Christmas Coffee Station

I saw this coffee station idea on Pinterest.  I just had to set one up!  I had the white metal tray, the china, and coffee mugs in my cabinet.  The vintage crackled Santa mug belonged to my Mimi.  It is most likely from the 1950's, but through my research I discovered it is rare to find these particular crackled creamery Santa mugs.  I am SO happy to have him!

O Christmas Tree

The tree is up and the table is set.  Time to prepare our hearts and minds for the promise of hope and life once more.  It is truly a blessing to have the warmth of a home, the joy of a simple Christmas tree, and the love of a family.  It brightens my spirit and restores my soul.

Cream Colored End Table

 I finished this piece for a client last week.  I painted it "cream in my coffee" white and distressed it with a sander.  I finished it off with a dark walnut glaze and top coat.  This was the first time I used a stain with my glaze instead of using just black glaze.  I was really happy with the end result.  I think it looks great with the stained glass inside.

Distressed wall hanger

I have two of these distressed crown molding hangers that I am wanting to sell.  They are authentic pieces of wood complete with chipped wood and plenty of age that I put a strong protective top coat over.  They would work really well to hang Christmas decorations from, picture frames, backpacks and more.
Check on pinterest for even more fun ways to use this flea market treasure.
 

Paint samples

I just recently discovered that Valspar now has paint samples that are just perfect for when you want to try out a color before you commit.  They have just enough paint in them to complete small projects.  I am going to try out the off white color called cream in my coffee that you see in this picture on an end table I am distressing and glazing for a client.  I think it's going to be a great color accented with black glaze. 

Two Wooden Crosses

These wooden crosses were built by my husband.   He really worked hard on these.  It is truly quite handy to have a husband who knows carpentry.  As you might imagine, I have a long list of furniture pieces for our own house that I would like him to build someday.   He used a grinder over the wood which gives it that hand carved look.  I painted one with a pale green, heavily distressed it, and stained over it with walnut stain.  The other cross was painted sky blue, heavily distressed down to the white primer, and glazed over with black.  We are happily donating the crosses to our Fall Fest auction at our church this Sunday. 

Turquoise Coffee Table and End Table

I just finished these for a client who was looking to add a pop of color in her living room.  I think this should do the trick!  There are actually two other end tables that go with this set as well.  The set of 4 was primed, painted, distressed and glazed in heavy black.    For this customer I chose Valspar's Sprinkler.  I literally fell in love with this paint color during this project.  I will definitely be using it again.  If you would like to see these tables BEFORE they were redone, check out my painting in progress page.

Trick or Treat

I made my first decoupaged trick or treat bucket the other day.  There are so many ways to personalize these buckets.  I hope I get the chance to make some more! 

My Paint

 I really like using Valspar paint that can be purchased at Lowe's.  Check out this link for a variety of incredible color options for your next painting project. 

Distressed Headboard & Footboard

I just finished this headboard set.  It is antique white paint with light distress and heavy black glaze.  I think it would be really sweet in a little girl's room.  It's so much fun to see a plain wood finish be transformed with a little color and vintage flare.

From my pen

My oldest son is starting Kindergarten.  This is something I wrote for the both of us.

I'll be there

I was there to hear your heartbeat.

I was there when they placed you in my arms.

I was there when you cried out in the middle of the night.

I was there to sing you back to sleep.

I was there to see your first smile, 

to hear your first giggle, 

to feel the touch of your hand on my cheek.

I was there when you took your first step.

I was there to catch you when you fell.

I was there when you blew out your candle,

made your first birthday wish.

I was there when you were sick,

to rock you in my arms, 

to rejoice when you were well.

I was there, and I'll be there always.

I'll be there to guide and protect you.

I'll be there to listen and learn.

I 'll be there to see your triumphs,

to hear your challenges, 

to feel your disappointment.

I 'll be there to hold your hand on your first day of school.

I'll be there to encourage you,

to calm your fears,

 to keep you safe.

I'll be there to walk with you, 

to talk with you, 

and to let you go.

And I'll be there when the day is done,

to wrap you in a hug.

Flower pots

These are the decoupaged flower pots I made as table decorations for our back to school staff development meetings.  Our theme this year is "A Family That Learns Together, Grows Together!"  It's going to be a blooming good year!

Personalized Metal Buckets

In addition to my painting, I like to decoupage and personalize metal buckets.  They make great gifts for any occasion.  It has been really neat to make these for my friends and family.

My latest piece

I just sold this cute turquoise desk, lightly distressed with heavy black glaze.  I am so excited to have my painting business off and running!