Holdouts

I knew when I took out the paint

and made the first swipe on my coffee table,

that I had a road in front of me

that would take a while to cover.

That was back over the July 4th weekend

and I think I've painted over 14 pieces of furniture

big and small...

plus one huge chandelier.

And countless other changes were made

to get my Living Room to the place it is now.

Then there were these "holdouts".

The two black pieces that were in my bedroom hallway.

I couldn't put it off any longer,

It was a dark reminder of how far I'd come.

I looked for a photo of this hallway with the two black pieces,

but couldn't find one.

So here is how it looks now.

much happier, lighter and brighter!

This lampshade is driving me crazy in this photo,

but it's not wonky in the rest of the photos

so I guess it's just the angle I was shooting from.

This is looking the other direction, toward the kitchen and Dining Room

Here's that blasted shade again,

I'm on the lookout for something lighter now.

I've had this wonderful "Our Father" print for awhile,

just waiting for the right spot.

Fragile and stained,

even more precious.

These are just cheap pieces from Hobby Lobby

purchased when we first moved in.

Something to set a lamp on in the dark hallway.

My vintage tapestry from Belgium circa 1930s.

I still have a few mirrors to hang here

that I think will help reflect the light.

and yesterday I gave an old laundry basket

the French touch paint technique,

much like I did the chandy.

First gray, then black, then almond...

dry brushing and blending as you go.

I'll be linking up with these great parties:

links on buttons on sidebar

Also, wanting to pay homage to those whose lives were taken

and those whose lives were shaken, on September 11, 2001.

For a season we all looked to God,

may we never forget...

much love,

I'm still painting...

Here's the latest...

My recent Living Room makeover has been accomplished in stages.

The most recent "installment" has been to paint out the sofa table

 and then the two chairs flanking it.

I sort of thought I might be able to get away with not doing it...

but no.

It all needed to be white.

(Before)

These chairs took me forever to paint and distress.

all the little detail work was a booger trying to deal with!

They look much prettier in person,

the camera just isn't picking up on all the nuances they now have.

LOVE my sofa table now,

and it has been decluttered of all the family photos

for the time being.

sorry kids...

you know we love ya!

Then I could bring back my faux Staffordshire dogs.

These little barkers may have been "faux",

 but they still weren't cheap.

Thanks again for all the great ideas and advice for this to happen,

and speaking of which...

A fun new feature is in the works,

and I need your feedback.

I'll share Thursday afternoon with

Vintage Inspiration Friday!

I'm partying here this week:

links on the sidebar with buttons.

See you Thursday for

xoxo,