Time to pick color!

I headed up to the Hyde Avenue project to do a color consult for the interior of the home. I arrived to a very busy project site. The insulating company was there. Our crew was running around finishing up details to the exterior of the home- trims, soffits, facia etc. Whatever needed to be done to put a house back together that has undergone a roof re-do. The roof is on, tar papered and ready for shingles which are scheduled for tomorrow and Saturday. …

We rocked it!

Last weekend I put together another volunteer work day to help one of my organizing clients paint the interior of her home. After I set the day up I start getting feelings of misgiving. Everyone is so busy.. who has the time to do this? Why do I keep doing this? …

Privacy + Light = Style

I came across a great solution for windows/doors where you need privacy and light where curtains or shades won't be ideal. Window film! I was in a home recently and saw a beautiful set of stationary square awning windows in a master bath. These windows were over the tub area. They were striking. A geometric motif- a frosted background with the design in clear film. At first glance I thought it was etched glass! …

Just look around.

I recently attended a family Christmas party at the Carpenter's cousin's home. It is actually where we are currently residing the exterior. Sycamore Ct project. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.752079664879215.1073741914.342655239154995&type=3 He tried so hard to get the new siding installed on the front of the house before the party! He didn't make that goal thanks to a mixed bag of nasty weather here in Minnesota. …

Managing our stuff.

In light of my summer organizing adventures. Here is a great blog post about managing our "stuff". 

"My daily routine involves looking through my stuff, putting stuff away, organizing stuff, feeling guilty because I haven’t organized other stuff, fussing at my kids because their stuff isn’t put away, wading through misplaced stuff in our garage, piling up stuff I’m tired of so we can sell it, packing away stuff I’m really tired of to give it away, asking my husband where he put his stuff, sorting, washing, and drying our stuff " ~ MyQuillyn Smith

Snuggle up with a cup of tea and enjoy!

/http://www.aholyexperience.com/2014/09/when-youre-tired-of-being-a-stuff-manager-want-to-enjoy-living/

~ the Artist

Picking color.

Yesterday was busy. I headed to our Cobbler Ct four season room project with some paint swatch books to help the homeowners make final paint/stain color decisions for their new addition. This is a service we offer for all signed projects. 

Many people get overwhelmed when it comes to picking color. It can be intimidating and it feels awfully permanent (though it isn't really) And especially concerning is picking the right hue for a new addition that blends and compliments with the rest of the home. …

Beauty Bringers

I'm sitting out on my front porch this Sunday afternoon. So sweet to be able to enjoy some "rest" time. The Carpenter is taking a nap. He needs a bucketful of naps to catch up on his busy schedule. 

Spent a busy week on my newest project "A Painted Apple" and one day at my organizing job with my sister-in-law at a wonderful little farm. My sister-in-law and I partner well together and can almost move mountains in a very short period of time. We just seem to be the right combo of girl power. It is very very rewarding indeed. …

Try not to drip.

Emergency calls to my sister and cousin who paint furniture using the "Chalk Paint" technique last eve. Neither were home. I couldn't drop by their homes either as it would be a two day trip to PA. They are a wealth of information, inspiration and experience. I feel so far away from them. I'm slogging through this alone. ALONE. All by myself with a bunch of dusty old furniture just sitting there leering at me. "Ha you can't make me pretty no matter what you do. We like being old and ugly. We aim to stay this way". …

Wet paint and seeds.

I've set a goal for the end of this month for the first "A Painted Apple" sale. That is probably a bit unrealistic. But I have to set a difficult deadline to keep focused. And keep me accountable since I'm putting it out there. I'm painting two hours a day. That is about two pieces of small furniture with not quite two coats or one larger piece with two coats. I've found that any longer then that I start to get sloppy and my hand gets tired. …

Lessons learned.

I'm writing about these past two days. Preparing, purchasing, painting for our newest adventure… "A Painted Apple". It's been three steps forward, two steps back! Very typical for me as I like to just jump right in without a lot of forethought. …

A colorful start.

Yep. I did. I started painting yesterday. I picked a chair and small table from my pile of furniture and commenced. I'm going to paint that mountain of furniture in the cabinet shop to sell. I've set the end of June for a sale date to shoot for. My immediate goal.. to make some money to replace our broken camper awning. Also... if I like doing this... will continue to sell pieces on our website under the name… "A Painted Apple" in hopes of increasing traffic to our site. That's my plan. And well it would be a good thing to keep the shop space generating income when the Carpenter doesn't have a project going. …

A good night to meet.

Last night I traveled with the Carpenter and the Snack Manager to meet with customers for our Apple Valley window replacement project. While the SM waited patiently in the truck (she doesn't always go but it was nice night for a drive) we had our meeting. Most project customer meetings occur after work hours in the evening or on the weekends. …

Barn Door Love.

these days I'm into "Modern farmhouse". White walls, rich colors of navy, red, ochre, slate. Warm stained wood. And sliding barn doors! A great way to separate a dining room, close off a laundry room, or make a grand entrance to the master bedroom! Even the humble closet can become the star of your home now too. Just one barn door added in a strategic spot will amp up your home's style! …

A fresh take on country.

Farmhouse Modern. a fresh take on country: rustic, contemporary and even a little quirky. Me exactly! Love the use of heavy drapery to divide a room, and the mixed colors and patterns.

Photo source: http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/decorating-ideas/david-drummond-farmhouse-renovation#slide-11

Ship's Ladder

We are currently building a "Ship's Ladder" for a lake cabin to access a loft. I anticipated finding some interesting facts about Ship's Ladders. Well I was wrong. Not much out there other then their origin is nautical. I bet you didn't know that! …

Absent but busy!

The Carpenter and I have been absent from this blog for the past few days. I've been helping to organize a home. The Carpenter's been building a "Ships Ladder" in our cabinet shop. (will save that for another post!) …

Organizing.

I started a project yesterday. I dipped my toe into the world of professional organizing. I've always been a fairly organized person. I say fairly because I'm not overly organized… I'm  comfortably organized. I like my home clean but not spotless. I like things picked up, but I don't follow the Carpenter around picking up behind him. Though I probably should! ...

Farmhouse kitchen

This touched my farm girl heart. ...

Today is green.

green.





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Home office start.

I spent last weekend helping repurpose a bedroom. A room that had sat unused since the oldest son had flown the nest. It had become a collection area for things that were unwanted, unnoticed, unloved as well as some dusty memories needing to be organized for "someday."…