Swedish Inspiration

Again, I am taken with the simplicity of Swedish decorating!

You will find this at johanna.vintage.blogspot.com

Painted - Thankful!

Happy Thanksgiving!!



Proud!!

Most of the blogs that I follow are somehow connected to interior design, decorating, diy, crafts, cooking, etc.  I am always impressed with the work of these bloggers and sometimes a bit envious of what they share.  Today, however, I am so proud of the work I am sharing not only because of its excellence but also its origin - my daughter, Karen.

Karen is an interior designer in NYC with the Jeffrey Beers International design firm.  They specialize in "hospitality" design - hotels, restaurants, clubs, etc.  She has been with them for about a year and today is the opening of her first NYC project.  It is the expansion of the Todd English Food Hall in the Plaza Hotel. Not a bad way to start off.

This pic was taken last night as the chefs and staff were getting the place ready to open.  To think that she designed where every piece of silverware is stored, every liquor bottle is placed, every plate is displayed  - amazing!

Bravo, Karen!!

Thank You

Since starting this blog I have been surprised and delighted at the data regarding the audience.  There are not 10,000 pageviews as on other blogs but the 500 or so are appreciated more than can be written.

Even though I have been computer literate for a number of years I still don't understand how radios and t.v.'s work.  That being said, it is amazing that there are people all over the world reading this blog.  Whether they are return visitors or one-timer's, they are greatly appreciated.  I wish I could talk to every one of them.

Take care.

Painted - Disappointed

Chris and his friend went to retrieve our pieces from one of the shops.  I didn't feel that we should visit each shop on any regular schedule because we trusted the owner to do her part - sell!  Long story short - she had our pieces hidden or covered with her stuff.  Our tables were being used to display her things - couldn't even see the tables.  The day after the pieces were brought back, a customer was here to pick up an order.  Her friend bought one of the tables in 15 minutes!  Arrrggghhh!  A lesson has been learned.

Going forward.....   Another "furniture guy" said that the wicker pieces would sell very quickly if they were painted black.  So, we are going to give it a try but not today.  It is very windy and humid (this is November but I live in Florida).  Tomorrow is my checkup with the neurosurgeon so we won't be doing it then.  Maybe Friday.

Here is the before pic.  Please feel free to comment.

Have fun and take care.

Painted - Tutorial

Hi again!   I have always intended to post a tutorial on painting old furniture.  Today I came across such a thing and thought that there was no reason for me to do it any differently.

The link for this is  www.thefrugalgirl.com   The post is dated 3/5/2009.  We have never used the paint that she references but it looks pretty good to me.

Take care.

Painted - White with Navy

I have always loved the combination of white and navy blue.  The crisp contrasts in color give things a sharp emphasis on form and style.  Back in the fifties my mum wore navy and white heels that were fantastic to me.   

So, if I ever had the wherewithall I would have a room that looks like this...

I found this pic on www.tradewindsdecor.com

Take a look - you may become inspired.

Take care.

Painted - all ready

Today is a day of remembering and appreciating all those who have put their lives ahead of all others.  Thanks.....

The custom order furniture is ready for pick-up.  It all looks so pretty- subtle but grand.  Here you go.......

                                      close up of hardware

                                               closeup of hardware

                                            mirror with reflection of dresser

Ready to go out the door!  Nice feeling.

Painted - and waiting

Another day and more progress.  Since the terrible weight of the aneurysm is off our shoulders we seem to be almost skipping through the day ("skipping" is an exaggeration, of course).

Below are pics of the furniture with the final coat of paint (Sherwin Williams - Pro Classic - Samovar Silver).  It went on like "butta" ("butter" for those of you who do not speak like a Bostonian).

Now a pic of the hardware with the first base coat.  They will be a nickel color when finished.

If it stays dry today we will be able to finish it all off and deliver tomorrow.  We are pleased with the results and hope that Mary will be also.

Painted - with Roses!

This is a pic of the gorgeous roses sent to me for my recovery.  Frank and family are sooooo nice.

The next pic is of the custom order furniture in primed stage.  Chris is working on the hardware today.  Final painting will be tomorrow and then delivery on Thursday. 

I drove a very short distance on Saturday so today will be my first real driving since being home.  I am going to the library to enlarge a vintage letter written in French from Graphics Fairy.  I hope this works as a transfer.  I will show the results whether good or bad.

Painted - All Over!!!!!

I no longer have a brain aneurysm!   I am recuperating with very little pain but a lot of sore.  Everything is almost normal again.

A couple of days before the surgery we landed a custom order of four pieces.  We will be doing a dresser, nightstand, mirror and headboard.  The customer has chosen gray and white with silver/nickel hardware.  Chris took the pics below except for the headboard.  I don't know why he left that out and I didn't check because I have been in the fetal position asleep for the last four days.

These pics are before he completed all the repairs and sanding.  Today he started the priming.

I hope to be able to get back to my things in a couple of days.  It may be corny but I am in a very happy place.      Take care.