frugal farmhouse design

Valentine LOVE GIVEAWAY

2012-02-13T07:01:00.000-08:00

in honor of

L  O  V  E

I am doing a little giveway

a vintage red stripe grain sack

this one is a nice size - it measures 4 feet long

(fits perfectly over the body pillow available at Target)

super soft, clean, vintage unused, european grain bag with a fine to medium textured linen weave. Great for so many projects or just to have and love!

All you have to do is leave me a comment and also be a facebook follower

a random winner will be selected on Wednesday 2/15 at 9:00am EST

Lots of LOVE for Valentine's Day!

Lori

we are also offering a limited number of sponsor spaces

if you are interested you can see the details on our shop blog

natural hearts

2012-02-09T07:43:00.000-08:00

sweet & simple 

Valentine's Day Decor

$1.49

for this six inch heart

SALE

two for

$1.99

Factory Direct Craft

assorted grape vine hearts

are inexpensive at

www.egrapevinestore.com

only $2.95 at this

ETSY SHOP

teenage girls room

2012-01-19T05:15:00.000-08:00

If you have a teenage girl in your home - you will most likely know exactly what I am talking about in this post. First I will give you a little background on my own teenage self. During my years growing up in a modest ranch home, I shared a tiny bedroom with my younger sister Lisa. Well if you are familiar with the television show the Odd couple you will know what type of relationship we had.

Lisa was tidy and neat, always made her bed. Even her stuffed animals were lined up in order by height. I on the other hand, and I hate to admit this was a complete slob. I had a constant pile of clothes on the floor, magazines, crafts allover the place, and little collections of whatever I liked at the time (usually in the form of little bits of paper). I had a vanity with make-up all over and stickers of all the hot guys in the latest issue of Teen Beat.

To make a long boring story short - things were so bad in our tiny room for my poor sister that my father came up with a solution. He actually cut a hole in the ceiling, finished the attic space, and stuck a ladder in the hole for me to climb up into my own little pig stye. Not so comfortable when my 5'9" frame had to crawl around in a room with 5" ceilings.

My mother would wish upon me that someday I would have daughter that would be just like me. God works in mysterious ways. Low an behold there really is something called payback.

Anyway - I really hate entering my daughters room. It is usually for emergency situations only and to make sure that bed linens are changed on a regular bases. I don't know why it is, but it always seems easier to tackle the space someone else- as far as a make-over is concerned.

That is why my latest project is of a good friend's teenage daughter's room. Which by the way actually isn't that bad considering what I have at home.

Here are the before photos

with a tiny budget, some creativity - and help from the Local Pottery Barn Outlet

The room is just about finished

wait till you see....

finally...

2012-01-18T06:34:00.000-08:00

I apologize for my blogging absence. I have been super busy with the re-designing of the new shop website. Hopefully it will make things easier for you to navigate.

Thank you to my followers for all the wonderful comments and support this past year. It helps to keep me going during off days and creative dry spells. Now that the website is up and running, I can dedicate my time to projects, design work and more. I have been busy hunting and gathering fresh merchandise for the online store (I am still adding more)

You can check out what I have done so far at

www.whiteflowerfarmhouse.com

I am using a new design company, that still has some kinks to work out. For the time being all of the items listed on the website are shipped FREE with NO additional fees.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T06:46:00.000-08:00

image from the movie It's a Wonderful Life

Warm wishes for a very Merry Christmas

and the best in the New Year!

how to make NEW wood look OLD

2011-12-22T11:27:00.000-08:00

if you love the look of old barn wood you can give any new piece of wood that "aged" look.

this table here is made from authentic antique barn wood

this one is not

go from this

to this

you will need the following

white vinegar

2 pieces of steel wool #0000

2 tea bags (I like earl grey) but you can use Lipton or any brand

water to make the tea

a glass jar

you will need to get started at least 24 hours before you are ready to use the "stain"

The first thing you have to do is rip up the steel wool into little pieces and put them inside of the jar. Next - poor white vinegar into the jar (enough to cover the steel wool)

Let it sit for at least 24 hours. The longer it sits the darker the color will be that you achieve

after your vinegar mix is ready it is time to make the tea

Boil your water and steep the tea bags as if you are going to have a cup - for the farm table that I did, I used two cups of water and two tea bags.

What you are going to do next is to actually apply the tea with a brush like you would if you were using paint. It will look light and almost natural - let it dry completely .

The magic doesn't happen until you apply the vinegar mixture over the tea. Once you start brushing the vinegar over the tea stain the wood will change immediately. It will turn a grayish brown.

I recommend that you do a little test on a scrap piece of wood first to make sure that you have the desired color

once your vinegar treatment is dry it is a good idea to seal the surface with a clear protective finish (we used a water base polycrylic)

this is the table before the "aging treatment"

this is the table after

this treatment can give a brand new wood table an old look

for just a few dollars you can add years to the look of a new wood surface

what do you think?

this aging process has been around for a while, for more info check out this

website for an excellent photographic tutorial

http://www.xrestore.com/Pages/Aging.htm

odd inspiration for holiday mantle

2011-12-13T12:38:00.000-08:00

I will find inspiration for a creative project in the oddest places....

this time it was a website for pet food

The pets in our home always get a little something in their stocking for Christmas.

Clementine gets a treat

Tribble gets a treat

Miss Marshmallow gets a treat

While doing an online search for the little gifts to fill our pets stockings

I came across a website that sold inexpensive grapevine candy canes and stars as edible snacks for rabbits and guinea pigs. As soon as I saw them I thought how cool they would be as a decorations for Christmas.

http://www.busybunny.com/

I placed an order for some pet gifts and added on a few grapevine candy canes and stars for my holiday kitchen mantle decorating.

I spent about $12 for my items. After the package arrived I needed to pick up a few more things.

I stopped at the supermarket and picked up a $4.99 bouquet of white flowers. Once home I headed into the backyard with my clippers to cut some evergreens.

Using some vintage apothecary jars, fresh greens, the white flowers, a few pinecones and my newly purchased grapevine stars and candy canes - I set out to create my holiday mantle. The total cost with my purchased supplies was $17

the best part is that after the holidays are over

these guys get to eat the decorations

simple farmhouse holiday

2011-11-25T06:41:00.000-08:00

simple farmhouse holiday

find it here

I have been working on a project

2011-11-14T05:07:00.000-08:00

here is a little hint about something I am working on

if I can make it work I will be thrilled

it will be something that is super inexpensive to do

what am I getting myself into?

zinc sink

2011-11-02T07:37:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to share with you a bathroom sink. This sink belongs to my friend who is a landscape designer, she found it in a salvage yard for $200. It is made of zinc and was originally intended for outdoor use

She was going to use it in her garden, it was too pretty not to enjoy it everyday. She had it installed in an old English pine dresser to use in her master bathroom. I just LOVE this idea - what do you think?

hardware store counter to kitchen island

2011-10-21T04:55:00.000-07:00

Here is one of my favorite of all time finds:

My kitchen island had a previous life as a counter in our local hardware store. I had the opportunity to purchase it when the shop owners retired and moved south. They wanted $200 for it.

I did two things to make it an island that would work in my kitchen

1. I put up a simple muslin curtain on a spring rod on the back to hide all the stuff I cram under - cost under $30

2. I had a galvanized top fabricated at a sheet metal shop to make it functional and add an industrial feel to it - cost $150

Have a great weekend, Lori

linking up today to one of my favorite parties

Miss Mustardseed Furniture-Feature-Friday-Favorites

recycled copper chimney cap

2011-10-03T15:37:00.000-07:00

I like to collect old pieces of different metals. I have some old zinc drip pans, long copper pans, galvanized covers, and other interesting pieces of metal in all shapes and sizes.

I have a pretty good working relationship with the local "scrap guy" he knows what I like and lets me know if he comes across anything interesting like...

old discarded copper chimney cover

The cover was given a new life as a garden table

Copper is very soft to work with. The table was made using an inexpensive plywood top. The chimney cover was simply flattening with a mallet on a hard flat surface, working with it by hand and folding the edges around the plywood edge.

you can see the seams on the surface from it's previous life as a cap for an old chimney

I think it adds character and makes it interesting knowing what it is made from

The patina is perfect as is and will be left outside to weather naturally in the garden

another piece of metal saved from the scrap yard

I love to recycle

my new old coffee table

2011-09-27T06:09:00.000-07:00

Once in a while I will have great luck finding something on CRAIGS LIST

I recently came upon this while while searching for a

pine coffee table

it was coincidental that the old pine finish on the table matched the cupboard that I purchased a few months ago at an estate sale

When I first found it it was really dirty and had crayon marks on it.

All I did was wash it with Murphys Oil Soap

the price for the table was $75

Little by little this room is coming along. Everything in the entire room with the exception of the sofa and love seat was purchased used and at a bargain price

I am linking here at Miss Mustard Seeds

Furniture Feature Friday

and

Coastal Charm Nifty-Thrifty-Tuesday

salvaged wood shoe rack

2011-09-21T16:40:00.000-07:00

above is the inspirational photo for my project.

These racks were used in shoe manufacturing factories from the late 1800's through to the 1950's (common here in the north east especially Maine).

The wheels and open shelving enabled the workers access to the rack from both sides as it was moved about the factory floor.

These shoe racks are so functional and I love the fact that they are on wheels so you can move them from room to room. My favorite spot for these in a kitchen stacked with dishes, glasses, bowls etc.

No thanks to reproductions offered by Pottery Barn and Restoration Hardware. The original older ones are getting harder to find and highly desirable. A few of my friends that live in Brooklyn say that some shops have these for sale and are asking over $1000 - which makes them way too expensive to own when you are lucky enough to come across one. I guess that was my final motivation.

I have been thinking for a while of trying to make these racks, not just make them - but to make them look old as well.. I showed the photo of the rack to carpenter John and described in detail to him what they were all about and the look I was trying to achieve. I think I shocked him with the request - I won't go into what he said but it was something like "people really want these"?

Since John is a ~~hoarder~~ collector of salvaged wood and he loves projects that he can use up his scraps with, he said he would attempt the challenge of making an old looking new shoe rack.

later in the day I stopped by the workshop to find this

of course I had to try it out

These rolling shoe racks will be for sale in the shop, but for those of you who are not local but are handy we will be offering in the near future - the step by step directions, and plans to build your own factory shoe rack. Stay tuned...

THANKS JOHN.

linking up here
http://missmustardseed.blogspot.com/2011/09/furniture-feature-friday-favorites-link_22.html http://verymerryvintagestyle.blogspot.com/
http://www.bluecricketdesign.net/

winner announcement

2011-09-18T15:27:00.000-07:00

The winner of the White Flower Farmhouse ...is

Amy from the

Whisper Wood Cottage

My 15 year old daughter Shannon chose the winner at random. Thank you to everyone who entered the giveway and Thank you to all of you who joined me on facebook.

Your the best! Lori

Back with a GIVEAWAY

2011-09-14T08:50:00.000-07:00

I know that I have been absent lately, my excuses are...

1. very busy family life - especially the last few weeks before school started.

2. tropical storm Irene basted through and took down the electrical wires outside my workshop (still waiting for repair - hint hint LILCO)

3. I have been hunting hard for great stuff to go on the way overdue for an update website.

4. I started another facebook page for the shop, I was a little reluctant because - I made one a while ago. Shorty after I got it up and running it was hacked. Long story short - whoever did the hacking tried to extort money from every follower (32 at the time) said I was brutally attacked and needed monetary help (nice huh?)

anyway I am trying again, and to make-up for my lack of posts - I am offering you a chance to win something if you follow me on FACEBOOK (no hackers this time hopefully)

here are the six items valued at $200

one lucky follower can win

a hand made barn wood bench 16" by 9" and 10" tall

a linen military garment bag with wonderful graphic lettering

it measures 44" by 22" and is heavy enough to upholster with

a simple cream heavy linen european grain bag

this one measures 20" by 46" (it makes a gorgeous bed bolster with a body pillow inside)

a sweet little white ironstone 4" pitcher

a set of silverplated ice tea spoons

and a heavy white hotel platter 11" by 8"

the winner will be chosen from the comments left on my facebook page

The contest will be open until Sunday, September 18th.

To be eligible all you have to do is go to my FACEBOOK page, like me and leave a comment

WHITE FLOWER FARMHOUSE FACEBOOK PAGE

THANK YOU so much for all you patience and support, Lori

sign LOVE

2011-08-19T14:35:00.000-07:00

I found these here

Hamptons Cottages and Gardens

I have been saving some beautiful old barn wood boards and I am looking for a cool project.

Love the white lettering on natural wood.

what "words" would inspire you?

an old cupboard & some fresh flowers

2011-08-15T07:36:00.000-07:00

I am always changing things around in my home. I will find a bargain piece of furniture, use is for a while, found something to replace it with and drag the old one to the shop to be sold.

I recently found this very old English pine cupboard at a tag sale for $125. It was intended for the shop, but never made it there.

A very sweet neighbor has the most amazing cottage garden. Every time I drive by I always take the time to admire what she has done.

She knows how much I love the white limelight hydrangeas that she grows

in her beautiful gardens.

She surprised me over the weekend with a phone call to let me know that she had made me a bouquet of the hydrangeas for me.

she left them on her porch for me to pick-up when I drove by.

They add the perfect touch to my new vintage cupboard

beach party center piece for $1.50

2011-08-05T14:04:00.000-07:00

I am hosting a beach party under white tents this weekend here on eastern Long Island. It is a fundraiser for the local children's' sailing school.

I have to set up about 10 tables outside for an event. I have simple white tablecloths for each table. I wanted to put a little something decorative as the centerpiece. I was given a zero budget for this, so I did it on the extreme cheap $1.50 each.

I took a walk on the beach to look for some inspiration and something I could work with. I came home with a few buckets of shells, stones and driftwood pieces (sand too).

I found a stack of old tarnished trays at a thrift store for $1 each. I also scored some clear glass canning jars for 25 cents a piece. A big bag of tea lights came to about 25 cents a piece.

I filled the canning jar half way with beach sand, placed a tea light candle and some shells inside. I placed the jar in the center of the tarnished metal tray and literately dumped some of my beach treasures right onto the tray.

I tried it out on my kitchen table, but these are going to be going to the beach side party outdoors for the evening.

Have a great weekend, Lori

kitchen details & info

2011-07-26T08:22:00.000-07:00

Here is all the info on the kitchen renovation that I did for the beach cottage with the help of John (the shop carpenter). The new kitchen was done on a very tight budget and the total cost came in under $7000. I designed the kitchen cabinets, shelving and concrete counter tops and we made them in our workshop. The upper cabinets were removed and we added a step back cupboard pantry for extra storage. The wide plank pine flooring was purchased at Wightman lumber for a bargain price and we installed, stained and did the finish work on them. The only appliances that were purchased new were the refrigerator, dishwasher and microwave. We also got a new farmhouse sink and faucet. John and I installed the wallpaper on the ceiling and we did all the painting ourselves.

I had John cut a $32 pine table leg in half to use as a decorative detail on the sink base cabinet

Here is a list of the paint colors which are all from Benjamin Moore:

ceiling and trim - White 02 in high gloss

the cabinets - Paper Mache in Aura satin finish

walls - Sea Pearl in flat

stepback cabinet - White Dove in semi-gloss

the floor stain is Early American by Minwax

the accessories on the shelves all belong to the home owner

the anchor door knocker was original to the cottage when it was built in the 50's by the owners father. I found it stored in the back of one of the cabinets. I also found the pretty aqua mixing bowl and the other cool accessories were around the house.

when the homeowner first saw the anchor she started to cry, which made me realize that I made the right choice by using it.

( It is important to me to use the homeowners personal items in the design work that I do) After all - I am not the one that is living in the space.

the simple white subway tile was trimmed in dock line that was adhered to the wall with liquid nails. I also added the dock line as a decorative edge to the new $35 vent hood over the stove. The bead board "box" that is incorporated into the vent hood is just inexpensive paneling that is purely decorative.

the sink was purchased on Ebay from

Blue Bath

it was $300 and shipped for FREE

The $80 faucet is from overstock.com it is no longer available, but you can find ones that are similar - look here

the dishwasher was purchased at Best Buy for under $300

the rug is sisal and rubber backed - it was found at my local Ace Hardware for $26

The wall paper on the ceiling was purchased here

at Wallpapers Plus and cost under $70 for the entire ceiling. I cannot tell you how many people thought the ceiling was tin.

the light fixture is by Barn Light Electric

The fixture is a semi-flush mount called Mayfield

the little bench is only temporary - the homeowner is getting a 3 foot farmhouse table made with old barn wood that is going to fit under the window ledge. It will have a counter stool that matches.

By painting the ceiling with high gloss white it reflects the light within the small space to make it appear larger

the refrigerator is a special size and is by a brand called Summit - it is counter depth (24") the owner lives alone and did not need much in terms of food storage. The old was way too big. It actually stuck out into the doorway and was over the window a few inches. It was purchased here for $495 and the delivery was super fast and FREE

what a difference this size fridge makes

my Mom sewed the sheer simple white valances on the window for $10 each (thanks Mom)

the floor is stained in Early American by Minwax and has three coats of satin poly finish. We tried something that we have never used before by a company called Bona (highly recommended to us) and we recommend it as well - you can see it here

this is the concrete counter top with the crushed oyster shell finish - John made this in the workshop

the crystal pulls are from our local Restoration Hardware Outlet store - I found them on sale for $3.75 each. There are similar ones available the The Home Depot for under $5 each

the stove is the original one that was in the kitchen previously - we stuck with white appliances for two reasons. To keep the cost down number one and because when you are designing in a small space (about 114 sq ft) It will make the room look larger to stay within the same color family.

I just wanted to let you guys in on a little inside info regarding this kitchen. The budget as I mentioned was under $7000. When John and I first gutted the kitchen we realized that the floor was a full two inches higher on the left side (literately a ball would roll right down to the right hand corner) Doing a major renovation to get the foundation and flooring level was not an option. John made every single cabinet (front legs and back) different heights to make them sit completely level. John is a retired math teacher - which I am sure helped because I don't know how he did it. I just wanted to let John know how much I appreciate working with him. I had so much fun doing this kitchen. Now off to the next job.

kitchen reveal

2011-07-14T11:26:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone, I know you guys have waiting a VERY long time to see the final results of this kitchen I have been working on. This is a quick little post to show you how it turned out. I will be doing a detailed post with tons of photos shortly - Lori

left overs - oyster wreath

2011-07-12T19:05:00.000-07:00

I just returned from a family wedding that was held in one of the most charming places I have ever been to. A little seaside town in Massachusetts called Provincetown

I really enjoyed my stay and LOVED this quaint town, with all of the art galleries, restaurants, friendly people and cool shops. I love to look for creative inspiration in everything around me. I don't know why - but going away for a few days seems to jump start my creativity. I get re-charged and look forward to starting new projects once I get home.

the view from my room

I saw some very beautiful - but expensive hand crafted shell wreaths made with local shells in some of shops. This gave me the idea to try to make one when I returned from the trip. I have a lot of oyster shells left from the counter top project sitting in a bucket in my garage. I picked up some 12" foam wreath forms at a garage sale for 50 cents a few months ago waiting for a project.

I think that a straw wreath would work fine also.

I wanted to have a white base to lay the shells so I tore 2" strips of fabric from an old white cotton sheet piece.

I covered the foam wreath with glue using an old brush

and wrapped the fabric strips around the foam to cover the green color

I sorted my oyster shells into two piles (the thin flat bottoms and the heavy crusty tops)

here is a bowl of the bottom shells - by the way... after I ate ~~all~~ some of the oysters, I put the shells in a big bucket of water with some bleach in it and left them to soak for a couple of days to get them really clean.

I used a hot glue gun to glue the thin bottom shells along the inside edge in one direction

I used ten shells along the inside

next I hot glued the thin shells with the opposite side up in one layer

then I edged the outside with the thick crusty shells going in one direction ( about sixteen shells)

I wanted to add some additional texture to the top - so I glued on one more layer of thin flat shells and then added seven of the thicker crusty tops spaced out to really give the wreath some substance. I used a total of 22 thick shell tops and about forty five of the thinner bottom shells for the entire wreath.

that was it

This is what I do went I can't sleep at night - Glad to be back, Lori

oyster shells in concrete

2011-07-06T12:21:00.000-07:00

the counter top update

yeah! the concrete counter tops were installed today in the beach cottage kitchen

crushed oyster shells were added to the mixture to lighten them up a bit, and add some shell speckles

50 pounds cost 14.99 at our local Agway store

(they are used as chicken feed to help with the calcium for their egg shells)

to see how we make concrete counters check out our tutorial

here

now we get to do all the fun stuff like adding the tile back splash, window treatments and accessories (well I don't know if John considers tile installation fun - but I think it is)

good bye old kitchen

the big reveal coming next week...

(with or without the new counter depth fridge arriving)

July 4th

2011-07-01T13:00:00.000-07:00

Wishing everyone a safe, happy and fun July 4th weekend!

seaside winner

2011-06-26T05:08:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone who entered the contest to win the oars.

The winner is

Sarah

from

check out her beautiful blog

pewter and sage

I know the oars will have a wonderful new home

CONGRATULATIONS!

PAIR OF OARS seaside cottage giveway

2011-06-22T13:21:00.000-07:00

Do you love beach cottage style? Even if you home is not on the water you can still add a little bit of "seaside" style to it with this vintage pair of oars.

These are the real deal - right out of one of our local shipyards here on eastern Long Island. So many cool ways that you can use them. To celebrate the amazing and wonderful accomplishment of reaching the 2000 follower milestone - you will have a chance to win this pair of oars. All you have to do is leave a comment and let me know how and where you are going to use them.

This is a quick give-away, the winner will be chosen Friday evening.

I love changing up my accessories for the seasons, especially for the summer

Here are some new beach cottage finds that I have recently introduced into my home

this is a little stepladder that has the original pale blue and aqua painted finish

I found it at the Brimfield flea market in the spring for $20

I picked up is petite vintage fan at Brimfield too - for $25

I collect seascape paintings - this one was $3 at a thrift store

the sailboat painting is a water color under glass that I purchased at the local Historical Society fundraising yard sale for $20

I am starting to get the wall filled up - there are a few more empty spots left. Hopefully I will have them filled by the end of the summer.

The rules that I follow when I am looking for seascapes

1. the colors must work

2. the cost must be $20 or less

A very special thank you to all 2000 of my wonderful followers, especially those who leave comments on just about every post that I write - I really appreciate all of your kind words - and I DO read them all!

GOOD LUCK IN THE SEASIDE COTTAGE GIVEAWAY

for the great old

OARS

I promise to clean off the seaweed before I send them

brooklyn flea day flowers

2011-06-13T15:18:00.000-07:00

I had such a fun weekend with my sister and some girlfriends. We did a day trip to Williamsburgh Brooklyn to check out the Brooklyn Flea market. I treated myself to a beautiful flower arrangement - and for a bargain price of $25!

Here is floral designer Erin Ostreicher in front of her booth- she is an amazing talent.

Her flower designs are so fresh and fun.

She had the flowers arranged and presented in a simple glass ball jar that she embellished with ...

moss

Erin simply wrapped sheet moss around the jar and wound floral wire around the jar. I am going to try this idea at home some day. I am sure I will not come close to what Erin's look like, but the idea is too cool.

Since white is my FAVORITE color flower with green as my second selection, it was an easy choice to pick an arrangement.

to see more click here

Erin Ostreicher Designs

I can't believe that they made it home from the trip and still looked like this

a little kitchen peek

2011-06-06T13:14:00.000-07:00

I have to apologize for the delay in getting this update posted. John and I having been working on the little details and the finishing touches of the kitchen cottage makeover. We are at the point right now of getting the forms built for the concrete counter tops, which are plywood at the moment. We are going to play around with the crushed oyster shells to see what kind of look we want to achieve. Once the counter tops are in we are going to install a simple white subway tile back splash. I have a few photos that I took while working in the kitchen while we still had lots to do (but you can still get the idea of what it is sort of going to look like) - I will not be posting the final results for a few weeks - after the concrete counter tops cure and are installed.

Here are what those bargain glass knobs from Restoration Hardware look

like installed on the cabinets- $3.75 each

The $30 table legs cut in half are on each side of the farm sink

here is that great little sink I found on Ebay

this is the custom step back cupboard/pantry during the installation

one of the fabulous light fixtures from Barn Light Electric

I love how it looks on the glossy painted wallpaper ceiling (the cost for the wall paper was under $70)

here are the simple shelf brackets for the open shelves

the great view I got to enjoy while working

here she is before

it won't be too long for the "after"

I wanted to show you my 50 cent yard sale find that I discovered this weekend

I LOVE pigs, I actually had a pet pig for eight years. I like to have a few PIGS as reminders of my ~~little~~ big pet Bulldozer around the kitchen

Hope you don't think I am weird

old oar make-over

2011-05-27T04:57:00.000-07:00

Now that the warmer weather is here my mind is starting to think about summer decor.

I have been seeing lots of painted oars in the catalogs this season

image from Pottery Barn

Completely Coastal has a post on decorating with oars

During my treasure hunting I am always on the lookout for old wooden oars. Sometimes I luck out and discover them in wonderful condition - all they need is a good cleaning and they look great.

other times this is what I get

I do not let the condition discourage me.

Giving the oars a "make-over" is fun, creative and cheap.

Here are the steps in giving your old oars that are in poor condition a re-do

1. wipe them down and sand the rough edges ( I use one of those sanding sponge blocks )

2. if there are any large cracks you can fill them with wood filler

3. give the oar a quick coat of paint - I use what ever I have left over

4. have fun taping off the sections that you want to add stripes and paint using fun summer colors

4. you can add a number or a letter with a stencil if you want

5. when you are finished and the paint is dry - take your sand paper or sanding sponge and distress the oar

I like to really give the oars a good distressing to make them look like they have been sitting in a boat yard for years

this project is fast and fun

image from Coastal Living

Have a safe and Happy Memorial Day weekend, Lori

pop up weekend

2011-05-23T17:03:00.000-07:00

I had the best time this weekend at Tricia Foley's New General Store. I brought along my 14 year old daughter who actually had a nice time as well. Those of you who have a teenage daughter know what I am talking about here.

Just as expected there were plenty of gorgeous displays and inspiration

below is the interior of a boat house that sits on a lake

some of the things that I loved

I treated myself to a couple of very cool things - I will show you soon.

The incredibly talented Matthew Mead was there to sign copies of his latest magazine SUMMER - He is so sweet and fun. I was happy to get my signed copy of the magazine - I could not wait to check it out.

I honestly was surprised that it is more like a book then an actual magazine. The paper the magazine is printed on is super quality, heavy with a gorgeous matte finish.

I love the cover, it is making me want to get a vintage fan to have in my home for summer

I read it from cover to cover. There are so many great articles.

Of course my favorite one is on TRICIA FOLEY

It is a great magazine that is more like a book really, and I highly recommend it for wonderful summer inspiration, crafts, decorating ideas and recipes. It is the type of publication that you save for years to come.

you can find it

HERE

weekend at the general store

2011-05-20T15:43:00.000-07:00

My all time favorite designer Tricia Foley is hosting another one of her fabulous Pop up General Store Markets this weekend. This time is is going to be an extra special event because ...

Mathew Mead will be there too!

The new summer HOLIDAY magazine will be available for sale, and I am definitely going to treat myself and some friends to this issue. HUGE BONUS - it has a feature on Tricia Foley (this one will be an all time keeper)

HOLIDAY with Mathew Mead

there is always something new at each sale

I look forward to this event each season. Not only does Tricia's home give me a huge dose of inspiration, I also get to go shopping for some of my favorite things that I love.

pure white sponges

a dozen for $18

or a set of wonderful jellies made locally here on Long Island's North Fork

only $20

if you cannot make the trip to Long Island this weekend, Tricia has opened an brand new online store that has many of the items featured at the sale

New General Store Online

for more info and directions check out

New General Store Pop up Market

Have a wonderful weekend, Lori

whites in the kitchen

2011-05-16T17:03:00.000-07:00

Aura by Benjamin Moore

paper mache

Since the kitchen is so small I wanted to use shades of white. I went with a new Aura color for the kitchen cabinets called Paper Mache, and for the walls I used a Benjamin Moore white color called Seapearl

seapearl OC-19

here is a corner of the room - sorry about the poor lighting it was getting late in the day when I took the photo

I also wanted to mention that Romantic Homes magazine did a really nice article on my shop in the current issue. There is also an interview on me about how I started in this business as well as on juggling family life and shop stuff. I am usually very private about talking about children and my son with special needs, he is the reason how I ended up doing what I love today. You can read the interview and check out all the great fresh summer ideas in the June issue.

inexpensive "tin ceiling"

2011-05-09T09:52:00.000-07:00

the ceiling before

The ceiling is finished in the little beach cottage kitchen. I purchased textured paintable wallpaper here at

wall papers plus tin ceiling look

I ordered three double rolls of pre-pasted wall paper which was more then enough to cover the entire ceiling.

I painted on two coats of Benjamin Moore Semi-Gloss paint in 01-white

01-white

this reflected the light into the kitchen and brightened up the once dark and dreary space

I am going to install a fantastic light fixture from my favorite source

BARN LIGHT ELECTRIC

the wall paper cost under $70 and the paint was $29.99

so for just about $100 you can get this look

now ... if I could only get this view!