Footstools—Around since ancient times, well, this one might not be that old

Yes, I admit it. I am drawn to stools of all kinds. They are adorable and so functional. Today’s featured stool is a short footstool that I rescued from a consignment shop.

The “before”. I do not believe this was the original fabric.

When I saw the footstool in the consignment shop, it caught my eye mainly because it was out-of-date and needed my love.  I made the educated guess that the dirty embroidered upholstery was not original to the piece due to an extensive amount of fabric used to cover the underside and the nails, not staples, holding the fabric in place. It was the first time I had seen upholstery adhered in this fashion.  With all of that in mind, I still proceeded with the purchase.

I removed the embroidered upholstery and was astonished by the amount of fabric used.  It appeared that the fabric was embroidered to cover the top and sides and the extra pattern material (which was twice the size of the footstool top) was folded in a non-typical manner. A wood shim was actually used to attach the feet since there was so much extra material. I replaced the embroidery with a modern geometric print of green, gray, and white.

New fabric and new paint for the base

The footed-based of the stool was badly nicked. I sanded the base to remove the remaining varnish and remove the visible scratches. I applied one coat of primer and used 220-grit to hand sand the primer. I then applied two coats of gray paint.  When the paint was nice and dry, I re-attached the newly upholstered top to the painted base.

Sit back and relax!

Time to put my feet up.

Wood Cutting Boards

Pattern designed- ready to glue!

My grandpa used to make cutting boards and I was raised to believe that all cutting boards should be made of wood (disclaimer: I cut raw chicken on plastic cutting boards that can go in the dishwasher). I love the weight, feel, and look of a wooden cutting board. I am convinced that the use of a wooden cutting board adds more love to meal.

The router was used to create rounded edge.

Mr. R&R purchased maple and cherry to accompany the black walnut in the cutting boards he decided to make. Cutting boards require the use of hard woods since germs and food can stick in soft woods easier. Mr. R&R cut the boards of various thicknesses, but all were an 1 ½ tall. At some point, he used the planer and joiner, but the details of that process confuse me.

Butcher block oil was added to the top, bottom, and sides.

I was excited to assist in the process of creating the pattern for the cutting boards. The possibilities were endless. I went with my gut when mixing and matching the assorted woods. After the pattern was determined, Mr. R&R glued and clamped each piece together. Once the boards were dry, he cut the ends to make an even rectangle and ran the cutting boards through the planer. One board is 10×19 (the board with two black walnut pieces) and the other is 10.5×17.25 (the board with three black walnut pieces).

Beefy, thick cutting boards

Once he had flat even cutting boards, he used a router to create a round edge along of the top of each board. A little bit more hand sanding and the boards were ready for one coat of butcher-block oil. The butcher-block oil made the grains and swirls from knots come alive. The dimension and contrast of the maple, cherry, and walnut is a beautiful sight to be seen.

Two amazing new cutting boards

When Mr. R&R brought the completed cutting boards in the house, Rose asked, “are you going to sell those?” Well Rose, that is the goal. The cutting boards will be available at the St. John Vianney Craft Fair on November 21^st.

10 Ways to Decorate a Pumpkin without Carving

It is now pumpkin season! See that, it’s October 1^st. October is pumpkin season. My family will soon be decorating our pumpkins.

Here is my list from the Interwebs of the best ways decorate your pumpkins this October (without carving):

1. 

   Glittered pumpkins by HGTV

   Glittered Pumpkins- If you have little girls, you already have glitter all over your house. Why not add some to your pumpkins? A girl can never have too much glitter.

2. Duck Tape– Seriously? Is there anything that can’t be done with Duck Tape?
3. Monogramed Pumpkin– Classy. I love it.
4. 

   Melted Crayon Pumpkin by craftymorning.com

   Melted Crayons– I think melted crayons on canvas are so beautiful (I’m a simple girl at heart); melted crayons on a pumpkin…even cooler!

5. Decoupage– I was sold as soon as I saw Mod Podge as a required material.
6. Gold! – Oh yeah. How can you go wrong with a gold pumpkin? This would be gorgeous on a table top with assorted shapes and sizes of those silly little decorative gourds.
7. 

   Glitter Monogram Pumpkin by unoriginal mom.com

   Glitter and a Monogram– I think I’m in love.

8. Chalk Paint Pumpkins– These pumpkins exude rustic elegance.
9. Boo-tiful Button Pumpkin – I am in awe of the creativity that some people possess. Buttons glued on a pumpkin to spell “Boo”. Genius.
10. Choose your own adventure. Follow these simple steps to prep your pumpkin prior to painting. Our family followed these steps last year and had a blast. We painted the pumpkins white and black for a the base and used assorted metallic tones for details. I tied burlap and glitter ribbons on half of the pumpkins for a little extra pizazz.

So many amazing options! I can’t decide which one to choose this year.

Chalk Paint Pumpkins by percfectlyimperfectblog.com

Monogram Pumpkin by radiobutlers.blogspot.com

Button-Boo Pumpkin by bhg.com

Bedside Manners

The original

During Thanksgiving break a few years ago, I was staying at my parents’ house and decided I want to read in bed to relax. My parents had recently purchased new furniture for the guest bedroom and I was excited to cuddle under the blankets and escape into a new book. Then reality hit, they hadn’t yet purchased a bedside table. There was no lamp for ambient light and no place to set my glasses and book when I was finished (they have one now).

Take apart the stand and prime prior to painting

Prior to that moment, I never realized how much I treasured bedside tables. My attachment to bedside tables has grown worse now that I use my phone as an alarm clock. I feel a responsibility to help educate others about the importance of bedside tables and to help produce attractive bedside tables.

Painted and sealed!

I picked up a 2 ft tall, double-shelf table stand that was in much need of love. Fanny thinks it was originally designed as a plant stand, but I saw potential. I took the table apart prior to sanding and painting. Since my vision was a “fun” bedside table (for the record- bedside tables do not need to match), Fanny helped me select “Into the Green” for the color. We scored by purchasing a sample pint-size container of paint because I was too nervous to commit to a gallon of such a bold color.

Ready for guests!

The table makes quite the statement. I placed the table next to Rae’s white bedding and I was blown-away with the dramatic effect. Who says practical things can’t look good too?

Weston, MO: A rustic and refined get-away

Mr. R&R and I had a little get-away over the weekend and I am so excited to share our experience. We visited Weston, MO, a historic little town just north of Kansas City. The restaurants, bars, and shops have personality that I have never before seen bundled together in one town.

Food and Drinks

• Pirtle Winery– The winery is located in a church built in 1867 (Didn’t I tell you the town had personality). The grapes are grown locally and clearly we enjoyed the wines because we walked out with 6 bottles.
• The Vineyards Restaurant– I enjoyed the Raspberry Mead from Pirtle while Mr. R&R was introduced to the Hard Root Beer brewed next door at the Weston Brewing Company. Let’s not forget the food: “A pair of Apple Cider Brined Pork Cheeks, finished in the oven with smoky spices & a savory ham Jus. Served over Bourbon Sweet Mashed Potatoes” and I enjoyed the “Smokey grilled Rack of Lamb finished with a drizzle of Blackberry & Thyme Reduction. Served atop Creamy Parmesan Polenta.” Seriously, go there now.
• O’Malley’s– I was so confused when I saw the tiny building that hosted the pub. Really, how are people going to fit in there? Well, the first floor only has restrooms. Patrons walk downstairs and through a domed brick walkway into the first bar area. The bottom bar is a limestone cellar fifty-five feet below ground with a live Irish band. It was an unbelievable experience.

Lodging

• We stayed at the Inn as Weston Landing, our first Bed & Breakfast experience. The Trevor Chadwick Room was filled with beautiful antiques and chocolates on our pillows. The Inn also includes complimentary snacks and candy in the room along with soda, coffee, and fresh baked goods in the Parlor all day long. Chef Kenna prepared a delicious breakfast of cinnamon rolls, blueberry scones with lemon curd, French toast with whipped cream cheese and berries, and even scrambled eggs and bacon. Let’s not forget the freshly squeezed orange juice.

Shopping

• 

  Metal work by Timothy King

  Back Roads Art– Mr. R&R purchased a metal deer cut-out finished with a rustic frame made by an artist in Oklahoma. We also purchased a Christmas gift for his parents.

• The Black Shutter– If you like repurposed and reclaimed furniture, this shop is for you. The paint colors were beautiful and reasonability priced.
• 

  I love cow hide!

  Buffalo Ranch Rustic Home– Don’t be scared away by the taxidermy fox in the front window. I picked up a toss pillow as a Christmas gift for a friend and got myself a soft cowhide cosmetic pouch.

• Cactus Creek– I was introduced to this store at Junkstock last spring. I left the store this weekend with a gray goat hide. I am kicking myself for not purchasing the matching toss pillows even after Mr. R&R said I could get myself something for my birthday (maybe I’ll get those in two weeks at Junkstock).
• 

  A cross like no others in my collection

  Celtic Ranch– Mr. R&R was giddy when he saw the backroom containing an extensive selection of scotch. He purchased a fancy bottle that I swear smells like a band-aid (but he loves it) and I got myself a new cross to hang on my “cross wall” in my reading nook.

• Weston Tobacco– Little did we know that that Tobacco Festival was taking place (and was sold out). Mr. R&R was a little kid when he got a sneak peak into the back room where the tobacco was hang drying. Of course, he had to get some of their cigars to try.

There were more shops that we didn’t visit and more restaurants for us to try. I guess that means we need to go back.

Saw Blade End Tables

Oak boards for table top

Mr. R&R is exceptionally supportive of the projects I take on (and ask him to make), but this week he had his own design to create: end tables with saw blades all made using pieces reclaimed from the family farm.

Materials for a Custom Saw blade End Table:

• 2 – 8”X19” Oak boards for the table top
• 4 – 21” tall 2×2’s for the legs (reclaimed and sanded smooth)
• ½”x2” and ½”X3” trim pieces cut to size for the trim (reclaimed and sanded smooth)
• Used, old, rusty saw blades
• Epoxy
• Danish Oil

Lip created to hold epoxy

Table ready for saw blades and epoxy

Mr. R&R began the process by combining two oak boards to create a table top 16”x19”. He tested various stain colors, linseed oil and Danish oil, but ultimately decided to use Danish oil. He cut the ½”x3” (½”x2” for 1 of the 3 tables) reclaimed wood to create a trim edge around the table. Here’s the trick though, he did not adhere the trim to be flush with the table top. The trim was set to create ¼” lip above the table top. The lip allowed room for him to place the saw blades on the table and fill the space with Glaze Coat (Epoxy). And don’t forget to add table legs before pouring the epoxy. All the exposed reclaimed wood was finished with Danish oil.

1 of 3 new saw blade tables

The end tables are beautiful and manly at the same time. The tables are a wonderful way to preserve a bit of farm history.

Painted Stools (with bold colors!)

Original barstools

Rose requested one-on-one time with me and what better bonding than estate sale shopping. We had quite the adventure driving around town, searching for the best pieces to give new life. I love hearing her ideas and seeing her design style take shape. On this particular shopping trip, Rose was attracted to stools.

Vinyl stencil applied- ready to paint

Natural pine is not my favorite finish, but I saw the potential in the short pine bar stools Rose found. I started by sanding away the varnish before I put Rae to work staining. Rae was new to staining furniture and since that day she has asked to mow the lawn instead of staining. Ouch. After the Rust-Oleum American Walnut stain was dry, I applied a round vinyl sticker and painted the top of the stool “blue midnight”. The end result is a beautiful blue top with two circles of the stained wood peaking through. I sealed the stool tops with two coats of polycrylic.

Completed barstools

Stepping stool sanded

In addition to the bar stools, Rose selected a small stepping stool. Rose loves purple and it was just her luck that I found purple paint, Rare Wine to be exact, in the basement, left by the previous homeowner. I sanded, but did not stain the stepping stool. I applied a scroll vinyl design directly to the raw wood prior to painting. Similar to the bar stools, I applied two coats of polycrylic to protect the stencil work and paint.

A pop of purple stepping stool

The new stools are striking and full of life. The blue and purple paint offer a fun “pop” of color.  I think Rose and I will have many estate sale shopping trips together in our future.

Youth Group Blessings Board

Bible verses on canvas

I believe that God gives us all talents and calls upon us at different times to use them. 1 Peter 4:10 “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” I recently was asked to help lead the 8th grade Wednesday night youth group. I was nervous and excited at the same time. The theme of the group is “Every Day God Experiences” and I felt a calling to help the 8^th graders, including Rae, acknowledge and see the presence of God in their life.

The 8^th grade meeting room is at the beginning stages of a remodel. The walls have been painted, but lack artwork. I knew I could easily paint canvas with bible verses, which I did, but I wanted something more. After reading the lesson plans, reviewing notes from my own prayer classes, and a little Pinterest research, I was compelled to make a Blessing Board.

Staple the twine to create a zig-zag pattern

With the support of our Youth Director, I put Mr. R&R to work constructing a frame for the board. He used reclaimed trim to construct a large frame. The corners were attached with wood glue and re-enforced with staples. Next was my turn to use the staple gun; I stapled twine to the back of the frame to create a random zig-zag pattern. I screwed hooks to the front of the frame to holds bags containing small clothespins and scraps of colorful paper.

This made my heart happy.

The Blessings Board was introduced this past Wednesday. At the end of the night, the 8^th graders where asked to write down, anonymously, when they felt the presence of God that day or simply, a blessing of the day. The responses were beautiful and filled my heart. The activity will be repeated each week and I look forward to seeing the blessings of God fill the board.

James 1:17 “Every good and perfect gift is from above”

Blessings Board

Ice Bucket Stand

Some days I don’t craft- no painting, staining, or sanding. Some days I don’t wash laundry, cook, or unload the dishwasher. When the stars align and I have a day of not doing any of the previously mentioned tasks, I will likely be found binge watching Netflix with a drink in my hand. On days that I don’t have the energy to craft or clean, the idea of walking to the fridge for a fresh drink is exhausting. If you ever feel this way too, please say so, do– don’t leave me hanging.  An ice bucket stand next to the couch is a perfect solution.

Original knitting stand

I was out thrift store shopping and stumbled upon a mini whiskey barrel-looking  container that had a lid and legs.  It was the perfect height to compliment a sofa. The stand is from the 1960’s and was designed to hold knitting materials, get this, while sitting on the couch. I returned to the office and showed off a picture of my find and everyone responded “is that an ice bucket?”. By golly, I was going to make it an ice bucket.

Time to clean the brass

After reading online reviews of Flex Seal, I could not bring myself to risk the product malfunctioning and creating a leaky ice bucket, not to mention the lack of insulation. I was fortunate to find an ice bucket at Goodwill that fit perfectly inside the wooden barrel.

Drinks on ice at the perfect height!

I love rustic, but wooden barrels and brass are not my thing. I am open to the return of gold and brass, but not barrels with brass. Fanny selected a beautiful blue paint since the ice bucket will be a fun accent piece. I made a mess when painting and was forced to use the Dremel to remove paint from the brass, then polish and buff it. At this point, I began to question why I “had” to paint the piece.

The good news, the knitting basket has left the ‘60’s and is now rustic, refined, and practical. Drink up!

Fall Porch Decorations

New rug, pillows, and end table

No, it’s not decorative gourd season. It is time to remove my spring/summer blue decorations from the front porch and replace them with fall colors (reds, oranges, and yellows). Decorative gourds and pumpkins will not, and should not, make an appearance until October. Those are the rules. The same date applies to pumpkin spice lattes.

Black walnut stump table

I focus on two areas of my porch when decorating: the sitting area and around the front door. The sitting area was a breeze to switch over for fall. Rae and I went to At Home and found a neutral colored outdoor rug for $50. Rae selected a burnt-red moroccan print outdoor pillow for the. I swapped the navy blue end table for a custom black walnut tree stump. Mr. R&R removed the top from an old outdoor end table and mounted it to the tree stump, per Rose’s suggestion. I accented the table with a yellow mason jar and silk flowers from Michael’s (don’t judge me… I’m allowed to cheat on crafts sometimes).

I love fresh flowers!

Mr. R&R said that the area around the front porch looks better now than it did this summer. I think he is a fan of the antique wooden box containing two large pots of multi-colored mums (I must remember to water them).  Actually, his favorite part is probably the “welcome” sign I painted on a scrap piece of rough cut black walnut. Painting the “welcome” is an easy project and adds such personality to your front door.

1.  Select a long piece of scrap wood (visit Habitat ReStore or a fencing company for reclaimed wood)
2. Place your stencil letters on the wood—Letter stencils can be purchased at craft or school supply store. Letter stencils can also be cut with a Silhouette.
3. Secure the stencils in place with spray adhesive (I did this) or painters tape
   

   Move the paint to the middle of the design

4. Use a foam brush and acrylic to fill-in the stencil. Move the brush from the stencil into the area to be painted- this creates clean lines and prevents paint from leaking under the stencil
5. Let dry and remove the stencil

My porch is now ready for the first day of fall on September 23^rd. Pumpkins will complete the fall look, after October 1^st, of course.

Welcome!