JOYS OF HOME

Rubbing In The Details

2012-01-23T10:00:00.001-07:00

When I gave my china cabinet a makeover my plan was to replace the hardware. However after perusing several aisles filled with knobs and handles I couldn't find anything that called to me. So I gave the existing handles a makeover with a little spray paint. But I didn't stop there. I wanted a little character to the hardware so I pulled out the Rub 'n Buff and a stiff craft brush. With a very small amount of R'nB and some dabbing of my brush I managed to give the ho-hum hardware a little bit of soul. I love Rn'B for bringing out the details. I used it on the trim of the china cabinet in both the before. . . and after. It's the highlight on my entry mirror. And the itty bitty copper detail on my chandelier. I even used it to make wallpaper look like vintage tin on my daughter's wedding backdrop.The great thing about Rub 'n Buff is that a little goes a l-o-n-g way and it comes in an array of colors. It's a handy little item that every diy-er should have. This is not a paid for endorsement---I really do use and love this stuff!

**Don't forget to enter to win a gallon of KILZ here**

Updated China Cabinet and a KILZ Giveaway

2012-01-20T12:30:00.002-07:00

A few months ago the people with KILZ

asked me if I wanted to try their newly launched zero-VOC primer, KILZ Clean Start. Of course I'm always willing to try out any new product---especially one that makes painting easier and doesn't have a strong smell.I've been wanting to update my built-in china cabinet, to give it a fresh new look. Years ago hubby and I added trim and crown molding to this cabinet to dress it up and hide the imperfections from it's original contractor build. I then painted the original sad looking oak a beautiful dark green with copper highlights. Wanting to freshen it up with a lighter paint color KILZ Clean Start was the perfect product since it's always good to use a primer when painting a lighter color on top of a darker. Priming first means less top coats and less chance of shadowing or bleed-thru from the darker paint.The KILZ went on smooth and there was hardly any odor. . . No, the KILZ people did not pay me to say this. They gave me a gallon of paint and I'm giving you my honest opinion about it.

I'm really happy with the china cabinet's new look!
The people at KILZ want to give
one lucky Joys of Home reader
their own gallon of KILZ Clean Start.
All you need to do to win is leave a comment here
and tell me the project you'd like to use KILZ Clean Start.
For an additional entry go to the KILZ Facebook page,
"like" them then come back here
and leave an additional comment.
The giveaway will be open until midnight (MT)
Wednesday, January 25th.
The winner will be announced soon after.

Winter Florals

2012-01-19T11:30:00.001-07:00

I love to use amaryllis flowers in my
winter decorating.

I've always used the fake variety

but for Christmas a friend gave me
my first amaryllis bulb.It was so fun to watch it grow, it changed almost daily.
I was so happy with my real live amaryllis
that I partnered it with a live orchid. Both are easy and rewarding to grow.
And they're beautiful too!

Pretty Penguins

2012-01-17T12:15:00.000-07:00

Decorating in January can be tricky. It seems strange to use spring items when there's snow outside. I've decorated with snowflakes and snowmen in the past but I've been wanting a different theme. Over the past year or so I've tried to pick up items from the thrift store that would work well for January. And it seems that I have an attraction to penguins which I didn't even recognize until I pulled out my new-to-me decorations.

I'm enjoying my pretty little penguins. Do you have a decorating theme for January?

Where's the Snow?

2012-01-13T08:30:00.006-07:00

We have had very little snow this winter.

Although I have thoroughly enjoyed having
spray paint days in December and January,
I know that we need an abundance of snow
for a prettier spring and summer.

So I am doing my part to encourage Mother Nature.

And Mother Nature, if your listening,
can you make it snow mostly in the mountains
so there's less to shovel in my driveway?

Thank You!

Following a Trend

2012-01-04T10:00:00.005-07:00

Garden stools are very popular in home design. Their versatility and unique design help to promote their popularity. I've been intrigued with them for some time but I could never justify their price. When I found them at discount stores their quality seemed a bit lacking and I knew they likely wouldn't hold up to my rowdy crew. So I gave up on having the trendy little stool, until I found one at the thrift store for only a few dollars. It's color was not what appealed to me. It was it's weight---it felt like it was made of cement! As I muscled it to the check stand I envisioned it's makeover.
It seemed that it's previous owners likely abandoned it because it had a serious injury. I pulled out a glob of plumbers epoxy putty, made the necessary repair, and waited for the putty to dry. Once dry I sanded the area and then applied a few coats of paint-plus-primer.
The little stool has a new life and I am a proud trend follower!

Belated Greetings

2012-01-02T12:30:00.001-07:00

Christmas is over

And New Year's is through.

I've neglected my blog

and several projects too.
But I've made some new goals
I'm determined to keep.Get back to blogging,finish projects. . .tackle the heap.I'm excited to host
some great giveaways too.
I hope you'll stay with meas I share my life with you.

Got The Red Out

2011-12-12T10:30:00.002-07:00

After years of having red walls in our family room,

they are now a
delightfully, delicious
chocolate brown.Yum!

Too Much Results In Too Little

2011-12-02T10:30:00.000-07:00

Oh my, it's been way too long since I posted! It's not because I've stopped decorating and doing projects. In fact it's just the opposite. I have too many projects on my plate! Let's take a look shall we. . .

I've decided to change the paint color in the family room.The wall in the dining room has been an on-going project for months; painting and re-painting at least a half dozen times now.I have a great idea of a make-over for the china cabinet.I enjoyed your comments about the lampshades and am still tossing around a few ideas.I've been rearranging the master bedroom.And there is still Christmas decorating to do.
Please tell me that I'm not the only one that gets PROJECT CRAZED this time of year! Do you???

My Neighbors Might Wonder

2011-11-18T08:00:00.002-07:00

I'm sure that if my neighbors looked into
my home in the evening
they would stop and take a second look.

They might be puzzled or bewildered.
They might wonder if I had lost my sense of style.
Wouldn't you if you saw such a sight?

It's just my way of trying to decide
which style of shade I like most for my thrifted,
awesome, oversize lamps.

Tell me, which style do you like most?

What's Old Is New

2011-11-16T09:00:00.002-07:00

This is one of the last remaining original cabinets in our home that has not been removed or had a paint make-over. It will eventually be replaced with a beautiful thrift store piece that we will fit a bathroom sink into. When we first moved into our home I was overwhelmed with the amount of cheap, ugly, cabinets and hardware. But little by little we have managed to turn ugly into lovely on a very tight budget, which even surprises me.
I remember our first year in this home when I counted all of the cabinet handles on our first floor. It amounted to over one hundred! I knew if I could only replace the ugly antique brass it would update the cabinetry, but with so many pieces even that could prove costly. So little by little we removed some doors, some entire cabinets, and then primed and painted what remained until our home began to look like ours instead of a contractor's bargain build.
Years ago I couldn't wait to get rid of the antique brass hardware but, ironically, just a few weeks ago I added antique brass back. It looks beautiful against the now painted, but still original (cheap) cabinetry. Of course I would love to have all new cabinets in my home but I am very content with the beauty that I have been able to achieve with a small amount of money, time, and energy. It's very rewarding to be able to make a house

your home!

Coffee Table Talk

2011-11-14T08:00:00.002-07:00

I've been making some changes to our living room. What can I say, I get bored with the same old look after a while. As much as I loved the coffee table we made from an old door, I couldn't resist buying this authentic factory cart from a cabinet factory that was going out of business. It's currently loaded with pumpkins.

A real pumpkin is resting on a gorgeous thrifted frame

and the pumpkins that I made last year
are grouped inside a wooden box,
also a thrift store find,
that I added a handle to give it the look of an old drawer.

I love to change things around because it makes me look at
old things in a new way.

Happy Pilgrim and Helping a Friend

2011-11-10T15:00:00.002-07:00

On my front porch there stands a grinning little fellow. He's a Pilgrim constructed from a large pole. I made him years ago when I was in my tole painting phase. He's a little outdated but how could I get rid of such a happy decoration. I love my Thanksgiving decorations!

My friend Meg

loves her Christmas decorations and is anxious to put them up. However her husband has given her a challenge. She has written and illustrated a beautiful book with an awesome message, which is a feat for anyone but most especially for Meg because she's quadriplegic. Her husband has challenged her to sell a few books before she pulls out her Christmas decor. If you want to buy a meaningful gift for someone special, go listen as Meg reads her book. If you love the message you can purchase the book. It's a gift that will make the recipient happy, as well as my friend Meg. Then everyone will be grinning like my little pole Pilgrim!

Autumnal Scenes

2011-11-02T10:45:00.001-06:00

My "official" Thanksgiving decorations
are still packed away.But this morning I am enjoying the early rays of sunlight
shining upon the few autumnal scenes
I have thrown together in my living room. I love this time of year!

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T12:33:00.002-06:00

Have a Simply
Happy Halloween!

In Remembrance

2011-10-18T10:15:00.002-06:00

One of the things my Mother-in-law was know for was her love of jewelry. She was always adorned with sparkly earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. She believed it was important for a woman to look her best, and up until just days before her passing she consistently wore make-up, nice clothes, and jewelry. She taught her daughters: If you spend the time to get yourself ready in the morning then you can focus completely on other people throughout the day.

After she passed I was fortunate enough to receive a couple pair of her old clip-on earrings. I placed them on the tops of the lampshades in our living and dining rooms. They are a sweet little reminder of a life well lived in

love, service, and beauty.

Spooky Greetings And a Gift Card Winner

2011-10-14T15:00:00.002-06:00

I have been slow to decorate for Halloween. It seems that the old wife's tale that death comes in threes is true for our family. My sweet mother's loving husband recently passed and things have been difficult. We miss him dearly!
But I have learned that one of the best ways for me to take my mind off of my troubles is to beautify my surroundings.
I started with these terracotta pumpkins that I've had for years. They needed a little updating and since my favorite color of late is gray that's the color they became. A spritz of black glitter gave them a little glam.I paired them up with bright green lanterns and grocery store pumpkins.Then I filled an urn with some dead branches where crows can rest.A spider is feeling at home too.The frame got a spray paint makeover to match the lanterns.And now my porch is ready for the season.I am excited to announce that "Little Old Me" was randomly selected to receive the $100 Wal*Mart gift card. Congratulations! Please email me so I can pass on your information.

Back In Love

2011-10-10T10:45:00.000-06:00

I have loved my long green table for years. It was a thrift find that may have once been a school science table---the old gum stuck underneath, as well as the holes from a pencil sharpener would indicate that that was it's previous life. I painted and distressed it to match my home decor but that was a few years back and my style has evolved since then.
A couple of weeks ago I stopped to look at the mis-tints at the big orange box store. I fell in love with a quart of muddy gray paint that someone else did not care for. A few coats of paint and it looked like new.Wanting to keep the story of the science table in tact I gave it a glaze, darkening it over the dings and scratches, to bring out the previous chapters of it's life.Then to give it a little more interest and height I added some casters.

I am back in love with my table!

***Enter for a $100 Wal*mart gift card HERE***

Topped Off Topiary

2011-10-07T08:30:00.001-06:00

While thrift store shopping I found this sad,

yet potentially awesome, topiary. It just needed to be
stripped of the things
that were weighing it down---
old lights, faded greenery, and the too tall stem.

With the help of several bags
of dollar store moss rocks cut in half, a bunch of glue sticks . . .

a few hot glue blisters . . .a couple of hours . . .

and a fresh dabbling of paint to the pot . . .

the topiary was re-born!

***Don't forget to

enter for the $100 gift card
to Wal*mart***

Guest Ready

2011-10-05T14:30:00.000-06:00

I was contacted by Better Homes and Gardens to see if I would review some products in their line at Walmart. They asked if I'd like to use $100 to get a bedroom guest ready. I was excited because, although I liked my guest room the way it was, the bedding was never warm enough for my guests during the winter months.I picked the beautiful BHG Fleur de lis comforter set because it goes well with the colors already in the room. It's a gorgeous grayish brown with accents of green and yellow. The all-over ruffles pillow is the perfect accessory to tie in the existing browns in the room.While I was freshening up the bedding I added the branch over the bed and hung a framed botanical. I think that my guests will be very comfortable in this updated room.I'm excited to give one of you the chance to win a $100 gift card to Walmart so that you can make your home guest ready.

To enter all you need to do is:

*go to their site and pick a Better Homes and Gardens item you would love to have in your home.

For additional entries you can:

* "like" BHG on their Facebook page, thank them for this awesome giveaway and tell them Joys of Home sent you.
* Tweet or Facebook about this giveaway.
Be sure to leave a comment for each entry.

The giveaway will go until Tuesday, October 11th. The winner will be chosen randomly and announced shortly afterward. Good Luck!

Bye, Bye Butterfly

2011-10-04T09:15:00.002-06:00

I love the fall! It's when I really get the urge to make changes in my home; some big, others small. I've been sprucing up our guest bedroom lately and when I saw this gem at the thrift store, I knew that it would look great above the bed---after it got a little makeover. I loved the organic look of the blossoming branch. I did not love that little butterfly. So, with the help of my scroll saw (a task that was tricky because the plastic kept melting back together due to the heat of the blade), and with a little sanding, I said bye, bye to that butterfly!

Bright glossy white spray paint
gave it the update it needed. And now there is no evidence of
the little butterfly that once was.It's just the right touch for above the guest bed.I'll be revealing more changes in the guest bedroom
and give away a $100 gift card this week.

Take a Seat

2011-09-28T11:30:00.004-06:00

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

2011-09-26T11:30:00.001-06:00

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

2011-09-09T09:45:00.004-06:00

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

2011-09-06T22:30:00.001-06:00

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

2011-08-30T11:00:00.002-06:00

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

2011-08-16T10:30:00.003-06:00

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

2011-08-15T10:30:00.004-06:00

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.)

Shabby Apple Giveaway

2011-08-09T10:11:00.007-06:00

Shabby Apple is an on-line boutique featuring women's dresses, skirts, fitness clothes, and swimsuits. They also sell aprons, as well as jewelry and accessories.
They have so many beautiful dress styles. I couldn't narrow it down to just one so here are my top four favorites:

The KananiThe North ShoreThe Ciderand of course having three little granddaughters
I had to choose one of the little girl's dresses,
The Pink Panther

Shabby Apple has generously offered to giveaway one of these four fabulous dresses to a Joys of Home winner (US resident only).
Simply go to Shabbyapple.com and pick your favorite item, then come back here and leave a comment.
For an additional entry "like" them on Facebook---which will also give you special promotions and exclusive discounts.

If you don't want to wait to win you can get 10% off your Shabby Apple order by entering the coupon code joysofhome10off at checkout.
The giveaway will be open until midnight (MT)
Monday, August 15th 2011.
Winner will be announced August 16th, 2011

A Fragrant Comeback

2011-08-08T00:00:00.000-06:00

It's been said that carnations are making a comeback and regaining popularity. It must be so because carnations were the predominant blossom in the flower section at my grocery store. And even though I wondered if people not in-the-know would scoff at my choice, I picked a bunch to bring home. Once the carnations were placed inside my car their strong, licorice-y fragrance made me feel like I had traveled back in time. Carnations remind me of high school dances. Isn't is amazing how certain odors can bring back memories. Each spring I love to plant petunias in my flower beds because their smell brings back memories of a certain amusement park I would go to as a child every year on my birthday.

Do you associate memories
with fragrant flowers?

Project Do-Over

2011-08-04T10:00:00.002-06:00

Does summer make you as project crazy as it does me? Once the weather starts to turn warm I begin to double my list of projects---which is disappointment just waiting to happen. Many of the items on this summer's list where also on last summer's: Strip the paint off one son's bed frame, paint an armoire for another son's room. organize the storage room . . . you get the picture.
Then, of course, I add new projects like paint and recover the chairs I just purchased at the thrift store.I could have gotten to several of these projects this summer if it had not been for one thing, the dreaded PROJECT DO-OVER!
I have two projects that I have had to do-over this summer because they didn't turn out the way I would like. My kitchen table got a facelift and I was in love until the first scratch appeared. Then there is my dining room wall that I've already painted with three different techniques and each has only brought me feelings of "like instead of love." I am determined to tackle, and FINISH, these two projects within the next few days. So if you don't hear from me you'll know that it's because I have succumbed to Project do-over!

Inspiration Bins and a Scetnsy Win

2011-08-02T09:30:00.005-06:00

I have a habit of picking up little "this and thats" at the thrift store or on clearance. It may be a bag full of pulls, a metal house number, curtain rings, hooks, or a monogram. It could be finials, balusters, wood feet, or a miscellaneous part. It's always that little item that is very inexpensive but when I see it the wheels in my head begin to spin.
I keep my this and thats sorted in bins. When I need a pretty knob or a little something to finish off a project, the starting point for a new design or just a reason to smile, I pull out my containers. It's wonderful to have that perfect finishing touch or an object of inspiration tucked away, just waiting to be pulled from it's bin.

Congratulations to Michele of Houseful of Heathens! Random Generator picked her comment, number 84, as the winner for the Scensty giveaway. Michelle, please email me your info so I can send it to Chilly from Scentsy.

Arrangment Perspective

2011-07-29T11:30:00.004-06:00

I love having a formal living room, but the room has it's share of challenges. The ceilings are high.It's long and large, measuring 13 1/2 feet by 21 feet, but is has only one solid wall. The other walls contain large windows or door openings, with one that opens into the dining area.Because of the quirks of the room I kept my furniture in the exact same spot for a few years. Then one day, as I stood high upon a ladder painting, I viewed my near empty room from a different angle and perspective. I wondered why I had allowed myself to get trapped in a furniture arrangement rut?!?
Of course there were a few pieces that couldn't be moved because of size or practicality, but others could find a new home. Just because the room is odd doesn't mean the furniture placement has to be stuck in a rut.
Because of my ladder-top awakening I've never kept the furniture in the same spot since. These are some different arrangements I've had over the years.Sometimes it takes looking at a room from a new perspective to see how it can be rearranged. You can get on a ladder (like I did), empty the room out to start fresh, try an on-line room design site, or ask a trusted friend where they would place your furniture. You might even try switching furniture pieces from other rooms.

Are you in a furniture arrangement rut
or do you like to move things around?
***Don't forget to enter the Scentsy giveaway***

Edit Profile

2011-07-28T09:00:00.002-06:00

I had to edit my profile this week.
It now reads that I am a happy Nonnie to
THREE beautiful granddaughters!

I was privileged to be in the room as Granddaughter #3 was born last week on July 22nd. What a thrill to welcome another girl into our family.This means, for the first time in more than twenty years,
our family has an even amount of males and females.
Hooray!!!
My sweet daughter-in-law tells me that I deserve to have a lot of girl grandbabies to make up for years of living with an abundance of boys. I couldn't agree more!

A Scentsy Giveaway

2011-07-26T09:00:00.002-06:00

I love to walk in my front door and be greeted with a wonderful fragrance. One way I get my house to smell sweet (instead of like men, a cat, or last night's dinner) is with my Scentsy.

Scentsy is a safe, wickless candle system that gently warms wax and as it does it
makes your home smell wonderful!

Scentsy offers a lot of styles like this one from their classic collection, or these DIY warmers that can be decorated to suit your personality. This darling cupcake warmer is the warmer of the month. Chilly Zoretic, a director for Scentsy, has offered to give away a full-size Scentsy warmer and a fragrance of choice to one lucky Joys of Home reader. To enter go to her site, browse through the catalog and choose your favorite warmer then come back here and leave a comment.
For an extra entry sign up for Chilly's Scentsy newsletter.

Good Luck and Good Scents To You!
The giveaway will be open until Midnight (MT) August 1st, 2011
The winner will be announced August 2nd

Couldn't Be Simpler

2011-07-22T10:30:00.005-06:00

We live in an incredible age!

We have decorating inspiration galore at the touch of a finger. Yet, I fear we can feel that if we are not spending money and/or hours re-purposing, refurbishing, spray painting, sewing, hot gluing, or adding rope onto something then we aren't really decorating.

Making your home beautiful can be
simple and fast.

It's as easy as placing your favorite collection
in a silver tray or pretty bowl.Even simpler, place a pretty rock,
(I found this one at a nearby stream) or shell atop a stack of books.These are simple joys that make for a pretty home.

Bouquets of Gladness

2011-07-21T09:30:00.004-06:00

Once or twice a month I like to buy a bouquet of flowers.
Fresh flowers have such a way of gladdening my heart and home. I don't feel the need to buy flowers from a florist when I can get beautiful budget bouquets at the grocery store.
This week I splurged and brought home two bouquets. There was such a wonderful assortment of flowers that I couldn't pick just one!
The first bunch that caught my eye were these
lovely gladiolas. Their size alone makes a great design statement. I chose to add some sea glass to help anchor the arrangement.

You can see why I had to buy these flowers. I've never seen anything like them before. They have a stem similar to a carnation but their heads look like a combination of a fern, grass, and a moss ball. I just couldn't resist!

I cut them short and placed them into a vintage pottery piece designed to look like bamboo. I'm excited to see how long they last.Do you buy grocery store bouquets to

gladden your heart and home?

Ramsign Winner

2011-07-20T09:30:00.002-06:00

Congratulations to Lorilee
from Cackleberry Cottage.

Random generator picked your comment, #24, to be the winner of the Ramsign giveaway. Please email me with your contact info so you can get your sign.

How Does My Garden Grow

2011-07-19T08:30:00.006-06:00

We live in a zone 5 growing area. It's important to know your zones if you want to grow a nice garden. Being in a zone 5 means we need to wait until May to plant. If you plant your garden any sooner you risk the chance of a freeze that will mean you have to start over with your garden.
The last few years my garden hasn't been planted until June which makes for a short growing season. But this year, because I left town at the end of May I made sure to get my garden in early. And now I am reaping the benefits!

Green and Yellow Zucchini Crook Neck SquashSpaghetti SquashEggplantCucumbersThe tomatoes should be ripening in a couple of weeks.I can't wait for BLT's. YUM!
There's even a watermelon.

And hopefully, come fall,
there will be many pumpkins in the pumpkin patch.Did you notice my secret to success?
I line my garden with black plastic before planting.
It helps to keep the plants warm and their roots moist.
It also cuts down significantly on weeds and garden critters.

Do you have any gardening secrets?
Today's the last day to enter the Ramsign Giveaway

Be The Designer

2011-07-15T09:00:00.003-06:00

This lovely home belongs to my client and friend Tristan. I've been lucky enough to work with her for a few years. We met when her home was being built and I've had the great pleasure of laughing with her and designing for her. I've showed you a part of her beautiful home already when I designed this wall that her talented husband built.This week she asked me to help solve a few design dilemmas she has with her kitchen. She's feeling that her kitchen needs a little pizzazz and that there's a little too much bright white.
Here's a hint of the colors she'd like to use. Her main concerns are the pantry door and her white table and chairs. I gave her my ideas and, since she knows that I write a blog, we thought it might be fun for my creative readers to give her some suggestions too. So. . . here's your chance to

be the designer! What suggestions do you have for Tristan's kitchen?****Don't forget to enter the Ramsign giveaway****

RAMSIGN Giveaway

2011-07-13T10:00:00.009-06:00

***The giveaway is closed***

Perhaps you may have already seen a RAMSIGN giveaway on other blogs in blogland.
I've entered to win one because I thought they were so beautiful. I haven't been lucky enough to win, but RAMSIGN is offering one of you the opportunity to win a sign here at Joys of Home.RAMSIGN is a small Danish company that specializes in manufacturing and selling classic enamel signs based upon original designs and techniques. They offer real old fashioned, hand stenciled signs, featuring original design, thick and glossy enamel, and a 30-year warranty. All you need to do to win is go to their site and pick your favorite style, then come back here and leave a comment. For an additional entry, link this giveaway on your blog, twitter, or facebook page. The winner will receive one house number sign (not name signs or address plaques) in their choice of numbers from 1 digit and up to 5 digits, and in one of the five different styles. RAMSIGN ships worldwide so everyone can participate in the giveaway.

BEST OF LUCK TO YOU!

The giveaway will be open until Tuesday, July 19th, 2011 at Midnight MT.
The winner will be announced Wednesday, July 20th.

Living Room Vignettes

2011-07-12T09:30:00.000-06:00

These are the vignettes in my living room

in the middle of the summer months.

Brass birds and oil paintings collected from thrift stores.

That's a real, live orchid that I've managed to keep living

and blooming for several months now.

I just purchased this orchid hoping to be able to keep it blooming too.

I love that it has twice the blooms.

The ceramic shell came from a Goodwill in Virginia,

the lotus flower from a thrift store in my hometown.

I love the reflective and airy look of the silver and glass

on the glass end table I found on clearance last summer.

I don't love having to clean kitty prints and dust off every week.

A little summer scene using a vintage lithograph of birds

and faux dollar store ferns.

HouseHold Words Winner

2011-07-11T09:15:00.000-06:00

Congratulations to Simply Sarah!!!

The random generator picked comment #2 as the winner and that comment belonged to her.
Simply Sara said...I love the mailbox decal, so cute!!!! Would look so nice!!!

Sarah you'll be hearing from Mandie at HouseHold Words soon.

A Take Home With A Story

2011-07-07T09:30:00.007-06:00

Last week I posted about our day at Lucketts.
Today I'll show you what we took home.
You already saw the beautiful mirror that my daughter purchased. It's new green paint looks fabulous in her living room.
She also got a few old bullseyes. We hung the set above her kitchen window to give it a little architectural interest.What did I take home?

I fell in love with these
two good-sized pieces of vintage architecture.
An old corbel and what I think is the base or the top to a column. The nice thing was that they both fit inside my carry-on bag.

The not-so-nice thing was that when my bag went through the x-ray machine I heard the TSA agent call for a "bag check."
Then another TSA agent picked up my bag and tested it for explosive matter.
She asked if she would be hurt by anything when she opened my bag.
I explained that it was just filled with a couple of old architectural pieces.
When she opened it she told me she had to call her supervisor.
The supervisor came over to examine my bag.
After I told the two about the wonderful store where I purchased the pieces they decided that I appeared to be a reasonably sane woman and I likely wouldn't be using the blocks of wood to knock anyone over the head in order to hi-jack the plane.

Don't you just love it when the items in your home can lead to
a great story?!?!Don't forget to enter the HouseHold Words Giveaway

Household Words Giveaway

2011-07-05T06:00:00.002-06:00

Mandie Lancaster from HouseHold Words contacted me

and asked if I would be interested in hosting
a giveaway for my readers.
I was excited to see all of the fun vinyl decals they had.They offer inspirational sayings like this one.There are decals that are look like modern wallpaper.A beautiful monogram is always a good choice.How cute would this be for a nursery?A dry erase calendar could come in handy.Or how about this big chalkboard calendar to keep the family organized?I would have to say that my favorite decals were
the fun, over-sized spoon and fork.Mandie is offering a chance for one lucky reader to
win the fork and spoon decals.All you need to do is visit the HouseHold Words site
or the HouseHold Words Etsy Shop,
take a look around and decide which decal is your favorite.
Then come back here and leave a comment.
For an extra chance to win visit the HouseHold Words Facebook page
and Like them, then come back and add another comment.
The giveaway will be open
until Saturday, July 9th at midnight MT.
The winner will be announced Monday, July 11th.

Happy Independence Day

2011-07-03T22:30:00.006-06:00

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Lucketts Part Two

2011-06-30T09:30:00.002-06:00

One of my favorite things to see at Lucketts had nothing to do with what there was to buy. It was the wonderful outbuildings (not outhouses) on the grounds.

(photo borrowed from Casey who also loved the vendors sheds at Lucketts)

Most were filled to the brim with delightful items for sale by vendors.

I loved gazing at the architecture of each building. Many were made from old doors and windows, and most had a touch or two of beautiful moudings.I think I may have mentioned before that my dream home would be on a few acres with no neighbors in sight. And have about five different outbuildings including a big ol' barn that would be used for family gatherings instead of animals (even though when my boys get together it tends to sound like a bunch of animals.) I don't think that dream will be coming true anytime soon so in the meantime I'll just drool over these. . .and maybe figure out how I can build at least one outbuilding in my backyard.
Isn't this a perfect spot for outdoor eating? Or, since I already have similar pillars, maybe I could build something like this. . . A girl can dream, right?

Lucketts Part One

2011-06-27T08:30:00.002-06:00

My daughter asked me what activities
I might be interested in doing while I was visiting.
On the top of my list was to take a trip to
The Old Lucketts Store. I had heard about Lucketts by reading blogs years ago
and I was excited to see if it was really as wonderful as I had read.
I was not disappointed. Talk about eye candy! I took tons of photos and it's still just a portion of all there was to see.
So for those of you, like me,
who enjoy perusing the pictures in magazines and on blogs
much more than reading the words, this post is for you.
ENJOY!

This and That

2011-06-24T09:30:00.004-06:00

While visiting my daughter and son-in-law I managed to keep myself busy in their cute little apartment. I joked with my daughter that having me for a mom is like having a dad and a mom come to visit because I do small home repair projects along with decorating and organizing. However she does lose out on having the sort of mom that deep cleans or bakes delightful goodies. That's just not me. Fortunately my daughter has many friends who volunteered to bring in delicious meals and desserts after baby was born so they enjoyed the best of everyone's talents.
On my last visit we curbside shopped this little piece that is used for kitchen storage. I decided to spruce it up using a few dollar store placemats and upholstery tacks.Do you see that gorgeous glass lamp? We found it at a thrift store for just a few dollars (along with that pretty green pedestal bowl). It originally had a light green tint that had been scratched off in a few places. About two hours later, with the use of a razor blade and an old credit card, I was able to take off all of the green leaving it clear and lovely.
And of course I had to do a few spray paint projects while visiting.
This stunning mirror was one.We picked it up at Lucketts. It was reasonably priced but it was a scary, ugly, yellow gold. Even after years of spray painting I am still amazed at how spray paint can transform almost anything.Next week I'll share more of our trip to the famous Lucketts store. I took about a hundred pictures (literally!) while I was there. It may have to be a two or three part post. So fun!!!

Botanic Garden and Dollar Store Orchids

2011-06-21T11:00:00.001-06:00

One of my favorite places to visit in the DC area is
The United States Botanic Garden. Each time I go I find different things that inspire me.

This time was no exception.

I loved these arbors with their display of living plants.I'm always inspired by water features and creeks. I have great plans to make one in my own backyard---when I get enough money, time, energy, and muscle.

There are always beautiful hydrangeas to be found.One of my favorite rooms inside is the orchid room
filled with stunning displays of orchids.I love orchids!Even though I have two living orchid plants, I couldn't resist buying a few of the silk variety
when I saw them at the dollar store, along with some reindeer moss.With a little styrofoam secured in the bottom of some thrift store vases, I just stuck in the end of the orchid (cut to length)
and filled the vase with moss.This is the version I made for my daughter
using one of her beautiful thrifted vases.

Delayed by Delivery

2011-06-20T11:00:00.000-06:00

Wow, it's been a while since I've blogged! But I have a perfectly wonderful excuse. My only daughter, who up until a couple of weeks ago looked like this, delivered a beautiful baby girl. I was thrilled to spend time many hours of "girl time" with the two of them (thanks to my sharing son-in-law). It was so hard to leave this gorgeous bundle of happiness. But my boys were at home and apparently I'm the only one who knows how to buy fruits and vegetables. They would still be eating hotdogs and bacon if I didn't return.
Now that I'm home and there are healthy snacks to be had, I'll be back to blogging and sharing some of the photos I took of our girl time.

Wedding Photos

2011-05-30T08:00:00.001-06:00

In my last post I showed how I made the centerpieces for the wedding open house I decorated.

It was a pleasure to work with this young couple you see in the photos. I am not a "professional" wedding designer/planner but I do find enjoyment in helping newlyweds make their celebration special. They were looking for something unique and I think that's the look we were able to achieve. Their colors were bright pink, yellow, and turquoise.

The couple loved parts of the backdrop from another wedding I had done but they weren't happy with the center/door area.

So I came up with an idea they did love.

I gave my outdoor patio furniture pieces a fresh coat of turquoise paint and found some coordinating fabric to hang in place of the door. I added in some lighting and brightly painted pink windows. The backdrop took on a whole new look.

They were thrilled with the result. And their happiness was mine!

Yet Another Paper Wreath Tutorial

2011-05-27T08:00:00.003-06:00

If you do a search for paper wreath tutorials you will likely find a bazillion. There are folded paper wreaths and rolled paper wreaths just to name a few. I'm sure there is already at least one crunched paper wreath tutorial, yet I will add another just in case you haven't had the time or inclination to search. Paper wreaths are so popular because they are relatively inexpensive. However they are time, paper, and hot glue stick consuming. Each of the wreaths I made as centerpieces for the wedding reception took about an hour.

I started by using a simple wreath from the dollar store.

In order to camouflage the wreath, as well as make it easier for the crunched paper to stick,

I first covered it with strips of sheet music.

This was when I received 75% of my hot glue burns so be very careful with this step!

Next I cut pages from a music book into fourths.

My wreaths were covered completely on all sides so each took an entire music book that was about the thickness of a magazine.

Using one piece of quartered paper, I placed a dowel (a pencil would also work) into the center of the paper and then crunched the paper around the dowel.

Making sure to first flatten out the crunched end a bit for more surface area, I then applied hot glue.

Next I used the dowel to place the crunched paper onto the wreath.

I continued. . . and continued. . . and continued until the wreath was covered.

***I will now impart what little unique knowledge I gained from this procedure***

If the paper is thin it will adhere much faster than if it is thick and stiff. The stiffer the paper the longer the wait time for the glue to hold. And while you may think that the paper is stuck you will soon find out that the little stinkin' stiff paper will try to hightail it right off the wreath just as you are placing the next piece causing you to grab said piece and possibly cause additional finger burnage.

After the wreath was complete I lightly sprayed each with the desired color of spray paint. To give them more color and interest I added in pieces of crunched colored tissue paper.

To make them hang I hot glued on some evenly placed ribbons and glued the ribbons onto a large dowel that had been glued into a piece of 2x4. The dowel was topped with a finial painted to match the wreath and ribbons. I then adhered photos of the newlyweds onto the ribbon.

The centerpieces resembled little maypoles which was very appropriate since it was a May wedding.

Rain, Rain Go Away

2011-05-23T09:00:00.000-06:00

We have had sooooo much rain this spring that it is really dampening my spirits! Rainy days equal no spray painting outside; thus my home improvement projects have been few and far between. But all this moisture is also having an affect on my surroundings outside. While the grass is a little greener than usual, my flowering bushes are the most sparse I have even seen.
Last year my "snowball" bush was huge and laden with blooms.This year I wondered if it was half dead. But upon closer inspection it's just shriveled and sad, with smaller blooms and ugly brown spots.Last year my homegrown bouquet was abundant with blossoms.This year I gathered a small cluster of blooms, determined to not let the rain shrivel my spirits as much as it has shriveled my bushes. It may be smaller than last year's but it's still just as beautiful!

Wood and Wasps

2011-05-16T10:00:00.003-06:00

Last week we were (finally) able to experience a few days of warm weather. I lugged my scroll saw outside to the picnic table so as to take in the goodness of the sun as well as get some work done on the wedding open house I'd been hired to decorate. While cutting out the candelabras I took a moment to take in my surroundings. To the left of my saw lay a pile of firewood loving cut and left by the men of my family; an accompanying gift to what I was given for Mother's Day. This year I decided to play it safe and send an email to my family members telling them just what I wanted to receive. However, I forgot to check the link and my family was left to guess which fire pit I desired. They guessed wrong but were willing to return their first choice and buy my first choice, temporarily/creatively resting on an old pallet. Unfortunately with the wet weather and our busy schedules we haven't had a chance to enjoy it. Hence the pile of firewood on the picnic table.
To the right of my saw lay further evidence to my neighbors that they are living next door to a lunatic woman. I'm sure that's what they would have thought if they were to glance outside their windows to see me batting around the scrap of wood and then here me laugh the "HeeHee" of a jubilant pirate defending his plunder. I repeated this action at least a dozen times while cutting my project. But I was not defending myself from swarthy, sword holding attackers. I was defending myself from small, vicious flying prey. Fortunately my batting skills were on the mark and I was now surrounded by the carcasses of about a dozen of my foe. Once I no longer heard the menacing buzz of those small invaders I was able to complete my task and resume the appearance of an average "normal" woman who cuts projects outside in the warm weather, on a picnic table piled high with firewood, surrounded by deceased insects.

A Letter of Warning

2011-05-11T10:00:00.001-06:00

Dear Mr. Weed,

Will you please explain why you appear in my yard year after year. Your behavior is unacceptable. I have never given you an invitation and yet you and all of your relatives continue to arrive despite my efforts to keep you out.How is it that you can grow double the size of the flowers that I fertilize? Why do you try to crowd out my little pretties? How is it that your Weed relatives can look so different and yet have the same annoying behavior?Your Weed kin try to camouflage themselves as pretty blossoms and then they morph into nightmarish evil spawn to cause me further torment.For your information, I have hired the biggest, baddest bouncer in town to get you out of my yard for good. Consider this your final warning!

Sincerely,

Joy

The Girl Has Taste

2011-05-09T10:30:00.004-06:00

Last week I took my three-and-a-half year old granddaughter to the thrift store to shop for a gift for her momma. Why the thrift store? Well, the thrift store and the dollar store are two of the smallest stores around which makes it much easier to keep track of a very active three year old. And out of the two choices the thrift store definitely has a wider variety of pretty junk. First we visited the toy aisle to get that distraction out of the way so we could better focus on our gift finding mission. Taking a child to the toy aisle of the thrift store can keep them entertained for quite a while. Three year olds don't seem to be bothered with the fact that most of the toys are broken or have dead or missing batteries. Once she had experienced broken toy overload we went on our journey to find the perfect gift. After searching high and low (me-high shelves, her-low) we were both ready to throw in the towel and resort to the traditional gift of a handmade card. It was then that she picked up this vintage darling off of the bottom shelf. I'm sure she didn't base her choice on the age of the item, it's color, or classic style. Her choice was likely based on how fun and easy it was the flip the lid up and down. Nonetheless she made a great choice. All that was needed to make it a perfect gift was the addition of some fresh color coordinating tulips, a tag and bow. . . along with a wish for a Happy Mother's Day and a hug and kiss. Her momma was very happy. And I, her nonnie, was pretty proud of her great taste and superb thrifting skills!

Serveware

2011-05-06T10:30:00.000-06:00

I succumbed.

I did.
I saw this little beauty on the very bottom shelf at the thrift store.My first response was to gasp.
A little.
Then reason took over as I reminded myself that I am trying very hard to
buy only things that I know I will use.
But the hypnosis of ironstone had me under it's spell
and I picked up this pretty little piece of serving ware and placed it in my basket.
I told myself that it was possible to enjoy it's beauty while shopping.
And then leave it.
But the more I stared at it in my cart the more it had my heart.
I knew it would never be used.
I reasoned that it could always be just a gorgeous display piece.
After all it certainly appears to be vintage.Who uses these things anyway?
Although . . . . .
with Mother's day just a few days away,
my family could lovingly bring me breakfast in bed using this on a tray.
Along with a vase of beautiful flowers.
But that's not going to happen.
Ever.
My family knows that the only breakfast I enjoy is cereal.
With a little orange juice on the side.
Not exactly a breakfast in bed menu.
Nope.
This won't be used on Mother's day.
Or any of the other three-hundred-and-sixty-four days of the year.
But who made the rule that you could only enjoy things if they serve a purpose?
Not me.
My rule would be:
If it brings a smile to your face, and a dream to your heart,
and it won't break the budget,
it's okay to buy that budget smiley-face-dream-maker.
Just as long as you don't buy so many
that you end up on some TV show for hoarder's.
Or have to join Smiley-Face-Dream-Maker Anonymous.
My other rule is that a woman should always by herself
a little something for Mother's day.
So this is my gift to me.Here's where you envision me with a smile on my face
and a dream cloud floating over my head,
wishing myself a Happy Mother's Day.
And wishing you a Happy Mother's Day too!

Bigger is Better

2011-05-05T09:30:00.006-06:00

This was the light over our kitchen sink.But when you have a light like this over the table,
you really do need a bigger fixture over the sink.It's a good thing that someone donated the light I needed.And it's a good thing that a can of spray paint was all it took tounite the lights.

A Welcoming Arrangment

2011-05-03T10:00:00.000-06:00

This vignette is currently on the table in our entry
to welcome family and friends.
The arrangement is simply a grocery store bouquet
with a few flowering tree branches from our yard tucked in.Everything else {silver, faux plant, leaf ball, books}
is thrifted items.I adore how simple, thrifty items placed on a tray
can look so formal and beautiful!

To Please Or Not To Please

2011-05-02T10:00:00.002-06:00

I started to paint my dining room wall more than a month ago and it still isn't finished! It has a few more coats of paint from techniques that I've tried and hated, but that is the only progress that I can report. It has been a source of frustration for weeks. The more frustrated I got with the wall the more I began to question, "Who am I trying to please?"Blogs are wonderful whether you write them, read them, or both. They can provide inspiration and motivation. Blogs can become one of the greatest sources for trying new ideas in our homes. However I've discovered that, for me, it's important to ask myself if my motivation for making change is because I really love and desire the change or is it because it's the popular thing to do? In other words who am I trying to please? On occasional I have fallen into the trap of creating things simply for a blog post, or because I think my readers will love it, or because I've seen the idea on several blogs so I feel the need to have it in my home. Interestingly enough I don't always recognize my motivation for creating but I do recognize that the item quickly becomes something that I don't truly love in my home. It doesn't reflect my taste because I did it to please someone else and I wasn't being true to myself.
Blogs aren't the only trap we can find ourselves caught in when trying to be true to ourselves in decorating our home. Recently I had a design appointment with a new client. As she took me through her home she would point out in nearly every room an item that someone gave her. I could tell in her voice that these were not items that she loved. The items were placed there simply because she felt a sense of obligation to the giver. She kept the item in her home because she wanted to please the giver. Yet the giver of the gift rarely, if ever, visited her home. I asked her the question, "If someone gave you a blouse that was a color you disliked, a pattern or cut that simply wasn't you, or that didn't fit, would you feel that you needed to wear it all of the time?" When her response was no, I asked, "Then why do you do that with things in your home?" I understand that there are some things given to us by those we love and/or live with that we feel obligated to keep. I know that we often have to make compromises in our home because of our loved ones, but that should not be the entire design of our home. Just as it's okay to keep the ugly blouse in the back of the closet, we can put the less desired, making a compromise, pleasing our loved one objects in a less prominent area of our home.
Our home is just that, OURS. Homes should be the one place where we find true comfort. They should be the one place that truly reflects who we are. Our home should be a haven where we please ourselves, where we are authentic to ourselves and our family.Today look around your home. Does it reflect who you are and please you? Or does it contain far too many things that please someone else? If so, I give you permission, just as I did for my client, to put away or give away those items that please someone else. Then go ahead and replace them with items you love because that is how you discover the real joys of home!

Designer Plastic

2011-04-20T09:30:00.001-06:00

Every Sunday we gather as a family to eat in our dining room. It has been a tradition since we moved into this home. We set out "Sunday" dishes, glasses and even unique-to-Sunday salt and pepper shakers. We light a candle or two and enjoy having a delicious dinner, usually cooked by my hubby. And we always have a tablecloth. . .well, not a reeeal tableCLOTH. We can be a sloppy bunch and I don't want to spend my week soaking and removing stains from a real tablecloth so I resort to the plastic variety. But it can be difficult to find a faux tablecloth that doesn't look too country or too grandma-y. So imagine my delight when I found these beautiful covers at Big Lots the other day. Look! Lovely colors and designer patterns. I had to stock up on all they had in my difficult to find table size. I couldn't pass up such pretty, practical, and priced-to-please plastic!

Centerpiece, Centerpiece, Centerpiece

2011-04-18T10:15:00.001-06:00

We've been hired to decorate for another wedding! The open house is in May and their colors are bright, saturated versions of pink, yellow, and turquoise. Fortunately the couple likes the style of the backdrop from the last wedding we did. We will, however, be doing some modifications in order to make it unique to them. I'm also making new centerpieces for the tables. I made up three for them to choose from.
I thought this little dowel tree was fun and Spring-y.Then there's this hanging music page wreath that reminds me of a May pole.My favorite is this faux candelabra.They chose to use the oversize candelabras on the serving table and the May pole page wreaths on the guest tables. I'll be making the wreaths in the three different colors. Although I'm a little worried about hot glue gun burns from making that many wreaths (I burn myself practically every time!), but their happiness is definitely worth a blister or two.

A Real Trophy

2011-04-12T09:30:00.002-06:00

You likely would have smiled when you saw me proudly carry

the large bowling trophy through the thrift store.You would have wondered if I wanted it as a gag gift,
or maybe an accessory in a boy's room.
Perhaps you thought that I would enjoy installing
the handsome brass man as a hood ornament on my car.Or possibly you had the same vision
and were envious that one dollar would buy
a beautiful brass loving cup.A perfect addition to my small collection.And of course the bottom of the trophy will make
an awesome flag stand for the fourth of July.

Parade Of Homes Tour

2011-04-07T06:00:00.019-06:00

What an honor to be listed among the talented participants of the

Poppies at Play 2011 Parade of Homes! If you are new here I would like to extend to you a friendly welcome.
If you're a regular reader I am ever thankful for your loyalty.

One of our sons once referred to our home as "The House of Unfinished Dreams" because when we bought it it had been a rental for most of it's life so there is always a project/dream that we are working on. We have managed to make the transformations on a tight budget, doing most of the work ourselves, both inside and out. I hope that you enjoy the tour!
This was the way our house looked shortly after we moved in.This is what it looks like now on a beautiful Spring day. I redesigned it's new look.
We're still amazed with the transformation. The backyard used to be a huge grove of
neglected fruit trees and weeds. Now it looks like this on a hot Summer day.You could also call our home "The House of Doors" because we've built several pieces of furniture out of old doors and windows. We have learned a lot from our house as we have transformed it into our home. When you walk into our home you first come into the foyer.To the right is the living room. Many of the furniture and accessories throughout our home are
treasures found at thrift stores.
This large bookshelf was built using a door and stair treads.My hubby and I built the coffee table from an old door and
100 year old porch ballasters.The dining area.The crown molding and large shelf are made from vintage ceiling tin.Here's our family room. We built the entertainment center. The center door is over a 100 years old and has the original crackle finish outside and a faux wood finish inside.Glimpses of our kitchen. This cabinet was built using an old door for the sides and old windows for doors. Our table is two doors glued together to make the table top.

The main bathroom. Above the toilet is a shelf made from a door panel.Our computer/gaming room has two bookshelves
made from old doors. The clocks above the large map tell the time of the places
where our family members have served missions for our church.The bath/laundry room with a couple more
of our hand-built projects.Last we'll go down the stairs, near the end of the hall into the guest room.Thank you for visiting!
The next stop on the tour is

Mod Vintage Life