THE PLAYROOM || progress

So the 'to-do' list is never ending, as well as the grocery list, the 'project' list, the 'friends we would like to have over for dinner' list and so on.  I have always been a list maker.  But, shortly after we moved in February, I realized the lists had a bit too much control over my mind and my attitude.  What's with that?  That's not how I wanted to live.  I wasn't leaving room in the margins, and if someone or something came between me and crossing off an item on my list, I was snappy.  Not so fun to be around!

All of our house projects are taking a lot longer than we anticipated.  We have hit some speed bumps with the house, but that is just part of any remodeling project!  But you know what?  I have let go of the lists (not all of them ;-))) and it doesn't bother me that the house projects are taking longer.  A lot of things don't bother me like they use to.  This 'letting go' business turns out to be really good for my heart.  And my family appreciates a wife/mama who isn't so project oriented all.of.the.time.

I thought I would post a few photos of the play room.  It's taken quite a while to get to this point, and it will still take me at least another month to get it finished.  But, it's further along than it was when we moved in {wink}.

There is no natural light in this space, so it's hard for an amateur like me to get decent photos!  You can see I still have a lot to do!

I am curious to see how the door knobs turn out.  They don't lock, they act as a handle to open the doors.  Once I paint the oak doors, I will wax the doors and the door knobs, I will let you know how it turns out.

The flooring all comes up soon so I am trying to paint everything now while it doesn't matter if paint gets on the floor.  In the mean time, the girls love playing in the space and I can't wait to get it finished for them.  There is something so sweet about siblings playing together, even if it only lasts for 30 seconds at a time ;-)

COME PAINT :: first Friday of every month

I am really enjoying being 'open' at the design studio on Fridays!  The girls and I are there every Friday from 9am-6pm.

I have a few exciting things up my sleeve for the studio.  The first one :: I have decided to open up the back work room to you....my lovely customers!

Yep, a time where you can bring your project{s}, ask questions, learn tips and paint away.  I have found that sometimes it's just easier to work on a project at a designated time and/or location.

I am hoping that by making the work room available to you guys, you will be inspired to create!!

Here are the details....

BRING YOUR PROJECT || EVERY FIRST FRIDAY

WHEN ||  every first Friday of the month

TIME  ||  open~come any time from 1pm-4pm

WHERE  ||  543 West Main Street, the work room

WHAT  ||  Bring your own project to work on.  Use our space, brushes and rags. I will be available {in between customers} to answer questions and offer tips.

COST ||  $10.  Feel free to bring you own Chalk Paint® and wax, or you can purchase it when you arrive. We won't have our opened paints and waxes available to use, as we do with our classes.

** no need to rsvp, just come and go at your convenience during the designated hours**

I truly value your input and ideas.  I want the studio to serve as a place of creativity and inspiration!  Please feel free to throw out ideas and thoughts on what you would like to see offered!!

BEFORE + AFTER :: a sidewalk treasure

 A few weeks ago, I was on my early morning walk.  I walked past a neighbor's house and she had just set out a dresser with a FREE sign on it!  I promptly walked my little self home, grabbed the car and wen to pick it up.  It's kind of funky, but I have been looking for a little drink station in the dining room.  I figured it was free, so if I don't like it, it's no big deal!

You can see the side of my little helper in this picture.  She seems to think anytime the camera is out, it's to take a picture of her!

I used Chalk Paint® to paint this little guy.  I mixed 1 part Pure White and 1 part Arles.

I applied a coat of Clear Wax and then a coat of Dark Wax.

I painted the existing brass knobs Graphite and then applied a Dark Wax.

I added a mirror and a little drink basket, then loaded the drawers with linens.  I am sure I will change things up soon, but this is a start ;-)  I don't love it, but it will serve just fine until I find something I do love!

Next week I will snap some photos of the dining room and share them.  But, girls are sleeping so I better get some work done!!  Oh, and I have to meet the delivery man at the studio soon, I have a really fun package arriving later today, I can't wait to share all about it!

xoxo~Darci