Welcome Friends and Neighbors

 

I recently promised readers of my weekly column in The Leaf Chronicle that I would show a few more photos and give some tips for painting a paneled door.  In this case, it was my front door:

The photo above is the “before.”  It is worth noting that the door was painted the same color as the shutters you also see in the photo.  I mention that in order to give you an idea how cave-like the entrance felt to me.

It makes total sense to have such a well-protected entrance—especially here in Florida, aka: the land of pop-up showers.  But the dark door and consequently dark entrance was not very welcoming.  Since I am new to the neighborhood and in desperate need of friends (lest I wear out my welcome with the one friend I have here), I decided my first home improvement project would be to paint the front door and sidelights.

I take a moment to note that those sidelights are indeed amber. 

I jumped into this project fully intending to replace them as soon as I finished the paint job.  I, however, have since been provided a quote for new clear glass and, once I picked myself up off the floor, decided that part of the project will wait until after the new year.

So, back to the project at hand. 

First, I spent several weeks studying paint chips in order to choose a color which would coordinate well with all of the existing colors already “on” the house: the painted brick, the shutters, the “naked” brick AND the siding on the second level.  That is a lot to consider.

I worked paint samples in the closest match I could find for each of the existing colors.  (I didn’t bother with trying to match the naked brick because it is my intention to paint it to match the painted brick.) 

I used Behr Marquee, which incorporates a primer and one-coat “advanced stain-blocking” paint.  (When I went to check the can, I realized I was operating under the mistaken assumption that it was a “one coat” paint—wishful thinking.)  Anyhoo, it was a custom mix.  In other words, I had them color match a sample from another brand—the color very closely matches Benjamin Moore Wythe Blue.  (I just happen to like Behr products.)

On a day that the weather seemed like it was going to allow me to keep my dogs out back in order to allow me to leave my front door open most of the day, I decided to get started.

First, I lightly sanded all of  the surfaces I intended to paint, then I cleaned the same area.  (Generally speaking I loathe the prep work, but since this was our front door, I decided I should make every effort to make  sure I did my best.)   I taped around the door knob and plate, as well as around the knocker; they both have a great patina—I love them!

Okay, ready to get down to business, I opened the paint can and dipped-in my brush.  Here is a brief outline of my approach:

First, I painted the sidelights.  I used pretty much the same approach doing them as I did on the door, but took more photos of the door.  So onto the door . . .

I started on the door by filling in the flat face of each panel, then went around the beveled perimeter of each panel.







Next I painted the vertical section in the middle of the door—those pieces are called the “stiles.”  (In case you want to impress your friends and neighbors when that ask about your process.)

After you load your brush, be sure to start in the center of the stile, that way you can feather the paint out as you approach the edge where it meets the horizontal sections.  That will really help with the finished appearance.

(You can see by the photo below that I failed to take a photo before I had moved to step three.)




When you start painting the the horizontal sections (or “rails”), start at the top and work your way down to the bottom rail.





Finally, you paint the vertical stiles on each side.


I then removed the tape and used a small detail brush to carefully paint around the knocker and door knob plate.

I wish I could tell you that was it, but unfortunately the “advanced stain-blocking” paint required a second coat.  No worries, however, because I loved the results:



Now that I am looking at it again, I’m thinking those new sidelights will be installed sooner rather than later. 

Oh, and I think I should defend myself by offering up the following alibis:  I have been on the hunt for a new doormat—if you have any leads, please leave them in the comments section, but I am fairly particular. Also, I have decorated for Christmas—well, the entry way, that is.  I think I will include that photo in my new banner collage . . . still need to do a quick tutorial to remind myself about how I use to make those!

All I know is, it’s good to be back on my blog.

PS--now that I just spent one hour trying to publish this dang thing and trying to deal with the squirrely blogger system, I think I am remembering why I walked away before . . . I will attempt to figure out why I am having so much trouble.

New Beginnings (. . . as trite a it sounds)

So, it’s been a while—like nine months—but who’s counting? 

Me, I am counting. 

I am terrible with remembering dates.  l know the year I was born, the year I got married and the birth year for each of my three children—for any other date, my eyes roll back in my head as I either add or subtract from hear of those significant years.   But my shortcomings or perceived failures—they’re locked in.  Nope—never forget those.

Anyhoo, while there are many things I will never (did I just type that—adding the italicized emphasis, too???) go back a “do over” (a curly perm, my middle school years and being a shop owner come to mind), I am pretty sure I will keep trying to revive this blog.

To start with, it has served as a sort of journal for me over the years.  (Reference the first paragraph where I expose my short term memory challenges.)  I have come back to this blog time and time again to refresh my memory about rather remarkable events in my life; it has also served as a handy recipe receptacle, too.  Just the other day, I used the handy-dandy search option to find the recipe for our family favorite Pumpkin Cookies.

I also find that I am actually motivated to do things—to tackle projects, to try recipes and to, basically, explore and delve into other shenanigans as opportunities arise—just so I can share them here.  Basically, it’s a public journal.

So, here I am, blogging again.

A quick update . . . we have had made some serious changes in our lives since March—not the least of which was to sell our beautiful, historic home and move to the panhandle of Florida, but more on that later.

One thing that hasn’t changed is that I still write two weekly columns for Clarksville, Tennessee newspaper, The Leaf Chronicle.   One of those columns is a lot like a blog entry—I just write about things going on with my family, home improvement  and decorating projects. I find that, occasionally, I want to include more information and photos than the printed paper can allow or subscribers care to read/see.  So, I’ve decided to stat using my blog to (1) supplement my column and (2) share some of my experiences as I, once again, attempt make a house into our home.

And, since I just hit “send” for my most recent column submission; and, since in that column I direct readers to my blog for more details on my most recent project, I thought I better get to it.

And there you have it.  If you are new to my blog, I welcome you.  If you’re a tried and true friend or fan, welcome back!  I hope to hear from you often.  Thanks for joining me here.

Fondly,

PS—I’ll update my photo banner later—first, I have to remember how to do it!

PSS—if you’re here to read about my newly painted front door, stand by—it’ll magically appear here this evening!

Adopted southerness

Changing the windows to reflect the season has always been a daunting task for me.  You can check—I almost always open my posts about my windows with a similar comment.  You will note, however, that most of my blog posts about my windows will be about fall or Christmas displays.  You will also note, that with this particular season, my frequency of blog posts will increase.  Why is that?   Well, if you will pardon me as I allow a little bit of my adopted southerness to show . . .

I love me some fall, y’all.

 

 

So, here we go . . .

The tradition in this window is to display and indoor and outdoor scene.  I hung the vintage window screens right next to my windows to give the impression you are looking through the windows to the outside.  Patty thinks it’s time for a change and that I should take them down; I know she is right—the screens have been there for years now—but I’m just not ready.

 

I picked-up that pasture gate early this past summer and it’s been part of a display in the shop, but when I was planning the windows, I decided it would be the best focal feature to make you think “outside” when you’re peeking in.  

The swing is a new addition to the shop.  It is available in three sizes and well as a single-seater circle swing.

Then there is our little campfire scene—the warm glow of the fire and the ingredients for s’mores are at the ready!  The growler of beer from The Blackhorse Pub and Brewery will be enjoyed, as well.

The we shifted our attention to the inside scene of the same window.  This was a quick change of a few items.  Having removed the dining room display we had for the summer months, I added a side table and vintage, cane-back rocker.  A few of our signature Haunted Memories changing photos, fake cobwebbing and we’re good.

Look closely for the before and after of Aunt Maggie below.

Now we’re transitioning to the other window where we have a bed and a few other vignettes surrounding it.

 

The French café scene came to me when I decided to move the hand painted Café de Flore door into the front corner—not an easy feat for this old lady, but I managed it, then kept the scene simple with a dress form and a market basket.  the table in the display is an authentic English pub table (yes—I realize I’m mixing my countries of influence), that extends to seat 6.

We’ve dressed the bed in a red matelesse –style quilt; added a mix of pillows and a vintage camp-style blanket for the fall bedroom scene I wanted to achieve.  The floral displays in our gorgeous pottery urns would transition very nicely to compliment your winter décor, as well.  You also see the lovely limited edition print from the talented Judy Lewis of my favorite building in Clarksville; already framed and ready to hang in your house.

 

Well, that about wraps-up the tour of our windows.  There are a few other details I haven’t touched on, but I need to give you something to see when you get here.

Thanks for your indulgence.

Camembert and Berries

While we were stationed in Germany—many, many years ago—I was introduced to camembert cheese on toast with preiselberen (kind of like mini cranberries).  The presentation at our then favorite gasthaus, Berg Wirt, was this:  two pieces of white bread, toasted and cut on the diagonal, served alongside a breaded and baked mini wheel of camembert with a dollop of preiselbeeren.  It was delicious and I ordered it e-v-e-r-y- time we went there.

Since then, I have prepared and enjoyed camembert and brie in a variety of fashions.  Heck, there are few things I enjoy as much a slice of good brie on a fresh Triscuit (Velveeta on white bread, anyone?), but I recently tried a recipe recommended by a friend and am in love!  (Thanks Amy!)

(This is the recipe I referenced in this post about a creative evening with friends and family.)

Your ingredients:

berries, I used blackberries, but this would work with just about any type of berry (2 cups)

agave nectar (2 T)

fresh rosemary (about 1 T, chopped—reserve some for garnish)

a small wheel of camembert (or brie)

a fresh baguette, sliced

butter

balsamic glaze*

Mix the berries, agave nectar and rosemary together—allow juices to extract from the berries while you prepare the baguette slices.

Spread each side with butter, then brown on a griddle.

Transfer baguette slices to a baking sheet, top with a slice of camembert and the berry mixture; place in oven set at 400°, until cheese is melting.  Transfer to serving platter, drizzle with balsamic glaze and serve!

This is now one of my “go to” favorites! 

*for the balsamic glaze:  mix 2 cups of balsamic vinegar with 1 cup of brown sugar in a small sauce pan, heat to boiling.  Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer mixture until reduced by (about) half—mixture should be thick and syrupy.  (Refrigerate the remainder and use on other stuff—hamburgers, vegies, whathaveyou!)

Thanks for your indulgence,

Blackberries and book folding

I’ve been thinking about having some girlfriends over for dinner and a creative activity, but couldn’t manage to put the plans together.  On Tuesday, I had the thought that I really want to put together a window display in support of the Clarksville Writers Conference.
Quickly, the thoughts converged and I sent out a quick facebook message asking a few friends to join me to dinner and book folding.  As the request was last minute and people tend to make plans in advance, I was only able to entice a few to join me. 
So, thanks to Taylor, Kate, Kendall and Hunter for helping me create a substantial creative display for our windows at Hodgepodge.  If you’re in downtown Clarksville, I hope you stop by to see. 
If you want to learn more about the conference, visit their website here.


I’ve written another blog about using vintage books in your decorating, as well as page/book folding; I am really drawn to the artistic qualities they offer.  I encourage you to try one on your own.
I recently found this blog with some great patterns and tutorials on the craft.  Click the picture for a link to the blog.

Oh, I almost forgot the “blackberry” reference in the title of this blog . . .
Just in case you’re thinking, “Note to self—don’t accept an invitation to spend an evening of creativity with Paige.  She will work me like a dog just to get her windows decorated!”  Let me entice you with a photo of the platter of appetizers I offered . . .

Sure, I overcooked the steak for the salads, but with this platter at the center of the table, I believe I was forgiven for the hard labor and burnt steak!  (A special thanks to Amy for sending me a link to the recipe—it arrived in my inbox yesterday morning!  The moment I saw it I knew I would be fixing it for my friends.  I will share the recipe later.)
One, very important thanks I neglected to mention earlier is for our son, Haedyn. He cleaned-up the dinner dishes and regaled us with his multitude of talents all the while we created book art.
Thanks for your indulgence!

inspiration resources

ever felt like you are the only person on the face of the earth suffering from a severe lack of creativity? of inspiration? of motivation?

well, here I sit—wondering where my “c.i.m.” is, so I started perusing blog list and the answer is no.  no one else appears to be suffering from a lack of c.i.m.

did you know in australia, the 25th of april is anzac day?  my friend tanya posted a poignant tribute on her blog, suburban jubilee.

and then there is the amazing pam garrison who is working on this great commitment to document her “project life” (now into week 13), plus all kinds of other creativity she manages to squeeze in as well.  (it’s enough to make a girl feel like a total failure!)

 

then there is my friend, kimberly jones, who not only participated in one of jeanne oliver’s workshops, but she actually took what she learned and made this . . .

 

and finally, my upstairs neighbor, kimberly santiago—having veered off our mutually-agreed-to complacency path—took another stroll down the road of productivity and added these kits to her inspired inventory.

this is just a sampling of all of the productive and creative folks out there accomplishing great things.

so, tell me, how do you overcome your creative obstacles?

thanks for your indulgence.

It’s a Wrap!

Why yes, it is a wrap . . . it’s also a scarf, a sarong and even a table topper!
We have just received several shipments of spring and summer scarves in a multitude of patterns, shapes and sizes—many of which can be used in a variety of ways.  Stop in the shop for a closer look-see or give us a call for to arrange shipping, 931-647-0444.

This multi-striped scarf has been our best seller in many colors and incarnations (fall to spring).  it is now available in aqua, green, white (shown) and pink for only $12.95.

Bright, light weight scarf with beaded fringe—available in purple, orange, pink, green (shown), yellow, aqua and blue.  $12.95


bright stripes scarf (light weight and super soft)—predominant colors of each scarf are:  aqua and purple, green and orange, bright green and pink (shown).  $17.50


Medallion print scarf (suitable as a sarong, too)—available in pink, olive (shown) and salmon.  $22.50


Baisc ikat print scarf in orange, yellow, taupe and pink (shown).  $18.75


Dotted paisley edged scarf, grey and pink (shown), green and pink or blue and purple. $18.75


Bird silhouette scarf—ivory background (shown) or pink background.  $37.50


Birds on a wire scarf, trimmed in lavender (shown), pink or green.  $35.00

I love wearing scarves—which translates into a large selection of scarves available at Hodgepodge!
Thanks for your indulgence,

Last Night When I Got Home

I found myself thinking . . .

 

. . . a house in the suburbs—you know the kind with an attached garage—would be kind of nice.

 

especially when I’ve got a load of these, no kids at home to help and it’s raining.

 

Then I look out the passenger window and see this and I think, so what’s a little rain?

 

Then I thought about what my big plans for the evening included and I relaxed even more.

I have yet to get caught-up in Downton Abbey, but fully intend to do so (thanks to the loan of the first two seasons from my friend, Kimberly).  I thought I’d pop in a DVD and peruse the new issues of Mingle and Somerset Life.

I was able to achieve part of that plan.  I popped-in the DVD and started the first episode (I’m hooked, by-the-by), then remembered I promised Kendall I would get her the information she needs to post some future Artful Origins workshops.  So, I left the magazines on the ottoman and picked-up the laptop instead.

I was able to pull-together two workshops and watch two episodes of Downton Abbey.  Not quite as I planned, but I was able to check something off of the “to do” list, so sleep came a little easier.

Here’s a sampling of what we will be creating:

Two Birds of a Feather plates

This workshop will be on Tuesday, April 2nd at 6:30 a.m.

 

The other one I pulled together is:

flowers for flip flops

This workshop will be on Sunday, April 30th at 2 p.m.  It will be an early Mother’s Day celebration of sorts.  So, sign-up with your daughter, your friend or come by yourself—we will have lots of fun and we make these vintage inspired embellishments for a pair of basic flip flops.

For more information on these and other workshops, please visit our blog at Artful Origins.

Thanks, as always, for your indulgence!