projects and studio peaks

We finally got a start on organizing the Knee High Store and the LL&L Studio.  It was great to start to see it unfold.  Just a few weeks and we will be open for business!  I can't believe how quickly it has snuck up on us.  

Here is a little peak at the store / studio with a few furniture pieces that will be used for display.   I LOVE the beautiful floors and tin walls and ceiling.  The tin is original to the building, from the late 1800's.   It  has a great history to it.  

Old Dresser Face Lift:

My desk - and my little helper: 

The little manikins (they will be cuter with clothes on, and maybe arms and heads too)!

Did you notice the chippy yellow door in the pictures above?  I wanted to use that as a head board, but it is seriously super heavy.  I was worried about attaching it to the wall.  And, I would like to use it in pictures too...  so, I purchased another door, not as heavy and I think it turned out great.  

What do you think about they vintage yellow laps? Should I keep them yellow or paint them white?  I don't want to ruin them, because I LOVE  them - but, I am not sure if I love the yellow...  any suggestions?

Random-ness from the weekend

Everyday (ok, multiple times a day) I check the activity on my website.  I look to see how many unique viewers I have had, what they looked at, and how they navigated through my site.  I like to see how a person may have clicked from one thing to another.  It lets me follow them through what they read, how much, what tabs they clicked on, etc.  I do this almost obsessively.  I realized about 10 days ago that January had the potential to be a record breaking month for unique readers.  So, I made a goal that I would break my own record of 598 unique viewers from the month of November.   I had carefully planned out what I was going to blog about this week to ensure I got my numbers.   I was going to do a few sneak peaks of my potential wedding venue... but the appointment got cancelled due to weather.  AND, a peak at the store /  studio - but it wasn't done.   So today instead, I am sharing some pictures of Brayden.  Although my exciting plans for the weekend got cancelled,  I did get to spend extra time with this adorable little man.  So really, I think it worked out for the best!

 

Guess who is in the box?

...  Jojo, poor Jojo.  But, he loves her! 

...  And, she loves him.  

Today is like 60 degrees - yet, on Saturday we had snow...  But, it was nice enough to play outside.  Brayden loved it! 

Also, thanks to Pinterest and my post about chalk paint - I had traffic ALL weekend.  I broke my record without posting anything new!  665 and climbing.   Maybe I will aim to break the 700 mark!  

I have been painting for the past few weeks to get items into the store / studio!  I have 3 peices finished that I can't wait to share!  I had a good helper too! 

How was your weekend?  Any unplanned, fun activities that stumbled your way?  

I am a Hoarder

...  AND an Addict...  :)

So, I have a problem.  I suppose that is the first step - Admission.  I purposefully hide my addiction, for fear of an intervention.  

I am addicted to furniture and anything old in nature.  I am no stranger to picking something up off the curb that is no longer being loved by its owners.  I shop at Salvation Army, Thrift Stores, Facebook, and garage sales.  I love junk.  I slow at the homes of real hoarders.  I dream about all of the treasures they have stashed away.  I seriously think the 2 guys from American Pickers have the best job EVER!  

So I live in a little apartment (that happens to be above a thrift store) - and I drive a mini SUV (aka a Mom car).  Neither of these are equipped to handle my addiction.  I have a long hall leading to my staircase that gets me up to my second floor apartment.  It is also used as my storage unit.   I laugh when people come over - I sheepishly admit my addiction - not that I need to point out the obvious.  I will cram anything I can into my car - but, the items I purchase don't typically fit.  So, I have to beg and plead with my family to help lift, transport and maneuver my purchased item into one of the storage areas.  It's a good thing they love me! 

Unfortunately, I have evidence: 

However, I believe (like most hoarders) that there is a reason for this madness.  All of these little treasures are either photography props or an object to be used for my creative art.  I revamp and resell - unless I fall in love with it, then I keep it.  All of this 'junk' is transformed into something beautiful (well, at least I think it is).  I have evidence of that too (thank goodness - it makes me look alittle less crazy - I hope):

I have a lot more finished projects, somehow I forget to get pictures of the transformation.  However, you can read about 2 of them here and here.  Later this week or next week I am going to have an entry or two on a few of my latest projects and some DIY tips. 

Some of my little projects can be found in the not so little resale shop in downtown Sandwich, IL.  Follow Treasures Past and Present on FB! 

pockets full of pebbles

Pockets full of pebbles, Bear hugs and worn out knees.  Cookie crumbs & kisses, my Boy is made of these.

Found this sign today on Pintrest...  it is a new must!  How perfect for my little man.  

Here are a few pictures from the last couple of days...  He makes my heart melt.

 

I have a lot going on this weekend.  Two photo sessions - and I am super excited!!  Can't wait to finally get outside! Beautiful day + Beautiful People = Beautiful Pictures! Win, Win, Win!!

Also, I have more projects on my plate then I even know what to do with!  I am working on my time management skills...  trying to do multiple projects at one time.  It will look something like this:

• paint dresser
• paint doors
• sand headboard
• wax footboard
• wax chair
• recover seat for chair #1
• recover chair #2
• sand dresser
• paint doors, again
• attach seat to chair #1
• wax dresser
• wax headboard
• sand doors
• wax doors

... or something like that :)

Hopefully I have a lot to reveal on Monday! 

I hope you all enjoy this weekend! It should be beautiful! 

Recognizing the 'lasts'?

This post may seem completely random and totally unorganized but I had a few experiences/ thoughts I wanted to share.

Random Experience #1:  Last night, a group of us celebrated my nieces birthday.  We all went to this indoor jump / bounce place. It has all of those big blown up slides for the kids to play on....  there were 3 rooms full!  So, all 5 kids totally scattered! They had so much fun... and to be honest, us adults had a lot of fun too.  Not only watching the kids play but participating in the play too! :)  What a great work out and a wonderful way to spend a Thursday night!

Random Experience #2:  So, this morning LB decided he wanted to spend the day with Grandpa.  He had a little cough so I thought it was a good idea for him to get some rest.  He usually clings to me, especially in the morning. However, I have been noticing lately some detachment... dare I say... independence?  It makes my heart hurt feeling the slipping away of that little boy. But, at the very same moment I smile (through the tears) with so much pride.  I see this is a recurring theme as a parent.  It hurts to let go but there is so much enthusiasm for the next step.  It is exciting to watch them learn and grow and experience the joys of life.  LB now insists on getting into the bathtub on his own...  He attempts every chance he gets to go up and down the stairs on his own.  He is always telling me "Nee Nee do it" (Nee Nee is how he says his name...  Nee Nee and Brayden don't sound anything alike but I swear it is the cutest thing).  This morning he was beaming with independence.  He said "Mommygotowork?" (and he says it so fast - like an auctioneer).  But then he did 2 firsts.  They had me gasping for air.  He said "kisses!" and pointed to his lips.  So, we smooched...  like a million times because I thought it was so adorable.  Then he said "hug? See you soon! Love you!"  My heart ached...  It literally hurt from so much love and joy I thought it would burst.  

B and I - Outer Banks '10Thinking about all of the new firsts makes me sad about all of his 'lasts.'  Will I recognize them before they are gone forever?...   

#3 Random thought: I have had this quote sitting on my desk all week...  I haven't wanted to change it (I peeked at the next one it is good too but this one applies - I will keep it there for a while).  It says: The best way out is always through.  How true. 

Well, I hope you all have a wonderful and blessed weekend!  I am excited for what my Monday / Tuesday post will be...  I still don't know what it will be about yet - maybe a fun weekend with LB.  Maybe another furniture make over or the purchase of some new items... maybe all of the above! ;) 

~xo~

I Sew Love Sue {the furniture face-lift}

Hi Everyone!

Do to the nasty weather we had here on Saturday the mini senior sessions were cancelled.  Wind blown hair can look great in a picture - but, not so much if it looks like you are standing next to a tornado. 

Instead, I made my rounds picking up my new projects.  I came across this sewing machine table and I fell in love the moment I laid eyes on her.  I saw her beauty, even after years of collecting dust, I knew that she would be beautiful again.  Meet Sue the Sewing Machine Table:

As I started to prep her for the make over, I read the label on the sewing machine.  White Rotary. Columbus, Ohio. 1927.  Wow.  1927!  I couldn't help but think about how loved she must have been when she was first made.  Her first buyer must have cherished her.  She was an electric sewing machine, a far advancement from the manual foot pedal machines.  I thought about where she has been, what she has seen, and the stories she would tell if she could.  In 85 years she went from being a once loved necessity to collecting dust and spider webs in a cold dark garage.  I am reminded of a line from one of my favorite movies Seabiscuit, 'You know, you don't throw a whole life away just 'cause he's banged up a little.' That's how I felt about Sue.  Tenderly, I polished off her hardware.  Hinges that had been painted over and handles that were rusted, now gleamed paint and rust free.  Before I picked her up I was thinking of either an antique white or a shade of green for her new look.  As soon as I saw her, I knew green was her color.  It is fresh and vibrant like new life, like the beginning of spring.  

I used the same chalk paint technique as her roommate Sally Sunshine.  I also attempted a new method, glazing.  I was unsure at first but took a chance.  I think it turned out beautiful.  The glazed edges excentuate all of her curves and detail. Without further a-do here is Sue and all of her glazed glory:

 

I am still looking for a permanent location for Sally and Sue.  But, very soon I am confident that they will be back where they belong, to be admired and loved in a warm home.  If you are interested in Sally or Sue please feel free to contact me!

I hope you all have a blessed week!

I heart quotes

I have always found that quotes and inspirational messages have a way of kicking me into a place I need to be, go, or get out of.  Do you know what I mean?  Some days it seems like the same old thing, same routine, the clock just ticks on.  But, these quotes / thoughts of the days / inspirational messages seem to find you when you need them most. 

Thanks to pinterest they find me every time I am pinning (which happens to be WAY TO OFTEN).  So, I thought I would share a few of my favorites – the ones that keep me thinking.  Thanks to them, those mundane days seem a little brighter.  I appreciate bigger.  Find humor in the challenges.  Show gratitude daily.  

always make new mistakes 

We must be willing to let go of the life we have planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us 

"Its impossible," said pride.  "Its risky," said experience.  "Its pointless," said reason.  "Give it a try," whispered heart. 

You don’t have to be rich to sparkle 

Your journey is unfolding exactly as it should be 

This is my Keg Stand t-shirt  - click the link to see the t-shirt, seriously... so funny!

Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher

Keep the gleam in your eyes. Teach feelings. Be there.  Read books outloud with joy. REMEMBER how small they are … 

Teach him words for how he feels. Answer him when he asks “Why?”  Let him ruin his clothes. Be an example of a beautiful women with brains, determination, and integrity. Build him forts. Take him to new places. Kiss him.  BE HOME BASE. 

I carry your heart in mine 

When you are going through something hard and wonder where God is remember the teacher is always quiet during a test. 

A poor man is not the one without a cent. A poor man is the one without a dream. ~ Henry Ford

Think Happy.  Be Happy. 

Laugh Louder.  (my new desk daily quote book).

I have gone on a little online yard sale shopping spree… I am looking forward to another furniture refinishing weekend.  This will be coupled with 2 mini senior portrait sessions and a family birthday party (happy birthday Mom, Dad, Layna, and Max!).  I have LOTS of items I want to paint.  I will have to see what I can get done.  Stay tuned on Monday for a few furniture face lifts and some new Senior Smiles.  I am blessed to be so busy!! 

Have a wonderful weekend!

I Heart Lemon Yellow {furniture}

This weekend I tackled my first furniture makeover!  I was so excited to start this.  I have a lot of my own furniture that I is a hand-me-down, yard sale, or thrift store find.  I have been looking forward to finding the time to do this – it has been several years in the making!  I have steps,  tips and lessons learned (you can’t have a first project without learning a thing or two)!

1) First, I bought this great dresser from a thrift store for $25 (give or take a buck) – I bought a bunch of stuff that day I can’t really remember.  It was pretty sound – nothing that can’t be fixed with wood glue and some nails.  

2) I have done a lot of reading on furniture painting – so I tried to do my homework before starting (good for me – I don’t usually do that).

3) I selected my color.  I wanted something bold – but would still match my furniture.  I love blues and greens – but, I wasn’t sure where I was going to put it so I wanted something a little neutral.  I decided to stick with my lemon theme – yellow, bright vibrant Amber Magic yellow!  

4) Bought supplies.  I had to start from scratch on supplies.  So, the initial investment was a little more costly but I will be able to use these for multiple projects:

Paint - $16

Paint brush - $4

Grout - $5

Stain - $5

Hand sander - $8

Sand paper - $6

Handles - $20

5) Using the chalk paint – you aren’t supposed to have to use a primer or have to sand first (I LOVE eliminating steps)!  The recipe for the chalk paint is approximately 1 Cup of latex paint to 2 Tbls of sandless grout.  It should look like cake batter.  

6) I painted.  The first two coats didn’t cover like I wanted so I needed to do a third.  

7) I did some light sanding after.  

8) Wiped off dust.  

9) Then put the stain on with a brush and wiped it off with a rag.    

I love my lemon dresser!

Lesson learned:  I couldn’t get the handles off initially so I decided to leave them on and painted them while attached.  That caused streaks in my paint, hard to cover handles, and I didn’t like the way it looked.  While laying in bed I was being haunted by those handles.  So, I decided to give them another try to get them off.  With a little luck, a rubber mallet, and my brother for the stubborn ones the handles came off!  I had to back track a few steps.  I had to re-sand and repaint where the handles where… that’s right, three more coats…  3 more hours of waiting between coats… ugh!  I am so impatient!  Then I sanded, stained, and wiped.  I put the new handles on and the drawers back in the dresser and (almost) PERFECTION ! 

My mom was cautious of my color and technique – but after she saw the final product, I won her over!  I convinced her to let me paint a stand in the bathroom BLUE!!  I can’t wait!!  That is on this weekends to-do list! Also, I just bought an hold sewing table to conquer as well!