St. Louis Folk Victorian

Can I have your vote?

2009-10-12T10:50:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, there are always several online contests going on this time of year. I've entered one through Repair-Home.com and could use your help.

In order to be the winner in each category, you need to have the most votes.
I would really appreciate your rating, votes and any comments on my entries.

I've included the links below for your convenience.

Dining Room Disaster

Modern Kitchen

Just Tear It Down

Electrical Gone Awry

A Garden Brought To Life

Wonderful Windows

KnockDown Texture

2009-10-10T07:46:00.000-07:00

I'll just start by saying that this post was written for Houseblogs.net as part of a sweepstakes sponsored by True Value, and their StartRightStartHere contest.

For readers of my blog you may remember when I was talking about my Studio and the unconvential way I fixed one of the nagging problems, I discovered when tearing out these hideous closets.

You see, this was my Studio on Move-In Day. The photo below shows one of the two closets that bordered the center window. I knew the closets needed to come down...or rather, finish coming down, as the doors were just a screw away from falling off anyway. My brother took to this task with his favorite job of demo...and about a half hour later, the closets were no more.

That is when we discovered that the "knockdown" ceiling texture had been applied AFTER the closets were built, leaving an enormous expanse of raw drywall. The photo below, taken a few months later, clearly shows the difference in surfaces. My previous home was filled with different textures and I was always able to somewhat replicate small areas; but this was too big to try and do by myself.

Almost two years had passed when I came across some reclaimed wood at my local ReStore. I bought and cut the pieces in half, securing them to the wall. While figuring out the angles was a challenge, I succeeded in finding a solution. Now, the studio has a unique feature; which gives it a doll-house charm.

Day Off

2009-09-29T15:26:00.000-07:00

I'm still here, just haven't been writing since my job has been keeping me extremely busy lately.

Although yesterday and today was a nice release, two vacation days to try and keep the mind off of deadlines, email, etc.

Today my sister was off too, so we headed out without much of a plan. We ended up at the St. Louis Zoo, and what a day for it too...low 60s, with a mild breeze. I haven't visited our zoo for a few years now, and each time I go it brings back memories and sometimes new ones are made.

Okay, first let's talk about the fact that here in St. Louis, our Zoo is AWESOME. It was created in 1910 by the city; which set aside 77 acres in Forest Park. State legislation stated "the zoo shall be forever free", and it continues to be free 100 years later. Parking is free too, if you do like other St. Louisians and park along the winding streets of Forest Park.

My sister and I spent about two hours strolling around, catching glimpses of animals along the way.

I hope wherever you are, the day was as beautiful as this.

Garden IS Done

2009-08-30T08:09:00.000-07:00

It is rare, I think, to be able to say that something is done-complete-finished. Yet, this is the case with my garden. Saturday we put the finishing touches on it; which included the following

Installing timber frame along north side

Relayed landscape fabric

Bought 1-inch clean rock

Covered all areas not occupied by raised beds with above rock

It looks so good now.

BEFORE (from May '09)

AFTER (from Aug '09)

Quilt on the cheap

2009-08-24T19:52:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday, my Dad and I went to an Antique Mall in St. Charles, Missouri. It was a decent size and had some interesting finds; most of which were a little too pricey for my taste. Having visited nearly all of the antique malls around the St. Louis area, I always find it interesting how varied the prices are for similar products. Yet, if you look long and hard enough, you can come across a great deal once in a while.

So, one can imagine my amazement when I stumbled across a handmade quilt folded up in one of the booths. I love looking at the handmade quilts found in Antique Malls, being a quilter, their intricacies amaze me. Yet the going rate is usually about $75 and up...and usually, the $75 ones can be pretty ratty.

You can believe I took a double take and even asked my Dad what the pricetag said, when I read $24.99

Yep, that's right folks. A penny under $25. Here are some pictures.

It does have a few small tears in the topcloth and the fabric is gently worn along the edges; but it's old, and that adds character. It measures approx. 6ft x 6ft.

Don't know when I'll find another quilt that cheap; but it just goes to show you that there are still deals out there.

Second Anniversary

2009-08-18T21:12:00.000-07:00

Okay so technically I'm a day late; but I don't think anyone minds. Monday, August 17th was the 2nd anniversary of owning my old house. You can certainly take a trip down memory lane by viewing any of my older posts. I won't relive them here.

In these uncertain times, it's nice to know that I have a place to call home. Even if the place leaks, has strange noises and keeps my wallet empty.

I think we've had a good two years and I hope for many, many more to come.

Brick Patio is Done

2009-08-09T20:42:00.000-07:00

It was tough work (way more Dad then me), but after 2 days work we were able to finish laying the patio brickwork. While I'm not exactly sure how I'll be using this area, at least I have a solid surface to start.

This was the first time either of us had really layed a brick anything and I think it turned out perfect. I think my favorite part is the fact that this brick came from my yard. It is old, has slightly worn edges and small chips which make the patio look like it's been around for years.

Suprisingly, I still have piles and piles of brick around my yard, this hardly put a dent in what I have. Looks like I'll (okay, really we'll) be able to build a few more patios and walkways down the road.

Retaining Wall = New Patio

2009-08-03T19:55:00.000-07:00

Now that I had a garden started and a tiny part of my 1/2 acre figured out, I couldn't let the nice weather go to waste. Directly adjacent to the garden was an awful slope, which led to the back yard. I knew eventually I wanted to create steps; but in the meantime, I needed to figure out the slope since it was in the way of my plans. So as the saying goes, I killed two birds with one stone.

About $100 later, we had built a small retaining wall, backfilled it with dirt and put the start to the patio. As fate would have it, the first brick pattern I tried was a perfect fit.

Yet, mother nature got in the way. This past weekend, we had hoped to start laying some of the brick; but after 2 rows the rain poured down and we were left with a muddy mess.

At least I have a plan.

It all started innocent enough

2009-08-03T19:28:00.000-07:00

I certainly wasn't looking for trouble, well okay...maybe I was bored. So, as my post title suggest, it all started innocent enough. In my bedroom, the walls are covered with a nasty texture. While textured walls is a pet peeve of mine, at least have the courtesy to make it look nice. This room looked like a 3 year old was given free-reign. Needless to say whenever the time comes, the texture is certainly going to go.

Well, I was curious this past week so I grabbed a flat-head screwdriver (as the scraper was outside in the garage) and began chipping away in one corner of the room. To my surprise, the texture looked like it was put directly to the fiber board underneath. Then the itch got the best of me and I went outside to get the scrapper. The first area I was curious about was this abnormal bump near the east window. I grabbed a damp sponge, soaked the wall and got to work with the scrapper.

10 minutes later and I have this. Several layers of wallpaper which were "oh so nicely" covered over by the textured plaster.

Then it happened, I stood up and figured I would take a look to see what was at eye level, so once again with scrapper in hand...this happened.

By now you are probably wondering what I was going to do next, well I had planned on stopping for the evening when I came across this. It is a little fuzzy; but the wallpaper shows a woman and man in mid-nineteenth century clothing. Of course when you find something like this, you owe it to history to seek out the truth.

Yet, it was about 11 in the evening and I was tired. So, I cleaned up what mess I could and went to bed. When I got home the following evening though that stupid scraper was calling my name.

About a half hour later, I had exposed a 5ft wide by 4ft tall area of the same wall. Whoopsie!!

Yet, what I did find along the way was more of the wallpaper print, albeit it missing some key elements. This time it was a similiar scene with a man and woman; but I could also make out a tree, boat and part of a house in the background.

The best surprise came when I reached the corner of the room. The same wallpaper print was exposed; but this time was in glorious color. Take a look and see what I mean.

The blue dress, red fan and headpiece, goodness, if those were the colors throughout the entire wall, that certainly was a colorful room.

I know that this wallpaper is not the first layer, it's actually like the 3rd; but even if it is from the 30s or 40s, that's still quite old.

I'd love to find an image of the actual wallpaper somewhere on the internet; but I know that's like finding a needle in a haystack. So, to all you home remodelers out there, if you come across something that looks like this on your walls or in your research, could you take a picture for me.

Studio Pics - Big Reveal

2009-07-06T05:25:00.001-07:00

It's been months in the making and I've shown you glimpses of certain parts throughout the process. I am happy to say that this wonderful holiday weekend, I was able to finish the Studio.

Here is a quick look back at what I had to start with...

Back in August of '07 (taken during my closing walkthrough)

Here is the space with a new floor from Sept. '07.

Here is the studio in January '08. Definately useable; but not proper for a creative environment.

And here is the studio today...

Definately more my style. Thoughts?

Partial Reveal of Studio

2009-06-11T20:24:00.001-07:00

I teased some of you readers when I showed you my new window trim a few posts ago. Well, the studio is still a mess, all of my stuff is in the center of the room so I can paint; but here are some photos of the east wall (on either side of the window I previously showed).

As you may remember if you read some of my first post, there were two ugly built-in closets located here. Unfortunately for me, those closets existed before the ceiling was textured, so when I removed the closets, the ceiling was smooth. There was no way in h-e-l-l that I was going to try and replicate the texture, so I needed to cover it with something.

Fast forward almost a year and a half later. My family was discussing what options I had when one day at good ol' ReStore, I come across a huge pile of reclaimed wood. It was partially painted white, had a look all it's own and was priced right. I bought up what I could and went merrily on my way. The only thing we did to the wood was lightly wipe it off with a damp cloth removing the dust and then proceeded to cut the boards in half.

What do you think??

April Showers Bring May Flowers and June Veggies

2009-06-11T20:16:00.000-07:00

Many of you are receiving the same torrential downpours that St. Louis has been receiving lately. It seems like it rains for 3 days, is dry for 1 and then rains for another 3. While this makes enjoying Spring hard, it does bring lovely things to the garden.

Here is my garden in May...

and here is my garden a month later...

It completely amazes me how I can look outside one day and the pole beans are just starting to creep up the string and the next day it's like they've grown two feet taller.

I did get to eat the first veggies from my garden today, two fresh radishes. One is a German Giant (red one) and the other is a White Icicle (white, obviously). Let me tell you, they were yummy!!

Memorial Day 2009

2009-05-26T05:37:00.001-07:00

Window Trimming

2009-05-17T19:57:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it was the end of March when I was telling you how the new window sill was added to my studio's eastern window. Well, it is now May 17th and I'm proud to report that the window is finished...trimming and all. Doesn't it look lovely.

Oh, and if you are wondering there is something secret going on with the walls; but that's for a later post. It might have something to do with the below picture too...hahaha.

Brand New Garden is Born

2009-05-17T19:50:00.000-07:00

All of these postings about building concrete walls, getting rid of a patio, etc...are probably leaving you wondering if anything was ever going to come of the construction zone.

Well, I am happy to report that over the last few weekends, a lot has gotten done. The raised boxes were installed and filled, a trellis was built and veggies planted.

See all the madness wasn't for nothing and yes the little veggies are beginning to grow in their happy home.

Patio is No More...That's a Good Thing

2009-05-03T14:24:00.000-07:00

There once was a patio, whose appearance was ugly.

It's location made no sense and it's brick floor was covered in weeds.

One fateful weekend, it was given a new lease on life.

The rotting timbers were gone and a proper wall was started.

Soon you could see the vision come to life.

Two walls were constructed and the brick removed...

at least from where it was before.

The ground was raked level and smooth.

Landscape fabric was laid down, sand and bricks laid on top

so it wouldn't blow away.

Offsite, 3 raised garden beds were built and are waiting for

a nice and sunny day to come home.

Feathered Visitors

2009-04-21T19:46:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday was extremely rainy and although I don't have a pond in my back yard, whenever it rains one *magically* appears. This time, it was nice to see some visitors making good use of it.

A small group of mallard ducks (3 males & 1 female) found their way to my temporary pond and certainly appeared to be enjoying themselves. They were out there most of the day and only took shelter under the big tree in the back when the rain became a downpour.

Easter Weekend Demo

2009-04-13T10:44:00.000-07:00

While most Easter Bunnies bring chocolate ducks, marshmallow chicks and painted eggs. My Easter Bunny brought this...

a wonderful 20 yard dumpster. This was at the top of this year's To Do List and while it did show up amidst rainy weather, being able to use the holiday weekend to get stuff done was well worth the muddy clothes.

My backyard is a mess of projects; yet none of which could really be started if I didn't figure out this area first.

It is the brick patio which I've mentioned a few other times on this blog. This is the "entrance" to my backyard and certainly wasn't much of a doorway. The brick was laid directly on the ground, no sand, no pattern and no real purpose except to fill the space.

Instead, this area would be better served as my vegetable garden due to it's location. So we ordered up the dumpster to remove the debris from this and other areas around the yard.

Suprisingly, the removal of the timber walls wasn't as hard as it started out to be and it left us with time to work on part II. This is not to say that it wasn't labor intensive work, we just didn't come across any major obstacles to hold us up (unless you count the rain).

Part II involved building a proper retaining wall for the driveway and separating the garden. We built the first form, poured the concrete and then crossed our fingers that the impending rain that night wouldn't wash it all away.

Earlier this morning we took off the forms and were glad to see that all held and looked good. Of course, it all looked a little too good and we had to roughen up the surface and edges so they weren't so square. Once this all dries, it hopefully will look like it's been there for many years.

Not bad for a 3 day weekend, 20 yard dumpster, concrete mixer and several hands to help.

St. Louis Fashion Week 2009

2009-03-31T10:01:00.000-07:00

My blog has been quiet for a while as I've been very busy with preparations for St. Louis Fashion Week. I was part of the Stage Management team for the Washington University show; which was this past Sunday, the 29th.

I was backstage during the show, so I'm including some photos taken by Kris Medem, one of the photographers. If you'd like to see more images, you can find them here.

All the garments are made by the 11 Senior Designers and 7 Junior Designers from the university's Fashion Design program...of which I am an alumni.

The models are all volunteers; but you certainly couldn't tell by the way they outshined the professionals of the week prior.

Working on the House This Weekend

2009-03-23T19:00:00.000-07:00

I was actually able to do some work on the house this weekend. Some of you may remember earlier post about my Studio, here and here. While the room was usable, it still needed some help, especially where the closets once stood; but that's for a later post.

My post today is about the east window and wall. Somewhere in the house's history, someone tried building up the woodwork on the window. The end result was a window whose trimwork wasn't square, making hanging blinds very hard. The problem is no more. We were able to remove the old stuff, properly built up the surface and add a sill.

The below picture shows the window and newly hung drywall, all taped and drying.

I'm extremely busy this entire week and coming weekend; but next on the list is sanding, painting and finishing the wall, then adding the final layer of window trim. You'll certainly be surprised at the results, I guarantee it.

Seed Starting

2009-03-23T18:50:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I had received in the mail my seed starting supplies...including the all important seeds. Well, this my friends is my little piece of spring found where else, in the basement of course.

It's two stacks of milk cartons with a piece of wood re purposed as a table top. The fluorescent light is hung the proper 3-5 inches from the seed cell-packs which sit in aluminum trays.

Here are the little seeds before their trip to the basement.

I planted the seeds on March 12th and already I have 12 Kohlrabi seedlings; which popped through the dirt in 3 days, and a handful of various tomato seedlings just starting to appear now.

It's not rocket science; but certainly makes me smile knowing that I might be able to bring some of this food to the table in a few months.

Home Appraisal (...biting nails...)

2009-03-11T10:05:00.000-07:00

I heard on the local news yesterday that the county I live in was going to announce their preliminary biannual 2009 home appraisals/assessments. They stressed that these were preliminary and of course if someone wanted to, they could contest the findings through the proper procedures.

Certainly, I didn't have a clue what my home's appraisal would be in their eyes. What I did know were two things.

---One, I knew the appraisal from 2007, before I owned the house.

---Two, we all know the state of the economy and the mess that the real estate market is in.

So, as you can see I was very surprised when the appraisal was $30,000 higher than in 2007. Of course, I attribute this to all of the hard work my family has helped me with over the past year and a half, giving validity to some of my crazy ideas.

Yet, this news is a double-ended sword. Receiving a higher appraisal makes us feel good; but the flip side is higher taxes. The only saving grace is those taxes can be deducted next year :-)

I thank my lucky stars that I have a place to call home, and I encourage all of you to take a few moments to access what you have too.

Start Your Engines...

2009-02-25T19:27:00.000-08:00

The weather in St. Louis today was in the 60s, certainly something we haven't seen in a while; but yearn to have on a regular basis. Especially when one gets home and finds this large box sitting on their front porch.

I'm going to try and take a crack at a bigger garden this year, so of course I need supplies. I found IGC online and not only was their selection outstanding; but the prices are sure hard to beat.

Here is what I got...

20 square KORD square pots (4"square by 3.5" deep)
10 KORD regal pots (4" round by 3.5" deep)
Plus, these 40 inserts for seedstarting.

This of course means you have to have seeds to start. Well, who would have thought; but today was extra special because there was another package in the mail. This one from Baker's Creek Heirloom Seeds.

Here is the pile...20 different items.

The contents are as follows:

---Chinese Red Noodle Bean

---Black Aztec Sweet Corn

---Yok Kao Cucumber

---Yamato X-Long Cucumber

---Tigger Asian Melon

---Green Zebra Tomatoes

---Pink Oxhart Tomatoes

---Striped Roman Tomato

---Cream Sausage Tomato (weird name, I know for a tomato)

---Yellow Pear Tomato

---Moon & Stars Watermelon

---Old Homestead Bean

---Half Long Carrot

---Early White Vienna Kohlrabi

---German Giant Radish

---White Icicle Radish

---Dad's Sunset Orange Tomato

---Siletz Tomato

---White Queen Tomato

---Golden Monarch Tomato

My Dad and I of course are new at this, so there will probably be some disasters; but some surprises along the way I would imagine too. This garden of course gives me great fodder for blogposts, so return throughout the season for photos and reviews.

Unconventional Vegetable Garden

2009-02-16T10:11:00.000-08:00

Last year was my "real" first try at growing vegetables and it was a success...although I only grew tomatoes. Since then, I've been wanting to have a full-fledged vegetable garden, not only do fresh veggies taste great; but the $$ I will save is wonderful too.

The only problem is that my yard is not exactly garden ready, and I'd hate to just smack down a bed anywhere, so I'm going with container gardening for the interim. My Dad and I have been looking for some useable containers and found these great, large animal troughs at a local farm store. The only problem is that they were $75 a pop.

That is until Saturday, when we took a random trip to our local Lowe's and came across these beauties.

Yep, that is a plastic pond, it is 100 gal. and they were clearing them out for the low-low price of $15. No Joke !!!

Although it's unconventional, we think they'll make great containers and since they have an non-linear shape to them, they might look better in the landscape.

Don't you love DIY-thinking.

What can I say about 2009 so far

2009-02-04T10:28:00.000-08:00

Let's see, it started off with spending 2 weeks in China, for work. During which time, I got sick and we all know that being sick (while away from home) is so much worse. All I wanted to do was curl up in a ball in my own bed, not some strange hotel room where I've been living for a week and half.

Then, the following week, we hear the news that the company I work for is looking to cut payroll and will be laying people off. At which time they proceed to give the option to leave "voluntarily" with a bigger severance then one would get if they were to be let-go. Every employee has 5 days to make this "voluntary" decision. I honestly believe that 5 days was cruel and unusual punishment, how can you decide your or your family's future in 5 days...especially in this economic environment. Nevertheless, many people took the offer and now the rest of us are in the process of waiting to see what will happen next.

So, needless to say, there hasn't been any work done on the house so far this year and probably won't be in the near future unless I were to get a tax refund.

I know many of you are in similar situations and I guess knowing that there are others out there, makes one feel not so alone. People have survived much worse.