Take a Seat

Now that my table has taken on a new look, I've decided to change up the seating. I have a weakness for anything with cabriole legs so these chairs had to come home with me from the thrift store---even though there were only two.

I gave them coat of gray spray paint

to freshen them up. A little glaze helped to age and bring out the details.Next came some new upholstery that will, hopefully, hide food stains.Now I just need to find a few more chairs to seat my family, but the hunt is part of the fun right?

Third Time Is A Charm

Years ago, when most of our children were still at home, my husband and I built a beautiful square table. I loved it then but with our family getting smaller I started to yearn for a smaller round table. When I voiced my desire my family rejected the idea of replacing the table that we had built. I was left with only one choice, if I couldn't change the table shape, I could change the existing table style. I stripped off the old finish, painted and re-stained, added a varathane for protection, and then for added protection I added a layer of wax. OH BOY was that a bad choice! The varathane and wax did not play well together and I was left with having to start the process all over again. Yes, at this point I was definitely wishing I had just bought the round table that I wanted, but I wanted to be sensitive to my family's wishes so I did a DO-OVER-DO-OVER.

Strip the finish.First coat of gray stain.Drybrush on walnut stain.Varathane, and finally. . .ENJOY!The third time is a charm!

Fabulous French Find

Last week, on the day before my birthday, I happened upon a delightful find at the thrift store; a set of French paperback books dating back to 1933.
I was immediately attracted to their subdued tones, naturally aged pages, and the texture created by the rough-cut edges. Oh, and yes, the fact that the original owner was French and these actually came from France, really made me happy!They were the perfect addition to the newly redecorated shelves in our bedroom.

Patio Pretties

The last holiday of summer is over and I'm sad that I haven't had much of a chance to enjoy my back patio. I gave it a make-over in the spring. The color scheme has changed a bit over the years.
It was once the colors of ketchup and mustard.Then it was decorated with subdued neutrals.I'm really liking the new scheme of black, lime, and turquoise.Luckily I have at least one month left to spend some time relaxing and taking in the last weeks of summer.

Bouncing Back

I'm back! Wow, it has been an event filled summer. I was blessed to witness the births of two beautiful granddaughters. They are happy, healthy and growing quickly as babies do. I have also said my earthly goodbyes to my mother-in-law and brother-in-law. As a family we have peace knowing that our loved ones who have passed are out of pain and in a much better place. We know that we will see them again and that they too are happy and growing.

Because it has been a "life and death" summer I have neglected my home and my blog. I am looking forward to fall (and praying that it will be less eventful).

I have several projects in the works and many more planned.I have appreciated your kindness, thoughtful comments,

and patience!

Thank You!

And now, a week late (so sorry!), the winner of the Vinyl Crafts giveaway is comment #26 Lacee, writer of the blog Mommas Like Me. Congratulations Lacee!

Vinyl Crafts Giveaway and A Shabby Apple Winner

Becky, momma to nine, owns a wonderful Etsy shop called Vinyl Crafts. To "keep her sanity" she makes and sells beautiful vinyl art like this chandelier silhouette---Becky wants to give away a $50.00 gift certificate to one lucky Joys of Home reader so you can choose your favorite item in her shop.

The Our Love Story plaque would make a great wedding or anniversary gift---or how about this sweet note---Or this one---In this crazy world this is always a good reminder--- This family subway art is filled with great advice--- All you need to do to win is visit Vinyl Crafts on Etsy, pick your item, and come back here to leave a comment.

Like Vinyl Crafts on Facebook for an additional entry.

The giveaway will be open until Monday, August 22, 2011 at midnight (MT).

The winner will be announced August 23rd.

Congratulations

to the winner of the Shabby Apple giveaway, comment #71. Laura Brady from As You Sew, So shall You Rip

please email me so I can get your contact info.

Life

John Lennon once said,

"Life is what happens to you

when you are busy

making other plans."

That pretty much sums up my life at this time. Even though I have an abundance of plans for projects and make-overs, there are many more important things happening right now. My husband's brother-in-law just passed away yesterday after a hard fight with cancer. We are celebrating his life while grieving with those he left behind.

We are also gathering around the bedside of my mother-in-law to express our love and bid her a farewell from this earthly existence. It is a difficult time for our family but we have peace knowing that life does not end. We know that our loved ones will be in a better place, surrounded by those who have gone before.

So please forgive me as I attend to "real life." In the meantime, I hope you enjoy the giveaways I have already planned (this is the last day to enter the Shabby Apple Giveaway) and that you'll be patient with only an occasional post.

(edited to add: My mother-in-law passed away this evening, Monday, August 15th, 2011. She was devoted to her family and left behind a legacy to be proud of. She will be greatly missed.)