tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70402110377204608902024-03-13T07:02:30.698-05:00Doodle BugDoodlin' AroundBecky@DoodleBugOnlinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01763918737667531018noreply@blogger.comBlogger70125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7040211037720460890.post-75706669413432981602013-10-18T11:15:00.000-05:002013-10-18T11:15:11.881-05:00Goodbye for Now<i><b>This is my 70th post. </b></i><br />
It would be more fitting if it were post #100, but that's the way life goes, huh?<br />
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I have decided, at long last, that the blogging season of my life has come to a close. In fact it came to a close last January when our beautiful little girl was born, I have simply taken this long to understand it.<br />
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I love blogging, but my life is entering a new chapter and I need to weed out the things that aren't priorities. This is one to which I am waving, "goodbye." <br />
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<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I need to focus on being a Mommy, a wife, and a friend. </span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I am choosing to focus on what is eternal.</span></i></b></div>
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I will still keep the content up, and please let me know if there are any broken links or pictures since I won't be checking on them regularly. <br />
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Also, <i><b>please feel free to ask me questions!</b> </i>My brain does still work (most days...) and I would still love to be able to see and help you with your projects.<br />
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Thank you to all of my faithful readers and new readers who hop on over from Pinterest every day. I hope you find something helpful here.<br />
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<i>May God bless you as He has blessed me.</i><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">~The Doodle Bug</span><br />
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<br />Becky@DoodleBugOnlinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01763918737667531018noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7040211037720460890.post-88181220053287321752013-05-29T13:42:00.003-05:002013-05-29T13:42:42.121-05:00Reader Spotlight on KristenHello Everyone!<br />
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I've been MIA from blogland for quite some time now, and I needed a little extra push (and some material...) to help me jump back in. Well lucky for you, a fellow reader sent me her incredible project and was gracious enough to let me share it with all of you!<br />
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Kristen had this coffee table that she had at one point purchased from Overstock.com. She has since moved to a different home, and her relationship with the table was getting stale. So instead of replacing it, she thought she might as well try to paint it first! And goodness me, she found my blog and used the <a href="http://doodlebugonline.blogspot.com/2012/03/driftwood-look-table-chairs.html">Driftwood Look</a> tutorial! Hot diggety <i>dawg</i> I am super impressed!<br />
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Everybody give Kristen a high-five! Also, I'm loving her new home. Beautiful. Check out that molding and built-in. <i>Party at Kristen's house!</i><br />
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Just kidding.<br />
Only because I don't know where she lives...<br />
Probably in California.<br />
Have you ever noticed that every DIY blogger in the universe seems to be from California? What is it about that state? Maybe it's the fresh air because of their super-strict emission laws. Hmmm.<br />
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No matter, Kristen did a great job and has been rewarded with a beautiful piece. See? It's worth painting before you buy a replacement!<br />
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And while you've all been watching the arrival of Spring for the last four months, I've been loving being a mommy. And now our little Snuggle Bug (that's what I've decided to call her on the blog, since she loves being held and snuggled) has gone from being a newborn to this sweet little bundle of cute :)<br />
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Thanks, Kristen for letting me share your genius!<br />
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Have a project you'd like to see in a Reader Spotlight? Use the Contact link at the top of my site and let me know! <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">~The Doodle Bug</span>Becky@DoodleBugOnlinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01763918737667531018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7040211037720460890.post-10830445132301346212013-02-08T16:01:00.000-06:002013-02-08T16:01:20.576-06:00She's Here!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">It's a Girl!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O0DoFd3bKvE/URVxS4QJ-0I/AAAAAAAACZc/i0flmUbSLHs/s1600/Emma1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O0DoFd3bKvE/URVxS4QJ-0I/AAAAAAAACZc/i0flmUbSLHs/s640/Emma1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of <a href="http://www.cherylshootsphotography.blogspot.com/">Cheryl Lancaster</a></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Meet our little Munchkin</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Born January 27, 8:02am</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">A perfect little 7 pound, 12.9 ounce bundle of beautiful.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of <a href="http://www.cherylshootsphotography.com/">Cheryl Lancaster</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CgeoeZO8oBE/URVxBh8yahI/AAAAAAAACZI/gLYny9ippTw/s1600/DI7A5915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CgeoeZO8oBE/URVxBh8yahI/AAAAAAAACZI/gLYny9ippTw/s640/DI7A5915.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of <a href="http://www.cherylshootsphotography.blogspot.com/">Cheryl Lancaster</a><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I have decided for now to leave her name out of my blog, so we'll simply call her Munchkin :) </span></td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p7V1bFXJPm4/URVxSl_LZvI/AAAAAAAACZY/2DJxvlGJL2Q/s1600/Emma+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p7V1bFXJPm4/URVxSl_LZvI/AAAAAAAACZY/2DJxvlGJL2Q/s640/Emma+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We are wonderfully blessed by God to have been entrusted with such a precious little girl.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Welcome to our little family, you are so very loved.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">~The Doodle Bug</span></div>
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Becky@DoodleBugOnlinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01763918737667531018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7040211037720460890.post-41175110421895557062013-01-18T13:23:00.002-06:002013-01-23T11:17:16.263-06:00Mission-Style Rocking ChairsDue Date Countdown: 8 Days<br />
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Yes, I'm still pregnant :)<br />
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Baby seems perfectly content to keep hangin' around in my belly, so for now you get to wait in expectancy with me. Except you can probably walk without waddling, so you can only <i>kind of </i>sympathize.<br />
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Quack.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_FhsVIDPwJI/UPmcJiNuI7I/AAAAAAAACYo/3s5yacafjIk/s1600/IMG_0030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_FhsVIDPwJI/UPmcJiNuI7I/AAAAAAAACYo/3s5yacafjIk/s400/IMG_0030.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
But are you ready to see a couple of chairs get a makeover?? I bet you are. I've been getting emails up the wazoo about people really wanting to see chair makeovers.<br />
Okay, I just made that up.<br />
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But I <i>have</i> been getting a few people asking questions about projects via the new "contacts" tab, and I'm loving all your creativity and sweet compliments! Also, the archive tabs above are all updated and ready for you, so if this baby comes before I can put up another post, you'll be set for a bit.<br />
(Joe and I actually think that since we have family driving from 5 and 12 hours away, the baby is bound to come during a snow storm. We keep checking the forecast to figure out when the little munchkin's going to arrive. Nothing yet...)<br />
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Here we go. <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Mission-Style Rocking Chairs</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MhtJVdbKWCA/UPmUp48FSmI/AAAAAAAACYU/fBf7ONG1R6M/s1600/BA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MhtJVdbKWCA/UPmUp48FSmI/AAAAAAAACYU/fBf7ONG1R6M/s640/BA.jpg" width="514" /></a></div>
Ooh, pretty! And how often have I seen these chairs and never thought to do anything with them?<br />
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This was a project I was hired to do for a wonderful couple at our church. Let's call them the M&M's (because I'm apparently still not over that chocolate craze of a <a href="http://doodlebugonline.blogspot.com/2012/11/chocolate-does-anyone-have-some_16.html">previous post</a>). The chairs came to them from Mr. M&M's mother, and Mrs. M&M just wanted to update the look. They went back and forth about painting the oak frames--which is perfectly understandable--but decided that paint would really give her the finish she wanted (wood purists, are you fainting?). In the end, I think the paint was a great choice. Why have something if you don't really like it? Plus they're practically oozing awesome now.<br />
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It seemed like a fairly manageable project from what I saw initially, and actually turned out to be a bit easier than even I anticipated. So if you have a pair of Mission-Style rockers that you want to re-do, have no fear. You don't even have to have a special staple gun for this one! All you need is a sewing machine, something that throws staples, and some gumption.<br />
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I won't get into a lengthy explanation, but if you have questions please feel free to ask and I will gladly go into more detail for you.<br />
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My Super-Handy Hubby painted the frames for me. Because he's such a good dad already :) As you can tell by the t-shirt he's wearing and the snow-free driveway, this was a while ago. </div>
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All slicked up in their new finish! I then sanded the edges very lightly. We wanted a tish of distressing for dimension, but nothing close to the "chippy" look. Just a light touch did the trick.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wQDBDqJ_E9Y/UPmUm1pG5zI/AAAAAAAACXc/r_GAve38PFc/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wQDBDqJ_E9Y/UPmUm1pG5zI/AAAAAAAACXc/r_GAve38PFc/s640/2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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The back cushion had only a little sewing in the top corners, so that was really simple.</div>
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The fabric was installed by fitting the corners properly at the top, and then wrapping the fabric around to the back side to staple. This whole cushion was essentially an "insert" that screwed into the sides of the frame. It was a pretty slick system to work with.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3hR6UJ7uuhs/UPmUmw_i_wI/AAAAAAAACXg/YZ2uvtopM60/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3hR6UJ7uuhs/UPmUmw_i_wI/AAAAAAAACXg/YZ2uvtopM60/s640/3.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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The bottom cushion was a little more sewing, but it only involved attaching two side panels to the seat. Again, really simple.</div>
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Then once again, Joe to the rescue! These frames were solid oak--even the inside framing that was for the upholstery. Seriously, if I had tried to break these chairs I just would have ended up with bruises. They were so tough. Tough enough that I couldn't get these screws in or out by myself. Thanks honey, you're the best. And I apparently need to work out more.<br />
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Here's the finished product again. I apologize for the not-awesome pictures. I *may* have forgotten to take pictures until Joe was getting ready to load them into the truck for delivery, and it was dark out. Oops. But hey, at least we deliver! We deliver for the small cost of cookies and ice cream. Not really, but they did give us cookies and ice cream when we picked the chairs up...because they're super sweet people.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-64zoDSH7-T4/UPmUol9qr0I/AAAAAAAACX8/u9CL-Yiaj3o/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-64zoDSH7-T4/UPmUol9qr0I/AAAAAAAACX8/u9CL-Yiaj3o/s640/6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_4xqSmWV0u0/UPmUoSQpT2I/AAAAAAAACX4/BVxVwZcxQs4/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_4xqSmWV0u0/UPmUoSQpT2I/AAAAAAAACX4/BVxVwZcxQs4/s640/5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
And in case you're wondering, Mrs. M&M picked the fabric out herself, and I really love it. It's classy but not too formal at the same time. She bought it at Joann Fabrics, in case you're now in dire need to buy some for yourself.<br />
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And now you can mentally sit in those chairs, rock back and forth and dream of how cute our baby is going to be!<br />
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In case you missed the <a href="http://doodlebugonline.blogspot.com/2013/01/nursery-reveal.html">Nursery Reveal!</a> last week, you can check it out <a href="http://doodlebugonline.blogspot.com/2013/01/nursery-reveal.html">Here</a> (or in the linked text before, but hey I like to be thorough).<br />
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And I did forget to post our Christmas picture this year, so I'll bid you <i>adieu</i> with that. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lgcdfmb27z8/UPmdocrs8PI/AAAAAAAACY4/sM1qmDwAK88/s1600/Picture+2012+selphy.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lgcdfmb27z8/UPmdocrs8PI/AAAAAAAACY4/sM1qmDwAK88/s640/Picture+2012+selphy.jpg" width="420" /></a></div>
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Photo Courtesy of <a href="http://cherylshootsphotography.blogspot.com/">Cheryl Lancaster</a></div>
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Have a great weekend, everyone!</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">~The Doodle Bug</span></div>
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<br />Becky@DoodleBugOnlinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01763918737667531018noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7040211037720460890.post-45083665125967868202013-01-04T17:52:00.000-06:002013-01-09T08:23:46.551-06:00Nursery Reveal!I know, you thought it would <i>never</i> come. <br />
But it has!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WPufOIUDZGs/UOdUSNA9lkI/AAAAAAAACUw/sM-6cNbtrRI/s1600/NR9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WPufOIUDZGs/UOdUSNA9lkI/AAAAAAAACUw/sM-6cNbtrRI/s640/NR9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I've been working on the nursery for...a long time now. Putting it together bit-by-bit since August.<br />
<br />
People have been asking Joe at work what the theme is for the nursery.<br />
Theme?<br />
Uhhhh...<br />
<br />
There's no theme.<br />
My goal was to make a gender-neutral nursery (we don't know what we're having), and since I didn't want to do yellow and green, I decided on a different route. I decided to put feminine and masculine elements into the room and (hopefully) strike a balance between them. You can judge for yourself how I did. And if you don't like it, just lie and tell me you do, or I might break into a bout of hormonal crying :)<br />
<br />
<b>37 weeks this Sunday, by the way!</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Here is how the room looked when we moved in.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0LLLSv4Cch8/UOdUPAKFYtI/AAAAAAAACT4/5rjRjot8wnU/s1600/IMG_3938.JPG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0LLLSv4Cch8/UOdUPAKFYtI/AAAAAAAACT4/5rjRjot8wnU/s640/IMG_3938.JPG.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Not bad...just boring, and like the rest of the house, "oaky" (check out the <a href="http://doodlebugonline.blogspot.com/2012/11/chocolate-does-anyone-have-some_16.html">Kitchen & Dining Room Reveal</a> if you want to see more).<br />
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I decided first that I would put a "lemongrass" color on the wall. Awesome.<br />
So I mixed up a sample, pretty excited to get started.<br />
I tenderly painted the color on the wall, thinking fondly of our little munchkin-to-come.<br />
...and then I just about bopped in my mouth.<br />
I. <i>Hated</i>. It.<br />
I'm going to be looking at enough baby poop in the coming months, I don't need the walls to be singing the same tune!<br />
Okay, time to revamp.<br />
So I headed to my computer to Pinterest (where else??) and my trusty Nursery board. And I found a solution. <br />
Phew!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8mdef0a9NY8/UOdUPNG42UI/AAAAAAAACT0/Rbreo3sTCqs/s1600/IMG_4026.JPG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8mdef0a9NY8/UOdUPNG42UI/AAAAAAAACT0/Rbreo3sTCqs/s640/IMG_4026.JPG.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I know, beige and white are a bit...boring? But I like it. Simple, and I could add whatever color I wanted in the rest of the room without worrying about clashing.<br />
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So that's the introduction, and here is the finished room! I'll list out some items and details at the end.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f8WgKqswcx8/UOdUP6JK_6I/AAAAAAAACUI/r0oJMopnU8A/s1600/NR13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="442" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f8WgKqswcx8/UOdUP6JK_6I/AAAAAAAACUI/r0oJMopnU8A/s640/NR13.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>SCREECH!!!</b></span></div>
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Hang on a second. Where the heck did that INCREDIBLE blanket come from???</div>
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Oh, you know. </div>
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<i>My Mom made it.</i></div>
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SAY WHAT? She <i>Made</i> it?? I knew she was knitting a blanket, and I picked out the colors, but I was pretty much envisioning a simple stripe or a basic chevron pattern. Then at Christmas I open THIS. I was completely blown away. Thank you, Mom, for slaving away for six months +. Baby is going to <i>love</i> it.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dp1ZpNfFlYI/UOdURYm_IWI/AAAAAAAACUg/TUXnZbavZU8/s1600/NR6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dp1ZpNfFlYI/UOdURYm_IWI/AAAAAAAACUg/TUXnZbavZU8/s640/NR6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Yes, I am still in shock.</div>
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She <i>made</i> it.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3gszX1mZhkg/UOdURn_YP7I/AAAAAAAACUk/RgwUmt0rMRc/s1600/NR7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3gszX1mZhkg/UOdURn_YP7I/AAAAAAAACUk/RgwUmt0rMRc/s640/NR7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yh8CAygLHew/UOdUVXdwTVI/AAAAAAAACVA/rZ9swjQIC-I/s1600/NR4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yh8CAygLHew/UOdUVXdwTVI/AAAAAAAACVA/rZ9swjQIC-I/s640/NR4.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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So exciting!</div>
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Here are the dirty details:</div>
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<b>Paint & Moldings: </b>We painted the walls, window and trim. The trim around the top of the room is actually two different moldings, and we painted the wall between them white to give a bigger impact. The top trim is a small crown, and the lower one is Picture Rail Molding. I think we spent about $60 for both moldings. We had to special order the Picture Rail, and I still need to order hooks to go on it. It's a molding you can hang stuff from with special hangers they make (Google it, it's pretty snazzy). And I think it makes the ceiling feel higher, which is nice.</div>
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Joe thinks it's funny that the only room in our house with crown molding is the Nursery.</div>
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Meh.</div>
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Okay, here's where I got a bunch of stuff. I did a lot myself, many were gifts (recent and from the past) and some I bought from stores or other creative people. </div>
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<b>Crib</b>: A Beautiful and generous gift from my parents. It's the DaVinci crib made by Kalani, in Espresso.</div>
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<b>Mobile</b>: A gift from my Grandparents.</div>
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<b>Embroidery Hoops with Fabric</b>: I bought the embroidery hoops at a thrift shop, painted them white, and put in fabric that I had on hand. $8.</div>
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<b>Knitted Blanket: </b>A gorgeous gift from my awesome Mom. Wow.</div>
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<b>Crib Sheet</b>: Carter's Brown Plush (Velour) Easy-Fit Crib sheet. Babies-R-Us. $18.</div>
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<b>Crib Skirt:</b> A gift from my Grandparents</div>
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<b>Curtains:</b> I bought plain white grommeted panels at Target ($29.99) and bought a yard of the super cute Argyle fabric on Etsy ($9?). I sewed a strip of the fabric onto the panels and <i>voila!</i> Custom panels for under $40!</div>
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<b>Metal Bucket O' Blankets: </b>I bought the bucket (with red handles! Eee!) at Now & Again. ~$20?</div>
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<b>Glider & Ottoman: </b>I bought it on Craigslist for $25, in desperate need of new foam and fabric (but the wood was already white. Score). I recovered it with fabric from Jo-Ann Fabrics and replaced almost all the foam. Total came to about $60.</div>
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<b>Red Changing Table: </b>I found this at one of the Occasional stores in town, <i>This & That</i>, for $50. Already painted and everything!</div>
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<b>Changing Pad Cover: </b>Mod Pod "Pop Monkey." Babies-R-Us, $17.99</div>
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<b>White Wall Shelves: </b>I bought these at Now & Again, and painted them white. I used a little stamp for the green flourish and bought the hooks at Menards. $19.</div>
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<b>Rooster: </b>The rooster on the shelf was a gift from a dear friend. </div>
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<b>Large Wood Sign:</b> The piece of wood was a tabletop that I really loved...and couldn't let go of (look at the grain, I know <i>you</i> wouldn't let it go either). So I found a new purpose for it! We took it off the table frame (it was wobbly and couldn't be fixed), and I painted the Robert Frost quote on it using a large engineering print from Staples and transfer paper. I used the same method that I did for the <a href="http://doodlebugonline.blogspot.com/2012/09/an-afternoon-with-my-mailbox.html">Mailbox Makeover</a> and <a href="http://doodlebugonline.blogspot.com/2012/10/diy-canvas-art.html">DIY Canvas Art</a>. Then I distressed the writing a bit with sandpaper and waxed the whole thing with a dark furniture wax. I am <i>super</i> happy with it. And in case you're worried about baby, we hung it on the wall with two hangers, each rated for 50 lbs. Special order at the hardware store for this worried first-time Mom :) </div>
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<b>"Imagine" Sign: </b>This was a gift a few years back from another dear friend. The company covers letters with recycled metal containers. Crazy fun. I don't know where my friend got it, sorry.</div>
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<b><i>God Gave Us You </i>Book: </b>A sweet little gift from my parents. </div>
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The pictures I took myself and other little knick-knacks I had on hand from random places. </div>
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If you have questions about anything else, just let me know.</div>
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So there you have it! The Nursery is finished and just waiting for a perfect little bundle to arrive!</div>
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We're all packed (well, as packed as we can get at this point) for the hospital, and waiting impatiently for the time to come. But the baby will come in God's time, we know. </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>We're hoping & praying for you, Little One, </i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>and we can't wait to meet you!</i></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LvmGNlL_3hg/UOdUPM3HW5I/AAAAAAAACT8/I3DDcEoGsWo/s1600/NR1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LvmGNlL_3hg/UOdUPM3HW5I/AAAAAAAACT8/I3DDcEoGsWo/s640/NR1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>~The Doodle Bug</b></span><br />
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Becky@DoodleBugOnlinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01763918737667531018noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7040211037720460890.post-38175180254217867282012-11-16T14:20:00.003-06:002013-01-04T17:56:31.822-06:00Kitchen & Dining Room RevealChocolate?<br />
Does anyone have some chocolate they want to give me?<br />
No?<br />
<br />
I see how good <i>our </i>friendship is.<br />
<br />
But I guess even though you won't give me your chocolate, I can still show you our KITCHEN!<br />
And our DINING ROOM!<br />
<br />
<i>**Edit: The day I wrote this post, we had friends coming over for dinner. She brought me chocolate. She gets a gold star every day of her life :)</i><br />
<br />
Yes, the time has <i>finally</i> come when you get to see a whole entire room of our house. The living room is nearly done, but you have to wait for that until after I get a sofa reupholstered.<br />
Let's just say it's a bit of an "elephant" in the room. <br />
<br />
Here are some before and after shots, and I'll give you a rundown of some specific things along the way.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5XOUgodKCJw/UKaN2aufjFI/AAAAAAAACJs/V_nUHAlDh6I/s1600/IMG_3931_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5XOUgodKCJw/UKaN2aufjFI/AAAAAAAACJs/V_nUHAlDh6I/s640/IMG_3931_2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
The "before" pictures are from the day of our house inspection, while we were trying, <i>trying</i> to buy this house from a somewhat hesitant realtor/bank.<br />
What?<br />
Yeah.<br />
First picture is what you first see while walking into the house. Overall, things were in decent shape. Just dirty. And Oaky. Is "Oaky" a real descriptor?<br />
Here's what it looks like today.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6tPKR1dxvN0/UKaNvdZryjI/AAAAAAAACIg/YwZbpOP37Qk/s1600/CRW_4544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="470" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6tPKR1dxvN0/UKaNvdZryjI/AAAAAAAACIg/YwZbpOP37Qk/s640/CRW_4544.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
We actually have had this chandelier for over 2 years. We were once looking for a house in Iowa, and I found this nice chandelier at a garage sale for $15. I thought "Oh, we'll be able to use that soon!"<br />
Well, after <i>two years</i> of storing and hauling this thing around, it has finally found a home. And the scale of this one is much better than the little baby that was there before.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ei__DidW9s/UKaSQA0lXmI/AAAAAAAACLE/KEuWIsDRNDk/s1600/IMG_4001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ei__DidW9s/UKaSQA0lXmI/AAAAAAAACLE/KEuWIsDRNDk/s640/IMG_4001.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
Next is a view from the top of the stairs that you saw on the right of the last picture<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lKoypvJed7s/UKaN4m1-iZI/AAAAAAAACJ8/7BVwzIFyp-M/s1600/IMG_3934_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="450" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lKoypvJed7s/UKaN4m1-iZI/AAAAAAAACJ8/7BVwzIFyp-M/s640/IMG_3934_2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Awww, even Jip looks cuter in the after shot :)</div>
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And do you see our new sliding door? Much better! The old one had a pane of glass broken out of it, so it had terrible insulation. And the weatherstripping and wood had been all gnawed up, too. Again, we say "thank you" to our good buddy...I'll call him the "Old Man" because he'll appreciate that...for helping Joe install it a couple Saturdays ago.</div>
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Also from the top of the stairs, here's a view into the kitchen </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LmYMZKnGqeU/UKaN3qj2qJI/AAAAAAAACJ0/u_nUv_czGTU/s1600/IMG_3933_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LmYMZKnGqeU/UKaN3qj2qJI/AAAAAAAACJ0/u_nUv_czGTU/s640/IMG_3933_2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aLXBU-o2aNI/UKaNu2LTRcI/AAAAAAAACIY/vl7DSMWRvC0/s1600/CRW_4539.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aLXBU-o2aNI/UKaNu2LTRcI/AAAAAAAACIY/vl7DSMWRvC0/s640/CRW_4539.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
* Please ignore the pile of dishes on the counter. They're clean, I promise*<br />
And here you can also see the <a href="http://doodlebugonline.blogspot.com/2012/01/unique-folding-bench-how-to-paint.html">Striped Bench</a>...that mysteriously never made it into the shop to be sold. Strange thing, that is.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XBoEvzySXxw/UKaN1oVBACI/AAAAAAAACJg/wmIPpJckfz4/s1600/IMG_3929_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XBoEvzySXxw/UKaN1oVBACI/AAAAAAAACJg/wmIPpJckfz4/s640/IMG_3929_2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
This is the kitchen, as seen from the dining room.<br />
Gettin' the hang of the layout? Good. <br />
Because if you break into my house, I would hate for you to get lost.<br />
Seriously, don't break into my house.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qr5qzTtjyiQ/UKaN0x6TZGI/AAAAAAAACJY/aRdIvFZ8kB0/s1600/CRW_4572.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qr5qzTtjyiQ/UKaN0x6TZGI/AAAAAAAACJY/aRdIvFZ8kB0/s640/CRW_4572.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here you can see the <a href="http://doodlebugonline.blogspot.com/2010/12/kitchen-island-post-of-all-posts.html">Kitchen Island</a>, built by my handsome hubby. Click on the link if you'd like to see some detail shots.</div>
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Also, check out my super-duper roller shade in the window above the sink! I just made it about two weeks ago, and I'm pretty stoked about it (do people still say "stoked"? Now that I typed it out again, it looks stupid). </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TVsitW931zU/UKaN0LXYA6I/AAAAAAAACJQ/MupwZTZcHRI/s1600/CRW_4571.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TVsitW931zU/UKaN0LXYA6I/AAAAAAAACJQ/MupwZTZcHRI/s640/CRW_4571.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e44J8tHIbS4/UKaNzdl3b1I/AAAAAAAACJI/Z1Wx3Sikcj0/s1600/CRW_4568.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e44J8tHIbS4/UKaNzdl3b1I/AAAAAAAACJI/Z1Wx3Sikcj0/s640/CRW_4568.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Slick, huh? If you want to make one of your very own, it's not difficult. I followed the tutorial from Design*Sponge found <a href="http://www.designsponge.com/2010/06/sewing-101-roller-blinds.html">here</a>. The only part that they didn't explain was how to shorten the roller blind to fit your window. I found those instructions <a href="http://voices.yahoo.com/how-cut-roller-shade-10277437.html?cat=30">here</a>. And if you're like me and you found a fabric you love...but it's lightweight, not medium like they suggest, you can do what the cool people do and iron on some heavy-duty interfacing. Hooray!</div>
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Lest you think that all we did was paint the walls and trim and windows...and that led to so much more light bouncing around, I would like to direct your attention up. To the ceiling.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iKNqW1bmpbY/UKaXNVtA0yI/AAAAAAAACME/qcynFLh88Nk/s1600/IMG_3943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iKNqW1bmpbY/UKaXNVtA0yI/AAAAAAAACME/qcynFLh88Nk/s640/IMG_3943.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
EWWWWWW!!! Do you see that nasty ceiling? EWWWW!<br />
I think I almost had a conniption fit when Joe starting putting up the new ceiling paint. <br />
And now that our ceiling is "bright white," it bounces the light around like crazy. Which means we don't use lights during the day very often, and we only need to use a few at night. I love that.<br />
That plus the light wall color and white trim, and the house feels much more fresh.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xZsLaDeANnU/UKaNyS_eOBI/AAAAAAAACJA/hHnCM0CD5To/s1600/CRW_4560.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xZsLaDeANnU/UKaNyS_eOBI/AAAAAAAACJA/hHnCM0CD5To/s640/CRW_4560.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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My amaryllis is almost done blooming. So much for waiting for Thanksgiving, huh? It's been really beautiful this year, though. 5 blooms in total, can't complain about that.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kLG9d9GoXVY/UKaNwJL4yoI/AAAAAAAACIo/lLH7fOa8heY/s1600/CRW_4550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kLG9d9GoXVY/UKaNwJL4yoI/AAAAAAAACIo/lLH7fOa8heY/s640/CRW_4550.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
So there's our kitchen and dining room!<br />
I'm still not sure if we're going to put something on the dining room wall. And what it might be.<br />
And I don't know if I'm going to end up putting something above the cabinets in the kitchen. <br />
Perhaps I need to start collecting plates...<br />
Or grapevines.<br />
I hear those are all the rage.<br />
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Sorry, I'm getting snarky. <br />
Probably because you wouldn't share your chocolate.<br />
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I'm off to go make bread and a mess in the kitchen now, though. Good thing I cleaned it for these pictures!<br />
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If I don't get a post written next week, have a wonderful Thanksgiving! I have a lot to be thankful for this year. A gracious God, wonderful husband, perfect little baby to meet, loving family and friends, a new home, a puppy, and the list goes on...and on.<br />
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I hope you are able to spend your Thanksgiving surrounded by people you are thankful for.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">~The Doodle Bug</span><br />
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<br />Becky@DoodleBugOnlinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01763918737667531018noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7040211037720460890.post-60215382029808071812012-10-27T19:48:00.000-05:002012-10-27T19:49:03.186-05:00Simple Indoor PlanterI don't love drafty doors.<br />
But I love my handy hubby.<br />
Right now, Joe and a good friend are putting in our new sliding door. Awesome.<br />
<br />
Now we can keep the heat that we pay for! <br />
And our door doesn't look like a dog chewed on it!<br />
And I'm listening to Frank Sinatra while my puppy cuddles next to me!<br />
Can life get any better?<br />
<br />
I submit that it can <i>not</i>.<br />
<br />
Especially since I no longer have an ugly plastic box sitting on my kitchen island. <br />
That little problem was taken care of in quick order with this project.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ogK56xme_JY/UIx3oHFmsiI/AAAAAAAACB0/JO9FiL06lQg/s1600/11+text.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ogK56xme_JY/UIx3oHFmsiI/AAAAAAAACB0/JO9FiL06lQg/s640/11+text.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I have had an amaryllis bulb for three years now, and it's bloomed twice. </div>
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We won't go into details about why it didn't bloom last year.</div>
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We have an on-again-off-again relationship; I don't want to talk about it.</div>
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Anyway, it's getting to be a nice big bulb, with two smaller bulbs coming off the sides. </div>
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But it was outgrowing the pot and because it is now three bulbs, it needed some sort of oblong planter.</div>
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I couldn't find an oblong pot that was deep enough and didn't cost about a zillion dollars, so I bought a plastic box to use as a liner and drilled drainage holes in the bottom. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TKN3Um71OkA/UIx3mphwviI/AAAAAAAACBk/K_J-t0V_fME/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TKN3Um71OkA/UIx3mphwviI/AAAAAAAACBk/K_J-t0V_fME/s640/1.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
It's the perfect size. It is <i>not</i>, however, the perfect look.<br />
"<i>Ooh, I didn't know Tupperware made planters</i>!"<br />
Ick.<br />
<br />
I actually planned on building a wood planter like the <a href="http://doodlebugonline.blogspot.com/2012/05/wax-resist-stenciled-planter.html">Wax-Resist Stenciled Planter</a> that I made last Spring. But did you know, we're kind of busy putting in patio doors, painting trim, decorating a nursery and such? Oh yeah, and taking the required naps that my husband dictates. What a burden it is that I carry.<br />
<br />
So this plastic box has been burning my eyes out.<br />
Until yesterday morning when I couldn't take it anymore.<br />
<br />
I pulled out my glue gun, a cardboard box (cardboard seems to be my material of choice lately, huh? Since I just used it to <a href="http://doodlebugonline.blogspot.com/2012/10/diy-canvas-art.html">cover up our alarm panel</a>), and a bunch of fabric and trim.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cyYorSJue3U/UIx3p5eqn8I/AAAAAAAACCE/ANcSN_dUooE/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cyYorSJue3U/UIx3p5eqn8I/AAAAAAAACCE/ANcSN_dUooE/s640/3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I happened to have this apple box left from when my dear Mother-In-Law came to visit and brought me apples and peaches. They were delicious. Thank you, dear Mother-In-Law.<br />
As you can see in the pictures, I glued white fabric on the box, then sewed a loose ruffle out of a long strip of the same fabric; glued on the ruffle, then quick slapped on some Jute webbing that I had left over from <a href="http://doodlebugonline.blogspot.com/2012/07/little-chair-that-was-misunderstood.html">this chair.</a><br />
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And then I couldn't decide. Should I put a little embellishment on the front?<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xoAon92TPLk/UIx3q0JuKQI/AAAAAAAACCM/_UboyUb7Ku8/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xoAon92TPLk/UIx3q0JuKQI/AAAAAAAACCM/_UboyUb7Ku8/s640/6.jpg" width="318" /></a></div>
The jingle bells were my favorite, but this planter has to sit out from about October-May. Too long to have jingle bells hanging around. My hubby has strict rules about Christmas decorations :)<br />
The bow was cute...but a little too country for me.<br />
And the medallion just didn't feel quite right...<br />
<br />
So I left it plain. I figure I can always string up some jingle bells and tie it on around Christmas if I want.<br />
<br />
Do you have a favorite?<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q6VE08w_tLc/UIx3nEPYYII/AAAAAAAACBs/7MC4G992CHg/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q6VE08w_tLc/UIx3nEPYYII/AAAAAAAACBs/7MC4G992CHg/s640/10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5t3zZPOE9-s/UIx3rfMFHLI/AAAAAAAACCU/L5C1-i2XKts/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5t3zZPOE9-s/UIx3rfMFHLI/AAAAAAAACCU/L5C1-i2XKts/s640/9.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
I got it finished in a morning and the plastic is no longer searing my retinas. <br />
Sweet relief.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RVecGbjJvFY/UIx3ooukVpI/AAAAAAAACB8/OK6OxH4mA3Y/s1600/12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RVecGbjJvFY/UIx3ooukVpI/AAAAAAAACB8/OK6OxH4mA3Y/s640/12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Pretty soon the amaryllis will be blooming! A little too early this year, but like I said...I don't want to talk about it. <br />
There's another bloom head coming up, so maybe that will at least wait until Thanksgiving. That's close to Christmas, and I'll take what I can get.<br />
<br />
So if you have a plant that you want to repot into an unconventional planter, go for it!<br />
And for your sake, maybe cover it with something pretty quicker than I did :)<br />
<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">~The Doodle Bug </span><br />
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<br />Becky@DoodleBugOnlinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01763918737667531018noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7040211037720460890.post-23821274363318034932012-10-19T16:52:00.000-05:002012-10-19T16:53:57.056-05:00Button-Tufted BenchDONE!<br />
We got our trim up!! <br />
A huge "THANK YOU!" to J&S for their willingness to help us out. You are the best.<br />
<br />
I am so excited that our house no longer looks like it's under construction.<br />
Sure, we have the closet doors to paint and hang.<br />
Sure, we have to put putty in all the little nail holes.<br />
<br />
But the trim. is. up.<br />
And I am a happy girl.<br />
<br />
Today's post comes courtesy of a friend I'll refer to as...Lucille. Because that's a fun name.<br />
<br />
Lucille had this little bench that had been a part of her family, and it needed...some love.<br />
Or a whole bucket full o' love.<br />
Here's how she looked when I picked her up (the bench, not Lucille):<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WtWY7PF0DY8/UIG8WA5uHCI/AAAAAAAAB_U/O_jdG19kzjM/s1600/28.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WtWY7PF0DY8/UIG8WA5uHCI/AAAAAAAAB_U/O_jdG19kzjM/s640/28.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Did a little tear fall from your eye?<br />
Well, not to worry. I told Lucille I'd take good care of her little munchkin and bring her back with her love tank on "full" (book reference, anyone?).<br />
And I have. <br />
Though I haven't actually <i>returned</i> her yet, as she is still sitting in my living room.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z5Ok8IFbsos/UIG8N6-vbdI/AAAAAAAAB-A/oeN4Kh3Do1M/s1600/16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z5Ok8IFbsos/UIG8N6-vbdI/AAAAAAAAB-A/oeN4Kh3Do1M/s640/16.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Much better, right? <br />
Lucille picked out a fabric that would match her decor and we decided to go with an off-white for the frame. Super cute.<br />
<br />
And in case you have a sad little bench with an empty love tank that needs filling, here are some upholstery tips and details on button tufting!<br />
If you're looking for a basic upholstery tutorial without tufting, check out the <a href="http://doodlebugonline.blogspot.com/2011/08/overload.html">Baby Piano Bench</a>.<br />
A couple other good ones to check out are <a href="http://doodlebugonline.blogspot.com/2012/07/little-chair-that-was-misunderstood.html">The Little Chair that was Oft Misunderstood</a>, or <a href="http://doodlebugonline.blogspot.com/2012/03/upholstered-chair-fit-for-princess.html">An Upholstered Chair Fit for a Princess</a>. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tMCQJvTf9ak/UIG8XnAuR1I/AAAAAAAAB_s/ITfyh9Z8mgg/s1600/30.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tMCQJvTf9ak/UIG8XnAuR1I/AAAAAAAAB_s/ITfyh9Z8mgg/s640/30.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
The first step of any reupholstery project is to tear the piece down. Take off the fabric and remove staples. <br />
And try not to give yourself too many blisters.<br />
Since I was repainting the frame, I also took off the padding.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zyBPPFRWCHw/UIG8YV0EqbI/AAAAAAAAB_0/ee6M1h-khck/s1600/31.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zyBPPFRWCHw/UIG8YV0EqbI/AAAAAAAAB_0/ee6M1h-khck/s640/31.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Joe spray primed and then painted the frame. Because he's just that awesome and helpful.</div>
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...and he wants a healthy baby :)</div>
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I usually use spray paint on chairs and such because it goes on SO much smoother than brushing.</div>
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And it's faster, so it's a win-win!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wFhshRckm3Y/UIG8XEgvnyI/AAAAAAAAB_k/UuEJK_SFJFw/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="458" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wFhshRckm3Y/UIG8XEgvnyI/AAAAAAAAB_k/UuEJK_SFJFw/s640/3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I then gave the frame a light distressing around the edges using sandpaper.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4c3VWXN3G9s/UIG8MB9KclI/AAAAAAAAB94/myTNTwT09AY/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4c3VWXN3G9s/UIG8MB9KclI/AAAAAAAAB94/myTNTwT09AY/s640/1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The padding was a sort of synthetic "horse hair" type stuffing, covered with cotton batting. Unfortunately, over time the fabric had torn along the front and some of the stuffing had fallen out. I beefed it back up with some Poly-Fill, tucking it under the existing stuffing to keep it smooth.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v570HlhQ0S4/UIG8PE33KgI/AAAAAAAAB-Q/SYEdHg2zcrI/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v570HlhQ0S4/UIG8PE33KgI/AAAAAAAAB-Q/SYEdHg2zcrI/s640/2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Then, I used some leftover cotton batting from the <a href="http://doodlebugonline.blogspot.com/2010/11/hollywood-regency-chair-reupholstered.html">Hollywood Regency Chair</a> to patch in where the original cotton batting had been lost. <br />
Now, I don't usually use legit' upholstery materials like cotton batting, because you HAVE to buy it at full retail. However, in this case it was needed because I needed the new materials to mesh smoothly with the old ones. Cotton batting is perfect for this, because it pulls apart easily and creates really smooth seams. Just pull on it to tear and smooth it out with your hands.<br />
Magic.<br />
<br />
Once I had the padding all back in order, I covered my buttons. I just used button kits from Wal-Mart. It worked fine...except that my fabric was REALLY thick and it just about made my thumb fall off trying to push the pieces together. <br />
But I won out in the end. <br />
And my thumb feels much better now, thank you.<br />
<br />
Here is how to install the buttons in your button tufting:<br />
First, cover all your buttons.<br />
Then, lay out your piece of fabric onto your project, giving yourself plenty of extra fabric on all sides.<br />
I used the holes on the old fabric to show me where to put the buttons, and marked the new fabric with little pieces of tape.<br />
Which worked fine.<br />
Until Jip decided to pull them up and chew on them.<br />
He pretty much thinks that since he played with the tape balls from painting the windows,<br />
ALL TAPE IS FOR HIM AND HIM ALONE.<br />
All hail the tape master.<br />
Anyway, once you have your button locations marked, follow this handy little picture chart!<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Sorry about the small print, I'll explain it below in case you can't read it.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UP7X4uAdPhg/UIG8ae1YX6I/AAAAAAAAB_8/iz7ItB8ppEQ/s1600/Button+Tufting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UP7X4uAdPhg/UIG8ae1YX6I/AAAAAAAAB_8/iz7ItB8ppEQ/s640/Button+Tufting.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Hmmm...well, that doesn't look as nice in blogger as it did in Gimp. So here are the steps if you can't read them above:<br />
1. Loop thin string through button backs--(large string in pictures is for illustration only)<br />
I actually used 12 lb test fishing line and it worked really well.<br />
2. Thread string onto needle and push through upholstery.<br />
Push it through from the top into one of your marked places. I had to use pliers to get my needle to go through.<br />
3. Tie string under the seat around a piece of cotton.<br />
Tying it around a chunk of something keeps it from pulling back through. <br />
You could use a cotton ball or wad of fabric for this, too.<br />
4. Finish seat as usual.<br />
<br />
Once the buttons are all in place (smooth the fabric as you go to make sure you have even "tufts"), the staple gun comes into play.<br />
Have I mentioned lately how much I stinkin' love my staple gun and air compressor?<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, I have to let you know that without a staple gun with an upholstery nose on it, I could not have completed this project. I know that's stinky for people who don't want to go buy an expensive gun just to complete a few projects, but I don't know how I would do it without this gun. It has a nose that's skinnier to fit into grooves for upholstery. And no safety catch. <br />
I live on the wild side.<br />
If you have questions about the staple gun, just leave me a comment :)<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8AqmANo3Lak/UIG8cnqDWeI/AAAAAAAACAM/2yZQCL0vIoI/s1600/Tucking+around+posts.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="448" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8AqmANo3Lak/UIG8cnqDWeI/AAAAAAAACAM/2yZQCL0vIoI/s640/Tucking+around+posts.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Next came the fun part. I basically just stapled the fabric around the edges into the grooves. <br />
However, sometimes you have posts and arms and such that you need to work around. For that, just follow the pictures above. <br />
1. Cut a wedge out of your fabric that will fit around your post.<br />
BE CAREFUL NOT TO CUT IT TOO BIG!! Start with it too small, then cut slits until you can get it nice and snug.<br />
2. Tuck it around your post and get a good fit. <br />
3. Fold under the raw edges<br />
4. Pull the fabric to exactly where you want it and staple it into the groove.<br />
<br />
Hooray!<br />
<br />
Now, if your piece has grooves like this, you'll want to trim the excess fabric as tightly to your staples and the groove as you can. Then, you'll want to sew up some cording to clue into the gap and cover your raw edge.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y-o0HmPfWHY/UIG8bBp4nxI/AAAAAAAACAE/hoZS979G9L8/s1600/Sew+Cording.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="416" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y-o0HmPfWHY/UIG8bBp4nxI/AAAAAAAACAE/hoZS979G9L8/s640/Sew+Cording.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Once you have your cording sewn, carefully hot glue it into your groove, being careful to cover up all your raw edges. Go slowly. This can be trickier than it sounds...trust me :)<br />
<br />
Is it weird when a random internet snob tells you to "trust me"? Yeah, I think that qualifies as creepy.<br />
UNLESS I'm Aladdin and start singing and swooping you around on a magic carpet. That would qualify me as <i>awesome.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Okay, let's tone it down a bit. <br />
And I'll show you a "Whole New Bench" Hahahaha! So flippin' clever!<br />
Sorry.<br />
Here's where we came from...<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WtWY7PF0DY8/UIG8WA5uHCI/AAAAAAAAB_U/O_jdG19kzjM/s1600/28.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WtWY7PF0DY8/UIG8WA5uHCI/AAAAAAAAB_U/O_jdG19kzjM/s640/28.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
And here's where we ended up!!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6NyJGgH8qtw/UIG8OR9lmxI/AAAAAAAAB-I/Re-sCND1f-E/s1600/17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="454" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6NyJGgH8qtw/UIG8OR9lmxI/AAAAAAAAB-I/Re-sCND1f-E/s640/17.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The adorable little buttons that about busted my thumbs. Worth it, by the way.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SDaTD7DpatM/UIG8WpG0ibI/AAAAAAAAB_c/NTzDOMx1ZFM/s1600/29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SDaTD7DpatM/UIG8WpG0ibI/AAAAAAAAB_c/NTzDOMx1ZFM/s640/29.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ydVuvJLgZeU/UIG8Qh2iZ6I/AAAAAAAAB-g/7h8IXAXmMcE/s1600/21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ydVuvJLgZeU/UIG8Qh2iZ6I/AAAAAAAAB-g/7h8IXAXmMcE/s640/21.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-53fghx3uD_g/UIG8S0EBgPI/AAAAAAAAB-4/h-oJNTYg9Uo/s1600/24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="448" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-53fghx3uD_g/UIG8S0EBgPI/AAAAAAAAB-4/h-oJNTYg9Uo/s640/24.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
See how the cording cleans the edge up so nicely?<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zQ7mekSqnog/UIG8RdPR6NI/AAAAAAAAB-o/2_S8YBkXhF8/s1600/22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zQ7mekSqnog/UIG8RdPR6NI/AAAAAAAAB-o/2_S8YBkXhF8/s640/22.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I can't get enough of these buttons.<br />
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<i>Awww, doesn't it look so nice in that little niche?</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
I suppose I could just not call Lucille for a few days, huh?<br />
Actually, I'm picking up some dust cover for the bottom tonight, so it might be a couple days.<br />
Just covering my bases.<br />
Lucille, are you reading this?<br />
<br />
Is grand theft bench a federal offense?<br />
Good luck catching me on my magic carpet.<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">~The Doodle Bug</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">I'm usually partyin' at these hangouts:</span></span></span></div>
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<br />Becky@DoodleBugOnlinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01763918737667531018noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7040211037720460890.post-65670238114552870792012-10-12T13:48:00.000-05:002012-10-17T13:20:46.960-05:00Paint Mixing Basics<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iu7CM_sosBk/UHhVHr8P0fI/AAAAAAAAB7k/g_ZDhlpY2I8/s1600/IMG_1886_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iu7CM_sosBk/UHhVHr8P0fI/AAAAAAAAB7k/g_ZDhlpY2I8/s640/IMG_1886_2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Paint Basics.<br />
This is a post that's been waiting in the wings of my scattered brain, but it's finally here!<br />
The world of paint is confusing if you don't know the basics behind all the terms. When painting a house or a room in your house, it's fairly simple. You buy wall paint, get it mixed to the color you want, and paint!<br />
<br />
But what about those small projects you have around the house?<br />
A dresser.<br />
A sign.<br />
A small wooden box.<br />
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Is it <i>really</i> necessary to go to the hardware store and get something mixed?<br />
And what do you do with all those leftover half-cans of paint? <br />
<br />
Well, I am here to tell you that mixing your own paint is not quite as scary as it may seem. <br />
This post will go over:<br />
<br />
1. Basic elements of paints<br />
2. Paint Sheens<br />
3. How to mix your own custom colors<br />
<br />
So put your thinkin' hat on and buckle up!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://doodlebugonline.blogspot.com/2012/04/well-at-long-last-here-i-am-i-was-going.html"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vosgDs8dzfI/T4gn-0-842I/AAAAAAAABXk/iXvbtVBa9JI/s400/IMG_3902.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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from <a href="http://doodlebugonline.blogspot.com/2012/04/well-at-long-last-here-i-am-i-was-going.html">White & Grey Distressed Table & Chairs</a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">3 Elements of Paint</span></div>
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There are three basic components to all kinds of paint:<br />
1. Pigment.<br />
2. Binder.<br />
3. Solvent, or vehicle.<br />
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The pigment is essentially the color component. Think of it as food coloring--it has color, but serves no other purpose. In paint, the pigment is generally a powder. When you go to the hardware store and get some paint mixed, it is <i>pigment</i> mixed with solvent that they add to get you your color.<br />
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Binder is essentially the glue that holds paint together...and holds your paint to the wall! If you rubbed some pigment on your wall without adding a binder, it would simply rub off. Binder keeps our paint where we put it. I like binder :)<br />
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The Solvent, or vehicle of paint is simply what you put the binder and pigment into. Binder plus pigment alone would be very pasty and difficult to apply, so paints either use water or oil to dissolve the pigment and binder, forming a nice paint that goes on smoothly. The solvent then evaporates as the paint dries, leaving you with a nice thin layer of pigment and binder.<br />
Pigment and binder in an <i>oil solvent</i> is an oil-based paint.<br />
Pigment and binder in a <i>water solvent</i> is a water-based paint, also called "acrylic" or "Latex." This is your basic house paint and what I use for most of my projects.<br />
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Now WHY in the world is this helpful?<br />
Because oil and water DO NOT MIX!<br />
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If you're mixing your own paint, you MUST use either all water-based products, or all oil-based products. You'll pretty much know right away if you try to mix oil-based and latex paint...it'll just give you a goopy mess! If you're unsure if a product you have is oil or water-based, just take a peek at the label and it will tell you. <br />
If it's one of those goofy cans that doesn't really say what the solvent is, check out the "clean up" instructions. If it says to clean up with soap and water, it's water-based. If it says to clean up with paint thinner or mineral spirits, it's oil-based. <br />
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**PRECAUTION: Different products require different levels of protection when used. Oil-based products should be used only with solvent-resistent gloves, good ventilation, and breathing protection. Most **though not all** water-based paints are low-VOC anymore and can be used without much protection. Though I still use gloves to keep my hands from drying out.<br />
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And you can just follow your nose most of the time--oil-based products are stinky :)<br />
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<a href="http://doodlebugonline.blogspot.com/2012/05/grey-highboy-dresser.html"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X8eCj0TDoyE/T77UivOJ-gI/AAAAAAAABlE/mUseUf7Bf1Y/s640/CRW_4115.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://doodlebugonline.blogspot.com/2012/05/grey-highboy-dresser.html">Grey Highboy Dresser</a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Paint Sheen</span></div>
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The sheen of a paint affects two things:</div>
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1. The appearance of the paint</div>
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2. The hardness of the paint.</div>
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The basic sheen levels are:</div>
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Flat/Matte</div>
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Eggshell</div>
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Satin</div>
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Semi-Gloss</div>
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Gloss/High Gloss</div>
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Flat or Matte paint has no gloss to it at all. It does not shine, no matter how much light you throw at it. The other end of the spectrum is Gloss (sometimes called High Gloss), which might blind you if too much light is shining off of it!</div>
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The important thing to keep in mind when deciding the sheen you want is the wear and tear of what you're painting. If you're painting a sign for the wall, it doesn't really matter what you use because it's never going to be touched. In that case, choose whatever you want. If you're painting a table top that gets a lot of wear, a semi-gloss or gloss is going to hold up much better.</div>
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When Joe and I bought our house, it had flat white paint on every wall. Nice to paint over, but it's almost impossible to wash. The paint does not have any protective sheen to it, so when it gets nicked or dirty...it stays nicked or dirty. </div>
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When mixing paint, it's important to understand sheen so that you can mix a paint that will hold up for you long-term. Sheen is created by a very simple process, which you can think of this way:</div>
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<i><b>All paint begins as high-gloss.</b></i></div>
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That means that when light hits it, it reflects straight back at our eyes. Our eyes read this as "shine."</div>
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<i><b>To knock down the sheen, the paint manufacturer adds tiny shards of a solid material into the paint.</b></i></div>
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These shards deflect the light in many different directions, so our eyes don't receive as much direct light back. Our eyes read this as "less shiny" than when the shards were not there.</div>
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<i><b>The more shards added, the lower the sheen and the weaker the finish.</b></i></div>
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That means that high-gloss paint has no shards, and flat paint has many shards added. </div>
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All that to say two things:</div>
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1. It is very important to stir your paint, because the shards can settle out onto the bottom of your paint can. If this happens and you paint with it, by the time you get to the bottom of the can you will have a very different sheen of paint from when you started! No problem, Timmy can live with the Ombre-sheen look on his furniture, right? Well, maybe Timmy can, but it's no fun when you have end tables that are supposed to match, but one is gloss and the other flat!</div>
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2. When you mix different paints, keep in mind that any non-gloss paint you add will also add shards to deflect light. If you want to end up with a gloss finish, you must only use gloss products. If you want to land somewhere around a satin finish, you can use some flat, as long as you counteract it with some gloss or semi-gloss. </div>
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So what do you do if you have the perfect color, but it's the wrong sheen? That happened to me with this <a href="http://doodlebugonline.blogspot.com/2012/08/mid-century-sidboard-big-news.html">Mid-Century Sideboard</a>.</div>
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<a href="http://doodlebugonline.blogspot.com/2012/08/mid-century-sidboard-big-news.html"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V2f-bLNa7Jc/UCGReB8bo8I/AAAAAAAABqE/BYj2KEsUu9k/s640/After+Straight+on.jpg" width="412" /></a></div>
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I didn't want to go buy different paint, because I already had plenty of the correct white on hand. And I'm cheap. But it was flat. And I needed Satin. What to do?</div>
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Well, let's review our three elements of paint: Pigment, Binder, Solvent.</div>
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When I have flat paint but want satin, it means I have paint with the proper pigment, but there are more shards in it than I want. How do I change the ratio of paint to shards without messing with the pigment?</div>
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Did you know that<b> polyurethane is basically binder and solvent</b>, without any pigment?</div>
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(I'm simplifying, here. Paint scientists, don't get your panties in a bind)</div>
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So if I am using water-based paint...and mix in some <i>high-gloss </i>water-based polyurethane, will that not beef up my ratio of paint-to-shards? Yes, it will.</div>
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So that's what I did to increase the sheen of my paint. </div>
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You might be saying "Wait, it also gives you a higher ratio of solvent-to-pigment" and you would again be right. You have to be careful about adding too much, because it will thin out the pigment and give you less coverage. </div>
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I solved that by doing a coat of the flat white paint, then a coat of the polyurethane + paint. This gave me the sheen I wanted on the top coat (since the top coat is the only one that really effects the sheen), without sacrificing my color.</div>
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*Note: You can also just put a topcoat of straight polyurethane over your flat paint to get the sheen you want. The reason I didn't is because when I put polyurethane over <i>white</i> paint, it tends to yellow the color a bit. Mixing it in with the white paint solved that issue).</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9QXVFOtRme4/UHhVPH2ruMI/AAAAAAAAB8E/UcBHKbESuMs/s1600/Paint+Splash+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9QXVFOtRme4/UHhVPH2ruMI/AAAAAAAAB8E/UcBHKbESuMs/s640/Paint+Splash+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Color Mixing</span></div>
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What do you do when you have the perfect paint chip...but only need about a cup of paint? </div>
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Or when you've already bought 5 samples from the store and none of them are quite right?</div>
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Or you have a zillion little jars of paint and just need to mix another color from them?</div>
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<i><b>You mix your own!!</b></i></div>
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I've mixed a lot of my own paint over the past few years, and in fact until we bought our house I never had a custom color mixed at the store. It takes some practice, but it can be done and done well. </div>
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And then you save money, because you're using the paint you already have on hand! </div>
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That is a wonderful thing.</div>
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In order to successfully mix your own paint, you need to have a few things:</div>
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1. Black paint</div>
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2. White Paint</div>
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3. Red paint</div>
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4. Blue Paint</div>
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5. Yellow Paint.</div>
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Hmmm...the second grader in us all is saying to ourselves "wait a second...those are PRIMARY colors!"</div>
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And you would be right. Gold star for the day.</div>
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<b>You can mix any color using only primary colors and black and white. </b> </div>
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Yes, you can do a dance. I am.</div>
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The exception to this rule is bright, neon-type colors. Those you have to buy special.</div>
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Let's start with a basic understanding of color and the beloved color wheel.</div>
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(how is that second-grader in you holding up?)</div>
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<a href="http://bloomersfloristwilmington.blogspot.com/2012/04/is-colorful-wedding-for-you.html"><img border="0" height="397" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yGZdqJmpgSI/UHhafBO2c5I/AAAAAAAAB9A/aIxOfJrWeqY/s400/ColorWheel1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Image Via <a href="http://bloomersfloristwilmington.blogspot.com/2012/04/is-colorful-wedding-for-you.html">Bloomers Blog</a></div>
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You know how this works. The <i>primary</i> colors are red, yellow, blue. When you mix any of those two together, you get a <i>secondary</i> color. </div>
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Red + Yellow = Orange</div>
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Red + Blue = Purple (or <i>violet) </i>as they say here.</div>
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Yellow + Blue = Green</div>
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And the colors in-between are the <i>tertiary</i> colors, which essentially are secondary colors that lean more toward one primary or another ( green-yellow, or blue-purple).</div>
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Also, <i>Complimentary Colors</i> are the colors opposite each other on the wheel:</div>
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Blue : Orange</div>
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Yellow : Purple</div>
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Red : Green <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i> (I'm a man, and I can change...)</i></span></div>
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I am going to go ahead an assume that if I gave you red paint and blue paint, you could mix me up a purple that would blow my mind. </div>
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That said, what if you wanted a lighter purple? You would mix white in with it!</div>
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If you wanted a grey-purple? Mix in some black!</div>
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What if I wanted more of a Mauve? </div>
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Uh....</div>
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That's when our second-grade art teachers stopped teaching us.</div>
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And then all-of-a-sudden we're in a scary color desert surrounded by mauve and seafoam and burnt orange, without a clue of how to get out! We mix and mix and end up with ugly grey versions of terrifying browns and dull lifeless colors. Help!!</div>
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But then the color fairy comes and saves us with a few simple tips. Ahhhh...thank you, color fairy.</div>
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<b>Color Fairy Tips:</b></div>
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1. If you need a color that's just slightly "duller" or "browner" than the regular version (e.g burnt orange or mustard yellow), mix up a color that's close and then <b><i>ADD ITS COMPLIMENTARY COLOR.</i></b></div>
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This will change. your. life.</div>
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I used to think that adding a little black would get me everywhere I needed to be. I was wrong. Black will only make it more grey. Point Taken.</div>
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2. <b>Know the difference between "Warm" and "Cool" colors. </b></div>
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The basic rule is that yellow and red are warm colors, whereas blue and green are cool colors. This is generally true, but it gets confusing when high falutin' designers talk about a "warm grey" and "cool yellow." Say WHAT? All they mean to say is that the grey (which is usually a cool color) has some <i>warm</i> color added in. It may have more yellow or red in it, which gives it a warmer glow than if it had a lot of blue in it.</div>
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Knowing whether you're trying to mix a warm or cool color will give you an idea of what you need to add. Does the yellow you're trying to mix lean more toward orange? You may need a little red as you mix. Does it lean more toward green? You'll need to add a bit of blue.</div>
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3. Start with a small container.</div>
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Need a gallon of aquamarine paint? DO NOT GRAB A GALLON OF WHITE AND START MIXING INTO IT!! Start with a little container and try mixing a small bit first. If you can successfully mix a small amount, you'll know how to mix a larger amount. It can be surprising how much or how little white paint you actually need to make your color. And you don't want to end up with five gallons of aquamarine paint, do you?</div>
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Mixing colors is not a science...well, it's not when you're at home using leftover paint and craft paints. It is a bit of an art...just start small and add until you have it right.</div>
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4. When you're pretty sure you have the right mixture, make sure to test it and see how it dries :)</div>
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Paint will generally dry darker than you think...well, mine does. So double check its dry color against what you want.</div>
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Does all of that make sense? Feel free to ask questions to clarify. And sometimes when a color is being stubborn, it makes me want to pull my hair out. But with the right knowledge, anyone can mix their own paint and get the perfect color off of their paint chip and onto their project...</div>
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<a href="http://design-seeds.com/"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zT0zU5ar4Tk/T6MjEL9WNaI/AAAAAAAABdw/-ZSRpu5hWac/s400/Worn+Turquoise+design-seeds.jpg" width="366" /></a></div>
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Image Via <a href="http://design-seeds.com/">Design Seeds</a></div>
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<a href="http://doodlebugonline.blogspot.com/2012/05/wax-resist-stenciled-planter.html"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-THUdZ322cp4/T6MlNjnXFaI/AAAAAAAABew/67ZdbGinS4o/s640/CRW_4077.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://doodlebugonline.blogspot.com/2012/05/wax-resist-stenciled-planter.html">Wax-Resist Stenciled Planter</a></div>
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<br />
...hopefully without entering the scary color desert.</div>
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Congratulations, you finished this post.</div>
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You are now a paint master.</div>
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Happy mixing :)</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">~ The Doodle Bug</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">I'm usually partyin' at these hangouts:</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Feathered Nest Friday @ <a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/">French Country Cottage</a></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Furniture Feature Friday @ <a href="http://missmustardseed.com/">Miss Mustard Seed</a></span></span></span></div>
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<br />Becky@DoodleBugOnlinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01763918737667531018noreply@blogger.com89tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7040211037720460890.post-80637291554646331692012-10-05T14:43:00.003-05:002012-10-05T14:59:15.951-05:00DIY Canvas Art<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nnO1m-J_-gM/UG8gnfjijVI/AAAAAAAAB5A/F5N_5W77yrw/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nnO1m-J_-gM/UG8gnfjijVI/AAAAAAAAB5A/F5N_5W77yrw/s640/7.jpg" width="448" /></a></div>
I think every place I've lived has had something I wanted to hide.<br />
<br />
Go away, ugly big beam on the ceiling.<br />
Or weird pipe cap that looks like someone glued a half of a paper plate to the wall.<br />
Or expansive drop-tile ceiling.<br />
<br />
Thankfully, I have left behind those three nuisances...but only to find one more.<br />
Hello, big alarm system control panel. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iRZ1c0PH5SY/UG83n49NdsI/AAAAAAAAB6k/ihn6DTF6dZ8/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iRZ1c0PH5SY/UG83n49NdsI/AAAAAAAAB6k/ihn6DTF6dZ8/s640/1.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
Doesn't it just say, "<i>Welcome to our prison! You may be randomly selected to have a pat-down. No worries, standard operating procedure."</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Okay, so some people need an alarm system because they live in a not-so-safe place. Heck, I wouldn't care a whit about it if it wasn't so HUGE! <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> (I apologize if you have a huge alarm panel that you love...)</span><br />
<br />
Something had to be done. <br />
The budget? $0.00<br />
Awesome.<br />
<br />
Forced creativity is good for you.<br />
<br />
Here's how I did it, all with things I had around the house...and I bet you have almost all these things, too. <br />
<b>For the "Canvas"</b><br />
1. Piece of sturdy cardboard big enough to make the "canvas" base you want.<br />
2. Piece of fabric/canvas large enough to cover cardboard<br />
3. Hot glue gun & glue sticks<br />
<b>For the Graphics Transfer</b><br />
1. Printed graphic in the size you want.<br />
2. Transfer paper of some sort<br />
3. Fabric Paint & artists' paint brush<br />
4. Graphite pencil (optional)<br />
5. Clear spray sealer (optional)<br />
<br />
First, figure out what you want it to look like. I chose a quote by C.S. Lewis, one of my favorite writers of all time. Then, lay it out on the computer and print it in the size that you want. If you need to splice together pages, do what you gotta do. Doing this first will ensure that you make your canvas the right size.<br />
<br />
**You can also use Staples' service of black and white engineering prints, which are cheap and big. More on that in an upcoming post.**<br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Here's how to make your own cheater "canvas":</span></b></div>
Grab your cardboard and measure out the size you want your finished "canvas" to be.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AtJPsVgCpXc/UG8glJejGKI/AAAAAAAAB4g/Ljoon5j0dfA/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="434" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AtJPsVgCpXc/UG8glJejGKI/AAAAAAAAB4g/Ljoon5j0dfA/s640/2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I used a square from Joe's woodshop, and a yardstick. I wanted my canvas to be 40"tall x 12"wide x 2"deep (deep enough to fit over the alarm control panel).<br />
That meant that I measured out a 40" x 12" rectangle, then a larger rectangle around it to give me an extra 2" on each side (44" x 16"). Then, I cut out the larger of the two rectangles.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5H39H3wZHXw/UG8gl2_s-tI/AAAAAAAAB4o/0Nzv3b_0Sm0/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5H39H3wZHXw/UG8gl2_s-tI/AAAAAAAAB4o/0Nzv3b_0Sm0/s640/3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Once the large rectangle was cut out, I scored the smaller rectangle with an old serrated kitchen knife. I cut through only the top layer of cardboard, keeping the bottom layer intact.<br />
<br />
Once it was scored, I folded the 2" down on each side, then cut on an angle from each corner toward the middle of the canvas--just enough to split the sides apart:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R1_FPR1SEPk/UG83oaA4ocI/AAAAAAAAB6s/apz6Qmov86E/s1600/corner+cut+diag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R1_FPR1SEPk/UG83oaA4ocI/AAAAAAAAB6s/apz6Qmov86E/s400/corner+cut+diag.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Then, I folded the corners in and glued.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ntcUcWepqs8/UG8ggoEIDhI/AAAAAAAAB3o/EIzkl88vH8c/s1600/13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ntcUcWepqs8/UG8ggoEIDhI/AAAAAAAAB3o/EIzkl88vH8c/s640/13.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
(Do you love my spray-painted cardboard?)<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0-tF_G1errs/UG8ggGb0ygI/AAAAAAAAB3g/uijnkl23J2w/s1600/12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="404" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0-tF_G1errs/UG8ggGb0ygI/AAAAAAAAB3g/uijnkl23J2w/s640/12.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Next, I cut the canvas to a little larger than I needed to cover the front and sides. <br />
I glued it on by wrapping the canvas around the sides and gluing on the <i>inside</i> of the cardboard. THen folded the corners over at an angle and glued to the inside. This gave me the look of a wrapped canvas, yesssss :)<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PaoRG6AMmHc/UG8gmcyXwdI/AAAAAAAAB4w/kMFxcewjYrM/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PaoRG6AMmHc/UG8gmcyXwdI/AAAAAAAAB4w/kMFxcewjYrM/s640/4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
There's my finished canvas!<br />
Now, if you're going to transfer graphics, there are a few ways to do it. Well, actually there are about a zillion ways to do it. But here are my two favorites.<br />
<br />
The first way, which works well if you're doing something very large, is to print off a transparency and hunt down an old-school overhead projector. Just project your image onto your canvas, outline it with a pencil, then paint it in by hand. I used this method on these signs for a production<i> </i>at <a href="http://www.theatrecr.org/">Theatre Cedar Rapids</a> (Set Design by Derek Easton):<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9nVGYS7D7Mg/UG8gqmYLigI/AAAAAAAAB5Y/RqJ5UIW2_mI/s1600/Buitoni.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9nVGYS7D7Mg/UG8gqmYLigI/AAAAAAAAB5Y/RqJ5UIW2_mI/s640/Buitoni.jpg" width="152" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6wINLpepl-I/UG8grAYuqOI/AAAAAAAAB5g/siMxnTf6EVU/s1600/Planters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6wINLpepl-I/UG8grAYuqOI/AAAAAAAAB5g/siMxnTf6EVU/s640/Planters.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SJ9NtRm5ewk/UG8grrgbOPI/AAAAAAAAB5o/x1QS5mwrOjU/s1600/pepsi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SJ9NtRm5ewk/UG8grrgbOPI/AAAAAAAAB5o/x1QS5mwrOjU/s640/pepsi.jpg" width="602" /></a></div>
Now, those are probably a bit big to go in your house (see the Sharpie marker next to all the signs for scale?), but you get the idea! (Actually, I really secretly wish I could put that giant Pepsi sign in my living room...).<br />
<br />
The other, less daunting way of doing it (especially if you don't keep an overhead projector stored away in your attic) is to do it the way I did this project and my <a href="http://doodlebugonline.blogspot.com/2012/09/an-afternoon-with-my-mailbox.html">Mailbox Makeover</a>, using a full-size printed graphic and transfer paper.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qYOJ5hG7WIA/UG8gfQAbSkI/AAAAAAAAB3Y/2Oy6c_V-Cbs/s1600/11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qYOJ5hG7WIA/UG8gfQAbSkI/AAAAAAAAB3Y/2Oy6c_V-Cbs/s640/11.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
This is actually fabric transfer paper. I bought it at Wal-Mart a few years ago, and it's inexpensive and works well on pretty much any surface. Carbon paper does give you a cleaner line, but I don't know where to find that :) Plus, fabric transfer paper comes in white, so you can transfer onto a dark surface.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x-7_gw4vOeE/UG8ghFLOMpI/AAAAAAAAB3w/kBkWYkcd9QU/s1600/14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x-7_gw4vOeE/UG8ghFLOMpI/AAAAAAAAB3w/kBkWYkcd9QU/s640/14.JPG" width="406" /></a></div>
First, tape on your printout exactly where you want it to be.<br />
Then, place a piece of transfer paper (whatever color is the best contrast with your fabric) chalky-side down.<br />
Then, using a dull pointy object (I use a ballpoint pen), trace around the letters <i>firmly.</i> Check frequently to make sure the chalk is transferring clearly. <br />
You wouldn't want to get to the end of a line and realize that it didn't transfer at all.<br />
Ahem.<br />
Not that anyone would ever do that...<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Z-lJL0cNE8/UG8gerwL4CI/AAAAAAAAB3Q/oRN4rZ5i4Ro/s1600/10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="438" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Z-lJL0cNE8/UG8gerwL4CI/AAAAAAAAB3Q/oRN4rZ5i4Ro/s640/10.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c4MqSX71Ibw/UG8gh_lD4vI/AAAAAAAAB34/ILkH32LyCx8/s1600/15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c4MqSX71Ibw/UG8gh_lD4vI/AAAAAAAAB34/ILkH32LyCx8/s640/15.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
Here is the transfer. It's a little messy, but the chalk dust comes right off when you're done painting.<br />
Now you just have to paint in the outlined letters.<br />
<br />
There are a few keys to this:<br />
1. A good brush. If you don't have a brush that's giving you nice clean edges...don't fight it. Just get a different brush, they're not expensive. It's very difficult, perhaps impossible, to get a nice finished product without the right tools.<br />
2. Patience. Just go slowly and carefully. If you find yourself rushing, take a break and eat something. Well, that's what I do...but I'm eating for two, right?<br />
3. Relax. Don't be too rigid about following the lines. If you try too hard, the letters can look choppy. Just use even strokes, making the lines themselves look nice, and if they don't follow the font perfectly they'll still look nice.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jQbw_GPnnX0/UG8giULpxwI/AAAAAAAAB4A/DvnOFyzWefk/s1600/16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jQbw_GPnnX0/UG8giULpxwI/AAAAAAAAB4A/DvnOFyzWefk/s640/16.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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I use regular craft paint or house paint for this. They both work well.</div>
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You'll find that as you go you figure out the tricks that work best for the type of lettering you're doing. Each font is different and has its own challenges, so just pay attention to what is working well for you and what isn't.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vggilh5GJtw/UG8giw0MKeI/AAAAAAAAB4I/4c1v8WIMwvc/s1600/17.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vggilh5GJtw/UG8giw0MKeI/AAAAAAAAB4I/4c1v8WIMwvc/s640/17.JPG" width="370" /></a></div>
Here she is with all the lettering!!<br />
Now, you can just stop here if you like. It felt a little unfinished to me, though, so I did one more thing.<br />
I took an artists' graphite stick (basically a pencil made entirely of graphite, no wood) and ran it along the edge. Then, I rubbed it smooth with an old sock...that had become Jip's toy...he did not appreciate it being taken from him. <br />
If you don't have a graphite stick sitting around, it's the equivalent of a 6b pencil (soft graphite) or you could probably use charcoal. I wouldn't attempt a normal no.2 pencil, though. It won't blend for you.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6ziw22omi8w/UG8gjSHnFmI/AAAAAAAAB4Q/yhRrH5xhElI/s1600/18.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="408" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6ziw22omi8w/UG8gjSHnFmI/AAAAAAAAB4Q/yhRrH5xhElI/s640/18.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U2rufs6OMqE/UG8gkTqD5kI/AAAAAAAAB4Y/2y-0DTqn9sQ/s1600/19.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U2rufs6OMqE/UG8gkTqD5kI/AAAAAAAAB4Y/2y-0DTqn9sQ/s640/19.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Then Joe sprayed a clear sealer on it (thanks, honey!), to keep the graphite from smudging all over. You can also use hairspray for this :) </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2YcKZVVhcl8/UG8gm6-D3SI/AAAAAAAAB44/7XGH8h-bDNU/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2YcKZVVhcl8/UG8gm6-D3SI/AAAAAAAAB44/7XGH8h-bDNU/s640/6.jpg" width="362" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HpMOSpCZI2Q/UG8goK0Kg-I/AAAAAAAAB5I/tDpeAPWHhLo/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HpMOSpCZI2Q/UG8goK0Kg-I/AAAAAAAAB5I/tDpeAPWHhLo/s640/8.jpg" width="382" /></a></div>
Hooray to no more alarm panel!! Much better. <br />
Plus, there's a puppy in this picture.<br />
And do you see our new rug??? <br />
We got it at Menards for $1.50. <br />
With a $1.50 rebate.<br />
That means it's just $0.44...the cost of the stamp for the rebate.<br />
<br />
I'll take a 44 cent rug any day.<br />
It will go well with my <i>free</i> canvas art :)<br />
<br />
Enjoy your weekend!! <br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">~The Doodle Bug</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">I'm usually partyin' at these hangouts:</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Make It Pretty Monday @ The Dedicated House</span></a></span></div>
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<br />Becky@DoodleBugOnlinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01763918737667531018noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7040211037720460890.post-31766751104951054282012-09-28T16:08:00.000-05:002012-09-28T17:38:59.504-05:00Doodlings No.3Do you ever have one of<i> those days</i>?<br />
<br />
Those "I can't really seem to get motivated to do anything today..." days?<br />
<br />
Probably not. Probably only really responsible and energy-filled people read my blog. The kind of people that hang out with Martha Stewart and play the Cello in their spare time.<br />
<br />
But today is one of those days for me. I don't know why, since it's my "blogging day" and that usually gets me pretty pumped full o' lead and ready to go. But not today.<br />
<br />
Today I have looked up a plant that I would like to buy. I saw it in <i>Country Living </i>yesterday, it's called a "Paddle Plant" and I want one. Or two.<br />
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<a href="http://www.countryliving.com/outdoor/gardening/indoor-gardening#slide-1"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rJbTl2aSeTM/UGYLL4XF3OI/AAAAAAAAB2Q/9ni0gMARmlg/s640/less-is-more-paddle-plant-0912-xln.jpg" width="556" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Via <a href="http://www.countryliving.com/outdoor/gardening/indoor-gardening#slide-1">Country Living</a></div>
And I am dreaming of a glass shelf or two for my kitchen window, like these ones, to put my new Paddle Plants on (actually I've had this page from BHG cut out for over a year now).<br />
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<a href="http://www.bhg-digital.com/bhg/201102?folio=56&sub_id=CEIH1uYNn6tlV&#pg109"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ELjQsF6rg2k/UGYLCOuL2VI/AAAAAAAAB1I/xze6cBn-8PM/s640/114630752984893540_keCCFrPB_c.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Via <a href="http://www.bhg-digital.com/bhg/201102?folio=56&sub_id=CEIH1uYNn6tlV&#pg109">Better Homes & Gardens</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
But then I start thinking "Would that block my view...?" and I get scared.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Here's the bank of kitchen windows before we moved in. I would put the shelves (1 or 2) in the big center one. What do you think? </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lyYivw6kw1E/UGYM-6E-YvI/AAAAAAAAB2c/e4SrMBzU5W4/s1600/IMG_3933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lyYivw6kw1E/UGYM-6E-YvI/AAAAAAAAB2c/e4SrMBzU5W4/s400/IMG_3933.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
I have also been working on a project that I started last Saturday. I was hoping to have it done to share with all of you today, but alas the window casings needed primed and my dog needed groomed this week. So it'll be on the docket for next week--it's a good one, too :)<br />
<br />
Speaking of my dog.<br />
<br />
My Dad told me that my Aunt (my dear, sweet Aunt from <a href="http://doodlebugonline.blogspot.com/2011/10/crate-storage-bench-tufted-upholstery.html">Crate Storage Bench: Tufted Upholstery</a>) ...<br />
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<a href="http://doodlebugonline.blogspot.com/2011/10/crate-storage-bench-tufted-upholstery.html"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ulq3OsKNM40/UGYLDTj0ORI/AAAAAAAAB1Q/zPayfA1TpQI/s640/IMG_3498.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
...told him that she hadn't read anything about Jip on my blog lately. <br />
And she wanted to make sure he was okay.<br />
He's fine. Except that he <i>always</i> wants to be outside and whines and complains when I won't let him out.<br />
He apparently didn't get the memo that he's supposed to be a white girly-dog, carried around in handbags and given bows to wear. <br />
HA! <br />
My dog eats drywall chips and bugs for fun.<br />
Maybe that's why his breath is so toxic.<br />
<br />
So for your viewing pleasure, or to satisfy anyone working for the Humane Society who might check up on my blog periodically, or even if PETA might gander a visit on over here, (you should come see my freezer full of meat), here are some recent pictures of our little monster!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vdtBpb9eEDE/UGYLFxATNXI/AAAAAAAAB1g/7Qc56EmwdLU/s1600/IMG_4304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vdtBpb9eEDE/UGYLFxATNXI/AAAAAAAAB1g/7Qc56EmwdLU/s640/IMG_4304.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n47LjKI0fB0/UGYLEtqyKdI/AAAAAAAAB1Y/1EXX00elU9U/s1600/IMG_4303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n47LjKI0fB0/UGYLEtqyKdI/AAAAAAAAB1Y/1EXX00elU9U/s640/IMG_4303.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NHwTJw6OSvI/UGYLGRF7kDI/AAAAAAAAB1o/fMNw0yVadB0/s1600/IMG_4305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NHwTJw6OSvI/UGYLGRF7kDI/AAAAAAAAB1o/fMNw0yVadB0/s640/IMG_4305.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uuNr0Gb5Ulo/UGYLHoowCrI/AAAAAAAAB1w/PnOs4Y5-PqY/s1600/IMG_4307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uuNr0Gb5Ulo/UGYLHoowCrI/AAAAAAAAB1w/PnOs4Y5-PqY/s640/IMG_4307.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
And here's where I made him dance for a treat.<br />
He hates it when I do that to him.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xnfYxa9PVlQ/UGYLKDGv6qI/AAAAAAAAB2A/Oldfga1IOPo/s1600/IMG_4313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xnfYxa9PVlQ/UGYLKDGv6qI/AAAAAAAAB2A/Oldfga1IOPo/s640/IMG_4313.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YGMGPyUCCdY/UGYLLffYOdI/AAAAAAAAB2I/38c-8w7aRQk/s1600/IMG_4315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YGMGPyUCCdY/UGYLLffYOdI/AAAAAAAAB2I/38c-8w7aRQk/s640/IMG_4315.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--JcBzzYJ31E/UGYLJMWSQqI/AAAAAAAAB14/tgyj62gz3eU/s1600/IMG_4311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--JcBzzYJ31E/UGYLJMWSQqI/AAAAAAAAB14/tgyj62gz3eU/s640/IMG_4311.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
He's happy as can be right now, curled up beside me on the couch sleeping. <br />
Ahhh, what a life.<br />
Jip really is sweet and very loyal. We love him to death and are very happy we have him. <br />
<br />
Besides, who can resist that face?<br />
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And lastly, though <i>most</i> importantly, our little one is doing very well!<br />
(the baby, not Jip...track with me here...). <br />
Everything is progressing very normally. We had our 20 week ultrasound last week and got to see some ninja kicks and punches. I have a little baby bump finally...though I don't have any pictures right now to show you because they're in Joe's cyberspace files somewhere. <br />
Soon, I will have to post some soon.<br />
<br />
And I bought a changing table! That will be revealed in time. Rest assured there are many projects in the works, they're just not done yet. Much exciting stuff between now and January!<br />
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Have a great weekend everyone. This Sunday is Joe's birthday, so we're excited to go out on a date and spend some good time together. Happy Birthday, Sweetheart!<br />
<br />
Oh, and let me know what you think I should do with my kitchen window!<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">~The Doodle Bug</span>Becky@DoodleBugOnlinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01763918737667531018noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7040211037720460890.post-10831136574191240052012-09-21T14:12:00.000-05:002012-09-21T14:15:20.690-05:00An Afternoon with My MailboxWhat can you do in an afternoon?<br />
<br />
Here are a few ideas:<br />
<br />
1. Pin a few hundred pictures on Pinterest.<br />
2. Buy a <a href="http://doodlebugonline.blogspot.com/2012/05/puppy.html">Puppy</a>.<br />
3. Bake a pie.<br />
4. Reupholster an <a href="http://doodlebugonline.blogspot.com/2012/03/upholstered-chair-fit-for-princess.html">Upholstered Chair Fit for a Princess</a>.<br />
5. Make a <a href="http://doodlebugonline.blogspot.com/2011/10/crafty-fall-candle.html">Crafty Fall "Candle"</a>.<br />
6. Turn your plain-jane kitchen window into a <a href="http://doodlebugonline.blogspot.com/2011/10/window-garden.html">Window Garden</a>.<br />
7. Make some <a href="http://doodlebugonline.blogspot.com/2011/10/canning-jar-soap-dispenser.html">Ball Jar Soap Dispensers </a>to give away as gifts...or just to keep :)<br />
8. Stare out the window at the incredible Airstream Trailer sitting in your neighbor's driveway and wish you had the guts to go ask for a tour.<br />
9. Make a <a href="http://doodlebugonline.blogspot.com/2011/09/belt-floor-mat.html">Belt Floor Mat</a>.<br />
10. Visit an apple orchard, then go home and make <a href="http://doodlebugonline.blogspot.com/2011/10/ahhh-orchards.html">applesauce</a>!<br />
<br />
Well, though I have done those things before...and may currently be involved in #8...I have one MORE afternoon project to tease your brain with. <br />
<br />
Last Saturday, I spent some quality time with my mailbox, and Voila!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ri8AlHwCVU0/UFyvz6EvgQI/AAAAAAAABz4/EQviDcalno8/s1600/Before-After.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ri8AlHwCVU0/UFyvz6EvgQI/AAAAAAAABz4/EQviDcalno8/s640/Before-After.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
See how much we can accomplish in a day if we really want to? Pretty incredible.<br />
And perhaps slightly depressing, because most of my days do not involve a dramatic "Before" and "After" opportunity.<br />
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Example:<br />
"Hey look honey! Your sock drawer is full now!"<br />
Yeah, nice try.<br />
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BUT every once in awhile we get the opportunity to do a quick little project that makes us smile. <br />
This was one of those for me.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2p1zGYxjC8c/UFyvukHVpeI/AAAAAAAABzQ/JkPHGtg093w/s1600/1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="448" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2p1zGYxjC8c/UFyvukHVpeI/AAAAAAAABzQ/JkPHGtg093w/s640/1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
This is our little mailbox before. Nothing cringe-worthy...with the exception of maybe the bird poop and the flowers on the right that I fried.<br />
It was just "tired" looking and since the rest of our<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">SUMMER OF DESTRUCTION </span></div>
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(See our <a href="http://doodlebugonline.blogspot.com/2012/09/unlandscaping-monster.html">Weed-Pulling Party </a>and <a href="http://doodlebugonline.blogspot.com/2012/08/garage-shelving-destruction.html">Garage Shelving</a> posts to catch up)</div>
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has just been about taking ridiculous things and making them look normal again, I was craving something pretty. And the mailbox was an easy target.</div>
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I'll be honest with you, I was a little petrified to try this.</div>
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Why?</div>
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Because I've never seen anyone do this before. And that generally terrifies me.</div>
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I could just hear the neighbors' taunting:</div>
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"Oh my gosh, Sallie, did you see that wacko girl out there sitting on a five gallon bucket painting dots on her mailbox? Oh, and Helen says she has a <i>blog, </i>which she said is some kind of developmental disorder."</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OvJA5zS2w88/UFyvvM5z4_I/AAAAAAAABzY/RsYdAuwTExA/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="432" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OvJA5zS2w88/UFyvvM5z4_I/AAAAAAAABzY/RsYdAuwTExA/s640/4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OvJA5zS2w88/UFyvvM5z4_I/AAAAAAAABzY/RsYdAuwTExA/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OvJA5zS2w88/UFyvvM5z4_I/AAAAAAAABzY/RsYdAuwTExA/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a></div>
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But despite my terror of neighborhood scrutiny, I am happy with the results of my insanity. </div>
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Though Sally & Helen may still think I'm a loon.</div>
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Sorry, ladies.</div>
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If you're curious and might want to join my new club of mailbox painters, here's how it all went down:</div>
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1. I removed the house numbers, bracket, mail flag and side-mounted plastic newspaper box.</div>
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2. I painted the wood with Dutch Boy exterior white latex paint.</div>
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3. Then, I found a graphic online to use as a stencil:</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RkirdFf1ReM/UFyv1lZp43I/AAAAAAAAB0I/5joUh8Dg9xg/s1600/tree_branch-_medium_sized_vinyl_wall_decal_c231c276.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RkirdFf1ReM/UFyv1lZp43I/AAAAAAAAB0I/5joUh8Dg9xg/s1600/tree_branch-_medium_sized_vinyl_wall_decal_c231c276.jpg" /></a></div>
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Graphic via <a href="http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/ceejaysvinyl/14748/tree_branch-_medium_sized_vinyl_wall_decal/handmade/housewares/wall_decor">Art Fire</a></div>
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This graphic is actually a vinyl decal that you can order through the link above. Pretty cool! </div>
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4. I imported the image into GIMP, a freeware version similar to PhotoShop, and resized/edited/stretched the image to make it fit the space I wanted. Then I printed it on normal paper.</div>
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5. I transferred the image onto the mailbox using fabric transfer paper. This is a thin paper with a chalky substance on one side that acts like carbon paper. It's easier to find than carbon paper, though, and also comes in white, in case you need to transfer onto a dark surface. </div>
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-I taped on my paper with the graphic, placing it where I wanted the graphic to be.</div>
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-Then slid the transfer paper underneath, chalk side down.</div>
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-Then outlined the graphic with a pen, to push the chalk from the transfer paper </div>
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onto the mailbox. Perfect!</div>
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6. I filled in the outlined graphic with a grey/green paint, using a basic artists brush</div>
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7. Joe gave the mail flag a shot of bright red spray paint. This actually helped<i> immensely.</i></div>
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8. Then we put all the house numbers and such back on.</div>
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<i>ALL DONE! </i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z4snU5vDbnM/UFyvwyKhdOI/AAAAAAAABzo/pDldfQU98fk/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="416" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z4snU5vDbnM/UFyvwyKhdOI/AAAAAAAABzo/pDldfQU98fk/s640/6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm kinda loving it. Is it weird to be having a little love obsession with your mailbox?</div>
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It's okay, I'm also having a love obsession with this handsome hunk. </div>
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I think that makes up for it, right?</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LGkeop6HqYU/UFyv2QB12NI/AAAAAAAAB0U/vQ_GnE8ATag/s1600/wedding.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LGkeop6HqYU/UFyv2QB12NI/AAAAAAAAB0U/vQ_GnE8ATag/s640/wedding.JPG" width="456" /></a></div>
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Okay, I mostly just wanted to show off that picture :)</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-02n7dTxSFuk/UFyvwECHS_I/AAAAAAAABzg/6qIFZ-NQ36A/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-02n7dTxSFuk/UFyvwECHS_I/AAAAAAAABzg/6qIFZ-NQ36A/s640/5.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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What a good Saturday afternoon project. I'm not sure this Saturday will be so fun, but at least I'll get to go to the Farmer's Market in the morning! I'm hoping to pick up some ingredients for the <a href="http://www.centsationalgirl.com/2010/10/five-savory-fall-soups/">Minestrone Soup</a> recipe from Centsational Girl. Yesssss. I tried her <a href="http://www.centsationalgirl.com/2009/10/comfort-food-potato-corn-chowder-3/">Potato & Corn Chowder</a> recipe a few weeks ago, and it was delicious. So I'm hoping this one does not disappoint! </div>
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<br /></div>
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Oh, and good news in the yard! Remember this?</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d_jTatjVWLI/UFyv0xZ5kII/AAAAAAAAB0A/DW0XB5KCd0E/s1600/IMG_3958+copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d_jTatjVWLI/UFyv0xZ5kII/AAAAAAAAB0A/DW0XB5KCd0E/s640/IMG_3958+copy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's GONE!!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9W3-TVYw-ts/UFyvx0V5GvI/AAAAAAAABzw/UxjIL5_1YH8/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9W3-TVYw-ts/UFyvx0V5GvI/AAAAAAAABzw/UxjIL5_1YH8/s640/7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Look at that flat-ish front yard. Phew! Nice work, Joe!</div>
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Well, I think I'll go back to looking at the Airstream trailer across the street. </div>
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And maybe my mailbox :)</div>
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Have a great weekend everyone--and good luck on your afternoon projects!</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">~The Doodle Bug</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">I'm usually partyin' at these hangouts:</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Friday Feature @ <a href="http://www.redouxinteriors.com/">Redoux</a></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Feathered Nest Friday @ <a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/">French Country Cottage</a></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Furniture Feature Friday @ <a href="http://missmustardseed.com/">Miss Mustard Seed</a></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Show & Tell Friday @ <a href="http://romantichome.blogspot.com/">My Romantic Home</a></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Flaunt it Friday @ <a href="http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/">Chic on a Shoestring Decorating</a></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Frugal Friday @ <a href="http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/">The Shabby Nest</a></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Simply Creations Link Party @ <a href="http://www.mysimplehomelife.com/">Simple Home. Life</a></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">It's a Hodgepodge Friday @ <a href="http://itsahodgepodgelife.blogspot.com/">It's a Hodgepodge Life</a></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Spotlight Saturday @ <a href="http://classyclutter.blogspot.com/">Classy Clutter</a></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Trash 2 Treasure Tuesday @ <a href="http://kammyskorner.blogspot.com/">Kammy's Korner</a></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Nifty Thrifty Tuesday @ Coastal Charm</span></a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://myuncommonsliceofsuburbia.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Tuesday's Treasures @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia</span></a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://elizabethandco.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Be Inspired @ Elizabeth & Co.</span></a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Wow Us Wednesdays@Savvy Southern Style</span></a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Make It Pretty Monday @ The Dedicated House</span></a></span></div>
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<br /></div>
Becky@DoodleBugOnlinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01763918737667531018noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7040211037720460890.post-57114119572032434832012-09-14T14:44:00.000-05:002012-09-21T14:15:24.196-05:00(Un)Landscaping a Monster<br />
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy Fall, everyone! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You may be like me, stubborn and refusing to believe that summer is coming to a close.</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;">But yesterday I did smell some cinnamon-scented pine cones in the store and it brought a little leap of joy to my heart.</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;">Could just be that I've been craving chili for months, though. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--U5IEQyHFP0/UFN6RyZwrpI/AAAAAAAABvs/d_GcUoPwyto/s640/13.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Either way, Fall is here
whether I want it or not. And Joe and I are trying to race the clock and
get all our yard work done before winter. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here is the latest news on
our proclaimed<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">SUMMER OF DESTRUCTION<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is the post you've
all been waiting for.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When we moved in, our yard
was...indescribable.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We told our friends to
just look for the "house with all the weeds."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One friend could find our
house on Google Maps just by looking for the jungle on our street. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How Embarrassing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here she is, in all her
terrible glory:</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QERta0bmT9s/UFN6hJsZ7yI/AAAAAAAABxQ/H1prR3dLWUc/s1600/Whole+House+Before.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="274" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QERta0bmT9s/UFN6hJsZ7yI/AAAAAAAABxQ/H1prR3dLWUc/s640/Whole+House+Before.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sorry about the weirdness,
this is actually three pictures patched together into one. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
But it does have some
eeriness fitting for the sight, right?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This picture somehow makes
it look about 10 times better than it actually did. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Partially because it
was taken about a month before we actually took possession of the house, so the weeds hadn't totally gone out of control yet.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Imagine, though, a huge
patch of three-foot thistles on the right side of the picture, next to the
road.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jealous?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But a few weeks after we
moved in, one of our other friends came to the rescue.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Remember "L"
from <a href="http://doodlebugonline.blogspot.com/2012/03/upholstered-chair-fit-for-princess.html"><i><span style="color: #001ee6;">An Upholstered Chair Fit for a Princess</span></i></a><i> ?</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well in case you had
forgotten, she's awesome. And she contacted a bunch of our friends from
our church small group for a WEED-PULLING PARTY!!! We were so. excited.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here are some up-close and
personal pictures of the disaster that we proudly own(ed).</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GQOr5Qdsu9I/UFN6eTRT1EI/AAAAAAAABw8/J-VcZqlXiOo/s1600/IMG_3955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GQOr5Qdsu9I/UFN6eTRT1EI/AAAAAAAABw8/J-VcZqlXiOo/s640/IMG_3955.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zw6g4IHql5o/UFN6ft4lW2I/AAAAAAAABxI/uaIEcFpEDvk/s1600/IMG_3958.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zw6g4IHql5o/UFN6ft4lW2I/AAAAAAAABxI/uaIEcFpEDvk/s640/IMG_3958.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ddhM-t1PfHo/UFN6jJpq4FI/AAAAAAAABxc/_U016sjaDhI/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ddhM-t1PfHo/UFN6jJpq4FI/AAAAAAAABxc/_U016sjaDhI/s640/photo+3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
I know what you're thinking. "Wow, I wish someone had gone insane and planted an entire nursery of plants in our yard, then left them to grow untended for five years!"<br />
<br />
Yes, that is in fact what we thought, too. Which is the main reason we bought the property.<br />
Obviously.<br />
<br />
But our wonderful friends came to the rescue and came with tow strap, truck, crow bars, reciprocating saw, muscles and smiles. They were absolutely awesome.<br />
<br />
The weed-pulling party mostly morphed into a "Men pulling bushes out with the truck" party. And they even took out a bad little maple tree in the backyard. <br />
Yeah, they blew our minds.<br />
<br />
Here are the results of that one night of mayhem:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qEkxTJhuXWY/UFN6S98NEqI/AAAAAAAABv0/B1To18odTsI/s1600/2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qEkxTJhuXWY/UFN6S98NEqI/AAAAAAAABv0/B1To18odTsI/s640/2.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT??? In case you didn't realize, this area looked like this before:</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XqzqNSOygzs/UFN6iQhscNI/AAAAAAAABxY/OWNGD1qF8YY/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XqzqNSOygzs/UFN6iQhscNI/AAAAAAAABxY/OWNGD1qF8YY/s640/photo+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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There are trees in there! With trunks! Who knew?? </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fm4hkpN8Ylc/UFN6UyeU-7I/AAAAAAAABwE/_8bh06MWBCk/s1600/4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fm4hkpN8Ylc/UFN6UyeU-7I/AAAAAAAABwE/_8bh06MWBCk/s640/4.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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This was the home of some low-spreading creepy crawly evergreens which took over this entire area. Oh, and the log? It was in there all along, we just didn't know it. Hey log :)</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rdaE4zZs2r4/UFN6NSEtAMI/AAAAAAAABvc/EaVgmnopYyU/s1600/1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rdaE4zZs2r4/UFN6NSEtAMI/AAAAAAAABvc/EaVgmnopYyU/s640/1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Wow. We were amazed. And so grateful for all the help. It would have taken the two of us a heck of a lot longer to get that all done ourselves. <br />
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Here is the pile of bush bones, not including the tree from the back or the thistles that had already been pulled<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7dRya6ipQak/UFN6Tx7fe8I/AAAAAAAABv8/oN1wwa-FRXU/s1600/3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7dRya6ipQak/UFN6Tx7fe8I/AAAAAAAABv8/oN1wwa-FRXU/s640/3.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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And now a few weeks,<i> <b>five</b> truckloads of junk to the city compost pile</i>, some sweat and a lot of work, we find ourselves living in a house that no longer looks like a jungle. Thank goodness. I snapped this picture today.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6JOByiCmqio/UFN6RIurILI/AAAAAAAABvk/vkDRIATeWLE/s1600/10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="342" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6JOByiCmqio/UFN6RIurILI/AAAAAAAABvk/vkDRIATeWLE/s640/10.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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We're not done yet, obviously. But our neighbors love us :)</div>
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We have grass seeded on each side of the drive, and those weeping crabapple trees on the right have some little borders around them.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BlpEwgaodI0/UFN6akUURGI/AAAAAAAABwk/oRurwlUKPKI/s1600/8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BlpEwgaodI0/UFN6akUURGI/AAAAAAAABwk/oRurwlUKPKI/s640/8.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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I suppose for all their...unique...ideas, the previous owners did leave us a lot of rocks to make borders.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pNM4LWYb7hE/UFN6bv21HmI/AAAAAAAABws/tTP_nAXmTqk/s1600/9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pNM4LWYb7hE/UFN6bv21HmI/AAAAAAAABws/tTP_nAXmTqk/s640/9.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5mTa6kn2kl4/UFN6YCdh9sI/AAAAAAAABwU/My6ru0LJmDs/s1600/6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5mTa6kn2kl4/UFN6YCdh9sI/AAAAAAAABwU/My6ru0LJmDs/s640/6.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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We're feeling pretty good. Though we haven't really beat the thistles yet. </div>
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There's an underground root system that is tough to beat, but lucky for me I married a farm boy.</div>
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Chemicals do wonderful things.</div>
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Here's a side-by-side for your viewing pleasure:</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hz9dFY3EO1o/UFeIw4wDEuI/AAAAAAAAByU/cP8c2GnDMVw/s1600/Before-After.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="628" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hz9dFY3EO1o/UFeIw4wDEuI/AAAAAAAAByU/cP8c2GnDMVw/s640/Before-After.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Until next time, enjoy your fall, don't plant a plethora of bushes, and maybe make a pot of chili! Yummmm.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">~ The Doodle Bug</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">I'm usually partyin' at these hangouts:</span></div>
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Becky@DoodleBugOnlinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01763918737667531018noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7040211037720460890.post-20701866744481908202012-08-31T13:33:00.000-05:002012-08-31T13:33:53.653-05:00Garage Shelving DestructionWelcome to what has been dubbed our<br />
<br />
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<b>"Summer of Destruction."</b></div>
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We love our new home...but there are definitely things that HAVE to go. <br />
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One word: Thistles. <br />
Eek. <br />
<br />
But more on that another day. <br />
For today, we have the destruction of some garage shelving! I know, I know, perhaps too exciting for a mere blog post. But we will press on together.<br />
<br />
Meet our old shelving:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xEn_eQ7PSUo/UED25UDTteI/AAAAAAAABtA/uWZmaVbD4R0/s1600/IMG_3980.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="448" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xEn_eQ7PSUo/UED25UDTteI/AAAAAAAABtA/uWZmaVbD4R0/s640/IMG_3980.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
This is actually an "almost" before shot, because I was distracted by my hunk of a husband pounding away and didn't think to capture the moment on my camera until later. Can you blame me?<br />
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There used to be pegboard along the wall of the center section, and another two shelves above the center shelf. <br />
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Now you might be saying,<br />
"Hey, I'd give my left two lug nuts for some nice, sturdy shelves like 'at!"<br />
<br />
And I would respond to you by saying,<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LN49YsDJBF4/UED-yroUAvI/AAAAAAAABus/iZRsq4ZG1I4/s1600/blue+ribbon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a>"Yes, but whoever built these nice, sturdy shelves did NOT have to fit a car <i>and </i>a full-size truck into this subdivision-size garage." <br />
<br />
And I would win. Because I always win on my blog.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LN49YsDJBF4/UED-yroUAvI/AAAAAAAABus/iZRsq4ZG1I4/s1600/blue+ribbon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LN49YsDJBF4/UED-yroUAvI/AAAAAAAABus/iZRsq4ZG1I4/s320/blue+ribbon.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
SO. We decided to get rid of them and reuse the lumber to build a nice, sturdy shelf high in the garage that wouldn't be in the way or give us concussions as we squeeze by the truck.<br />
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Joe started hammering. Because whoever built these suckers meant for them to live through a nuclear blast and act as food storage for the proceeding nuclear winter...well, that or he just really liked his nail gun.<br />
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Seriously, Nail-Gun Guy? You need NINE NAILS to get this board attached? NINE????<br />
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Let's just say that Joe was sore for a few days after all this.<br />
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Joe finally got it all down after a little sweat, maybe blood. We won't talk about the tears.</div>
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Just kidding.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AV1AQJxdljU/UED27bxBHxI/AAAAAAAABtY/E-KHeVLCdK4/s1600/IMG_3984.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AV1AQJxdljU/UED27bxBHxI/AAAAAAAABtY/E-KHeVLCdK4/s640/IMG_3984.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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And then the hubster started putting up the NEW shelving! Beginning with these "studs" (2x4's) attached with Lag bolts. Kudos to Joe for getting all the materials for this shelf from the old pieces he took down. I don't know if I would have had the patience (NINE nails, people).<br />
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Then he built essentially a miniature "Wall" to form the shelf (built on 16" centers for the geeky people out there), attached them with lag bolts, then added on cantilevers (those angle pieces, for the normal-y people out there). Then he cut the plywood to size and BAM! NEW SHELVES!!!!<br />
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We're pretty excited to get both our vehicles in the garage. Because let's face it--if you get hail damage on your truck because you had it sitting right outside your perfectly useable garage...it's probably your own darn fault. So now we can put our garage to its proper use!<br />
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Oh, and for those of you who want see something pretty, here is some masculine decorating for you. Joe had brought these signs home from work--they're products/brands that his company owns & sells. And I gotta tell you, they're kinda cool :)<br />
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I told Joe I think we should get royalties for putting those signs up. Because our retiree neighbors are often buying bags of soybean seed...</div>
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And now we have a home for my gardening supplies, our miscellaneous gas/oil/car stuff, our sprayer, cooler, fishing and grilling stuff. Oh yeah, and a home for the car and truck :) <br />
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It's good to be home.<br />
<br />
Oh, and sorry Nail-Gun Guy, but this time we used <i>screws.</i><br />
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Enjoy your Labor Day weekend everyone! We're going to see some family and friends, hang out and probably drink some lemonade. Sounds like a good weekend to me.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">~The Doodle Bug</span>Becky@DoodleBugOnlinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01763918737667531018noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7040211037720460890.post-63233865224511156602012-08-07T17:47:00.000-05:002012-08-28T13:02:47.426-05:00Mid-Century Sideboard & BIG NEWS!!Are y'all ready for this?<br />
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I don't think you are.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picking strawberries in June</td></tr>
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Those of you who are lucky enough to know me in person (ha ha, I'm such a snot) will already have figured out why I have been MIA on my blog for about the past three months. Three. Months.<br />
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But don't think I haven't thought about you, my dear readers. I have thought about how many times people might have checked in to see what's going on, and been slapped in the eyeballs with the<br />
same. post. over and over again. My apologies. Here is my list of excuses (not the picture, I'm just trying to send some pictures your way to catch you up):<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My birthday "cake" in May</td></tr>
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1. Joe and I have been trying to buy a house for...well, just under a year now. AND WE FINALLY DID!!! But the closing process was very drawn out and such, so I was a little preoccupied with packing...then waiting two weeks and unpacking things as I needed them...then repacking them.<br />
But we did close on a house that we love about three weeks ago, and have been painting, spackling, moving, buying stuff, installing, uninstalling, and many other very exciting things ever since then.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our new house! Ignore weeds...</td></tr>
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Why, though, have I been gone <i>so long?!!</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE CENTURY:<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: x-large;">We're gonna have a baby!!!</span></div>
Yes, yes, please swoon and scream. It's completely called for :)<br />
Joe and I are sooooooo excited. Our little bundle is due January 26, so there will soon be some nursery posts and such, along with pictures of our house as we finish up some projects. <br />
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No, we don't know if it's a boy or girl, you can all take bets and give me your winnings :)<br />
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Oh, and here's our little Jip now, all growed up. *sniff*<br />
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And for a little taste of our new house, here is a project that I actually finished up about two months ago, but have been waiting to get into our new living room.<br />
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Introducing: The Mid-Century Sideboard<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V5WzlrkI6WI/UCGRir4-rXI/AAAAAAAABrE/axqp5DMpHd8/s1600/IMG_3844.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="468" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V5WzlrkI6WI/UCGRir4-rXI/AAAAAAAABrE/axqp5DMpHd8/s640/IMG_3844.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Uck. I bought it for $15 bucks at a garage sale--and I realized a little later that it was solid oak. Yessss...because veneer is just not my favorite.<br />
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Here are a few inspirational shots that I used to figure out what to do:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wrX5pMlxWQM/UCGRnLQeMWI/AAAAAAAABsI/HYAcj34bV8A/s1600/meagan_after.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wrX5pMlxWQM/UCGRnLQeMWI/AAAAAAAABsI/HYAcj34bV8A/s640/meagan_after.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Via <a href="http://www.designsponge.com/2011/12/before-after-mid-century-credenza-makeunder.html">Design*Sponge</a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FgsADJ43jpk/UCGRm8AEMGI/AAAAAAAABsA/XMXJJ-D83Wo/s1600/credenza.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FgsADJ43jpk/UCGRm8AEMGI/AAAAAAAABsA/XMXJJ-D83Wo/s640/credenza.jpg" width="464" /></a></div>
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Via <a href="http://birdhousefamily.blogspot.com/2011/09/adventures-in-rug-painting.html">BirdHouse Blog</a></div>
I knew I wanted wood + white. The question was, do I want wood outside and white inside, or the other way around? Wood drawers is by far the more popular choice...but then you're left with a scratch-me-with-anything white top, and I am simply not careful enough for something like that. Also, this sideboard has curvy drawers, so sanding would have been a nightmare. <br />
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White drawers won.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KaDB34_XW0E/UCGRkmf66oI/AAAAAAAABrg/V_gOn5rb8Fs/s1600/IMG_3883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="462" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KaDB34_XW0E/UCGRkmf66oI/AAAAAAAABrg/V_gOn5rb8Fs/s640/IMG_3883.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Nice oak, huh?<br />
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That concludes my process shots. Because I got excited...or lazy. Not really sure. <br />
Blame it on baby-brain. I blame everything on that now, it's awesome.<br />
<br />
But here's the process in a nutshell: Sanded with orbital and hand-sanding; Sealed natural wood with Minwax Polycrylic--2 coats on the side, 3 on the top); Taped off the places that I wanted to remain wood but would be painting next to; Primed painted areas with Zinsser FastPrime2; Second coat of primer; Two coats of a white, semi-gloss paint (actually my paint was flat, so I mixed in some Gloss Polycrylic...worked great!).<br />
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After all that, and letting it sit covered up in our basement for a couple months, here she is!!<br />
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See my other treasures? This was really fun to fiddle with. Left to right: <br />
1. Bamboo I bought awhile back that has fallen over on many people.<br />
2. My beloved record player. You can read all about it <a href="http://doodlebugonline.blogspot.com/2011/01/columbia-viva-tonal-113a.html">here!</a><br />
3. Antique Fan that I found at a sketchy secondhand store in St. Paul for $5. Joe rewired it :)<br />
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And now I know what you're asking. <i>"Where in the world did you get that beautiful picture???!"</i><br />
Well, actually it's an original photograph taken by the famous Cheryl Lancaster.<br />
Otherwise known as MY MOM!!! Isn't she AWESOME??!!!<br />
This is one of my favorite pictures of hers, and I was always talking about it. So she got it printed on canvas and asked if I might like to have it. Uh, yes, please.<br />
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If you want to follow her photography, she posts her new shots on her blog,<a href="http://cherylshootsphotography.blogspot.com/"> cherylshootsphotography</a>. Check her out and show her some love. I believe many of her shots are for sale, as well...in case you have crazy picture jealousy ;) Just contact her through her blog.<br />
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In case you forgot how NOT awesome this thing was before, here is a reminder:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V5WzlrkI6WI/UCGRir4-rXI/AAAAAAAABrE/axqp5DMpHd8/s1600/IMG_3844.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V5WzlrkI6WI/UCGRir4-rXI/AAAAAAAABrE/axqp5DMpHd8/s400/IMG_3844.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Ahhh, the color palette and accesories make me feel so happy right now. I've been waiting and waiting, and it's really starting to feel like home.<br />
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Now just to have a little one screaming upstairs...<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">~The Doodle Bug</span><br />
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I'm usually partyin' at these hangouts:</div>
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Friday Feature @ <a href="http://www.redouxinteriors.com/">Redoux</a></div>
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Feathered Nest Friday @ <a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/">French Country Cottage</a></div>
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Furniture Feature Friday @ <a href="http://missmustardseed.com/">Miss Mustard Seed</a></div>
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Show & Tell Friday @ <a href="http://romantichome.blogspot.com/">My Romantic Home</a></div>
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Flaunt it Friday @ <a href="http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/">Chic on a Shoestring Decorating</a></div>
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Becky@DoodleBugOnlinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01763918737667531018noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7040211037720460890.post-17472754016480694932012-07-09T07:15:00.001-05:002012-08-08T08:44:29.028-05:00The Little Chair that was Oft MisunderstoodI know it's been a little quiet around here lately. I have reasons, but they are not to be revealed yet, so I'll just ask you to hold tight and things should pick up a little later in the summer. <br />
<br />
I hope.<br />
<br />
But to satiate you for now, here is a guest post that I wrote a few months ago for Kate at <a href="http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/2012/04/how-to-reupholster-chair-guest-post-by.html">Chic on a Shoestring Decorating</a>. If you want to see the original post on her site, check out the link above. Otherwise, to make it easy I just posted it below. Enjoy!<br />
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Hello everyone! I'm Becky, The<a href="http://doodlebugonline.blogspot.com/"> Doodle Bug</a>, and I am so excited to guest post for Kate and say hello to all of you! Today I have a fun little upholstery project to share with you, a simple chair that is very misunderstood most of the time. I got this poor neglected chair from a lady about a month ago, and it <i>desperately</i> needed some TLC. Oh, and something to fill that gaping hole that you're supposed to sit in.<br />
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Here she is, doesn't it bring a little tear to your eye? It doesn't help that these pictures look like they were taken in a prison cell. They get better, I promise :)<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0FNfK0BPdWM/T4C55-dxsyI/AAAAAAAABUo/rF717ilRLp0/s1600/Before.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0FNfK0BPdWM/T4C55-dxsyI/AAAAAAAABUo/rF717ilRLp0/s640/Before.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I said before that this little chair and its brothers and sisters are often misunderstood. And they are misunderstood because many people see that gaping hole and think "Hey! Who took the board from the chair seat??" Well, if that's what crossed your mind, you are not alone. But in fact, you are wrong. (Is it okay that I say that? Yikes. I'm going to get fired first day on the job!). <br />
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If the pictures weren't from chair-prison, you'd be able to see that there are a lot of tack nails all around the edge of the seat. This is a giveaway that this chair is meant to be upholstered as-is, directly to the frame. I learned that in my super-duper upholstery class two years ago. This is an older style of upholstery, but is really comfortable when it's done because it "gives" with your...derrière. It's surprisingly strong, though I might not recommend standing on it.<br />
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So what you need for this project is:<br />
1. Chair<br />
2. Stapler & Staples. I have a pneumatic gun, but a normal heavy duty hand-held stapler will do the trick just fine.<br />
3. Jute Webbing (can be found at any fabric store, or even at Wal-Mart)<br />
4. Strong Fabric or burlap--doesn't matter what it looks like.<br />
5. 1"-2" Upholstery foam, large enough to cover your seat.<br />
6. Upholstery Fabric--again, large enough to cover your seat with a few inches extra on each side.<br />
7. Glue Gun<br />
8. Trim that coordinates with your fabric.<br />
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The first thing I did was prep and paint the frame. I sanded the frame down using my handy-dandy orbital sander, and then used Rustoleum's new water-based spray paint in black to paint the frame. This was the first time I used their water-based formula and I have to say I definitely prefer the regular oil-based version. It worked alright, though, so I went with it. A girl doesn't have time to do things twice, right?<br />
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Once that was done, it was on to the fun part--upholstery!! Here's how to upholster a chair directly to the frame. </div>
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Start with two strips of webbing in one direction. Staple one end (following the placement of the old nail holes as a guide), then fold over the excess and staple again. On the other end of each strip, PULL. HARD. Use the frame as leverage, because this webbing is pretty much all that keeps your lovely guests and small children from falling through the chair. Once that side is stapled, again fold over the excess and staple again. Many, many staples. Next, do the same thing with two strips in the other direction. If you have a larger chair or bench, just add more strips to give you more strength.</div>
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In the real world of professional upholstery, you're supposed to use burlap for this. But...I'm not a professional upholsterer, I didn't have any burlap, and this worked just as well! Sorry, upholstery purists. This fabric keeps the foam (next step) from pushing through the webbing and gives a nice, even surface. </div>
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Cut the fabric to the size of the seat, plus 2"-3" on each side (or if you prefer to leave it very large, it can give you more leverage when you're pulling it tight). Start at one side, staple that down. Then on the opposite side, PULL. HARD. (are you sensing a trend?). Staple that side down, as well. Next, do the same with the other two sides. </div>
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Once all the sides are stapled, fold the excess in on itself and staple again. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JqFJ1i06Y0k/T4C5-rxeTyI/AAAAAAAABVI/10we-x4LNZ8/s1600/Foam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="630" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JqFJ1i06Y0k/T4C5-rxeTyI/AAAAAAAABVI/10we-x4LNZ8/s640/Foam.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Now to attach the foam pad. It's pretty simple, just trim it slightly larger than the seat (about 1" extra on each side), <i><b>curl the upper edge down </b></i>and staple in place. This gives you a nice rounded edge.<br />
I generally get the best results if I start in the middle of one side, staple about 3" of it, then go to the opposite side and do the same thing. Then, I go to the other two sides and do the same thing. If you skip around, starting in the middle of each side, and just staple little-by-little, you will usually end up with the foam pad in the right place instead of a pucker. This rule goes for the fabric on top, as well.<br />
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We're getting there! Put the fabric on in pretty much the same way you put on the foam, starting in the center of one side, and skipping to the opposite side. Repeat, repeat, repeat, until you're done. Make sure to do lots of smoothing of the fabric. You don't have to pull very hard on this one, because that will create unevenness. Just smooth it down firmly and evenly, and staple. Then, using scissors, trim very close to the staples--only leaving about 1/4" extra. <br />
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Then, heat up that glue gun and take the trim that you bought and glue it around the edge of the cushion. Nope, I'm not joking. When I took the upholstery class I was shocked when my very-picky-professional-upholsterer teacher told me to just glue it on! WHAT?! Real people use glue guns for everything, too?? Yes, I give you permission to just glue on your trim, guilt-free.<br />
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I used a thick cotton cording to trim this out, available at the Wal-Mart for under $2. <br />
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Now you've worked your tail off, and it's time to take a seat in your newly-upholstered chair!! Ahhhh...<br />
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Oh, so much better. <br />
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Thanks so much for letting me come and share this little beauty of a chair with you all! If you want to check out some of my other projects, you can find 'em at <a href="http://doodlebugonline.blogspot.com/">doodlebugonline.blogspot.com</a>. <br />
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Happy Vacationing, Kate!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">~The Doodle Bug </span><br />
<br />Becky@DoodleBugOnlinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01763918737667531018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7040211037720460890.post-13428614104756344032012-06-13T19:35:00.001-05:002012-06-13T19:37:12.551-05:00Salvaged Wall HangerI wasn't prepared.<br />
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So I'm warning you ahead of time, so you can be ready.<br />
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You'll be able to tell very soon that I didn't think this project would be all that interesting before I started.<br />
You know that feeling? <br />
And then how most of the time you're wrong and wish you had planned better?<br />
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Yeah, this is one of those. Therefore I have no "before" picture.<br />
Thanks in advance for your grace.<br />
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It all started with six chairs. Here's two of them:<br />
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I had bought six chairs, each in varying degrees of disrepair. I only needed four, so I used the bits and pieces to fix up four good solid chairs.<br />
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But then I had pieces left over. Chair skeletons in my basement.<br />
I did have two of those really cool curved top pieces left, and that's where this all began.<br />
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They started out the color of these chairs, from the <a href="http://doodlebugonline.blogspot.com/2012/03/driftwood-look-table-chairs.html">Driftwood-Look Table & Chairs</a>.<br />
Just sort of normalish.<br />
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Okay, and here's where my brain kicked in and I started to take pictures.<br />
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This is once I spray painted the piece in Rustoleum's "Ivory Bisque." Can't go wrong with that color.<br />
And then I fell off the boat again and forgot to take pictures.<br />
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The missing part is this: I distressed it. Mostly I scraped away at it with a paint scraper. A little sand paper at times. I just worked on it until it looked right.<br />
Next came the hooks. Yes, hooks.<br />
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1) predrill holes... 2) Screw in provided screws.<br />
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Enter dilemma number 1: How do I get this thing to hang on the wall. <br />
Problem: Sawtooth hangers are ridiculously expensive for the small little thing they are. Silly.<br />
Solution: I found these little metal circle thingies for about 30 cents. And just stapled them on. <br />
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I have no idea what those circle thingies are actually for...but they worked!<br />
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And here's where my non-project ended up! It's amazing what you can do with skeletons in your basement.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dFcEjuj0CGg/T9ktydzMNRI/AAAAAAAABoQ/iNG3wE9EmyE/s1600/CRW_3589.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dFcEjuj0CGg/T9ktydzMNRI/AAAAAAAABoQ/iNG3wE9EmyE/s640/CRW_3589.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LYrrpC_zb3M/T9ktywQYGkI/AAAAAAAABoU/VUGmo-Mckns/s1600/CRW_3591.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LYrrpC_zb3M/T9ktywQYGkI/AAAAAAAABoU/VUGmo-Mckns/s640/CRW_3591.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zs-SJ-VbQKU/T9kuAW2aoTI/AAAAAAAABp0/OJzkUV6rHgA/s1600/IMG_3612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zs-SJ-VbQKU/T9kuAW2aoTI/AAAAAAAABp0/OJzkUV6rHgA/s640/IMG_3612.JPG" width="468" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O8aS2eTSne8/T9kt_1ImEQI/AAAAAAAABps/LkdfaOFg2vc/s1600/IMG_3611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O8aS2eTSne8/T9kt_1ImEQI/AAAAAAAABps/LkdfaOFg2vc/s640/IMG_3611.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
So now the question is: What can YOU make with the junk in YOUR basement??<br />
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Have a great week--and Happy Father's Day this Sunday, all you Dads out there!! Well, I guess I mostly just mean <i>my </i>Dad. Have a great day, Dad!<br />
<br />Becky@DoodleBugOnlinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01763918737667531018noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7040211037720460890.post-68119900998048034902012-05-24T20:50:00.001-05:002012-06-07T06:50:51.399-05:00Grey Highboy DresserHello, Mr. Woodchuck.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gbmC9GaoUMk/T77jVQcjgvI/AAAAAAAABn8/7yA_u7ZqBlE/s1600/CRW_2737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="155" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gbmC9GaoUMk/T77jVQcjgvI/AAAAAAAABn8/7yA_u7ZqBlE/s200/CRW_2737.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Haven't seen you around in awhile, huh?<br />
<br />
Do you remember how last Spring I was so excited to move to our current rental and see all the wildlife? Yes, and how I was so excited about the woodchuck I saw by our shed?<br />
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Well, then we learned that they're varmints and that they tunnel under buildings, compromising the foundation. So...then Joe got out his gun. A big gun. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QI8KpHPQ2aM/T77jUzZAAbI/AAAAAAAABn0/Z-NJI6OdZII/s1600/CRW_2733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QI8KpHPQ2aM/T77jUzZAAbI/AAAAAAAABn0/Z-NJI6OdZII/s200/CRW_2733.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
On Sunday morning.<br />
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No more Woodchuck.<br />
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Until this evening, that is. Now my husband will have something else to take care of. And then we will all mourn the woodchuck. *sniffle.*<br />
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Anyway, now that I have offended all the varmint lovers out there, let's get to the point of this post--starting with the before AND after! (hey, you've already read this far, you deserve it).<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sX1AqqGp4sk/T77UhSnyg6I/AAAAAAAABk0/ljg9UsBblig/s1600/Before+&+After.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="548" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sX1AqqGp4sk/T77UhSnyg6I/AAAAAAAABk0/ljg9UsBblig/s640/Before+&+After.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Don't think you've seen it all yet, though. Because I have a big surprise at the end...<br />
You don't want to wait? <br />
Well, okay, here's the top!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RIaEqQVsbnI/T77UjmLR37I/AAAAAAAABlU/l3fpnOI8AhQ/s1600/CRW_4122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RIaEqQVsbnI/T77UjmLR37I/AAAAAAAABlU/l3fpnOI8AhQ/s640/CRW_4122.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
DIDN'T SEE THAT ONE COMING, DID YOU??!!!<br />
Since I'm in a <a href="http://doodlebugonline.blogspot.com/2012/05/wax-resist-stenciled-planter.html">wax-resist stencil </a>craze, I thought I would experiment a little more with the technique. If you missed my post on this really simple and fun way to stencil, please hop over to my post on the <a href="http://doodlebugonline.blogspot.com/2012/05/wax-resist-stenciled-planter.html">Wax-Resist Stenciled Planter</a>. You won't be disappointed :)<br />
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Okay, back to the dreary "before":<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iHv5bRKuYnw/T77UnvrcNhI/AAAAAAAABmE/ib-IZTQllVY/s1600/IMG_3959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iHv5bRKuYnw/T77UnvrcNhI/AAAAAAAABmE/ib-IZTQllVY/s400/IMG_3959.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
I got this poor old dresser off craigslist and was sooo excited. Actually, about three weeks before I got it I had seen it on craigslist and sent a message inquiring about it. And heard nothing. I was bummed, but figured someone else got it first. Poo. (sorry, trying to housebreak a puppy. Poo comes to mind).<br />
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Then it magically popped up again! Woo Hoo! And I put my phone number in the message this time, which must have been the magic bullet because I brought it home later that day. Score.<br />
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I think Joe thought me a bit crazy...when does he not? But the details on this piece were so great. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N3fP_isbpEY/T77UoENzqvI/AAAAAAAABmM/HUeiPubfkic/s1600/IMG_3960.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N3fP_isbpEY/T77UoENzqvI/AAAAAAAABmM/HUeiPubfkic/s320/IMG_3960.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Great scrolly brackets...</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ulr_ESLFcso/T77Uoqyor7I/AAAAAAAABmU/yMt9b8WcurU/s1600/IMG_3961.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ulr_ESLFcso/T77Uoqyor7I/AAAAAAAABmU/yMt9b8WcurU/s320/IMG_3961.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Sexy Legs...</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KWCK_yTihfU/T77UpyYMh0I/AAAAAAAABmk/OJLj8n_KABo/s1600/IMG_3964.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KWCK_yTihfU/T77UpyYMh0I/AAAAAAAABmk/OJLj8n_KABo/s320/IMG_3964.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Can you see the faint outline of an inlay? </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KkgKH-OdnqY/T77UpL9gp4I/AAAAAAAABmc/qkRTP99U5K8/s1600/IMG_3962.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KkgKH-OdnqY/T77UpL9gp4I/AAAAAAAABmc/qkRTP99U5K8/s320/IMG_3962.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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...and even a great detailed apron.</div>
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Seriously, great brackets, legs and an apron? Hello, it sounds like the perfect woman, right?</div>
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Anyway, here's her transformation:</div>
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She had many layers of paint, but I was only interested in fully removing the ones that weren't adhering. Like this one.<br />
I simply laid a hot, wet rag on top of sections, then peeled off this green latex.<br />
Isn't it great when it comes off this easy?<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yyCDKIXEZDE/T77Um8e7RUI/AAAAAAAABl8/C_k9UQg8qgc/s1600/IMG_3957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yyCDKIXEZDE/T77Um8e7RUI/AAAAAAAABl8/C_k9UQg8qgc/s640/IMG_3957.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_Qp6fBgJTak/T77UqjtGXtI/AAAAAAAABms/VK2arqTNCW0/s1600/IMG_3969.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_Qp6fBgJTak/T77UqjtGXtI/AAAAAAAABms/VK2arqTNCW0/s640/IMG_3969.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Then I sand, baby, sanded. This was before I realized that I should really just take off all the detail pieces, finish them separately and then reattach them.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h1ifGuV_ZRY/T77UrOP0IdI/AAAAAAAABm0/O_MtnOYvzCg/s1600/IMG_3970.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h1ifGuV_ZRY/T77UrOP0IdI/AAAAAAAABm0/O_MtnOYvzCg/s640/IMG_3970.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
...and here I am doing just that.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-etIpn3OZA-0/T77Ur-6oaFI/AAAAAAAABm8/qY4s6rtFrFA/s1600/IMG_3974.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-etIpn3OZA-0/T77Ur-6oaFI/AAAAAAAABm8/qY4s6rtFrFA/s640/IMG_3974.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
It's Mama Crowbar and Baby Crowbar!! (remember baby crowbar that we used on the <a href="http://doodlebugonline.blogspot.com/2012/03/upholstered-chair-fit-for-princess.html">Upholstered Chair Fit for a Princess</a>? Well, this is the one that "L" gave me because I <strike>threatened to steal hers</strike> appreciated hers so much. What a good friend).<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MFsh8M59MNw/T77UsaXs0GI/AAAAAAAABnE/Kro79HTbvjY/s1600/IMG_3977.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MFsh8M59MNw/T77UsaXs0GI/AAAAAAAABnE/Kro79HTbvjY/s640/IMG_3977.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
Aaaaand here's where I got a little frustrated. <br />
Note to self: Never, and I mean <i>NEVER</i> use hot glue to fix your furniture. Seriously? All it does is gum up the cracks so that you can't really ever fix it <i>properly</i> without fixing the hot-glue mess!! Ugh!<br />
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Now, I love hot glue as much as the next crafter. But it has its place. <br />
You wouldn't fix the cracked motor block of your car with JB Weld, would you? (Oh, wait. Yes, someone out there would. We bought your car. Stupid).<br />
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Bad example. But still, don't use hot glue to glue your furniture back together. Just. don't.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mg9SYTnvAZc/T77UtGpyKYI/AAAAAAAABnM/S9bXo_o8N-4/s1600/IMG_3980.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mg9SYTnvAZc/T77UtGpyKYI/AAAAAAAABnM/S9bXo_o8N-4/s400/IMG_3980.jpg" width="295" /></a></div>
In happier news, I was excited to find this nice walnut veneer inlay under the paint!!<br />
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I ended up taking off the "box" that sits on top of the dresser, along with the brackets on each side. I sanded, broke apart the old bad glue job & fixed the brackets. And I finished the top "box" separately from the top of the dresser. Here's my list of products:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SAq8z2njaP8/T77Ut0raIZI/AAAAAAAABnU/5sck-JD113s/s1600/IMG_4098.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SAq8z2njaP8/T77Ut0raIZI/AAAAAAAABnU/5sck-JD113s/s400/IMG_4098.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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1. Zinsser FastPrime2, tinted with some black latex paint I had around and thinned with a little Floetrol</div>
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to make it go on a bit smoother.</div>
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2. Minwax Dark Walnut Oil-based stain--I used this to stain the exposed wood, and also put a very</div>
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thin layer on top of the paint before sealing.</div>
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3. Minwax Polycrylic to seal it up.</div>
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And for the hardware...I painted it. But not how I normally would. It came with this new, but not awesome wood & brass hardware (the blonde oak is the "before")</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ehssB0BNeEY/T77Uub7JQVI/AAAAAAAABnc/0UgkES4-7PM/s1600/IMG_4110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ehssB0BNeEY/T77Uub7JQVI/AAAAAAAABnc/0UgkES4-7PM/s400/IMG_4110.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I sanded & painted the wood areas grey, then cleaned off any paint on the metal and wiped them down with stain. Sealed them up with a little poly, and bam! Fun knobs!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QhA9MHKFcqs/T77Uu3sbnbI/AAAAAAAABnk/MXgeE-GCCJk/s1600/IMG_4112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QhA9MHKFcqs/T77Uu3sbnbI/AAAAAAAABnk/MXgeE-GCCJk/s400/IMG_4112.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I finished this piece pretty much the same way as the ever popular <a href="http://doodlebugonline.blogspot.com/2012/02/distressed-antique-dresser-paint-stain.html">Antique Distressed Dresser</a>. If you want a detailed tutorial, check out that post. The only difference is that for this piece I left the top natural and put a <i>much</i> thinner layer of stain on top of the paint. I thinned it down with mineral spirits so it made almost no difference--just went into the bare wood of the edges.</div>
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Here are some more pretty pictures of her new life:</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RIaEqQVsbnI/T77UjmLR37I/AAAAAAAABlU/l3fpnOI8AhQ/s1600/CRW_4122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RIaEqQVsbnI/T77UjmLR37I/AAAAAAAABlU/l3fpnOI8AhQ/s640/CRW_4122.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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(Again, check out the tutorial on this stencil technique, <a href="http://doodlebugonline.blogspot.com/2012/05/wax-resist-stenciled-planter.html">Wax-Resist Stenciled Planter</a>)</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pdXfzfo1KZE/T77UiFevylI/AAAAAAAABk8/S5YnbhLkqQo/s1600/CRW_4106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pdXfzfo1KZE/T77UiFevylI/AAAAAAAABk8/S5YnbhLkqQo/s640/CRW_4106.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mhWIyu35oa0/T77UjCI0DUI/AAAAAAAABlM/1zVWv0t6_Vg/s1600/CRW_4117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mhWIyu35oa0/T77UjCI0DUI/AAAAAAAABlM/1zVWv0t6_Vg/s640/CRW_4117.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1-tYUKi4QtY/T77UkDkCsDI/AAAAAAAABlc/XCSCL3Ia_bM/s1600/CRW_4124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1-tYUKi4QtY/T77UkDkCsDI/AAAAAAAABlc/XCSCL3Ia_bM/s640/CRW_4124.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LRIsd3YXbY0/T77UlkJOU6I/AAAAAAAABls/jdhMOdgG7xw/s1600/CRW_4131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LRIsd3YXbY0/T77UlkJOU6I/AAAAAAAABls/jdhMOdgG7xw/s640/CRW_4131.jpg" width="412" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZDqe-wMry8g/T77UmD1lzvI/AAAAAAAABl0/OvhMwGvxkfk/s1600/CRW_4139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZDqe-wMry8g/T77UmD1lzvI/AAAAAAAABl0/OvhMwGvxkfk/s640/CRW_4139.jpg" width="418" /></a></div>
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Beautiful. This is probably my favorite dresser so far. I just love her details, and of course her legs :)</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sX1AqqGp4sk/T77UhSnyg6I/AAAAAAAABk0/ljg9UsBblig/s1600/Before+%2526+After.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="548" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sX1AqqGp4sk/T77UhSnyg6I/AAAAAAAABk0/ljg9UsBblig/s640/Before+%2526+After.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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...and she lives happily ever after.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X8eCj0TDoyE/T77UivOJ-gI/AAAAAAAABlE/mUseUf7Bf1Y/s1600/CRW_4115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X8eCj0TDoyE/T77UivOJ-gI/AAAAAAAABlE/mUseUf7Bf1Y/s640/CRW_4115.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
As We Observe Memorial Day: Thank you to all who have lost loved ones & friends while they were defending our country's freedom. We cannot thank you and your family enough for the sacrifices that have been made on our behalf. God Bless.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">~The Doodle Bug</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><br />
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I'm usually partyin' at these hangouts:</div>
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Furniture Feature Friday @ <a href="http://missmustardseed.com/">Miss Mustard Seed</a></div>
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Show & Tell Friday @ <a href="http://romantichome.blogspot.com/">My Romantic Home</a></div>
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Flaunt it Friday @ <a href="http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/">Chic on a Shoestring Decorating</a></div>
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Frugal Friday @ <a href="http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/">The Shabby Nest</a></div>
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Simply Creations Link Party @ <a href="http://www.mysimplehomelife.com/">Simple Home. Life</a></div>
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Spotlight Saturday @ <a href="http://classyclutter.blogspot.com/">Classy Clutter</a></div>
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Trash 2 Treasure Tuesday @ <a href="http://kammyskorner.blogspot.com/">Kammy's Korner</a></div>
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Big "Thank You" to the girls over at Classy Clutter for their <a href="http://classyclutter.blogspot.com/2012/06/spotlight-saturday-top-20.html">feature</a>!<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>Becky@DoodleBugOnlinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01763918737667531018noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7040211037720460890.post-88882859883784275392012-05-16T15:26:00.000-05:002012-05-16T15:34:36.494-05:00A Puppy!Do you recall in the <a href="http://doodlebugonline.blogspot.com/2012/05/wax-resist-stenciled-planter.html#more">last post</a> when I wrote,<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">I really did it and it worked!! Not only did it work, it was </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><i>easy, fun, and magical! </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">What more could a girl ask for? </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>A puppy." </i>?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Well, how many times have I told you how great my husband is? Soooooo many times. And after this post, the entire blogosphere will agree. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Meet my birthday present from Joe. We've named him "Jip." </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ten points to anyone who can leave a comment naming the literary reference :)</span></div>
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Eeeee! Did you just say "Cute" to yourself in a really high-pitched voice?? Because I am, constantly. Also, I'm in a quandary because I don't know how I'm going to discipline that cute little face :)<br />
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You'll have to excuse his wet face--he wanted to know what was coming out of the garden hose.<br />
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Razor sharp teeth, those are. Yikes, we're trying to teach him to stop biting fingers and toes. Ouch!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Little Jip is a Maltese, weighs in at a whopping 2.7 pounds, and is bouncy and playful. Except right now he's sleeping on the couch next to me. So sweet when he's not stabbing my fingers with his little teeth.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A huge "Thank You!" to his breeders, the <a href="http://stutzmanspuppies.com/">Stutzman family</a>. We went and picked Jip up from their farm in Iowa yesterday and they were incredibly kind and helpful. I emailed back and forth with them, asking many many questions and when we went to pick up this sweet guy they gave us all the information we needed to know and a healthy, happy puppy. Thank you, Stutzman Family for your help and for this beautiful little guy! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If you want more information on the Stutzmans and their farm, check out their website linked above or at <a href="http://stutzmanspuppies.com/">stutzmanspuppies.com</a>. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Well, that's all I have to show you. You know what I'll be doing for the next few days!! Have a great rest of the week!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">~The Doodle Bug</span></div>Becky@DoodleBugOnlinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01763918737667531018noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7040211037720460890.post-89005430224725195462012-05-08T10:47:00.000-05:002012-05-09T17:23:06.986-05:00Wax-Resist Stenciled PlanterPart 2 of 2. To see Part 1, check it out at <a href="http://doodlebugonline.blogspot.com/2012/05/building-wood-planter-box.html">Building a Wood Planter Box</a>.<br />
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Once upon a time, there was a girl named Becky. She liked to make things and especially paint things, but most of the time she just used different tricks she learned from other people. This was great, but then one day she came up with an idea all her own. And it. Was. Epic.<br />
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I am sooooo excited to share this with you. For those of you who have been hanging out with me for a long time, you might remember the terrible <i>failed</i> <a href="http://doodlebugonline.blogspot.com/2011/08/when-at-first-you-dont-succeed.html">Long Black Library Table</a> incident? Yes, and how I then tried to explain the correct way of doing it, but without any examples to go with? Well, today that wrong will be made right, because I did it! I really did it and it worked!! Not only did it work, it was <i>easy, fun, and magical! </i>What more could a girl ask for? </div>
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<i>A puppy.</i></div>
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Ahem. Okay, so I have a wonderful friend "K" who had a birthday last month, and I wanted to make her something special. I haven't done much for birthdays and holidays for my besties lately-of whom "K" is one- and I'm trying to get back in the swing of things.<i> </i> So for inspiration and to see what she likes, where did I turn? Where else but <a href="http://pinterest.com/">Pinterest</a>! "K" is on Pinterest, so I stalked her boards and these were three useful pictures I found:</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://theswenglishhome.blogspot.com/2011/11/i-have-heard-whisper.html">Via The Swenglish Home</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.addicted2decorating.com/cassandra%E2%80%99s-dining-room-the-reveal.html">Via Addicted 2 Decorating</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://design-seeds.com/">Via Design Seeds</a></td></tr>
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Hmmm...I also knew that she loves growing herbs...or at least that she likes the idea of it. So I set out to make a worn turquoise wood planter box of epic proportions. Well, pretty much normal proportions actually. I used a 14" mud pan (for drywall mud) from Menards to act as a liner--so the wood wouldn't rot from all that watering.<br />
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This post is about how I painted said planter box--to see how I built the planter, check out my post <a href="http://doodlebugonline.blogspot.com/2012/05/building-wood-planter-box.html">Building a Wood Planter Box</a>. </div>
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Here is the planter, all built and ready for some paint</div>
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And here is how to make her a princess!</div>
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First, paint the whole box with whatever color you want the stenciled area to be. I chose to do a natural brown but I wanted the grain to show through, so I used watered-down latex paint.</div>
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Next tape on your stencil. I used a stencil I found awhile back that I printed on thick paper and cut out with my Exacto knife.</div>
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Using a tea candle, I heated the tea candle in the flame of a lit candle, then rubbed the softened wax into the stencil openings. Afterward I realized you could also use a long tapered candle--that would keep your fingers from getting burned :)</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5IIWXfEmnJk/T6k2Q6GIg6I/AAAAAAAABhw/45nCSA2U9tw/s1600/CRW_4038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5IIWXfEmnJk/T6k2Q6GIg6I/AAAAAAAABhw/45nCSA2U9tw/s400/CRW_4038.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sWM2_5VWZ_Q/T6k2Rytj43I/AAAAAAAABh4/0WqzqhLwVH8/s1600/CRW_4039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sWM2_5VWZ_Q/T6k2Rytj43I/AAAAAAAABh4/0WqzqhLwVH8/s400/CRW_4039.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Peel off your stencil, make sure there's wax everywhere you don't want the paint to stick.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oDGJdqX6bnY/T6k2TEZO8hI/AAAAAAAABiA/PAhqENCifmg/s1600/CRW_4041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oDGJdqX6bnY/T6k2TEZO8hI/AAAAAAAABiA/PAhqENCifmg/s400/CRW_4041.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Are you starting to get the vision? Don't jump off the boat yet, because the next steps are important. Trust me, I did it wrong a few times before I got it right!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBKoCAZCmVM/T6k2Ti4XatI/AAAAAAAABiI/kF63AI9UU9U/s1600/CRW_4044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBKoCAZCmVM/T6k2Ti4XatI/AAAAAAAABiI/kF63AI9UU9U/s400/CRW_4044.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Since I would be distressing this piece, I wanted a third color besides the base coat and the top coat. So I opted for a thin coat of white paint since it would contrast well with the turquoise.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0PhsB_Hr7Bo/T6k2UZ1JC2I/AAAAAAAABiQ/O09n6Piqd6g/s1600/CRW_4048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0PhsB_Hr7Bo/T6k2UZ1JC2I/AAAAAAAABiQ/O09n6Piqd6g/s400/CRW_4048.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Then I painted the whole thing a really bright turquoise--again, watered-down. </div>
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<i>**Though I have used full-thickness paint before, the only way I can be sure that this will work well is if I water down my paint a bit. Really thick paint, (especially high-gloss), can get rubbery and peel up so if you want to use full-thickness, I would test it first on a scrap.</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-roA_Ccl50Z8/T6k2VmrZK5I/AAAAAAAABiY/vbMvDcQ6VVA/s1600/CRW_4050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-roA_Ccl50Z8/T6k2VmrZK5I/AAAAAAAABiY/vbMvDcQ6VVA/s400/CRW_4050.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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THIS STEP IS CRUCIAL!! In order for you to get the wax off without peeling off your paint, you <i>must</i> sand off the layers of paint on top of the wax. Otherwise when you get to the next step, it will all just bubble up and peel off. <i>And that is NO FUN! </i>That's what happened to me on the <a href="http://doodlebugonline.blogspot.com/2011/08/when-at-first-you-dont-succeed.html">Long Black Library Table</a>. It makes it look sloppy and you can't get all the wax off properly to seal it.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dZTtfnq5rMA/T6k2WVpfiaI/AAAAAAAABik/dCpaZej6b0A/s1600/CRW_4052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dZTtfnq5rMA/T6k2WVpfiaI/AAAAAAAABik/dCpaZej6b0A/s400/CRW_4052.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I was going for the distressed look, so I sanded the corners down to the bare wood.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TCe-8uLV9S8/T6k2XE2nQKI/AAAAAAAABis/JLgD_p5crW4/s1600/CRW_4053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TCe-8uLV9S8/T6k2XE2nQKI/AAAAAAAABis/JLgD_p5crW4/s400/CRW_4053.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This is the magic step. Take your iron and an old towel or piece of absorbent fabric (I used an old T-shirt scrap). Iron on top of your wax stencil until the wax melts into the fabric. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CipVM-g-UxA/T6k2YLpQbiI/AAAAAAAABi0/mU7NeLcwab0/s1600/CRW_4054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CipVM-g-UxA/T6k2YLpQbiI/AAAAAAAABi0/mU7NeLcwab0/s400/CRW_4054.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The paint will peel up onto your towel in spots. For the spots that don't come up right away, when the paint is still warm from the iron take a piece of sand paper and gently sand in the direction of the grain. The warm wax underneath the paint will make the paint come right up. Sand and iron away until you get all the wax up.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sIfMD49GXvc/T6k2ZLE_NoI/AAAAAAAABi8/2LJZnPTHYLI/s1600/CRW_4057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sIfMD49GXvc/T6k2ZLE_NoI/AAAAAAAABi8/2LJZnPTHYLI/s400/CRW_4057.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Once I had the wax off, I wanted my sanded corners and other areas with bare wood to be darker. I took the first brown wash and gave it a light wipe-down. This is similar to using stain to distress a dresser, like the <a href="http://doodlebugonline.blogspot.com/2012/02/distressed-antique-dresser-paint-stain.html">Distressed Antique Dresser: Paint + Stain</a>.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OEZiaR_Okw0/T6k2Z9eq8rI/AAAAAAAABjE/uAOWwaoWHGQ/s1600/CRW_4058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OEZiaR_Okw0/T6k2Z9eq8rI/AAAAAAAABjE/uAOWwaoWHGQ/s400/CRW_4058.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Once I had it sufficiently sanded, distressed, and "washed," I sealed it up with Minwax Polycrylic. I gave it two coats on the outside, three on the inside. Here's a full list of what you'll need, start to finish. Basic stuff, really.</div>
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<b>Supply List for a Wax Resist</b></div>
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1. Whatever you want the stencil to be on.</div>
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2. Base coat of water-based paint (can be full strength or watered down)</div>
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3. Lit candle & Candle for wax</div>
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4. A stencil (paper or plastic--just sturdy)</div>
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5. Topcoat of water-based paint, thinned a bit</div>
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6. Sandpaper</div>
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(Optional: Watered-down paint to soak into areas of bare wood)</div>
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7. Iron & Old Towel</div>
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8. Sealer--I recommend Minwax Polycrylic</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qejpJFFaguw/T6k2a5PA2NI/AAAAAAAABjM/HCS9dasVbvA/s1600/CRW_4066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qejpJFFaguw/T6k2a5PA2NI/AAAAAAAABjM/HCS9dasVbvA/s400/CRW_4066.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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There you have it! Now go and stencil something!!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1OAHDfPliRg/T6k2boObkII/AAAAAAAABjU/xieXzZwWb50/s1600/CRW_4071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1OAHDfPliRg/T6k2boObkII/AAAAAAAABjU/xieXzZwWb50/s640/CRW_4071.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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You could use this on an old silverware box, a dresser top, a bookshelf, a wall plaque, anything! If you use it, I would love if you would send me a picture or link so I can see your creative genius!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YM13E0ijp8o/T6k2dR801UI/AAAAAAAABjk/lrn7fJ7bSQ4/s1600/CRW_4078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YM13E0ijp8o/T6k2dR801UI/AAAAAAAABjk/lrn7fJ7bSQ4/s640/CRW_4078.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zRFYB5iw0sY/T6k2cPVCbQI/AAAAAAAABjc/ODHv12NjSr4/s1600/CRW_4077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zRFYB5iw0sY/T6k2cPVCbQI/AAAAAAAABjc/ODHv12NjSr4/s640/CRW_4077.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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"K" told me she loved her present, and that makes me one perfectly happy girl. </div>
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Happy Tuesday!</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">~The Doodle Bug</span></div>
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I'm usually partyin' at these hangouts:</div>
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Friday Feature @ <a href="http://www.redouxinteriors.com/">Redoux</a></div>
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Feathered Nest Friday @ <a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/">French Country Cottage</a></div>
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Furniture Feature Friday @ <a href="http://missmustardseed.com/">Miss Mustard Seed</a></div>
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Show & Tell Friday @ <a href="http://romantichome.blogspot.com/">My Romantic Home</a></div>
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Flaunt it Friday @ <a href="http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/">Chic on a Shoestring Decorating</a></div>
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Frugal Friday @ <a href="http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/">The Shabby Nest</a></div>
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Simply Creations Link Party @ <a href="http://www.mysimplehomelife.com/">Simple Home. Life</a></div>
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It's a Hodgepodge Friday @ <a href="http://itsahodgepodgelife.blogspot.com/">It's a Hodgepodge Life</a></div>
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Spotlight Saturday @ <a href="http://classyclutter.blogspot.com/">Classy Clutter</a></div>
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Trash 2 Treasure Tuesday @ <a href="http://kammyskorner.blogspot.com/">Kammy's Korner</a></div>
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<a href="http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.co.uk/">Nifty Thrifty Tuesday @ Coastal Charm</a></div>
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<a href="http://myuncommonsliceofsuburbia.com/">Tuesday's Treasures @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia</a></div>
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<a href="http://thediyclub.com/" title="DIY Club"><img alt="DIY Club" height="125" src="http://thediyclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/monthlydiyprojectparty-button-300x300.png" width="125" /></a></div>Becky@DoodleBugOnlinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01763918737667531018noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7040211037720460890.post-22111134120274989832012-05-08T09:48:00.004-05:002012-05-09T17:15:43.064-05:00Building a Wood Planter BoxPart One of <a href="http://doodlebugonline.blogspot.com/2012/05/wax-resist-stenciled-planter.html">Two</a><br />
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Heya everyone! Today is an epic day, you wanna know why? Because I'm about to do something I have <i>never</i> done. I am going to post twice in one day.<br />
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Say What???</div>
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Yes, believe it and throw a party because it may never happen again. </div>
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I have a great project to show you, but it involves two different steps. So I'm splitting it into two posts so that you can easily read only the part you care about, without wading though a post that goes on for miles. "I'm so thoughtful like that!" This post is about how to build a basic wood planter box, the <span id="goog_1930211457"></span>second is how I painted it<span id="goog_1930211458"></span>. I'll explain a little more about why I did it all in the next post, but for now you can just know that this was a birthday present for a friend (and she already got it, so now I am at liberty to show all of you!).<br />
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**Update: Check out the next post at <a href="http://doodlebugonline.blogspot.com/2012/05/wax-resist-stenciled-planter.html">Wax-Resist Stenciled Planter</a>**<br />
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Let's get the nitty gritty out of the way first. Here were the materials I started with, (plus a 1"8"x5' pine board).</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DlhzddADwRM/T6MlLIBaW1I/AAAAAAAABeA/4NEaXLxpwHA/s1600/CRW_4013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DlhzddADwRM/T6MlLIBaW1I/AAAAAAAABeA/4NEaXLxpwHA/s400/CRW_4013.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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14" Mud Pan (from the hardware store)<br />
1" All-Purpose Screws<br />
1-1/2" Nails<br />
Drill<br />
Hammer<br />
Clamps<br />
Rope or Cord for handles<br />
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First, I prepped the 14" mud pan. This is to act as a liner, so the wood doesn't sit filled with wet soil all the time. First, I took out the metal scraper thingies; then I drilled four holes in the bottom for drainage and two holes in the top at each side to put the rope through and make some cute little handles to pull out the liner for watering. I forgot to take a picture of that part, but you can see the handles in the post <a href="http://doodlebugonline.blogspot.com/2012/05/wax-resist-stenciled-planter.html">Wax-Resist Stenciled Planter</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lbRv9i23MOo/T6MlLlQQekI/AAAAAAAABeI/5oco-cN9KaA/s1600/CRW_4014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lbRv9i23MOo/T6MlLlQQekI/AAAAAAAABeI/5oco-cN9KaA/s400/CRW_4014.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kQr9TXbm-XM/T6MlLy7qfJI/AAAAAAAABeQ/qt_a6kegCRA/s1600/CRW_4029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kQr9TXbm-XM/T6MlLy7qfJI/AAAAAAAABeQ/qt_a6kegCRA/s400/CRW_4029.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g_8u3Udn_Gg/T6MlMHCdDZI/AAAAAAAABeY/bN8ubtG5qpc/s1600/CRW_4030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g_8u3Udn_Gg/T6MlMHCdDZI/AAAAAAAABeY/bN8ubtG5qpc/s400/CRW_4030.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Now here for your viewing and reading pleasure is...how to build a planter box from basic pine lumber.</div>
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Presented in Picture Form. I wish I had a pianist playing, like in a silent film :)</div>
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Didja get all that? Here it is in words, for you non-visual learners:</div>
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<div>
1. Screw the bottom feet to the two bottom pieces, leaving about 1/4" gap in the middle for drainage.</div>
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--Make sure to pre-drill the holes so you don't split the wood, and countersink the screws :)</div>
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2. Glue and tack the whole piece together with nails. The nails will hold it temporarily while you get it</div>
<div>
all put together, but use a lot of glue.</div>
<div>
3. To make sure it stays together long term, clamp it all together good and tight. Let that sit for a</div>
<div>
couple hours.</div>
<div>
4. Take it out of the clamps and sand it. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
Voila! Now we're ready to paint! And seriously, don't miss the next post, <a href="http://doodlebugonline.blogspot.com/2012/05/wax-resist-stenciled-planter.html">Wax-Resist Stenciled Planter</a>. I'm pretty excited about this technique and I'm pretty sure this is the only place you're going to find it right now. Here's a teaser:</div>
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See you back here in a flash!</div>
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<br /></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">~The Doodle Bug</span></div>Becky@DoodleBugOnlinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01763918737667531018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7040211037720460890.post-15221327578015557282012-04-26T21:37:00.000-05:002012-04-27T20:43:44.882-05:00Doodlings #2Time for show and tell!! Today I worked at the<a href="http://nownagain.biz/"> store</a>. You know how they say "when you're trying to save money, <i>stay out of the shopping mall!!!"</i>? Well, me working at the store all day is like sending an opium addict to China for a romp in the poppies. Joe and I are saving for a house. Saving, saving. And as you all know from <a href="http://doodlebugonline.blogspot.com/2012/04/before-afters-and-blow-money-magic.html">last week's post</a>, I already spent all my blow money on my magnificent theatre seats. Do I regret it? Absolutely NOT! But it still left me in a store full of pretty things all day long with sparse customers to distract me. <br />
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My solution? I took a camera.<br />
Hey, when you can't buy it, just take a picture! That way even though you don't own it, you still have a record of its existence. Here are some things from the store that caught my eye.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TgfeRMbyB60/T5n8EfM6OjI/AAAAAAAABaw/8x5jRuzbbko/s1600/IMG_3801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TgfeRMbyB60/T5n8EfM6OjI/AAAAAAAABaw/8x5jRuzbbko/s400/IMG_3801.JPG" width="301" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">A Beautiful vintage necklace, earring, and bracelet set. Sorry the picture's a bit blurred--it was under glass...so people don't get sticky fingers :)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zA0HPFnc430/T5n8K75d6mI/AAAAAAAABcg/wfmOjnmLJic/s1600/IMG_3826.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zA0HPFnc430/T5n8K75d6mI/AAAAAAAABcg/wfmOjnmLJic/s640/IMG_3826.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div class="Classic" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">These are the candles that I've been admiring for a while. They
have beautiful, exotic names for their scents like <i>"Spring Breeze"
</i>or <i>"Woodland Mist</i>." There's one that smells
heavenly, it's my favorite. Want to know what its name is?</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0gx7xAqdips/T5n8Ksfv0OI/AAAAAAAABcY/4wuowrc1M3w/s1600/IMG_3823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="454" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0gx7xAqdips/T5n8Ksfv0OI/AAAAAAAABcY/4wuowrc1M3w/s640/IMG_3823.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">
</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times;"> Yeah, seriously.
I have to pick the one called Monkey Farts. Awesome.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D047Sgl0vcY/T5n8E92KOjI/AAAAAAAABa4/PirHnYig8rg/s1600/IMG_3802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D047Sgl0vcY/T5n8E92KOjI/AAAAAAAABa4/PirHnYig8rg/s640/IMG_3802.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">It's hard to tell from
this picture, but this trunk is actually pretty small--probably just over 2
feet wide. The tag said this trunk was actually from a </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>stagecoach!!</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> How
cool is that?!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Keet3916bgk/T5n8FWvghiI/AAAAAAAABbA/21tD65iOSvc/s1600/IMG_3804.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Keet3916bgk/T5n8FWvghiI/AAAAAAAABbA/21tD65iOSvc/s640/IMG_3804.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #001ee6;"><a href="http://www.amctv.com/shows/mad-men">Mad Men</a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, anyone? "It's
Toasted."</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-plvLfqs0rtw/T5n8F9cWTnI/AAAAAAAABbI/RehoVrS5n0U/s1600/IMG_3806.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-plvLfqs0rtw/T5n8F9cWTnI/AAAAAAAABbI/RehoVrS5n0U/s640/IMG_3806.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div>
</td></tr>
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<br />
My Mom wants something like this for her doggy. See what I found, Mom??!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XdIzDlmssFA/T5n8GTLcTQI/AAAAAAAABbQ/U_MSHrAeiV8/s1600/IMG_3807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="484" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XdIzDlmssFA/T5n8GTLcTQI/AAAAAAAABbQ/U_MSHrAeiV8/s640/IMG_3807.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Here's the steal of a deal, people. This bench-sofa-chaise furniture piece is calling my name, soft and sweet. It's saying "<i>It would be soooo easy to reupholster me and love me for the rest of your life!!"</i> Our college's alumni house had a piece like this in front of the fireplace. It was my favorite--so incredibly comfortable, and since it doesn't have a back it doesn't visually break up the room nearly as much as a regular sofa. Luvin' it. Anyone want to buy it for my birthday and then store it until I have someplace to put it? <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dXpy-bd8Z4k/T5n8G31cfjI/AAAAAAAABbY/tFQFmxso_O8/s1600/IMG_3809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dXpy-bd8Z4k/T5n8G31cfjI/AAAAAAAABbY/tFQFmxso_O8/s640/IMG_3809.JPG" width="432" /></a></div>
This reminds me of the<a href="http://doodlebugonline.blogspot.com/2011/09/closet-door-sofa-table.html"> Closet Door Sofa Table</a> that Joe and I built. Another great use of old closet doors (or this might even be a regular door sawn in two)--and see, she even left the knob on! Fun!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YQ0oKg7HYo0/T5n8HXUfiYI/AAAAAAAABbg/x-TASgp77f0/s1600/IMG_3811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YQ0oKg7HYo0/T5n8HXUfiYI/AAAAAAAABbg/x-TASgp77f0/s640/IMG_3811.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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What? You didn't know there was consignment clothing in our store? Yes, yes there is. And I like this shirt a lot. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RB5Id0TBqYs/T5n8H9iC5RI/AAAAAAAABbo/tUaZLaZ7sBo/s1600/IMG_3812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="468" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RB5Id0TBqYs/T5n8H9iC5RI/AAAAAAAABbo/tUaZLaZ7sBo/s640/IMG_3812.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
This is probably the cutest Pyrex casserole I've ever seen. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PpahWLOb0m0/T5n8IVzWBbI/AAAAAAAABbw/m65Ub53_JyY/s1600/IMG_3814.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PpahWLOb0m0/T5n8IVzWBbI/AAAAAAAABbw/m65Ub53_JyY/s640/IMG_3814.JPG" width="440" /></a></div>
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I don't know why, but this little wooden spool caught my fancy. It would be cute as a part of a little vignette on a mantle or bookcase.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pk942ZKrR10/T5n8I-0hNfI/AAAAAAAABb4/Cp5TcEufP-8/s1600/IMG_3816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="462" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pk942ZKrR10/T5n8I-0hNfI/AAAAAAAABb4/Cp5TcEufP-8/s640/IMG_3816.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Wouldn't this be the sweetest little dish on your bedside stand to hold your earrings that you forget to take out before you get into bed? <br />
What? Oh, you don't forget to take them out every night? Oh. Never mind.<br />
I don't either...<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z-OglAeIGS0/T5n8JX36eiI/AAAAAAAABcA/SCI0uHgYIio/s1600/IMG_3817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="454" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z-OglAeIGS0/T5n8JX36eiI/AAAAAAAABcA/SCI0uHgYIio/s640/IMG_3817.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
If you like little glass dishes, feast your eyes on this table full of goodies.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hlx388T2XqE/T5n8Jy_XmTI/AAAAAAAABcI/-UxTMV_FHR8/s1600/IMG_3818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hlx388T2XqE/T5n8Jy_XmTI/AAAAAAAABcI/-UxTMV_FHR8/s640/IMG_3818.JPG" width="416" /></a></div>
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I really like these wine glasses. Joe says they're plastic. I think he's wrong. They're just really thin glass, and if he keeps making them flex to prove they're plastic, they're going to break and prove that I was right. Glass. And then I'll get to have the other five 'cause I'll have to buy them... </div>
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Good plan.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lJYeblu0xLg/T5n8KOOns2I/AAAAAAAABcQ/h-C-6aZ_hOc/s1600/IMG_3819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lJYeblu0xLg/T5n8KOOns2I/AAAAAAAABcQ/h-C-6aZ_hOc/s640/IMG_3819.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
I have no idea what I would use these for...well, besides spices of course. But they're cute all the same.<br />
<br />
<br />
There you go! Now I have shown the world the things that tempted me all day, and I am cleansed. Maybe I passed on the bug to you! Ha! Now you'll have to come all the way to Minnesota just to visit our store!<br />
<br />
'Til Next Time, keep it classy.<br />
And buy me a birthday present. 26 days and counting, people.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">~The Doodle Bug</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<div style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I'm usually Linking up to these parties:</span></div>
<div style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.redouxinteriors.com/">Redoux</a></span></div>
</div>
</div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/">French Country Cottage</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://missmustardseed.com/">Miss Mustard Seed</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://romantichome.blogspot.com/">My Romantic Home</a></span></div>
</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/">Chic on a Shoestring Decorating</a></span></div>
</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/">The Shabby Nest</a></span></div>
</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.mysimplehomelife.com/">Simple Home. Life</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://itsahodgepodgelife.blogspot.com/">It's a Hodgepodge Life</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://kammyskorner.blogspot.com/">Kammy's Korner</a></span></div>
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</div>Becky@DoodleBugOnlinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01763918737667531018noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7040211037720460890.post-52763699087349290932012-04-19T17:49:00.000-05:002012-05-24T20:55:14.378-05:00Before & Afters and Blow Money MagicDo you ever have those days when you just want to see some quick results, and you don't care how you get them? Today is one of those for me. I was working downstairs in a tizzy not because I'm in a hurry, but because I just want to get something done!! I finished for now downstairs, and because I can't seem to sit still, I got busy on a post--an "instant gratification" update post. Meaning I'm going to show you a little bunch of things that won't require you--or me--to think! Hooray! <br />
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Actually my brain is a little fried. Last night we went over to "Family H's" (remember them? They gave me the <a href="http://doodlebugonline.blogspot.com/2012/01/unique-folding-bench-how-to-paint.html">Striped Bench </a>and <a href="http://doodlebugonline.blogspot.com/2011/11/dressing-up-fabric.html">Antique Wood Box</a>, just because they're awesome. And they think they're giving me <i>junk!</i> HA!), because they were burning a big pile of...big timbers...and we were up late making sure nothing else caught on fire. Actually <i>Joe & "A" were up late.</i> I went to bed, because I'm a diva.<br />
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Anyway, as promised, here are a few little stories and pictures to update you on my awesome recent projects and finds.<br />
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Up first, this little rocking horse that I bought for CHEEEP!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KQdI-khNT6Q/T5CRMMokdmI/AAAAAAAABZc/kzdhTzRLMus/s1600/IMG_3826.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="528" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KQdI-khNT6Q/T5CRMMokdmI/AAAAAAAABZc/kzdhTzRLMus/s640/IMG_3826.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u4MbtG-Lw0g/T5CR26s0HqI/AAAAAAAABZ8/fnsAzNzNaMg/s1600/rocking+horse.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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Too bad I've outgrown rocking horses. Mostly.<br />
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Next up, my tomato seedlings are up!! They're mostly normal, except one. You'll see "pinky" in the second picture. Any ideas what's wrong with him?</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fO-xnOj1Mx4/T5CRMj3jxNI/AAAAAAAABZk/9XM0AaXIUzs/s1600/IMG_3992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fO-xnOj1Mx4/T5CRMj3jxNI/AAAAAAAABZk/9XM0AaXIUzs/s640/IMG_3992.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jyNkbTH-v7E/T5CRLvehveI/AAAAAAAABZU/ZhGhRtTGeJI/s1600/CRW_4085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jyNkbTH-v7E/T5CRLvehveI/AAAAAAAABZU/ZhGhRtTGeJI/s640/CRW_4085.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
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Joe thinks it might be an albino plant. All you master gardeners who read my blog, please enlighten me. </div>
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And next is a set of chairs that I saw and thought "Those are SO freaking COOL!" Actually, I had a whole different direction in my head for how to redo them, but in an effort to keep them more marketable to my client base, I went with plan "B." </div>
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"B" for boring, maybe, but they're still cool.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0lb3u1n8aLw/T5CRLA7Sb_I/AAAAAAAABZM/KM4ZJf97n-c/s1600/CRW_4059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="336" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0lb3u1n8aLw/T5CRLA7Sb_I/AAAAAAAABZM/KM4ZJf97n-c/s640/CRW_4059.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Wanna hear about my plan "A"? It was awesome. "A" for Awesome. I found this light lavender fabric that had two different sheens, forming a zebra stripe pattern. And it was <i>shiny! </i> So imagine these chairs painted white, with a small silver band around each opening in the chair back. Then throw on the shiny lavender zebra stripe fabric and WHAM! You have a super-sleek and girly set of chairs that will knock the socks off of all your friends. Seriously, it would have been epic. But, a girl's gotta make a little money sometimes. <br />
Part of me wishes I had just stuck it to the man and done it the way I wanted. <br />
That's my little evil twin.<br />
I got her from my Mom.<br />
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Oh, and here are the pheasants who live and do unspeakable things in our yard:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a7cE0CpSt7g/T5CT6GfOKQI/AAAAAAAABaI/N8AHBsptrTk/s1600/IMG_3987.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="436" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a7cE0CpSt7g/T5CT6GfOKQI/AAAAAAAABaI/N8AHBsptrTk/s640/IMG_3987.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Ooh, that was exciting. ish. Not really. <br />
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BUT THIS PART IS!!!<br />
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This month, I had $20 of blow money. Blow money is just that--I can buy whatever unnecessary junk I want with it and no one can tell me "NO!" ha! <br />
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I had bought a couple of plastic containers to repot my amaryllis, and a board for a project that I cannot yet talk about. Then I was in a mall and took a survey that they paid me $7 to take. After all that, I had enough money in my blow money (well, I had to cheat and use $1 in quarters--but those don't count), to buy THESE:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xolrZo0MJu0/T5CRKAhUtCI/AAAAAAAABZE/MyVfespJJAE/s1600/CRW_4001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="440" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xolrZo0MJu0/T5CRKAhUtCI/AAAAAAAABZE/MyVfespJJAE/s640/CRW_4001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8DHcfLr6YY/T5CRO-Rx4UI/AAAAAAAABZs/mAl0hKEqN8s/s1600/Theatre+Seats+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="438" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8DHcfLr6YY/T5CRO-Rx4UI/AAAAAAAABZs/mAl0hKEqN8s/s640/Theatre+Seats+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
AAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!! AREN'T THEY SO COOL???<br />
Yes, I realize they need a little love. And they'll get it when I get some time. <br />
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And now I'm dreaming of a bank of 1920's-1930's theatre seats in an entryway. <br />
"You need to put on your shoes? No problem! Have a seat in our AWESOME THEATRE SEATS!"<br />
And I just looked some pictures up so you can dream with me:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/inspiration-pennys-enchanting-81810">Via Apartment Therapy</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1769470670"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yJMJ0aauUww/T5CgWxz2gpI/AAAAAAAABac/vo3ZgcDaEz4/s400/design*sponge.jpg" width="336" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.designsponge.com/2009/04/sneak-peek-a-day-in-may.html">Via Design*Sponge</a></td></tr>
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This is going to be so cool.<br />
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Now to just have an entryway...<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">~The Doodle Bug</span><br />
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I'm usually partyin' at these hangouts:</div>
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Friday Feature @ <a href="http://www.redouxinteriors.com/">Redoux</a></div>
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Feathered Nest Friday @ <a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/">French Country Cottage</a></div>
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Furniture Feature Friday @ <a href="http://missmustardseed.com/">Miss Mustard Seed</a></div>
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Show & Tell Friday @ <a href="http://romantichome.blogspot.com/">My Romantic Home</a></div>
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Flaunt it Friday @ <a href="http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/">Chic on a Shoestring Decorating</a></div>
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Frugal Friday @ <a href="http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/">The Shabby Nest</a></div>
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Simply Creations Link Party @ <a href="http://www.mysimplehomelife.com/">Simple Home. Life</a></div>
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It's a Hodgepodge Friday @ <a href="http://itsahodgepodgelife.blogspot.com/">It's a Hodgepodge Life</a></div>
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Spotlight Saturday @ <a href="http://classyclutter.blogspot.com/">Classy Clutter</a></div>
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Trash 2 Treasure Tuesday @ <a href="http://kammyskorner.blogspot.com/">Kammy's Korner</a></div>
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<a href="http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.co.uk/">Nifty Thrifty Tuesday @ Coastal Charm</a></div>
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<a href="http://myuncommonsliceofsuburbia.com/">Tuesday's Treasures @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia</a></div>
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<a href="http://thediyclub.com/" title="DIY Club"><img alt="DIY Club" height="125" src="http://thediyclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/monthlydiyprojectparty-button-300x300.png" style="cursor: move;" width="125" /></a></div>
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</div>Becky@DoodleBugOnlinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01763918737667531018noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7040211037720460890.post-85929941039757623252012-04-16T06:00:00.000-05:002012-04-17T17:27:41.890-05:00My Very First Guest Post! Hello, World!Hey guys!<br />
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Today is an exciting day for me. I'm guest-posting for the lovely Kate over at <a href="http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/">Chic on a Shoestring Decorating</a>! She's taking a well-earned blog vacation and I'm helping her out by filling in for a day. And she's helping me out by letting me do it, so let's hear a round of applause for Kate, and then jump on over to her blog and check it out:<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/2012/04/how-to-reupholster-chair-guest-post-by.html#comment-form">Chic on a Shoestring Decorating Guest Post!</a></span></div>
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And if you just wandered over here from Chic on a Shoestring, WELCOME! This is my little slice of the blogosphere, and my little hobby-child. Take a look around in the <i>archives</i> found on the top of the page or my <i>most popular posts</i> found on the sidebar. If you have any questions or projects you'd like to share with me, leave me a comment--I love seeing everyone's great ideas!</div>
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Have a great day!</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">~The Doodle Bug</span></div>Becky@DoodleBugOnlinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01763918737667531018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7040211037720460890.post-47615196951908565382012-04-13T09:35:00.004-05:002012-04-13T10:10:14.365-05:00White & Grey Distressed Table & ChairsWell, at long last here I am! <br />
I was going to post this baby last night, but then I got all responsible and stuff and did <i>all</i> the dishes. Normally I do them every day and it only takes about 15-20 minutes. Well, I had procrastinated for a few days, and it took an <i>Hour </i>and 15 minutes. Yikes. But that's done now, and I get to do fun things like: <br />
1. Hope that it rains today so my rhubarb & chives can grow. UPDATE: I JUST HEARD SOME SPRINKLES!! <br />
2. Watch my tomato seedlings grow (they're almost all up!)<br />
3. Work on an upholstered biscuit box--you'll see that another time<br />
4. Show you a great table and chair set!! <br />
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That about sums it up. And since I've done the first two a little today already, it looks like it's time to skip to #4! I got this table and chair set off of Craigslist, and boy was I excited to get my paws on it.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b4gYzKnCZyc/T4gn5uXOTAI/AAAAAAAABWc/wqxVhtxXGIw/s1600/Before.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b4gYzKnCZyc/T4gn5uXOTAI/AAAAAAAABWc/wqxVhtxXGIw/s640/Before.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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You'll have to imagine what the table looked like when it was assembled, because I got it while it was disassembled and I surely wasn't going to try to get all those legs on just for a "before" picture. <br />
Heck no, Techno.<br />
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And here's the "After"! <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gkSv8Zkp13o/T4gn7howIRI/AAAAAAAABW8/8bcMkTAH9_E/s1600/CRW_3936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="442" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gkSv8Zkp13o/T4gn7howIRI/AAAAAAAABW8/8bcMkTAH9_E/s640/CRW_3936.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here are my supplies. Well, most of them. This baby turned into a bit of a problem child, so I added in some other products as I went along. Get ready for an epic tale.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vosgDs8dzfI/T4gn-0-842I/AAAAAAAABXk/iXvbtVBa9JI/s1600/IMG_3902.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vosgDs8dzfI/T4gn-0-842I/AAAAAAAABXk/iXvbtVBa9JI/s640/IMG_3902.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here is the finalized list of what I used, sort of in order. Don't let the length scare you, I just happened to have most of these on hand. You could easily get a very similar end product without going through all these steps.</div>
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1. Solvent Resistent <b>Gloves</b></div>
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2. <b>Respirator.</b> NOT JUST A FLIMSY DISPOSABLE PARTICULATE RESPIRATOR! Those pieces of junk do <b>not </b>work for fumes. If you can smell the fumes, your respirator is not filtering them out and they are headed to your lungs and bloodstream. You can label me as the crazy respirator lady if you want, but that chemical crap is not to be fooled with, which is why oil-based products usually have a warning on the side that say scary things about diseases and cancer. That's why most of the time I use water-based products. </div>
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3. <b>Paint Brush</b></div>
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4. Lots o' <b>paper towels</b></div>
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5. Paint <b>Deglosser</b>. I used Zinsser's formula and it worked pretty darn well.</div>
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6. <b>Floetrol</b>. This basically keeps your paint "wet" longer, and reduces brush marks. I'm getting to the bottom of my paint buckets, so the paint is very thick. I was glad to have this puppy around to thin it out and make it much easier to work with. I don't believe I have ever introduced you to this charmer. Sometimes I forget I have it. oopsy. Well, here is your formal introduction. And yes, it does have an oil-based brother, Penetrol:</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TPXjNWYoAVQ/T4goCuZMxbI/AAAAAAAABYM/OBDJ-iwZyuA/s1600/IMG_3915.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TPXjNWYoAVQ/T4goCuZMxbI/AAAAAAAABYM/OBDJ-iwZyuA/s400/IMG_3915.JPG" width="295" /></a></div>
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7. <b>Primer.</b> I use Zinsser FastPrime2. It has great adhesion, ooh, I love that in a primer.</div>
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8. <b>Black paint</b> to tint the primer</div>
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9. Creamy <b>white latex paint</b></div>
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10. <b>Orbital Sander</b> & medium grit <b>sanding pads</b></div>
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11. Medium-Dark <b>oil-based wood stain</b> (you could also use water-based, I just had oil-based on hand). I used a mix of "Traditional Cherry" and "Golden Pecan" by Minwax.</div>
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12. Watered-down creamy <b>white latex paint.</b></div>
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13. <b>Water-based Polyurethane</b>. I am faithful to Minwax Polycrylic. </div>
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14. For the chairs: Spray Paint!</div>
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PHEW! I think that's everything. Here we go to the fun part...Pictures!</div>
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First, I put on my respirator and gloves, then used the deglosser. I decided on deglosser because the surfaces of the wood were very slick and a little sticky. I would have just sanded, but there were so many round spindles on this piece that I needed another solution. Deglosser essentially makes the current finish soft, so the primer can bond to it easily. I hadn't used it before, but I was very pleasantly surprised. Also, I used it to get off some old sticker residue yesterday, and it was an <i>instant success.</i></div>
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First, I scrubbed down the whole piece with paper towels soaked in this vile smelling deglosser. I scrubbed off all the dirt and leftover yuckies (there were definitely kiddos eating at this table). Once it was scrubbed clean, I used a paint brush to brush on an even coat of deglosser. Let it sit for 30 minutes--it evaporated, and painted it with primer within the next 30 minutes. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jwhcvgRK8wk/T4gn_aammNI/AAAAAAAABXs/2xY21dwKjfM/s1600/IMG_3903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jwhcvgRK8wk/T4gn_aammNI/AAAAAAAABXs/2xY21dwKjfM/s640/IMG_3903.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Here she is with the primer coat done. I painted it with my normal primer, tinted grey but with some added Floetrol because it was drying <i>wayyy</i> too fast for me to keep up, even with all my quick scampering around. I used long, even, <i>straight </i>brush strokes. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DzBbVfT5Rlw/T4gn_nOUePI/AAAAAAAABX0/w_mb88JXJDU/s1600/IMG_3906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="418" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DzBbVfT5Rlw/T4gn_nOUePI/AAAAAAAABX0/w_mb88JXJDU/s640/IMG_3906.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
A second coat, this time with white latex paint, thinned down with Floetrol. Again, long, even strokes.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3WZEt1YrIp0/T4goB4jh4YI/AAAAAAAABYE/qtZ0kYQgd9M/s1600/IMG_3913.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="440" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3WZEt1YrIp0/T4goB4jh4YI/AAAAAAAABYE/qtZ0kYQgd9M/s640/IMG_3913.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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After the white dried, I sanded away with my orbital, and a little hand-sanding as well.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LnM5UjgjJxk/T4goC0sRX4I/AAAAAAAABYU/POcZrG0kVXU/s1600/IMG_3916.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LnM5UjgjJxk/T4goC0sRX4I/AAAAAAAABYU/POcZrG0kVXU/s640/IMG_3916.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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And here's where things got...complicated. Once I had it sanded, it seemed too "flat" and it needed some warmth. So I thought "Hey! I'll just throw some stain on it!" Here is the right side with some stain, left side without.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-72ewDM_xK8M/T4goDpJNhnI/AAAAAAAABYc/IBRmFGWxPgI/s1600/IMG_3919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="364" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-72ewDM_xK8M/T4goDpJNhnI/AAAAAAAABYc/IBRmFGWxPgI/s640/IMG_3919.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Yeah, that warmed it right up! But then when it was dry, I got to thinkin' "Hmmm...now it seems too busy, like there's too much contrast goin' on up in here." So I thought and thought...and then decided "Hey! I'll just put a little watered down white paint over it, then rub most of it off!"<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vKhvgnQKPdE/T4goEuCpCaI/AAAAAAAABYs/Ep2vUdXdfoA/s1600/IMG_3928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="442" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vKhvgnQKPdE/T4goEuCpCaI/AAAAAAAABYs/Ep2vUdXdfoA/s640/IMG_3928.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
I wiped off most of the white I put on, but it was just enough to knock it down a bit. Here is a detail of the finished top, forgive my 3rd grade arrows :)<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vMoY9gmfXmI/T4goEDjPPPI/AAAAAAAABYk/PYhT2oHreFA/s1600/IMG_3922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vMoY9gmfXmI/T4goEDjPPPI/AAAAAAAABYk/PYhT2oHreFA/s640/IMG_3922.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Well, that was a trek. OH! And I also deglossed & painted the chairs (and table legs and table apron) a good old fashioned white, then distressed them with some sandpaper. Actually the color is "Ivory Bisque" in Semi-Gloss by RustOleum. I used 4 cans of it, (eep!). But there was <i>no way</i> I was going to hand paint all those spindles. Since working in theatre and hand painting a bazillion chairs, I have sworn it off. I will use spray paint any day of the week over that. Ugh. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yoIg-zsoVj8/T4gn-a_hUTI/AAAAAAAABXc/1J8LoE1AncU/s1600/CRW_3945.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yoIg-zsoVj8/T4gn-a_hUTI/AAAAAAAABXc/1J8LoE1AncU/s640/CRW_3945.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
Here's a close-up of the "directionality of the brushstrokes," or for you non-nerds out there, here's "why you should paint in a straight line for this project" because later you'll see your not-so-straight lines...like mine :)<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hnHVE_gCaK4/T4gn7IFua6I/AAAAAAAABW0/gdmAFYYWQ-8/s1600/CRW_3935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hnHVE_gCaK4/T4gn7IFua6I/AAAAAAAABW0/gdmAFYYWQ-8/s640/CRW_3935.jpg" width="552" /></a></div>
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Here she is after some Poly and a day to dry!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eKvJRs0hYjc/T4gn8HELpbI/AAAAAAAABXE/0zE94dJpefc/s1600/CRW_3937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="460" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eKvJRs0hYjc/T4gn8HELpbI/AAAAAAAABXE/0zE94dJpefc/s640/CRW_3937.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wFgkbQmMDFc/T4gn8tVehZI/AAAAAAAABXM/dCax7K2xyQI/s1600/CRW_3942.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="506" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wFgkbQmMDFc/T4gn8tVehZI/AAAAAAAABXM/dCax7K2xyQI/s640/CRW_3942.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--H1HZ4PwV_8/T4gn9GpdNsI/AAAAAAAABXU/yEXD0krNFeE/s1600/CRW_3943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--H1HZ4PwV_8/T4gn9GpdNsI/AAAAAAAABXU/yEXD0krNFeE/s640/CRW_3943.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bHcsdIdRXEk/T4goFAbhsMI/AAAAAAAABY0/Tcj0fxnldXc/s1600/final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bHcsdIdRXEk/T4goFAbhsMI/AAAAAAAABY0/Tcj0fxnldXc/s640/final.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Just so you can gasp in shock and amazement once more:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b4gYzKnCZyc/T4gn5uXOTAI/AAAAAAAABWc/wqxVhtxXGIw/s1600/Before.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b4gYzKnCZyc/T4gn5uXOTAI/AAAAAAAABWc/wqxVhtxXGIw/s640/Before.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gkSv8Zkp13o/T4gn7howIRI/AAAAAAAABW8/8bcMkTAH9_E/s1600/CRW_3936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="442" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gkSv8Zkp13o/T4gn7howIRI/AAAAAAAABW8/8bcMkTAH9_E/s640/CRW_3936.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I'm super happy with how it turned out...just enough distressing and color, without being too overpowering. And now I'm off to watch my tomato plants grow and work on a biscuit box!!<br />
Have a great day!<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">~The Doodle Bug</span><br />
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<br />Becky@DoodleBugOnlinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01763918737667531018noreply@blogger.com12