How to ...

I've had a few questions about HOW I did this European/Romanesk looking wall. So, I thought I'd give you a play by play...

Items needed:
*Stain (I just used $5 stain from Home Depot. Mine is an oak but you can go as dark as you want. Remember, you are rubbing some of it off)
*Old rags (sponge)
*rubber gloves
*drop cloth (don't want those stains on the floor)
* tape (blue painter's tape or masking tape)


Instructions:
Step 1: Tape off edges of other walls/baseboards/light switches. This takes a bit of time but is super important. You'll be glad that you took the time to do it. Normally you would use Blue tape, but I didn't have any. So I just used masking tape.
Step 2: Dip old rag (sponge may work) into stain, squeeze off excess. Rub into wall in a circular motion. Apply as generously as needed. Avoid leaving drips.
Step 3: Use dry rag to remove excess stain. (also in a circular or patting motion)
Step 4: I go back with the stained rag & pat a few more dark spots on the finished product. (do not add more stain to the rag. There should be plenty left on it.)
Step 5: After stain is mostly dry, you can remove the tape.

**I let the stain dry a bit (5-10 minutes) depending on how dark I want it to be. You can play around with this. The more you rub off--the lighter it will be. Make it your own creation. This particular wall took me about 1 hour 1/2 to complete (start to finish). Good luck & may the force be with you.

Disclaimer: I am in NO way an expert. I didn't get these instructions from a book or on-line. This is simply what I did. Hope that it works for you. I love my finished product.

Project Part deux

Yesterday's projects got my creativity blood pumping again. I figured that while I was on a roll, I'd finish this table for my entry way. It's one that my dad gave me from his old house. I LOVE it! I have to give credit where credit is due. My dad is the one that gave me the courage to do all the fun things I've done with furniture, walls, etc...For years, I worked under his care at the Silver Bell (apartments in Chandler that my parents owned).

When I came home from my mission, I was fearless & my dad helped me get a few ideas out that I'd always wanted to try. We were at lunch one afternoon (as we frequently were--probably getting a hot dog & soda at the local Costco) & I asked him if he ever had a desire to make furniture. "Why, do you?" he said. I responsed that I did. "Well then, let's go do it!" I think we drove straight to Home Depot & bought the wood to make book shelves. That summer, we made a dresser---that cost more money in labor & supplies than it ever would have to just buy it. But it was SOLID. And boy did we have fun making it. We made a few more items--most of which are currently in my house.

And that next semester at BYU I took a wood working class where I made all sorts of fun thing. My crowning achievement in that class was a solid oak hopechest that took well over 100 hours & one broken toe to complete. Totally worth it.

So thank you, Dad! For always teaching me that nothing is impossible to accomplish---& that "if it can be solved with money, it's not a problem..." (that's a whole 'nother story). I love you.

BEFORE:AFTER:
I'm off to stain another wall.

Furniture Updated

So here's the lamp table that matches the coffee table. This is what I did yesterday.

And here's the shelf. I need a little decorating advice from all you gals out there. Do I have too many things going on here on this shelf? What would you do differently?? I'll take any comments, thanks.

If You Can Dream It "Friday"

I found this super cute loveseat. Don't you think I need it for my entry way? Of course. You know, my anniversary is coming up. Wonder if Farmboy is reading this.