That's a Framer

You've seen this done a million times thanks to pinterest.  However, I can honestly say that this project was finished long before pinterest. I found this antique plaster frame at a garage sale for .50.  I couldn't find two quarters fast enough to give to the 60-something year old lady wearing a white t-shirt and NO bra.  Think sand in socks. Oh heavens! 

I nearly forgot a before picture.  So, here it is when started.

It wasn't a bad looking frame, but it hadn't reached it's potential.  It came without a back so I knew it needed to be reincarnated as a chalk board. You know the drill. Cut some hardwood plywood (or whatever you want to use) to fit inside your frame.  I didn't prime the wood.  Just put several coats of chalk board paint on it.  

For the treatment of the frame I simply used an antique white spray paint, distressed it a bit and gave it a quick glaze to bring out the beautiful details.  

I had a hard time finding where I wanted to hang it.  After several months (really!), I settled for a blank wall in the laundry room.  

I'm sure the board won't change much since it's out of the way in the laundry room.  It would be fun to write a note to Mr. Study and see how long it takes him to notice.

This Cupboard is NOT Acceptable

For the past several months my spice cabinet has been a bit of a thorn in my side.  Every time I opened it up, nothing could be found. My method was basically like this. Look at every jar and bottle and shove it to the other side of the shelf in an attempt to find what I needed.  This is what I was dealing with!

 This is absolutely NOT acceptable...EVER! Unless you enjoy living in chaos. Which I don't advise.

No wonder I found four containers of Paprika!  HUH!?  FOUR....all because I couldn't find what I was needing and kept buying it (in bulk, clearly). Can I blame it on Mr. Study?  He's the one that bar-b-ques and smokes.  Tee-hee-hee.

Knowing I didn't want to do anything that took alot of time and wanting it to be budget friendly, I went to the garage.  I had several pieces of culled lumber we had picked up from Home Depot for "just in case" projects.

I measured the length of my cabinet and cut the lumber to fit. A quick sanding and staining had this project done before noon.

The fun part was putting it all together.  I tried to put spices I use frequently closest to the front and easy to see.

You can see that I stacked two full length pieces and then another short one.  I used an additional short piece on one side only, leaving plenty of room for the items that get daily use.  Well, not daily.  I like to think daily.   Things I used less often, like honey, extra sea salt and peppercorns, molasses, etc were put on the top two shelves.

We'll see how long this looks this good.  I should take a picture in a month and compare.  I know it's no pinterest spice cabinet.  But it works for me.

Now if only all spices would come in perfectly stacking tin cans.  Then the world would be at peace.  My world at least.

You've not seen the last of this cabinet yet.  I'm serious about taking a picture in a month.

Soft Pretzels

Want to eat something delicious this January?  Make these soft pretzels!  

 

I found the recipe over at Annie's Eats.  These are especially delicious these served hot with brown mustard.  I might have also eaten one drizzled with butter.  Stop by and check out all her other delicious recipes.  And you may want to check out her fabulous foodie pictures. 

31 Days to Pray

Starting on January 1, I will be starting the journey and challenge of praying for my spouse for 31 days straight.  Seems simple, but I know this will challenge me to do something that will encourage my husband.

Often I think back to what a bible study teacher asked me once.  

"If you're not praying for your husband, who is?"  

Join me!  Click the link and sign up!

Garage Sale End Tables

I found two of these tables at a garage sale this summer for a sweet little price.  They were a little damaged but were solid wood and had great construction. 

 

I removed those weirdy side handles and filled the holes.  Sanded these babies down and painted them a beautiful gray.  I got to use my new paint sprayer for these pieces. I couldn't stop there and decided they needed a glaze. The glaze helped bring out the curves in the legs.  The drawer pulls were spray painted with an oil rubbed bronze.

 

They turned out great, but if I don't have a place for them...they get sold.  Off to craigslist land they went.  Someday I hope to have a little booth that I can put items like this for sale in, instead of cheapening the price for craigslist.

Painting Just Got Simple

I'd been wanting a paint sprayer for quite a while.  My family bought be one for my birthday, but unfortunately it's a high volume, low pressure sprayer that required a BIG air compressor.  Mr Study and I couldn't justify buying a bigger air compressor just for a paint sprayer.  So, I started looking for something else.  I came across the Graco 2900 Spray Station.

source

It received great reviews and I had some gift cards to Lowe's.  I took the plunge and bought it.  The first time I used it I painted some end tables.  It went quite well.  If you are looking for a sprayer that can get in small spaces, this is not for you.  The paint cup gets in the way sometimes. I've only done one project, so I'm going to wait to give my full review.     

So far, so good!  Wood, watch out! 

THE Rocking Chair...Part 2

Before you read further, check out how this rocking chair became mine.  Then, go read part 1.

Okay, now let's get serious. The seat of the chair is a basic box and it was quite easy to cover.  Then I covered the back of the chair with a dyed canvas drop cloth. Like most upholstering, the staples were showing when I was done.  I chose not to use welting, but created something a little flatter and less obvious.

I used the matching canvas with a strip of felt inside for some body.

 

After I ironed the pieces, it was time to glue them.  I used a permanent fabric glue for this.

 

The next photo is the finished product before it was glued to the chair.

 

I simply glued this strip over the staples.  Here's a closeup.

You ready for the finished product?!  Remember what I started with.

Here she is! 

I love how it turned out.  The binding looks really nice on it.  I think a traditional welting would have been too bulky. It lays nice and flat against the canvas. 

This was my first big upholstery project.  It should have been done a long time ago.  But it's done now.  I don't think I can ever get rid of this rocking chair.  I owe my neighbor a huge THANK YOU!