Well, it's not HOT in my neck of the woods in temperature (not today anyway) but it's sure been a HOT minute since I last posted. For that I am so sorry but it seems my life has been consumed with doctor appointments, tests, and MORE tests, biopsies, surgery and so much more. One day at a time sweet Jesus is all that any of us can ask for. Wanted to pop in on this beautiful Sunday afternoon to share a little about what I've been up too. Marty and I enjoyed a weekend at the beach before I had breast cancer surgery and took advantage of the time I had in between so many doctor appointments and testing. It was sure a good little getaway. We celebrated our 47th wedding anniversary in September. WOW! Just babies! LOL! We were high school sweethearts. Started dating at age 16. Married at age 18 and started a family at age 20. We celebrated Marty's birthday in October. He says that he's feeling his age these days. LOL! He still works 4 days a week and has a long commu...
Web image
Well first I have to share that I totally agree with that quote about coffee! I hope Jesus has me a pretty cup with some Folder's Black Silk coffee waiting on me when I get to heaven. LOL!
Remember my little bench I bought 2nd handed? I had the perfect spot for it in my kitchen.
After I sanded it and cleaned it I gave it a good thick coat of "Pure White" by Sherwin Williams. When it dried I went back and touched up any spots I may have missed. Which I have been known to do. (Remember, I DISLIKE painting) unless it's a can of Spray Paint and then you best move cause I might paint you. Ha!
I wanted the bench to have a little distressed look along with a little chippy going on. I wanted to bring out the age of that bench along with a white-gray finish. So I grabbed a toilet brush and Light French Gray paint by Sherwin Williams. I dipped my toilet brush in the paint and shook of the excess paint. I then very lightly and in even strokes went with it on the bench.
You can see from the picture that some places got a little more paint than others but that was okay too. For those hard to reach places and mostly places that no one else would really see, I used the wool pot and pan scrubber. I had to be careful as the design with the wool scrubber was different than toilet brush. Worked on hard to get to places though. Any excess paint I might have gotten on the beach I just cleaned off before it dried.
After it dried I went back and sanded here and there until I had it looking like I wanted it to look. At this point I was in love with it but it needed a little something extra.
YES, what a perfect word for my little kitchen bench. My kitchen is the gathering place for sure. So many memories are made in my kitchen which is the heart of my home so the word GATHER would be perfect.
Now that my bench was completed I began to tie in cute little things to complete a wall decor.
Remember the cotton stalks I told you about? With no more stalks than I needed for this purpose I decided to make a few myself. So, I gathered some limbs from outside along with pine cones that needed picking up before mowing! Bought a bag of cotton balls for $1 and grabbed the hot glue gun. I looked at several pictures of DIY Cotton Stalks. The thing I do know about cotton stalks is that none of them are perfect in height, the way the cotton ball is shaped or anything. We deer hunt in Georgia where Cotton fields are plentiful and I've seen enough of it to know that none of them look perfect. Well, maybe in the store.
Are they perfect? Absolutely NOT! Suit me? Oh yes...I am good to go.
Added some more decor in which my daughter's bought me some things for my new kitchen and I love how it all came together.
Several projects completed and one wall completed! I am a happy camper!
Just so you know things are beginning to come together with reno. I am working on adding decor to the top of my cabinets. Added another curtain over my kitchen sink and found me a Vintage Hutch that I love that will be go in a corner in my kitchen.
I wanted solid wood and something that would last. I wanted that Vintage look. In my County we have several places that carry a lot of vintage and antiques. One such place is called "Finder's Keepers". As soon as I spotted this hutch it was exactly what I had envisioned and ON SALE so that was music to my ears!
The makeover has begun. Sanded, cleaned and one coat of paint and now she sits in the barn until I have time to play with her some more. Not sure if I told y'all or not but I have decided that my next job won't be doing makeovers on large pieces of furniture! LOL!
It's all coming together. My goal is to be through before our Family Beach Vacation the end of July. Wish me luck!
Don't you just love that sign! I saw this on Pinterest and it was painted on Shiplap. My oldest daughter is doing shiplap so I need to give her this idea.
Thanks for traveling the journey of the Kitchen Makeover project. And we are celebrating my oldest granddaughter's birthday. Raygen is now 14 years old. Mercy, I can still remember the morning she was born. I will never forget watching my first grandchild come into this world and thinking, "Dear Lord, I am so blessed that you have allowed me to be her Nana". I never thought I could love another like I loved her. Well, number 6 is due the end of May and guess what? Oh the love just keeps getting better better.
May we stay humble and kind.
Hugs and blessings, Cindy
Oh my goodness, I love the way the whole bench area turned out! Nice job, Cindy.
ReplyDeleteYour grandkids are so adorable!
Thanks Stacey. I got some sweet grandbabies for sure.
DeleteI love the farmhouse look, too, Cindy. I like everything you made over, clever girl. And happy birthday to Raygen. Beautiful grandkids!
ReplyDeleteThank you Mary. Raygen is having fun at Volcano bay in Orlando for her special day.
DeleteCindy, You are the clever one...I love those sprigs of "cotton"...so cute. I am absolutely going to copy your idea. Hope you do not mind. Your bench is very nice too. Love the picture of the children. Squeeze them, they are growing. Blessings, xoxo, Susie
ReplyDeleteGirl, you copy away cause you know all we have to do is GOOGLE something to find out how to do things. LOL! Yes, loving my little bench.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteLove, love your bench and the wall behind it. So warm and welcoming. And, yes our hearts just get bigger and bigger with each Gran. Happy week Cindy!
ReplyDeleteThanks Lea. I am pleased with the process thus far. Whew it seems slow. Or maybe it's me! LOL!
DeleteI can't craft my way out of a paperbag so I always enjoy seeing your DYI projects. When I lived in the Philippines (when I was a very young), our Christmas trees would be cotton stalks!
ReplyDeleteLOL! Margie. Christmas trees? WOW! That's neat. I love hearing how other countries celebrate holidays.
DeleteCindy, I love the way your bench turned out and the wall area above is perfect! Happy 14th birthday to Raygen, darling grands that you have! Blessing and hugs~
ReplyDeleteThanks Pam. Raygen celebrated with a fun trip to Volcano Bay in Orlando.
DeleteOoo, Cindy, I love how your bench and the whole vignette turned out!! Your kitchen is really coming together beautifully. The next project looks intriguing so I’ll be anxious to see how it turns out and where you put it. Isn’t it amazing how much more work there is in redoing furniture? I noticed I don’t have as much energy as I did when I first retired and tend to do more thinking and less doing now! Lol! Happy birthday to Raygen!
ReplyDeleteI do okay on the smaller re-do projects but boy those big ones get me sometimes. Of course my handy dandy electric sander has saved me some time. What is amazing though is even with the hard work it turns out good. SO FAR! Nope, I don't have the energy I once had for sure. Takes me three times as long to do something now. But, I keep on going! Scared if I stop I won't go at all.
DeleteHi Cindy, I enjoyed my visit here today. I just love how your bench and wall came out! What a lucky find too for the corner hutch. I have some old pieces of furniture that I want to repaint. My friend said she would help me. Love the picture of your grands. They are a blessing for sure! Have a great week. Hugs
ReplyDeleteThanks Susan. I love old pieces and especially anything that belonged to those I love. I got that from my granny I guess. Yes, get your friend to help you and tackle it. A friend said once to just have the mindset of "Just do it". So, I am just doing it! LOL!
DeleteCindy, You are a wiz! You get things done quickly! Your bench turned out nicely and then you have purchased and hung many items as well as a DIY cotton arrangement. Now, I need to be a fly on the wall.
ReplyDeleteYour grandchildren are so pretty. Blessings on the new arrival.Very exciting.
Thanks Bonnie. It's actually been a slow process but in all honesty I have accomplished quite of bit. If not for my man I can assure you it would take lots longer. Not as energetic as I used to be. We are excited about the new baby on the way. She will be here before we know it.
DeleteOh, my mercy, everything looks awesome! I love how you're decorating your "new" kitchen! Isn't it amazing how the love multiples, not divides, when we have grandchildren?!?!? HOPE you have a great rest of the week, sweet Friend....hugs and love from Tennessee!
ReplyDeleteThanks Deb. How's your weather these days? I remember the day you and I met at Bass Pro shop it was so cold. But our coffee warmed us right up didn't it? Yes, that Love surely multiplies.
DeleteGirrrl, you have outdone yourself! Oh, I just love the bench...it looks fabulous...great job! And those cotton balls are beyond awesome...one would never know they a "faux"! The rest of the décor items all go so well too...LOVE that fan blade! You also got a great piece in that darling corner cupboard...can't wait to see the finished product! And finally, you have the most adorable grand youngins! I hope you are having a good week, sweet friend! BIG HUGS! ♥
ReplyDeleteThanks Debby. I am loving it too. Now to finish up that corner hitch! WHEW! Ain't young as I used to be girl. Hugs to you.
DeleteOMG Girl ... You’re amazing .. Your bench is even nicer than I could have imagined... and the word ‘ Gather” was perfect... The kitchen wall makes the room very cosy and your cottonball arrangement is so imaginative( I love It)
ReplyDeleteWhat fun you are having remodelling your kitchen ... and that’s the way it should be ..FROM THE HEART... Your grandchildren are beautiful ... such a precious photo... Blessing on the new arrival.... ENJOY your week...HUGS
Thank you lady. YES GATHER is perfect for me and my kitchen. We are excited about the baby coming soon. Can't wait!
DeleteThe technique you used on the bench is fabulous! It looks worn and chippy like it's been sitting out for years. The whole wall came out great. That corner hutch is going to be fabulous too. My oldest granddaughter just turned 13. She is a joy to hang out with. I will only ever have 3 grandchildren and that is fine. Congratulations on number 6!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Ann Marie. The bench winded up being my favorite piece after all was said and done. I was hesitant about that toilet bowl brush! LOL! Worked great on that project.
DeleteYou're so funny with wanting Jesus to have a cup of coffee when you get to heaven, Cindy! I'll meet you there with, hopefully, a cup of tea that Jesus has for me!
ReplyDeleteYour bench turned out just so darling, and I love the cotton stalks in the kettle. All the decor just blends together so well. The corner hutch is so perfect. You are on a roll, girlfriend in redoing things!
The photo at the end is too cute, and a Happy Birthday to Raygen. Yes, they grow up way too fast. My oldest grand will be 18 in November. Have a happy, busy week, my friend!
LOL! I love a cup of hot tea too but I must say, coffee is my fav. Thanks Kitty for your kind words. I am loving that little wall decor and my bench. Hope my hutch turns out like I want it.
Deletewow! I am impressed by all of the fun and wonderful projects you are doing to makeover your kitchen. I can't wait to see the finished project. That corner cupboard looks great...That will be a real asset, so don't give up on the work. I know what that is like. I redid a big old china cabinet a couple of years ago, and it was WORK! But I love it and am glad I did it. It's too bad we don't live closer to each other. We could be 'partners in crime" on these projects. I'd love to do that! Your grandchildren are so sweet. Happy Birthday to the birthday girl! Our only grandchild was here on Sunday. He is 18 and will graduate in June. He is 6'4" and I'm not sure if he is finished growing yet. (you can see him on my post just finished tonight) Take care and don't overdo it with all the sanding and painting, etc. Take some good breaks to rest your muscles and back! But have fun. I think you are already doing that. :)
ReplyDeleteOh if we lived closer we could do us some good old makeover jobs! LOL! I saw that china hutch of yours. BEAUTIFUL! Girl you done you some work.
DeleteHappy Birthday to Raygen! i love the bench you finished. Using a toilet bowl brush makes me want to chuckle. Love the stalks of cotton you made also. You are so talented. Have a good rest of week. Nancy
ReplyDeleteThanks Nancy. Raygen had a wonderful birthday. I am not that talented but I was raised by a grandmother that was a jack of all trades and master of none and I find myself walking in her footsteps. I am not afraid to try most things for sure. Not perfect for all but works for me. Thanks for coming by dear lady.
DeleteI love the little bench. It is perfect!
ReplyDeletexo Dianne
Thank you so much. Glad you came by to visit.
DeleteLOVE, LOVE, LOVE!!! Squealing with delight. I hope you have a lovely rest of the week, friend.
ReplyDeleteThank you Linda. You need to come on to Florida girl! All that snow you are still getting amazes me.
DeleteLoving how the bench turned out. The whole wall decor is really cute and girl, you might need to start making cotton stalks. Happy birthday to your granddaughter. Love the hutch. Can't wait to see how pretty it turns out.
ReplyDeleteConnie Royals
Thanks Connie. NOPE on the cotton stalks. LOL! Most things I only do for myself or my girls. See here, no one wants to pay you for your time so I give that precious time to those I love the most. Ha! I will send you a picture of hutch when done.
DeleteWow, you've been one busy lady! I love your furniture...even if you DO dislike working on them, lol. (I would, too, FYI.) They look great, though! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks lady. The smaller projects aren't too bad it's those larger ones I have to pray about! LOL!
ReplyDeleteI have seen a lot of crazy painting techniques but you win hands down with using a toilet brush!! So hilarious!! Your bench turned out so cute and your clever clever DIY cotton looks fantastic!
ReplyDeleteLOL! I actually loved the texture the toilet brush gave to that bench. I thought dang, I might be onto something! LOL!
DeleteLOVE it ALL! The display that you put together with that bench is absolutely gorgeous! I can hardly wait to see what you do with the corner cupboard!
ReplyDeleteThanks Dianna. It is all coming together like I envisioned.
DeleteOH MY...I am loving what I have seen so far. Loving it all. Great job and I can't wait to see it all once it all comes together.....
ReplyDeleteThanks Pam. Plan on working more on corner hutch. Well, maybe! LOL! So much going on that I am having to pick and choose what is good, better, best!
DeleteLove the new picture of the grands! All adorable!
ReplyDeleteYou are doing a marvelous job there with the kitchen! Way to go!! Looks like a lot of work, but a labor of love, huh? I love how the farmhouse kitchen is coming together so nicely!
Katherine
Thanks Katherine! I needed you to come help me! Since you have just redone so much for your friend at her home! DANG girl....you need to go in business!
Deleteawww, I LOVE your GATHER BENCH...you did such a good job on it. Sure like your corner cabinet...
ReplyDeleteCute photo of precious kids...
Thanks BJ. So glad you stopped by.
DeleteOh I like your bench and could use one also in my kitchen, I am very impressed with your cotton sticks they look perfect to me, what a great idea
ReplyDeleteyour corner cabinet will be fun and love your little grand children's picture,
I have 4 not far away and they do grow up fast.
Thank you. Loving that little bench too. Oh i know you feel so blessed having your grands close by. I sure do.
DeleteI love, love, LOVE the bench! And, when I saw the corner cupboard, I thought, "Oh, I hope she is going to distress it, too!" Sure enough, that is just what it looks like you are doing! Your farmhouse kitchen is coming along so beautifully, and I just imagine you will have it all done by your goal date. :) God bless you, sweet friend!
ReplyDeleteThanks Cheryl. Well, we finished painting the Hutch late yesterday. Decided to give it one more coat of pure white. I want to find a decorative knob for the door. Not so sure I will go back and distress or chip this piece yet. I know it will look good but I must say, I am loving the pure white. Yes goal date is not far away. MERCY!
DeleteI love your decorating style! So pretty and crisp looking, all the white! Lovely visit with you today.
ReplyDeleteThanks Melanie. My husband said he wasn't too sure about so much white with all the grands. LOL! I am loving that fresh clean look.
DeleteCindy I am so proud of you! Your bench has so much chippy farmhouse goodness on it. I love the way you have styled it too! Who knows maybe after the cabinet you might change your mind and start to really enjoy painting furniture... and don't say no, till you see the end result.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mary. That means a lot coming from a pro!
DeleteCatching up again! We've been to two conferences and working on getting my dear, little mother's home ready for sale. It is in escrow and will close in a couple of weeks. I love what you've done with your little bench and I can't wait to see your 'new' hutch. I have a corner hutch in my dining room. Love your signs and pretties on your wall. Waiting to see the whole renovation. We plan to do some renovations sometime in the near future. You inspire me!
ReplyDelete~Adrienne~
So glad you came by.
Delete