tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41137820407467764472024-03-15T08:30:17.791-07:00House HuggerRenovating my folk Victorian, one project at a time.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4113782040746776447.post-4747080529914935652016-12-16T05:59:00.001-08:002016-12-16T20:41:06.396-08:00Let's Talk About Kitchens Again! <div class="p1">
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<span class="s1"><br /></span> <span class="s1"><br /></span> <span class="s1">Hey, guys and dolls! Know what time it is? It’s time to talk about kitchens. Again! </span></div>
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<span class="s1">That’s right, my favorite room in the house. I love my kitchen. I also hate it. I’m funny like that. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">At this very moment, my kitchen is dissatisfying. I’m being kind. It’s actually awful, and that’s because I didn’t get it right the first time. I thought I was happy when <a href="http://irrational-propensity.blogspot.com/2012/01/welcome-to-another-episode-of-love-my.html" target="_blank">I wrote about it here</a>. But I grew to hate the room. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">Let’s talk about black granite countertops. They’re so beautiful! At least until you make a sandwich. Add in the fact that I have three cats, and you can see how black granite might be a problem once in a while. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">I didn’t want black granite. I didn’t want granite at all. But it was on sale. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">And then there are my cupboards. They’re solid cherry! And I hate them. I know, I know. Some folks are so hard to please. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">It’s not the cherry that I hate, but the style. They’re ultra contemporary with no design appeal of any kind, in my opinion. My house was built in 1890. You can see the problem with a contemporary design. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">But the cupboards were gratis from the interior design office where I worked back in the day. If anyone can pass up free, solid cherry kitchen cabinetry, I’d like to meet them. I’m not quite that strong. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">Now let’s move to the kitchen floor. Mr. V. and I had a great idea. We built the flooring from 2x8 pine boards. And let me tell you, it was gorgeous. At least until we lost our minds and painted it black. Sinner loved it because she could see her reflection. But it didn't hold up well with two dogs and now three cats.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Sometimes, we’re not the brightest bulbs in the box. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">Those things -- the cupboards, countertops and floor -- are anchors in my kitchen. Sadly, my anchors are confused and muddled. They aren’t worth a flip. Neither are my windows, but that’s a whole different story. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">If I could have any kitchen at all, it would have a bohemian/cottage sort of vibe. Some days, I’m in love with white-on-white. And other days, nothing is more appealing to me than rich, warm colors. Here are some ideas I’ve found at Houzz that really ring my bell. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">First, look at this. Just look at it. I wish my staircase led to the kitchen instead of heading straight into my front door. I love the mix of color here, especially the dark stained cupboard against the white and glass. </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/2679566/Hoegger-Lake-House-Kitchen-traditional-kitchen-minneapolis" target="_blank"><img alt="Hoegger Lake House Kitchen" border="0" height="437" nopin="nopin" src="https://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/4ee1bee6010c28c3_8-9926/traditional-kitchen.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/durasupremecabinetry/dura-supreme-cabinetry" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Photo by Dura Supreme Cabinetry</a> - <a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional/kitchen" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Look for traditional kitchen pictures</a></small></div>
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<span class="s1">I could live in this room. Think I'm joking? I'd set up a feather bed in front of the hearth and I'd be all set. I really want a fireplace in my kitchen. I really want a keeping room, to be honest. </span><br />
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<a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/6543444/Restoration-and-Addition-to-the-Abiah-Taylor-House-farmhouse-kitchen-philadelphia" target="_blank"><img alt="Restoration and Addition to the Abiah Taylor House" border="0" height="512" nopin="nopin" src="https://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/7b918a8802727666_8-8759/farmhouse-kitchen.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/johnmilnerarchitects/john-milner-architects-inc" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Photo by John Milner Architects, Inc.</a> - <a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/farmhouse/kitchen" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">More farmhouse kitchen photos</a></small></div>
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<span class="s1">I've talked about this room before. There's something about the mix of color and texture here that makes me happy. </span><br />
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<a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/204250/Reproduction-Peoria-IL-Saltbox-House-rustic-kitchen-other" target="_blank"><img alt="Reproduction Peoria, IL. Saltbox House" border="0" height="424" nopin="nopin" src="https://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/a7c1cf350e0e3f08_8-1634/rustic-kitchen.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/davidtsmith/the-workshops-of-david-t-smith" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Photo by The Workshops of David T. Smith</a> - <a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/rustic/kitchen" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">More rustic kitchen photos</a></small></div>
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<span class="s1">I'm usually not a fan of turquoise in a kitchen. But this is just lovely. </span><br />
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<a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/1641026/Holiday-farmhouse-kitchen-little-rock" target="_blank"><img alt="Holiday" border="0" height="435" nopin="nopin" src="https://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/f65151b40061ec5e_8-0553/farmhouse-kitchen.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/tobifairley/tobi-fairley-interior-design" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Photo by Tobi Fairley Interior Design</a> - <a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/farmhouse/kitchen" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Search farmhouse kitchen pictures</a></small></div>
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<span class="s1">This is a red that I could live with. Not too blue, not too brown, not too orange. If I trimmed out my existing cupboards to give them more personality, I could paint them barn red and have something similar. </span><br />
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<a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/6842836/Farmhouse-Fabulous-Bow-NH-farmhouse-kitchen-other" target="_blank"><img alt=""Farmhouse Fabulous" Bow, NH" border="0" height="424" nopin="nopin" src="https://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/be2155bc02869d6d_8-4567/farmhouse-kitchen.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/heather-alton/new-england-design-elements" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Photo by New England Design Elements</a> - <a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/farmhouse/kitchen" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Discover farmhouse kitchen design inspiration</a></small></div>
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<span class="s1">One of my first loves, Windsor chairs. I'm not a fan of straight-backed chairs. I like a chair that hugs me. </span><br />
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<a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/2583336/Barnstable-Residence-beach-style-dining-room-other" target="_blank"><img alt="Barnstable Residence" border="0" height="640" nopin="nopin" src="https://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/a581f0e40101a62f_8-3974/beach-style-dining-room.jpg" width="509" /></a></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/catalano/catalano-architects" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Photo by Catalano Architects</a> - <a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/beach-style/dining" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Search beach style dining room design ideas</a></small></div>
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<span class="s1">Wood countertops might seem silly. But they're no more vulnerable to burns and scratches than laminate. In some ways, they're better. If there's a mishap, it can be sanded out and refinished. I wouldn't seal the wood with urethane, either. I'd only work a mixture of beeswax and mineral oil into the wood, the same as butcher block countertops get. They'd age, mellow and look better over time. </span><br />
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<a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/1009908/Ultimate-Farmhouse-Kitchen-traditional-kitchen-louisville" target="_blank"><img alt="Ultimate Farmhouse Kitchen" border="0" height="424" nopin="nopin" src="https://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/4c11457c0fc6da31_8-0939/traditional-kitchen.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/artisticmike/mike-smith-artistic-kitchens" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Photo by Mike Smith / Artistic Kitchens</a> - <a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional/kitchen" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">More traditional kitchen photos</a></small></div>
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<span class="s1">I really love this dinette. I'm not crazy about square or rectangular tables. And I have a strong distaste for kitchen bar/island seating. It looks nice, which is why I built a beautiful island in my kitchen and turned the back side into a bar. But it's not comfortable, which is why I took a sledgehammer to it last summer. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">Disliking bar seating puts me firmly in the minority, I'm sure. But I'm not overly tall. And the older I get, the less I like having anything in my house feel like a chore. I don't like climbing up to sit down, and I don't like choosing between letting my feet dangle or catching my heels on a chair rung. No, I like my seating at seat level, thankyouverymuch. This space looks comfy and inviting. Extra kudos for the book shelf.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/15281605/WHITSTABLE-ISLAND-COTTAGE-beach-style-dining-room-kent" target="_blank"><img alt="WHITSTABLE ISLAND COTTAGE" border="0" height="640" nopin="nopin" src="https://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/dbd150b403d8c622_8-9306/beach-style-dining-room.jpg" width="511" /></a></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/dee-cartwright/whitstable-island-interiors" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Photo by Whitstable Island Interiors</a> - <a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/beach-style/dining" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Browse beach style dining room photos</a></small></div>
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<span class="s1">Trying to choose a real theme for my kitchen has been more challenging than I thought. Mr. V. and I clash when it comes to style. I want a home that looks warm and lived in. He's not sure what he wants, but he knows what he doesn't like when he sees it. Haha!</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Hopefully, I'll one day have this old girl the way that I want her. But if I didn't have a project or five ahead of me, I wouldn't know what to do with myself.</span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4113782040746776447.post-61164557560613662152016-05-07T10:09:00.002-07:002016-05-07T10:19:43.891-07:00Oh Glorious Gardening! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I don't get out a lot. That's a fact. My mom tells me so. My sister does, too. So does my hubby. It was also brought to my attention by one of my editors recently!<br />
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I write. A lot. I am in a constant state of home renovations. There's always something for me to tackle in this 125+ year old house. I wrangle my dogs. I try to keep my cats out of trouble.<br />
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There are many things that I love to do. I love working on my home. That brings me so much joy. Even the big projects, such as gutting the downstairs bathroom this summer and rebuilding it from scratch. That's on the agenda this year. So is tearing down the old deck and building a new one.<br />
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I love writing. A day when I can't write is a day when I feel like I'm a little bit more insane. I love to cook. I knit, crochet, weave, sew, felt, and make lots of different things. I love doing laundry and hanging things on the line. I even love to clean!<br />
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But there is no place where I feel more whole and happy than when I have my hands in the dirt. It grounds me, no pun intended. I guess I inherited that from my amazing dad. He could look at a plant and it would just grow. One of his many gifts.<br />
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So I ask you. If you lived here, would you ever want to go anyplace else? It's true, I'm not crazy about my neighborhood. But I am cultivating a fantasyland right in my own yard. I love it!<br />
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This is my happy place.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCNMiaB5my7MVM82b3fiRKO4jc2608fgXHuXfAluH0fY612g-CNwlDC477Koq6oda-IwSomJGfbaur6UrCG-OscFbio82zG_sKINNpiUkp7sRuD7uK13aOx9_v5glqmsUmVr4RNceN7KI/s1600/336313_389452811168203_922025352_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="pink peonies" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCNMiaB5my7MVM82b3fiRKO4jc2608fgXHuXfAluH0fY612g-CNwlDC477Koq6oda-IwSomJGfbaur6UrCG-OscFbio82zG_sKINNpiUkp7sRuD7uK13aOx9_v5glqmsUmVr4RNceN7KI/s400/336313_389452811168203_922025352_o.jpg" title="" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peonies from my yard</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLhP0V2jU9mbE-BV-qpVa96qnn1rirXejgjZfawLhZ30h8YDFUpUvlsGwcXTcziJ7NkfGHSbfrWpaDv4HkFdoEJxCJ6y-VNdorkEstw6oh6YngrdpFcNbkBZZDHEeBEZRKSTSxMugR2lE/s1600/1233976_440831949363622_1249998858_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="gladiolus" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLhP0V2jU9mbE-BV-qpVa96qnn1rirXejgjZfawLhZ30h8YDFUpUvlsGwcXTcziJ7NkfGHSbfrWpaDv4HkFdoEJxCJ6y-VNdorkEstw6oh6YngrdpFcNbkBZZDHEeBEZRKSTSxMugR2lE/s400/1233976_440831949363622_1249998858_n.jpg" title="" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gladiolus from my garden</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDT8aJcorUdDkwo6HqNMsjqTIC8_F8IOm1Q6PUiHC8Vsh-KCQqFuMvIv5PuAymElTRaQAL11sNOmRa5NVsNyA_lUhbLjsD8eY3oMprardPlBa97YezgMEB6yd6hhBw0TiLy6xWIACmGIE/s1600/10498246_610013215778827_499460649482338008_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sunflowers" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDT8aJcorUdDkwo6HqNMsjqTIC8_F8IOm1Q6PUiHC8Vsh-KCQqFuMvIv5PuAymElTRaQAL11sNOmRa5NVsNyA_lUhbLjsD8eY3oMprardPlBa97YezgMEB6yd6hhBw0TiLy6xWIACmGIE/s400/10498246_610013215778827_499460649482338008_o.jpg" title="" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorgeous, giant sunflowers towering over the garage! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHOZ4dDZHHjoj3FHjwZX2ed1nAkx6avyO7UauMvFAO_BxhAnWzVWr-8pMvn-Ez-blNqI1472ZvfC97465l0N542Dytl0LJ4lL3CJBCECbE_PCcEpBnMZXYxgeFXVqYZwt0kw3v5gXaiYY/s1600/11350902_796237830489697_8052779020759669123_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Camelot rose" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHOZ4dDZHHjoj3FHjwZX2ed1nAkx6avyO7UauMvFAO_BxhAnWzVWr-8pMvn-Ez-blNqI1472ZvfC97465l0N542Dytl0LJ4lL3CJBCECbE_PCcEpBnMZXYxgeFXVqYZwt0kw3v5gXaiYY/s400/11350902_796237830489697_8052779020759669123_n.jpg" title="" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camelot rose</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnWQQypsu0TIJ4GQT3V9zt2ewf56xg3mSfmfkoSbushrHIsWJIHzdCPLUtpr5YDUS9ajADh4b0bx9EyQZ6v99VWsoeK_FmIDxSChBpo4_vZ8uW9SvcGAZ9rspYhaOExxHQJuc_YBd9GKY/s1600/thumb_IMG_5982_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Baby pink tea rose" border="0" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnWQQypsu0TIJ4GQT3V9zt2ewf56xg3mSfmfkoSbushrHIsWJIHzdCPLUtpr5YDUS9ajADh4b0bx9EyQZ6v99VWsoeK_FmIDxSChBpo4_vZ8uW9SvcGAZ9rspYhaOExxHQJuc_YBd9GKY/s400/thumb_IMG_5982_1024.jpg" title="" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby pink tea roses</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxABlrnlnQdk3zx3aTTVMQnG2lCYP89oi4OV31Je_XF0lZIklPGcK_oqMKf1JLQip1AUFJFkoShwkC1VfOEi433WYClwANKigKLUVTTui5LF8-gW05z5hOJ9C9TV4VeWjoXeqBdtt5mWo/s1600/thumb_IMG_5983_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Red knockout rose" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxABlrnlnQdk3zx3aTTVMQnG2lCYP89oi4OV31Je_XF0lZIklPGcK_oqMKf1JLQip1AUFJFkoShwkC1VfOEi433WYClwANKigKLUVTTui5LF8-gW05z5hOJ9C9TV4VeWjoXeqBdtt5mWo/s400/thumb_IMG_5983_1024.jpg" title="" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Knockout rose just getting established</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL86QbH5GFEsLi3-0OPn9q3nU_gEFTrCSH4c_9loP1e3JnfrzHELEC9A0EM6w95G3SdKiGhASHsPGmIawnAd2fnxgMbRG9s-u644N6FZVPgOi5rvl38QxhGvqxj43VJdc98gyK4Yg-_yE/s1600/2014+garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Wild unkempt garden" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL86QbH5GFEsLi3-0OPn9q3nU_gEFTrCSH4c_9loP1e3JnfrzHELEC9A0EM6w95G3SdKiGhASHsPGmIawnAd2fnxgMbRG9s-u644N6FZVPgOi5rvl38QxhGvqxj43VJdc98gyK4Yg-_yE/s400/2014+garden.jpg" title="" width="332" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Part of my wild, wild perennial garden</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQUW-w0ZWjTgJmYDORBbvgyKYQ9MeI15DJ-dkseznyURpBXlwzXrLTXdaQJBpaj2eVUt4zND1PtYM2HnRwO2rktxlLENKBv56WFTXGAoFxXoOOaSETRfR5kZBOCHCraULJ-JF7zVFtsgM/s1600/IMG_3938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Neighbor kitty" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQUW-w0ZWjTgJmYDORBbvgyKYQ9MeI15DJ-dkseznyURpBXlwzXrLTXdaQJBpaj2eVUt4zND1PtYM2HnRwO2rktxlLENKBv56WFTXGAoFxXoOOaSETRfR5kZBOCHCraULJ-JF7zVFtsgM/s400/IMG_3938.jpg" title="" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Neighbor's cat, Kasey, checking out the garden</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghL2ggWFr1mVxCl1osNXZcC-aAkVG6Lj4HGE5GsjQKrMHEal2Ev3VbhrU4RmDMB7v_0j66aU8DfKagC3qAmSV9KFyr-6JOQDck_mZvZohD8Et27YC8B9Q_n24BhbGNiFmOiuCF-K8u9Gg/s1600/1956940_670116366435178_7040976134212976496_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Morning glories tumbling over fence" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghL2ggWFr1mVxCl1osNXZcC-aAkVG6Lj4HGE5GsjQKrMHEal2Ev3VbhrU4RmDMB7v_0j66aU8DfKagC3qAmSV9KFyr-6JOQDck_mZvZohD8Et27YC8B9Q_n24BhbGNiFmOiuCF-K8u9Gg/s400/1956940_670116366435178_7040976134212976496_o.jpg" title="" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My fist love, morning glories, tumbling over one of the fences out back</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaJ91YGk8Ks_j_-MqoaFW2DRJ4IlIimOG6exkvM6l3EN7e1gnS1KQwHFp5McBsRo18hfVF6TEnreGrx7oiCLBX97PSmwFK9AGqu_-NRMSC9gCZsqHHowGL95EDbImsHaL3zzteyk-apV8/s1600/11392967_803366703110143_8525482952695361385_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Perennial garden" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaJ91YGk8Ks_j_-MqoaFW2DRJ4IlIimOG6exkvM6l3EN7e1gnS1KQwHFp5McBsRo18hfVF6TEnreGrx7oiCLBX97PSmwFK9AGqu_-NRMSC9gCZsqHHowGL95EDbImsHaL3zzteyk-apV8/s400/11392967_803366703110143_8525482952695361385_n.jpg" title="" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perennials in my garden</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIUYzPhbxHOvsEEFoO3OlP-M20ga-N6jdBChjk4sjOvv1GVmTbm9fVVn_r6xXBcgz9qMTlr6ohk9BzTKZy6skSIl2fKAHp9W2zURrh2QFr4oncTkTYOp3TJToqm9Vc2JBSSFGJtYtdOgM/s1600/11401203_804877786292368_6687018855511635869_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Perennial garden" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIUYzPhbxHOvsEEFoO3OlP-M20ga-N6jdBChjk4sjOvv1GVmTbm9fVVn_r6xXBcgz9qMTlr6ohk9BzTKZy6skSIl2fKAHp9W2zURrh2QFr4oncTkTYOp3TJToqm9Vc2JBSSFGJtYtdOgM/s400/11401203_804877786292368_6687018855511635869_n.jpg" title="" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perennials in the garden, and the first year my calla lilies ever bloomed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVnvn7CCxgVsVtvu3_5-ZRNX2rb5w-NbeYmLTNLxQmD5yciPVgD-9-SwEFgHv9yY2QfzF74np1K-OdJt3vKrr9rwm0WJNKv4cKdmyventFDEua3-TKtbqJ4z1B4bAXaUlG54LCQeE0px8/s1600/thumb_IMG_5984_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Trees bent into archway" border="0" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVnvn7CCxgVsVtvu3_5-ZRNX2rb5w-NbeYmLTNLxQmD5yciPVgD-9-SwEFgHv9yY2QfzF74np1K-OdJt3vKrr9rwm0WJNKv4cKdmyventFDEua3-TKtbqJ4z1B4bAXaUlG54LCQeE0px8/s400/thumb_IMG_5984_1024.jpg" title="" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two trees bent, wrangled, braided and otherwise wrestled into a garden archway</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlb3ZLhLz1qVrOQ2TGqaUfuE0bcdZb1UxjJyPO2w4bQk7LGhEHY03AyNVImbooPwYpxWzaX1-6zJUe_5WYLpHHNXnnFFVgUrQ0aVZtB4fAqWIuYvzOH1o7DbNO2tDaHZl5OI1Wx13NYjY/s1600/thumb_IMG_5985_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Red dianthus" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlb3ZLhLz1qVrOQ2TGqaUfuE0bcdZb1UxjJyPO2w4bQk7LGhEHY03AyNVImbooPwYpxWzaX1-6zJUe_5WYLpHHNXnnFFVgUrQ0aVZtB4fAqWIuYvzOH1o7DbNO2tDaHZl5OI1Wx13NYjY/s400/thumb_IMG_5985_1024.jpg" title="" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red dianthus</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG3R9qpJdoSSn2NSveGdsomZX29SCkMHdztFSDaNvGe_E2pHxyMd1HLcXgcqPvY6Q2agDy72UaZJrEiEvk1XHf4PzQmi-E6zBxYBp5ZWwTw3FOBV01wGSE2PeNYfL-KoGBT6gYUuOLJFs/s1600/IMG_3940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Red Asian lilies " border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG3R9qpJdoSSn2NSveGdsomZX29SCkMHdztFSDaNvGe_E2pHxyMd1HLcXgcqPvY6Q2agDy72UaZJrEiEvk1XHf4PzQmi-E6zBxYBp5ZWwTw3FOBV01wGSE2PeNYfL-KoGBT6gYUuOLJFs/s400/IMG_3940.JPG" title="" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Asian lilies. They are enormous, much larger than they appear here. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifPn82ihJOvrahOIrfUlfz4r5w_WioC5D5bozJ7WwTjmLRgODjJ9b4M1-TloczG5fI8r_qAEIPKpBir2jfSiGuHohXtidw83SH1kdczFOFRH1uhz_5FoQV40Ro_07eZgavVru89QNQR1s/s1600/IMG_3942.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="African daisies" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifPn82ihJOvrahOIrfUlfz4r5w_WioC5D5bozJ7WwTjmLRgODjJ9b4M1-TloczG5fI8r_qAEIPKpBir2jfSiGuHohXtidw83SH1kdczFOFRH1uhz_5FoQV40Ro_07eZgavVru89QNQR1s/s400/IMG_3942.jpg" title="" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">African daisies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiZMzuSXSQoO2FiEuX3TYmVwB4y3pNom2ppsPDEsLZ3U9S_lc8xA4dfbccqyxoBiXJ2DQcbc1R9aT2m49y8xXIAHwIieyJ4cXq0eIpWj6OEj-qp-C7-4xqB5idovMCb44i5frU_OxSuQY/s1600/10006628_610145155765633_7370523498113303046_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Handmade wattle fence" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiZMzuSXSQoO2FiEuX3TYmVwB4y3pNom2ppsPDEsLZ3U9S_lc8xA4dfbccqyxoBiXJ2DQcbc1R9aT2m49y8xXIAHwIieyJ4cXq0eIpWj6OEj-qp-C7-4xqB5idovMCb44i5frU_OxSuQY/s400/10006628_610145155765633_7370523498113303046_n.jpg" title="" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So proud of this little wattle fence that I wove</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhw82BhHECLupXTkHABMTGipknscH_OMsD9VHNdKiYT5YQ4Nw-XCirfopdQTmqI9M5Ox2g3HjQ175Nxp72EoOnaN-q8cfJ4Ckti2bifgy-SZKDD2mUyMm5248ZeVGYdD_YEnw__wDw_E0/s1600/10363905_583158388464310_7546698874998451895_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sunsprite rose" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhw82BhHECLupXTkHABMTGipknscH_OMsD9VHNdKiYT5YQ4Nw-XCirfopdQTmqI9M5Ox2g3HjQ175Nxp72EoOnaN-q8cfJ4Ckti2bifgy-SZKDD2mUyMm5248ZeVGYdD_YEnw__wDw_E0/s400/10363905_583158388464310_7546698874998451895_n.jpg" title="" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunsprite rose. This type smells amazing! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHKopsyvDqJzPH5KUMeoXH7JkU_Em2hw2xxQeJxPE3XayWckeg5fWGoaiN7p3YzBtxsZCTAu2ZkpMDRjJVUsnY8pn3Ii2Hc-DdTzYHvIWcCePLnNgrswS7ju7a7Q2MoW_wvzvubHAtG0Y/s1600/10371577_585877631525719_4089397518252415380_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Veronica" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHKopsyvDqJzPH5KUMeoXH7JkU_Em2hw2xxQeJxPE3XayWckeg5fWGoaiN7p3YzBtxsZCTAu2ZkpMDRjJVUsnY8pn3Ii2Hc-DdTzYHvIWcCePLnNgrswS7ju7a7Q2MoW_wvzvubHAtG0Y/s400/10371577_585877631525719_4089397518252415380_n.jpg" title="" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Veronica (Speedwell) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV3VAHPLL0Zk2J-RyPjFN3PGxVkGA3Ejj2AR86nECV5UPA4K2V0BtbMb7PiNJpLIzJLcrWq5Cp8Q3pYtsjEjF6JVOg2rHTIwMwKPqpjma5bGeJxYF_28TvurH2LLg8Wib1t_EZ5c8MKkE/s1600/10380323_591726077607541_2379085713284448994_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Camelot rose" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV3VAHPLL0Zk2J-RyPjFN3PGxVkGA3Ejj2AR86nECV5UPA4K2V0BtbMb7PiNJpLIzJLcrWq5Cp8Q3pYtsjEjF6JVOg2rHTIwMwKPqpjma5bGeJxYF_28TvurH2LLg8Wib1t_EZ5c8MKkE/s400/10380323_591726077607541_2379085713284448994_n.jpg" title="" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camelot rose. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMV9801znKCO7xisJFsxI5snSaHip4oyYKIprHNABWLCsj-h4GoKE6Abpwr_2TCx0GVnHj4Nf1Cj42vq7zkAp4MbU_wExNXTp1vdZXYeJ9w2fFoQlAw7HGbOIBPlyYkE9iPUU9dDmSYA8/s1600/10475970_624106374369511_7019620128927898809_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Fairy garden homestead" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMV9801znKCO7xisJFsxI5snSaHip4oyYKIprHNABWLCsj-h4GoKE6Abpwr_2TCx0GVnHj4Nf1Cj42vq7zkAp4MbU_wExNXTp1vdZXYeJ9w2fFoQlAw7HGbOIBPlyYkE9iPUU9dDmSYA8/s400/10475970_624106374369511_7019620128927898809_o.jpg" title="" width="378" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I built a little homestead for any fairies who might want to take up residence in the garden</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_5kq6Ab12XOn1RcEf3VxppvnuWiMwnTuWNX8yR5DUQCGO0D5qzcXrjJ1j2YXhHojsnx46Zf0GRAG1qtSID8xiyv0tIV7FkP2gLmpchdH3D-5C4O5rxR3dcObjaa5YfiBJbxDM1DE_Z-0/s1600/thumb_IMG_5978_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Wild garden" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_5kq6Ab12XOn1RcEf3VxppvnuWiMwnTuWNX8yR5DUQCGO0D5qzcXrjJ1j2YXhHojsnx46Zf0GRAG1qtSID8xiyv0tIV7FkP2gLmpchdH3D-5C4O5rxR3dcObjaa5YfiBJbxDM1DE_Z-0/s400/thumb_IMG_5978_1024.jpg" title="" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wild, wild, wild and I love it!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFT5nvuv2oSv6tdqIXhrgErU1LX-dnKbxvevLrzdwxJURKOWeiz6_3oGF8Jx4W3BRZ-2C8ev-sWJDYtEqV3CT3nPpPFNERzp_5yZ6C-c11kAvZ4YOC8j0BGAU_-1tfYOwh2GmBUe8BsLo/s1600/thumb_IMG_5980_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sunsprite and Camelot roses" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFT5nvuv2oSv6tdqIXhrgErU1LX-dnKbxvevLrzdwxJURKOWeiz6_3oGF8Jx4W3BRZ-2C8ev-sWJDYtEqV3CT3nPpPFNERzp_5yZ6C-c11kAvZ4YOC8j0BGAU_-1tfYOwh2GmBUe8BsLo/s400/thumb_IMG_5980_1024.jpg" title="" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More Sunsprite and Camelot roses</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCvqmW_HC7gOd4xf3FwX6TvZ2uMPWNBwfhG80Xr2UB_JyifTfs4QjWpeW5fr3yD9pHNd2Jv9omUruQNG5vEIC5ukMZU6kXn-X_8LGfzUM-DUPtV0KohBk5Vz3OdIEP1aPSDop36Ab-S6U/s1600/IMG_3724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Bleeding heart" border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCvqmW_HC7gOd4xf3FwX6TvZ2uMPWNBwfhG80Xr2UB_JyifTfs4QjWpeW5fr3yD9pHNd2Jv9omUruQNG5vEIC5ukMZU6kXn-X_8LGfzUM-DUPtV0KohBk5Vz3OdIEP1aPSDop36Ab-S6U/s400/IMG_3724.jpg" title="" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bleeding heart</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsJN5K52NzQc7VkOq5doGYZXgs8Z4hPulaRPezwzp9vBrb5VV-HXGxerfxuUVHR2i8RcAaayToTX3gl4e2BRCEnKhkpvgJ0mbawltpCq7rdlD-QmEAbniqeRBcaIAZKF7SZAK_YLoAlsA/s1600/IMG_3849.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Abstract walkway in progress" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsJN5K52NzQc7VkOq5doGYZXgs8Z4hPulaRPezwzp9vBrb5VV-HXGxerfxuUVHR2i8RcAaayToTX3gl4e2BRCEnKhkpvgJ0mbawltpCq7rdlD-QmEAbniqeRBcaIAZKF7SZAK_YLoAlsA/s400/IMG_3849.jpg" title="" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Part of my new walkway. It's time consuming, but so worth it! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvhe8D4lbjCJmCQ7-witBvkRKUWeLaULYed2esjzIlqWTBNML8paqlTDHPpmEyP3dNt3tBxjeAa9G6wpi2HFoN5BFECHTwsr0c4xkZ5Upn27VgrQrzcZVpJSveEWrUH5WYuoqeVqnGLSo/s1600/IMG_3872.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Butterflies on privet" border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvhe8D4lbjCJmCQ7-witBvkRKUWeLaULYed2esjzIlqWTBNML8paqlTDHPpmEyP3dNt3tBxjeAa9G6wpi2HFoN5BFECHTwsr0c4xkZ5Upn27VgrQrzcZVpJSveEWrUH5WYuoqeVqnGLSo/s400/IMG_3872.jpg" title="" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When the privet is in bloom, there are bees and butterflies everywhere!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4U7rWNe-M4vLtmMUeE_eVlHaO3rklZ-yHgrLct8OdXQu5bYj1wC26Une3Xfu9V6okIkMOg1ZWoX127BnAPoiF8N7WkcCUlkPLzowwqF_58qCxrp2MJW2T5PPbXPA96dt72ARJmPnjOJ8/s1600/IMG_3892.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Natural garden archway" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4U7rWNe-M4vLtmMUeE_eVlHaO3rklZ-yHgrLct8OdXQu5bYj1wC26Une3Xfu9V6okIkMOg1ZWoX127BnAPoiF8N7WkcCUlkPLzowwqF_58qCxrp2MJW2T5PPbXPA96dt72ARJmPnjOJ8/s400/IMG_3892.jpg" title="" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Naturally occurring archway out back that formed from hackberry, porcelain vine, a mulberry tree, and who knows what else! </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid46H27Up_aXJBtxv5rnFdp8dWcK4x9vV-7b-3xXoa8Zj7qUifV8Y5FGqYGI7zqEID3eQ2mDFnkId88QzkycJku9D_tiaQxAKfLQKBY-TBuXPo00sWTRmWPWETkwU7UvdInGtXXoV-Sqs/s1600/IMG_3695.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="DIY silver spoon screen door handle" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid46H27Up_aXJBtxv5rnFdp8dWcK4x9vV-7b-3xXoa8Zj7qUifV8Y5FGqYGI7zqEID3eQ2mDFnkId88QzkycJku9D_tiaQxAKfLQKBY-TBuXPo00sWTRmWPWETkwU7UvdInGtXXoV-Sqs/s400/IMG_3695.JPG" title="" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my favorite things. A bent an old silver spoon, drilled and turned into a screen door handle for the kitchen. If there's anything crafty to be done, I'm all over it! </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju05TBlLjGARXUEftsps7Jlzr846Mm9Jm0gmMNFnUol87HOLeVPxr8T7rFS7eH6XqlAiTR_uGqh07JzAveoO2oFwf67iZiMjmSvK6aORYbaYkVg2C98HJnvj-TbKXHYv_r2r2UiR0hw2Y/s1600/10522006_615658101881005_7491471799366541876_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju05TBlLjGARXUEftsps7Jlzr846Mm9Jm0gmMNFnUol87HOLeVPxr8T7rFS7eH6XqlAiTR_uGqh07JzAveoO2oFwf67iZiMjmSvK6aORYbaYkVg2C98HJnvj-TbKXHYv_r2r2UiR0hw2Y/s320/10522006_615658101881005_7491471799366541876_n.jpg" width="279" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Mister and me. He's not here these days, but hopefully soon he'll be back to enjoy everything that I've done with our gardens since he's been gone. <3 </td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4113782040746776447.post-83323333175117420282016-01-28T07:37:00.000-08:002016-01-28T07:38:11.375-08:00My Favorite Old House Renovation Things<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZPz3u6w364_ajfJxhYUbxKs9wlBbsB-rWQW2nT4CQZkeBkF_eBbl9HE40Vqg0Tj_avVC-jKB4jOggsNW1Dx07P0oQyYcf8ckWNZ1eVPERJFPfKRXQ7qyHcugGtLz9Q0DhQq07D0S28Ng/s1600/thumb_IMG_5395_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="499" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZPz3u6w364_ajfJxhYUbxKs9wlBbsB-rWQW2nT4CQZkeBkF_eBbl9HE40Vqg0Tj_avVC-jKB4jOggsNW1Dx07P0oQyYcf8ckWNZ1eVPERJFPfKRXQ7qyHcugGtLz9Q0DhQq07D0S28Ng/s640/thumb_IMG_5395_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This little thing is magic. MAGIC! </td></tr>
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As a lover of all things old house rehab, time and sweat and a lot of sore muscles (not to mention ruined manicures) have given me an appreciation for certain tools. Sometimes, they’re conventional. Sometimes they’re not. Right now, I’m in love with a little steaming tool. It cures an awful lot of old house renovation ills without a lot of effort.<br />
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This is a Dirt Devil Handheld Easy Steam machine. It’s not very big, which is a good thing because it’s portable. But it’s powerful. Don’t get your fingers too near the tip. Trust me on this. Good things do not happen when skin and hot steam meet.<br />
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What makes this steamer awesome is that it removes stuff that you don’t want, and it does it without anything besides water and electricity.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibzDVlLvXdlp5q-V68vTMpNT_dVrYgTsR8xqashsF6vU4yk6kv9pdvs94mzewXSo9g5g3MPMU8pCfcEAnWM4t4jjZHtoPNXW0coa1viMw6E2kcXVLsJDYOTWopKBnR11fE5XXs3ucUVMI/s1600/thumb_IMG_5397_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibzDVlLvXdlp5q-V68vTMpNT_dVrYgTsR8xqashsF6vU4yk6kv9pdvs94mzewXSo9g5g3MPMU8pCfcEAnWM4t4jjZHtoPNXW0coa1viMw6E2kcXVLsJDYOTWopKBnR11fE5XXs3ucUVMI/s640/thumb_IMG_5397_1024.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is my favorite tip because it concentrates the steam. </td></tr>
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Got 100 years of paint on a set of door hinges? Not for long, you don’t. No soaking overnight in a crock pot, and no paint remover required.<br />
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Crud built up along a baseboard seam? This tool obliterates it AND it blows out the gunk so that all you have to do is wipe it up. You don’t even have to scrub.<br />
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What about mineral deposits around the base of a faucet handle? If it hasn’t corroded the metal badly, this steamer will soften up the deposits so that many of them will wipe off, and others only need a little nudge with a <strike>fingernail</strike> plastic scraper. The metal will shine big time. It even cleans decades of old, miserable grease off kitchen tile.<br />
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The steamer also strips paint from wood. Whaaat? Yep. It does.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieLVfxGthXcHd2OlhpUa7f2rkZUin_eUBVYCmBh6gOFZRUxGQURLNswz0iTdl0gXIoX7hLfeeu7hsmydaTYIfz0MCnbgdSlnPgJYW1bbVxsPcYDoD7c1YCZU3YrGxniAHgKMDH91bsBdk/s1600/thumb_IMG_5398_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieLVfxGthXcHd2OlhpUa7f2rkZUin_eUBVYCmBh6gOFZRUxGQURLNswz0iTdl0gXIoX7hLfeeu7hsmydaTYIfz0MCnbgdSlnPgJYW1bbVxsPcYDoD7c1YCZU3YrGxniAHgKMDH91bsBdk/s640/thumb_IMG_5398_1024.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The steaming part is really fun. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggKf0LKRZb3wDHaKdEfWw-F3n3TgDAgy-_wFzIA0wNeQ_RfaROsElfhpjOcJOd_2QCTUu1kN7Gv8Pv91o3Cqx2YPi0h4K95_eIKhioa_v2mwD9k1sqapYFd7382SiwGxSCV09F3Qmq6Dg/s1600/thumb_IMG_5399_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggKf0LKRZb3wDHaKdEfWw-F3n3TgDAgy-_wFzIA0wNeQ_RfaROsElfhpjOcJOd_2QCTUu1kN7Gv8Pv91o3Cqx2YPi0h4K95_eIKhioa_v2mwD9k1sqapYFd7382SiwGxSCV09F3Qmq6Dg/s640/thumb_IMG_5399_1024.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">REALLY fun.</td></tr>
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I’ve been stripping my staircase for longer than I’d like to admit. It’s got more than 125 years of paint and varnish on it, and even the most eye-watering, fumey paint strippers just don’t work well. This morning, I wondered if steam would work better than paint strippers. It does.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL-b6_2gqAg-ZUtrZnre7lA17FKRFewyD-UuQ_ErPehbD1IuWZE_9FN_2CDbl53Fu0wtfk0kcM_d2uAOsDrS9uJtpjE8htrc9PbBLk0C1hVYm2fJS9bJfLWhb7U5hIOdDKr27pONDy3-0/s1600/thumb_IMG_5402_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL-b6_2gqAg-ZUtrZnre7lA17FKRFewyD-UuQ_ErPehbD1IuWZE_9FN_2CDbl53Fu0wtfk0kcM_d2uAOsDrS9uJtpjE8htrc9PbBLk0C1hVYm2fJS9bJfLWhb7U5hIOdDKr27pONDy3-0/s640/thumb_IMG_5402_1024.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It just peels right off. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd-0u1PjyPbmg_ynKn_y6uUJX9MlZ2DZSsLGAoEth6nnj-e2PfNQKiEoax3IkRvUWbRxC_d21m4x64AfiXEswkNG7vn8y8oeeZD95dKMd8uBtyqSoW62C1O5DPmBdwsiyuxzowGqf9iM4/s1600/thumb_IMG_5404_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd-0u1PjyPbmg_ynKn_y6uUJX9MlZ2DZSsLGAoEth6nnj-e2PfNQKiEoax3IkRvUWbRxC_d21m4x64AfiXEswkNG7vn8y8oeeZD95dKMd8uBtyqSoW62C1O5DPmBdwsiyuxzowGqf9iM4/s640/thumb_IMG_5404_1024.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Awww yeah, this paint is gonna be TOAST! </td></tr>
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Sometimes your favorite old house rehab tools weren’t necessarily born for a job, but they work great just the same. If you can save some hours of labor? Even better.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4113782040746776447.post-19084822621510396902015-09-08T09:16:00.000-07:002015-10-07T09:57:29.463-07:00Designing the Perfect Closet<div class="p1">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsPvYpOQ5VCfvYW4caF0jAai-YG1hHG89vcVBAD0wKA5SaTfFCcknPm1dtEZbOHQYLCgz8_a4piaLo9KbSudfSqor7wZjvhEMrzPTehQtU8Vs2QCZU8M102IVcEbX7CP-SjXgtYj4wlII/s1600/jean-harlow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsPvYpOQ5VCfvYW4caF0jAai-YG1hHG89vcVBAD0wKA5SaTfFCcknPm1dtEZbOHQYLCgz8_a4piaLo9KbSudfSqor7wZjvhEMrzPTehQtU8Vs2QCZU8M102IVcEbX7CP-SjXgtYj4wlII/s320/jean-harlow.jpg" width="600" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, Mr Mayer? This closet just won't do. </td></tr>
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<span class="s1">How often do you think about your closet? If you’re like most folks, it happens about once a day. Even then, you’re probably wondering more about what to wear than what the closet space looks like. And you’re also probably half asleep, so that might not count anyway. I was recently introduced to <a href="http://www.compass.com/" target="_blank">Compass</a>, and that's where I found the inspiration to design my dream closet.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">So. What if you could have any closet in the whole wide world? </span></div>
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<span class="s1">You don’t need a cavernous space that echoes when you shout inside to have a really cool closet. All that you need is a space, large or small, that works for you. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">Maybe you don’t own a hundred pairs of Manolo Blahniks. Or John Fluevogs (Oh, merciful swoon!). Doesn’t matter. A great closet is one where everything fits and you can find what you need without turning your bedroom into that scene from <i>27 Dresses</i>. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">Here’s what I would have if money and space were no object:</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/2094169/Childrens-Hospital-Designer-Showhouse-2011-traditional-closet-denver"><img border="0" src="http://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/cb31bf7700b7f71c_8-7640/traditional-closet.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional/closet" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Traditional Closet</a> by <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/architect/c/Denver--CO" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Denver Architects & Building Designers</a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/ashcamp622/ashley-campbell-interior-design" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Ashley Campbell Interior Design</a></small></div>
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<span class="s1">What I love about this closet are the built-ins and the creative use of space. Look at the way the cupboard and drawers tuck under the slanted gable ceiling line. That’s a spot people have fussed over for an awfully long time. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">Awkward chests never fit quite right, and a chair wouldn’t use it to its best advantage. This type of corner was just made for recessed storage. Brilliant!</span></div>
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<span class="s1">I also love the neutral colors. No matter what you’re wearing, the backdrop won’t compete while you’re getting dressed and doing your makeup. The only thing that I’m not crazy about is the placement of closet door mirrors. Not much to be done about that here. But in the mornings, you’d be lit from the wrong side while checking your reflection. The vanity placement might make up for that. Who doesn’t want natural light for putting on makeup?</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/2958227/Locust-Avenue-Historic-Renovation-traditional-closet-other-metro"><img border="0" src="http://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/78e1face0127a7a8_8-7649/traditional-closet.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional/closet" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Traditional Closet</a> by <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractor/c/Charlottesville--VA" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Charlottesville General Contractors</a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/elementmike/element-construction" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Element Construction</a></small></div>
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<span class="s1">This closet is handy X 1,000. It’s not especially big or over-the-top. It’s really just two walls of double hanging bars and a hefty shelf overhead. What’s awesome is the placement and size of the little chest. That, I love. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">My house is 125 years old and the rooms aren’t big. You wouldn't call mine an open-plan house. Because of that, Mr. Vagabond and I decided a long time ago not to use traditional bedroom storage. There’s just no room for it, not without making our bedroom feel cramped. Instead, we keep most of our clothing in the laundry room. Yep. That's right.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">This little chest would give me plenty of storage that doesn’t look cheap. (Wire racks, you’re outta here!) And because it’s under a window, there’s a perfect spot to check for an errant stain that made it through the wash, and to make sure that I’m really wearing two black socks. Not that I’ve ever worn a black and a blue one. I can imagine that little chest being the handiest spot in the whole closet. </span><br />
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<a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/23692177/Around-the-World-Flair-eclectic-closet-denver"><img border="0" src="http://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/12f1552504d3de7b_8-7518/eclectic-closet.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/eclectic/closet" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Eclectic Closet</a> by <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/home-builders/c/Steamboat-Springs--CO" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Steamboat Springs Home Builders</a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/foxconstructionsteamboat/fox-construction-inc" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Fox Construction, Inc.</a></small></div>
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<span class="s1">Now, this one goes against almost everything that I’ve said so far. First, unless I convert one of the spare bedrooms into a closet, there’s no way this would work in my house. Second, the vibrant colors could make getting ready in the morning a bit difficult. The orange-reds and peacock blues would affect the lighting and the way that nearly outfit looked. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">But, my. Isn’t it beautiful? Just look at it for a second. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">This is just a reminder that a fab closet doesn’t have to look like anything that’s trending right now. It doesn’t need perfectly matched, custom built-ins. And it doesn’t need a jewelry display that makes the space look more like a boutique than a home. This closet is fun. I’d totally hang out there. </span><br />
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<a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/15456427/NC-Home-contemporary-closet-other-metro"><img border="0" src="http://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/9351857d03e1033c_8-7572/contemporary-closet.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary/closet" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Contemporary Closet</a> by <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/architect/c/Sumter--SC" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Sumter Architects & Building Designers</a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/nicolefolsenorris/nicole-norris-design-studio-inc" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Nicole Norris Design Studio, Inc.</a></small></div>
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<span class="s1">Holy giant mirror! This closet has a little bit of everything. Except, of course, a neutral color scheme. What’s really amazing is the size of the mirror and its placement on the floor instead of mounted on the wall. You can clearly see your whole outfit plus shoes. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">I love the table at the center of the space, too. It’s a bit cluttered and wouldn’t be useful to me as-is, but without a series of bowls you could lay out your clothes for the day and have them handy. </span><br />
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<span class="s1">And can I just say that I want all of those Wellies? All of them. In every color. </span>I'd keep them someplace else, though. More on that in a bit.<br />
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<a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/8402677/Tradd-Circle-Residence-eclectic-closet-charleston"><img border="0" src="http://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/556108c102eac093_8-7580/eclectic-closet.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/eclectic/closet" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Eclectic Closet</a> by <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/architect/c/Sumter--SC" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Sumter Architects & Building Designers</a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/nicolefolsenorris/nicole-norris-design-studio-inc" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Nicole Norris Design Studio, Inc.</a></small></div>
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<span class="s1">Ok, forget everything that I've said about a neutral closet backdrop. Can I get an Amen for this little jewel box? </span><br />
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<span class="s1">Look close, and you’ll see that this space isn’t anything extraordinary dimensions-wise. It would work in just about any standard walk-in. You know the kind, the ones with a wrap-around hanging bar and a wire shelf overhead.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Rip out the prefab closet hardware (does anyone really like wire racks anyway?) and go with shallow cabinets instead. And then paint them a funky color! Love the giant mirror, and love the little bench. Love this whole closet, even if this one is devoted to a little girl’s room. I can be a little girl at heart, right?</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/13278734/Flatiron-Condo-contemporary-closet-other-metro"><img border="0" src="http://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/9c81ce02039a0be2_8-7563/contemporary-closet.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary/closet" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Contemporary Closet</a> by <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designer/c/New-York--NY" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">New York Interior Designers & Decorators</a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/jkwaltersinc/jk-walters-inc" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">JK Walters Inc</a></small></div>
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<span class="s1">Now about those shoes. This is how I’d prefer to store mine. If you’ve noticed that most of my closet ooohs and aaahs have little to do with shoes, you’re right. </span><br />
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<span class="s1">I am not fan of storing shoes with my clothing. I’m just not. I think it’s icky, and I don’t like it. There. I said it. Icky. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">Shoes can get smelly. Yes, anyone’s shoes. And they have dirt on the bottom. And even the cleanest feet on Earth don’t smell like roses. I don’t want my clothing to smell like feet. With a separate shoe closet, they can get the air circulation that they need without sharing space with my clothes. I would actually have a closet like this in my foyer if I could. Who wears shoes in the house, anyway?</span><br />
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<span class="s1">Closets can make or break any home. Too few, which is what I have in this old house, and you're constantly looking for creative ways to keep everything tidy. But too much closet space isn't much better. At least not if it's underused and inefficient. </span><br />
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<span class="s1">I know that Spring is the classic time to clear out closets and work on organization, but I propose a whole different idea. Autumn means spending more time indoors. And it brings with it heavier clothing that takes up more space. </span><br />
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<span class="s1">Maybe this time of year is a better time to rework closets and make them something amazing! I'll just add that to my agenda right now. I've got plenty of time on my hands, right? </span><br />
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<span class="s1"><br /></span><span class="s1">XOXO</span><span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<a href="http://s62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/sinner99/?action=view&current=Signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/sinner99/Signature.png" /></a>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4113782040746776447.post-39349068228858397632015-08-26T11:04:00.000-07:002015-09-08T09:09:55.968-07:00Small Bedroom Interior Decor Can Be Gorgeous!<div>
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<a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/16008871/Chelsea-House-transitional-bedroom-london"><img align="center" border="0" src="http://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/d3516e1503f200b1_8-9927/transitional-bedroom.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/transitional/bedroom" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Transitional Bedroom</a> by <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/architect/london" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">London Architects & Building Designers</a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/thorpdesign/thorp-design" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Thorp Design</a></small></div>
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<span class="s1">Bedroom interior decor hasn’t changed much over the past decade or so, or even longer. And if you have a small bedroom, you might be sticking with old traditional advice. Stop it. Stop it, right now. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">We’ve all heard it. Scale down on furnishings. Don’t use heavy fabrics. Avoid dark colors. And the classic, shove everything against the wall to maximize floor space. I think that all of this evolved out of the best intentions. When you’re working with a small space, you don’t want to feel like you’re in a cave. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">But I propose that you take everything that you know about small bedroom interior decor, tie it up in a neat little bundle, fashion a pretty bow, and then throw it out the window. To misquote Billy Joel, we love you, little bedrooms, just the way you are. :-)</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Instead of looking at a tiny space as a deficiency in your haven, why not embrace it? That doesn’t mean accentuating the smallness of the space. It just means forgetting about outdated ideas that say little bedrooms can never be as nice as you’d like. Bah, and also humbug on that. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">Here are some of my favorite ideas for transforming a blah diminutive bedroom into a space that you really, honestly, truly love. We’ll start at the walls and work our way in. </span></div>
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<span class="s1"><b>Bedroom Interior Color Matters</b></span></div>
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<span class="s1">White is always fresh, and there’s nothing wrong with it. But the sanitary, blue-toned white can feel awfully hospitalish. It makes me feel edgy, and definitely not relaxed. There’s so much more that you can do with white to soften it. Check out this white palette, which I created from a classic white-on-white bedroom image. And there are about a million more shades than this. You can get the clean look of white without any of the edginess. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">But you don’t have to stick with white. Forget about the fact that the square footage is small. Think about which colors you’d love, and just run with it. It’s true that darker walls can make any room feel smaller. So if you’re devoted to avoiding that, pick a color and move to a lighter shade in the same family. Easy peasy. </span><br />
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Do you love the warm colors of autumn?<br />
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<span class="s1">Or maybe a soothing neutral palette?</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZLAo8dz4J2H0l0AcBLrOpGpo8TC3Bwp9b5Rdl7ZZ6Cgf2XkcZQoFOY1Uwe6cBFpEs0_ucPGcqhH9m5LAkFb59ldEPojwEHQn-MiSpQLgsU2m71vmXGTrDzanKMxnJ_o5SmzuMcedgo0Y/s1600/white+palette.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="90" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZLAo8dz4J2H0l0AcBLrOpGpo8TC3Bwp9b5Rdl7ZZ6Cgf2XkcZQoFOY1Uwe6cBFpEs0_ucPGcqhH9m5LAkFb59ldEPojwEHQn-MiSpQLgsU2m71vmXGTrDzanKMxnJ_o5SmzuMcedgo0Y/s400/white+palette.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="s1"><a href="http://caroleoldroyd.blogspot.com/2012/02/extracting-color-palette.html" target="_blank">Click here</a> to learn how you can create your own color palette from any photo.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">There’s nothing wrong with a tiny bedroom saturated in bold color, either. It will make the room look a bit smaller, but it can also look incredibly special, like a little jewel box. And if you don’t want to hose down the room in purples and golds and reds, you can always stick with paler walls and go all out with soft furnishings such as your bedlinens, draperies, pillows and rugs. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">Or, go opposite with dark walls and light neutral soft furnishings. I’m in love with the mushroomy gray on these walls. This is such a soothing bedroom. I’d love to nap there! </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/13085350/North-Coogee-contemporary-bedroom-perth"><img border="0" src="http://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/6181fa5c0395875d_8-5474/contemporary-bedroom.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary/bedroom" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Contemporary Bedroom</a> by <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designer/perth" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Perth Interior Designers & Decorators</a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/collected-interiors/collected-interiors" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Collected Interiors</a></small></div>
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<span class="s1"><b>Check Out the Ceiling</b></span></div>
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<span class="s1">When was the last time that you noticed your bedroom ceiling? If it was probably when you changed a light bulb, you’re like most folks. But when you use the ceiling as a design element, you give the room a lot more personality. More important, you draw the eye up. Up is good. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhSWO2qD1geoqFmtzihQNhuFURL27CY-9Bulj3ysvlfXz5ky4ZQsMTcWZO4IhWSq2qZmhKRAjztJFkpONrG1bJ_E_1duZla8I21ixdEP4l9GnwFxgRiwG772xiCkfoB2CFzOh-BFfwxKY/s1600/Winsome-Bedroom-Beach-design-ideas-for-Painted-Wood-Ceiling-Decor-Ideas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhSWO2qD1geoqFmtzihQNhuFURL27CY-9Bulj3ysvlfXz5ky4ZQsMTcWZO4IhWSq2qZmhKRAjztJFkpONrG1bJ_E_1duZla8I21ixdEP4l9GnwFxgRiwG772xiCkfoB2CFzOh-BFfwxKY/s640/Winsome-Bedroom-Beach-design-ideas-for-Painted-Wood-Ceiling-Decor-Ideas.jpg" width="571" /></a></div>
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<span class="s1">Beadboard ceilings are classic, and I happen to love them. And glossy paint gives it that much more dimension. If the pale cottage look is a bit too sweet for your taste, you can stain the wood or leave it natural and seal it. It doesn’t have to be white to draw the eye up. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">But what’s really got my attention these days are decorative ceiling treatments. OMG, <a href="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5586/14970462372_0f00932137_o.png" target="_blank">check out the pic at this link</a>! Yes, it’s a large room. But imagine this detail on a smaller scale on your bedroom ceiling. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">*Swoon*</span></div>
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<span class="s1">When you use the ceiling as another bedroom interior decor element, you get more mileage out of your space. And you also give the eye something else to focus on besides mini proportions. </span></div>
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<span class="s1"><b>Don’t Let Your Furniture Suffocate the Walls</b></span></div>
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<span class="s1">If your furnishings touch the walls, you probably have the opposite effect from what you really want. It seems like a space-maximizing trick, but instead it makes the room look cramped. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">Space behind furnishings won’t make the room look smaller. The shadows between furnishings and the walls gives the room a sense of depth. Without shadows, everything looks flat and dull. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">See? </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidu5mZ-edkBKIjBvYunfMJBm2fxPPHWk50Gaaf_nDdqyYrwRp7HclYfT1tg2NxyrGmRXVo6sBZSd6nxmXNvq5kh4LmYASYZlqvol4Lwg-2qNrSzoolxud7071tbNt8KD750U8-XR7CPj0/s1600/shadow.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidu5mZ-edkBKIjBvYunfMJBm2fxPPHWk50Gaaf_nDdqyYrwRp7HclYfT1tg2NxyrGmRXVo6sBZSd6nxmXNvq5kh4LmYASYZlqvol4Lwg-2qNrSzoolxud7071tbNt8KD750U8-XR7CPj0/s640/shadow.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="s1">Your headboard might need to fit close, but you can still leave an inch or so. As for everything else, let the furniture and the walls breathe. </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/2733840/Murray-Hill-Apartment-eclectic-bedroom-new-york"><img border="0" src="http://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/6f118c0b0112e2b3_8-2569/eclectic-bedroom.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/eclectic/bedroom" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Eclectic Bedroom</a> by <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/architect/c/New-York--NY" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">New York Architects & Building Designers</a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/michaeltavanodesign/michael-tavano-design" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Michael Tavano Design</a></small></div>
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<span class="s1"><b>Try to Incorporate a Chair</b></span></div>
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<span class="s1">If you’re battling for space with a small bedroom interior, the last thing on your list of must-haves is probably a chair. But a bedroom chair boosts its comfort level about a million percent. It also looks awesome.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">It doesn’t have to be a huge chair. A small one in what my mother calls “lady-size” is ideal. Plush is good, and it’s also a great spot to read. But it doesn’t have to be a tufted chair. Even a small wooden chair with a cushion on the seat makes the room look well appointed. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">If a chair won’t work, what about a bench? You can situate one at the foot of the bed, under a window, or along any awkward wall. Seating is good.</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/20833201/coronado-beach-style-bedroom-san-diego"><img border="0" src="http://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/d1e177220488f3e2_8-1166/beach-style-bedroom.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/beach-style/bedroom" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Beach Style Bedroom</a> by <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designer/c/Los-Angeles--CA" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Los Angeles Interior Designers & Decorators</a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/burnhamdesign/burnham-design" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Burnham Design</a></small></div>
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<span class="s1"><b>Think Vertical for Bedroom Interior Storage</b></span></div>
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<span class="s1">Take a look at your bedroom and notice how much wall space isn’t being used. It’s probably a lot, at least if you don’t count any of the artwork that you might have. You can claim any of it for storage, and it’s easier than you might think. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">A bookcase like the one in this photo can fit between the wall studs. It doesn't have to project out as much as this one does. If it recesses into the wall, it takes up virtually no floor space. Situated on the left and right of the bed, you can bump out the lower portion of the book case to make built-in nightstands. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">A typical wall has about 4 - 6 inches of empty space depth between the studs, and the studs in most homes are about 12 - 16 inches apart. The location of the studs might not be ideal for centering your bed between. But if you choose a wider section, you’ll have room to center the bed and trim molding can make the whole area cohesive. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">The only place where I don’t recommend between-stud cupboards is on an exterior wall. You’d have to ditch the insulation, and that’s just a bad idea on an outer wall. But any interior walls are perfect. Just remember that there are wires inside most walls, so your contractor might have to re-route some of them. It’s not really a big deal for a professional.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Tiny, diminutive, itty-bitty, little bedrooms can be enormous on style and function. You can’t change the square footage. And tricks of the eye only go so far. So instead of ignoring a small bedroom and not even trying to make it great, or worse — using mini-furniture in the hopes of making it appear larger, just roll with it. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">A small bedroom can also be flat-out gorgeous! </span><br />
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<span class="s1">XOXO</span></div>
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<a href="http://s62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/sinner99/?action=view&current=Signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/sinner99/Signature.png" /></a><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4113782040746776447.post-78438095230431679522015-08-01T17:05:00.000-07:002015-09-08T09:10:22.017-07:00Pick my Folk Victorian House Paint Color! The Winner is...<div>
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<b>It has been decided!</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/842749/Late-summer-garden-rustic-landscape-portland-maine"><img border="0" src="http://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/b06101170f9582fc_8-2029/rustic-landscape.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/rustic/landscape" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Rustic Landscape</a> by <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architect/c/Portland--ME" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Portland Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers</a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/annkearsleydesign/ann-kearsley-design" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Ann Kearsley Design</a></small></div>
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My house is gonna be red.<br />
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Red, red, red.<br />
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Scarlet, oxblood, currant.<br />
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Garnet, wine, or maybe even tomato.<br />
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I'm just not sure which red, at least not just yet. I <i>am</i> sure that the Mr. will have an opinion. Just as soon as I tell him which color I've chosen, that is.<br />
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It wasn't an easy decision to come to. There's white, which is universally tidy and clean. And that was what I thought I'd land on when this whole process began. White is also much cheaper than red, since contractor-grade is readily available in white. And then there's the slate blue, which I do like a lot.<br />
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But, no. There's a reason why red keeps turning my head. And so, there you have it.<br />
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I love all of these houses for different reasons. The one at the top is a personal favorite because it doesn't scream red. It more suggests it, with a bit of mellow brown mixed in.<br />
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<a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/27488632/Our-Projects-exterior-other-metro"><img border="0" src="http://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/28c1be43051dba76_8-1643/exterior.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/exterior" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Exterior</a> by <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/architect/c/Mobile--AL" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Mobile Architects & Building Designers</a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/buerger11/kearley-architects-llc" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Kearley Architects, Llc</a></small></div>
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I think I like this one so much because it looks so happy. White trim, and happy little white picket fence.<br />
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<a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/17869069/Victorian-Stick-victorian-exterior-boston"><img border="0" src="http://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/a0719c4c04257d83_8-3109/victorian-exterior.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/victorian/exterior" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Victorian Exterior</a> by <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designer/boston" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Boston Interior Designers & Decorators</a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/pfaffcolordesign/pfaff-color-design" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Pfaff Color Design</a></small></div>
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This house appeals to be because it's more subtle. I would probably go with a more red-red than this (It almost looks coral on my screen), but I really like the taupey-gray trim.<br />
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<a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/2460571/Puget-Sound-Residence-farmhouse-exterior-seattle"><img align="center" border="0" src="http://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/f8d13fba00f4153d_8-2887/farmhouse-exterior.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/farmhouse/exterior" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Farmhouse Exterior</a> by <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/architect/c/Grand-Rapids--MI" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Grand Rapids Architects & Building Designers</a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/pbillings/sears-architects" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Sears Architects</a></small></div>
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Now, this is a house! It's definitely bold. But the Mr. would love it. He has three favorite colors: red, black and gray. As you can imagine, that severely limits my ability to paint or otherwise decorate inside or out without making him do the frowny face. I'm not sure that I could live with this much black trim. I do, however, think that when he sees these choices, this one will be his pick.<br />
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<a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/1181931/Fall-Landscape-craftsman-landscape-other-metro"><img align="center" border="0" src="http://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/94f1337b0ffb03a1_8-1994/craftsman-landscape.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/craftsman/landscape" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Craftsman Landscape</a> by <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-contractors/c/Holland--MI" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Holland Landscape Contractors</a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/brlandscaping/blue-ridge-landscaping" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Blue Ridge Landscaping</a></small></div>
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This one, I like because it's also more mellow. The putty-colored trim softens the red and makes it not quite so bold. At least that's my take.<br />
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<a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/853240/Entry-rustic-exterior-minneapolis"><img border="0" src="http://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/eaa1ba530f98786a_8-3603/rustic-exterior.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/rustic/exterior" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Rustic Exterior</a> by <a 600="" href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractor/c/Crosslake--MN" none="" style="color: #444444;" text-decoration:="">Crosslake General Contractors</a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/landsenddevelopment/lands-end-development-designers-and-builders" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Lands End Development - Designers & Builders</a></small></div>
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But now, if I had to choose a favorite, this one might actually be it. This looks nothing like my house. But there's something about the play of red paint and natural cedar that makes my little heart flutter. My house was originally all cedar. And it's still under the old Masonite someplace. Seeing this combination makes me wonder whether I could pull off a similar combination here.<br />
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I still don't know when I'll be able to paint. I would love to start tomorrow! But alas, it has to wait. At least a little while longer. But one thing is for sure. It's definitely gonna be red.<br />
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What do you think? Do you have a favorite among these reds?<br />
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XOXO<br />
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<a href="http://s62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/sinner99/?action=view&current=Signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/sinner99/Signature.png" /></a>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4113782040746776447.post-26108446161336724872015-06-11T05:52:00.001-07:002015-09-08T09:11:04.088-07:00Exterior Paint : It's Gotta be Done<div class="p1">
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<span class="s1">I’ve been thinking a lot about paint these days. Exterior paint, to be exact. My poor old farm house still <a href="http://irrational-propensity.blogspot.com/p/queen-and-i-or-how-to-survive.html" target="_blank">looks like it always has</a> from the outside. And while that’s been a definite asset for our property taxes, it really would be nice to pull into the driveway and smile instead of sigh. My neighbors would probably be happier, too. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">Three very different directions have been rolling around my head. First, there’s the clean look of white. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">My brother tells me, “Sis, a nice coat of white paint makes all the difference in the world. Everything looks nice and tidy.” He’s right, of course. And my house is definitely a prime architectural specimen for white paint. This old folk Victorian has plenty of peers the same color. Plus, there’s something nice about a simple white house. </span><br />
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<span class="s1"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/1836391/Farmhouse-Exterior-farmhouse-exterior-richmond"><img border="0" src="http://st.houzz.com/simgs/a041848000888114_8-5833/farmhouse-exterior.jpg" width="600" /></a></span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-size: xx-small;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/farmhouse/exterior" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Farmhouse Exterior</a></small></span></div>
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<span class="s1">But then my bohemian side pokes out her head. She likes bold colors. She likes RED! That’s a new thing with me. I spent over a decade clinging to all things taupe and taupe-adjacent. A former landlady used to laugh and say that no matter where I lived, she would always know my home just by walking in the front door. Because every house of hers that I lived in, and there were a few, I painted taupe. </span><br />
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<span class="s1">Or taupe-adjacent. </span><br />
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<span class="s1">I do love this red, though. I’m not a fan of cherry red or burgundy red, but I love a warm, sort of barn red. </span><br />
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<a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/2536463/The-Village-at-Hendrix-farmhouse-exterior-little-rock"><img border="0" src="http://st.houzz.com/simgs/8801764b00fd8cbd_8-5468/farmhouse-exterior.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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<small><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/farmhouse/exterior" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Farmhouse Exterior</a> by <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractor/c/Little-Rock--AR" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Little Rock General Contractors</a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/bretfranks/bret-franks-construction-inc" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Bret Franks Construction, Inc.</a></span></small></div>
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<span class="s1">Once that’s settled down, my sensible side kicks my bohemian side in the shins and says, “No, no, no. You want blue!” Ok, not true blue, not primary color on the color wheel blue. But blue adjacent? I think grayed-down blues are very nice. I remember a long time ago, seeing a paint chip that was called "Federal Blue," and that's always been my bar for gray blue. </span><br />
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<span class="s1">And with white trim, blues can also look very clean. It’s the contrast, I imagine. I really do like the idea of a blue house. And the neighbors might not be as shocked as they would with red.</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/6601611/The-Willow-a-Custom-Home-by-Hanson-Homes-Inc-farmhouse-exterior-grand-rapids" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://st.houzz.com/simgs/4d41b7dd0277c2be_8-2722/farmhouse-exterior.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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<span class="s1">Oh, but then I remember my poor hubby. He likes red, but maybe not for the whole exterior. He is “meh” about white. I can't even consider anything in the same zipcode as brown, since he hates it so much. And I’m not sure what he thinks about blue. What he likes is gray. </span><br />
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<span class="s1">Not grayish something. Just plain old gray. Battleship gray. Bless his heart. But I do think that maybe, with the right level of gray, that might work, too. Especially with a bright colored door. </span><br />
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<span class="s1"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/476474/Sandywoods-Farm-farmhouse-exterior-providence"><img border="0" src="http://st.houzz.com/simgs/20712d0b0f184bb4_8-0303/farmhouse-exterior.jpg" width="600" /></a></span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/farmhouse/exterior" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Farmhouse Exterior</a> by <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/architect/c/Providence--RI" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Providence Architects & Building Designers</a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/unionstudioarchitects/union-studio-architecture-and-community-design" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Union Studio, Architecture & Community Design</a></span></div>
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<span class="s1">I’m just not sure. I mean, I am sure that the house must be painted. Baby poop brown, which is what I've got now, is nobody’s favorite. And I really am tired of having the ugliest house on the block. </span><br />
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<span class="s1">What do you think? </span></div>
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<span class="s1">This really shouldn’t be as difficult as it is.</span><br />
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<span class="s1">XOXO</span><br />
<a href="http://s62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/sinner99/?action=view&current=Signature.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/sinner99/Signature.png" /></a><span class="s1"><br /></span>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Paint can image credit: United Soybean Board <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/unitedsoybean/"><span class="s2">https://www.flickr.com/photos/unitedsoybean/</span></a> </i></span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4113782040746776447.post-89286233190346047392015-04-28T08:12:00.005-07:002015-09-08T09:11:27.351-07:00DIY Bohemian Country Kitchen Remodeling Ideas<div>
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<a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/7585206/Reclaimed-White-Pine-Kitchen-Island-Counter-transitional-kitchen-boston"><img border="0" src="http://st.houzz.com/simgs/bd4184d302b0a99a_8-9469/transitional-kitchen.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/transitional/kitchen" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Transitional Kitchen</a> by <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/building-supplies/c/Cambridge--MA" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Cambridge Building Supplies</a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/longleaflumberinc/longleaf-lumber-inc" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Longleaf Lumber Inc</a></small></div>
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<span class="s1">So lately I have been thinking about reworking my country kitchen. Again. I know, I already did that. But the foundation is sinking again, and all of the cherry cabinets that I didn't even like in the first place are separating. Now, I could fix the house and try to wedge the cabinets back together. But since it’s making me a little madder every day, I’m just about over the whole thing, and looking for remodeling ideas. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">There is no more sigh of happiness when I walk in that room. What I feel is a little closer to despair with some ennui blended in for good measure. It bums me out. Big time. The problem, of course, is funds. I'll fix the house, because that has to be done. But I'm not loving the idea of keeping everything else as it is. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/1466066/Eclectic-Farm-House-farmhouse-dining-room-new-york" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://st.houzz.com/simgs/9941a2970036cded_8-3738/farmhouse-dining-room.jpg" width="600" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small; text-align: start;">I am so in love with this kitchen that I don’t even know where to begin.</span></td></tr>
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<small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/farmhouse/dining-room" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Farmhouse Dining Room</a> by <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/photographer/new-york" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">New York Photographers</a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/rikkisnyder/rikki-snyder" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Rikki Snyder</a></small></div>
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<span class="s1">Now, money and I have never been great friends. That might be the reason why the mishmash, eclectic style that I am most comfortable with evolved. I have different names for it on different days, but it’s a bohemian, shabby, gypsy, witchy, bohemian farm house sort of thing. Some people love it, others hate it. Meh. It’s my house. And because I change things in my house the way I change my nail polish, I rarely have commitment issues. If I hate it, out it goes. Eventually. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">Some of you can decide that you want a new kitchen, and you’ll just head on out to the Home Depot and make it happen. My life has never really been like that. I have learned patience over the years. It’s the joy of the ride, not just the destination. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">I save my pennies. I shop sales. I scour thrift stores. I buy things on lay-away, paying small bits at a time toward whatever it is that I need. I habitually visit the Habitat for Humanity ReStores, both in Knoxville and Oak Ridge. Knox Rail Salvage and I are old friends. I try never to buy anything full price or on credit if I can help it. These things have served me well. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/658987/Kitchen-farmhouse-kitchen" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://st.houzz.com/simgs/b9214e950f595823_8-3550/farmhouse-kitchen.jpg" width="600" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; text-align: start;">I’m increasingly interested in freestanding cupboards instead of built-ins. </span></td></tr>
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<small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/farmhouse/kitchen" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Farmhouse Kitchen</a> by <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/photographer/c/Columbus--OH" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Columbus Photographers</a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/julieranee/julie-ranee-photography" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Julie Ranee Photography</a></small></div>
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<span class="s1">So on my bohemian, eclectic, country kitchen, I’m trying to come up with some remodeling ideas. I can build cabinets. That’s not a problem, and I know how to do it on the cheap. And when I say cheap, I mean that each new cabinet would cost me no more than about $10, $15 tops if I by new hardware, which I probably won’t. I’m a major fan of reusing what I can. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">I could build all that I want and need for no more than about $100. I didn’t leave out any zeroes there. I already have a garage full of lumber. Full, I say. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/2737423/The-Hill-Residence-farmhouse-kitchen-other-metro" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://st.houzz.com/simgs/03d1f193011399cd_8-7101/farmhouse-kitchen.jpg" width="600" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; text-align: start;">Seriously enamored with deep red and open shelves these days. The beadboard ceiling is nice, too.</span></td></tr>
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<small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/farmhouse/kitchen" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Farmhouse Kitchen</a> by <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/furniture-and-accessories/c/Nashville--TN" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Nashville Furniture & Accessories</a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/mckeithandesign/mckeithan-design-studio-llc" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">McKeithan Design Studio, LLC</a></small></div>
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<span class="s1">I’m trying to tap my inner inspiration fairy. I am positive that the black granite countertops are outta here. I might reuse it elsewhere, or I might sell it. I haven’t made up my mind on that just yet. Mr. V. loves it, but I don’t think it fits with this house. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">So when I have some spare time, which is increasingly rare but also increasingly divine, I think about my sad little kitchen. Well, sad big kitchen. It's huge. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/204250/Reproduction-Peoria-IL-Saltbox-House-rustic-kitchen-other-metro" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://st.houzz.com/simgs/a7c1cf350e0e3f08_8-8871/rustic-kitchen.jpg" width="600" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; text-align: start;">Blue isn't half bad, either. And again with the mismatched cupboards, which I love.</span></td></tr>
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<small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/rustic/kitchen" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Rustic Kitchen</a> by <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/kitchen-and-bath/c/Morrow--OH" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Morrow Kitchen & Bath Designers</a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/davidtsmith/the-workshops-of-david-t-smith" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">The Workshops of David T. Smith</a></small><br />
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<span class="s1">What will it look like? How will it function? I have no idea just yet. I wish I was still in contact with my former landlady. She really knew how to take a bad kitchen and transform it into something that not only looked great, but functioned so well that it was a pure joy to be there. I wish I had even half her talent. She wasn't as enamored with the eclectic country kitchen look as I am, but she'd probably indulge me. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">Until I’m ready to dive in, I’ll peruse <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=bohemian%20kitchen" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> and <a href="http://www.houzz.com/farmhouse-kitchen" target="_blank">Houzz</a>. At least there I can get lost in dreams about my new kitchen, if only for a little while until I have a work deadline to meet. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">If you have any ideas on what I should do with my kitchen, please don’t keep them to yourself! Did I mention that I'm in need of inspiration? </span><br />
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<span class="s1">XOXO</span></div>
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<a href="http://s62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/sinner99/?action=view&current=Signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/sinner99/Signature.png" /></a>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4113782040746776447.post-44410798500869309612013-11-04T07:35:00.001-08:002015-09-08T09:11:55.679-07:00Stripping 123 Years of Paint off My Victorian StaircaseLast week I decided to strip the paint off my staircase. Because I have nothing better to do, right?<br />
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This is what it looked like before I started. Pay no attention to the Exorcist Dog.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglQLOd1GS6QmlvVlF1U-_R1b30lhW068kxindz43Y4Mg-GU_CRQ5sA7Wv3xgDAfYVHPUENGltYvUBl1pnFoRxrpRvnOOQ2WMi7plpTXw9uqAsqAYbSBMgbOYQ5xXZoZgoC0OtbphL4B28/s1600/doodle+on+the+stairs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="613" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglQLOd1GS6QmlvVlF1U-_R1b30lhW068kxindz43Y4Mg-GU_CRQ5sA7Wv3xgDAfYVHPUENGltYvUBl1pnFoRxrpRvnOOQ2WMi7plpTXw9uqAsqAYbSBMgbOYQ5xXZoZgoC0OtbphL4B28/s640/doodle+on+the+stairs.jpg" width="600" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I will eat your soooul! Not really. She might eat your pizza, though. </i></td></tr>
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It's not that I don't like the black and white paint. Black and white is much better than the various shades of green that it was when we first bought the house. If you look close, you can see some of the green on the baseboard, just as it turns to go up from the landing. I was still painting when Doodle decided she needed to go upstairs.<br />
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But a year ago, give or take, I had a Twitter exchange with Bob Vila, and he said he thinks my staircase is American Black Walnut.<br />
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American Black Walnut. That's way better than black and white paint.<br />
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Ever since, all I've been able to think about while walking up and down that staircase is what's hiding underneath all that paint. Because stripping a staircase is no small project, I just tucked it away for later.<br />
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<i>Later</i> is apparently the casual term for Friday, Nov 1, 2013.<br />
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I should back up a bit. There was a minor disaster in my office last Friday. I'd decided to clean the white carpet, but wound up with a spray of muddy water, and a much worse mess than if I'd left it alone in the first place. While picking up the chemicals for a different steam cleaner, I spotted paint stripper. After a brief chat with the Ace Hardware dude, I walked out of the store with my steam cleaner chemicals, and a can of stripper.<br />
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I paid for them.<br />
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Because I do things like this, I brushed a coat of stripper on one small part of the newel post before heading upstairs to work on the muddy carpet. I had to test it, after all, since there were who knows how many layers of old paint that needed to just go away.<br />
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I should say that I have stripped and scraped an awful lot of paint over the years. But this staircase is 123 years old. And the previous owners really, really loved their paint. There were so many layers, the whole thing started to take on a rounded, almost Disney appearance.<br />
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Once the top layer of paint started to look like a pair of baggy socks, I brought out the scraper. With my first scrape through the goopy mess, I found green, more green, white, assorted shades of beige, brown, and tan, more green (this time, Kelly green), and then numerous layers of some sort of varnish.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3s3NCKb3VC1xGDo7BsXdV4NYDGPuoZ4BPrYGoiBtmD_edalTm-z9RzcUYkfXRluk5tVqyAdtHdTsmf_fiWCz-nHjfUgbiDPXZPaVQPMW_sbiAg8IsfJOyICy-GLLubMcDBTwD6VYSy1A/s1600/newel+post+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3s3NCKb3VC1xGDo7BsXdV4NYDGPuoZ4BPrYGoiBtmD_edalTm-z9RzcUYkfXRluk5tVqyAdtHdTsmf_fiWCz-nHjfUgbiDPXZPaVQPMW_sbiAg8IsfJOyICy-GLLubMcDBTwD6VYSy1A/s640/newel+post+2.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eeeuuuwwww!</td></tr>
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Yeah. We ain't playin in this house, not when it comes to covering up wood.<br />
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I used a product called Klean Strip. It's thick, it's gelatinous, and it's nowhere near as easy to brush on as the can implies. But it's recommended by the Ace Hardware dude, and it doesn't dry out as fast as thinner paint strippers.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3h6mzLQAfAQbChJZu8iuH5_W_gQpr36Haob6RbNnPZ7i199GZektNjouuHpI6Mdu6XkJ1_Fl4eJqopho_OdatFKUeCCltrLWDijBwQ55Jowml1ivVhwy73N7HKj_DAmupKN7oGQMQm_Q/s1600/klean+strip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3h6mzLQAfAQbChJZu8iuH5_W_gQpr36Haob6RbNnPZ7i199GZektNjouuHpI6Mdu6XkJ1_Fl4eJqopho_OdatFKUeCCltrLWDijBwQ55Jowml1ivVhwy73N7HKj_DAmupKN7oGQMQm_Q/s1600/klean+strip.jpg" width="600" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Fastest! Strongest! Best! </i></td></tr>
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Now I am aware of citrus strippers, which are safer (and a lot less smelly). They do work beautifully for some projects. The problem with the citrus stripper approach is that I would really love to rid this staircase of all its superfluous paint while I am still young enough to brandish a 5-in-1 paint scraper. <br />
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I should also say that I could use a heat gun, but I don't own an infra red model. A standard heat gun heats up the paint too much for a project like this. There is almost certainly lead-based paint under there somewhere, and a standard heat gun would help it release its leady goodness into the air. Yum yummy. So to chemicals, we go.<br />
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I will not be finished with this project anytime soon, that's for sure. But I can see the old wood grain in some areas now. And that's enough to spur me on.<br />
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What would you change in your own house, if you had enough time and energy? <br />
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Here's some of my progress so far:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh83jWMtpBYFpjtdTZM6uBnRFq3xBgeu8n_LMyI1lxeS-pL5MHwvRgeGeihtn4Z4lPO7SSrG3YmpAmh-CF_b3gIebxEVDGv_66LevVEGcpml0CjfyMoh9fEs-T_WjcEkyynhRTuUiY8eWA/s1600/newel+post+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh83jWMtpBYFpjtdTZM6uBnRFq3xBgeu8n_LMyI1lxeS-pL5MHwvRgeGeihtn4Z4lPO7SSrG3YmpAmh-CF_b3gIebxEVDGv_66LevVEGcpml0CjfyMoh9fEs-T_WjcEkyynhRTuUiY8eWA/s640/newel+post+1.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmuAxrnQTrXJZfAVWg3NL_vWPFEC8df8uaxw8JVDsGG3WCnJzfw9rTFx4ZQAG7VLGBuQNQW6kInkDC7jz5vnm3MMmENqDJSnmK3UHPHxeszIuuujsEsojSXgTtrQc2Pe1Q9qbeSAPEseo/s1600/newel+post+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmuAxrnQTrXJZfAVWg3NL_vWPFEC8df8uaxw8JVDsGG3WCnJzfw9rTFx4ZQAG7VLGBuQNQW6kInkDC7jz5vnm3MMmENqDJSnmK3UHPHxeszIuuujsEsojSXgTtrQc2Pe1Q9qbeSAPEseo/s640/newel+post+4.jpg" width="600" /> </a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwdiyIIH1HH32XWCbDd5g1uPUEekW9kWqa5ZS8HEGtq30Hru9BEJth_qchcuaMIHypUV00LFvLBOUQTIvZibKao5wIW15C8uyTG1H2W6UyD1chNbI5GthV4YMp9ahOcmLJQRy83S3RJao/s1600/handrail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwdiyIIH1HH32XWCbDd5g1uPUEekW9kWqa5ZS8HEGtq30Hru9BEJth_qchcuaMIHypUV00LFvLBOUQTIvZibKao5wIW15C8uyTG1H2W6UyD1chNbI5GthV4YMp9ahOcmLJQRy83S3RJao/s640/handrail.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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XOXO<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/sinner99/?action=view&current=Signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/sinner99/Signature.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4113782040746776447.post-63967658903361111162013-01-08T12:17:00.000-08:002015-09-08T09:12:17.162-07:00Spines In, Thumbs DownI heard and then read something this morning that makes me wonder where I've been for the past few years. Apparently there is a decorating trend which calls for flipping around the books on your bookshelf. That's right; spines turned in, not out.<br />
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This is one of the book shelves in my house. Pretty average.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheMxjIU6xK5VqmW_EdO5lzvZymCUWn-DFEdGv9FJ4O6AQ5ExQ58DXQ0AZRr97BPbG9WQELIYQC61xwgtXIFguAwPxEUmwxOYtCF_pdq5K3QSQ8rKyv5uThSXB1R1QDl_XrvHZmE0Ps0BI/s1600/Spiines+out.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheMxjIU6xK5VqmW_EdO5lzvZymCUWn-DFEdGv9FJ4O6AQ5ExQ58DXQ0AZRr97BPbG9WQELIYQC61xwgtXIFguAwPxEUmwxOYtCF_pdq5K3QSQ8rKyv5uThSXB1R1QDl_XrvHZmE0Ps0BI/s640/Spiines+out.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, I actually kept most of my college textbooks.</td></tr>
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I rearranged that shelf to give you an idea of what a spines-in / pages-out bookshelf looks like.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiQ7XjTxc2aGYPsGEpCiYEEy4CCNWI4huqgubKK1gyWUfh-a3qYbf6Xs7CpKMUhyphenhyphenrwNmvF_9XXo2dvwrwZShRF6dhaMeeYON_ICZIRsgyblxxa2HDv9cjNsPcg6P3Hx7bZBO0Zl5usFWY/s1600/Spines+In.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiQ7XjTxc2aGYPsGEpCiYEEy4CCNWI4huqgubKK1gyWUfh-a3qYbf6Xs7CpKMUhyphenhyphenrwNmvF_9XXo2dvwrwZShRF6dhaMeeYON_ICZIRsgyblxxa2HDv9cjNsPcg6P3Hx7bZBO0Zl5usFWY/s640/Spines+In.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poor Calvin and Hobbes has seen better days.</td></tr>
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Is it just me, or is this plain weird? Do these people not read? Or am I the only one who needs to see the spine of a book to know which book it is?<br />
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Mr. Vagabond and I have always adored books, both to read and for their aesthetic appeal. I am constantly changing around my book cases to make them look a little bit different. I've got nicknacks mixed in with books here and there, some larger books are stacked up and lying flat and there are magazines stacked on a couple of shelves, too. But one thing I've never considered is flipping books around backward.<br />
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If a uniform color scheme is what these decorators are aiming for, why not make matching book jackets for all of the books? That might actually be cute. It could be done with wrapping paper or unpasted wallpaper. The pasted kind might stick to the book.<br />
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Something like this:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-28pWJk_Ypx3_djnvm3qOrEdLZ-oZRxL82zzfxsd23VZR3rkghCN68QCv8G-JWnh0C4n2QA0JkASlJME4EK6L_ayMWYRKa3pHZkTwScFQhyphenhyphenOJGu39HuqcGuBxDlyo8EREicEZOIcL0ro/s1600/Book+Jacket1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-28pWJk_Ypx3_djnvm3qOrEdLZ-oZRxL82zzfxsd23VZR3rkghCN68QCv8G-JWnh0C4n2QA0JkASlJME4EK6L_ayMWYRKa3pHZkTwScFQhyphenhyphenOJGu39HuqcGuBxDlyo8EREicEZOIcL0ro/s640/Book+Jacket1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cut some wrapping paper (Sorry, Mr. Baldacci).</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT_Z9daB-pjqlL2Xk8b0HlPgY3_lfARakUfThYcCB6NwoKu54N1GUQVUI2Zid8UCyNg7xnFGTUr99YqpRKyKqbkKgfkhnK-bIAWKblI4RwFyrWe8Pz7JLIOh75Y2mLFmNPZTCLmn_BJMU/s1600/Book+Jacket+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT_Z9daB-pjqlL2Xk8b0HlPgY3_lfARakUfThYcCB6NwoKu54N1GUQVUI2Zid8UCyNg7xnFGTUr99YqpRKyKqbkKgfkhnK-bIAWKblI4RwFyrWe8Pz7JLIOh75Y2mLFmNPZTCLmn_BJMU/s640/Book+Jacket+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fold it to fit the book.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpb1mx4rupGxBuK0MALZBGBBH53pvdU7Q-35IkojfDZD-Z-B3d46INFMkisbat0Y1rh1zeMh1hlULLmEB7JmJ93RgBCb5qcMq-GrRFMT96ySNslzLC50hkhZJHYbgpyJ0PmRA2DSBehaY/s1600/book+jacket+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpb1mx4rupGxBuK0MALZBGBBH53pvdU7Q-35IkojfDZD-Z-B3d46INFMkisbat0Y1rh1zeMh1hlULLmEB7JmJ93RgBCb5qcMq-GrRFMT96ySNslzLC50hkhZJHYbgpyJ0PmRA2DSBehaY/s640/book+jacket+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tuck the ends of the paper around the ends of the book cover and voila: Book jacket<br />
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If plain or white is what you're after, flip the paper over, use white paper or even brown Kraft paper.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiEtCApYzlhSxDKvGi27p4ybJextJxG7a_4q1kHiNkcbBkqhNnF_uv5Eu0BReHS2yofrZATTm3u42PB_vmqQcZFE_A_-861nIKppL0eBnZdczjjvwjqsN1a_7WBe4TupzILCI7hSPCtLI/s1600/book+jacket+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiEtCApYzlhSxDKvGi27p4ybJextJxG7a_4q1kHiNkcbBkqhNnF_uv5Eu0BReHS2yofrZATTm3u42PB_vmqQcZFE_A_-861nIKppL0eBnZdczjjvwjqsN1a_7WBe4TupzILCI7hSPCtLI/s640/book+jacket+4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzloHIyJMSDe108Tl4A8FBy56r7Lil-YxRLywpErrQS-JzgHJV6tTeTSj-2UYd6ts1z2oUmUddWDe9lYftF1wRg0bblpE2e69uCe3mxZxdwWyruT29jfMbm3CTUSzxDrUsruvFPvKTW-8/s1600/book+jacket+on+shelf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzloHIyJMSDe108Tl4A8FBy56r7Lil-YxRLywpErrQS-JzgHJV6tTeTSj-2UYd6ts1z2oUmUddWDe9lYftF1wRg0bblpE2e69uCe3mxZxdwWyruT29jfMbm3CTUSzxDrUsruvFPvKTW-8/s640/book+jacket+on+shelf.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maybe even add labeling stickers to write the title on.</td></tr>
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Book spines are functional. They help hold books together and guard against dust and UV rays. With the spines turned in, page edges will age and yellow a lot faster. Plus it just looks odd, and not groovy odd. Weird odd.<br />
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My official, and not terribly important judgment call for this trend is <i>Thumbs Down</i>.<br />
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XOXO<br />
<a href="http://s62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/sinner99/?action=view&current=Signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/sinner99/Signature.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4113782040746776447.post-86153007100704642592012-11-25T07:26:00.004-08:002015-09-08T09:12:37.438-07:00Once Upon a Window Seat, Part IV: The Final Chapter<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Catch up on the project with <a href="http://caroleoldroyd.blogspot.com/2012/10/once-upon-window-seat-part-i.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Part I</span></a> , <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><a href="http://caroleoldroyd.blogspot.com/2012/10/once-upon-window-seat-part-ii.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Part II</span></a> </span>and <a href="http://caroleoldroyd.blogspot.com/2012/10/once-upon-window-seat-part-iii.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Part III</span></a>.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoo7blajAWNxqrItlqx5Eb7iHU74QYGeXt8HYYWnKIBW4GpSiPNi5iGebmB7EB_Th_NOR0R6VVZ5XxNF4d0ygz8TD3liEV2lyf1qZyj2tLVHpGYOAvjD_eTzR_WoC-o-jcjutmfMRrrEo/s1600/IMG_2795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoo7blajAWNxqrItlqx5Eb7iHU74QYGeXt8HYYWnKIBW4GpSiPNi5iGebmB7EB_Th_NOR0R6VVZ5XxNF4d0ygz8TD3liEV2lyf1qZyj2tLVHpGYOAvjD_eTzR_WoC-o-jcjutmfMRrrEo/s640/IMG_2795.JPG" width="600" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>The mostly finished window seat and book cases.</i></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Building a window seat and book cases in our living room proved to be challenging, but the work wasn't over after the last board was fastened and the last cabinet door hung. I wanted the wood to complement the other dark woods in the room. Woods that are likely to remain, such as the mahogany china cabinet, antique piano and foyer doors. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw-4i9vpfmVy1sJOKZYDK9MX1AA8az6ryrUHJ9sz2snuPs5ub6Gf6PBixREipWbhyphenhyphene8-TH5IfKL2RHs33qPlVZH3RJ46-2Un9QzLLTIY9O7JiqtircOzRkEKaZbGok-TPMFTxrNSd8SQc/s1600/gray+with+putty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw-4i9vpfmVy1sJOKZYDK9MX1AA8az6ryrUHJ9sz2snuPs5ub6Gf6PBixREipWbhyphenhyphene8-TH5IfKL2RHs33qPlVZH3RJ46-2Un9QzLLTIY9O7JiqtircOzRkEKaZbGok-TPMFTxrNSd8SQc/s640/gray+with+putty.jpg" width="600" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>This piano is probably the oldest thing that I own. </i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdejnp6mfdgWkzbSYmI6x1mhN5utgzy2KmWiqjx6Qt2rVoTKVs8h7wIUGwSXiIi9wq_Q32z9NiZMMNM4gg42woY5HlMNaJlDMbjK9UOfRTXIswFH8QLFn3ykKd1kZRDOo9zgI1QBoIoP0/s1600/foyer+doors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdejnp6mfdgWkzbSYmI6x1mhN5utgzy2KmWiqjx6Qt2rVoTKVs8h7wIUGwSXiIi9wq_Q32z9NiZMMNM4gg42woY5HlMNaJlDMbjK9UOfRTXIswFH8QLFn3ykKd1kZRDOo9zgI1QBoIoP0/s640/foyer+doors.jpg" width="600" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>One thing that breaks my heart about this house is that the old, original parquet floor in the foyer only comes part of the way into the living room. Oh, to have parquet throughout the house!</i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">I used oil-based stain because it has a longer working time than water-based. With pine, you never can tell how stain will absorb, so I wanted something that I could work into the wood really well. I chose antique walnut, which is the same stain that I used on the foyer doors. It also complements the piano and china cabinet. Wearing rubber gloves is a must when working with stain, especially if you're covering a lot of ground. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNSTn0T6ZAeBFsd981S0JInY0mLfWPnxP5JZNhoU8rxzJj9YiG2cWr10lp3ElH7YQLjlV4lI3G2PwUdwehiBOHAYNxIyqF1gkLjARzRF4TEkPGefpoSCtZjXXGJ-ZOMWngf1srcqyXrKo/s1600/IMG_2707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNSTn0T6ZAeBFsd981S0JInY0mLfWPnxP5JZNhoU8rxzJj9YiG2cWr10lp3ElH7YQLjlV4lI3G2PwUdwehiBOHAYNxIyqF1gkLjARzRF4TEkPGefpoSCtZjXXGJ-ZOMWngf1srcqyXrKo/s640/IMG_2707.JPG" width="600" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>Find an old rag that you don't mind sacrificing, and rub the stain into the wood really well. When you wipe off the excess, work in the same direction as the wood grain to avoid dark streaks.</i> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNV3Zce1CECjPXPBYo7zlIEQbngwY2-JorF_Eecc2SyB-8-Vv3tfNSiiBmieKCubYpwUtN9R4lF5ACHfrVDq7fzHearRXTxNcadYIljJ_coPl-eg6F0p0mO2AhIgO1TgcotKsB67YuHeE/s1600/IMG_2704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNV3Zce1CECjPXPBYo7zlIEQbngwY2-JorF_Eecc2SyB-8-Vv3tfNSiiBmieKCubYpwUtN9R4lF5ACHfrVDq7fzHearRXTxNcadYIljJ_coPl-eg6F0p0mO2AhIgO1TgcotKsB67YuHeE/s640/IMG_2704.JPG" width="600" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>Smaller cabinet door for under the window seat.</i></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">The trim around the cabinet doors doesn't match the plywood perfectly because they're different species with different levels of porosity and wood grain. Once I wiped on polyurethane after the stain was set, the colors turned richer and the differences became less noticeable. Although we hadn't painted the room yet, I taped off the walls around the cabinets to protect them from stain.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYP4XFm_XBQH7oOm7Kac2G8y0S9N8jXwvN1HIw0-AiICon4TCvo3xyHsbexA3QKlsXJ9W2gq5NrZRWa7VGjqom8nGP9CzNdNF3KHYEfk6Jw5wM4cnQ4i1VglOCfu4uMUBxXF2z8VqmpFU/s1600/IMG_2696.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYP4XFm_XBQH7oOm7Kac2G8y0S9N8jXwvN1HIw0-AiICon4TCvo3xyHsbexA3QKlsXJ9W2gq5NrZRWa7VGjqom8nGP9CzNdNF3KHYEfk6Jw5wM4cnQ4i1VglOCfu4uMUBxXF2z8VqmpFU/s640/IMG_2696.JPG" width="600" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>Although I knew better, I used masking tape to tape off the cabinet. It peeled off some of the paint primer on the walls. If you try this at home, do yourself a favor and use painter's tape.</i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">After staining, I installed the cabinet hardware. Prefab cabinets come with pre-drilled holes for hardware. When you build your own, you have to figure out where the hardware goes. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">First, I measured the distance between bolt openings on the door handles. They're usually somewhat standard, but measuring helps avoid major screw ups. I marked the edge of the cabinet door to show where the handle should fit. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglPL1STE8bNE9geLKTyp7IcN9gZpnFxIDiPb0U8N-vjHYd0WiT5-s2ovukdt8j7iQy9dKqrqOxDph6SxtEeNQl1LDStYpXeBEdHV5fQYZ3pA7dRQR1Kr1fd7cAvVsX03MdclsjUcBm9NA/s1600/IMG_2709.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglPL1STE8bNE9geLKTyp7IcN9gZpnFxIDiPb0U8N-vjHYd0WiT5-s2ovukdt8j7iQy9dKqrqOxDph6SxtEeNQl1LDStYpXeBEdHV5fQYZ3pA7dRQR1Kr1fd7cAvVsX03MdclsjUcBm9NA/s640/IMG_2709.JPG" width="600" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>Sometimes it's easier to measure from the 1-inch mark than from the end of the tape.</i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwIKLc6Ez4dxHR8YtMpSzzjYxQqnBIJ3yphi20s5KzkkFFs-4FCgA33Nmg-tWCObEcmLS_v4O6mC2hInUmbWznfEfYYyzj_AcN4fei-WQerPdkayW_vxGdvg6K0ncpMXBypT-PW-Nk7JE/s1600/IMG_2710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwIKLc6Ez4dxHR8YtMpSzzjYxQqnBIJ3yphi20s5KzkkFFs-4FCgA33Nmg-tWCObEcmLS_v4O6mC2hInUmbWznfEfYYyzj_AcN4fei-WQerPdkayW_vxGdvg6K0ncpMXBypT-PW-Nk7JE/s640/IMG_2710.JPG" width="600" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>Tiny silver marks on the door from a washable marker help with alignment.</i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicy3_72HjsEh6DwZBTvFUXWU56R-z0KwoIG0SU3FEDetN8TT5SzLEHBfoHi1rSbJenqp7sQeONP3KmbzBEirrXkF-eA4W0XwdhuB9apri4OPwbg0yXBRxEyStRmrxa9ixKqxjmQUFQZa0/s1600/IMG_2713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicy3_72HjsEh6DwZBTvFUXWU56R-z0KwoIG0SU3FEDetN8TT5SzLEHBfoHi1rSbJenqp7sQeONP3KmbzBEirrXkF-eA4W0XwdhuB9apri4OPwbg0yXBRxEyStRmrxa9ixKqxjmQUFQZa0/s640/IMG_2713.JPG" width="600" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>Finding the width of the trim helps you find the center where the handles should fit.</i></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">Speed Squares are such amazing little tools. So simple, but they help you keep everything straight. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4GL2fUIPjv6qXO9-c6rrmkmVFG5smpI6WSZ45XNRg8dvx4J6j9Dka0hsSSxs0euWlqM-ObT3pN-p6vr8Y_jHxMYbNTKRqEXy6HmapDjXW_tDrVuM6IchzvwyPSlORsNbapk__EYTtP1c/s1600/IMG_2718.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4GL2fUIPjv6qXO9-c6rrmkmVFG5smpI6WSZ45XNRg8dvx4J6j9Dka0hsSSxs0euWlqM-ObT3pN-p6vr8Y_jHxMYbNTKRqEXy6HmapDjXW_tDrVuM6IchzvwyPSlORsNbapk__EYTtP1c/s640/IMG_2718.JPG" width="600" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>Speed Squares have a perfect 90-degree angle, which keeps things straight as long as the edge of the board is also straight.</i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8wYUOH-Jy7fzb1b1fskO-y2Yw64d6ubozULB8Kj1R-Q6f-BcHYO7fwKsmh2sgJT0caw2leF_ouPQU8xLITg-go-n21GPSCXVU_VQk-oY29XUqFR-ypFvfBl0i8A-WIMyZoD8eiGwzxd8/s1600/IMG_2720.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8wYUOH-Jy7fzb1b1fskO-y2Yw64d6ubozULB8Kj1R-Q6f-BcHYO7fwKsmh2sgJT0caw2leF_ouPQU8xLITg-go-n21GPSCXVU_VQk-oY29XUqFR-ypFvfBl0i8A-WIMyZoD8eiGwzxd8/s640/IMG_2720.JPG" width="600" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>To the extent possible, keep the drill bit horizontal to the plane of the cabinet door. If the bolt holes are tilted, the bolts won't align with the door handles.</i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3IKnoC_0RlqZks6K97y7wuCsgFVU9I859ty9S-LPBEYUNfcq_3sgY4rjfYGPW7NXib4T4mHVXPYSw7cd2Xet3ZYsc2114_c-OZn4JtOwY2pwrg6guEfJ4yOTTUcs9KkBJ9iZwNmI7_fA/s1600/IMG_2732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3IKnoC_0RlqZks6K97y7wuCsgFVU9I859ty9S-LPBEYUNfcq_3sgY4rjfYGPW7NXib4T4mHVXPYSw7cd2Xet3ZYsc2114_c-OZn4JtOwY2pwrg6guEfJ4yOTTUcs9KkBJ9iZwNmI7_fA/s640/IMG_2732.JPG" width="600" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>Slip the bolts through the back side of the door and into the handles, and tighten them until the <span class="Apple-style-span">handle fits snug against the door. </span></i></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">After installing the hardware, there was one more thing left to do. I deliberately left the back wall of the book shelves bare because I wanted to decoupage pages from old books. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I cut out certain paged and pasted them on the wall with thinned wood glue and a sponge paintbrush. It's like going back to kindergarten craft time, except that nobody tells you not to eat the paste (Don't eat the paste!). The only rules that I discovered are that thinning the glue with water makes it easier to spread, but thinning it too much can warp the pages. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This is my Edgar Allan Poe section when I'd just started the job. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs4FNrvbkmfOjIiuNOWcuhhoLgLOzqqYF4kNP8vIVw9uWxq6yuzjO8UVraDtqJhnGK9Js27Fbd6ZBCdeLGEdOUrcDdZjugMkDOlPDGM9cFkeYfidpKSRXPQsDZ25uNqYYWGnb241VhpFM/s1600/IMG_2740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs4FNrvbkmfOjIiuNOWcuhhoLgLOzqqYF4kNP8vIVw9uWxq6yuzjO8UVraDtqJhnGK9Js27Fbd6ZBCdeLGEdOUrcDdZjugMkDOlPDGM9cFkeYfidpKSRXPQsDZ25uNqYYWGnb241VhpFM/s640/IMG_2740.JPG" width="600" /></span></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9JVJIyaX9QvJeG7fgbIz7LtDmtF8enYlgShT0hm5QqDR2RMxH0D9DC2rnPTR6r1poa6EcKhkA_DWrrre-4c6AusFrFd5udxJTa2SJxc_TgvWDNx0uRnNuGKsLW3qesqpWE6M9s9CvJ60/s1600/IMG_2755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9JVJIyaX9QvJeG7fgbIz7LtDmtF8enYlgShT0hm5QqDR2RMxH0D9DC2rnPTR6r1poa6EcKhkA_DWrrre-4c6AusFrFd5udxJTa2SJxc_TgvWDNx0uRnNuGKsLW3qesqpWE6M9s9CvJ60/s640/IMG_2755.JPG" width="600" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>Lime green flip flops aren't mandatory. </i></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We ran out of time because company was arriving, so I had to put the remainder of decoupaging on pause. I do that a lot, putting off projects. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">A bit of advice for decoupaging. Cover the surface with pages that aren't special before layering on the pages that you want to see. That way, you won't have to cut and trim and cuss to make the pages fit the way you want them to. I trimmed and cussed a bit. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Besides finishing the back walls, there are two more things that have to be done. I still need to finish sewing the bench cushion cover, and I want to install a plant shelf between the two book cases. Mr. V. and I found two of these brackets at a little antique shop, and they will fit under the left and right ends of the shelf. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcxt6cye2eQqn9BUHYKXYOlNf9ddL4i9lbcxKenrvQUFrIB1mdJVQvQGo3j1YPsFADs-kC8rz7TqscTzMVxtUwQwOywGZpOsylxW1FMVWq_l2P1PqLkkccdbhOva1pcpRmvHT2mXGAxco/s1600/IMG_2807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcxt6cye2eQqn9BUHYKXYOlNf9ddL4i9lbcxKenrvQUFrIB1mdJVQvQGo3j1YPsFADs-kC8rz7TqscTzMVxtUwQwOywGZpOsylxW1FMVWq_l2P1PqLkkccdbhOva1pcpRmvHT2mXGAxco/s640/IMG_2807.JPG" width="600" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">$20 for a pair of these. Not too shabby.</span> </span></i></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">It will look a little something like this, except that I'll fasten them to the cabinets so that Mr. V. doesn't have to hold them forever. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2lpqRVpjSc6rL7khhuwOok_RjBme7lB526WKPALoLy6ZWhYJk6ifeJ_bfGIcpmIqFwC2hU1_m7TnvPcYCEoqKiFInpeq-5I_7ql2cLKB4VTsUZP9khbAW0drpjuWz3mnD8Rj4TomNRns/s1600/IMG_2770.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2lpqRVpjSc6rL7khhuwOok_RjBme7lB526WKPALoLy6ZWhYJk6ifeJ_bfGIcpmIqFwC2hU1_m7TnvPcYCEoqKiFInpeq-5I_7ql2cLKB4VTsUZP9khbAW0drpjuWz3mnD8Rj4TomNRns/s640/IMG_2770.JPG" width="600" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>He isn't crazy about modeling for me.</i></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">All in all, I would call this project an official success. The bench seat is so sturdy that I can walk on it without any bends or creaks, and the cabinets are so sound that I think that's where I'll hide next tornado season. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Building a custom cabinet takes a lot of planning, flexibility and compromise, especially in an old house where nothing is square. But that's also part of the fun. You can customize it any way that you like. As long as the structure is sound, anything goes. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">XOXO</span></div>
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<a href="http://s62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/sinner99/?action=view&current=Signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/sinner99/Signature.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4113782040746776447.post-25698200078577487622012-10-26T06:00:00.000-07:002012-10-26T06:00:12.101-07:00Dealing with Hazardous Chemicals during Home Modification <br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>Today, I have a guest poster, Brian Turner. Brian is an environmental and safety advocate for the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance. His concern for workplace safety, even during a DIY project, inspired this blog post, which helps raise awareness of the hazards that sometimes lurk inside old homes. </i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Whenever men and women undertake a renovation project in their own homes, they will need to be carefully aware of possible hazardous materials. Older homes may yet contain asbestos, which was used for many years to aid in insulation measures. Asbestos, in fact, contains serpentine-like molecules that can become ingested into the human body, where they can lead to <a href="http://www.mesothelioma.com/"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px color: #2d00ff; text-decoration: underline;">mesothelioma</span></a> and other serious issues. If individuals will be working specifically with tearing out insulation, they will need to follow some guidelines that will allow the modification to proceed without any ill effects.</span><span style="font: 13.5px Times; letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><br />
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</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">One of the first things that renovators should do is assess where the asbestos itself is located. If it is beginning to deteriorate and is also located near vents or air ducts, then it will have to be ripped out and disposed of. It should be treated as a carcinogen and should never be handled except with professional techniques that make use of hazardous material suits, masks, and gloves. Asbestos that is located near vents can release airborne particles, which can eventually be breathed in by anyone who lives in or frequents the house on a regular basis.</span><span style="font: 13.5px Times; letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><br />
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</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">There are a number of places that asbestos may show itself when old fixtures and materials are being replaced. In addition to the insulation that is found near ducts, men and women should also look out for textured paint and certain kinds of tile, which can also contain the material. In fact, old paint may in fact be lead-based, which is another hazardous chemical that should be watched for. Scraping paint off of old walls should be done carefully and with the right gear. If individuals insist on performing the work themselves, they may want to glean some trusty information from renovators who are more experienced with paint removal.</span><span style="font: 13.5px Times; letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><br />
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</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Because special care must be taken to remove asbestos, there are a few things that should be done straightaway. A well-ventilated area is absolutely necessary. Closed-in locales will lead to the continuous buildup of tiny particles, which will make the air thick with carcinogens. This is also why masks and gloves must be used. If there is any doubt, renovators should err on the side of caution. With regards to specific tools, people will want to use manual devices whenever possible. This will allow them to slowly chisel away the degrading material while leaving other porous regions free of chemical infection. Power tools should be avoided; mainly because they are too strong for delicate work </span><span style="font: 13.5px Times; letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><br />
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</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">The cleanup process must also follow specific stipulations. A thorough vacuuming job must be done after the rip-out work has occurred. This will allow for any remaining materials to be removed from the area. If individuals feel somewhat sick or lightheaded, they should of be seen by a medical professional right away. With the right precautions and an attention to detail, most do-it-yourself projects can be brought to a successful conclusion. Renovators can then move on to another part of the house.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>Brian Turner has been working with the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance as an environmental health and toxic substance safety advocate since June of 2007. Brian brings a tremendous amount of research and awareness experience in environmental health risks, environmental carcinogens, and green building expertise. Brian is very interested in all types of cars; his favorites are classic, muscle, and imports. Brian is commonly found playing and watching various sports with his friends.</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="mailto:bturner@mesothelioma.com"><i>bturner@mesothelioma.com</i></a></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px color: #000000;">Read more: <a href="http://www.mesothelioma.com/blog/authors/brian/bio.htm#ixzz29emKDmAQ"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px; text-decoration: underline;">http://www.mesothelioma.com/blog/authors/brian/bio.htm#ixzz29emKDmAQ</span></a></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4113782040746776447.post-80915674471940337722012-10-22T09:46:00.000-07:002015-09-08T09:12:57.430-07:00Once Upon a Window Seat, Part III<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Other installments of this project are found at these links: <a href="http://caroleoldroyd.blogspot.com/2012/10/once-upon-window-seat-part-i.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Part I</span></a> , <a href="http://caroleoldroyd.blogspot.com/2012/10/once-upon-window-seat-part-ii.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Part II</span></a> and <a href="http://caroleoldroyd.blogspot.com/2012/11/once-upon-window-seat-part-iii-final.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Part IV</span></a>.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This is the third installation of my window seat and book case project. In Part I, I showed how Mr. Vagabond and I plotted the layout and started building the framework. Part II shows real progress with the bones of the window seat and book case really taking shape. In this installation, Part III, we’ll take a look at some finishing work issues that arose and how we worked around them. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Throughout this project, I learned one very annoying thing: It’s not easy to find a straight board. At the finishing carpentry stage, I also discovered that it’s not necessarily a good idea to buy small boards in strapped bundles. <span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">We needed 1 x 2 pine boards to use as cleats, which would support the shelves. We bought a bundle of “premium” boards that looked pretty straight. The label gave me some confidence about the purchase:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">See? Premium lumber. It has to be good, right? We were disappointed when we cut the straps on the bundle at home. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Aside from the fact that there was not a single straight board in the bundle, we also discovered this:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEileuBvBhrFeyX9IDiBSjIVZe1ZoGmcLW_EDfzn82T_wlphk0rk0oWZd_bkggrWemYRZxBUyxEapuAN2ShROHEW4fLYuANZl_KKvru2jqVDkozO4JBN0yrXX77LTQ1LdnHpld7m5RSumvc/s1600/Premium+board.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEileuBvBhrFeyX9IDiBSjIVZe1ZoGmcLW_EDfzn82T_wlphk0rk0oWZd_bkggrWemYRZxBUyxEapuAN2ShROHEW4fLYuANZl_KKvru2jqVDkozO4JBN0yrXX77LTQ1LdnHpld7m5RSumvc/s640/Premium+board.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">This made me wonder what other grades they carry besides “premium” and what those grades look like. The challenges that this premium lumber presented were wrestling with each of the boards to mount them relatively straight, and sanding off the rough, gnawed-looking texture. Thankfully, 1 x 2s are thin and light, so we were able to force them into position as we screwed them into place. To do that, we marked off the level line where the board would mount, pre-drilled the holes and then fastened a board with one screw. After one screw was inserted we pushed or pulled to align the board, and then fought with the rest until it was secure and somewhat straight. Never underestimate the importance of checking the lumber that you buy to ensure that it’s straight. If there are several boards strapped into a bundle, cut the bundle and check each one.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Sanding off the coarse surface proved to be an impossible feat. The more I sanded, the worse it looked. It went from jagged to fuzzy, and never improved from that point. I turned the most awful side toward the wall, and let the least awful side face out. Because I needed nice-looking boards for the front edge of each of the shelves, we made another trip and bought cedar 1 x 2s. They had beautiful, clean, straight edges.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1XmIHRDMqTBPBhqhFodZzq4k9PER3BvEPoyf_l8Osl4fOskSvbZiw1NKc6L902HS89Pb6OXcQgdUjbbjQb4RfEeFtvoLUkAH_fDf1ZIyL6d8t3CoVJVhCsPI4Uw8JdwJZp9VP7Pc2vPQ/s1600/cedar+boards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1XmIHRDMqTBPBhqhFodZzq4k9PER3BvEPoyf_l8Osl4fOskSvbZiw1NKc6L902HS89Pb6OXcQgdUjbbjQb4RfEeFtvoLUkAH_fDf1ZIyL6d8t3CoVJVhCsPI4Uw8JdwJZp9VP7Pc2vPQ/s640/cedar+boards.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Most of the materials that we used were pine. Additionally, we used poplar plywood and some cedar trim. Staining the three to look reasonably uniform was challenging, but it worked out. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">There’s a trick to nailing a board and then hiding those nails, and that trick is called “countersinking.” Finish carpenters know this trick well, and it is one way to make your project look more professional. This is a close-up image of one of the cedar boards after I had driven in a finishing nail. Notice that the small nail head stands proud of the face of the board. Also note the small depression in the center of the nail head. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg69d5nzZNY5yzSB-Ryuz1wbIBPujtQzoSRSwd9AcmJLE9Dt_9Bd9HN4yHA-9dowZbYufOvCZVdDozpBUkklx-fw_1k5C2RR4T2CGKqH-wCgErT_7GTxrEwdoaYNS_STUFBawEpp6KpCq8/s1600/proud+finishing+nail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg69d5nzZNY5yzSB-Ryuz1wbIBPujtQzoSRSwd9AcmJLE9Dt_9Bd9HN4yHA-9dowZbYufOvCZVdDozpBUkklx-fw_1k5C2RR4T2CGKqH-wCgErT_7GTxrEwdoaYNS_STUFBawEpp6KpCq8/s640/proud+finishing+nail.jpg" width="600" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>The plywood peeking out under the cedar board would eventually be covered with fancy trim molding. </i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I drove in each nail, leaving the head proud of the boards by about 1/16 inch. This saved the boards from being dented by the hammer. Countersinking the nails requires a small tool called a nail set, or you can also use a larger nail or a screw, like I am using here. Anything with a small tip and a head that you can whack with a hammer will sink the nails. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhp_y36WArk8-fOphoKmKIcM0dv1BrqiQi-00j4JiFq4bV9-5MV33PQCFLKipnDSNmDAHbc-RtVjEwPcKcwNzlgYB_YYZXko0SA9p1umlfA8Zl2Hb5Worc7aiAgjO3JAGpHbzEPRR58GE/s1600/sinking+nail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhp_y36WArk8-fOphoKmKIcM0dv1BrqiQi-00j4JiFq4bV9-5MV33PQCFLKipnDSNmDAHbc-RtVjEwPcKcwNzlgYB_YYZXko0SA9p1umlfA8Zl2Hb5Worc7aiAgjO3JAGpHbzEPRR58GE/s640/sinking+nail.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Tap the nail set or nail or screw with a hammer, driving in the nail until it looks like the next photo. This leaves a small depression that you can fill with stainable wood putty, or caulk if you plan to paint the board. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">After the book cases were finished, we started on the cabinet doors. The left and right cabinets needed doors, and we worked around the nailed-down bench seat by building doors for the front side of the window seat. In this photo, the doors are only set into place and held there with shims. This just gave us an idea of how it would look once the doors were hung.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEXfDp6JHCxN5f-6fYQ8TNH_uijnR-oMPcHg6JuHOpJ6n0PClXalSRtZdMFJo4Nvb6KiDhAQeXQR5b2w9eTM-hto0lsJkZ4Hhi9gr7geEt4vpx9SoN2i9Qz9BOF_3l2tBVFMm5TwJLv_s/s1600/cabinet+doors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEXfDp6JHCxN5f-6fYQ8TNH_uijnR-oMPcHg6JuHOpJ6n0PClXalSRtZdMFJo4Nvb6KiDhAQeXQR5b2w9eTM-hto0lsJkZ4Hhi9gr7geEt4vpx9SoN2i9Qz9BOF_3l2tBVFMm5TwJLv_s/s640/cabinet+doors.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">The doors were another very simple design. I cut 1 x 4s with 45-degree mitered corners, forming a frame that fit each opening. Then I covered the back side with plywood. It’s wise to measure each opening separately and build each door to fit those measurements. Measuring one opening and building the doors the same will invariably result in one door that doesn’t fit. After cutting the frame boards, I set them on a very sturdy and very flat surface, pre-drilled through the corners of the frame and nailed the assemblies together. You can use wood glue for a tighter fit at the joints, if you like, but it wasn’t necessary with ours. This is basic joinery; a butt joint. Butt joints are where two pieces of wood are butted together and fastened. If you have mad woodworking skills, you’ll probably want a fancier, sturdier joint. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Covering the back side of the door frames was fairly easy. I cut the plywood approximately 1 inch smaller on each side, making a piece that fit the opening, and with a generous amount of excess past the edges of the frame opening on the back side. After laying the plywood on the back side of the frame and nailing it down, I secured each edge of the plywood to the frame with very plain, narrow, lipped molding. The small lip slips over the edge of the plywood and fits flush for a clean, tidy look on the back side of the doors. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">At this stage of the game, we were really starting to see major improvement. The whole room took on a more finished look, which is saying a lot. The living room has been one of the biggest challenges in the renovation. It’s a little over 12 feet wide, but almost 30 feet long. The window seat and book cases helped balance the room tremendously, making it feel less like a shotgun and more like a living space. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">My next and last installment will be staining the book case, and a special treatment that I am still applying to the back wall inside each of the book shelves. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">XOXO</span></div>
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<a href="http://s62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/sinner99/?action=view&current=Signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/sinner99/Signature.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4113782040746776447.post-26319883954983929282012-10-20T12:54:00.002-07:002015-09-08T09:13:24.615-07:00Once Upon a Window Seat, Part II<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Other installments of this project are found at these links: <a href="http://caroleoldroyd.blogspot.com/2012/10/once-upon-window-seat-part-i.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Part I</span></a> , <a href="http://caroleoldroyd.blogspot.com/2012/10/once-upon-window-seat-part-iii.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Part III</span></a> and <a href="http://caroleoldroyd.blogspot.com/2012/11/once-upon-window-seat-part-iii-final.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Part IV</span></a>.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After the first day of construction on the window seat and book cases, we realized that we were in for a lot more work than we’d planned for. That’s ok, because my vision was spurring me on. Mr. Vagabond was spurred on by copious amounts of tequila. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcTJLKH1aytL42vdTlMeY4V13DNOSG7VzP0DVwYkRkQKjkR4PnBbP2jQDRTKchuMX2Q1g50PZ0QZgS7P9WKYMx1zg8QTvqt_3w-2R7QATkLI90XYPl-sSK7US_IIOa5HGmiN44tiD2jEA/s1600/strawberry+lime+tequila.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcTJLKH1aytL42vdTlMeY4V13DNOSG7VzP0DVwYkRkQKjkR4PnBbP2jQDRTKchuMX2Q1g50PZ0QZgS7P9WKYMx1zg8QTvqt_3w-2R7QATkLI90XYPl-sSK7US_IIOa5HGmiN44tiD2jEA/s640/strawberry+lime+tequila.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">We had planned to build a hinged lid for the window seat, which would allow us to use the space underneath for storage. Unfortunately, we couldn’t find a single 1 x 12 at Lowe’s that wasn’t twisted or bowed or otherwise skewed. This was a problem. We stabilized the underside of the 1 x 12 boards by framing them out with 2 x 4s, but that didn’t help. One end of the bench top remained determined to stand proud of the base by at least 1 1/2 inches. We had to nail the boards to the frame, and we didn’t get a hinged lid. But we worked around that later. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJV9bq56vgFZQVWQEvclQ4wIRmk8QT1GnUNd_kVvUZIrSGPCVRRYmOUSE4i9zt7yc3z4vHmToeP7Hvf139X1JkN4PDI1DSeUGQ3u_16YeBLrFnYsOcLK5khkDgqq4UgyoPozi9K4r4cSQ/s1600/Bench+Top.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJV9bq56vgFZQVWQEvclQ4wIRmk8QT1GnUNd_kVvUZIrSGPCVRRYmOUSE4i9zt7yc3z4vHmToeP7Hvf139X1JkN4PDI1DSeUGQ3u_16YeBLrFnYsOcLK5khkDgqq4UgyoPozi9K4r4cSQ/s640/Bench+Top.jpg" width="600" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's Pepsi in the water bottle. I do weird things like that. </td></tr>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">After we nailed down the boards for the seat, we started building the book cases on top of the two cabinets. This was a very simple design. Each book case consisted of two 1 x 12s for the sides of the cabinets, two 2 x 2s mounted to the ceiling across the top (mounted furniture-grade plywood on the 2 x 2s later), and then a series of 2 x 2s nailed to the back wall and interior sides of the book cases. The 2 x 2s were cleats, which we used to support the shelves. The book case on the left has shelves that are about 20 inches apart. The book case on the right has shelves that are closer together. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIx_IemOlVYntu4wOd4UOhQEV3FtUN9W-swRV7VglnrQ3GWG4q5rtcZ3U8Yn4rKmI9xq6B9FX9krDklX9K3314NBEHBCpG6w0snEI3stWiFZPRagAtfwInzKB-M68xiodEII5J1gKIAAk/s1600/book+cases+going+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIx_IemOlVYntu4wOd4UOhQEV3FtUN9W-swRV7VglnrQ3GWG4q5rtcZ3U8Yn4rKmI9xq6B9FX9krDklX9K3314NBEHBCpG6w0snEI3stWiFZPRagAtfwInzKB-M68xiodEII5J1gKIAAk/s640/book+cases+going+up.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The bottom and top of each book case was fashioned from supports and furniture-grade plywood. The plywood had a much nicer grain than the 1 x 12s, so I wanted as much of the plywood to show as possible. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPxc478PS-LgyCIukRsWRi13IGSwFDpglLcan9Zo1Kt5UXBc3wmnBjpG6jjZd00CdGgLfQz4Cpte2FYvkl-61pKqc420W4alPJA1zL0NERgxqGFbCH0NZH4HtGdmSD6L5ZrvQtp9nyhUg/s1600/book+case+bottom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPxc478PS-LgyCIukRsWRi13IGSwFDpglLcan9Zo1Kt5UXBc3wmnBjpG6jjZd00CdGgLfQz4Cpte2FYvkl-61pKqc420W4alPJA1zL0NERgxqGFbCH0NZH4HtGdmSD6L5ZrvQtp9nyhUg/s640/book+case+bottom.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I fastened the plywood to the supporting boards with finishing nails. As you can see, I marked off where I wanted the bottom shelf to stop, and I cut my supporting boards and plywood to fit. After everything was installed, I countersunk all of the finishing nails because I planned to stain the whole built-in instead of painting it. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjeCjFY5R2vTkhindxgylNs4rSt4lA5gYFT81baZrnZm4AFMrLraxycnqIykS0UGB_CeL4-O3FpXEkDRnKyHp9XtLvT2Tf6lE3XxhcXen6BMvSxc51MEzG2Ii_H_cbYRnEXIZt_6dl6W0/s1600/fasten+plywood+to+board.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjeCjFY5R2vTkhindxgylNs4rSt4lA5gYFT81baZrnZm4AFMrLraxycnqIykS0UGB_CeL4-O3FpXEkDRnKyHp9XtLvT2Tf6lE3XxhcXen6BMvSxc51MEzG2Ii_H_cbYRnEXIZt_6dl6W0/s640/fasten+plywood+to+board.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">This is how I take measurements around here -- on anything that is handy! A scrap of 2 x 4...</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUBlKoKP03gjoTI8GYb77HQGI3qKC2k315HU5F8NSU1BhiihjIfaaa0aP16KpuEGdu6qlxlIPMVuepvEVyt0VXQRG-uDxW_0xOo2yC2u1PqCwEGvRp_gmPZIDYuDfX15A4FW1RLMJthyQ/s1600/measuring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUBlKoKP03gjoTI8GYb77HQGI3qKC2k315HU5F8NSU1BhiihjIfaaa0aP16KpuEGdu6qlxlIPMVuepvEVyt0VXQRG-uDxW_0xOo2yC2u1PqCwEGvRp_gmPZIDYuDfX15A4FW1RLMJthyQ/s640/measuring.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Or on the back side of an old boarding pass! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhidWURBzfhL3WduIirlN91L7idCgPpRcGNx1VQN_2N_YF9t7hw5fG7iE_1VLwXhQ0navxb-h60kzmxDSenLrIzCtTgCl1c3P1mYPpibIUdYfOSGNar0NozM0XwJKvPwmOTBHhKlJfm_oA/s1600/more+measurements.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhidWURBzfhL3WduIirlN91L7idCgPpRcGNx1VQN_2N_YF9t7hw5fG7iE_1VLwXhQ0navxb-h60kzmxDSenLrIzCtTgCl1c3P1mYPpibIUdYfOSGNar0NozM0XwJKvPwmOTBHhKlJfm_oA/s640/more+measurements.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I wish I were heading to Utah again right now. *sigh*</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5MuYR-HOSWfodXuXDWCAXeLDwv3VVmro3vJlc77d507_b6SrEi22aYGT-R4J0Kirf9qN88wSXt7fxyq8OoOg17ZnEM4wqYd_4xKIBh1o7n_ggb0dqKV2HHMww4TXWOFgbjt2r1NFz7M0/s1600/Itinerary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5MuYR-HOSWfodXuXDWCAXeLDwv3VVmro3vJlc77d507_b6SrEi22aYGT-R4J0Kirf9qN88wSXt7fxyq8OoOg17ZnEM4wqYd_4xKIBh1o7n_ggb0dqKV2HHMww4TXWOFgbjt2r1NFz7M0/s640/Itinerary.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">And this is the circular saw that I use when I absolutely, positively need my cut to be straight as an arrow. I use the old Black & Decker that my dad gave to me. I have several other circular saws, but this one is Old Reliable. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">And this is what happens when I use my dad’s saw. A perfect cut for a perfect fit :-)</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Finally we started to make the kind of progress that lets you stand back and smile for a minute. The shelves were in, the bottom of the book case was mounted and the trim around the front was turning out beautifully.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Just look at those beautiful mitered cuts. Those were courtesy of our basic Delta miter saw. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">We did have a slight issue with the plywood on the sides of the book cases. I’m not naming names, but someone installed it with the grain running left-to-right instead of up and down. I found this scene when I woke on one of the numerous mornings of the project. It wasn’t easy to pry off, lemme tell ya. And I was running out of plywood, so I had to cut the replacements perfectly. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">At the end of the first week, this is what we’d accomplished. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">We had some weird configurations here and there, due mostly to being sick and tired of running to Lowe’s, but it was turning out just great. We figure that the next time tornado season rolls though east Tennessee, we’re camping out inside one of these cabinets. The house might fall, but this thing isn’t going anywhere. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Next week, my idea of “premium lumber” is really challenged. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>P.S. I really need to start keeping my work spaces tidier! </i></span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">XOXO</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://s62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/sinner99/?action=view&current=Signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/sinner99/Signature.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4113782040746776447.post-47378377638286811072012-10-05T06:36:00.002-07:002015-09-08T09:13:44.333-07:00Once Upon a Window Seat, Part I<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Follow the rest of this project at the following links:<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> <a href="http://caroleoldroyd.blogspot.com/2012/10/once-upon-window-seat-part-ii.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Part II</span></a></span> , <a href="http://caroleoldroyd.blogspot.com/2012/10/once-upon-window-seat-part-iii.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Part III</span></a> and <a href="http://caroleoldroyd.blogspot.com/2012/11/once-upon-window-seat-part-iii-final.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Part IV</span></a>.</span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Since I've posted a couple of photos after the fact, it’s time to go back and start from the beginning. When Mr. Vagabond and I bought this old house, I almost immediately started planning a window seat flanked by two cabinets at the front end of the living room. The space was ideal, with two 3-foot-wide, 7-foot-tall windows centered on the wall, and an equal amount of wall space on both sides of the windows. We lived here for about 5 years before we launched the project. I am nothing, if not a patient person.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">At the moment, the built-in looks like this. I still have work to do, but the rest is for me to finish as I can. Hopefully before Christmas.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The first photo (below) in the series to follow shows how the project began... a full year ago. It didn't take a year to finish, just to move past the part where I committed to it and where actual construction began. When I installed the new floor in the living room, I bought flooring materials on sale and was afraid I would run short. To avoid that, I framed out the foundation for the window seat and both cabinets, and then installed the flooring up to the edge. As you can see, I had some new lumber, but I also repurposed a lot of leftover boards from other projects. It's not as if lumber has an expiration date.</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The boards on the floor along the wall were much too short in pieces, but the foundation didn’t have to be pretty; it only had to function. The board fastened to the wall under the window would serve as a cleat to anchor the back side of the window seat. I fastened all of the lumber to the floor and wall with 4-inch deck screws, which seems like overkill since I didn't anticipate rain in the living room (a dangerous thing to say in a house that's over 120 years old). I used deck screws instead of common wood screws because we had a large boxful on hand, they're strong, and the heads are less likely to strip when driving them in. Four-inch screws also let me grab the studs in the wall that were buried under what I discovered were layers and layers of plaster, drywall, old furring strips and paneling, and more drywall. Probably the walls in this house are a lot different from yours.</span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYz4wTKLUQbK5vzT-OR_YqbaI0eO12HAmfR3QWJh5LFiVHCnQN0MSk50l-AFu48edhVhwE_GFXvzmNLY482S2E_xuMUqbPHSD3tZgZ2gO3H_o_bkkxh_D0dbKhQBlVE21X4ixhp7ocQog/s1600/windowseatleft.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYz4wTKLUQbK5vzT-OR_YqbaI0eO12HAmfR3QWJh5LFiVHCnQN0MSk50l-AFu48edhVhwE_GFXvzmNLY482S2E_xuMUqbPHSD3tZgZ2gO3H_o_bkkxh_D0dbKhQBlVE21X4ixhp7ocQog/s640/windowseatleft.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the left end.</td></tr>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, this lovely assembly looked exactly like these two images for about a year before any further progress was made. I installed the living room floor, but took no steps, short or otherwise, toward completing the project. Then we learned that Mr. Vagabond’s family planned to visit us in August. Yikes! Along with everything else that had to be done, I really wanted this thing finished when they arrived. Mr. V. asked what my top priorities were, and I saddled him with this, among several other things. Good thing he’s a good sport. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4_iZ4TtNTt31FYJ-dCEcQsi6A7MaF8krYBxea_uBCoIrKswsR6IR4RdIGRAMit4uWX6lodV0cS2wVBFTf0CtYwH85aHEvav6C5eYseUUE22CHHl-TbHO_bEtpHaZIQEfyFOyvocdE02k/s1600/windowseat+frame+beginning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4_iZ4TtNTt31FYJ-dCEcQsi6A7MaF8krYBxea_uBCoIrKswsR6IR4RdIGRAMit4uWX6lodV0cS2wVBFTf0CtYwH85aHEvav6C5eYseUUE22CHHl-TbHO_bEtpHaZIQEfyFOyvocdE02k/s640/windowseat+frame+beginning.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the right end.</td></tr>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">In the next image, Mr. V. is doing a test fit for the front and back “walls” of the window seat. They were built, raised, leveled and fastened the same as you would frame up a wall in your house, just smaller. Each section consisted of one horizontal board across the top and bottom, and short vertical boards across the width which serve as miniature studs. You might notice that the framework at the right end of the book case is awfully short. That’s because I changed my mind (I do that), and wanted book cases instead of ceiling-to-floor cabinets. Because the foundation was much too deep for book cases, we decided on two short cabinets at each end of the window seat with a book case on top of each cabinet. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I’m skipping past the part where he measured the foundation that I built, shook his head and told me that he loved me. Several times. He said that with a heavy sigh, and sometimes a chuckle. He also laughed at my use of salvaged lumber, but did have to agree that there was no sense to be found in buying new 2 x 4s to use where they would never be seen. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCFHtmFSnsOtTEICsUp_m09R5DpvVDGHQBiQjO_BtvvGFeWrq_fg-E6w2Uqq6I1-WfQPLGab5LE4FulGGA0cNoRVhzRZpFi1Vo5w2pXlrkMTGIoUeQuxKrykuWye1G1JCd8X9zszlgUHs/s1600/IMG_2623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCFHtmFSnsOtTEICsUp_m09R5DpvVDGHQBiQjO_BtvvGFeWrq_fg-E6w2Uqq6I1-WfQPLGab5LE4FulGGA0cNoRVhzRZpFi1Vo5w2pXlrkMTGIoUeQuxKrykuWye1G1JCd8X9zszlgUHs/s640/IMG_2623.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">This is day-1. Errr, night-1</span></td></tr>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">While I was out of the room, he decided that he didn’t like my wall cleat, and planned a new height and configuration for the window seat. It didn’t occur to me until later (too late) that he wasn’t using my carefully-planned seat height measurements, and was instead working with his own height in mind. My feet dangle off the edge of the window seat now. I’m considering building a step.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Standard chair seat height is approximately 18 - 20 inches, by the way. Most chairs are about 18 inches deep, too, but I like to sit sideways. The finished depth became about 2 feet, which lets me do that comfortably. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">In the next photo, we had built both walls and set them upright on the foundation. We found the straightest board that we owned (which is hard to do when shopping at Lowe’s, lemme tell ya), laid the board as a bridge across the top of both walls, front to back, and set the level on top of the board. Ordinarily, you’d use a 4-foot level, but ours was in the garage, which is at the back 40 of the property, and it was dark. And there is no electricity in the garage. Because we have never found a single floor in the whole house that is level, we had to shim up the framework. Only then were we able to fasten the whole thing together. </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4QDFEYyZE8Yy9C2U3LN-yZngRTNdGjMZ64GHZTHxTdS2IjXUhrFTkgalLUKYwsPrnHQtTKvW_0OU-uzDbEZHWnBVdAjAcWfVxvIZVCv8tmyDqM8b9_9tN7b_GAUr9nSfYjn97PbDBPmY/s1600/IMG_2626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4QDFEYyZE8Yy9C2U3LN-yZngRTNdGjMZ64GHZTHxTdS2IjXUhrFTkgalLUKYwsPrnHQtTKvW_0OU-uzDbEZHWnBVdAjAcWfVxvIZVCv8tmyDqM8b9_9tN7b_GAUr9nSfYjn97PbDBPmY/s640/IMG_2626.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The next photo was taken at the end of the first day. We had spent most of the day at Lowe’s, so we got a late start. Day-2 held a lot more progress.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvUKQPDpkGgYYfYhvpHj4YsIlzYD2eQtU0tZzTzxmS7B_CxwRQWAtUM59EKgks4Qv-_kmeaLCYRVJF1KUql7XP5vX_4EA3p2zhtnj40AQdxv26n368v-MV2KBcfZHonW-Z8IvlYLlg0_E/s1600/IMG_2627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvUKQPDpkGgYYfYhvpHj4YsIlzYD2eQtU0tZzTzxmS7B_CxwRQWAtUM59EKgks4Qv-_kmeaLCYRVJF1KUql7XP5vX_4EA3p2zhtnj40AQdxv26n368v-MV2KBcfZHonW-Z8IvlYLlg0_E/s640/IMG_2627.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span>Gypsy made her own progress, taking advantage of the fact that Mama and Dada were otherwise occupied. I caught her turning a board into toothpicks on the sofa. People think that I exaggerate when I tell them about the things that she does. By the time we’d worked all of one day, she’d torn several small holes in the sofa. Oh well. I wanted to bring my awesome old vintage sofa downstairs anyway.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHRkweSEtrPoLmmsZRFM2qcEh76yTSwTlxdd-Ia3rdtjpdUfUEpi_UIwLNpzmQAuw3Jabci50_PfAuLkbJ65n9pl31oks2VIJh81JuENEM36raLd-RPkPmyzMHckd-bKDUcVRQtBWppjE/s1600/IMG_2690.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHRkweSEtrPoLmmsZRFM2qcEh76yTSwTlxdd-Ia3rdtjpdUfUEpi_UIwLNpzmQAuw3Jabci50_PfAuLkbJ65n9pl31oks2VIJh81JuENEM36raLd-RPkPmyzMHckd-bKDUcVRQtBWppjE/s640/IMG_2690.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not the most normal dog on Earth.</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At the end of the first day, we wondered what we'd gotten ourselves into. That's pretty much a theme around here. We also realized that our $600 budget was about to be tested. Although we purchased much more materials than we thought we'd need, things almost never go as planned. We made at least five more trips to Lowe's, and at least as many to the liquor store. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next week, Part II</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">XOXO</span></div>
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<a href="http://s62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/sinner99/?action=view&current=Signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/sinner99/Signature.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4113782040746776447.post-82815072228298138152012-09-19T08:55:00.000-07:002015-09-08T09:14:14.239-07:00They Call This a "Custom Look"<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I took photos with the good camera, but the little gadget that I use to transfer photos has run away. I hope to find it and post those photos soon. These came from my pitiful iPhone. Not so great, but they'll suffice for now.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I need to backtrack a bit after this post, but I have to share my latest "oops" in the renovations. In early August, Mr. Vagabond and I built a window seat flanked by two book cases in the living room. It turned out amazing. Much better than we hoped. Now I'm working on the bench cushion for the window seat. At midnight last night, I thought it was awesome, too. When I ironed it this morning, I discovered a piecing error. After I took the pictures, I noticed another. Oh, well. I've decided to leave it as it is and call it beautiful.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgchzSYUzE-uFwQOjyw-OB34ywOtQaOncmk0rhSD36t32xXNrmpbwLbnQYKbrk5QuI8cpmlpUMOo-2pqLbHVeQNWQXP9c9tLborwFo3vIysHlPTEEoyHo7wGOcMGRjUNneJ7h6qzY3cmXA/s1600/quilt+top+bench+cushion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgchzSYUzE-uFwQOjyw-OB34ywOtQaOncmk0rhSD36t32xXNrmpbwLbnQYKbrk5QuI8cpmlpUMOo-2pqLbHVeQNWQXP9c9tLborwFo3vIysHlPTEEoyHo7wGOcMGRjUNneJ7h6qzY3cmXA/s640/quilt+top+bench+cushion.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">At first glance, it seems fine. But my primary goal was to avoid any series of one fabric. As I ironed it, the diagonal row of red popped out. Then, of course, the salmon-toned row that runs opposite jumped out. After I took these photos, I saw the black and gold diagonal run just left of center.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFTBCMQmE8-Z7ac8PBTdaxYkdB49_ZhHtF6LtA1rp5F9Gp-kRO7ZAB0A3lxyS_YQP9W0Tfbbhzhaw0gvFkOoQNFfFHqNPnHHsFJgL_K5hnr3RqlqevkMQmDakir0GCo6EAnCQAUjX-Y_U/s1600/oops.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFTBCMQmE8-Z7ac8PBTdaxYkdB49_ZhHtF6LtA1rp5F9Gp-kRO7ZAB0A3lxyS_YQP9W0Tfbbhzhaw0gvFkOoQNFfFHqNPnHHsFJgL_K5hnr3RqlqevkMQmDakir0GCo6EAnCQAUjX-Y_U/s640/oops.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Although I am disappointed with the mistakes and a few odd, misaligned seams, I'm thrilled with the quilt top fabric. Years ago when I worked for an interior design office, I brought home tons of old fabric sample books. They've been stored in the garage for at least 6 years. When we finished the window seat and book cases, Mr. V. told me that he thought I should make a quilt cover for the bench seat cushion from all of the old sample books. You can't really see the texture of the fabric, but it's gorgeous. The black and gold and red and gold pieces are satin threads on velvet. The bright red is wool and feels almost like a tapestry. Every different fabric has a lot of texture.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">So for now, this is my latest addition to the house.</span><br />
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XOXO<br />
<a href="http://s62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/sinner99/?action=view&current=Signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/sinner99/Signature.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4113782040746776447.post-14206227340170942292012-06-04T13:35:00.003-07:002015-09-08T09:14:40.105-07:00Broom Fell, Company's Coming<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><i>**It's been a while since my last post. Late winter and early spring always seem to be ridiculously busy. This past season was no exception. But now I'm gearing back up for renovating this house.</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Anyone who knows me also knows that my house is never visitor-friendly. It’s a construction zone with (mostly) nail-free sleeping areas, a (mostly) finished kitchen and a (mostly) finished downstairs bathroom. Everything else is a black hole of doom that’s riddled with stacks of plywood and lumber, power tools, hand tools, nails, screws, paint buckets and measuring tapes. After my morning staircase sweeping ritual today, the broom fell in the foyer. If you’re superstitious like me, a broom hitting the floor is never a good sign. It looks like company is coming, so I’d better get crack-a-lackin. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">After settling the broom back against the wall, I looked for my measuring tape. One of my measuring tapes. ANY of the scores of measuring tapes in this house would be fine, if I could just find one. But I found something better, which was a very special old notebook. Like any writer, I have notebooks upon notebooks, many of them so old I can’t even remember what’s inside. But this one is different. I recognized it immediately. This notebook contains every measurement of every wall, floor, doorway, window (even the crooked, round window), alcove and hallway in this house. Forget the measuring tape; I just struck gold. Let’s get this party started!</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJYhWW4I_b7AXumdlhpb-YRkJdssOeHtvnFnIEQNigd6B9hlnVFMzpslreAjFovvji0YeCuiDG9wnjvgRrhyphenhyphenlLRcVpDxUS6Ap3yWruS__Ctjb-DZi8Pv6dHLz1lqkwi9yO7lu4_Zmybk8/s1600/Measurements+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJYhWW4I_b7AXumdlhpb-YRkJdssOeHtvnFnIEQNigd6B9hlnVFMzpslreAjFovvji0YeCuiDG9wnjvgRrhyphenhyphenlLRcVpDxUS6Ap3yWruS__Ctjb-DZi8Pv6dHLz1lqkwi9yO7lu4_Zmybk8/s640/Measurements+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>When I say we measured everything, I mean everything. Even the rafters in the attic!</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Now, when planning for company, it’s best to begin with the things that absolutely must be finished by the time they arrive, which will probably be later in the summer by the way the broom bounced. Thank goodness it didn’t flip over. You don’t even wanna know. Mystical broom bouncing has a lot of subtle nuances to consider. With that in mind, I have two major project that I want to complete. Three, if the stars align just right. I need a functional laundry room, I want to finish the windowseat/bookcase combination in the living room and I’d love to have the upstairs bathroom beautified. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Saying that I need a functional laundry room isn’t quite fair to the room. It functions just fine, but it’s a long way from convenient. When we moved here, Mr. Vagabond had the brilliant idea that we didn’t need any furniture for our bedroom besides a bed and nightstands. In his opinion, we should store all our clothes in the laundry room. I argued with him about that, but I eventually had to admit that he was right. We have never dressed in the bedroom, and we probably never will. We take clothes to the bathroom to dress, and the bathroom is just a few steps from the laundry room. I hate it when he’s right. The problem with his brilliant idea is that all we have in the laundry room are a couple small cabinets and a bunch of shelves. I need cabinets in there, so that’s on the list. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I refuse to post an image of the laundry room in its current state. You're welcome.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">As for the windowseat/bookcase in the living room, that one shouldn’t be too difficult. I already have it framed out on the floor. I just need to finish building it, and then get it painted. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkcNDht3BfHQ9T5LDjDy4ph0s_q8rJQZDOwUYK-AFvYyor-c_bNXpqvzVq3TcdcKB7ar9_weNUS0LSKrtja7Pji9FXZOqmnsZ_BNSwWDFyUJZB-o_lK74jNko4sXbr62gsNv7f7_AXpis/s1600/IMG_2409.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkcNDht3BfHQ9T5LDjDy4ph0s_q8rJQZDOwUYK-AFvYyor-c_bNXpqvzVq3TcdcKB7ar9_weNUS0LSKrtja7Pji9FXZOqmnsZ_BNSwWDFyUJZB-o_lK74jNko4sXbr62gsNv7f7_AXpis/s640/IMG_2409.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The birth of a windowseat and book case. Salvaged lumber came in handy.</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I'm thinking about something kind of like this:</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLfonJZAu4plnoCzPJ2BrO8RUyaTW9jcLyrMsGWStbO99JddIg9KqOkEo2NVO9Ln5AAi-MVHl7zR324SUFZBM9pdud_bc74yOAuuqFK8NXw493pyrdj93cQjLYTbqWlmLP5ma2G28RZl8/s1600/build_in_bookcase_and_window_seat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLfonJZAu4plnoCzPJ2BrO8RUyaTW9jcLyrMsGWStbO99JddIg9KqOkEo2NVO9Ln5AAi-MVHl7zR324SUFZBM9pdud_bc74yOAuuqFK8NXw493pyrdj93cQjLYTbqWlmLP5ma2G28RZl8/s640/build_in_bookcase_and_window_seat.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>This would be an easy build.</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Or this:</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn1OgXBVmZH7pk2hWl7dYhyphenhyphenDXoS0GfdGNiRTGFPz1F9PEnF5Pr6XrHlhUKDuHQ-tRT-SqmYfSV9SoS3S0Rct5i0oJUSrDBIN0me6zeeI6VpEN8aNZrWUcqfVz-RRdQQqvpBxqXyaOkTFc/s1600/PM+Kitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn1OgXBVmZH7pk2hWl7dYhyphenhyphenDXoS0GfdGNiRTGFPz1F9PEnF5Pr6XrHlhUKDuHQ-tRT-SqmYfSV9SoS3S0Rct5i0oJUSrDBIN0me6zeeI6VpEN8aNZrWUcqfVz-RRdQQqvpBxqXyaOkTFc/s640/PM+Kitchen.jpg" width="638" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Not so easy, but I love the idea of a table in front of the windowseat. </i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The upstairs bathroom is a whole ‘nuther story. That room is beyond hope. No amount of paint or new flooring is going to cut it. That room has to be gutted and completely redone. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">First, it looked like this:</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_BBPA6KgqtWAk7QsExGtGr794BPhEj1j-83ABZ0mQVabP1ix-vkClWPXeOaMosBte-EXDjEOPdORtPrBnOqcdILFQWRlvzJU-kUT1qUogiySfjSV5bEQs7vVjBNaCtUG4ROJdM9K3cSs/s1600/upper+bath+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_BBPA6KgqtWAk7QsExGtGr794BPhEj1j-83ABZ0mQVabP1ix-vkClWPXeOaMosBte-EXDjEOPdORtPrBnOqcdILFQWRlvzJU-kUT1qUogiySfjSV5bEQs7vVjBNaCtUG4ROJdM9K3cSs/s640/upper+bath+6.jpg" width="366" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Ew.</i></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then it looked like this:</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirmk9f3WX11V75RmzQKZZ8SpKytXVAXtli_jHjiQnJwLlePEbRxLCCizoNJa3MxVSQXb35OwURpUjOHwiEImrpZHj55agVfeUKHZXLmJF_JY9J-_FlgBxjpVv6xGe5ty2azSakFMXx7L4/s1600/upper+bath+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirmk9f3WX11V75RmzQKZZ8SpKytXVAXtli_jHjiQnJwLlePEbRxLCCizoNJa3MxVSQXb35OwURpUjOHwiEImrpZHj55agVfeUKHZXLmJF_JY9J-_FlgBxjpVv6xGe5ty2azSakFMXx7L4/s640/upper+bath+1.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Not much better, but at least it's not disgusting.</i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifekGPWqNaAPyYymbkVaGDcXcVcaq2NEH54TFJaqO-SQR0NwtHnaH-S0JZHpijCzleIqpeOmtGaB7WQqS8nRDBxtEU15R6-R5QapHFiFANHxg2Yv-CNwSqT2LBcwrabvw-1RFAFUqkYJo/s1600/upper+bath+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifekGPWqNaAPyYymbkVaGDcXcVcaq2NEH54TFJaqO-SQR0NwtHnaH-S0JZHpijCzleIqpeOmtGaB7WQqS8nRDBxtEU15R6-R5QapHFiFANHxg2Yv-CNwSqT2LBcwrabvw-1RFAFUqkYJo/s640/upper+bath+5.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>The shower stall is so tiny, I can barely shower in it without knocking down the curtain. There's a pile of Romex in the shower and a big weird curtain in this photo. Don't ask. I have no idea why.</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span>As you can see, I have my work cut out for me. What else is new? </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Over the next few weeks, I’ll be posting photos of my progress. Stay tuned! And for Pete’s sake, steady those brooms. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>P.S. Did I mention that I also really, really need a deck out back?</i></span></span></div>
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XOXO<div style="font-size: 12px;">
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<a href="http://s62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/sinner99/?action=view&current=Signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/sinner99/Signature.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4113782040746776447.post-44236527099459333072012-02-21T10:13:00.000-08:002015-09-08T09:15:05.566-07:00Upcycling, Repurposing and Inspirational Things<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of my favorite things is finding inspiration in the unusual. Upcycling has become a trendy, even stylish term lately, but repurposing interesting objects has been the hobby of many folks for a long time. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When we first moved to Knoxville in 2000, Mr. Vagabond and I lived in an adorable little Barber Victorian cottage on the fringe of the historic Fourth & Gill community. Although I'd long been a fan of thrift (ok, junk) stores, I soon discovered that Knoxville took it to a whole new level compared to what I'd seen in other towns. One of the first things I started collecting here was dishes. I used some of them in my little garden.</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm0jZULDsuHwPjmAdrC46C0lEdixoES8NkA6SqlulBsH3Te32NbQmfQPy6czXaOqhOOopO4w3RvHw85mPtISnKskFq_vyVO92Ec85Jsh-UM6sUYMjeXaHDw-EX5Bg1Sl-zduF1QlIvPvw/s1600/Dishesflowers.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm0jZULDsuHwPjmAdrC46C0lEdixoES8NkA6SqlulBsH3Te32NbQmfQPy6czXaOqhOOopO4w3RvHw85mPtISnKskFq_vyVO92Ec85Jsh-UM6sUYMjeXaHDw-EX5Bg1Sl-zduF1QlIvPvw/s640/Dishesflowers.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>Unfortunately, my Golden Retriever bit the heads off every petunia. </i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That was a neat way to use broken dishes and teacups with crazing in the glaze. The bad parts of the plates were hidden in the dirt, and I broke out the bottoms of the teacups. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I amassed stacks and stacks of creamy-white Homer Laughlin dinnerware. Some pieces were plain, and others had delicate, faded floral patterns. I considered them my fancy plates, and reserved them for special occasions. Some of the pieces have disappeared over the past 12 years, and that makes me sad. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anyway, back to repurposing. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Every older man I know has several glass insulators in a box somewhere in his garage. I've always loved the look of them, but never knew what I could do with one. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What about this?</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglbO0Htz_cerYywJ5sWpCetVcBXuByuLwX-q8yP9VE9bTn4alZ5sge2Msa2XWDzS6ZM56JrqUs7PfpN4dnmR02_CFxUnZoSCnxNi_gq9CSxXEkxagrDtUFKA1xslI03YTZ5jdZqVpdlP4/s1600/7749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglbO0Htz_cerYywJ5sWpCetVcBXuByuLwX-q8yP9VE9bTn4alZ5sge2Msa2XWDzS6ZM56JrqUs7PfpN4dnmR02_CFxUnZoSCnxNi_gq9CSxXEkxagrDtUFKA1xslI03YTZ5jdZqVpdlP4/s640/7749.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Or this?</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr29kpfwYp5Y2XKUPhUBbh_A1H7Da2UFCcsnsjvF3pEgSA8eyYIu6tHUuCTeDtxa4wXrsURQSK-AsHuMA6SiqifeyMy3Yp_VN0xTWe8qGyZJ3fLSRf3NSyoaO6OyNWr4UhIjX7B_ZkzNE/s1600/75074-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr29kpfwYp5Y2XKUPhUBbh_A1H7Da2UFCcsnsjvF3pEgSA8eyYIu6tHUuCTeDtxa4wXrsURQSK-AsHuMA6SiqifeyMy3Yp_VN0xTWe8qGyZJ3fLSRf3NSyoaO6OyNWr4UhIjX7B_ZkzNE/s640/75074-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Beautiful, no? Clever, too. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At one time, I could find glass insulators for nothing at local thrift stores. Now they are VERY pricey, as their value is becoming more and more apparent. Lucky me, I had some foresight and bought every one I could find back in the day. Now to bring out the diamond bit and my Rotozip!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Old glass bottles are another favorite of mine. I have loads of them. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So what about something like this?</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCSqvjPOmJsulxfOGwL0yYjUw3uTPIj7q5zD47IxBBX1ww3xr-VH1LE1TTtrXODKJEGFmTnrBHeeDdFJjKfX3v5bZWcQM-O4fthlOeHNZcG07Zcen7XtlstTDBmDC_92SZZYNBeVXMutc/s1600/75082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCSqvjPOmJsulxfOGwL0yYjUw3uTPIj7q5zD47IxBBX1ww3xr-VH1LE1TTtrXODKJEGFmTnrBHeeDdFJjKfX3v5bZWcQM-O4fthlOeHNZcG07Zcen7XtlstTDBmDC_92SZZYNBeVXMutc/s640/75082.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've been buying old bottles for about as long as I can remember, too.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another favorite thing is old doors. I love old doors. I have one leaning against the wall in my kitchen just waiting for new purpose. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Maybe one of these ideas will work. </span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9UVPkv-RLmuYkWFpyyfAEavsZY1Rn0nB4Yxu3HS3-s372CEUiC8uudwQqjlKyniSnuqLHC6CBjDxPyKsxZ3pS68QB2RO3C6z68w9ltIQPBTn5w2einIpNWz0izafSNmOM_cnuaefMvZc/s1600/125397170844199770_oqb6w0yn_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9UVPkv-RLmuYkWFpyyfAEavsZY1Rn0nB4Yxu3HS3-s372CEUiC8uudwQqjlKyniSnuqLHC6CBjDxPyKsxZ3pS68QB2RO3C6z68w9ltIQPBTn5w2einIpNWz0izafSNmOM_cnuaefMvZc/s640/125397170844199770_oqb6w0yn_c.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>I could use one of these in my foyer</i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHoyalTydbXlMk58rkr8P5LUli4rOFvxUF0ju_5ANJYEfR4KQr45AhYNbovC6JbrWujalJZij1ilZrYEiPvp2GCGbtkHCdlXpJGXCJGvhWIykzC1s5ECw2WcJ2cZMFBj9JqaTWTleZwos/s1600/170573904606221278_rIbIbXXu_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHoyalTydbXlMk58rkr8P5LUli4rOFvxUF0ju_5ANJYEfR4KQr45AhYNbovC6JbrWujalJZij1ilZrYEiPvp2GCGbtkHCdlXpJGXCJGvhWIykzC1s5ECw2WcJ2cZMFBj9JqaTWTleZwos/s640/170573904606221278_rIbIbXXu_c.jpg" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>My old door is just about this size.</i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPjk_rN3M-afeP0s2pRHGIlDFUYct89-brQzxp77mJFOz8d3EpJ1qYZ3nbuNgKe0QoUTLMP2neItjd5Hc5miXk3GqQSZJyIcMuHGMcbfdSg7xgSjlD-YY-zEYkr_P_fq9T6WjFiI5g3iA/s1600/202929873_vjFY0A1e_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPjk_rN3M-afeP0s2pRHGIlDFUYct89-brQzxp77mJFOz8d3EpJ1qYZ3nbuNgKe0QoUTLMP2neItjd5Hc5miXk3GqQSZJyIcMuHGMcbfdSg7xgSjlD-YY-zEYkr_P_fq9T6WjFiI5g3iA/s640/202929873_vjFY0A1e_c.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>Now, THIS is really cool!</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of the tricks to repurposing or upcycling, at least when it comes to interiors, is to make an item that is already attractive into something useful as well. An old thing on a shelf is just an old thing on a shelf. If it isn't beautiful in the first place, it probably won't stand on its own as art or an artistic furnishing.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">An old bottle with bubbles in the glass is a thing of beauty just the way it is. An old door that is rugged and full of detail is lovely for its craftsmanship alone. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When you choose an object to convert into something else, consider the object for its own sake, just as it is, before you think about what you could turn it into. That way, you're not adding decoration to something that's not really worth it. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">XOXO</span></div>
<a href="http://s62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/sinner99/?action=view&current=Signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/sinner99/Signature.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4113782040746776447.post-70920588391637315662012-02-13T10:24:00.000-08:002015-09-08T09:15:24.121-07:00Extracting an Interior Design Color Palette in Gimp<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A few days ago, I learned how to create an interior design color palette from an image and I thought this info might be useful for others. How many times have you seen an image of a room and wished you knew the colors the decorator used? For me, the answer is <i>lots</i>.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And away we go.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I use photo manipulation / editing software called Gimp, which is very similar to Photoshop. The biggest difference is that Gimp is free. Free! You can download it <a href="http://www.gimp.org/downloads/">here</a>. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Open an image of a room that you love with Gimp. I fell for the colors in this one.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisAeYvLboxA7yxLusjBHMooUL3ETOB00MTHQpBV1_cfArLgFmo12MUicipgLLub4c_W8EHdXse3O3VqMcgwQvmG3VYjteTkW4KXq7pmSbjeQ0XhaM3Vg22UfM9RB_mqutGQAqOprsqYfI/s1600/interesting+windows.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisAeYvLboxA7yxLusjBHMooUL3ETOB00MTHQpBV1_cfArLgFmo12MUicipgLLub4c_W8EHdXse3O3VqMcgwQvmG3VYjteTkW4KXq7pmSbjeQ0XhaM3Vg22UfM9RB_mqutGQAqOprsqYfI/s640/interesting+windows.png" width="468" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>Cheery little space.</i></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are so many things to love about this room. The creamy white walls, aquamarine bench cushions, sandy-colored floor tiles, all punctuated with a soft yet bright yellow. And of course the cute pup! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You may not realize it, but oftentimes a room is appealing because of the overall presentation, and not just the main fixtures in the room. If you only pulled the colors of the walls, cabinets, floor, countertop and bench cushions, you wouldn't have all of the components that make this room a thing that resonates beauty. So yes, the colors should include the pup. :-)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the upper toolbar of the image in Gimp, click on "Colors" then "Info" then "Smooth Palette." A new window will pop up that looks like this:</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCFSebjyoKBt9ALLG9AaEwqR9KFFWualkS5m2vtzMX8V_7DGfDaIgUFAlSkFPoEL5Egbrm7qpG9QpIOUyjHhUPnEfBWTEDG8wy3cNOVmeeVKAaN6fO9HXwYcFI32NN9jiR7hn8tSBLDrA/s1600/interesting+windows+palette.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCFSebjyoKBt9ALLG9AaEwqR9KFFWualkS5m2vtzMX8V_7DGfDaIgUFAlSkFPoEL5Egbrm7qpG9QpIOUyjHhUPnEfBWTEDG8wy3cNOVmeeVKAaN6fO9HXwYcFI32NN9jiR7hn8tSBLDrA/s640/interesting+windows+palette.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Each detectible color in the original image is arranged in neat columns for you view in an orderly fashion and select for your personal palette.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The next thing I do is create a new file. I usually make it 640 by 480 pixels. Click on the upper ruler and hold down the mouse button, then drag down into the body of the image. A line will come down from the bar and land wherever you release the mouse button. You can move it if you don't like the position. Repeat that step a few times to make horizontal dividers. I usually make three dividers, which gives me four spaces. Then repeat the whole thing from the left ruler to make vertical dividers. The rulers on the top and side will help you place the guides evenly.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once the guidelines are set where you want them in the body of the blank image, use the square select tool in the upper left of the separate toolbar (where the paint brushes, bucket fill and other tools are located) to select one square of the grid. The guidelines in the image will act as a slight bumper to help prevent the drag from going past the lines and bleeding into the next section. You can drag the tool past the guides, but if you get close and release the mouse button, it will outline only the selected square. The highlighted square will flicker around the perimeter, showing you that it is selected.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Using the eyedropper tool, select a color in the striped palette that you like. Fill the selected square with color from the dropper tool using the paint bucket or a paint brush tool.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fill each square with a different color that you like from the palette using the square select tool, eyedropper tool and paint bucket or paintbrush.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These are the colors I picked.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrLS636fyS7bZSUAZsoLzp8xUmdxYd4ljwG0QbzOf_D2vDmQfi3Aeqpy75QoODHGiQ2L0xBUMrRzxT9ff8EZluejOTWAbbsIzYs4cnKIFHi8tquko1qhlAMW0e0a3OXH6RgRj7UigdnT0/s1600/palette+No+7.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrLS636fyS7bZSUAZsoLzp8xUmdxYd4ljwG0QbzOf_D2vDmQfi3Aeqpy75QoODHGiQ2L0xBUMrRzxT9ff8EZluejOTWAbbsIzYs4cnKIFHi8tquko1qhlAMW0e0a3OXH6RgRj7UigdnT0/s640/palette+No+7.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You probably don't want to create a grid that shows every single color in the image. That would be gigantic. I already have a pretty good idea of the wall color since I used a similar color in my downstairs bath, so I didn't think it was necessary to add it to this palette. But I especially wanted the yellows, aquas and greens. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The main grid will not have the white dividers between the colors, but that's easy to add after you fill the squares. On the upper toolbar, click on "View" then "Show grid." A tight grid will appear, covering the whole image. Choose the square select tool again and select along two parallel grid lines between two colors, then fill the selection with white. Repeat at the edge of each square. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once you have one large palette, you can modify it very easily (and save it with a new filename) to make new palettes. The fuzzy select tool will capture one color at a time in the grid, which is easier than using the square select tool. Click on a colored square, select a color from a palette and replace the color in the fuzzy selected area with the new color. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And there you have it. The next time you see a picture of a room that makes you go gaga, pull the colors you want to remember and make a palette to help you reproduce whichever elements of the room you like. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">XOXO</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://s62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/sinner99/?action=view&current=Signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/sinner99/Signature.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4113782040746776447.post-81295011442602608522012-02-11T10:02:00.000-08:002015-09-08T09:15:53.510-07:00Playing in Mud -- How to Mix Drywall Joint CompoundToday, boys and girls, we're going to play in mud. Drywall mud, that is. Mud is more fun to say than pre-mixed drywall joint compound, so I'll go with it.<br />
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Mud is usually a mixture of pulverized limestone, water and other additives. It is used to tape and finish seams between drywall panels, repair dings and holes, and smooth out wall irregularities. Many folks would scream at the idea, but I have used hot-mix mud to repair plaster with impressive results. But we're not talking about hot-mix today.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgrZ9mg41zdBGN1Aq4HzaWGi1ibf4LxpLUNXv-_Io8cQzS1hYvTRu_kwpGI4q32rQHIhayEEwxJXFJKM1PASBRh4G3-tqBefHgBNc3qCzRljqQNHkcek1BEpjJmu24h0fG2w2dcXGIOWY/s1600/mud.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgrZ9mg41zdBGN1Aq4HzaWGi1ibf4LxpLUNXv-_Io8cQzS1hYvTRu_kwpGI4q32rQHIhayEEwxJXFJKM1PASBRh4G3-tqBefHgBNc3qCzRljqQNHkcek1BEpjJmu24h0fG2w2dcXGIOWY/s400/mud.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>Sheetrock is one of several mud brands that I have used. </i></span></td></tr>
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Some folks think the words "ready-mixed" or "pre-mixed" mean the mud is ready to use straight out of the tub. Not so. Well, you can, but not if you want good results. Pre-mixed mud has been blended with water, but it's not smooth. If you want smooth, even walls, not to mention a lot fewer headaches, you have to mix pre-mixed mud.<br />
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When buying pre-mixed mud, opt for the heavier container. I know, I know. It weighs a lot more than lightweight joint compound. Lightweight mud is basically mud plus air. Do you really want to pay for air?<br />
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I thought not.<br />
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If the bucket is too heavy, the nice guys at Lowe's and Home Depot will load it into your buggy. They'll usually load it into your vehicle as well. At home, you're on your own.<br />
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A brand new bucket of mud comes out lumpy. Lumpy mud is hard to work with. Even the smallest lumps leave ridges across the wall when you spread it with a mud knife. You'll chase the lumps, work out ridges, get really tired, switch hands with the mud knife before carpal tunnel sets in, possibly say some bad words, introduce more lumps and ultimately cause… more ridges.<br />
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This is why we mix.<br />
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Unless you have arms like Paul Bunyan and are a glutton for hard labor, you need a mud- or paint-mixing tool.<br />
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The one I use looks like this.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvYliBta8gj-2ZxvKT6GhgY-Vq39Vz1UnIe61Y1o1Krp3m3ByvZlbo1YXGuKiUw0gYCccdVDG-8ZYsOZwWASeSq7JXGNgYUFmM5Tu3NYAsNYrPbdUhzj4kOQAlpYIUY72a9IK_qK7w978/s1600/mixing+paddle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvYliBta8gj-2ZxvKT6GhgY-Vq39Vz1UnIe61Y1o1Krp3m3ByvZlbo1YXGuKiUw0gYCccdVDG-8ZYsOZwWASeSq7JXGNgYUFmM5Tu3NYAsNYrPbdUhzj4kOQAlpYIUY72a9IK_qK7w978/s400/mixing+paddle.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>Shiny!</i></span></td></tr>
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Fasten the top of the rod to a power drill, and voila! You've got a mud mixer. You can also use it to mix paint.<br />
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In addition to a mixing tool and a drill, you'll also need a clean, empty bucket with a secure lid.<br />
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Scoop out about half the mud from the new container, put it into the clean bucket and seal the bucket. Mud is very stiff at first, so use a sturdy scoop. I use a large dog food scooper. Many folks scoop out mud with a mud knife, but that is a bit difficult for me. Plus, a plastic scooper is easy to rinse out and can't rust. Rusty mud knives are a pain in the rear.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg0jX2HJZEnhjKyHDZpOXIFOqcUT2_OwJwlGSuI8cGl6-sw7Ir2hURUyMQg0kI6S3C_ModVYtjcKJx-AR_eAldpwteIJ1JmrTBnwUUFQTHnMgtNlKsoVKJSuQ5Hm1mPPpkIsconUPRSM0/s1600/scoop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg0jX2HJZEnhjKyHDZpOXIFOqcUT2_OwJwlGSuI8cGl6-sw7Ir2hURUyMQg0kI6S3C_ModVYtjcKJx-AR_eAldpwteIJ1JmrTBnwUUFQTHnMgtNlKsoVKJSuQ5Hm1mPPpkIsconUPRSM0/s320/scoop.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>Don't use it to scoop pet food after using it with mud.</i></span></td></tr>
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When you open a new bucket of mud, there's a little plastic film covering the top. Save it.<br />
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Pour about a cup of water into the open bucket and get ready to mix.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyqIrwaiyNXJkJmHzEfI_XJ_so6YC4nqBIuG6agTpySy6HsdE86vaIFjJbFwbDTn-8KqAF8WFF59cp96eoAQWAOIG65WPtN3bRLt7h0E0o5vydarMB3Z1aDj55VQGkZ74kCezrGGADVwg/s1600/IMG_0320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyqIrwaiyNXJkJmHzEfI_XJ_so6YC4nqBIuG6agTpySy6HsdE86vaIFjJbFwbDTn-8KqAF8WFF59cp96eoAQWAOIG65WPtN3bRLt7h0E0o5vydarMB3Z1aDj55VQGkZ74kCezrGGADVwg/s640/IMG_0320.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvTOo5ksEHIv1xUe9x6YWb-yVgmwAXo0O_8kVfQXm88dD3FJyG8JIB2WYquUnK22rdHmB9-Qe0-F0IfshJb6Dg95aXCh8d4ASl-ab2OPpeRtMrtzAP4FsQjdUQmlVaGTQZru_smWEMZS4/s1600/mud+mix.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvTOo5ksEHIv1xUe9x6YWb-yVgmwAXo0O_8kVfQXm88dD3FJyG8JIB2WYquUnK22rdHmB9-Qe0-F0IfshJb6Dg95aXCh8d4ASl-ab2OPpeRtMrtzAP4FsQjdUQmlVaGTQZru_smWEMZS4/s640/mud+mix.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>This is the fun part.</i></span></td></tr>
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Brace the bucket between your feet, and hold on tight. If you can't do that, ask someone to hold the bucket while you mix. Turn on the drill and slowly push the mixer into the mud a little at a time. If you push the mixer into the mud before you turn on the drill, you won't be happy. The bucket might spin, the drill might fly out of your hands or you may just dislocate your shoulder. If the planets are properly aligned, you might even accomplish all three at once!<br />
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That's not a good thing.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijAqjj31Ok6AgBKkBw8IWPN2dHSKhGgEk0XvFJAcqvcGnk8-IRQbinuMMKhGJFgsd-En2xi0sheLnsciUax1ED-3tX2s3G4sqG-TYzqF8guzeFzBQxoGNCwvKlWvmiA-HzUNjRtnrByNI/s1600/IMG_0308.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijAqjj31Ok6AgBKkBw8IWPN2dHSKhGgEk0XvFJAcqvcGnk8-IRQbinuMMKhGJFgsd-En2xi0sheLnsciUax1ED-3tX2s3G4sqG-TYzqF8guzeFzBQxoGNCwvKlWvmiA-HzUNjRtnrByNI/s640/IMG_0308.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>Well-mixed mud is the consistency of cake frosting. It should not drip off the mixer. If it's too thin, add some unmixed mud from the other bucket.</i></span></td></tr>
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Use low speed and high torque at first. Raise and lower the mixer through the mud, scrape the sides of the bucket and blend it until all the lumps are worked out. Increase the speed of the drill as the mud gets smoother. If it's still too thick, mix in a little more water. When it's fully blended, raise the mixer out of the mud and spin off the excess inside the bucket.<br />
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If you're like me, you'll set the mixer on the floor and let it dry before cleaning off the mud. You should rinse it off while it's still wet, but I am always too anxious to get on with the mudding part.<br />
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You can use the mud right away or close up the bucket and save it. Scrape off the excess mud on the sides of the bucket, put the plastic film on top of the mud and seal the bucket.<br />
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If you leave mixed mud too long, you'll need to add a little more water and blend it again.<br />
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And that's how you mix pre-mixed mud. It's scary how much fun DIY home improvement can be.<br />
<br />
Or maybe I just need therapy.<br />
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**<u>Drywall joint compound is not the same as spackle</u>. Spackle performs very well for filling and patching tiny nail holes, but you'll hate yourself in the morning if you try to use it on a large area. It dries exceptionally hard and is difficult to sand, it won't hold seam tape properly, and it's fluffy and filled with trillions of air bubbles.<br />
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XOXO<br />
<a href="http://s62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/sinner99/?action=view&current=Signature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/sinner99/Signature.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4113782040746776447.post-53546622604317340232012-02-10T13:18:00.000-08:002012-02-10T13:28:39.068-08:00Sad Buried Treasure in a Victorian Bedroom<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">People like me, who live for restoring and cautiously updating old houses, also live for the hidden treasure. Treasure found inside old houses is usually devoid of any monetary value, but the sentimental value can be off the charts. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Recently, while uncovering an old, hidden closet in my bedroom, Mr. Vagabond and I discovered something we truly didn't expect.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But lets begin at the beginning.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My bedroom was once covered in 70s paneling. Ugh. The original plaster walls were assaulted by furring strips which were used to hold the paneling nails. In my mind, repairing the plaster is much easier than installing paneling, but what do I know? The result of the odious paneling was this:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWgOH15sjSdo2t9g4NbqlWOVwjz_emtR4v3XX-3g1YT1kzN4KFeI1snAClF8kEUWow6rtGnchyphenhyphenZUWUF_OhNFedHl4XtqzyrbbvcimYw_sGaSX5jv0I_lBc1c3f2SAMISYWH0OiADMJDNo/s1600/bedroom+paneling+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWgOH15sjSdo2t9g4NbqlWOVwjz_emtR4v3XX-3g1YT1kzN4KFeI1snAClF8kEUWow6rtGnchyphenhyphenZUWUF_OhNFedHl4XtqzyrbbvcimYw_sGaSX5jv0I_lBc1c3f2SAMISYWH0OiADMJDNo/s640/bedroom+paneling+1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxzdQYnjO9h92fLb2U89lB3NRNcH59MRIpdex3mtc75uSbNp-msTsLhQi0hnlcHN1eLsDYv6JOh98PB3qCMKFpCsz19glPghXajVFMaB2dXjvmMBH1ruLpYRrgh1wAV-lwZQwp0LX546o/s1600/bedroom+paneling+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxzdQYnjO9h92fLb2U89lB3NRNcH59MRIpdex3mtc75uSbNp-msTsLhQi0hnlcHN1eLsDYv6JOh98PB3qCMKFpCsz19glPghXajVFMaB2dXjvmMBH1ruLpYRrgh1wAV-lwZQwp0LX546o/s640/bedroom+paneling+2.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't get me started on that ceiling.</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While Mr. Vagabond was out of town for a couple weeks, I took it upon my self to rip out the paneling. That was fun, especially the part where I opened the bedroom window and slid the panels down the old metal roof over the kitchen and into the backyard. When Mr. Vagabond returned home, he was not amused. You see, in his mind paneling was at least a finished wall. In my mind, it was offensive and had to go. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For the next two years, we lived with really ugly plaster walls that were in serious disrepair. So maybe he was right about having finished walls. He can be right one time. Pfft. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Because the bedroom isn't a place where we invite our neighbors, it's also low in terms of critical finishing needs. Several months ago, we decided to finally uncover the old closet that was boarded up and convert it into a book case. The things inside would blow your mind. These people actually walled over medicine bottles, shoes and a pair of little boys underwear (WORN!). Ahhh, the treasure in an old house. I do not have photographic proof. You'll have to take my word for it. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So anyway, on we went with gutting the closet. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlr5nf9wG4POSc3ThWn73IrLzmq4fMZQKh-G6LzcMSKysLv_QApWJymYykpMlBF5Nh7v-1YdaGtw4-9PYLOVPweairf_HPqgxCASH8AyeNPQJTDXX9EnFoIhVcAf4ATbxcxe6esenpC7s/s1600/IMG_0289.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlr5nf9wG4POSc3ThWn73IrLzmq4fMZQKh-G6LzcMSKysLv_QApWJymYykpMlBF5Nh7v-1YdaGtw4-9PYLOVPweairf_HPqgxCASH8AyeNPQJTDXX9EnFoIhVcAf4ATbxcxe6esenpC7s/s640/IMG_0289.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We stuck foam board against the exterior wall until we put insulation inside. Also, why is one of my baseboards and a bed frame in there? The world may never know. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the wall to the right of the closet, we succumbed to the pressure of drywall. I know, I know. But desperate times called for desperate measures. In other words, the plaster on that wall had fairly turned to sand. It was bad. Really bad. I can repair most any plaster that is still somewhat sound, but I was not prepared to tackle replastering a whole wall in the middle of March.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One very interesting thing I noticed after unboarding the closet was the 2-by-4 they installed as a brace. I guess measuring tapes were too much to deal with since it was approximately 1 inch too long for the space. It bowed out and curved to the right. :facepalm: At least the header was in no danger of falling! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm getting to the treasure part. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The day we worked on this closet, the whole room was filled with old soot from the fireplace that was long since removed and what seemed like 100 years of dust, dirt and old crumbling wallpaper. While sweeping up, I looked down at my feet and saw something strange. It was a small book. I asked Mr. Vagabond if he'd noticed it before, but he hadn't. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This book seemingly materialized dead center in the pile of dust, dirt and wallpaper. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPMlNgiKBKiXWlh-8UKHooErhD1NwfeqhP0KPrjwFPFeHy27D6KHvTUPcajEmBKHSxpbvMH14ucx63c9B4fyux-4Api4-d2FCBkOIQkwWMjE4DLPvKapWXwXv0M9EpPL-Dt83GRHwvf_U/s1600/1925+scholastic+achievement+record.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="582" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPMlNgiKBKiXWlh-8UKHooErhD1NwfeqhP0KPrjwFPFeHy27D6KHvTUPcajEmBKHSxpbvMH14ucx63c9B4fyux-4Api4-d2FCBkOIQkwWMjE4DLPvKapWXwXv0M9EpPL-Dt83GRHwvf_U/s640/1925+scholastic+achievement+record.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Initially, the book was almost black. I carefully dusted it off to read the cover.</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Scholar's Monthly Reports. Neato!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I remember those things from back in the long ago before today's report cards. I quickly opened it. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9-2gLrznISbw5PSgc7Ao2sofEjoIQpOs19YXibR32Eilf9xPKsZg9HPA4DkS4JPd0KJuSZDl6ixu7ldtKKMVCAhoV14Uytu6ors3OX8cGaX88y11cXqD3RSTbvtKJuWud1SgNpDaJguQ/s1600/1925+scholastic+achievement+records+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="526" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9-2gLrznISbw5PSgc7Ao2sofEjoIQpOs19YXibR32Eilf9xPKsZg9HPA4DkS4JPd0KJuSZDl6ixu7ldtKKMVCAhoV14Uytu6ors3OX8cGaX88y11cXqD3RSTbvtKJuWud1SgNpDaJguQ/s640/1925+scholastic+achievement+records+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ella Whittier! We have a name! 1925. Amazing.</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The remaining pages showed me that little Ella was perhaps more focused on other things besides silly old schooling.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi58wC4v5e_sKYDoCSHBQEsxInLXZ7F_OcKlWRHaxhCsL1q1eTJNe8kZXB4usYXNtJpYBt6nQsw4xFv-UeWQpyJ7QIPxy2PgO3UPhj6F2LP9589Zrcbuucdpksnd53Hv0bZeX2ttrGGVw0/s1600/1925+scholastic+achievement+records+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi58wC4v5e_sKYDoCSHBQEsxInLXZ7F_OcKlWRHaxhCsL1q1eTJNe8kZXB4usYXNtJpYBt6nQsw4xFv-UeWQpyJ7QIPxy2PgO3UPhj6F2LP9589Zrcbuucdpksnd53Hv0bZeX2ttrGGVw0/s640/1925+scholastic+achievement+records+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB1ZW9uir8oOtySQpCtcW8xcMTWJZs90q1hWgX7iE_qYU1Zg-ZepKWaWgnWFxcCHmnb9mWY3PD98hqP5kK5yFgOPHecggAReQ63D8wAwCN15a0mH64hyphenhyphenR2JHk-6DNgtCB4wDdjv9WLb3M/s1600/1925+scholastic+achievement+records+page+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="542" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB1ZW9uir8oOtySQpCtcW8xcMTWJZs90q1hWgX7iE_qYU1Zg-ZepKWaWgnWFxcCHmnb9mWY3PD98hqP5kK5yFgOPHecggAReQ63D8wAwCN15a0mH64hyphenhyphenR2JHk-6DNgtCB4wDdjv9WLb3M/s640/1925+scholastic+achievement+records+page+4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sewell Whittier must have been little Ella's father</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYd7uLrOcBFN09f1I5LM3t1eYIc2uosHUhWEYjf4WGhW7RQKCwaw18bdYI-7EbGDMl9BTZT8XO1IxKoENUs7v1fbSJijWsfHTFTD1KD0ZjZhHIPi5pqD7Klt6S9dhOuTRIEd-soCoVc-E/s1600/1925+scholastic+achievement+records+certificate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYd7uLrOcBFN09f1I5LM3t1eYIc2uosHUhWEYjf4WGhW7RQKCwaw18bdYI-7EbGDMl9BTZT8XO1IxKoENUs7v1fbSJijWsfHTFTD1KD0ZjZhHIPi5pqD7Klt6S9dhOuTRIEd-soCoVc-E/s640/1925+scholastic+achievement+records+certificate.jpg" width="530" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alas, little Ella was retained in the fifth grade.</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finding this book sparked my curiosity, of course. I've got mad research skills, so I put them to work and turned up some interesting facts.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The first bit of information is difficult and sad. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I lifted this from the October 7, 1926 edition of the Rockwood Times:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">_____________</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">October 7, 1926</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">THIRTEEN BODIES REMOVED FROM MINE</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">SEWELL WHITTIER FOUND BEHIND PILE OF COAL ------------------- Many Funerals Yesterday and Today 14 Bodies Remain in Entry Fire Not Encountered --------------------</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">The body of S.P. Whittier was found this morning about 10:00 o'clock by helmet men behind a pile of coal in his room off Rodgers entry and was brought to the surface at 2:00 this afternoon. A search of Whittier's place last night failed to disclose the body, which was entirely concealed and which was finally traced from its odor. It is said that the body was not badly torn or mangled. --------------------</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">_____________</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chills ran through me, as they do again while I write this. Little Ella's father was killed in a mine explosion only months after he signed her Scholar Report for the last time. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">More research revealed that Mr. Whittier left behind a wife and six children. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But the sun does come out, even on sad revelations. Even more research (I told you I am a research whiz) uncovered more information about Miss Ella. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I found this at a local mortuary:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">________________</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><strong>Mrs. Ola “Punkin” Rowley,</strong> age 68 of Walnut Street, Spring City passed away Wednesday, July 8, 2009 at Baptist West Hospital in Knoxville. Mrs. Rowley, who was of the Baptist faith, was born April 21, 1941 in Rockwood to Arnold Franklin & Ella Katherine Whittier Gibson. Besides her parents she was preceded in death by a sister, Ruby Sexton Gaylardo; and a brother, Jack J. Gibson. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">______________</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Miss Ella went on to apparently have a very full life. She was married to Arnold Franklin, had seven children (according to Ola's funeral notice), and several grandchildren. I haven't dug any more to learn about other relatives. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Reading Ola's funeral notice really put the time thing into perspective. Ella's school report was dated 1925, and she was in fifth grade. Her daughter died in 2009 at the age of 68.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Each time I hear some strange noise in the house, I wonder if Sewell is rustling about. He was clearly gone before his time. Lots of folks talk about disrupting or unsettling spirits when an old house is undergoing renovations. If that is true, and if Sewell does stop by occasionally, I can only think that he's happy with what we're doing. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Who knows what will turn up in the rest of the house. I did find a little hidden floor panel / trap door in one of the bedrooms...</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4113782040746776447.post-83628321229689128622012-02-09T11:05:00.000-08:002012-02-09T11:05:47.088-08:00In Search of Historically-Accurate Victorian PaintWinter is breaking, the heat is being used less and less, and my tulips are poking up through the ground. Each time the warm sunshine finds its way through February clouds and streams through the windows of my 1890 folk Victorian home, I am reminded of how badly this house needs new siding and a nice coat of paint. The trouble is finding the right siding and the right paint.<div>
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Pinterest is one of my favorite new time suckers. I justify the hours I spend pinning, repinning and scrolling through everyone else's pins by telling myself that it's a valuable source of inspiration and information. The first of those two points is true. </div>
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Sorting through what seemed to be miles of pins this morning, I learned that while Pinterest is certainly a terrific way to share inspiration, it's also a fast and furious way to spread misinformation. Victorian homes are a good example. </div>
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Pin after pin, I saw Craftsman homes misidentified as Victorians, vivid tangerine paint described as period-accurate for the 1800s and white paint frowned upon as safe, boring, meek and only selected by homeowners who lack the courage to go with an "authentic" Painted Lady look. </div>
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Fact is, many of the wild colors seen on Painted Lady houses are not only hard to look at, they're flat wrong for the period. I challenge anyone to show me a home that was originally painted in a combination of neon orange, turquoise, fuchsia and lime. Gaudy? Yep. Blinding? You bet. Garish? Well, you get the idea. </div>
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Accurate? Probably not.</div>
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I don't claim to know everything there is to know about historically accurate paint colors, but I do know a few things, and I am always greedy to learn more. </div>
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Many of the colors originally used on Victorians were, indeed, contrasting combinations that highlighted fancy architectural details. But to my knowledge, those colors weren't day-glow pink and turquoise. Muddied reds, browns and golds are a more likely combination than pretty-pretty pastels.</div>
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And white is also accurate for some homes, so there!</div>
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White is the direction I am leaning for my house. Safe? Of course. But it is also quite accurate for the age and style of my home. The original cedar siding that's hidden under layers of horrifying remuddling attempts is unpainted. While I love the look of cedar, I also think it's a bit dark for this house. </div>
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For those of you playing along at home, you may remember what my house looked like when we bought it. If not, here's a reminder. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEgNQxgT5XTRpN2-WGH_GSHXzPkvCH_zNo_zQW7F4DNYk57Yhn8r2QjGcQj2UbT6nhbxiDy5xXhZbYmws5mtP75Avkwkdv223UR0qcKiZfYgAxf7kZBGUbPqDfxU3tOGv3SBYBVpObGIU/s1600/house+front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEgNQxgT5XTRpN2-WGH_GSHXzPkvCH_zNo_zQW7F4DNYk57Yhn8r2QjGcQj2UbT6nhbxiDy5xXhZbYmws5mtP75Avkwkdv223UR0qcKiZfYgAxf7kZBGUbPqDfxU3tOGv3SBYBVpObGIU/s640/house+front.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>Do I really need another caption about how sad my house looked back then?</i></span></td></tr>
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When I think about the way I want her to look (eventually), I picture something more like this.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmaxG-F-buKEN71nJptQTt5B5L1RqIa3N4zQkmathF69pZhfpGxdTbQuGEvoMMGZn2OCg_4dwhyQ8qn_7lvRlQlNl5zVQaEh-FXvaVOTrITeuT6mtTdlwTF-jpDu4l0jlLuzwn0ib2iQ0/s1600/Front+of+Houseredo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmaxG-F-buKEN71nJptQTt5B5L1RqIa3N4zQkmathF69pZhfpGxdTbQuGEvoMMGZn2OCg_4dwhyQ8qn_7lvRlQlNl5zVQaEh-FXvaVOTrITeuT6mtTdlwTF-jpDu4l0jlLuzwn0ib2iQ0/s1600/Front+of+Houseredo.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>Pay no attention to the crooked siding and windows. My Gimp photo manipulation skills are still in the embryotic stage.<br /></i></span></td></tr>
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To me, white paint is clean, fresh, bright and tidy. Narrower siding than what's on the house at the moment is correct for the period, and those hideous plastic shutters in the first image are already long gone. </div>
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Dressier porch columns and balusters are in order, and I really want to splurge on copper gutters and downspouts. I also hope to restore the transom over the front door. Maybe I'll add a bit of stained glass there. It wouldn't be too expensive for such a small window. </div>
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Some Folk Victorians originally had fancy trim, which is often called "gingerbread." I don't know if my house was adorned with it, but I did unearth an interesting attic vent cover with what appeared to be tulips carved into the wood. I found it in the attic looking tattered, worn, broken and, well, like this.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGrig1Sh4thLLMWZUZ_ye0Box5mqmyJt0kwGYDCjEzgNC1vTUBsjsvq4SpDYniWV7uAD6xzxnZPGmffACoQJuahSdbgdwQWN3SDcsqks2Uinb7p2bgbtIdo7y5SAQmXtVf0c20SJ-ZLIU/s1600/tulip+vent+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGrig1Sh4thLLMWZUZ_ye0Box5mqmyJt0kwGYDCjEzgNC1vTUBsjsvq4SpDYniWV7uAD6xzxnZPGmffACoQJuahSdbgdwQWN3SDcsqks2Uinb7p2bgbtIdo7y5SAQmXtVf0c20SJ-ZLIU/s640/tulip+vent+cover.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>I'd love to know what the whole design looked like. The panel is broken, so it's anyone's guess. </i></span></td></tr>
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So we have part of a theme, and an idea that there was once a lot more to this house than plain cedar siding. </div>
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If those are, indeed, tulips, maybe the stained glass for the transom could mimic it in something like this.</div>
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<a href="http://www.creativity-in-glass.com/image-files/quiltflower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.creativity-in-glass.com/image-files/quiltflower.jpg" width="504" /></a></div>
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Or this.</div>
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Or this.</div>
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<a href="http://marilynsglass.com/images/FPWTULIPR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://marilynsglass.com/images/FPWTULIPR.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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You get the idea.</div>
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With all of the ideas flying around about what defines a Victorian, I'm trying to stay true to what is realistic for mine. Painted Ladies in San Francisco can get away with outlandish color combinations. My little folk Victorian is situated at the top of a hill in rural east Tennessee. It's more of a farmhouse than anything. </div>
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So white it is. Now to get the new siding and get her painted.</div>
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4113782040746776447.post-61716036615422641082012-01-26T09:09:00.000-08:002012-01-26T09:21:50.624-08:00The Little Laundry Room that Could<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lately, I think more and more about my laundry room. It's horrifying. I want to change that. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When we bought this house, we assumed the little room adjoining the kitchen was a dining room. Later, we came to the conclusion that it was the original kitchen, and the existing kitchen and bath were either nonexistent, or they were a porch. Because Mr. Vagabond and I have never, in our 14 years together, used a dining room, I decided to claim it for my laundry.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sadly, I can't find a single image of the whole laundry room the way it looked when we bought it. They're probably on my other computer. The one without a monitor. Ha! However, I did find a few that show some of the sad state of affairs.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This photo is a mess! However, it also gives some perspective on the house layout while showing the level of insanity Mr. Vagabond and I reached by purchasing this house to begin with. It was extraordinarily dusty inside that day because we were doing demo work. Dust and digital cameras are not best friends. What you see here is my living room facing the kitchen doorway. That is the doorway I later moved to the right because it led straight into the white wall you can see just beyond it. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On the right wall, there is a doorway beside the nasty book shelves. That doorway led into the laundry. I later walled it up because I didn't want the laundry humming over Princess Bride in the living room.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgltb4RF0tW6RdQB67_0Kh6yvmnWn4tigJho5LoZxzyYBs5bjLf14igL8RSn30KgEZUuDpp2Uljd7YSTYGZyNAuTxNntV4VFpRafudj-6tIpgxeh1-Gw9MutjTesHEgoR06KtIojzFgRuQ/s1600/LR+toward+kit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgltb4RF0tW6RdQB67_0Kh6yvmnWn4tigJho5LoZxzyYBs5bjLf14igL8RSn30KgEZUuDpp2Uljd7YSTYGZyNAuTxNntV4VFpRafudj-6tIpgxeh1-Gw9MutjTesHEgoR06KtIojzFgRuQ/s640/LR+toward+kit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Until today, I had forgotten just how horrible this room looked back then. I should never complain about my house not being finished. This seems like a lifetime ago.</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This lovely image is of the laundry room ceiling. I was kinda heartsick when I saw all the old wallpaper hiding behind the drop ceiling. Sadly, as is often the case in very old houses, ductwork and new plumbing were installed and had to be covered somehow. Drop ceilings are an inexpensive choice that almost anyone can install. Luckily, they are just as easy to UNinstall. Don't ask me why those 2x4s were under the drop ceiling. Our only guess was that the former owners were trying to figure out a way to hang a new ceiling. *sigh*</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimmzJTxu7Hjmcy3XsOsxFDWd7DXMk6lr9O4LZhg2nVMPnDq_p13uGN_nybWjov18CoEqVsdYIkd4zgU4WxXg5LdTj4rUJTzAx2haywiv_UluLb1hzf3gXVbfkGc8-Y0xiI9IFFe7i7j_A/s1600/laundry+ceiling+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimmzJTxu7Hjmcy3XsOsxFDWd7DXMk6lr9O4LZhg2nVMPnDq_p13uGN_nybWjov18CoEqVsdYIkd4zgU4WxXg5LdTj4rUJTzAx2haywiv_UluLb1hzf3gXVbfkGc8-Y0xiI9IFFe7i7j_A/s640/laundry+ceiling+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You know you're jealous. Admit it. </td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We had a big problem in here. We could install a drywall ceiling, but I wanted the ability to hang things from the ceiling (eventually). With the joists above so much higher than the level where the new ceiling would be, there wouldn't be enough support for drywall and whatever I wanted to hang. We opted to hang OSB for extra durability and to give me something to twist hanging hooks into. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ajCOK4Q6hpSzVM4UkMfmV9-1L0bDgX4RShJ7E8gUIJrWjsbFA72mSNWdoV-NvEztmxkTdakTNelPe6IqlwQy9Sp16Elf_TMfzO0jeeIc-BsRqVlW6VpJq2Pg6JEmrNjsRWpgjnf8tLQ/s1600/laundry+ceiling+OSB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ajCOK4Q6hpSzVM4UkMfmV9-1L0bDgX4RShJ7E8gUIJrWjsbFA72mSNWdoV-NvEztmxkTdakTNelPe6IqlwQy9Sp16Elf_TMfzO0jeeIc-BsRqVlW6VpJq2Pg6JEmrNjsRWpgjnf8tLQ/s640/laundry+ceiling+OSB.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Same ceiling, but with OSB and new wiring installed. Also, Mr. Vagabond's shoulder in the left corner. :-)<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">OSB is not the ceiling of choice for most rooms. It's very heavy to lift, and the surface is rough. We framed out the perimeter of the ceiling with 2x4s (remember, the level is your friend!), then installed 2x4 braces across the room every 12 inches. We also installed 2x4 vertical supports that fastened to the joists in the original ceiling and the horizontal braces across the ceiling. After the new ceiling framework was in place and sturdy, we screwed the OSB to the braces and the perimeter frame, placing screws about 6 inches apart. Six-inch screw spacing is a bit of overkill, but we didn't want to risk this heavy stuff sagging. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, I have a ceiling that is solid as all get-out. Unfortunately, it still looks just like this. :-(</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The next thing we tackled was the floor. It was in very poor condition. Luckily, the old beaded board wainscoting, beaded door molding and even the plinth blocks were still in place and strong. The original baseboards were long gone, and replaced with plastic ones. Yuck. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That little 3-pound sledge on the right made light work of breaking up the rotted flooring, and that allowed us to assess the damage under the floor. We were both stunned and amazed to learn that the joists under the house were rock-solid. All we had to do was replace the damaged subfloor.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-u8Efgnl5EzsJjF4ah-Zw3fhAW9gqFlCm3GDyJ1aC1Z6bBXW7f3vW2Fzj2X5DiVghZomcyo1BMPpCsATIJxV511tuRRSE-Qv1cqOgBO87wCIKz6I9__ukf29PuCdAe7O_2L6AbsT-XXw/s1600/laundry+floor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-u8Efgnl5EzsJjF4ah-Zw3fhAW9gqFlCm3GDyJ1aC1Z6bBXW7f3vW2Fzj2X5DiVghZomcyo1BMPpCsATIJxV511tuRRSE-Qv1cqOgBO87wCIKz6I9__ukf29PuCdAe7O_2L6AbsT-XXw/s640/laundry+floor.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I remain stunned by the way this place looked 5 years ago.</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A word of warning about old vinyl flooring. It's brittle, and it can be sharp as a razorblade. There is no such thing as peeling up old flooring like the red brick vinyl we had in here. You lift, it breaks, you lift again, more breaks and so goes the rest of your day. We switched to a flat shovel for prying it up. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Aside</i></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another word about vinyl. It is not the same thing as linoleum. They are completely different. Vinyl is the stuff you can buy in rolls or self-adhesive tiles. Linoleum is the old, speckled stuff that lasts forever. The color is solid all the way through and it's eco-friendly. Linoleum is made from linseed oil and a number of other things that are normally waste products like sawdust and cork dust. After helping my former landlady install a gorgeous linoleum floor in the kitchen / keeping room of her massive historic house in Knoxville, I decided I would one day use that material in my house.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Unfortunately, this is where the photos for this room end for now. After removing all the vinyl, we scabbed in plywood where the old subfloor was rotted. That leveled the floor, even though it does nothing for the appearance of the room besides covering the holes. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After much deliberation, I have decided to lay either vinyl or linoleum in the laundry. I am not a big fan of vinyl, but it's one of the few choices we have that will actually work. Because this room is already about an inch higher than the kitchen that's through the doorway, any flooring we lay in the laundry will raise it even higher. I considered tile briefly, but after installing cement board and tile, the height difference would be significant. We'd either having a tripping hazard in the doorway, or a ridiculously thick and sloping transition strip in the doorway. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now that spring is teasing me with on again / off again warm weather, this room is once again at the forefront of my reno dreams. Don't ask me why spring equals laundry. I do wash clothes during the other seasons, too. I swear.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At the moment, I have major issues with the laundry. No real floor, no storage and the old, vintage stove that takes up a lot of room while we wait to have it repaired. I have plastic storage tubs stacked to the ceiling in one corner. There are cardboard boxes stacked everywhere. Tools always seem to levitate to this room, too. Basically, it's a catch-all for everything downstairs that doesn't have a home somewhere else. It's also the landing spot for out of season clothes that I can't manage to haul up to the attic on my own. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here are a few inspirational images I have found, and I would like to incorporate them somehow. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkTLZlf_v7spa8YZBKgZrE8j-V3xBBLzXFnekfkcoiyPijSQEFrk5T9KKe6CfgioBAcUf_2oqpsHJkgtFDjAeAgAGY0UkPNN8frOQckwNA81-4afJ26aQ_ZKmtyk2G9lGuMl3f1nv6i7I/s1600/boxes+over+cabinets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkTLZlf_v7spa8YZBKgZrE8j-V3xBBLzXFnekfkcoiyPijSQEFrk5T9KKe6CfgioBAcUf_2oqpsHJkgtFDjAeAgAGY0UkPNN8frOQckwNA81-4afJ26aQ_ZKmtyk2G9lGuMl3f1nv6i7I/s640/boxes+over+cabinets.jpg" width="512" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boxes over the open cabinets would really help with the storage problem</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnTxERP8ndKH2fN4kicIh0CsuQgeAjGom6-D2uz61Sc5PhYnIX8gUkubKfO5sbLzuBQb5yQtyQIJPT24oqWG0fheNGvSSqKCslvjlTgag-HIPFAZwFDWlZ4r-q02WPeRqHstS9a0GlyHk/s1600/hooks+for+hangers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnTxERP8ndKH2fN4kicIh0CsuQgeAjGom6-D2uz61Sc5PhYnIX8gUkubKfO5sbLzuBQb5yQtyQIJPT24oqWG0fheNGvSSqKCslvjlTgag-HIPFAZwFDWlZ4r-q02WPeRqHstS9a0GlyHk/s640/hooks+for+hangers.jpg" width="512" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">HOW cool is this? Ordinary hooks installed in pairs for the brooms and mops. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHSOLOn58__NzGueBmdK0FMiYbt-ZhSxwM4n3HmIgzM-chrsQPPmFNWTJfofGfqhnfZB1a9YAmclm4FIfcMlSdYwwtEv0lKiyrTYLWCPuy3urv7tSHoYjelywK71wnUDLf9NN6xeOeTes/s1600/hanging+basket+storage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHSOLOn58__NzGueBmdK0FMiYbt-ZhSxwM4n3HmIgzM-chrsQPPmFNWTJfofGfqhnfZB1a9YAmclm4FIfcMlSdYwwtEv0lKiyrTYLWCPuy3urv7tSHoYjelywK71wnUDLf9NN6xeOeTes/s640/hanging+basket+storage.jpg" width="512" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As soon as I can find baskets that are tough enough to support heavy items, I am totally converting one wall in the laundry to pegboard. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT8VadJ9HTsKMpOumgTeDLNjF_-ZP9WLYLArXTPbUuTN7b0wmBxSKYsCdpl3mQbDi3cJuLDsI4yqZC6ck5xtqiPJm17hpxSj8FnbPhMAhHnVaLFtNNg-2SiNjGR0s6-Z-VmVgB1LhJWTU/s1600/Beadboard+ceiling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="632" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT8VadJ9HTsKMpOumgTeDLNjF_-ZP9WLYLArXTPbUuTN7b0wmBxSKYsCdpl3mQbDi3cJuLDsI4yqZC6ck5xtqiPJm17hpxSj8FnbPhMAhHnVaLFtNNg-2SiNjGR0s6-Z-VmVgB1LhJWTU/s640/Beadboard+ceiling.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I heart this with a thousand hearts! Beadboard would be super-easy to install over the existing OSB. I love how bright the room looks with the beadboard ceiling painted semi-gloss white. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij9SxwRdDhpxUE83_8OypjAk2ZBkiaxCmvY961_eTxOasR3mcnHGm9B-PYdo0hmkd4zkBhvXSNMUmoPjYrz1qTvAWMohPsVSgTao9ZMWyxTM27suVH6UQvv4n8IBwnTBsml4dnyi4mlmc/s1600/laundry+closet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij9SxwRdDhpxUE83_8OypjAk2ZBkiaxCmvY961_eTxOasR3mcnHGm9B-PYdo0hmkd4zkBhvXSNMUmoPjYrz1qTvAWMohPsVSgTao9ZMWyxTM27suVH6UQvv4n8IBwnTBsml4dnyi4mlmc/s640/laundry+closet.jpg" width="512" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I already have a closet like this in the laundry, although it's not pretty like this one. It's the back side of the original doorway leading to the living room. </td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In a twist of weird, I painted the walls above the wainscoting aubergine. Not exactly a great color for the laundry. If memory serves, I dumped several cans of paint together and that's what I got. The wainscoting is white now, but I have to strip it. After repeated cleanings, stains still seep through the white paint. I'm not adding Kilz over a hundred years of paint. I'll strip it all, and start from scratch. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am gathering inspiration for my laundry room. Storage is the top priority. That, and a floor that I am not required to wear shoes on. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">XO</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4113782040746776447.post-30525998440776251242012-01-22T18:45:00.001-08:002012-01-23T08:39:19.366-08:00Inaugural Renovation Post<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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So you're probably thinking, "Another blog about DIY renovations? Great. There aren't nearly enough of those."</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For the most part, you're probably right. The Internet is saturated with blogs about DIY projects. The difference between those and mine, at least in my opinion, is that this renovation is me, on my own, elbows deep in a 121-year-old folk Victorian house. And I'm taking no prisoners. My husband pays for the things I need, and I do pretty much all of the work. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Before I get into the work around here, I'd like to clear up a little confusion about Victorians. Those pretty things you see in new suburban developments? They are "like" Victorians. The Victorian architectural era began in the mid 1800s and lasted until the very early 1900s. Basically, we're talking nineteenth century architecture.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Does the image of a pointy,fancy, painted lady in San Francisco or a sprawling, white house with a rounded porch and circular towers come to mind? Those images aren't incorrect, but they're only part of the period. There are numerous Victorian styles. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gothic Revival is one of the earliest in the Victorian era. Gothic Revivals are often loaded with fancy gingerbread trim and have steep-pitch rooflines.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Second Empire is generally very tall with short, steep Mansard rooflines atop towers. Think: Addams Family. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirEwHqiU4mOcrE3gtBiL7TnOz-gU5YHgpqH7bdfk-fqdZL68tkKOZf3b-r6dimeNLb8Ejj-6D7KBdvWEXZ8z8-n-AfB-XK5eQrjh11Gcep00GnjYa_hvdPf7aIIrK7ZPgvkh03ZBIwZtY/s1600/second+empire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirEwHqiU4mOcrE3gtBiL7TnOz-gU5YHgpqH7bdfk-fqdZL68tkKOZf3b-r6dimeNLb8Ejj-6D7KBdvWEXZ8z8-n-AfB-XK5eQrjh11Gcep00GnjYa_hvdPf7aIIrK7ZPgvkh03ZBIwZtY/s640/second+empire.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You rang?</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another Victorian style is Queen Anne. Queen Anne's appearance might be more familiar to you. Numerous modern builders copy the elements and market them as <i>Victorian</i>. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgERWRYm2kpbsyNv25JTvwfKtuCSJV2xkHMscPWQwhEpPEWYI3yYTdOYnffAxJojF6RszyxaL1aYyN6TOS_7xbJzdd2lRsIk2R-c3zhBeJzjFDssTRb-Evrjg_e7BwqmZwdtEIQoYt4xg0/s1600/queen+anne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="524" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgERWRYm2kpbsyNv25JTvwfKtuCSJV2xkHMscPWQwhEpPEWYI3yYTdOYnffAxJojF6RszyxaL1aYyN6TOS_7xbJzdd2lRsIk2R-c3zhBeJzjFDssTRb-Evrjg_e7BwqmZwdtEIQoYt4xg0/s640/queen+anne.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maybe when my house grows up, it will be a Queen Anne!</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are other Victorian styles, but these are favorites of mine.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And then we have my house, the folk Victorian. If you study the photos above you can find certain elements from each of them in my house. Folk Victorians were developed for the less-than-affluent. Homes like mine were built with simple, straight lines. Embellishments could be added if the home owner's budget allowed.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This image was taken the same year my house was built - 1890. Notice how the bones are basic, and the fancy bits are add-ons. Imagine the house without the porch and gingerbread trim. It would be your basic farm house. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRvcaKNvRxLT0kcJ6XZg1ac-eoQxuMs6nyD_mUT8rUbfxLKtH7mIri_JtSDUnA8HDe1_6kcKfL33D22vGhn6EEzwFtvpgBRedE4HYjCEP4GFXVueD9Ztrzj_YF1p-cOvx5Qpa5b3Xlx8Q/s1600/folk+victorian.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRvcaKNvRxLT0kcJ6XZg1ac-eoQxuMs6nyD_mUT8rUbfxLKtH7mIri_JtSDUnA8HDe1_6kcKfL33D22vGhn6EEzwFtvpgBRedE4HYjCEP4GFXVueD9Ztrzj_YF1p-cOvx5Qpa5b3Xlx8Q/s640/folk+victorian.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love this porch.</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My folk Victorian is just about as plain and ordinary-looking on the outside as a Victorian gets. Actually, it's less exciting than that. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFUrC-7XJzMJlV8SqEHqp8IvdBHdKg2YbvGdgfEIW9Adz_YohDEMpzkGpqVyjZ5GUf4jjRcTRmTG_KF9VGdaQg53gkSpWOcyaZ6DSTiTHLXdAbUFjMQPkGBzpXcXYnoDH4KCUl09umzDM/s1600/Front+of+House.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFUrC-7XJzMJlV8SqEHqp8IvdBHdKg2YbvGdgfEIW9Adz_YohDEMpzkGpqVyjZ5GUf4jjRcTRmTG_KF9VGdaQg53gkSpWOcyaZ6DSTiTHLXdAbUFjMQPkGBzpXcXYnoDH4KCUl09umzDM/s1600/Front+of+House.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How she looked the day we bought her. Poor baby.</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Over the years, it has been remuddled in so many sad ways. The minute I saw her, I knew she had to be mine. I had to fix her. I had to give her a hug. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our Realtor flipped, but she knew I wasn't joking. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First, the siding is all wrong. Even if it weren't in terrible shape, it's too wide. The original siding (hidden underneath) is cedar. The porch steps are molded concrete. All of the columns, railings and balusters were replaced with plain, untreated pine boards, and they're in terrible shape, too.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mr. Vagabond and I were excited about finding the cedar on the back of the house. Well, at least until we realized this was lurking underneath.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipH4ftr-SjbvzpH6GnXDPWZqS0cwz8y53_xCSCFJkph_-XeNfzHPKNvrTofPQlA0BEZ9DpBibUwsPrAcDuKe5RvUA82cxnJSQB9C8x1CRjF17O4HKmTYJ3wL0T1-E3UE-23kKS8TRGfF4/s1600/Back+of+the+house+holy+crap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipH4ftr-SjbvzpH6GnXDPWZqS0cwz8y53_xCSCFJkph_-XeNfzHPKNvrTofPQlA0BEZ9DpBibUwsPrAcDuKe5RvUA82cxnJSQB9C8x1CRjF17O4HKmTYJ3wL0T1-E3UE-23kKS8TRGfF4/s640/Back+of+the+house+holy+crap.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nearly every board was at least partially rotted. And, yes. That is a doggie door that someone installed upside-down. *sigh*</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Suffice to say, it needed work. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We rolled up our sleeves.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheXpoyzwaYBZk1ZVhqgntdKtE9leLqWiq5JOaXOo6fTW0kTVCjeGvy9wQyMMrxkOS0wy_MPIswZpLgZSzEhZMLww2A5f02MQB4YI0HBJo5qDkEUTQz_zCC5No5Mo1ujK7vX5Qk6eKA_g8/s1600/scabbed+in+back+of+house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheXpoyzwaYBZk1ZVhqgntdKtE9leLqWiq5JOaXOo6fTW0kTVCjeGvy9wQyMMrxkOS0wy_MPIswZpLgZSzEhZMLww2A5f02MQB4YI0HBJo5qDkEUTQz_zCC5No5Mo1ujK7vX5Qk6eKA_g8/s640/scabbed+in+back+of+house.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not finished when this photo was taken, but almost.</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We spent a weekend chopping out and replacing the parts that couldn't be saved and reinforcing the parts that could be saved. It's hard to see in this photo, but the house is jacked up all the way across the back. Once we finished, we lowered the house back onto a repaired foundation. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">New windows for the kitchen will be a project for another day. I hope to find old windows at a flea market instead of new, modern windows. Anything would be better than this aluminum thing, though. There's another like it on the side of the kitchen, and another in the lower bathroom. I would like a much larger window here to let the morning sunshine in.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Summary</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Restoring and renovating a 121-year-old house that fell into serious disrepair isn't for the delicate or easily frightened. It takes equal parts vision, patience, money and skill. When those aren't available, I hide in my bedroom, feigning ignorance and blindness. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I spend lots of time imagining what my house will look like once I'm finished. But of course, if you ask anyone who has ever ventured into this kind of territory, it's never really done. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think about new, narrow, period-appropriate siding. A new, wider porch with fancy columns and balusters. Maybe some gingerbread trim. A nicely landscaped yard. An upstairs bathroom that works.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But those are things for another day. For now, I take it one day at a time. </span></div>
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