAG0741.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641198387302036626" border="0" /></a>
<br />A happy star.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJfM7uxC7srPw6jj2Xg-9sra0lm0Ac3QGOMuNhUSjjuVpIGfudlwrgm122XTGLA2XlFiqYf3HrBOP7qFeQlEpaFgDKl9wlCKfH14PRR6ZE6sgCDVsf5Ox106v68XDDGPzQRj4r5bfTb3rA/s1600/IMAG0743.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 225px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJfM7uxC7srPw6jj2Xg-9sra0lm0Ac3QGOMuNhUSjjuVpIGfudlwrgm122XTGLA2XlFiqYf3HrBOP7qFeQlEpaFgDKl9wlCKfH14PRR6ZE6sgCDVsf5Ox106v68XDDGPzQRj4r5bfTb3rA/s400/IMAG0743.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641196942335613026" border="0" /></a>This is the Good Luck Elephant that sits high on the shelves. He takes care of the boys and makes sure that Bowie has good dreams. (Bowie was not sure about sleeping in his room the first few times).
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNpb8cHnKTYyQtV9Gfv7vJGjAk3K1CUaLIJDTA7zh2SFmT3NXoTyoRfiL-SIQ3O6QX5KAUd0yEZoO54bOMoGWreHpmVe4N22unKwarUiS_bWCsbJ1FG647nD1wZ6zXqAT5x0MxtkpOtLGR/s1600/IMAG0744.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNpb8cHnKTYyQtV9Gfv7vJGjAk3K1CUaLIJDTA7zh2SFmT3NXoTyoRfiL-SIQ3O6QX5KAUd0yEZoO54bOMoGWreHpmVe4N22unKwarUiS_bWCsbJ1FG647nD1wZ6zXqAT5x0MxtkpOtLGR/s400/IMAG0744.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641196938578561218" border="0" /></a>
<br />Push button switches and a hammered finish plate from Classic Accents.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimhvgYAzh6rilx9DAbnAFw6Upkvl_R-536FpD5sLHAcaQtvczCQBZLYute1_MlZxvizxbYCoxNElsUxOFJNrmICHzDfhfTnnFTFy4HisCIzRXDhdDpiYTkprZWvDrHc7rbkwEV5dHxhQ-H/s1600/IMAG0745.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimhvgYAzh6rilx9DAbnAFw6Upkvl_R-536FpD5sLHAcaQtvczCQBZLYute1_MlZxvizxbYCoxNElsUxOFJNrmICHzDfhfTnnFTFy4HisCIzRXDhdDpiYTkprZWvDrHc7rbkwEV5dHxhQ-H/s400/IMAG0745.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641196937383379810" border="0" /></a>Two of Bowie's friends, an elephant and a crocodile, keep him company.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0-IXxhdlP_3fSCclh_Ve3SCK_SyLuXGML_LMQnvMhxWQnJK0q1qfVk6UMcA-KLaLYTUO4a_FwAxL3ZvEOajDGQ4HLtLz1ZM0-rstMo8qz_e35Bndo-usXrAxRZAGm2pTQDn8L-lZBPlXu/s1600/IMAG0736.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0-IXxhdlP_3fSCclh_Ve3SCK_SyLuXGML_LMQnvMhxWQnJK0q1qfVk6UMcA-KLaLYTUO4a_FwAxL3ZvEOajDGQ4HLtLz1ZM0-rstMo8qz_e35Bndo-usXrAxRZAGm2pTQDn8L-lZBPlXu/s400/IMAG0736.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641196932426575794" border="0" /></a>
<br />Hope you enjoyed the tour! Maybe we can get some higher-quality pictures up soon. :)
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2739950487107861450.post-3645275598646836162011-08-01T15:03:00.005-05:002011-08-01T15:14:45.976-05:00introducing, Tatum EvanWe had a bit of a hiatus at the Cottage of Stone. And I am placing full blame on this little guy:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5x-AroMq7uAIgIkmkz7rVMHzBW4kVAjZY_Eahl_gGNTVyHK5lLjAVp6sWY5MfhY9Z-UeATA4viRvIHeXUAeSm5ZM7euLJsyakmesVV2eRGgTr7lVzDhB_JoqwFo_-IExfzdCOVDedSm4i/s1600/IMAG0644.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 225px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5x-AroMq7uAIgIkmkz7rVMHzBW4kVAjZY_Eahl_gGNTVyHK5lLjAVp6sWY5MfhY9Z-UeATA4viRvIHeXUAeSm5ZM7euLJsyakmesVV2eRGgTr7lVzDhB_JoqwFo_-IExfzdCOVDedSm4i/s400/IMAG0644.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635981538118790466" border="0" /></a>Tatum Evan made his appearance April 26th at 11:27 p.m. <br />He weighed in at 8 pounds, 2.5 ounces and was 21 inches long.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7U54QW32kiC2VSe9YwkevyIfl1qZOUVKNNTaUtvoil1MrOjrg9Oxol37_a0D5n5HKnEVCGOYvVFAZKx4EqoguW0kY3adT2tZSlzxOH5_-Ijr2FND4bOxHX6LOfIldqBqXLJsEVlKNOqeU/s1600/tatumevancollage3.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 324px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7U54QW32kiC2VSe9YwkevyIfl1qZOUVKNNTaUtvoil1MrOjrg9Oxol37_a0D5n5HKnEVCGOYvVFAZKx4EqoguW0kY3adT2tZSlzxOH5_-Ijr2FND4bOxHX6LOfIldqBqXLJsEVlKNOqeU/s400/tatumevancollage3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635981544702638050" border="0" /></a>Ala, <a href="http://makingitlovely.com">Making it Lovely</a>, we have been taking a monthly picture of Tatum. Rather than use the white Eames-style rocker in the master bedroom, we decided to tote one of the black chairs up from the living room into the nursery. <br /><br />I have a little to learn about getting the pictures to look exactly the same (maybe the time of day I take them or the fact they are taken with the camera in my phone?), but it is a cute project and we have really enjoyed it.<br /><br />Speaking of the nursery, we did finish it in time for Tatum's arrival... not that we needed to, really. Tatum has decided he wants to sleep in our bedroom. But not in his gorgeous cradle. Nope. He needs to sleep in my bed, right next to me. (Clingy baby!)<br /><br />We will get the (not-yet-used) nursery pictures up soon. ;)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2739950487107861450.post-17037705845762644552011-04-02T14:38:00.006-05:002011-04-02T14:51:25.967-05:00the fireplace saga... we have shellac and cabinet doors!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf-Y2cR4WlV7efXDkbQBwhMxiLOg4A5rDSZbLXw5HXHGWb5_rIWtt-V0CP_rwaBxHvINnz708V3wnFIkzQhbJX6lypX90d1mZt5hG_18cBeaYCXxr7uI5LwhcBr3gF0lREie-XufpZDG_p/s1600/IMAG0055-1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 225px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf-Y2cR4WlV7efXDkbQBwhMxiLOg4A5rDSZbLXw5HXHGWb5_rIWtt-V0CP_rwaBxHvINnz708V3wnFIkzQhbJX6lypX90d1mZt5hG_18cBeaYCXxr7uI5LwhcBr3gF0lREie-XufpZDG_p/s400/IMAG0055-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591074158679936722" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Steven is wrapping up the work on the living room fireplace. He finished the amber shellac on the woodwork, installed the doors on the cabinets, and finished a bit of electrical work inside the cabinet. All that remains is a bit of quarter round, and the techno-geek work of installing the a/v components and such. He is very excited about the new receiver and researching speakers. I am just happy that we will be able to arrange the furniture properly soon!<br /><br />Until the furniture is out of the way, it is rather difficult to get a nice picture of the fireplace. At nearly 9 month pregnant, I am not as nimble as I once was. But I did snap a couple pictures with my camera phone, just so you could see we are not slacking off here.<br /><br />The strange little hardware you see to the left of the right-hand vent is a doorstop. This keeps our bedroom door from being swung into the cabinets by the little crazy people who live in our house.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYDrf69_3X1AFNW6_YBueeWRhKLtigdFZTqwuLsBIAGiT9K0uZlhQwTbWKlfSYQQJzD148Ygc4E2MZg_PLTNIf-AlobTb8OwXleaJXbgXfAC_uc8E8ws0JkGqq-XX5N8PP9liRp5hcdEWX/s1600/IMAG0056-1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYDrf69_3X1AFNW6_YBueeWRhKLtigdFZTqwuLsBIAGiT9K0uZlhQwTbWKlfSYQQJzD148Ygc4E2MZg_PLTNIf-AlobTb8OwXleaJXbgXfAC_uc8E8ws0JkGqq-XX5N8PP9liRp5hcdEWX/s400/IMAG0056-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591074167695557298" border="0" /></a>I didn't want the entire area to scream "brand new built-ins!!!!" So I decided ice-box latches might add a little historical interest to the cabinets. I mean, of course they are new. We have a flat screen mounted above the fireplace. But still, I wanted it to fit in with the existing woodwork. And the custom-matched stain and amber shellac really do make a seamless match! I posted earlier about the metal mesh material we used for the door panels. This allows us to be able to hide the electronics but still use our remotes.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwZqjcfttKeEj665IrPn1oUkkP-LjSOza2BzSi1nJ9Sfh3mIfzcem68ZtmxuX_7O38QMOY-wbdjhbOjkZR8LZQuhyphenhyphenpu3Ko9nn-aVgziGO62IaiTBX1huagqruS6r-jorK-XqGCUszwqWyZ/s1600/IMAG0057-1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwZqjcfttKeEj665IrPn1oUkkP-LjSOza2BzSi1nJ9Sfh3mIfzcem68ZtmxuX_7O38QMOY-wbdjhbOjkZR8LZQuhyphenhyphenpu3Ko9nn-aVgziGO62IaiTBX1huagqruS6r-jorK-XqGCUszwqWyZ/s400/IMAG0057-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591074175796619554" border="0" /></a><br />P.S. The nursery is actually finished as well... I just need to do some curtain hemming before I can take pictures!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2739950487107861450.post-9824295653746435722011-02-27T15:01:00.003-06:002011-02-27T15:07:57.175-06:00fireplace tile done!Just a sneak peek at the fireplace. I managed to lay the tile last month (a challenge since I am getting more pregnant by the minute!). Steven was able to slap the sealer down and install the trim around the edges... I am quite pleased at how nice it turned out!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib8axzw70Of-ClwvW3gRlL5IBRP8fpz1B6FTzM_asJXW8yps-DERayZAYn0vPDm-y3KQM-WaqYsJVvcUlP8s-GQbEBSf6ualMVFKQD5dp6HIqTRAFp7KmA77Dkw27yTWZ7QYQ-3Lcp7qCz/s1600/IMGP0733.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib8axzw70Of-ClwvW3gRlL5IBRP8fpz1B6FTzM_asJXW8yps-DERayZAYn0vPDm-y3KQM-WaqYsJVvcUlP8s-GQbEBSf6ualMVFKQD5dp6HIqTRAFp7KmA77Dkw27yTWZ7QYQ-3Lcp7qCz/s400/IMGP0733.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578477948761421970" border="0" /></a><br />The fireplace screen was a Goodwill score. Steven snagged it for $8, and it had a Pottery Barn tag on it.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_jSI7zca4v6sTb3KWEcWnIpEoTcHOkBVdKHqJpK_WeozmFRbQ5o-UVISzb907sM80AGTodMJ4Qc3CSRsI_vYxSCIUr0kG0tZ3hO46Jx9PKJrOTK4qmuBrBhpNATOKEVlGW42jskZAjr0t/s1600/IMGP0734.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_jSI7zca4v6sTb3KWEcWnIpEoTcHOkBVdKHqJpK_WeozmFRbQ5o-UVISzb907sM80AGTodMJ4Qc3CSRsI_vYxSCIUr0kG0tZ3hO46Jx9PKJrOTK4qmuBrBhpNATOKEVlGW42jskZAjr0t/s400/IMGP0734.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578477939276625426" border="0" /></a><br />The edges look so nice and finished with the trim installed. Steven painted it with the flat black enamel from Bowie's bedroom furniture (which I haven't posted yet). Maybe someday we will get the floors refinished as there is water damage in the living room... but for now, I kind of like the spots. It gives it character. Or that is what people say who own old homes and can't get around to fixing everything right away!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2739950487107861450.post-17112740783930840342011-01-27T19:08:00.003-06:002011-01-27T19:28:13.203-06:00the painted nursery!Bowie and Tatum's room (The Nursery) is very close to being finished. We have to install and paint some quarter-round along the baseboard, install the ceiling fan, and do some small touch-ups... but really, it is close. So close, in fact, that Bowie has started sleeping in his room.<br /><br />The weather has been too cold to spray paint his new (antique) cast iron bed, so Bowie is settling for a mattress on the floor and his new big boy bedding.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8XphULEy399bUE8YkayaVRpB71jQNfUdov77_sUn7tFR0DVr972BLW_laY6hmBC2DmNiI7_p_j63tC5KsfK-NApSmz5KYtuwUNdqNTCrgOU-RFALaDXhLHxKFchin9nbhLiswY8_S9uLe/s1600/IMGP0686.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8XphULEy399bUE8YkayaVRpB71jQNfUdov77_sUn7tFR0DVr972BLW_laY6hmBC2DmNiI7_p_j63tC5KsfK-NApSmz5KYtuwUNdqNTCrgOU-RFALaDXhLHxKFchin9nbhLiswY8_S9uLe/s400/IMGP0686.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567038781035465074" border="0" /></a>One thing I would like to point out about the above picture is how beautiful the walnut still is even though we painted it. Really, it would have been an extremely expensive venture to have the planks re-planed, and tongue and grooved. So we did, in my opinion, a remarkable job of giving new life to wood salvaged from the hayloft of a barn that was being torn down and burned.<br /><br />Anyway... look at the saw marks. Every board looks like that... just like when you run a comb over sand. Someday, the boys can run their fingers over those saw marks and maybe imagine all the animals that lived in that barn.<br /><br />I think the bed stayed neat and tidy for about a minute. Just long enough for the boys to run into the room and decide to try out the bed. Here are the monkeys jumping on the bed! Dane (5) and Bowie (3).<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipOX6R8xr9BuibKQexr8ErAybPbrnTfzjuJWDmqf1zBkdL7jUtkT9iropbEG92wbr_gg_od2N24iOoNfwYjGl6xi-yGMqrLPgjPDLtslcyNqiBLhjjV4Vm9D3YcNPGglUe5G2Kh-rTBgn3/s1600/IMGP0691.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipOX6R8xr9BuibKQexr8ErAybPbrnTfzjuJWDmqf1zBkdL7jUtkT9iropbEG92wbr_gg_od2N24iOoNfwYjGl6xi-yGMqrLPgjPDLtslcyNqiBLhjjV4Vm9D3YcNPGglUe5G2Kh-rTBgn3/s400/IMGP0691.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567038463469101842" border="0" /></a>For now, I am digging through all the toys and books we bought for the room and throwing them up on the shelves. The giant giraffe is not staying there -- but I do think he looks pretty cute peeking out of the cubby like that! I really love the way the floor turned out. Staining it ebony was the way to go -- it just looks great against the pale blue walls.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-OObCi-0tBXahic5rR9gFKXmA9b_mvSXDwe4fNgqq61o-4PrXfXQSECCwamBzRH8-fscf5J4Uu7Q3lJ15hqeoQ-yoShzDoGBqTas9OFlG6YWgQCl3HsxwuN4YfjJJZiSEE4mrtvCt49-w/s1600/IMGP0679.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-OObCi-0tBXahic5rR9gFKXmA9b_mvSXDwe4fNgqq61o-4PrXfXQSECCwamBzRH8-fscf5J4Uu7Q3lJ15hqeoQ-yoShzDoGBqTas9OFlG6YWgQCl3HsxwuN4YfjJJZiSEE4mrtvCt49-w/s400/IMGP0679.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567038458071906978" border="0" /></a>Here is a peek at the ceiling. People thought I was crazy when I said I wanted corrugated metal on the ceiling and faux beams. But I think the creamy white paint on the metal and pure white on the beams makes it look cozy and friendly (and not rustic!). <br /><br />I also had to do some explaining when I said I wanted to keep part of the old ceiling framing to make a shelf. I wanted to do a nightlight feature up there, and it turns out to be one of Bowie's favorite things in the room! Flipping the switch... err... pressing the push-button switch lights up the shelf and casts a soft, dreamy glow across the ceiling. This was taken in the afternoon since at night, I just cannot get a decent picture of the light!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtun7VDuEpJqb048Cskc3Lg3Qh7MQFbq1A7rU6IyGLb3554yvIa44Xbjpq4iMYF8n0ylYhYEfypD4K9NLjwxULCApw9orVtrVEuuc1nzlsZ7tvfxuW8IF92Xq9ztSxhr17xF-qToHNiOyj/s1600/IMGP0676.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtun7VDuEpJqb048Cskc3Lg3Qh7MQFbq1A7rU6IyGLb3554yvIa44Xbjpq4iMYF8n0ylYhYEfypD4K9NLjwxULCApw9orVtrVEuuc1nzlsZ7tvfxuW8IF92Xq9ztSxhr17xF-qToHNiOyj/s400/IMGP0676.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567038453142501250" border="0" /></a><br />Next up... wire in the overly complicated ceiling fan, install / paint quarter-round, strip the salvaged door knobs and install, find the trim for the bottom of the doors that has been misplaced / paint / install, and begin painting furniture black.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2739950487107861450.post-52799965482558303292010-12-30T16:54:00.003-06:002010-12-30T17:13:35.254-06:00Bowie's Room hits Prime Time!Priming is complete in Bowie's room! Of course, nothing ever goes as smoothly as you hope. First, we found that our fancy-shmancy power sprayer that we used once and packed away 3 years ago was not working. Steven made an emergency run to Home Depot and picked up a new one. After splatters and drips, he found that the extension wand he bought was not working. Finally, he was able to spray everything down with Kilz.<br /><br />It actually took multiple coats of primer to get good coverage in the room. The walls are walnut planks that Steven salvaged from the hay loft of a barn being torn down. The gorgeous blade cuts made us swoon -- but the yellow cast seeping through the primer was just nasty looking. A few coats later, we have a nice white slate to apply our room color to. Since we haven't used the new Martha Stewart paint at Home Depot yet, we were not sure how forgiving the paint was... and we would be very upset if the yellow came through our top coat. Better safe than sorry.<br /><br />Here you see 2 gallons of Salt Glaze, 1 gallon of Glass of Milk, and 1 gallon of Pure White mixed into flat enamel. (Home Depot was nice enough to mix the Martha Stewart color into Behr paint since MS doesn't have a flat enamel). The bottles are sprayer cleaner and some type of paint additive for the sprayer.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556613604019695570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Jec4FRuR6hCcgZQ__7jc5OfLGDwPf1GpSi4jNPGjFtgXEwMrbwSH609JEdzl0ryUV2ThCmMnJWA786IzpD36gWJAC-JCs5mji8CyxRpyZqFtmhkxIIZ9xEc2SYaHtIhGi2seEAHkDgxG/s400/IMGP0663.JPG" /><br /><br />After days of sanding, caulking, cleaning and wood filling, we were ready for the big show! Bowie inspected Daddy's work before priming began. I must draw your attention to the windows... See all the paint on the panes? We did NOT do that. The previous owners were apparently not big on scraping paint off windows. Such an easy to fix eye sore -- why did they leave them like that?<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556613596290501346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLI0kIX20NL-sP4yq7ES6QBwc0ek1wzRb7Cb-a94OhRgTZBI9bt8mljiLvnh04VidSjKw3VZdjTmLRTDW3XQfXoyNU3kUhH7qRdXFejWbjShVt1RruhVnKfZu4DpHksH6GTH5bCqXrd0Di/s400/IMGP0658.JPG" /><br /><br />Here is ceiling and big shelf that runs over the window all nice and primed. It is still drying here, but I cannot wait to see color go up!<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556613842070613570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9IN6SKxgxjgQLajxx31OCOL-w2_YweYSVj8ibLud8pl_wYfC450z6OIIGIKSOCMd1rwkBIKnmmvPmHcXlPy1UgvW6-RUxXrLRZDnTMtokD-mB6ll5QnSQIUXB6X83s-_4s6SPHX9sy95_/s400/IMGP0672.JPG" /><br /><br /> Bowie checks out the bookcases. Steven took the shelves out to paint. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7LhG8P_oTRHa-_zt-faOaJ-h9bIYyZzqkBctc6xvz8vbNRFYFmPBl_vY6GohVUZ2ErYOOJbs22ZVF8dwQL00tqift3_AaAtDm00BWnAKuCvh6JtluJpcWmL-eEPu1NTWqHCJ7K-OpyXmA/s1600/IMGP0673.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556613614286863778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7LhG8P_oTRHa-_zt-faOaJ-h9bIYyZzqkBctc6xvz8vbNRFYFmPBl_vY6GohVUZ2ErYOOJbs22ZVF8dwQL00tqift3_AaAtDm00BWnAKuCvh6JtluJpcWmL-eEPu1NTWqHCJ7K-OpyXmA/s400/IMGP0673.JPG" /></a><br />Here is the closet side of the room, to the right of the windows.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjELPkKTalUo1Ax2pqXUEwisrk2PFtPsz9PtMt3hDdwqmFvAO3vAenJYO35gBd3EQzrgvn-wTbFerPPFCU5m6Y6PqeRbYkOOtWYkFipIB7iF1A3lM-P6sX7qFfO5GEbo-5Cr_ZDwPdhyO42/s1600/IMGP0669.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556613612231151954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjELPkKTalUo1Ax2pqXUEwisrk2PFtPsz9PtMt3hDdwqmFvAO3vAenJYO35gBd3EQzrgvn-wTbFerPPFCU5m6Y6PqeRbYkOOtWYkFipIB7iF1A3lM-P6sX7qFfO5GEbo-5Cr_ZDwPdhyO42/s400/IMGP0669.JPG" /></a><br />And the bookcase side, to the left of the windows.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcrDlQs2pMguIjib8iS-aKvgE1XdZfZKD3-_IDWL0wHl38FRY7UKtU7sYT15kvOsc3p09N15Iq6kcVIfe2Tb6b_6lh28e7YfHob9uNzPgZIw68uNpagj4Cq1CWSaKga3I2KNDii8FjNTNv/s1600/IMGP0668.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 290px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556613605751239970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcrDlQs2pMguIjib8iS-aKvgE1XdZfZKD3-_IDWL0wHl38FRY7UKtU7sYT15kvOsc3p09N15Iq6kcVIfe2Tb6b_6lh28e7YfHob9uNzPgZIw68uNpagj4Cq1CWSaKga3I2KNDii8FjNTNv/s400/IMGP0668.JPG" /></a><br />Up next, a bit of sanding to catch the runs the sprayer left, and then spraying the ceiling our pretty pale cream color (Glass of Milk).</div><div> </div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2739950487107861450.post-61069995591627596822010-12-30T14:51:00.004-06:002010-12-30T15:17:17.334-06:00Bowie's Nursery... with a twist!Bowie's room is in the home stretch. Hey, it was only 4 years in the making, right? Steven is applying the final coat of primer as I type. But life likes to throw us a curve ball every now and then, right?<br /><br />All along, my vision for Bowie's room was pale blue, with cream and brown accents. We bought a black lifetime crib ("Emma" by Munire from USA Baby) that converted into a full-size bed. I snatched up a vintage dresser and nightstand to paint black. We had a glider rocker custom upholstered in brown with pale blue piping. Slowly, Bowie's room has been taking shape...<br /><br />Those who follow my tweets on Twitter know we recently found out we are expecting a new baby. We hoped and prayed for a baby girl. In my excitement (denial), I bought all things pink. Liberty of London dresses, little pink crochet hats with giant floppy gerber daisies, pink wellies... It was a sickness, really.<br /><br />My vision for the Baby Girl room was really coming together. We bought a non-dropside Jenny Lind crib with a Babies R Us coupon. We ordered the most gorgeous orange and yellow giraffe bedding from Rikshaw Design. I was painting test swatches of pink paint on the walls.<br /><br />Baby Girl's Room was shaping up to look like this:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcnz44rE4R6YKyCpZkz70Av_daOcs12CSE9kTpbk4TWMuHWprAGGkHioz-bcV6DHUMBZv690SsH5xKF_9tsBVjtS3wFXVqOCcHI1rlJnhscQjpyHav67wsqwBSY4X1Ln7BPUdPPAZi83tb/s1600/girl.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556582596698820194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcnz44rE4R6YKyCpZkz70Av_daOcs12CSE9kTpbk4TWMuHWprAGGkHioz-bcV6DHUMBZv690SsH5xKF_9tsBVjtS3wFXVqOCcHI1rlJnhscQjpyHav67wsqwBSY4X1Ln7BPUdPPAZi83tb/s400/girl.jpg" /></a><br />Alas, we went to our big ultrasound appointment. I informed the tech that if this was the wrong kind of baby, Steven was in big trouble. (He may or may not have been wearing a cup.) A quick pass over my tummy and, bam! Before the tech could even declare, "It's a boy!" we saw it ourselves plan as day. Let's just say this kid was not a bit shy that day.<br /><br />Don't worry about Steven. I didn't kick him in the junk as I originally threatened. I admit, he did stub his toe that night and I told him it was karma. He got off lucky, folks.<br /><br />I decided that with all the rooms in progress upstairs, it made the most sense to have Baby Boy #5 shake up with Bowie. Emery keeps his loft room. Dane and Satchel share the other large room. This meant the orange crib bedding was now wildly clashing with the blue and brown scheme. Hmm... Back to the drawing board.<br /><br />Now I am seeing this:<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAis85AkeFFabQkj40u5DhWHdr5Y8RQf0NzvbZ543D1aqjAHIU_TW2k6ClPaLOmDnrckoj5W_Qf0qHe9X1tqsRJ7hu1j-rzEI5r1U-1FZa0tXPJoRm4MWPnDmhe0wyrnMbkaaqS_vmy7iU/s1600/boy.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556582590861765810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAis85AkeFFabQkj40u5DhWHdr5Y8RQf0NzvbZ543D1aqjAHIU_TW2k6ClPaLOmDnrckoj5W_Qf0qHe9X1tqsRJ7hu1j-rzEI5r1U-1FZa0tXPJoRm4MWPnDmhe0wyrnMbkaaqS_vmy7iU/s400/boy.jpg" /></a> Instead of the full-size bed, Bowie will get a twin. The room is really not big enough for two twin beds in the future. When the baby outgrows his crib, we will either do a trundle or a bunk bed. </div><div> </div><div>Instead of the blue and brown star bedding, I ordered Bowie some blue and orange robot bedding from Land of Nod. He loves robots, so it really is a bonus for him.</div><div> </div><div>The paint colors are staying the same. Pale blue (salt glaze) on the walls, pale cream (glass of milk) on the ceiling, and pure white on the trim. </div><div> </div><div>We still have the brown glider rocker to deal with... I am really not sure where that is going to land since it will clash with the room... (taking suggestions on that one!)</div><div> </div><div>Poor Steven has quite a honey-do list going, since I cannot help with the painting:</div><ul><li>prime entire room with power sprayer</li><li>paint ceiling "Glass of Milk"</li><li>paint walls "Salt Glaze"</li><li>paint trim and bookcases "Pure White"</li><li>do any touch-ups</li><li>pull up drop cloth and pray nothing got through to the floor</li><li>install switch plates </li><li>install ceiling fan</li><li>paint furniture "Francesca"</li><li>hang artwork</li><li>bring up all cool stuff we bought and have stored in basement<br /></li></ul><div>In progress pictures coming soon...</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2739950487107861450.post-4228346550087922162010-10-01T20:48:00.004-05:002010-10-01T21:23:17.011-05:00oh, we've been busy....Although I have not had a chance to do much in the way of blog (*cough*<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">sorryaboutthat</span>*cough*)... we have been busy at the Stone Cottage as usual.<br /><br />We finished painting, staining and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">shellacking</span> the shelves for the records. And started the tedious process of alphabetizing our collection... still not done...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg_jIweVi3fqISrDGtTakvce792gxiO3czkzdoIChGLaPgdZFt6QkGIvMnZRmoxyexIwFkGpySqG_SwkgaLgExx-X_FKVpiO17LPtCTJpy_lc21pv4YccIZeL_OKu7AY41915wC0lkzUDy/s1600/IMGP0618.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523262643443248418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg_jIweVi3fqISrDGtTakvce792gxiO3czkzdoIChGLaPgdZFt6QkGIvMnZRmoxyexIwFkGpySqG_SwkgaLgExx-X_FKVpiO17LPtCTJpy_lc21pv4YccIZeL_OKu7AY41915wC0lkzUDy/s400/IMGP0618.JPG" /></a><br />Speaking for staining and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">shellacking</span>. To get the stain color right, we had to take a piece of the old trim in to Sherwin Williams and had a color custom mixed. To get the yellow aged look of the shellac, we used Amber Shellac. And it is a super close match to the existing woodwork. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Woot</span>! Note: 3 year old Bowie loves Halloween and decorated the mantle all by himself. Future Design Star? Maybe not.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcWpuu4mu52MrBjPBfGsCwY68TVNr9WYkIf3TetDq3rtVssgn1hb64T7OPXRLHeQ-lyGp0zmyk6H53CUn2K3kDHqZLbI6SY_jWJtiLVsxigkvU7qSFTFckK9txiwua0aUlOOnJpfwXIlji/s1600/IMGP0617.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523262639843917106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcWpuu4mu52MrBjPBfGsCwY68TVNr9WYkIf3TetDq3rtVssgn1hb64T7OPXRLHeQ-lyGp0zmyk6H53CUn2K3kDHqZLbI6SY_jWJtiLVsxigkvU7qSFTFckK9txiwua0aUlOOnJpfwXIlji/s400/IMGP0617.JPG" /></a><br />I wasn't digging the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ikea</span> sconces we had put up. They looked too small for the giant fireplace. So I searched and searched for something that blended the line between modern and historic... and found these... I really think they look like a modern Edison-style fixture. And are a more suited to the scale of the fireplace, I think. </div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpewoOTAt-RU2K1xzsC3uOf_Jaia3woexiKMD_8yPyDlA3DD2fWvktXharSLgPAAdOS4P1KGgUpgR5wCB7iREAbCgleq83f1PeIyvFy9yKjQJF2vwlQQbhMGzrrgeZLLZm_6BZpzzZjUot/s1600/IMGP0613.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523262633117846530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpewoOTAt-RU2K1xzsC3uOf_Jaia3woexiKMD_8yPyDlA3DD2fWvktXharSLgPAAdOS4P1KGgUpgR5wCB7iREAbCgleq83f1PeIyvFy9yKjQJF2vwlQQbhMGzrrgeZLLZm_6BZpzzZjUot/s400/IMGP0613.JPG" /></a><br /><div></div>I did two coats of ebony stain on Bowie's floor, and a couple coats of clear matte polyurethane. Steven has the floor covered up and we are ready to spray the room down with primer! (Almost done!!!)<br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523261800767935778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrjx7Vf2AYEfl3H5dILJroOr6cCdKeum2H0VIAY21iQUZ5aCkpcPHEKrX5Q6KVINiEfcbTFh2LOjvrVFvr2JYKmIgsuakRUOEpFZvNermeWjb7M45_UftR_OPSnhIIfea8k2o-ZGA5xvBv/s400/IMGP0646.JPG" /><br />In the boys' bathroom, Steven finished the wiring. When I say wiring, I mean he had to install new outlets and fixture boxes, then run electrical from the second floor all the way down to the new breaker box in the basement. Sound like fun? Yeah... ask Steven how much he likes wiring right now!</div><div> </div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523261809137288610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYV0uM7BMEUcED9icqndNj5NayvmICUQwbmwM1044AEhQ8etTZeExZDgK2sXc2nalR_j-GahPdQNo1_1KA9VnDofmdNIpEoqBWWQFKFqqSDaiYWaRg19ZSbwas9UG6e4Lyw9qbhQWtknQJ/s400/IMGP0623.JPG" /><br />I picked these plain (cheap) and I think, rather vintage looking, sconces from Home Depot for above the vintage medicine cabinet. Also, you can get a hint of the pale green paint in the bathroom. Think Vintage Spa!<br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 376px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523261816042552178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMZ8jpR1zVvhh-MfnA38cAf_HZLPSxuEzqOUdYPqXaGVzQegZ2IuLdG73kO6luileyWr-ifTrZkRJrscg3CyWjYwwHf2GEW1nneXiv4WgEgcxYNGwaqNo6YIopxllS10-C15lvG-fzhdK4/s400/IMGP0624.JPG" /><br /><div><br /><div>And as if we did not have enough projects all ready... we started in on Emery's loft. See, Emery's room is much smaller than the other two bedrooms upstairs. We decided to give him some more space by tearing out the ceiling and creating a loft in the attic space.</div><div> </div><div>First we had to deal with a strange boxed in area to the right of his windows. This boxed in corner was covering up the portion of the stairway that extends into his room. We decided to create bookcases and cabinet on either side of the window to conceal it. On the right side, the cabinets are not functional (since the stairway is behind it). On the left side, the doors swing open for use as a desk. Between the bookcases, there is a storage bench that I plan to upholster a comfy pillow for.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523260798178559490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrsZCJX2JUFpdHoPgOp2BaWnlfENMLQjIQyAxNcyd4KUUiLRirTNeDex2FU6z-x2K64jKVsIoUtn4DXnt3hMPAiqaSz29-tPrS_G338QBVPH7y3CGTF_vgrx2oZ_9uoVP-auhYL_FarrzK/s400/IMGP0631.JPG" /><br />Looking up, you will see we tore out the ceiling. We extended the floor of the attic out a bit to create a "lip" for the loft... this is to give a bit more space and create an area for the ladder to go. (We are planning to use a built-in industrial ladder for loft access).</div><div> </div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523260809418624610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhG-xir3aKQq-Z_6kU4f-Q2RS-BLzZHgrvJsYk8pvOr1bAkjmIFUeA_hDn4l5DaFNU9UHHRGBSqzAeJdP9LsIOAoTc-mqIr8e-GvyuLJeX8SOQCRg0lSWrRkKGGyDef4zjZyKZQ5RVYw0w/s400/IMGP0632.JPG" /></div><div> </div><div>In the loft, to the right is an area that we plan to put a nightstand and a few small furnishings in. In order to tie in with the plaster walls below, I chose to use regular old house siding. After Steven redid the insulation, of course. It would be impossible to get drywall to look like ancient plaster... and this draws the eye up, I think. There will be trim separating the two where they meet.</div><div> </div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523260826391938882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOT-gjyITqaeT0omQtgYQt80dwB9O88SA6Ic6-F9HhKvUnJtgtBO8qBUI7E1pbuPDnQxus6RnpWDn8_gmQfa9aBQ6MxRTQZfd2vAa4rZtIc7adUv6rwCDUfrOOGPBZl9yjAuw04eibo8Cc/s400/IMGP0639.JPG" /></div><div> </div><div>This is the left side of the loft. Emery's bed will go on this side. The hole in the wall is where we are putting in access to the attic. (Someday we might need to get to all that electrical!) The boxed in part on the left is the chimney. I would have liked to put the sconce there, but there just was not enough room. It will be going over the attic access.</div><div> </div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523260814241069058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOEo2JDXr3sevn9aqePsXsfkwwpvCe1zziUirE6Z2msNlD-VLkhgOBU9jkDF5xGI6W4g5AAr8R3sfOS2tdbnqpACVGID0sdsqjn-1nqY5vNbj8Dz6bveAQeYmu8ZtPP9zTF0ucfKUbB1TH/s400/IMGP0636.JPG" /></div><div>Here is the view from the loft... We scored antique balcony railing to use for the loft... can't have kiddos trying to parachute their way down or something. (Heaven knows they would try... boys!)</div><div> </div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523260833370525218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB56EzRDRrUEgHY4mY44jovQ4UED1fRuZToPqkroX1v_R1GSCWnIY23vAUvha-rb8YqsQ-9wIoIyCSIXSHiStIMrab6GZuOfKxaxSsYFiqM1RkqUCMf1kWUEf8phyphenhyphenH5IN451IiPQfE9xzg/s400/IMGP0641.JPG" /><br /><br />So, there is a little tour of our chaos. Once we get some projects buttoned up, I will be able to post some before and afters... until then, it is time to get messy with some paint!</div></div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2739950487107861450.post-82108531521131097992010-08-06T22:34:00.005-05:002010-08-06T23:08:52.009-05:00sewing curtains for the Airstream<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip4fq17t9OJ-xMqPTPZ5z3p64DYbK1mhsXHVnzqT2kCD59Yk2ue3gL3tPYt4ZT6RDmYDK18a3Tkf0Ojmr0a3VmaaSCMxnptfE4qWccl53Cp-fyAd256jlZ0kXPscev2mBEhAiHciN6H3FJ/s1600/IMGP0550.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 247px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502514240511790994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip4fq17t9OJ-xMqPTPZ5z3p64DYbK1mhsXHVnzqT2kCD59Yk2ue3gL3tPYt4ZT6RDmYDK18a3Tkf0Ojmr0a3VmaaSCMxnptfE4qWccl53Cp-fyAd256jlZ0kXPscev2mBEhAiHciN6H3FJ/s400/IMGP0550.JPG" /></a><br /><div>I thought I would share a quick guide on sewing curtains for the Airstream. Browsing around the Airstream forums, many people seem a bit intimidated by the process of sewing curtains. It is actually quite easy, although a bit time-consuming. But, with some simple tools, you can whip up some nice new curtains and save some cash!</div><div></div><br /><div>First things first, pick out some fabric. As I posted earlier, I wanted something that screamed "Flower Power!" and matched our Tiffany Box Blue interior. We needed 10 yards for our curtains since the fabric I chose was a 45" wide bolt. For linings, I found some super-cheap white muslin.</div><br /><div></div><div>I measured out all the old curtains. I added two inches for the top and bottom, and one inch per side for seam allowances. To make <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">sure</span> my curtains were shaped like a rectangle and not a rhombus, I like to cut my fabric using a self-healing cutting mat and rotary cutter. You can find a three piece set (includes the handy ruler) in the quilting section of the craft store. </div><br /><div></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 309px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502508362426943298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPznIS656gKTi7qPZIgXpc8TphZ119mdS-79w8rmqqYx5Tr78xxxK78xm0ac9TQMs_t_v7JQbGhiK0znJECE9ALhvPasOBljS3c-ItbE3QqF3NpPYxiH8xo5k4QFzOHttXy3FUQzEaJsIP/s400/IMGP0534.JPG" /></div><br /><div></div><div>After cutting your curtain and liner fabrics to size, I like to press my seams. Some people skip this step and rely only on pinning, but pressing everything flat gives a nice crisp edge and makes it <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">easier</span> to sew and put in the eyelets later.</div><br /><div></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 392px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502508354298341346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCQdrC6o64Vs2Nhq3E3IB0dHiiCqRWByv8lwhoIox9eyKlpYryjvY0T6OM3Y_vP71jOfpCHQEmB2fWfa2i2b-FnsXbPD1y5eUTjD4yPHou_RWLueF4BiuDflsatWhSeAgLUzn6jU2-1XTQ/s400/IMGP0536.JPG" /></div><br /><div>After I press all my folds, I put in the eyelets. (If you choose to put in eyelets, you have to do so before sewing the bottom edge down). The old curtains in my Airstream simply had the pointed curtains hooks poked into the fabric. The curtain hooks have sharp points that easily tear through the fabric, but I think putting an eyelet in is a nicer touch. You can pick up a grommet tool and bag of eyelets very inexpensively. The first step is using the tool to create a small hole in the fabric, much like a hole punch. I used the same 4" increments that my old curtains had.</div><br /><div></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502508343311831058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyd8eOCJEiwWTFurvsEKhJVH5aH-UMyzFVmemX_ZsSVNl1r8uF4hdSZRdksIgKM9B9A_e-8AJy0en6l6xIIjY6Ipw1iOaQREZIJEKRwsQSbOrbmKFInRCeeI6yYWMylwP2Y5eJ-VDlxmZV/s400/IMGP0538.JPG" /></div><br /><div></div><div>Next, you thread the eyelet into the hole and use the tool to crimp it down. It gives a professional look, I think.</div><br /><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 158px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502507489491231058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiuZQXPFnOV_2eBbHzM30xQWCuVVxPmEF13WaFWuEF8kiLvGu2McJDO4obtOXmc_w_4MjYp-ml9KSqevyFa1HwBLZKdCXLuuG2WJWZwpO1-D7Bh7Z-lyPo8C-_og6klM-cr1JPdGsLjaws/s400/IMGP0542.JPG" /><br /><div>Next, just sew down all your edges. I fold the sides over twice to hide any rough edges (see picture below). I pin everything in place to keep everything tidy as I sew.<br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502507482011788194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy85R9HDxPlQNBFE3A1iW0R-0_Rw_OuWL6EAerwtlUyJVODwvxK-ylb0NsEf4WCxV3Xpfz3u_VaiQZ9OgEpxlS8s2k54-MI2FlJY9hnDvRrH3v7-qxn5mdK2W3sjSZvVAVIZOtKksRaICk/s400/IMGP0544.JPG" /><br />This is a time consuming process. I like to set up a folding table in the living room so that I can watch a movie while I work... it passes the time. On this night, I was watching Pretty In Pink.<br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 313px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502507476177112210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjStVr5YZ5Etu8HVQwqazDnucEKrB6hJ02aH1ZMtCiwLgY05gM9331nBlQPMji5rCtzLr9lpm6bv-Z-DjSfnPeMnWO9ULHqWwqGKxoDUS32_fAhOLRhFCAxgDqfxf3PzpRTci1pKO33Hag0/s400/IMGP0545.JPG" /><br />The final step is to secure the little rings at the bottom of the curtains. My Airstream had fishing line run across the bottom of the windows to hold the curtains down. (I think plain white cord might be a nicer touch). I simply hand stitched these on in the same 4" increments as the eyelets.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502508370747168658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKiXWtOGTKUnH31EDaGCSltLorwx6TsMOFfJEygaI8jRjirLhm7emzwsX67jP7EAHlBQi6NZkRwE-9bSaj_y__bllSds0AD-TFF9hcbj4qlSDOJNbogbXec4xSIVBd1Qh8djlGGoxENMiE/s400/IMGP0548.JPG" /> <div><div><div>And, voila, you are ready to hang your new curtains.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 273px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502507470189765714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG9LCHbQJOm3FJuWLUxSK0GfNfJVd6va-6VmHqRDwf89YOvMARabv4cHOfMDf5GjFK8hJfaOxves1KBJAMgFyQ4qxonyIQmzJZLS2Sgfd6gKbFu2WWRaIe3XR2Lbtwp6gw0F2n842BW-wy/s400/IMGP0549.JPG" /><br /><div>I think they look really sweet when all bunched up to the side. I like to let the sunlight in! You could use a light-blocking material, but I really like the look of light streaming in. I also think the curtains look really nice with the newly painted cornices!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiWtQ_WH_iHHqYCmVOzYqOunTe0YO9kml6T5boEZpolpom8o7gb-wSUtcCI91_af5UlzFmvoaFu2rZD9khkrFNOPC04mr0nbFwh2kSzd-Z11z9ckjP2HV9kzVjVd1vWX_eTdw2qNC-4eNy/s1600/IMGP0551.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502507459895145154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiWtQ_WH_iHHqYCmVOzYqOunTe0YO9kml6T5boEZpolpom8o7gb-wSUtcCI91_af5UlzFmvoaFu2rZD9khkrFNOPC04mr0nbFwh2kSzd-Z11z9ckjP2HV9kzVjVd1vWX_eTdw2qNC-4eNy/s400/IMGP0551.JPG" /></a><br />Whew! One down... seven to go!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2739950487107861450.post-70507229156388679572010-07-31T19:05:00.003-05:002010-07-31T19:27:57.942-05:00color scheme for the AirstreamWith all my design-related projects, I always create a project board (or mood board) to help me visualize. I find it helpful to have a plan of action when selecting paints, fabrics and such... it also saves from making expensive mistakes! Our Airstream project also required some design planning. <br /><br />Our Airstream has the "International" trim package. This gave us a really pretty color scheme to work with. The bathroom is a perfect "Tiffany Box Blue." (Of course, the aqua and turquoise are what sealed the deal for me!)<br /><br />I tested all my paint and fabric choices against the kitchen counter and the bathroom shower walls. All my color choices had to not only match the color scheme, but the retro feel. I felt everything should have the "Flower Power" feel.<br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500226482592014450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqS4fF61SVkNB2Qz7SmOCGeD_gm2WaXsSAevQUCPeDqX7z9wQcqtqm48_KUep6H0il3K4GvupRlLntH2pXQuDD-ikv4rq-zrGlrKx_zXB2OZcWTTNzhlm-oSgnNWvUIO6vEZKpLpxCTo-3/s400/IMGP0479.JPG" /><br /><br /><div align="center"><em>paint, laminate and vinyl swatches against the kitchen counter</em></div><br /><br />I purchased fabrics for the curtains and throw pillows from my favorite fabric store, Sarah's Fabrics, in Lawrence, Kansas. For the curtains, I will use "Bloom & Grow" by Mind's Eye (far right). For the throw pillows, two prints from "My Happy Garden" by Cloud9 Fabrics, and "Spa" by Rosemarie Lavin (left to right).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKAnThHTxVux2609Haq2M1IQ58QwnU1kdsnrBme4mTPug8khlpJ2A1M2dbGZkzJo6BKCjmfEi274I8K7fjStpB5M33njSQXH20wiL5AzMPKH4VslaDbegAx6UV1LJtNNxpmHal_J2H9xNt/s1600/IMGP0527.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500226376373197410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKAnThHTxVux2609Haq2M1IQ58QwnU1kdsnrBme4mTPug8khlpJ2A1M2dbGZkzJo6BKCjmfEi274I8K7fjStpB5M33njSQXH20wiL5AzMPKH4VslaDbegAx6UV1LJtNNxpmHal_J2H9xNt/s400/IMGP0527.JPG" /></a><br /><br />The dinette table is a "wood" laminate. I am not wild about fake plastic wood. I chose a very retro "Aqua Boomerang" by Formica. We will bind the edges with silver chrome.<br /><br />For the floor, I chose Azrock's Cortina tile squares in "Spearmint." This will be used throughout the camper as I want kid-friendly clean-up!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEE2_lviyXNrAG7kS8NeibDYdAh94O4YZ8qKIyazjDSRnlVa4U-24jlR4luueSP-4mbwpMHJsYVg74IQnX_D6ZZrIgUAuOCCfGUZ90ECZmzHmgrMqXrE5eZ784_WHOjk-tdbOtQ1yOUsKR/s1600/IMGP0529.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500226367981867394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEE2_lviyXNrAG7kS8NeibDYdAh94O4YZ8qKIyazjDSRnlVa4U-24jlR4luueSP-4mbwpMHJsYVg74IQnX_D6ZZrIgUAuOCCfGUZ90ECZmzHmgrMqXrE5eZ784_WHOjk-tdbOtQ1yOUsKR/s400/IMGP0529.JPG" /></a><br />For the cabinetry, I chose Martha Stewart's "Vintage Map." For the built-in beds / sofas, I chose "Chamois Cloth." (Both of these are from the discontinued line at Lowe's, but you might be able to have them mix them.)<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihdDkKdxx6wC-qw0FSmtLkQ5iUMd1eVuKvMzu4WgLXIn5M7TRYzwqwiNo39oSZ3TZrqNvdPKbqiXTPu1Est4dZ3t2zoAYQQQUxw0lf2xk6CMf3IsUTJBH3zgKomKpYqhv99j9HRF_GVgkT/s1600/IMGP0530.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500226356550081330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihdDkKdxx6wC-qw0FSmtLkQ5iUMd1eVuKvMzu4WgLXIn5M7TRYzwqwiNo39oSZ3TZrqNvdPKbqiXTPu1Est4dZ3t2zoAYQQQUxw0lf2xk6CMf3IsUTJBH3zgKomKpYqhv99j9HRF_GVgkT/s400/IMGP0530.JPG" /></a><br />I also started purchasing vintage accessories for Eleanor... turquoise melamine dishes, canisters, etc. I honestly cannot wait to go camping!</div><div> </div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2739950487107861450.post-44524626493501725482010-07-30T21:40:00.004-05:002010-07-30T22:02:25.501-05:00Our new addition: EleanorAs if we didn't already have a *few* projects going on, we now have another. This one is a bit more recreational. With our crew of boys, I thought it would be fun to go camping. I commented to Steven about how pretty I thought Airstream campers are. Quicker than you could say "have-you-lost-your-mind?" we were perusing Craigslist for vintage Airstreams. (Craigslist for the win!)<br /><br /><br /><div align="center">And here is what followed us home. Literally. Meet "Eleanor." Our 1967 Airstream Safari. </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 225px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499895834253721458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc7fpaYhd7Y7AS4QBXVR4Le7DivmK5gHSpeVKMVbI09xDABl0zWyDo1lbtc4yqDVLboIe56d-DHkM0YbB7ukLavlwk1LsCxWIBKOMTeEAhD9-Kap4WUX3rDIM7Rt-MkKMEVxsmcnlL_xrs/s400/3kd3m53l65Y15P35X1a7m0a51de725cc11091.jpg" /></div><div align="center">Immediately, I started working on the details. Ripping up the grubby carpet, painting the dingy-white cabinets, new upholstery... It is all in the works. And I swear this will be a quick project. Just a small one. And we will camp really soon. Really!</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Emery and Satchel helped me with the cleaning. Emery armed with a shop vac and Satchel with a sponge and cleaner, we got her cleaned from top to bottom. The orange curtains and lime green cushions? Not staying.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499897782499615730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0JWj6vZs7pT6-6tqjIglbNiVW94dH9rsV3lAutPbAZTKHW8xbaOT-GszOmEkUMtgwzPHRpNGk5-hEs07ij8QXgMPsNeVyZIUciSbcOjUdl0u78s6Brvk5kTenuhefLEr6gHsJYSO9RWHZ/s400/IMGP0484.JPG" /> </p><p>The grungy (not original) carpet was ripped out as well as the (not original) vinyl in the bathroom.</p><p align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499895862097364674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV6s-oWE4oIsD0kQ-qj7d-yQnl07XmbwI2xbAYQCOOM_v4dp0s2ovj3MXww589_imF0KDt3X5YJGQVlGDzyOnh6QvFfaPQPr5rYs3DB5b72BakCZrdwCIKQ8UT97oaFL8kKTrAIB9dI4py/s400/IMGP0505.JPG" /><br />All ready for priming!</p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499895853954154658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivlTEbD_G7hKBq11ek2rKeHqf905Ozm18zNChmxuFjTMxjGFn1-ISseMFcRtw3tv-_YY5CJdri3ryphbvbrwqvodGwH-j8Qo6GC91yOl_4ivA8TmRKHY7_3W17OaOg7fECVhVammMo9_VZ/s400/IMGP0504.JPG" /> <p align="center"><br />All clear on this side, too. </p><p align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499895845536859474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ZvzU1bGsV8PjdtRzLHthLX_9k7hNZzF3hMowldNKSfm4r6DZ8qy2zolAjucA9nWuwIMF7AQBiVoDsdlIdaAizhmpYjJJpC7jUGR1acRd-Bc4LZEg49mO2tY_l1lnEF5dl6CYwFdZ_OUX/s400/IMGP0503.JPG" /></p><br />The only part I find really scary: the bathroom. Maybe I will make Steven do this part!<br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499895864368586130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPMxjNa3zjEwWz5zV7qf_x6IzMdyTZsYlsVLMSnNi4UxzBUysD09w83VgZG4NPHkVITNoOTOMsJWe3Pp9cNMLGfVzXrgduKDeFxQre67k6es9LLMhMPy42daWxxyDSOpYyid0KRM-Jn1qq/s400/IMGP0485.JPG" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2739950487107861450.post-42715865943415862252010-07-30T21:24:00.003-05:002010-07-30T21:40:05.834-05:00subway tile and mosaic tile at last!Quite a bit of progress has been made in the boys' bathroom. We have a floor! Yes, a lovely, finished floor! And a toilet! I under-estimated how unpleasant it would be to share my toilet with four little boys... but I digress...<br /><br />Keeping in mind the the tiles have to be scrubbed and sealed, here is where we are so far.<br /><br />After a lot of work, the shower is complete. (This involved pouring a base, forming up sides, rubber membrane, mesh, plastic form thingies, more concrete... I am sure I forgot something in that list. Maybe I am just blocking it out. Sort of like how they say women forget the pain of childbirth?)<br /><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499891364326102066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdvSYEVXGQ6-1N22WGFiBx8l_Qi_LyUkZQ7cPo7VPs5ADDUvptSSsqNMlDEVHcXuUzXAiZhh995rg3clTwxkvsjVfGuI-PpORj2gqH78B-sav8KrQhePwhCIkRme5G6-7nhC8IZU8dL1Ko/s400/IMGP0492.JPG" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">I wanted the new bathroom to fit the rest of our 100+ year old house. The mosaic tiles definitely give a vintage feel, but I added little black racing stripes for a fun little zip. A little sealer, and the snow white grout will hopefully stay, well... snow white.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499891568219694370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSqbikGrnyf1ftsxBDVfheDS0_pffjIu5EvY3KLNfJzCboiGXTKWk1q7euIjuqs1jAoh_Gstpwinge0n40JofF_C_sQQbHOTArRSUegQCS777NR8Dhq6CodhWZkAbjLkXQaS9Dg61mW6pY/s400/IMGP0493.JPG" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Would you expect anything but subway tiles from me? Again, a little racing stripe to add a bit of interest.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499891372862483586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieJt-p_IltGMHa5_WSjFId0ryUKhvxG4m-QSUE8I9H6TUdvMyjG5bvO-S2STEc8FbPHiyNQdhIfiTM9tRKmfs4wBayFmzSikgswwJc-boGVG1yuFwIxiZ6pCgZ1_qBzhGsWryr-DfLgKXP/s400/IMGP0491.JPG" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">The drywall is sanded, primed and ready for paint. Here is a sneak of the color I chose. It looks a bit washed out with the flash, but it is a pale green. The medicine cabinet is vintage from our local Habitat ReStore. </div><div align="center"><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499891376134785602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKsIMtKobWYxy6XTWE5C1mqbc49WT4FdeoEr_Bv7G2DclSWY3xGp9g950ce4gPANcur8rp5ZGq7ZY7YkV5rgPLTC3Brmo0mkPx4WN7MdAZxfkPu6yrPY2KT_cimGGZg6oEfZ-RlQPtrfUc/s400/IMGP0496.JPG" /> <br />Next up, cutting out the holes for the ceiling fixtures, painting, installing the wall-mount sink and wall-mount shower. Oh, and trim and baseboards. And curtain hardware. And painting the antique cabinet.<br /><br />I guess there is still quite a bit to do!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2739950487107861450.post-65578770019683713332010-07-12T18:27:00.000-05:002010-07-12T18:27:16.539-05:00fireplace re-do part seven: ready for stainThe fireplace is ready for staining! Steven finished all the painting. (Everything looks quite nice in our creamy white paint). I cannot even believe this is the same fireplace. I think the before and after for the finished product will be quite dramatic!<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 229px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492496906263987954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrPjUN47abxfAScCdLnSKJvgFbSjpo5mEQiYP6PQ1rmIiStuBqYOzJ0LAb79_IuL42S2xzabOILCxgArYjskZYYHZsMHvqXLdaqZd_CUCAte-yPwUc-AZPymwe0S8UaC2qMDQ3jh2zG7i1/s400/IMGP0374.JPG" /><br /><br />After running through several packages of sandpaper, the wood is ready to be conditioned, stained and sealed.<br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492496914668588738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGGgPrkf3HJ78SuPmR7q59lOZTjX0bgzFO6eu-2ZBL3hwgFA-cYM13F1Pgd6LIwPZQ9guwrJDDzf___I2XI2hTEKIlxeB8Y-W1Fb6c9UmE2wY_8PNCPiP6SVs3j20TlT_H6N3jR8fu_-HB/s400/IMGP0377.JPG" /><br />The brick of the fireplace was not intended to be visible... whoever laid the bricks slopped mortar everywhere. It was oozing through the bricks. Steven spent a lot of time with the grinder cleaning it up. The Dremel wouldn't even make a dent in it. He actually had to take our grinder to it... It was pretty crazy! He had to set up a board in the living room to keep the sparks contained. Our living room was coated in dust, so it was a pretty messy ordeal. But, a couple coats of primer and paint later, and we have this lovely brick fireplace:<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492496923327372882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijxSPGq-K1DN9dJ305vJ4hiXzeMMv0gTYuVaS1RR88DL16uIeXVee2ylO0hencC2UwbtTMZytTlGdmHekNbeQbpEZzH78rk44Ol8I6qDBpbB0_rmzdQhRn9oP7aj0SE5Gr-rxEqbHz6ZGn/s400/IMGP0379.JPG" /><br /><br />Of course, every project we embark on hits a snag. The woodwork in our living room doesn't match. It has all aged differently... The doors and trim have gotten a lot of sunlight of the years and have faded to a medium brown:<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXLsDFFcdImTrAySDKBkovPgi-fPI60HDdZVRTLVKPy631JXZAbmAnHRy8a9MhH1NOYi4yZwgitjTRCEYgI0d09BZfn4pK4imouMOTiajd8TFPeF9eWfTaQouHAH6Bjk7VlEI5tumPOKGB/s1600/P1010273.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 393px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 395px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492497568599632626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXLsDFFcdImTrAySDKBkovPgi-fPI60HDdZVRTLVKPy631JXZAbmAnHRy8a9MhH1NOYi4yZwgitjTRCEYgI0d09BZfn4pK4imouMOTiajd8TFPeF9eWfTaQouHAH6Bjk7VlEI5tumPOKGB/s400/P1010273.JPG" /></a> While the beams on the ceiling, and the trim around the windows have remained a deep red-brown:<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1HZ9efcGzNMjJd0pXJiGkP4NGHTZulXz8oDDotDk_H5UXQwMkoLwgCe629aWxoPtmY4y7WYqX5IrQVjpKBgSyPTvZXC7WCb7oX3DTgNcl9Cyizib6jlelx-VOXa68HMdxN-YjaWssQPF1/s1600/IMGP0187.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492497564187094898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1HZ9efcGzNMjJd0pXJiGkP4NGHTZulXz8oDDotDk_H5UXQwMkoLwgCe629aWxoPtmY4y7WYqX5IrQVjpKBgSyPTvZXC7WCb7oX3DTgNcl9Cyizib6jlelx-VOXa68HMdxN-YjaWssQPF1/s400/IMGP0187.JPG" /></a> So we are doing a few different test pieces for comparison. I think that the pocket door is the biggest area of woodwork and the doors are nearest the fireplace, so we should match those. We will try 3 different options: a deep red, a medium brown, and a medium brown mix with red.</div><br /><div>Old houses keep us creative, right? </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2739950487107861450.post-35791147663965124312010-07-10T16:39:00.005-05:002010-07-10T21:26:56.843-05:00half-way point in the boys' bathroomIn newer homes, re-doing the bathroom might mean a fresh coat of paint. A new shower curtain. Maybe if you are feeling brave, a some new faucets. (Lucky!)<br /><br />In old homes, re-doing the bathroom might mean:<br /><br />Demolition. (Shown in <a href="http://cottageofstone.blogspot.com/2010/05/boys-bathroom.html">http://cottageofstone.blogspot.com/2010/05/boys-bathroom.html</a>).<br /><br /><div align="center">Fixing ducting:</div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492396557474026706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDzJxtZhAvFY3o2-9yxdex9YibFdMVIEmNRUP1FiP9v3VuGH3BaU-lK01ILpt3lbtKgHl9NWpBMDLmAzMZSPoDqvLgy5XbSse5tAjsgzhqrImwyhjBq0F4Haxz5aYtKrf4H-EH9Kz-uiwH/s400/IMGP0305.JPG" /><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Repairing joists and subflooring:</div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492396563454601170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsL03IskR6s6qadqudfICle0Fjv4EqT3t59XntAinLuq1gL9LhCxlYyVpUyxa1eA311ntXZiNZs4Y-5AdStqVjIcOQYsN0Vf_euxYvBtL53t_sWsMq6RpEv11yw2eCGIeLvHfD90waMqlz/s400/IMGP0261.JPG" /><br /><br /><div align="center">Replacing corroded, leaking old plumbing:</div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492396571963571842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhitvJ5tsspMnGLXwtF-hjM0lO-1rp2BZwTJM2bFm0gChaHa64dTiTbTUDmBUGC7k7iVMchu08Zd-MISXAGeh7VZG5SDcTiqMTp0U788hG8ijzbrMbxWE95-VdDkU1-orbPMwq0EOEhRQqD/s400/IMGP0300.JPG" /><br /><br /><div align="center">Adding framing to sturdy-up flimsy walls:</div><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492396591942215506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP-xnX5OSAQvOzVX9ObRuyX0TVfMFsi_F4phXs3yq3DiRTQ1gM6_txsKeonnnvc9ghNIPcoX6Yq84jH3C82fR3MWJ23O5x0MXORAZ5Cc-CQLXiIfxHC4XOwOvnnlklTnzERL6LqalP0BxS/s400/IMGP0369.JPG" /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Hand new sheet rock and run new electrical to replace knob and tube wiring:</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492396582659268482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1mHCTZA2vGirwYRNz4W6ZJ8S_sHM_oLbjbaG7WzT3UQoj6Rt56oyESHX6NLnAMkPU0O8k0S4lS0ivq_9tYUXk7VuCzmS64uqUt27VkxAwgP7XMMMHaXgWo2B6NAJ3fTuh2Mp53gGgUgtR/s400/IMGP0371.JPG" /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Hang new green board and install cement board for the floor:</div><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492397332159327346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFoYipUE7QjDn9iqulvFJwx6BNwIIWImf_Qr2oX_b1nyqSpxyRhtqv6_v664ImvXQwkzoxmSQRm657G4yybDMfZF3fjwq8spmE3cQpodqCoX4T7m-Bvyka1Bea1AhKiFB-uHavln0pwkt4/s400/IMGP0370.JPG" /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">And here is where our boys' bathroom is, as of today... Drywall mudded, sanded and ready of primer. Toilet installed (to get the boys out of my bathroom!). First layer of concrete down for the shower floor curing:</div><div align="center"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiESqnmkF7VCsFdQNEbjJnaeZMSDn6HN1mo6JraiuFi0fESYWd1up6P1nXi1TAN75P_tlJHS6t0Yh7iL36BVpQqR0GJn66X4k02x2PXtl5xiec365vUsRtBQCSF5aMXJB1jA0o3q66IbT8c/s1600/IMGP0381.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492397342214112146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiESqnmkF7VCsFdQNEbjJnaeZMSDn6HN1mo6JraiuFi0fESYWd1up6P1nXi1TAN75P_tlJHS6t0Yh7iL36BVpQqR0GJn66X4k02x2PXtl5xiec365vUsRtBQCSF5aMXJB1jA0o3q66IbT8c/s400/IMGP0381.JPG" /></a><br /><div>Next, the backerboard for the shower wall tile will be installed. A rubber membrane will be installed for the shower floor. More concrete for the shower floor to be poured... eventually tiling will begin.</div><div></div><div> </div><div>Stay tuned!<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2739950487107861450.post-66561249173917217982010-07-10T16:23:00.003-05:002010-07-10T16:39:02.841-05:00bowie's new (old) floorI think every owner of an older home knows about the "hardwood floor dance." The hardwood floor dance occurs at a very special time... You begin by pulling up a corner of nasty, stained, musty carpeting. You get a little peek of wooden loveliness under it. You do a preliminary squeal of joy. It is a bit precautionary at this point. You are not sure what lurks beneath the rest of the carpet. After hour upon hour of pulling up gross carpeting and pad, and removing tack strips and staples with a pair of vise gripes and a flat head screwdriver, you finally get to see the big picture. Hopefully the floor revealed is under repairable condition... This is when you bust out the "hardwood floor dance." <br /><br />Enjoy the "hardwood floor dance" while you can. Because soon, the realization of more hours of hard work sets in. This begins the "dust everywhere from sanding" and "sore knees from crawling around the floor with a paint brush" phases.<br /><br />In Bowie's room, I am now one coat of matte-finish polyurethane away from a finished floor. (JOY!!!)<br /><br />While planning the color scheme for Bowie's room, I knew right away I wanted to do a dark floor. I think Steven might have died a little on the inside when I picked the "Ebony" stain from Home Depot. In my mind, I see pale blue walls and a deep, dark floor. Steven wasn't on board with the idea. And while the stain was wet, it was VERY VERY DARK. But after two coats of stain, I got the rich, deep color I wanted, yet you can still see the grain of the wood. I also got a nice patina-look due to the variation of the oak. It doesn't look like a fresh, new floor. It looks like it could have been original to the house, if they did actually have ebony stain in the early 1900s. Which they did not.<br /><br /><div align="center">Freshly sanded and scrubbed with TSP-substitute:</div><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492392203449385394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXAkujDRHxBZmSN7yNllL6n6W3M2Iyp7dudAvR8SlZkI4ovUqVkxJjbBjwcIjX_1of5VlKIWx4FMqXcMBem2nH8TjaL7kYRxsHiOeh2fiQ-US3cqoTOszm97hXddnDDj0SqgnAxVD3Nhpg/s400/IMGP0291.JPG" /></div><div align="center"> </div>Two coats of Ebony oil-based stain and two coats of matte polyurethane later:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibshsiVkvCAjYcmYQjLg_q_LDHBymyOTFBZKiUq5f6VJ6inq-ENVlto_9NX1fOAZfdxq9R4y18FE1F6GK2YU46MJAEXbXT46IjFxyE5mjReaOVxbD2QZRAymPGsAQShnC3BiU7tKsOUU6Z/s1600/IMGP0302.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492392210741008194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibshsiVkvCAjYcmYQjLg_q_LDHBymyOTFBZKiUq5f6VJ6inq-ENVlto_9NX1fOAZfdxq9R4y18FE1F6GK2YU46MJAEXbXT46IjFxyE5mjReaOVxbD2QZRAymPGsAQShnC3BiU7tKsOUU6Z/s400/IMGP0302.JPG" /></a><br /><div> It is a difficult floor to photograph, but in person is quite lovely. One more coat of poly, and some time to dry, and I will begin covering the floor with protective butcher paper for the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">priming</span> of the walls!<br /><div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2739950487107861450.post-61029471609957216102010-05-31T19:54:00.003-05:002010-05-31T20:15:39.958-05:00the boy's bathroomI mentioned in a previous post that I like to show the entire storyline of a project. I give the good, the bad and the ugly. Be prepared for a whole lot of ugly. I consider it all part of the journey in buying and renovating an old home. <br /><br />You have to have very realistic expectations with older homes. We were lucky with our home in that the stonework on the outside was drop-dead gorgeous. We also had the original woddwork throughout. But that is about where the fairytale ended. Inside, everything was ugly, ugly, ugly. The new home people have an easier job with before and afters. A little bit of paint, and they are good to go. <br /><br />Old homes? We require months of plaster, electrical, painting, staining, screaming, praying, etc. But the finished product is hopefully worth the work. And we get a bigger sense of pride in a job well done, right?<br /><br />(This is what we tell ourselves so we don't give up, curl into a little ball and cry.)<br /><br />Like I said before, get ready for a whole lot of ugly...<br /><br />The upstairs bathroom is shared by the three oldest boys. The youngest is still taking baths in our bathroom, but the rest like showers. For awhile, we ignored the ugliness of the bathroom. As long as it was functioning, it was not a high priority project.<br /><br />Now?<br /><br />Houston... we have a problem...<br /><br />The bathroom is having some plumbing issues. Somewhere, water was leaking down into the kitchen ceiling. (The previous owners, instead of fixing the issue, drywalled over the damaged plaster in the kitchen). The water was coming through the ceiling and down our cabinets. Not good. We had to act now before we were facing un-repairable damage.<br /><br />Let's take a short tour... <br /><br />Behind this door lurks something scary...<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477603081110618002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLgvXRmIGXkA1MfPk5Sap_diYU5BkXRYjFs5vIuV9dNGQoQxi6e44KLSN5Wcw5yCSuyIw-jDltuk3pMrGrHsAIErPKYmovRDB4kX20xr9bKFRubQVvMMofVi0SRjIuVZRiPeCEA_g0Enbr/s400/IMGP0199.JPG" /><br />Opening the door...<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477603090796204402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQWtNRitzQnKgy4P9VbW1boiI-8pMs5W4MSPOGui3wgzBDUqz1r4xBx2col7r3nla6lSjoWfKeMR_80ftjjD6FFoJhxZR95GEIOHe2ZiqtHD70vD_CRWPnToLlQYGQWo2EDrn7VxbL9ZLs/s400/IMGP0200.JPG" /><br />A rusty medicine cabinet. Burgundy-mauve sink. <br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477603095520131506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhbyjHRIlJfYlPu4kzzGbPM3gGUmvdxzaYKv_mllmCYpJjU50eW37nE-vu27h4AJchM8ulDvwJ1uXiBCTBgxN7QivgiIjlyxnVrOPXIR6Dc01tqrDG7L_uAeQ0fCBpTIftp9Hg2AWaJQRP/s400/IMGP0202.JPG" /><br />A matching tub... <br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477603103901596898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd5Dr_Kgl7-1beiBmdbORV9TNVxvLrCRRqgqXHncntcg2DMC4qLnUUY4mOTJy0T_ThrVqU7QWpXAU72ZhF5zB9ywjMMze63P2KvmMYgY7RVvYkoXxE6-dgHqMiiAewVBqktNIjnZJ0ME_n/s400/IMGP0203.JPG" /><br />Floor to ceiling tile, complete with roses! Just what boys really like!<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477603435202918498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifaxgoS1ASk727uBn8ojvW58eGgYzJbsJNsSp3RKEWjQyv4oodRXZXlHUUn1VpCRn99f3NoyLnmbf8klpqRfXW9A-PjV9kEP6ovX6fbKM_GIK2Yi791Gp4gqzTd37Kgr_fMkoYkf9OWooV/s400/IMGP0229.JPG" />And a poorly constructed linen closet.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1nlA6X3xt77UoFn-d9yzvoCS3f1iKgxjNkR36Wuy076k1hf2tA2zguSNh_CaTDtpz_v2iW-GLfawdRRSOfUYZYdcph9ho5PeR6Y4hHco1JYShCWIbg2hqg-x1wAMJyXTAS5G0barcMVV8/s1600/IMGP0206.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477603431507063666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1nlA6X3xt77UoFn-d9yzvoCS3f1iKgxjNkR36Wuy076k1hf2tA2zguSNh_CaTDtpz_v2iW-GLfawdRRSOfUYZYdcph9ho5PeR6Y4hHco1JYShCWIbg2hqg-x1wAMJyXTAS5G0barcMVV8/s400/IMGP0206.JPG" /></a> The only part I like is the old-school shower rod that hangs from the ceiling.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4s7WdFrMCKzsVKDMr3xmcVXtfxaBi-CyBVT0viBZPzGSftpkaMQWAGKVEOp2fbIhE7gL3Pa0ZhwwdxSn_faIHar-KfAPIO8rx5kzcdeaYvRrBNnWvFDtm0Rri_xRwhVhl3OoW1hkB3wo7/s1600/IMGP0205.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477603108478006290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4s7WdFrMCKzsVKDMr3xmcVXtfxaBi-CyBVT0viBZPzGSftpkaMQWAGKVEOp2fbIhE7gL3Pa0ZhwwdxSn_faIHar-KfAPIO8rx5kzcdeaYvRrBNnWvFDtm0Rri_xRwhVhl3OoW1hkB3wo7/s400/IMGP0205.JPG" /></a><br />This room has officially been tore out. Gutted. Steven began work on the plumbing this week and has found some very serious issues. Of course, the project is not as simple as we hoped it would be. He has to remove a great deal of old corroded plumbing. </div><div> </div><div>And I should add that I underestimated how fun it would be to share my bathroom with 4 little boys. Yuck.</div><div> </div><div>The boys, however, are excited about their new bathroom project. Everything has been purchased and is awaiting installation... once Daddy gets all that plumbing figured out. We are prepared to hear a lot of colorful language over the next week. Yikes!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2739950487107861450.post-80696978751569008972010-05-31T19:35:00.004-05:002010-05-31T19:51:30.153-05:00fireplace re-do part six: the problem with the sconcesI am happy to report that the work is closing on the fireplace re-do. Steven has finished painting the wood. He is getting ready to clean up the bricks & mortar, which entails a lot of quality time with a grinder and flap wheel. Once that is all smoothed out, he can prime and paint to match the wood. After that, just staining remains.<br /><br />He finished the wiring, added outlets for electrical, cable and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">HDMI</span>, as well as installing the sconces.<br /><br />The sconces... ugh. Now, don't get me wrong. I LOVE the sconces. They look rather lovely here:<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477598987332992274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb_kH2dAfN4-A40ae7siM4VWPoX_hRncGvm1_3kvuijLrVj-EyfhZRAdeVuc2VthW2MaBIOHlRRk_rwcFuiQPkTnzu-bpelSkKTbk677NEt_j_nodpiHQDF28oD_eqhpTy1ESfCe9Em4E5/s400/IMGP0256.JPG" /><br />The troubles don't start until we light them up... Don't see the problem?<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477598991998067874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi619XtNTDL0qeKnjJM78lh4ikEhqU_bBCJRyb3qKukzmzpFZSo5jngsWUpwXiqUbAtpzTfYSmh6ppGTMza9PMWGkWt2GnbiGvWKxvZdur5HaCxffi2MvDf0vRb3_ZKaLtEY1HhZ2Vi8aFP/s400/IMGP0249.JPG" /><br />How about a close up? Right one:<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477599000156327810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1eegZg3f77F8qnNvxJsQGg-hAcJUT2DPt2paumq_7XIEe81-WYRE8SNZGxJxT8ffDvV9r83cJ8svCaQNfsah5h1yxY40hSZ5J_d9RGayflER4BLiQQoIX_5p0Goh59ywkI4YZQyRFtG9s/s400/IMGP0252.JPG" /><br />Left one:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcosORCZsJKxjGLWrmraeY1AcnUxyzGvWs9qsNBGuddqkvh_kai2pypE0yWAA-e4ztpBi-Va_rEhv2hZO5VR6WVn4YEK7CSv5IuCrrhI3-vjVlhyL4PDmaiEl9gJ21obHBCjHAx_TaDrNk/s1600/IMGP0254.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477599003869835122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcosORCZsJKxjGLWrmraeY1AcnUxyzGvWs9qsNBGuddqkvh_kai2pypE0yWAA-e4ztpBi-Va_rEhv2hZO5VR6WVn4YEK7CSv5IuCrrhI3-vjVlhyL4PDmaiEl9gJ21obHBCjHAx_TaDrNk/s400/IMGP0254.JPG" /></a><br /><div> Apparently, some of the sconces have flowers etched into the globe, and some don't. I didn't realize this when I bought them. The problem is, I got them from <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">IKEA</span> when I was on a project in Sacramento. My assignment now is no where near an <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">IKEA</span>. The closest one to my house is in Chicago. (I live in Kansas).</div><div> </div><div>Yeah. We are kind of hosed. If anyone is going to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">IKEA</span> and could pick up another sconce (with the floral etched shade), I would be happy to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Paypal</span> you!!! </div><div> </div><div>Until then, we have mismatched sconces, which is sort of a bummer.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2739950487107861450.post-15651107533203495372010-05-12T16:06:00.005-05:002010-05-12T16:29:48.574-05:00fireplace re-do part five: TV cubby and cabinet doorsThe construction phase of the living room is complete! Now we have a ton of sanding, painting, staining and wiring. (With just a smidge of plaster and trim repair).<br /><br />We put the TV in for a test fit, and I couldn't resist snapping a picture... Sorry the lamp is blocking the right-hand side. It is chaos now, trying to keep the new furniture from being covered in sawdust and paint. The TV fits snug as a bug:<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470494293661350866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijU0a0n4OdOXDS_Lg-j59ZCJYHSF7yJsZAAGiEtC3joW2Gj1Ppjkc52ddt9GW8evij0t0nh2Nm5TqmaTORbBboOXKPPlSbxjvyp2My6WZx2cpPlZctGhQ30ikrRhFcx5fBIu3QE2Fu-L86/s400/IMGP0186+(2).JPG" /> We used a tilting mount bracket for the flat panel TV, so we can fine-tune the viewing angle later on. It really is a big fireplace -- look how it dwarfs that step ladder!<br /><br />Also, the doors were built and installed on the cabinets. (Note that the ice box latches have not been installed yet. We were just fitting everything up. We have to take them off anyway to paint).<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470494301941117794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWrYD0FELmwJ5Gk_dLjH59CcSagxbdjBl1qmbHkfXX6GVS70sKBukD8-CniMLmSvtwLMqenJ_A0-WXI9oWfsBU3JEf-GvMkI7VVbBF3qbiRwz4zCVVEq7iq1dQ-3ZcF5i7EfmWgftN0J4G/s400/IMGP0183.JPG" /> Since the doors don't have a solid center to keep them sturdy, we will need to work a bit harder to keep our doors square. Even just the added weight of the paint can send them crooked. We will be installed some magnets to help, but we expect that we might need to make minor adjustments in the future. We are willing to accept the trade-off since we want remotes to work for the components we will store inside.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470494311115745538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeS0Jh7fBTPkUfxMQACaYbZVYUUl8pXqAYix0SW7PuGsE41Al9oYTGTbZJwPPJ1fJCd75zVu45WExDjOYLhr99YU5kffbw1zSwo_nKsefKB0hrdAE-iN_IknUnbhF8UptUG5WqXO26CHz5/s400/IMGP0182.JPG" /> About that screen material... I have gotten a few questions about the metal material on the doors. The pieces are flat aluminum panels -- they are sold in varying sizes but plan to cut them down dor a custom look. I bought them at Home Depot, they are sold at a few places online. (Google: Steelmaster aluminum sheets.) We picked the pattern called "Lincane" since it looks like old speaker grill. They have a few other really nice patterns as well. We chose black, but it also comes in brass and nickel.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xjl/R-100249610/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053">http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xjl/R-100249610/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053</a><br /><br />Here is an inside shot of a door. The doors are simply mitered 1 x 2s.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470494321247573186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK7aNVZfW2B390K2jANouGfXKRpaOQmWJ_t0L_Eg4Bc9cGlOuLPHJdNcQNqnMogRJovPkb3BRbxNkgrKuHPL5UmpGssYIER4TKpSfAanHRkElco6dIS9AK71QJWjvnPUSwNKtUKj4X3lI3/s400/IMGP0180.JPG" /> <div>I picked up a sample of the new wall color today. It's one of the new Martha Stewart colors at Home Depot. I can't wait to check out the quality of the paint. Added bonus: it's low-VOC paint!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2739950487107861450.post-80542211110863354272010-05-06T19:04:00.007-05:002010-05-21T18:01:05.675-05:00fireplace re-do part four: the chunky mantelI couldn't help myself... I just had to see what the shelves and fireplace would look like with some paint. So, after taping the shelves (they will be stained), we slapped a coat of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Kilz</span> primer and two coats of Benjamin Moore's "Collection's Item" on the record shelves. The color is a bit more creamy than the picture shows. More like the back of the cabinet color. I really like the color and am eager to see the project done!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468313880452015298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghk-phZU-ojvianceTJEoFMCnf0T9ZAc-iOuaoXWvxpHob8dhy_kJ88GoTOf6jGlyuLMVunWcTBR3tCoFXoDxO_bStptc_Vkv-F5uMXVEt23nNSNXiMRkoBBO6cALxuiwlmWNtczKo_ECY/s400/IMGP0154.JPG" border="0" />In the last post, you saw the framing go up. Next the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">OSB</span> went up:<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468313868117596258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiydW3g924yj03-5dp0K_Zz0rhBrUI_UTKODTZNK58h3X2b7bQwSMqyhJUmBpcXfZLL9aK9I0lXQuPdVD0_LcZdIWaxW6LQdVRwv4MhyBYaYcH_e9FjrQs3b6JdTeNspz6sHIQ_or7Cr-Dz/s400/IMGP0161.JPG" border="0" /><br />And then tongue-and-groove pine planks. With the custom cabinets and shelves, the tongue-and-groove is a bit dressier than sheets of beadboard paneling. I can't afford to do a whole room in it, but just a fireplace is within the budget:<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468313860243838802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNfti6MzRZ9lr2oOurTqT3PV1CBcpOJCjodoIjSXgHJlhosT3ZmsovBG0geImxHdjtLdpdSm5lUQ9AO-o37e_uzSHWGm-VLlrpZJet0wM_ebmsRkI7evyHVjtkOZSXJ27dhzwk2EnBSmzm/s400/IMGP0165.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br />For a finishing touch, we chose 1x2s to cover the seams all the way around:<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468314211764200994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfZQxVODba-dr3HR-VEgcvV7pbyWsMSJnWJZHCLwaZx27lYFuMtcgRNCic5PReYKZHC6xXUhTLacJQiXXUaKVKb8lco3LXU2qZbBweVMGSzGlbv7Z3IaceukyeiyTGz7976gIxEXEfD5cC/s400/IMGP0171.JPG" border="0" /><br />The mantel is much more chunky now! More layers of molding were added until we got the beefcake look that we wanted:<br /><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468313845284712738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLQWsPDYkvGtpmwRuRKgxWpFA8QIodfwFE-LusxsunxB7D0KAK-83TUoRLY26oFH3c2fJef8Togbr2gTrRdx3McJqTB5SOfzfB789GGIpUFFi31G9bGCIyYjIQ4dlRcRlR7y2oyGeT2PGX/s400/IMGP0176.JPG" border="0" /><br />And here is where we are at now:<br /><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468313836857462130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeV9OvoK0IalT7YXTXJM629TJ7I9_AT8_oR1PtOJm8M6Lp71PwsnmdLPtIsBXbJ6zNvni6Wath06RRVK2lGfJPx3we8laEB-snf5539duQ-Xwh1hy4mf2sOCdXFfCqu54P8SOlEKjILYM2/s400/IMGP0175.JPG" border="0" />Next up, cabinet doors, finishing the TV built-in, pointing the grout and paint-a-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">rama</span>.<br /><div><div><div></div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2739950487107861450.post-30415795322595808262010-04-30T13:00:00.005-05:002010-05-21T18:02:15.149-05:00fireplace re-do part three: record shelvesSome bloggers chose to reveal the project at the very end with a big TA - DA!!! But because we believe in DIY and showing how you can tackle things, I like to show incremental progress.<br /><br />That said, here is where the living room fireplace is now:<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465992603314552914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCbSqqQKPBxsaMQPQkGnqo4cHlV9U23vCIGRvgo2Zesq2wL3Ige_5YTIJByyTbN5rFXsI_sTtqc6eITaVHODYNymoJKqhN2qBQNzGUk3sMdiZNpTQDMcMJAVqU_OR3j7Jg7V3Qs8e1UsmL/s400/IMGP0152.JPG" border="0" /><br />The record cases are installed on top of the cabinet. (Each shelf holds 150 records, times 12 shelves.) The mantel work has begun. And the framing for the chimney is started. (The rectangle in the middle is where the TV will go).<br /><br />We had theorized that the beams looked like they were detaching from the ceiling... this proved to be true. The beams were reattached and a few missing trim pieces will be replaced:<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465992851715119250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3TY-Mk_p6pstqZ5g3gC29qvmm6qQYncOOhuqqoRGjfk8bXJCfIN4BPz3dCcaDuxcK2eYAYhffo7rcteWDduTOHEqRzHfFTSg9Staxahp_ZFZ3mGHSNmllX5M_WsCdEKEiJ7GJ2tnjwAq8/s400/IMGP0143.JPG" border="0" /><br />The top of the record case will be trimmed out a bit. The top was notched out to accomodate our existing crown molding. This will look so nice when finished out. I decided to stain all the shelves and paint the rest:<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDk-XOaRurF9AIYt74fZaVcg-15BuSWbqxK4Pko7sGpiu0Q68b_Q7l3z3f327KBVuU3EKOhPQJfCfKTmICbRNIV_N9jmeO65cUcCtMan609j9lBGgdim19D4Q0x9isfQhm_68-Rtbqwtpi/s1600/IMGP0148.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465992628772878498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDk-XOaRurF9AIYt74fZaVcg-15BuSWbqxK4Pko7sGpiu0Q68b_Q7l3z3f327KBVuU3EKOhPQJfCfKTmICbRNIV_N9jmeO65cUcCtMan609j9lBGgdim19D4Q0x9isfQhm_68-Rtbqwtpi/s400/IMGP0148.JPG" border="0" /></a> Here is the beginning of the mantel. This mantel is being built up in layers with different decorative molding pieces. It has a ways to go, but I think it will look great when done. It will actually get a few more layers. I decided a big chunky mantel was needed since the chimney was so tall. A small mantel wouldn't have stood out:<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcOG6VGxV1ATLCWH-b2aXDzkpmrE9B6YqVV4t8oEekVT5dY8SrCehgXfNz88nPgzR-hQEwp-VTUKwRnKmQzaw-QbeG3Qyhx4YSiqusnb-4wRbxrNd9utmfkJBQDaifxh1liR1CWGJ8KrjO/s1600/IMGP0149.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465992613499417042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcOG6VGxV1ATLCWH-b2aXDzkpmrE9B6YqVV4t8oEekVT5dY8SrCehgXfNz88nPgzR-hQEwp-VTUKwRnKmQzaw-QbeG3Qyhx4YSiqusnb-4wRbxrNd9utmfkJBQDaifxh1liR1CWGJ8KrjO/s400/IMGP0149.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Next up, making the cabinet doors. We will be using 1 x 2s and some decorative metal sheets. Instead of knobs, I ordered ice box latches for a period look.</div><br /><div></div><div>The top of the chimney will be covered in planks, TV bracket installed, wiring ran, sconces installed, wood filling, sanding, painting, etc etc etc...</div><br /><div></div><div>Stay tuned...</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2739950487107861450.post-84791474584818575092010-04-18T11:11:00.005-05:002010-04-18T11:30:21.694-05:00fireplace re-do part two: custom cabinetsFor the fireplace, I know vaguely what I want... Cabinets to store components in, as well as board games and such. Shelves that go all the way to the ceiling for our record collection. Cleaning up and painting the brickwork. Creating a mantle. Boxing in the chimney with planks, and creating a built-in for the flat panel TV.<br /><br />I didn't do any detailed drawings. I wasn't sure how the angles and lines would come together... so we are flying by the seat of our pants on this one.<br /><br />This is the space for the cabinet and shelves:<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461511924339954818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi63DtGGK2-xnXPmMbeP4ulcMJzvgX_qAi0aWh94uNR3_FtUTYwuo7DBoFUlUljG2_8W5bqErFKROzXtArjXElYDsDJvq9_6G5X61lLh2CAP_X5cGZbfrgS_rwZHi75IauNfENVOJNjRPPJ/s400/IMGP0121.JPG" /> Yesterday, the cabinet was built. Stock cabinets at the hardware store didn't have the right dimensions, and we didn't want to have to cobble something together. Custom was the only way to go, in this case. My requirements were simple -- it couldn't have a toekick, because early cabinets went straight to the floor without a kick space. It needed to include two functional vents (just like we did in Bowie's room), since there was an existing vent there.<br /><br />So here is what we have so far: (Obviously, doors are yet to come).<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461511932547715506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKfSKOfKQI8xwEUiZc-52ZrB7FcADgaDXRtiPyVOk9j5h_YrHKyvF8cUGQRbajSwGiPy6pU0hOAuXPd91zLhLchNJjWCoWmLnoSDNgQlJR5pcE5IcIG02DXqrA5NfG4hC-fM6o5r-tuNEI/s400/IMGP0133.JPG" /> To make the shelves a bit chunkier, decorative molding was added:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXnBsUZNDwlzV2HCFWSmjASNCwEZHhh7RCSRdjVb7ZKZcYBiRuFQ2lDGV9IbzBkb3u8yYN__fVK9GhMzzUq4uAecLZzMyh9AaxXIx0lSpQ6chTOJy41Sbo2m_cLJc1Khgnh_5EaSYsPWQZ/s1600/IMGP0138.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461511948446619906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXnBsUZNDwlzV2HCFWSmjASNCwEZHhh7RCSRdjVb7ZKZcYBiRuFQ2lDGV9IbzBkb3u8yYN__fVK9GhMzzUq4uAecLZzMyh9AaxXIx0lSpQ6chTOJy41Sbo2m_cLJc1Khgnh_5EaSYsPWQZ/s400/IMGP0138.JPG" /></a>I really am a sucker for a mitered corner. The counter of the cabinet wraps around into the fireplace. It makes for a nice finishing touch:<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbWXPMRNNTIMdGDnb6Jmt9y3jnMgGK0ISvMGo2f3EyCZvOQgtr1AKCwgXI0kL0uZiEozVn-WWKQGvmSYF0OQGne0LODGQ11t9FeuINpWfdnFTdvx8AEjrAD5ZSHSslZEkVJPEEcPf78EDW/s1600/IMGP0136.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461511940280092258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbWXPMRNNTIMdGDnb6Jmt9y3jnMgGK0ISvMGo2f3EyCZvOQgtr1AKCwgXI0kL0uZiEozVn-WWKQGvmSYF0OQGne0LODGQ11t9FeuINpWfdnFTdvx8AEjrAD5ZSHSslZEkVJPEEcPf78EDW/s400/IMGP0136.JPG" /></a><br />I ordered icebox latches for the doors. Also, the doors will not be solid wood. Since we are using the space for components and will want the remotes to work, I chose decorative metal screens for the centers of the doors. </div><div></div><div> </div><div>I plan on painting the cabinet the same color as the fireplace bricks and staining the counter top to much the trim in living room.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4