tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16681141540773980412024-03-13T17:09:21.406-05:00The Quaint Cottageformerly www.thequaintcottage.net
new site under constructionKaren @ The Quaint Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11126934108568122913noreply@blogger.comBlogger65125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668114154077398041.post-23022187452997599682016-07-05T21:29:00.001-05:002016-07-05T21:29:29.001-05:00Master Bath Remodel Update - Sinks and Faucets<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Quick Update on Master Bathroom Remodel:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The base cabinets are installed. The countertop is installed, sanded and sealed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I had purchased some cute square vessel sinks and a waterfall faucet, but sadly, they just didn't work.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today, I stopped at Lowe's and Home Depot on the way home from work to get different sinks and faucets. I am in love!!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1xa3wGgTXxM/V3xpdKNvpWI/AAAAAAAAChY/AVa5IGilnN4ka0-lPHhQDBryKsTu4syQACLcB/s1600/IMG_2500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1xa3wGgTXxM/V3xpdKNvpWI/AAAAAAAAChY/AVa5IGilnN4ka0-lPHhQDBryKsTu4syQACLcB/s640/IMG_2500.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IUW7bVGPDhQ/V3xptaEULDI/AAAAAAAAChk/QdJRWmISIK0-Kq-FcJlOYfeh4-TXmeqFgCLcB/s1600/IMG_2494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IUW7bVGPDhQ/V3xptaEULDI/AAAAAAAAChk/QdJRWmISIK0-Kq-FcJlOYfeh4-TXmeqFgCLcB/s640/IMG_2494.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Q_1DU9TOuI/V3xptYVJQ-I/AAAAAAAAChc/CooWWovIi88kXpqR1orhI4pr_RBknORuACLcB/s1600/IMG_2495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Q_1DU9TOuI/V3xptYVJQ-I/AAAAAAAAChc/CooWWovIi88kXpqR1orhI4pr_RBknORuACLcB/s640/IMG_2495.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here is the information on what I bought and where I bought it:</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YWXlDji17iY/V3xptQ74FnI/AAAAAAAAChg/QpWraC_20-wMK4-yKPvA7Iu7ykBFFPFagCLcB/s1600/IMG_2496.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YWXlDji17iY/V3xptQ74FnI/AAAAAAAAChg/QpWraC_20-wMK4-yKPvA7Iu7ykBFFPFagCLcB/s640/IMG_2496.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Drop-In Sink - Lowe's - <a href="http://www.lowes.com/pd/KOHLER-Memoirs-White-Drop-In-Rectangular-Bathroom-Sink-with-Overflow/50070243" target="_blank">Kohler $149</a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vS-zqLocFUg/V3xqcZ6oThI/AAAAAAAAChs/sODsPq_tUA8YB1pZkfq7Imap2TEFCdysACLcB/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vS-zqLocFUg/V3xqcZ6oThI/AAAAAAAAChs/sODsPq_tUA8YB1pZkfq7Imap2TEFCdysACLcB/s640/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Faucet - Home Depot - <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/p/Glacier-Bay-Dorset-8-in-Widespread-2-Handle-High-Arc-Bathroom-Faucet-with-Pop-Up-Assembly-in-Chrome-FW0C4100CP/202071022" target="_blank">Glacier Bay $68</a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Stay tuned for more updates on the bathroom remodel.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Karen</span>Karen @ The Quaint Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11126934108568122913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668114154077398041.post-47549734129987422562016-06-28T14:30:00.000-05:002016-06-29T07:39:40.396-05:00DIY Deck Design & Build<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">For the past three or four years, we have had a major exterior project at the house each summer. Last year, I swore would be our last project with the massive retaining wall on the south side of the house. Here are some of the photos from Instagram (since I haven't been blogging).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gLD6IMT5qSg/V3K7puCCxjI/AAAAAAAACbM/lWFwfNaOcVQ5-0ZdIN5mGFwzeYWbku3pwCK4B/s1600/retaining%2Bwall.jpg" imageanchor="1"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="408" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gLD6IMT5qSg/V3K7puCCxjI/AAAAAAAACbM/lWFwfNaOcVQ5-0ZdIN5mGFwzeYWbku3pwCK4B/s640/retaining%2Bwall.jpg" width="640" /></span></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dpw0PfZhIo4/V3K7RRrI6iI/AAAAAAAACaM/0iY6Dbbu77gy3-X2dYUk9GYqQU1d2kzFwCK4B/s1600/pond.jpg" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8U86ecXnnlo/V3K7Vc4EB4I/AAAAAAAACaU/TDotC4A2lkMDe7gxAXBACSxoIABto4FpwCK4B/s1600/retaining%2Bwall%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8U86ecXnnlo/V3K7Vc4EB4I/AAAAAAAACaU/TDotC4A2lkMDe7gxAXBACSxoIABto4FpwCK4B/s320/retaining%2Bwall%2B2.jpg" width="320" /></a><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dpw0PfZhIo4/V3K7RRrI6iI/AAAAAAAACaM/0iY6Dbbu77gy3-X2dYUk9GYqQU1d2kzFwCK4B/s320/pond.jpg" width="319" /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NAJmcqWJLp0/V3K7YpCKOiI/AAAAAAAACac/_XnbY_8eo5Y9CgQeGTQ1isjbUHaG-unGgCK4B/s1600/planting%2Bbeds.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NAJmcqWJLp0/V3K7YpCKOiI/AAAAAAAACac/_XnbY_8eo5Y9CgQeGTQ1isjbUHaG-unGgCK4B/s320/planting%2Bbeds.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Wx7NvvsIC8/V3K7bD2RomI/AAAAAAAACak/azoVBagJAwQagAzoistSEwlZ8fTEYtCTgCK4B/s1600/night%2Bdeck.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Wx7NvvsIC8/V3K7bD2RomI/AAAAAAAACak/azoVBagJAwQagAzoistSEwlZ8fTEYtCTgCK4B/s320/night%2Bdeck.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WPwwjma-ZzU/V3K7cpyZElI/AAAAAAAACas/FnV0EDn7088zUbZgfHBzYVMaabO7BWU-gCK4B/s1600/lower%2Bdeck.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WPwwjma-ZzU/V3K7cpyZElI/AAAAAAAACas/FnV0EDn7088zUbZgfHBzYVMaabO7BWU-gCK4B/s320/lower%2Bdeck.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B-UW8P7Pess/V3K7eThU_NI/AAAAAAAACa0/P0fA4vKVw8cVNmg8xjPV84dKDz9XIxlFACK4B/s1600/lower%2Bdeck%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B-UW8P7Pess/V3K7eThU_NI/AAAAAAAACa0/P0fA4vKVw8cVNmg8xjPV84dKDz9XIxlFACK4B/s320/lower%2Bdeck%2B2.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w6YGq8o8VtE/V3K7iWkUFKI/AAAAAAAACa8/6DbesQP9QFID_IEbxPypBhcvl13QMZdBQCK4B/s1600/landscaping.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w6YGq8o8VtE/V3K7iWkUFKI/AAAAAAAACa8/6DbesQP9QFID_IEbxPypBhcvl13QMZdBQCK4B/s320/landscaping.jpg" width="318" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jYPHhiJu5vs/V3K7jTTpZcI/AAAAAAAACbE/E1eFo8GjQU8A8dS936Xn8-ujGYvUcwuMACK4B/s1600/garden.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jYPHhiJu5vs/V3K7jTTpZcI/AAAAAAAACbE/E1eFo8GjQU8A8dS936Xn8-ujGYvUcwuMACK4B/s320/garden.jpg" width="319" /></a></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Fast forward to this spring...I was pricing new deck boards for the small upper 10 x 10 deck. The original cedar decking was sixteen years old and was not in good shape. Over the years, I'd painted, filled the boards with an epoxy filler to try to remedy the knots/holes, sanded and there was nothing left to do to try to bring new life to the old boards. Then, I added new railings to the plan, because the old ones would look horrible with the new boards.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">You know how that goes, right?</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Anyway, after sitting under the deck (on the lower deck) and staring up at the underside of the deck that was to receive the cosmetic face life with new boards and railings, I became worried. I didn't know what "Minimum Code" requirements were at the time, but I was doubting the existing deck would even meet those. The existing deck didn't have adequate lag screws in the ledger board (size or number), the railing posts were all toe-nailed to the joists (which explained why they wiggled), the joists were not blocked (which could explain why it felt like walking on a trampoline)...maybe it wasn't just the deck boards that made the deck terrifying, maybe it was the entire deck.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PmNK-8sKuL0/V3K7__kbOGI/AAAAAAAACfU/hvrRmF_r9-cPmMUxCERsEusoOYZAkrnzQCKgB/s1600/beforedeck7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PmNK-8sKuL0/V3K7__kbOGI/AAAAAAAACfU/hvrRmF_r9-cPmMUxCERsEusoOYZAkrnzQCKgB/s400/beforedeck7.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YVfC7OndX8Y/V3K78NlDOTI/AAAAAAAACbU/xgAGjQidMDw8M2sUK4sP_HlmMVCWEmLBwCK4B/s1600/beforedeck1.JPG" imageanchor="1"></a><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YVfC7OndX8Y/V3K78NlDOTI/AAAAAAAACbU/xgAGjQidMDw8M2sUK4sP_HlmMVCWEmLBwCK4B/s400/beforedeck1.JPG" width="400" /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I dusted off Google Sketch Up and started designing a new deck. Then, I went to the national building codes website, my city building code website and watched tons of youtube videos on deck construction. Did this make me an expert? Nope. Did it give me the basic knowledge to build my own deck? Yes!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After drafting the deck so I had a visual of it, I had a pretty good game plan for building a new deck. Since I knew I couldn't do this project without help, I had to make sure my husband would be willing to do this with me. He resisted replacing the deck at first, but after I asked him to walk on the existing deck and he refused, I knew he would help. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The hard decision was how the handrails should look. The old existing deck was up pretty high and the railings blocked the view. We live in a subdivision, but we don't have any houses directly behind ours (good for view, bad for amount of wind we get). When we sat on the deck, all we could see were railings. I wanted to be able to see the yard and the trees, not spindles.</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I found the cable wire line systems looked great and would allow the view, but the small dogs may be able to find their way through the cables. Back to the drawing board...There are some nice black metal spindles at Home Depot and Lowes, but when you add it all up they are pretty expensive and still blocked some of the view....fast forward...I found a sturdy cattle panel fencing (utility fencing) that would act like the cable system, but would have less than a 4" grid opening. Ding Ding Ding!!!</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" height="296" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CvD0L2YhStI/V3K_9A8OBfI/AAAAAAAACbs/-yDO9_o9UnMMF0pr1Byo9IbGduqTEcnvwCK4B/s320/utility%2Bpanel%2Bcattle%2Bpanel.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="http://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/utility-panel-5-ft-x-16-ft?cm_vc=-10005" width="320" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Cattle Panel/Utility Panel</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/utility-panel-5-ft-x-16-ft?cm_vc=-10005"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">http://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/utility-panel-5-ft-x-16-ft?cm_vc=-10005</span></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Nothing was in our HOA rules about using metal on the deck (fencing may be a different story). But, would the city allow the cattle panel? During my research, I read that some cities wouldn't allow cable lines or cattle panel due to the horizontal (climbing) bars for small children. I decided to stick with my decision on the cattle panel and had a back up plan to use 1/2" conduit bars if they wouldn't approve the panels. The city approved it. Yay!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Here is the beginning with the old deck and demo: (My husband is great at demo, so I let him run that show with minor help from me - lots of sledgehammer and reciprocating saw action)</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nBQziPL5o58/V3LA7KhDO_I/AAAAAAAACb4/BOYIKqB3ic4L-sp2RG72-SuqpAhnHBBkACK4B/s1600/beforedeck.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nBQziPL5o58/V3LA7KhDO_I/AAAAAAAACb4/BOYIKqB3ic4L-sp2RG72-SuqpAhnHBBkACK4B/s400/beforedeck.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original Deck</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zc0RKmIyIuE/V3LA9rMxiRI/AAAAAAAACfQ/YkU0RmEUQccHkYaDt2tOn77zDgknhRgUwCKgB/s1600/beforedeck2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zc0RKmIyIuE/V3LA9rMxiRI/AAAAAAAACfQ/YkU0RmEUQccHkYaDt2tOn77zDgknhRgUwCKgB/s400/beforedeck2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original Joists</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3SUVg21C0fk/V3LBH-bQ3fI/AAAAAAAACe0/y0W0lZH25N8WMJGU3RxSyBbDatzOJZnKQCKgB/s1600/beforedeck8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3SUVg21C0fk/V3LBH-bQ3fI/AAAAAAAACe0/y0W0lZH25N8WMJGU3RxSyBbDatzOJZnKQCKgB/s400/beforedeck8.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original Corner Posts</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xWdNmI9WMPw/V3LBAquu3gI/AAAAAAAACcI/bMxEiZvcnzcTUSWdJTIf17RXfJk6GtBxQCK4B/s1600/beforedeck5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xWdNmI9WMPw/V3LBAquu3gI/AAAAAAAACcI/bMxEiZvcnzcTUSWdJTIf17RXfJk6GtBxQCK4B/s400/beforedeck5.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original Ledger Board</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nBQziPL5o58/V3LA7KhDO_I/AAAAAAAACb4/BOYIKqB3ic4L-sp2RG72-SuqpAhnHBBkACK4B/s1600/beforedeck.JPG" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zc0RKmIyIuE/V3LA9rMxiRI/AAAAAAAACcA/20kW5dxTMJ810wauNzqW1ICkO6kWEpt4wCK4B/s1600/beforedeck2.JPG" imageanchor="1"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></a> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We removed everything down to the two posts. The posts looked to be in great shape to use on new deck, but we waited until we removed everything and cut them down to the height we needed before making the final call. When we notched them out for the new cross beam to sit on, we found the posts to be in perfect condition. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Here are some photos from the build:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qcNOFw8NgmU/V3LCa3pDMoI/AAAAAAAACck/DzLH6lpEM5E8BmVGK4lPqZf5OeoYk3zVQCK4B/s1600/deck3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qcNOFw8NgmU/V3LCa3pDMoI/AAAAAAAACck/DzLH6lpEM5E8BmVGK4lPqZf5OeoYk3zVQCK4B/s400/deck3.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Joists and Center Beam</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-znbOjnjnW0g/V3LCY5mPRPI/AAAAAAAACcc/QRPQD4nMKXA6Zp9bKFwtHKozJIU15UluACK4B/s1600/deck.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-znbOjnjnW0g/V3LCY5mPRPI/AAAAAAAACcc/QRPQD4nMKXA6Zp9bKFwtHKozJIU15UluACK4B/s400/deck.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Deck Ledger Board</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oQrAQ8cRhVc/V3LCjBtcjSI/AAAAAAAACfQ/92dDoGejPXMmk5tRqCBsV6uzu9oI0nyngCKgB/s1600/deck%2B1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oQrAQ8cRhVc/V3LCjBtcjSI/AAAAAAAACfQ/92dDoGejPXMmk5tRqCBsV6uzu9oI0nyngCKgB/s640/deck%2B1.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Deck Framing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pX7bIu93ahw/V3LFUv5zf7I/AAAAAAAACfQ/pbkxuf4E4CEPOq722VsmFiaIcw3_1bk6ACKgB/s1600/deck4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pX7bIu93ahw/V3LFUv5zf7I/AAAAAAAACfQ/pbkxuf4E4CEPOq722VsmFiaIcw3_1bk6ACKgB/s640/deck4.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Cedar Tone Pressure Treated Decking</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tp3goM4F3lg/V3LFaWQImkI/AAAAAAAACfc/OXpk5_HTpOcDce7MEIXHNXOUzhBoEMCigCKgB/s1600/deck5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tp3goM4F3lg/V3LFaWQImkI/AAAAAAAACfc/OXpk5_HTpOcDce7MEIXHNXOUzhBoEMCigCKgB/s640/deck5.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Railing with Posts on Deck</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R5qPIo0UlXM/V3LFwoMwQRI/AAAAAAAACfc/kX9UJbCzTpkfpNgi8icm4qAT9GZSDx5ywCKgB/s1600/deck7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R5qPIo0UlXM/V3LFwoMwQRI/AAAAAAAACfc/kX9UJbCzTpkfpNgi8icm4qAT9GZSDx5ywCKgB/s640/deck7.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Railings with Posts on Deck</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-znbOjnjnW0g/V3LCY5mPRPI/AAAAAAAACcc/QRPQD4nMKXA6Zp9bKFwtHKozJIU15UluACK4B/s1600/deck.JPG" imageanchor="1"></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nBQziPL5o58/V3LA7KhDO_I/AAAAAAAACb4/BOYIKqB3ic4L-sp2RG72-SuqpAhnHBBkACK4B/s1600/beforedeck.JPG" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zc0RKmIyIuE/V3LA9rMxiRI/AAAAAAAACcA/20kW5dxTMJ810wauNzqW1ICkO6kWEpt4wCK4B/s1600/beforedeck2.JPG" imageanchor="1"><br />
</a><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Here is the finished project:</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FO1L0kpXKog/V3LF_EPImpI/AAAAAAAACdc/NhHkRb1aAIsySdTUqG5qwpmciXiSCbHrgCK4B/s1600/afterdeck.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FO1L0kpXKog/V3LF_EPImpI/AAAAAAAACdc/NhHkRb1aAIsySdTUqG5qwpmciXiSCbHrgCK4B/s640/afterdeck.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Cattle Panel Railing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yMzvrd_ucVw/V3LGCpTD4vI/AAAAAAAACdo/M8gXuqmCTKc2zMiM3wftJyBj_K2UodqVgCK4B/s1600/afterdeck1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yMzvrd_ucVw/V3LGCpTD4vI/AAAAAAAACdo/M8gXuqmCTKc2zMiM3wftJyBj_K2UodqVgCK4B/s640/afterdeck1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cattle Panel Railing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
</span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-17z9X1UWaME/V3LGGJxMgmI/AAAAAAAACdw/onJeNfNXXJwuCqle0Zdw5t84lHo0TIcWACK4B/s1600/afterdeck2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-17z9X1UWaME/V3LGGJxMgmI/AAAAAAAACdw/onJeNfNXXJwuCqle0Zdw5t84lHo0TIcWACK4B/s640/afterdeck2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Utility Fence Railing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f7jIU0cwDLI/V3LGKmMyJ8I/AAAAAAAACd4/0CvS46BVZWY5zJclLvSNX6HcNDhPVcxlACK4B/s1600/afterdeck4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f7jIU0cwDLI/V3LGKmMyJ8I/AAAAAAAACd4/0CvS46BVZWY5zJclLvSNX6HcNDhPVcxlACK4B/s640/afterdeck4.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished Deck</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1aYoU4OJrio/V3LGRykt2cI/AAAAAAAACeA/30khXQv9cSUhr7BJNfYAHa6Es7xIrNXbACK4B/s1600/afterdeck8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1aYoU4OJrio/V3LGRykt2cI/AAAAAAAACeA/30khXQv9cSUhr7BJNfYAHa6Es7xIrNXbACK4B/s640/afterdeck8.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Underneath New Deck</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nBQziPL5o58/V3LA7KhDO_I/AAAAAAAACb4/BOYIKqB3ic4L-sp2RG72-SuqpAhnHBBkACK4B/s1600/beforedeck.JPG" imageanchor="1"></a><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nBQziPL5o58/V3LA7KhDO_I/AAAAAAAACb4/BOYIKqB3ic4L-sp2RG72-SuqpAhnHBBkACK4B/s1600/beforedeck.JPG" imageanchor="1"><br /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And from the deck:</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-95T-qWOMgSs/V3LGsfGWGBI/AAAAAAAACfc/pPib-wZE6JQCv7e5F0jtohEf16lLgzGXACKgB/s1600/afterdeck9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-95T-qWOMgSs/V3LGsfGWGBI/AAAAAAAACfc/pPib-wZE6JQCv7e5F0jtohEf16lLgzGXACKgB/s640/afterdeck9.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Deck View</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1A8CBv6hWIE/V3LGpAMZ_KI/AAAAAAAACfc/PdC8fThNzrAIwxvMhHnug3JkENgJCHxJQCKgB/s1600/afterdeck7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1A8CBv6hWIE/V3LGpAMZ_KI/AAAAAAAACfc/PdC8fThNzrAIwxvMhHnug3JkENgJCHxJQCKgB/s640/afterdeck7.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Deck</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1A8CBv6hWIE/V3LGpAMZ_KI/AAAAAAAACeM/OqP9wRGP9MsK7NpMTUcELeS-f0hMh6lnwCK4B/s1600/afterdeck7.JPG" imageanchor="1"></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As I said, I'm not an expert. If I was, it wouldn't have taken three weekends. The final deck is 12 x 10 (2ft cantilevered over posts) and cost about $1500 (includes running electrical to deck, all hardware, decking and utility panel) using cedar stained pressure treated wood from Home Depot.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Three days after the fabric canopy was put on the deck (meaning I didn't have time to bolt it to the deck), a storm blew through the region. RIP Three Day Old Canopy, you will be missed. Did I mention the wind tunnel syndrome behind the house? Yep. In my defense, it hadn't rained in weeks. I thought I had time. Anyway, bought another pergola type shade structure this week, with a canopy that retracts. We will see how long that one holds against these winds.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Happy building!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Karen</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nBQziPL5o58/V3LA7KhDO_I/AAAAAAAACb4/BOYIKqB3ic4L-sp2RG72-SuqpAhnHBBkACK4B/s1600/beforedeck.JPG" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zc0RKmIyIuE/V3LA9rMxiRI/AAAAAAAACcA/20kW5dxTMJ810wauNzqW1ICkO6kWEpt4wCK4B/s1600/beforedeck2.JPG" imageanchor="1"><br />
</a></div>
Karen @ The Quaint Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11126934108568122913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668114154077398041.post-60897962490540291872013-07-25T11:30:00.000-05:002013-07-25T12:40:37.623-05:00Adding Square Footage<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
For the past two months I've been posting my small outdoor accomplishments on my instagram account (yesterday was a glorious photo of one of the benefits to having a garden).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-vJlefLl-Jc8/UfFOLz3fH5I/AAAAAAAACTU/9YYPdu858-U/s640/blogger-image-916083800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-vJlefLl-Jc8/UfFOLz3fH5I/AAAAAAAACTU/9YYPdu858-U/s640/blogger-image-916083800.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Sadly, I lacked the time to actually sit down and post about all of these mini-projects on the blog.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Now that it is complete, I'm going to have a few free minutes to spare to share these projects before jumping into a room makeover in the basement (for my new workout room). </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
When I thought of all of the work I needed to do, I kept putting it off. The backyard was a space no one liked. It had been neglected over the years since we didn't like to use it (no shade and faces west). </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
On Mother's Day weekend I bought myself a few new shrubs to tidy up the bed next to the patio. It was overrun with weeds, covered in ugly landscaping rocks and the yard was creeping into the bed. It was horrible. After a weekend of cleaning, trimming, planting and mulching, I realized I needed to attack all of the projects the same way. I didn't think of the entire project, I thought of each separate piece that made up the project. Here are a couple of after pictures of the side bed (aka phase 1). </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/--vSWl1TynRk/UfFPMH_I0yI/AAAAAAAACTg/peLL9CK5ds0/s640/blogger-image--1130852178.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/--vSWl1TynRk/UfFPMH_I0yI/AAAAAAAACTg/peLL9CK5ds0/s640/blogger-image--1130852178.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Found the edge, removed landscaping rocks, trenched the retaining blocks with landscaping fabric (to keep said edge), planted crepe myrtle and evergreens that will eventually give some privacy, mulched.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-UXQXIhs8ySY/UfFPlclH3VI/AAAAAAAACTw/XlcpujB0Dqo/s640/blogger-image--1925632016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-UXQXIhs8ySY/UfFPlclH3VI/AAAAAAAACTw/XlcpujB0Dqo/s640/blogger-image--1925632016.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Expanded patio with pavers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
If anyone is looking for ideas, but doesn't know where to start, my suggestion is to start small. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
1) Break all of the projects down into phases, based on cost and time frame.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
2) Research ideas on the internet for inspiration.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
3) Learn as you go. (Which I did with my retaining wall - I suggest marking the sprinkler heads prior to finishing a wall. I'll get into that in my upcoming posts.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Here is a picture of some of the things I did to my backyard (and upcoming posts I'll be sharing): </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Planter boxes, retaining walls, fountain, floating deck, garden. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-QU0VKFnoRxI/UfFJQieQEiI/AAAAAAAACTE/DweNdZ-EJm0/s640/blogger-image--640705834.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-QU0VKFnoRxI/UfFJQieQEiI/AAAAAAAACTE/DweNdZ-EJm0/s640/blogger-image--640705834.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Do you have any big plans for your yard this year? Did you tackle a project? I'd love to hear what you have been up to lately.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Karen</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
Karen @ The Quaint Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11126934108568122913noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668114154077398041.post-52233885661391356182012-10-15T11:24:00.001-05:002012-10-17T07:35:35.307-05:00New Entertainment Center<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I had a small village of components living around my television in the family room. DVR, DVD, Playstation, Xbox, Large Speakers, small speakers, DVDs, Video Game & Controllers. Sound familiar?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I spent quite of bit of time searching for the perfect piece of furniture (either to replicate or purchase). Guess what? It didn't exist. Apparently, you need to purchase a four foot length console for the massive televisions and all the equipment and just make do. Some of the "larger" sized units were around $500 and still not what I needed and made of MDF. Yes, some of them have the huge wall towers to go over the television. However, I have tons of windows and didn't like the look of a wall of stuff.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here is my solution. Unfortunately, this photo was take with the iphone last night when it was dark, so you will need to check back with the plans and the "good" photos soon. This will give you an idea of what is coming.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-riykZy_RFY0/UHwxzY61NJI/AAAAAAAACQM/KHPExkWq7AU/s640/blogger-image-1724190409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-riykZy_RFY0/UHwxzY61NJI/AAAAAAAACQM/KHPExkWq7AU/s640/blogger-image-1724190409.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I know this picture is horrible. I will hurry and add a better one this week.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qDB1vmwOQwU/UH6lYsEGmXI/AAAAAAAACRU/h7tT_rcAeuE/s640/blogger-image-2027619405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qDB1vmwOQwU/UH6lYsEGmXI/AAAAAAAACRU/h7tT_rcAeuE/s640/blogger-image-2027619405.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This one is a bit better, but still with the iphone</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
For comparison purposes, this is a 46" television (which the hubby claims is now too small - Ha!).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Top row holds the DVD, DVR, Playstation & Xbox</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Center row holds the smaller front speaker and has room for decor.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Center bottom houses the large speaker (hidden) and four rows of DVDs.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The two end spots are to hole large wicker baskets to hold video games and equipment. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
No more clutter!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here is what I had before. Looks kind of wimpy compared to the new one.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-lM5yuqhwYMU/UHwx1brmIpI/AAAAAAAACQk/mlBcCs4ifWU/s640/blogger-image-401280675.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-lM5yuqhwYMU/UHwx1brmIpI/AAAAAAAACQk/mlBcCs4ifWU/s640/blogger-image-401280675.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here are a couple of the build: I used <a href="http://purebondplywood.com/">Purebond plywood</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-DeRTUOy7-vI/UHwx0MDvWII/AAAAAAAACQU/ZYYO-3dq364/s640/blogger-image--1775120436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-DeRTUOy7-vI/UHwx0MDvWII/AAAAAAAACQU/ZYYO-3dq364/s640/blogger-image--1775120436.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-2aHS6jdFlHE/UHwx0225LHI/AAAAAAAACQc/a0nv9kDzthI/s640/blogger-image-776499642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-2aHS6jdFlHE/UHwx0225LHI/AAAAAAAACQc/a0nv9kDzthI/s640/blogger-image-776499642.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I am so pleased with how it turned out. I will share plans for anyone needing ideas for their own build. Also, I will have more projects starting soon for the family room (adding wall planks and building a new coffee table to hide more DVDs). I'm beginning to think I have too many DVDs and need to get rid of some.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Karen :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Karen @ The Quaint Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11126934108568122913noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668114154077398041.post-74327645978856264982012-07-11T17:12:00.000-05:002012-07-13T10:32:03.552-05:00Cozy Additions to the Family Room<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Comfy, cozy additions to the family room.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-u5nzDVZMWcI/T_27kuWPM9I/AAAAAAAACKA/9aKMJj-Z_lw/s640/blogger-image-1637741328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-u5nzDVZMWcI/T_27kuWPM9I/AAAAAAAACKA/9aKMJj-Z_lw/s640/blogger-image-1637741328.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New homemade furry and knitted pillows with the Ikea Pillow and throw.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YbqVs1uO_Cc/T_27gaQouRI/AAAAAAAACJI/P89zGpxgC9Y/s640/blogger-image--2076963672.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YbqVs1uO_Cc/T_27gaQouRI/AAAAAAAACJI/P89zGpxgC9Y/s640/blogger-image--2076963672.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Bomber - Max the Morkie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Well, I jumped into the family room(taking a break from finishing the half bath-no judgments please) to do a few things to make the room more inviting during the summer while we lounged inside watching movies and avoiding the heat.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Last week, I posted on Facebook that I found a new rug on <a href="http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Alexa-Chevron-Vibe-Zebra-Rug-710-x-1010/5725628/product.html">Overstock.com</a> for a steal at $148 for an 8x11. I jumped on it even though I wasn't a huge fan of the chevon pattern. My goal was to add a bit more color and this did not have brown or beige, so it was actually perfect.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It was to replace the jute rug (below) that my family hated. If you notice in this picture, the theme of the room was The World of Blah Beige and Brown.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-_WjynoL3FV8/T_27hyeQe-I/AAAAAAAACJY/HxWnwSaTQyA/s640/blogger-image--1344591358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-_WjynoL3FV8/T_27hyeQe-I/AAAAAAAACJY/HxWnwSaTQyA/s640/blogger-image--1344591358.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Last night I made two new pillow covers for the sectional. One furry, one knitted.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I found the furry fabric on ebay and I used a soft baby chenille yarn for the knitted one.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-tr4U_cUMXJo/T_27gxcrllI/AAAAAAAACJQ/qbur4GWk6vU/s640/blogger-image-1817450361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-tr4U_cUMXJo/T_27gxcrllI/AAAAAAAACJQ/qbur4GWk6vU/s640/blogger-image-1817450361.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here is the furry one, which Max the Morkie actually hates. He barked at it for the first five minutes it was on the couch. Maybe it reminded him of his father or he thought it was his competition.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Fp67r5mTofc/T_27ilPZDyI/AAAAAAAACJo/srUY58Legs4/s640/blogger-image--780497589.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Fp67r5mTofc/T_27ilPZDyI/AAAAAAAACJo/srUY58Legs4/s640/blogger-image--780497589.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here is the knitted one. It would be much easier to make with a sweater from Goodwill, but I couldn't find one I liked with soft material.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-r-lV43JSsnU/T_27jVxcIMI/AAAAAAAACJ4/lZosTMyt4KU/s640/blogger-image-2110513004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-r-lV43JSsnU/T_27jVxcIMI/AAAAAAAACJ4/lZosTMyt4KU/s640/blogger-image-2110513004.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here are two thoughts for a new ceiling fan, both from Lowes - Allen Roth. I think the second one is more casual, which is a better fit for my house.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ewuoonKLSdE/T_27ixDofiI/AAAAAAAACJw/P21NCyOIcts/s640/blogger-image--1546881889.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ewuoonKLSdE/T_27ixDofiI/AAAAAAAACJw/P21NCyOIcts/s640/blogger-image--1546881889.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ivNIaNv5lqk/T_27onoau7I/AAAAAAAACKg/3rKxFj-2fXw/s640/blogger-image-1097880121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ivNIaNv5lqk/T_27onoau7I/AAAAAAAACKg/3rKxFj-2fXw/s640/blogger-image-1097880121.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I swapped out the dark brown curtains with the ones from the front living room. Free! And I am loving how light and bright the room looks with the change. Here are a few before and after with the lighter curtains. The room actually looks much bigger now.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4gVU7lTc3Ok/T_27kzcuIMI/AAAAAAAACKI/HPPI45h_1Lw/s640/blogger-image--1560824193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4gVU7lTc3Ok/T_27kzcuIMI/AAAAAAAACKI/HPPI45h_1Lw/s640/blogger-image--1560824193.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Tdnp3_aRSUQ/T_27m8KGAnI/AAAAAAAACKQ/BeRjbQDxfao/s640/blogger-image--140540733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Tdnp3_aRSUQ/T_27m8KGAnI/AAAAAAAACKQ/BeRjbQDxfao/s640/blogger-image--140540733.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-D74j9UX1NSQ/T_27nQ0wqCI/AAAAAAAACKY/Hbjw7o09H6I/s640/blogger-image-1667429262.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-D74j9UX1NSQ/T_27nQ0wqCI/AAAAAAAACKY/Hbjw7o09H6I/s640/blogger-image-1667429262.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I need to reupholster the ottoman, but I will be repainting the walls and covering the popcorn ceiling too! (Last room with popcorn on this level)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I plan to do a bit of work in the half bath to finish it up this weekend. I just hate the small finishing touches that seem so tedious, don't you?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
See you soon! Karen :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-J4jWdms56w0/T_27rZm68lI/AAAAAAAACK4/esRii1_RKyE/s640/blogger-image-1407285694.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-J4jWdms56w0/T_27rZm68lI/AAAAAAAACK4/esRii1_RKyE/s640/blogger-image-1407285694.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Linked to:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.lizmarieblog.com/2012/07/link-up-with-me-liz-marie-9/">Liz Marie Blog</a>, <a href="http://www.thirtyhandmadedays.com/2012/07/linky_party_96/">Thirty Handmade Days</a></div>Karen @ The Quaint Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11126934108568122913noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668114154077398041.post-53017973797992783212012-06-29T11:21:00.000-05:002012-06-29T11:57:12.713-05:00Back Home from Vacation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
As I mentioned in a few previous posts, my family and I spent some time at the beach this month. The weather was perfect the entire trip - we were very lucky. I constantly had my Kindle in my hand and read over ten books when I wasn't swimming and hiding from the sunball in the sky. We used three or four bottles of SPF 50 & 80 and happy to report no major sunburns. I can't say I'm happy it's over, but I was glad I missed TS Debby by a good 12 hours. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<u>Side note tip for taking your iphone or kindle to the pool or beach - use the snack size ziploc bags for your phone and a larger size bag for your kindle. You won't have to worry about dripping water onto the screens or the sea spray/sand from the ocean. It worked perfectly for me.</u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Now that I'm back and trying to get back in the swing of things with the blog, I thought I'd share some of my vacation pics.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Instead of just posting about it, I'd thought I'd add a feature on the blog to highlight anytime I have a fun picture to share with you. <insert drum roll here></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I added Instagram picture feeds!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
In the picture below, you will notice I added the "Quaint Cottage" instagram feed on the top right of the blog page. The Quaint Cottage instagram usually just focuses on all things to do with projects or adventures at the hardware store. So, if it wasn't worthy of an entire blog post (because I don't normally just post things just for a single picture), you can find it here.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kc5FMoHm3l8/T-3QUgPJOQI/AAAAAAAACI8/A-QKDhev5ig/s1600/blog+pic+finished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kc5FMoHm3l8/T-3QUgPJOQI/AAAAAAAACI8/A-QKDhev5ig/s640/blog+pic+finished.jpg" vca="true" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I also added my personal Instagram feed for anyone who wants to take a peek into my NON-blog world. Again, I usually don't post things on the blog in reference to my own life or family just for the fact I started this blog as one to catalog my DIY projects. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Although my life is one major DIY project all by itself if you ask me. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mlfz256enMI/T-3QSgX_bjI/AAAAAAAACI0/vd514amoQRg/s1600/blog+pic+2+finished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mlfz256enMI/T-3QSgX_bjI/AAAAAAAACI0/vd514amoQRg/s640/blog+pic+2+finished.jpg" vca="true" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Now that I've officially announced my return from vacation, I guess I need to get hopping on finishing some of my projects in the half bath and start a new mess in a new room.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I missed y'all!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Is anyone heading out on their vacation soon or just return? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Did you chose to go to the beach or pick something else?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
More to come soon. Stay tuned.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Karen </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>Karen @ The Quaint Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11126934108568122913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668114154077398041.post-73190277650872128232012-06-11T07:49:00.001-05:002012-06-11T07:49:42.571-05:00Half bath Bookshelf - Installed<br />
<div align="center">
Last week I posted on facebook and twitter a picture of the bookshelf I was working on to install in the half bath. Part of the post was just me whining about painint it because I do that.</div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
Well, I broke down and bought a paint gun....and I didn't use it!! What?!</div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
I read the directions and it said to use when temperatures were between 45-90 degrees. Working in the garage, the temps get much hotter than 90 degrees when the regular temperature is 90, so I didn't use it.</div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-N9aK7p6zIXM/T9XmMgcNrPI/AAAAAAAACIY/UoVJZdyHp88/s640/blogger-image-690149612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-N9aK7p6zIXM/T9XmMgcNrPI/AAAAAAAACIY/UoVJZdyHp88/s640/blogger-image-690149612.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After I started priming this piece, I realized I didn't have enough anyway. As you will see in the bottom photo, I made it about seven feet up and ran out.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-P_KYslNdMwY/T9XmNJPgP5I/AAAAAAAACIc/RELhheb2_pc/s640/blogger-image--1409480765.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-P_KYslNdMwY/T9XmNJPgP5I/AAAAAAAACIc/RELhheb2_pc/s640/blogger-image--1409480765.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So now in addition to finishing the priming and caulking, I need to paint it. But, with the help of the hubby I was able to squeeze this huge thing into the small half bath and install it. Then I added a little cubbie up top to give it more of a built in look.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I just threw some goodies on the shelf for now to see how it would work.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-bFaRySErQ4k/T9XmNazdbBI/AAAAAAAACIo/1ph3F0egzwc/s640/blogger-image--1307858361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-bFaRySErQ4k/T9XmNazdbBI/AAAAAAAACIo/1ph3F0egzwc/s640/blogger-image--1307858361.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Almost finished with the room.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Have a great week!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Karen</div>Karen @ The Quaint Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11126934108568122913noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668114154077398041.post-42435467403157083812012-06-03T09:13:00.000-05:002012-06-06T21:50:13.459-05:00Stacked Baseboards<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
As I try to waste time this morning to avoid going in the garage to build the bookcase for the half bath, I'd thought I'd answer one of the emails I received from a reader.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I've lived in this house for over ten years. According to my master plan when I moved in, I should have completely been finished with all my remodel projects by now....finished the basement and possibly have an in-ground pool. However, when I tend to remodel over and over until I think I've got it right things take a bit longer than I plan. The only thing I have going for me is my overwhelming need to keep the structure as classic as I can.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
By classic, I'm referring to the oak wood floors, trims & molding, windows, doors, etc. The "structure" things you shouldn't really need to change when you remodel a room around a new comforter you purchase. Classic white trim and oak wood floors (in my eyes and heart) will always be in style.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A reader spotted these baseboards in a photo of an end table I did last year.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-pyO5AOmPk7E/T8tpEfRMK8I/AAAAAAAACIM/EB58uVKqvXY/s640/blogger-image-63757394.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-pyO5AOmPk7E/T8tpEfRMK8I/AAAAAAAACIM/EB58uVKqvXY/s640/blogger-image-63757394.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hallway to family room from front door</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
When I started installing the 2000+/- square feet of wood floors about three or four years into living here, I was sitting on the couch with a Pottery Barn catalog on my lap. I don't have it anymore or I'd show you the picture of the inspiration. While flipping through it I saw one of their beautiful pieces of furniture, but that isn't what caught my eye. It was the stacked baseboard behind it. I had to have sat there for an hour trying to figure out how to recreate those same baseboards. But the thing that kept halting me was the fact their baseboards looked like a 1x12 board routed with beautiful grooves to create a piece of art.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Then, I set down the catalog and headed to my hardware store for therapy (Yes, I like to hang out in the lumber section to clear my head. Some girls shoe shop, I buy lumber. Don't judge). I started picking up pieces of trim molding and inspecting them. I brought home about five different pieces and began to create.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AeEJNESoH-U/T8tpB6AUIdI/AAAAAAAACHc/e4MpqIMhGlI/s640/blogger-image-1278797545.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AeEJNESoH-U/T8tpB6AUIdI/AAAAAAAACHc/e4MpqIMhGlI/s640/blogger-image-1278797545.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hallway</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But, when the dust settled, this is what I ended up doing.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
1 - Top piece 1 1/4" Picture molding</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
2 - Middle piece 1" framed rope molding</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
3 - 5" baseboard (which I'm certain you could create with two separate pieces)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Unfortunately, it was BB (before blog) so I don't remember item numbers, prices, etc. But, if you have read this blog before you know I'm all about creating something special on a very thrifty budget. I wouldn't have bought the high end $5 a linear foot stuff. When I win the lottery (because I will someday, I just know it) I will probably still have the same need to recreate things on a budget I will just have way more time to do it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KvzKDTwfu-w/T8tpD-3UiwI/AAAAAAAACH8/lG00vWdXaF4/s640/blogger-image-188422450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KvzKDTwfu-w/T8tpD-3UiwI/AAAAAAAACH8/lG00vWdXaF4/s640/blogger-image-188422450.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I measured 11.5" up from the floor (same as a 1x12" piece of lumber) marked around the room with my tape measure and level and installed the picture molding. Then I marked 8" up and repeated the process with the framed rope pieces. Then I installed the baseboards. I don't think it matters if you start at the top or the bottom.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Then, caulk, prime and paint. I do remember the day I painted mine I had the Cardinal v Brewer game on in the background. It was hard to pay attention to cutting in with the distraction.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-9WdOnGdTBmU/T8tpCmp3shI/AAAAAAAACHs/DWbHsozOlBU/s640/blogger-image--1019853576.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-9WdOnGdTBmU/T8tpCmp3shI/AAAAAAAACHs/DWbHsozOlBU/s640/blogger-image--1019853576.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front Living Room</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-e5kuUXG4ui0/T8tpDHYSR2I/AAAAAAAACH0/GtrQNh8DneE/s640/blogger-image-1105429103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-e5kuUXG4ui0/T8tpDHYSR2I/AAAAAAAACH0/GtrQNh8DneE/s640/blogger-image-1105429103.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-negh5j3J87c/T8tpEGKzpuI/AAAAAAAACIE/P88ZqqH1d0E/s640/blogger-image--618788604.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-negh5j3J87c/T8tpEGKzpuI/AAAAAAAACIE/P88ZqqH1d0E/s640/blogger-image--618788604.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I still have some requests to see the kitchen (which was also a total gut before the blog). I haven't forgotten.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Have a great day!!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Karen</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Linked to:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://diyshowoff.com/2012/06/03/diy-project-parade-and-highlights-2/">DIY Showoff</a>, <a href="http://www.homestoriesatoz.com/2012/06/tutorials-tip-link-party-63.html">Home Stories A to Z</a>, <a href="http://www.notjustahousewife.net/2012/06/show-me-what-ya-got-77.html">Not just a housewife</a>, <a href="http://www.tipjunkie.com/homemade-projects-6-5/">Tip Junkie</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2012/06/june-before-and-after-party.html">Thrifty Decor Chick</a>, <a href="http://www.the36thavenue.com/2012/06/show-me-extraordinary-58.html">The 36th Avenue</a>, <a href="http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/2012/06/transformation-thursday-no-155.html">The Shabby Creek Cottage</a></div>Karen @ The Quaint Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11126934108568122913noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668114154077398041.post-36614042852807939132012-05-23T10:14:00.000-05:002012-05-23T10:15:21.301-05:00I {heart} my new food dehydrator!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2mH00DS4g1Q/T7z5RCaeViI/AAAAAAAACDU/bOww1LGu10w/s1600/531453_3584165296130_1633174384_2822185_106648943_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" qba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2mH00DS4g1Q/T7z5RCaeViI/AAAAAAAACDU/bOww1LGu10w/s640/531453_3584165296130_1633174384_2822185_106648943_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Off the subject of the half bath for a moment.... Here is a random post.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I've recently discovered the art of dehydrating food. Okay, it may not be an art, but it's pretty cool. I've only made jerky, apple chips and banana chips, but I am going to test fruit roll ups this weekend. I love this little machine!!!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The fruit obviously takes much longer than the jerky because of the liquid content, but the jerky is ready to go in about 4 hours. All you do is mix the seasoning with the meat and squeeze through the gun. How easy is that? I'm planning on making a large batch of goodies for our upcoming road trip to the beach.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My co-worker also decided to buy one and she has made her own spicy red pepper seasoning.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Why did it take me so long to test one of these wonderful machines? My whole family loves eating jerky, but it is so expensive and packed full of preservatives. Now we make our own with the jerky gun (yes, there is such a thing) and jerky seasoning (which I made have to make my own some day).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I've even found dog treat recipes for the dehydrator! Actually, I may need to make Max some of those because right now when he smells the jerky he barks at me to give him some. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Do you have a dehydrator? What type of stuff do you make with yours?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm adding the links to the items I purchased if you are curious. This isn't a sponsored ad post, just sharing what I found. :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Karen</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ebD5I_UNVM8/T7z5PAsnRlI/AAAAAAAACDM/kCVCFuZN1aY/s1600/41J73KK+ytL__SL500_AA300_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" qba="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ebD5I_UNVM8/T7z5PAsnRlI/AAAAAAAACDM/kCVCFuZN1aY/s400/41J73KK+ytL__SL500_AA300_.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00179DCCQ/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B000FFVJ3C&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1CHV2NP8W6QHCPG4FZM7">Amazon</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jlQPCmaznQs/T7z5nFngUnI/AAAAAAAACDc/QSN5cIJN_NY/s1600/41ECLyb2j2L__SL500_AA300_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" qba="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jlQPCmaznQs/T7z5nFngUnI/AAAAAAAACDc/QSN5cIJN_NY/s400/41ECLyb2j2L__SL500_AA300_.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Nesco-BJX-5-American-Harvest-Jumbo/dp/B001795P3K/ref=pd_sim_k_4">Amazon</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eNdQgdjRp8E/T7z53A0xB7I/AAAAAAAACDk/M2XMcyEB0DQ/s1600/41tKcoIZmjL__SL500_AA300_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" qba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eNdQgdjRp8E/T7z53A0xB7I/AAAAAAAACDk/M2XMcyEB0DQ/s400/41tKcoIZmjL__SL500_AA300_.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Nesco-BJ-6-6-Pack-Original-Flavor/dp/B0000CFPI2/ref=pd_sim_k_11">Amazon</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>Karen @ The Quaint Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11126934108568122913noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668114154077398041.post-80815274976588813792012-05-21T21:41:00.000-05:002012-05-21T21:41:15.887-05:00I Can See the Finish Line<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Does anyone else get so involved with a project in your house you ignore the laundry and start naming your dust bunnies and passing them off as pets? Well, I do!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My house is in complete chaos right now because the kids brought home all their school projects, papers, supplies and just threw them where they found room.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Instead of doing something about the mess, I decided to work in the half bath tonight after work.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Now, all of the painting is complete!!!! Yippeeeee!!!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-fn-i1jK3wnI/T7r4_puxxHI/AAAAAAAACCc/3CJcJPK8LcE/s640/blogger-image-1980900669.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-fn-i1jK3wnI/T7r4_puxxHI/AAAAAAAACCc/3CJcJPK8LcE/s640/blogger-image-1980900669.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This weekend I painted the white paneling (which I had primed last weekend).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And tonight I painted the walls. As much as I truly loathe painting, I do love the finished product. Plus, my arms and legs get a bit of a workout so I can't complain.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Also, over the weekend I started the vanity project. Here is a sneak peek at what I'm making. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I stained it, but I'm thinking it is a bit darker than I wanted. I'll see what it looks like in the room before I decide if I need to make any changes.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
If anyone will be interested, I'll post some plans of the vanity.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-J-i9foY6U3w/T7r5ASTHOrI/AAAAAAAACCk/-F-_2WuE2Z4/s640/blogger-image--1013404714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-J-i9foY6U3w/T7r5ASTHOrI/AAAAAAAACCk/-F-_2WuE2Z4/s640/blogger-image--1013404714.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Lucky for me, I had plenty of paint left over from the laundry room remodel to use in the half bath.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-r8JQj3w-SBc/T7r5AahEokI/AAAAAAAACCs/1g3BO7Kj5jE/s640/blogger-image--193198013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-r8JQj3w-SBc/T7r5AahEokI/AAAAAAAACCs/1g3BO7Kj5jE/s640/blogger-image--193198013.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I need to finish the sink this week since I'm having guests for a BBQ this weekend. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Wish me luck.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Karen :)</div>Karen @ The Quaint Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11126934108568122913noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668114154077398041.post-66942261506585744172012-05-14T09:22:00.001-05:002012-05-14T09:34:41.787-05:00Half Bath Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-fXGBQoPPogw/T7EP9oZaP9I/AAAAAAAACA0/EgpjW2TULWk/s640/blogger-image--1818517124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-fXGBQoPPogw/T7EP9oZaP9I/AAAAAAAACA0/EgpjW2TULWk/s640/blogger-image--1818517124.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Well, two weeks of life getting in the way of the home improvement projects really sets me back.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
First, the Saint Louis area was hit with a couple of rounds of hail storms. We were very lucky and didn't get the golf ball + sized hail, but we still had some damage to our roof. We will be getting a new roof next week courtesy of our insurance company. Yay! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Then, our condensing unit and a-coil died just when the temperatures were a steady 90 degrees. It doesn't bother me too much, but my children claimed they could possibly die from the heat. Poor babies! Needless to say, they spent a lot of time in the sprinkler and stationed in front of the fans in the house. The day we had the new one installed the temperatures returned to a more seasonable 72 degrees.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-cRpi8YeMUE8/T7EP-BrssVI/AAAAAAAACA8/mZliotiVSYM/s640/blogger-image-792454695.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-cRpi8YeMUE8/T7EP-BrssVI/AAAAAAAACA8/mZliotiVSYM/s640/blogger-image-792454695.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Last weekend, we were able to witness a gorgeous Super Moon. Sadly, I only had my iphone handy to snap a photo, but hopefully you were able to witness it in person.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-hs6dETLen2g/T7EP_rsuFRI/AAAAAAAACBk/MW562aIm5TU/s640/blogger-image-2004925378.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-hs6dETLen2g/T7EP_rsuFRI/AAAAAAAACBk/MW562aIm5TU/s640/blogger-image-2004925378.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Since the house was a sauna for about a week, I couldn't work on the half bath. 1) Couldn't install the rest of the paneling when the wood is swollen from the humidty. 2) Couldn't paint the already installed paneling because it never would have dried.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Finally, this weekend I jumped back into the project.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here is the little room with the completed primed paneling.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-0s3wS2Eyjqw/T7EPmGnvx1I/AAAAAAAACAs/6VSfVn8NPDw/s640/blogger-image--94461454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-0s3wS2Eyjqw/T7EPmGnvx1I/AAAAAAAACAs/6VSfVn8NPDw/s640/blogger-image--94461454.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Before:<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-cRpi8YeMUE8/T7EP-BrssVI/AAAAAAAACA8/mZliotiVSYM/s640/blogger-image-792454695.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gBuxCPVejBM/T7EP-oTbaxI/AAAAAAAACBE/ERGH2teLm2E/s640/blogger-image--798308605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gBuxCPVejBM/T7EP-oTbaxI/AAAAAAAACBE/ERGH2teLm2E/s640/blogger-image--798308605.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-7KISvUmPzxg/T7EP_cDpjQI/AAAAAAAACBc/U3hu_U06B10/s640/blogger-image-1415467477.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-7KISvUmPzxg/T7EP_cDpjQI/AAAAAAAACBc/U3hu_U06B10/s640/blogger-image-1415467477.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Progress:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hATG9DTF2_Q/T7EP-2Her3I/AAAAAAAACBM/3aela-g_n7s/s640/blogger-image--1773833297.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hATG9DTF2_Q/T7EP-2Her3I/AAAAAAAACBM/3aela-g_n7s/s640/blogger-image--1773833297.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-0hX7860Kxzk/T7EP_Hn4TuI/AAAAAAAACBU/p73tY77bk0M/s640/blogger-image--1108028892.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-0hX7860Kxzk/T7EP_Hn4TuI/AAAAAAAACBU/p73tY77bk0M/s640/blogger-image--1108028892.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Primed:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-imQ3wfWixmk/T7EPkYO9uGI/AAAAAAAACAc/A5ig686JEFk/s640/blogger-image-1619760912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-imQ3wfWixmk/T7EPkYO9uGI/AAAAAAAACAc/A5ig686JEFk/s640/blogger-image-1619760912.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UV69ndxGfUg/T7EPjxX-NXI/AAAAAAAACAU/G0geSEyXGMU/s640/blogger-image-1999925369.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UV69ndxGfUg/T7EPjxX-NXI/AAAAAAAACAU/G0geSEyXGMU/s640/blogger-image-1999925369.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/--pRw53UZ5NM/T7EPjFY0SpI/AAAAAAAACAE/pK7SN8Atz5M/s640/blogger-image--1616327756.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/--pRw53UZ5NM/T7EPjFY0SpI/AAAAAAAACAE/pK7SN8Atz5M/s640/blogger-image--1616327756.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1Umi28GolJg/T7EPjC8pN7I/AAAAAAAAB_8/1qyl4JfaX2w/s640/blogger-image-405565369.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1Umi28GolJg/T7EPjC8pN7I/AAAAAAAAB_8/1qyl4JfaX2w/s640/blogger-image-405565369.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Now you see the popcorn, now you don't :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-z5zAyFog85w/T7EPjt_likI/AAAAAAAACAM/Uj-LA6WHAUo/s640/blogger-image-1838788111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-z5zAyFog85w/T7EPjt_likI/AAAAAAAACAM/Uj-LA6WHAUo/s640/blogger-image-1838788111.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-_0SJHczR8wg/T7EPk0NXxAI/AAAAAAAACAk/qiafzy2qYQs/s640/blogger-image-1971731149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-_0SJHczR8wg/T7EPk0NXxAI/AAAAAAAACAk/qiafzy2qYQs/s640/blogger-image-1971731149.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I promised the hubs I would build the vanity and install the sink next weekend. Stay tuned to see what I make. Have a great week! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Karen</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>Karen @ The Quaint Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11126934108568122913noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668114154077398041.post-75960006482121156192012-04-25T22:24:00.000-05:002012-04-27T09:36:49.720-05:00Half Bath Inspiration Board<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GLkEXpXOjhg/T5i82AVFk7I/AAAAAAAAB9Y/DwWo8CJvEIU/s1600/Half+bath+Inspiration+Board.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" oda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GLkEXpXOjhg/T5i82AVFk7I/AAAAAAAAB9Y/DwWo8CJvEIU/s640/Half+bath+Inspiration+Board.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This is a quick post to show the direction I'm heading with my current project. <br />
<br />
Presenting.....my inspiration for the little half bath remodel. <br />
<br />
Currently, the room is a party of blah beiges - beige floor and beige walls & ceiling...Do you hear the big YAWN?! <br />
<br />
I'm hoping by adding the overhead light, along with the crisp white bookshelf and white plank wall & ceiling it will brighten the room a bit.<br />
<br />
I'll be building the small bookcase and the rustic vanity to save money and get the exact size I need, but I'm still on the lookout for a vintage door. I'll head to the Habitat Restore next weekend if I can't find one on Craiglist before then.<br />
<br />
For now, I'm waiting for the planks adjust to the house temps/humidity and for the sink to arrive from Overstock. While I wait, I'll draw up the plans for the two items I need to build and create a frame to reuse the current oval shaped mirror.<br />
<br />
Stay with me. Tons of good stuff to come.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://pinterest.com/quaintcottage/half-bath/">Link to Pinterest Board</a><br />
<br />
KarenKaren @ The Quaint Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11126934108568122913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668114154077398041.post-46356151479817264752012-04-24T10:52:00.002-05:002012-04-24T10:52:29.891-05:00New Pages Added<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9h0HSZ7t-xg/T5bJJqOjlLI/AAAAAAAAB9E/zIpF0NNx6PE/s1600/image001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" oda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9h0HSZ7t-xg/T5bJJqOjlLI/AAAAAAAAB9E/zIpF0NNx6PE/s640/image001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
You may have noticed how difficult it has been to search for your favorite DIY projects on the blog since it is growing. I even find it challenging to find a previous post and I made them.<br />
<br />
Frustrating times have come to an end my friends.<br />
<br />
I've listened to your requests and added NEW, EASY to navigate pages with photos of all of the projects at a glance. I'm even slowly adding a "House Tour". I hope to add the BB (before blog) kitchen to the house tour soon.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yji64fzrC0k/T5bLIp-7C7I/AAAAAAAAB9M/90jLUvL2mQc/s1600/image002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" oda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yji64fzrC0k/T5bLIp-7C7I/AAAAAAAAB9M/90jLUvL2mQc/s640/image002.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I still need to line up the photos on these new pages and make them look neat and orderly (if there was a power tool for blogging, I'd be a professional). But, look how easy it is to find a project and click the link under the photo.<br />
<br />
Hopefully, you will find a project you haven't seen yet now that you can see them all at a glance.<br />
<br />
Karen<br />Karen @ The Quaint Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11126934108568122913noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668114154077398041.post-8815913196111978732012-04-18T18:13:00.000-05:002012-04-19T09:51:41.927-05:00Swiss Cheese Anyone?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is a tale of my short trip into madness. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
If you have ever tried to run electrical lines in the ceiling of the first story of a two story house, you will feel my pain. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
When I ran them in my kitchen a couple of years ago, I don't think it was this challenging. Maybe it is like childbirth, you forget the pain when you see the finished result?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I set out with the goal of adding a bit of light to this small, one light fixture/no window 6'x6' half bath. (If you remember, the idea was just to freshen up the paint in this room, but I'm so past just a coat of paint now.) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is the ceiling. Isn't that some pretty popcorn on the ceiling? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I know. Don't worry. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is the second to last ceiling on the main level with popcorn I need to tackle - aka I will soon stop talking about it all the time and move on to another pet peeve.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Daklv2tktAY/T489OBdK_TI/AAAAAAAAByA/9uTOQi9SLO4/s640/blogger-image--498442983.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Daklv2tktAY/T489OBdK_TI/AAAAAAAAByA/9uTOQi9SLO4/s640/blogger-image--498442983.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here is step one of the madness - make a few holes to run a line from the light fixture. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Easier said than done on this ceiling. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Double header, joist an inch inside from the header (fail on first ceiling hole)...ugh. I sent my co-worker a text asking if she had any ceiling art work I could add to just scrap the project.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-rLIT_BVkQUA/T489O2RJEgI/AAAAAAAAByQ/-7nuGE0rhjA/s640/blogger-image-1371342070.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-rLIT_BVkQUA/T489O2RJEgI/AAAAAAAAByQ/-7nuGE0rhjA/s640/blogger-image-1371342070.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
No turning back now. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Next step - I press on to get access to the wall so I can drill through the header.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Note - I don't have fancy drill bits that all the cool electricians own. They probably have lasers and magic too, so I am a bit jealous of them.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0jaNHrvLb_s/T489LUGyP9I/AAAAAAAABxw/bKObVvfDj_s/s640/blogger-image-1256645126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0jaNHrvLb_s/T489LUGyP9I/AAAAAAAABxw/bKObVvfDj_s/s640/blogger-image-1256645126.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Take a step back and figure out a game plan...What? Do you plan BEFORE you knock holes into walls. Geez, that sounds boring.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Game plan (with cool coach diagram):</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Wire needs to go from point "A" to point "B", through two joists and then weave around a rogue air vent added by the builder ten years ago for the exact purpose of messing with me today. Those prankster HVAC guys. Haha!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-0kqC32s0Ywg/T489PH64uLI/AAAAAAAAByY/6otCV5pvBZ4/s640/blogger-image--1244089644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-0kqC32s0Ywg/T489PH64uLI/AAAAAAAAByY/6otCV5pvBZ4/s640/blogger-image--1244089644.jpg" width="445" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So, instead of running to the hardware store to get the drill bits I need and spend $$$, I remembered I planned on adding paneling to the ceiling AND the back wall behind the toilet and sink....maybe I did plan it after all.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
In honor of the Marvel comic books, I went Hulk on the drywall...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Well, if Hulk used a keyhole saw?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Then the final step of the day, thread the new electrical line. The fishing line (not the fancy name electrician's use) where you tape the line to the metal wire and fish it thru the holes didn't want to work either.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-mAXSbbexqdc/T489Lkw8u-I/AAAAAAAABx4/zYsSr2BOk28/s640/blogger-image-1620738486.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-mAXSbbexqdc/T489Lkw8u-I/AAAAAAAABx4/zYsSr2BOk28/s640/blogger-image-1620738486.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-w1abRGivqB0/T489OqwZVCI/AAAAAAAAByI/FTNL03ys9hM/s640/blogger-image--1009935672.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-w1abRGivqB0/T489OqwZVCI/AAAAAAAAByI/FTNL03ys9hM/s640/blogger-image--1009935672.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I am waiting until Saturday when I can devote the whole day to installing the paneling on the ceiling and the wall before I install the lights. I mean, that would just be silly if I didn't wait. Right?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
You are welcome to set down your soda now and burst out laughing at my drywall. I did.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
See you on Saturday.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Karen</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Disclaimer - this is a blog of my projects, not an instructional how-to blog. Please use it for your entertainment and do not attempt to make this mess in your own home.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>Karen @ The Quaint Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11126934108568122913noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668114154077398041.post-23667567007374177042012-04-09T08:55:00.000-05:002012-04-11T10:15:24.252-05:00Road Block on Dining RoomLast week, I made a little inspiration board for my new dining room that will be converted into a library/office. <br />
<br />
On the board, there were these two tall, rustic, glass door bookcases that I thought set the mood for the whole room. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a0hjvtSd0DM/T4LeNLVAB3I/AAAAAAAABwg/L6p_1I3IFpw/s1600/OB-snapshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" nda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a0hjvtSd0DM/T4LeNLVAB3I/AAAAAAAABwg/L6p_1I3IFpw/s640/OB-snapshot.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
Here is a closer look.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GsNrZg4kj_8/T4LdzX1DGAI/AAAAAAAABwQ/yZUjEkkj4ic/s1600/gabby-home-lorraine_GHSCH251030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" nda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GsNrZg4kj_8/T4LdzX1DGAI/AAAAAAAABwQ/yZUjEkkj4ic/s640/gabby-home-lorraine_GHSCH251030.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Then I found out where these <a href="http://www.laylagrayce.com/Products/Gabby-Furniture-Lorraine-Cabinet__GHSCH251030.aspx">bookcases</a> could be purchased and knew I couldn't afford to buy one ($1800), let alone two. So out of my budget. Big old Sad Face everyone :(:(:( <br />
<br />
Although, now a $600 Orb Light I saw on Restoration Hardware doesn't sound so expensive.<br />
<br />
Of course, then I set to pricing the hardware (Cremone Bolts) so I could replicate my own bookcases. Ouch!!! Those bolt prices ($175 and up for one) could explain the price of the bookcases.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LMwDEk0xx5U/T4LltVIy5lI/AAAAAAAABwo/kaCg634NZkA/s1600/8106_151_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" nda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LMwDEk0xx5U/T4LltVIy5lI/AAAAAAAABwo/kaCg634NZkA/s640/8106_151_2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://doorhardwareusa.com/cart/product.php?p=21200">Source - $420 bolts</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Long story short - While I was searching for affordable Cremore Bolts, I think I found a way to recreate these cabinets, with a similar look for a fraction of the $175+++ bolts.<br />
<br />
I see a tutorial in the works for some rustic bookcases, don't you? <br />
<br />
Until then I just need to post some of my current furniture on Craigslist to make room for the new stuff. <br />
<br />
Karen :)Karen @ The Quaint Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11126934108568122913noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668114154077398041.post-69184741367258714172012-04-07T21:35:00.000-05:002012-04-07T21:35:19.134-05:00Inexpensive Window Hardware<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-6Pnf1rSGa14/T4Dzv51mMDI/AAAAAAAABvQ/1cWtJWu88vQ/s640/blogger-image-920487066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-6Pnf1rSGa14/T4Dzv51mMDI/AAAAAAAABvQ/1cWtJWu88vQ/s640/blogger-image-920487066.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Today I did some simple curtains for the laundry room and hung them.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
However, when I was shopping for curtain rods and hardware I was a bit shocked at the prices. For a small window like this one, it was going to cost anywhere from $50 on up for simple hardware ($20 for brackets and $30 for the rod). </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
As I was trying to play off the industrial metal backsplash, silver cabinet handles and the metal accents I put down the curtain hardware and decided to check out the plumbing section of the hardware store.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Until I found this...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-KWnlXqnv0iM/T4DzxHjD_pI/AAAAAAAABvw/JnJx9f95zuE/s640/blogger-image--1891422314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-KWnlXqnv0iM/T4DzxHjD_pI/AAAAAAAABvw/JnJx9f95zuE/s640/blogger-image--1891422314.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It looks like curtain hardware to me. Here are the product packages for anyone who is interested. The flange and split ring hanger are in the plumbing section, the threaded rod is in the screws and bolts section. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/--LO4v6ibJx8/T4DzxhjBI2I/AAAAAAAABv4/s5p2j860LDo/s640/blogger-image-1598602458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/--LO4v6ibJx8/T4DzxhjBI2I/AAAAAAAABv4/s5p2j860LDo/s640/blogger-image-1598602458.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Then add your favorite conduit or spray painted wood dowel.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
They even have pipe end pieces to add for finials, but I wanted this simple look.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here is my new $10 curtain rod, including the hardware. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The little clips were another $5. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-CkMei0khd2Q/T4DzwZm75CI/AAAAAAAABvU/g1y7_sQFEjU/s640/blogger-image--1810910698.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-CkMei0khd2Q/T4DzwZm75CI/AAAAAAAABvU/g1y7_sQFEjU/s640/blogger-image--1810910698.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-xlM6EuCoqvw/T4DzwkK2HKI/AAAAAAAABvg/qDBJHV7jcM8/s640/blogger-image-1673490843.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-xlM6EuCoqvw/T4DzwkK2HKI/AAAAAAAABvg/qDBJHV7jcM8/s640/blogger-image-1673490843.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-UE6_Mwff9j0/T4DzwyxhvpI/AAAAAAAABvo/7rYAM6zgCAA/s640/blogger-image-170186477.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-UE6_Mwff9j0/T4DzwyxhvpI/AAAAAAAABvo/7rYAM6zgCAA/s640/blogger-image-170186477.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-xADBnZpITpc/T4DzyIkZ05I/AAAAAAAABwA/1jWKekN4jdY/s640/blogger-image--2097797121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-xADBnZpITpc/T4DzyIkZ05I/AAAAAAAABwA/1jWKekN4jdY/s640/blogger-image--2097797121.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
What do you think? Would you use plumbing for your window hardware?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I like it so much I may use it in my upstairs hallway (spray painted oil rubbed bronze).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Karen :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>Karen @ The Quaint Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11126934108568122913noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668114154077398041.post-6213253110075203812012-03-31T21:09:00.000-05:002012-04-05T11:29:43.588-05:00Productive Day in the Laundry RoomHere is a little sneak peek into the laundry room. <br />
<br />
Today I spent an entire day working to complete most of the tasks so I could spend tomorrow prepping and painting all the walls, ceiling and trim.<br />
<br />
The metal backsplash is complete, the base cabinets are installed, the cabinet hardware is installed, the trim and batten board is complete.<br />
<br />
I only got about halfway finished with the ceiling and that trim...but I'm too tired to finish tonight. Working over your head is exhausting, but I love the plank look on the ceiling.<br />
<br />
I'll be posting more details for each project in case you have questions. <br />
<br />
Stay tuned over the next few days as I finish up and show everything.<br />
<br />
Thanks for stopping by The Quaint Cottage.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-evRaVu9d_WQ/T3euBQJUXMI/AAAAAAAABf4/WBRkgOPIwpw/s640/blogger-image--458581357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-evRaVu9d_WQ/T3euBQJUXMI/AAAAAAAABf4/WBRkgOPIwpw/s400/blogger-image--458581357.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Karen @ The Quaint Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11126934108568122913noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668114154077398041.post-18053461390225573592012-03-26T06:00:00.002-05:002012-03-26T06:00:00.583-05:00Simple Fix for Furniture Backing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fkYng8OB98E/T2_Vi-actxI/AAAAAAAABe0/rQbGEABOPps/s640/blogger-image-1819239518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fkYng8OB98E/T2_Vi-actxI/AAAAAAAABe0/rQbGEABOPps/s400/blogger-image-1819239518.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These little guys can help your furniture.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yeah, yeah. I know they say right there on the box they are for carpet. But, wait! Check out how to do a quick fix on your furniture.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H2TkmwA3fg0/T2_Vjn0R4sI/AAAAAAAABfE/wRWny1UT5mg/s640/blogger-image-1926934835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H2TkmwA3fg0/T2_Vjn0R4sI/AAAAAAAABfE/wRWny1UT5mg/s400/blogger-image-1926934835.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Have you ever moved a heavy piece of furniture (especially across a carpeted room) and the backing comes loose? If you are like me, your first thought is - "Who Cares?", it will just be smushed up against the wall.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As crazy as it sounds, that cheap, thin backing does more than just cover the back. In most cases, it does help keep your furniture in one piece and square.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">While I was moving those tall pantry cabinets to my garage yesterday by myself and I noticed one of the backings was coming off. Since I used these on several projects to attach thin lauan to furniture, I grabbed the pack and fixed the cabinet in just about thirty seconds.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Next time you are rearranging your furniture, be sure to keep a small packet of these carpet tacks in your junk drawer, right next to the small nails you use to hang pictures.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Go from this....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-8kj3uipcuUU/T2_VjTfszuI/AAAAAAAABe8/fIaxiNi-wlI/s640/blogger-image-17776755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-8kj3uipcuUU/T2_VjTfszuI/AAAAAAAABe8/fIaxiNi-wlI/s400/blogger-image-17776755.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">To this...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-rsbDwniur7s/T2_VkDBhI-I/AAAAAAAABfM/NQbqaSPsg_4/s640/blogger-image--1064598087.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-rsbDwniur7s/T2_VkDBhI-I/AAAAAAAABfM/NQbqaSPsg_4/s400/blogger-image--1064598087.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">How crazy does it sound to feel like you accomplished something just by tapping a few tacks on the back of furniture?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Have a great week!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Karen :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Karen @ The Quaint Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11126934108568122913noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668114154077398041.post-34882839718731514632012-03-25T20:18:00.010-05:002012-04-02T21:32:40.336-05:00DIY Can Good Storage<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-d8G0Sukt8H0/T2-sk6MsREI/AAAAAAAABcU/ao0Pp8Ix-4E/s640/blogger-image-1737524864.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-d8G0Sukt8H0/T2-sk6MsREI/AAAAAAAABcU/ao0Pp8Ix-4E/s400/blogger-image-1737524864.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
As I posted on facebook yesterday, I built these super easy and super affordable can good holders for my new pantry shelves I just installed in the laundry room (which serves double duty as the pantry).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ZkFdBA_NrmM/T2-slyKSdqI/AAAAAAAABck/lztbnzBk00k/s640/blogger-image--1868024206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ZkFdBA_NrmM/T2-slyKSdqI/AAAAAAAABck/lztbnzBk00k/s400/blogger-image--1868024206.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here are the eight new basic stock cabinets from Lowe's I just added to the wall of the laundry room to make use of the space of the wall (9' high ceilings). I'm loving not having the doors on the fronts so we can "shop" for what we need by just walking in the room. I'm still in the whole "styling" and organizing stage of the shelves, so don't roll your eyes too much at the incomplete look. Pretty please?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here is the view from the window wall. If you look at the bottom of the picture, you can see the installed can good organizers. I chose to use the same white melamine shelving as what is used on the cabinets to make it blend into the inside of the cabinet. PLUS, I didn't have to paint it! Score one for Karen :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-GA7VKVfBWhE/T2-smJQCW_I/AAAAAAAABcs/OwPaz2ZS6NY/s640/blogger-image-1058530141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-GA7VKVfBWhE/T2-smJQCW_I/AAAAAAAABcs/OwPaz2ZS6NY/s400/blogger-image-1058530141.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
The can good organizers I found on line were metal and didn't fit the exact opening I needed. I built my own for much less than the metal ones (which were $36 each!). With this plan, you can build up to four of the size I made for under $36.</div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
See how they just blend into the cabinet and look like they are built in it?</div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-MZBzLnYBpVg/T2-slTj80pI/AAAAAAAABcc/y3A_oFSBKAM/s640/blogger-image-917993092.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-MZBzLnYBpVg/T2-slTj80pI/AAAAAAAABcc/y3A_oFSBKAM/s400/blogger-image-917993092.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here is the process.</div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
Step one: Cut the sides and the ledges.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zjh8S2gh0Bw/T2-04nlBeZI/AAAAAAAABds/wmR1M2-lAi0/s640/blogger-image--169266010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zjh8S2gh0Bw/T2-04nlBeZI/AAAAAAAABds/wmR1M2-lAi0/s400/blogger-image--169266010.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Step two: Attach pieces to the walls of the unit.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TNGrOd79fDw/T2-0528gXQI/AAAAAAAABd8/a76_oknhuA4/s640/blogger-image--805415499.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TNGrOd79fDw/T2-0528gXQI/AAAAAAAABd8/a76_oknhuA4/s400/blogger-image--805415499.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Step three: Set the lauan onto the ledgers.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7DPw-4WYvd4/T2-05QMW2yI/AAAAAAAABd0/xPvxMzPzsNQ/s640/blogger-image-1503731436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7DPw-4WYvd4/T2-05QMW2yI/AAAAAAAABd0/xPvxMzPzsNQ/s400/blogger-image-1503731436.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
See? I told you it was easy! Below I drew up a sketch of the size I used for my 12" opening with a cabinet depth of 11.5" (if you have doors, it will be a depth of 10.5-10.75"). The height of my can good holders are 11". Again, the plan can be adjusted to any size space, but I think if you go past three cans wide, you may want to use something more sturdy than the lauan. Additionally, if you make the unit taller and add shelves, make certain the cans will fit thru the opening, don't just measure with the can in place on the shelf.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Cut list for 1 can good holder:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong><u>2 - 11"tall x 11.5"deep walls</u></strong> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(the melamine is 11.75" deep, I had to trim mine down) If your doors are on your cabinets, your cuts will probably be between 10.5" and 10.75"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<u><strong>6 - 1x2" 10.5" strips</strong></u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<u><strong>2 - 10.5x10.75" lauan cut for the shelf</strong></u> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
If your doors are on your cabinets, your cuts will probably by between 9.75" and 10"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I used 1.25" finish nails, but you can use screws if you prefer.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Wood glue, wood filler, etc. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_52xzPySheA/T2-2aeL9SNI/AAAAAAAABeE/WowhjRCD4lY/s1600/Untitled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="228" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_52xzPySheA/T2-2aeL9SNI/AAAAAAAABeE/WowhjRCD4lY/s400/Untitled.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cut 6 equal size 1x2 strips. 2 per ledge, one for the back support. <br />
The size of the opening subtract the width of the melamine walls (.75x2=1.5").<br />
My opening was 12" and then I subtracted the 1.5" (for walls).<br />
Nail the bottom 1x2 to the end of the upright 1x2 as shown above to create the front ledge. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8V4A8_fuMoY/T2-2b18o6lI/AAAAAAAABeM/92DGJ_sgP7s/s1600/Can+holder+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="228" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8V4A8_fuMoY/T2-2b18o6lI/AAAAAAAABeM/92DGJ_sgP7s/s400/Can+holder+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flip the ledge over and attach the ledge to the front (finished) edge of the melamine. Make sure the bottom ledge is flush with the front and the bottom of the wall.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-01FaiJEAUe8/T2-2chwdJUI/AAAAAAAABeU/UNhofrRbL8Y/s1600/can+holder+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="228" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-01FaiJEAUe8/T2-2chwdJUI/AAAAAAAABeU/UNhofrRbL8Y/s400/can+holder+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Measure down 5.5" (halfway point) from the top and mark the edge of the wall. Attach the top ledge to the wall keeping the front of the ledge flush with the side wall front edge.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CwlwuKu_3LA/T2-2dTApN7I/AAAAAAAABec/T22Bqxzy0rg/s1600/can+holder+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="228" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CwlwuKu_3LA/T2-2dTApN7I/AAAAAAAABec/T22Bqxzy0rg/s400/can+holder+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Find your center point again (5.5") and measure up toward the top .75" to create a bit of a roll for the cans to come forward when you remove one. Do the same for the bottom. Measure .75 up from the bottom and mark.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1-OqpAMz4Fo/T2-2fO5yExI/AAAAAAAABek/_lVFIJsaPSY/s1600/can+holder+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="183" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1-OqpAMz4Fo/T2-2fO5yExI/AAAAAAAABek/_lVFIJsaPSY/s320/can+holder+5.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Attach the back supports at the marks you made in the last step.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cnBSl-LXiFQ/T2-2flv5iXI/AAAAAAAABes/ehg2iUFcbRQ/s1600/can+holder+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="228" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cnBSl-LXiFQ/T2-2flv5iXI/AAAAAAAABes/ehg2iUFcbRQ/s400/can+holder+6.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Attach second wall and screw or nail supports and ledges. Once all the 1x2s are in place and secure, the lauan pieces will fit in place and stay with the weight of the cans. You can add glue to secure them, your preference. Then touch up the nail holes and slide into place.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I hope this gave you a helpful way to store your can goods.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Let me know if you have any questions.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Happy building!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Karen :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Linked to:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.askannamoseley.com/2012/03/weekend-warrior-45-features.html">Ask Anna</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/2012/03/26/made-by-you-monday-93/">Skip to my Lou</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.iheartnaptime.net/sundae-scoop-link-party-22/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:%20Iheartnaptime1%20(I%20heart%20nap%20time%20)">i heart naptime</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.positivelysplendid.com/2012/03/saturday-seven-party-no-19.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:%20PositivelySplendid%20(Positively%20Splendid)">Positively Splendid</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.getouttamyheadplease.com/2012/03/2880/">getouttamyheadplease.com</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.homestoriesatoz.com/2012/03/tutorials-tips-party-photobook-giveaway-50-value.html">Homestoriesatoz.com</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.notjustahousewife.net/2012/03/show-me-what-ya-got-67.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:%20blogspot/lUkHL%20(Not%20JUST%20A%20Housewife)">Not Just a Housewife</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://abowlfulloflemons.blogspot.com/2012/03/one-project-at-time-tuesday-link-party_27.html">A bowl full of lemons</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.the36thavenue.com/2012/03/kitchen-accent-cabinet-tutorial.html">The 36th Avenue</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://tatertotsandjello.com/2012/03/weekend-wrap-up-party-and-jeanne-oliver-designs.html">Tatertots and jello</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.tipjunkie.com/homemade-projects-43/">Tip junkie</a></div>
<br />Karen @ The Quaint Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11126934108568122913noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668114154077398041.post-53032468658506046202012-03-18T20:35:00.000-05:002012-03-18T20:35:46.765-05:00Pantry and Laundry Room Make Over<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ever since we ripped out our pantry in our kitchen during the renovation in order to add more cabinet and counter space, we have used tall cabinets in the laundry room to store our snacks and dry goods.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">However, the cabinets were only about six feet tall and the ceilings were nine feet tall. It left a large spot to pile containers to the ceiling (where you can never get to anything without learning how to juggle first).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was going to build my own cabinets to make sure I had exactly what I wanted, but I changed my mind at the last minute and bought the stock white cabinets at the hardware store instead. Not the best choice for customizing, but it was instant install. The stock cabinets were about three times more expensive than building my own, but I figure I saved about a month of my weekends. Bonus for me! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here is the beginning of the renovation:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-rfh0cf2dHEo/T2aIfFblYPI/AAAAAAAABb4/pl1ReV5_to8/s640/blogger-image-830921062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-rfh0cf2dHEo/T2aIfFblYPI/AAAAAAAABb4/pl1ReV5_to8/s400/blogger-image-830921062.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here was the starting point (see all the wasted space?):</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-8hwrJGkLoj8/T2aIfX3WWRI/AAAAAAAABcA/BNlZB60Issw/s640/blogger-image--1403869171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-8hwrJGkLoj8/T2aIfX3WWRI/AAAAAAAABcA/BNlZB60Issw/s400/blogger-image--1403869171.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now I just need to figure out if I'm going to leave off the doors and buy baskets and trays to store the pantry items or put the doors back on to hide everything. I'm kind of liking the idea of having the doors off so I know where everything is located. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thanks for stopping by to check out the latest project. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Karen :)</div>Karen @ The Quaint Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11126934108568122913noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668114154077398041.post-17235830237774619392012-01-21T20:57:00.002-06:002012-03-22T08:13:53.993-05:00Little Bit of Sensory Overload<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-bnNerIxaEfI/TxtyGUWElHI/AAAAAAAABbU/f4J8msbasic/s640/blogger-image-1497358186.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-bnNerIxaEfI/TxtyGUWElHI/AAAAAAAABbU/f4J8msbasic/s320/blogger-image-1497358186.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My daughter testing out the swing. Yep, it is just as fun as it looks.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I'm going to start this post by explaining I am not an expert on children with autism. I'm not going to get into a debate on whether or not I believe in Jenny McCarthy and her magical powers and I'm not going to discuss any theories on immunizations. However, <br />
<br />
...I'm a parent of a non-verbal autistic boy who means the world to me...<br />
<br />
As the parent of this sweet little boy, I sometimes get disappointed with my lack of ability to find presents to entertain him in the ways my other children are entertained with games and books. <br />
<br />
So when I was trying to figure out anything to buy him for Christmas last month, I saw a news report on a new creative space at the hospital for children with autism. The room is filled with so many wonderful machines, lights and sounds to capture the attention of children.<br />
<br />
If you have a child with autism, you understand how frustrated some of the simplest tasks we take for granted can be to them. You may also understand how upset they can become when their frustration gets the better of them. When this happens, they need a way to calm themselves. And when they are in a good mood, they need a way to stimulate their senses.<br />
<br />
When I saw the clip, I thought it would be so expensive to create a room with things such as fiberoptic lights and computers that work by touching the screen.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.kplr11.com/news/kplr-psychedelic-room-helps-sooth-autistic-kids-121211,0,822207.story">News Report Video for the Sensory Room - Click Here</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.kplr11.com/news/kplr-psychedelic-room-helps-sooth-autistic-kids-121211,0,822207.story">http://www.kplr11.com/news/kplr-psychedelic-room-helps-sooth-autistic-kids-121211,0,822207.story</a><br />
<br />
However, even if I didn't have the budget to create a room on the scale of the hospital, it did give me so many ideas to help transform my autistic son's room from a plain empty space into a room he can enjoy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1) Calm Colors. The walls are a muted grey and on wall is a darker shade of grey with fun blue and green circle wall decals. Originally, I had wanted to paint a wall design on the dark grey wall, but once you see the frequent use of circles and bubbles in the space these circles just seemed perfect.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KI5LBi2HNq4/Txtq_gV121I/AAAAAAAABak/g1L8S9q35cQ/s1600/162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" nfa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KI5LBi2HNq4/Txtq_gV121I/AAAAAAAABak/g1L8S9q35cQ/s320/162.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">2) Lights. There were so many different types of lighting in the video to create a psychedelic vibe. I found a bubbling water lamp, a circle electric light, a night club type disco light, created a pillar of circle lanterns (stringing white Christmas lights in the middle) and I found a light bulb that changes colors for the new open overhead light.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d0QDMAcr7jA/Txtq3Y5JPTI/AAAAAAAABac/4caQZ1MC_TE/s1600/176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" nfa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d0QDMAcr7jA/Txtq3Y5JPTI/AAAAAAAABac/4caQZ1MC_TE/s320/176.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bubbling Light w/swimming fish</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1sUbDxDGYno/TxtqaBWAPoI/AAAAAAAABZ0/vBwOO3tRoFM/s1600/138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" nfa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1sUbDxDGYno/TxtqaBWAPoI/AAAAAAAABZ0/vBwOO3tRoFM/s320/138.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Disco Lighting - The instant I plugged this light into the wall he started dancing and laughing.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3-SaQ8V97YU/TxtqvsLcO1I/AAAAAAAABaU/bAh8qxTCexo/s1600/161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" nfa="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3-SaQ8V97YU/TxtqvsLcO1I/AAAAAAAABaU/bAh8qxTCexo/s320/161.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paper Lanterns with Christmas lights inside</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">3) Cubby Hole. We left the bottom of his closet open. Sometimes he likes to sit in the bottom of his closet, so we created a fort with old cushions from his PB chairs. I still need to sew slipcovers for the cushions, but I put the cushions in place for now.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X57_p4zxLTs/TxtqPnEk5kI/AAAAAAAABZs/mQbwOIvaUWE/s1600/074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nfa="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X57_p4zxLTs/TxtqPnEk5kI/AAAAAAAABZs/mQbwOIvaUWE/s320/074.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">4) SWING!!!! Okay, this wasn't in the news report, but it is his favorite thing to do at school. I installed the swing today. I bought the supplies a couple of weeks ago, even bought an extra sturdy metal hook for rock climbers to attach the swing to the eye bolt. For some reason it took me a few weeks to work up the nerve to put the eye bolt into the beam. You don't know how relieved I was when the ceiling beam didn't crack in half and fall through the drywall when I personally tested it. Whew! The top picture shows my daughter taking it for a test drive.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3NOl_nQVmpk/TxtwXNlctkI/AAAAAAAABbM/BeHklRIQ1D8/s1600/1swing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nfa="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3NOl_nQVmpk/TxtwXNlctkI/AAAAAAAABbM/BeHklRIQ1D8/s1600/1swing.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sensoryedge.com/haba-chilly-swing-seat.html">Where I bought the swing</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">5) Sturdy Platform Bed. He has destroyed several beds and mattresses from jumping on them, but never sleeps in them. We also bought king size pillows to create a mattress topper for him by sewing together a sheet. I have some fur fabric I bought to use on his throw pillows too. The platform is the same size as a twin bed, so if or when he stops jumping on mattresses we can add one on top.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mw_0uCIF_Qc/TxtqpICHD5I/AAAAAAAABaE/GJnhyJQVqtQ/s1600/158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" nfa="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mw_0uCIF_Qc/TxtqpICHD5I/AAAAAAAABaE/GJnhyJQVqtQ/s320/158.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-11iM9_PhzB0/TxtqsroI1LI/AAAAAAAABaM/nYujtte7Fts/s1600/163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" nfa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-11iM9_PhzB0/TxtqsroI1LI/AAAAAAAABaM/nYujtte7Fts/s320/163.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stapled a mattress pad to the edge and to the top before covering with a sheet and stapling to create the platform. Still need to create the mattress topper using a king size sheet sectioned into 5 empty spaces for 5 king size pillows. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">6) Trampolines. As I said, he loves to jump. And he loves his mini trampolines and uses them more than our furniture now.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OxUR5dmn9P0/Txtv4sTKGdI/AAAAAAAABbE/NfwDvnR44Wg/s1600/1tramp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nfa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OxUR5dmn9P0/Txtv4sTKGdI/AAAAAAAABbE/NfwDvnR44Wg/s320/1tramp.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pure-Fun-38-Inch-Mini-Trampoline/dp/B002N5DVGK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1327198121&sr=8-1">Where I bought the mini trampolines</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">7) Pea Pod Snuggle Thingie. He loves to steal every single pillow in the house and lay under them to feel the weight. His teachers sent a weight blanket home for him to try, but he didn't like it as much as the cushions. The pea pod is to stimulate a calming feeling when he feels the pressure around his body.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.autism-products.com/Sensory_Pea_Pod_p/1325197.htm?gclid=CM7co-7F4q0CFZMj7AodthP50g">Link to find a Peapod</a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XMMLGuO9Zqg/TxtqiRHERaI/AAAAAAAABZ8/KV_Q18HBBlw/s1600/150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" nfa="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XMMLGuO9Zqg/TxtqiRHERaI/AAAAAAAABZ8/KV_Q18HBBlw/s320/150.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me testing the Pea Pod. It is super comfy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vefRwnVOvFI/TxtvjbmXnqI/AAAAAAAABa8/trhI6uOCquk/s1600/1peapod.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nfa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vefRwnVOvFI/TxtvjbmXnqI/AAAAAAAABa8/trhI6uOCquk/s1600/1peapod.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">8) Peanut Exercise Inflatable. He loves to balance himself on my exercise ball, so he now has his own and loves it.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RME6TMgWNUQ/TxttTsfCxVI/AAAAAAAABas/ZN4xDPlsZao/s1600/PeanutBall4Group_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="139" nfa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RME6TMgWNUQ/TxttTsfCxVI/AAAAAAAABas/ZN4xDPlsZao/s320/PeanutBall4Group_500.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.isokineticsinc.com/category/pc_gymballs/product/abpbgroup?gclid=CKufk-7D4q0CFS6FQAodW1nJbg">Where I bought the peanut ball </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">9) Rubber Mats. After we installed the wood floors, we thought those square rubber type mats would be nice under his bare feet when he is jumping around.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Po0fgOow6_U/Txtuv-2ahQI/AAAAAAAABa0/ty5Ob322Qk0/s1600/1tiles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" nfa="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Po0fgOow6_U/Txtuv-2ahQI/AAAAAAAABa0/ty5Ob322Qk0/s320/1tiles.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><a href="http://www.softtiles.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=94&Itemid=47">I bought my floor mats at the chain hardware stores, but the on-line sellers have more color options</a></div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">This is the summary list of all the components that are going into his space. Obviously, I still have about 8-10 hours of sewing left on making his mattress pad pillow cover and his cubby cushions and throw pillows. <br />
<br />
I'll post a final reveal once I finish the little details. Stay tuned.</div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">Tomorrow I'll be working on the upstairs hallway again. I hope to at least give you a peek of the colors and the new trim.<br />
<br />
Thank you for stopping by my blog. Please follow on facebook or twitter to receive updates.<br />
<br />
And a special thanks to those of you who sent emails asking when I'd be back. I promise you will be seeing me more and more. <br />
<br />
Much love,<br />
Karen<br />
<br />
Linked to:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.askannamoseley.com/2012/01/weekend-warrior-link-party-36.html">Ask Anna</a><br />
<a href="http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/2012/03/industrial-drawer-upcycled.html">The Shabby Creek Cottage</a></div>Karen @ The Quaint Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11126934108568122913noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668114154077398041.post-89038544556848086082012-01-19T11:39:00.000-06:002012-01-19T11:39:24.886-06:00I'm back this week...After a long and restful break, I am full of energy and plans for 2012 at my house. Did you miss me? Come on and lie to me :)<br />
First up will be - Finish the upstairs hallway!!! (I used three of these -!!!- because I have let it sit half painted this entire time...almost three whole months) GASP! What? Yep. Three whole months. Have you ever let a project sit half finished for three whole months? <br />
<br />
Actually, it is really easy. You just stop halfway through and put all your supplies on the floor in the corner (neatly). Every once in a while, you stop in front of the pile and briefly think about it, but quickly get distracted by something else...anything else. Then there are the blinders you can put on your eyes to walk through the project zone (it helps to not turn on any lights). <br />
<br />
Here is where I left you back in November...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UNNfClwGylU/TxhQ7KzMCFI/AAAAAAAABZY/psMKZaUB5z4/s1600/blogger-image-146916309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" nfa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UNNfClwGylU/TxhQ7KzMCFI/AAAAAAAABZY/psMKZaUB5z4/s400/blogger-image-146916309.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nDO5uqcSGsM/TxhQ7iVHp4I/AAAAAAAABZg/sSlkInle8WI/s1600/blogger-image-826052607.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" nfa="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nDO5uqcSGsM/TxhQ7iVHp4I/AAAAAAAABZg/sSlkInle8WI/s400/blogger-image-826052607.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Remember? I was trying to decide if I should try to add dark paint to the doors and rails to make it more like this...</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2ZPsKYfX6vI/TxhQ4KYe6MI/AAAAAAAABZI/tGPiOOdVUZk/s1600/1doors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" nfa="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2ZPsKYfX6vI/TxhQ4KYe6MI/AAAAAAAABZI/tGPiOOdVUZk/s400/1doors.jpg" width="233" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WmonPwPxl-0/TxhQ5Z_ghlI/AAAAAAAABZQ/hjzQMsxed8U/s1600/1stair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" nfa="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WmonPwPxl-0/TxhQ5Z_ghlI/AAAAAAAABZQ/hjzQMsxed8U/s400/1stair.jpg" width="312" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Fear not my loyal DYI friends, I'm back. I have my supply list for the hardware store and a fridge full of caffeine drinks at the ready. I plan to rip out the old trim around the doors and add the chunkier, basic boards and finish the painting this weekend.<br />
<br />
I think I suffer from some kind of seasonal "Blah" disorder. I can build stuff in my garage when the temps are over 100 degrees, but throw some cold weather and snow into the picture and all I want to do is curl up on the couch. Mind you, I've caught up on all the TV and movies I didn't have time to watch over the summer...but I miss my power tools. I walked by my miter saw last night in the garage and almost burst into tears thinking how much I missed him. I wonder if he gets bored out there without anything to do.<br />
<br />
Hahahahaha! Anyway - <br />
<br />
I also have to build a new computer/video game work center for my two boys who share a room. I hope to start planning and drawing up the plans tonight, but the build won't be until next weekend (unless it is 2 degrees outside - I'm not a superhero and my garage isn't heated). Then comes the pantry build. <br />
<br />
I think just posting this on the blog makes me happy and motivated to get to work. <br />
<br />
Please stay tuned.<br />
<br />
<br />
Much love, <br />
Karen<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nDO5uqcSGsM/TxhQ7iVHp4I/AAAAAAAABZg/sSlkInle8WI/s1600/blogger-image-826052607.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Karen @ The Quaint Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11126934108568122913noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668114154077398041.post-8620365506824864852011-11-28T20:09:00.000-06:002011-11-28T20:09:08.414-06:00Upstairs Hallway - Work in Progress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Over the Thanksgiving break, I started on the upstairs hallway before I begin work on the second phase of the kiddos bedrooms. I know, waaaay behind on my schedule. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yes, I loathe popcorn texture. You probably already knew that if you have read the blog at any point in the last month. Now there are only two rooms left upstairs (both bathrooms) left to do. Don't worry, I'm not going to skip around and start on those right now. I'm saving the bathrooms until next year. I think. hahaha</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The top two pictures are of the ceiling before I scraped. The bottom right is after and the bottom left is with a wet coat of primer.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-u1z_bgD9V5U/TtQ0_5tqx_I/AAAAAAAABX0/8HSNkoDzYJs/s640/blogger-image-1451613364.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-u1z_bgD9V5U/TtQ0_5tqx_I/AAAAAAAABX0/8HSNkoDzYJs/s400/blogger-image-1451613364.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then, I installed these lights that match the energy saving ones I installed in the downstairs hallway in the spring. The light is a bit brighter than normal fixtures because of the bulbs, but it is a hallway. I don't need mood lighting in my hallway. Do I?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dwCawlbAxK0/TtQ1wSu1PnI/AAAAAAAABX8/QBMqoQMfGHI/s640/blogger-image--1242397719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dwCawlbAxK0/TtQ1wSu1PnI/AAAAAAAABX8/QBMqoQMfGHI/s400/blogger-image--1242397719.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I started to paint the walls yellow, but soon decided I didn't like it. I usually LOVE yellow when I see it in anyone else's home, but when I try it I always end up hating it. PS The khaki color was the starting point but it needed an update.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-y8-HqFKIZ8o/TtQ1wY2jObI/AAAAAAAABYE/f4lHB9jlltw/s640/blogger-image-569674608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-y8-HqFKIZ8o/TtQ1wY2jObI/AAAAAAAABYE/f4lHB9jlltw/s400/blogger-image-569674608.jpg" width="299" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So, I started to repaint the walls white just like the square molding wall on the stairs.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j9ABgdGeCwc/TtQ1wsBIz1I/AAAAAAAABYM/GXcqDVIn4vo/s640/blogger-image-1727644834.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j9ABgdGeCwc/TtQ1wsBIz1I/AAAAAAAABYM/GXcqDVIn4vo/s400/blogger-image-1727644834.jpg" width="299" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I think this is the first time I have ever painted a wall white. And not just any fancy color, oh no! This is Bright White (semi-gloss). I've been using it on all the trim and for some reason thought - Why Not? These walls are hard to keep clean with the little guys handprints, scuff marks and bumps. I figured I'd always have this bright white on hand to touch up if I couldn't wash the dirt from the semi-gloss paint.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ekEivQCmuxU/TtQ0_ZN3RyI/AAAAAAAABXs/dzvVMlqfD0M/s640/blogger-image-146916309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ekEivQCmuxU/TtQ0_ZN3RyI/AAAAAAAABXs/dzvVMlqfD0M/s400/blogger-image-146916309.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As you can see, I started to replace the trim around the doors to a thicker, plain board with a large board overtop (see the left door next to the double doors). I did this on all the doors on the first floor and liked the way it looked. I still need to add the 1x2 top plate, but I'll do that next week when I change out the rest of the trim on the bedrooms and the closet and the window. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But, I need your feedback. I've always been a fan of white trim, white doors and white handrails, but now I think I want to change it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Reason #1 - Since I have to repaint the doors to update them from the off-white builder whiter anyway, I am thinking I may change them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Reason #2 - A dark color handrail and door will help mask any dirt, scuffs, etc. (notice a trend)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Reason #3 - I think the dark contrast with the white would look dramatic, but in a classic way.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I thought of maybe doing an espresso handrail (maybe spindles) with matching painted doors. Of course, I'll change out the brass fixtures to either a brushed silver or a bronze.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-0F5Hzv6GzSg/TtQ1w_MSDmI/AAAAAAAABYU/K_0feZTcNrw/s640/blogger-image-826052607.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-0F5Hzv6GzSg/TtQ1w_MSDmI/AAAAAAAABYU/K_0feZTcNrw/s400/blogger-image-826052607.jpg" width="299" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What do you think? Keep it white or try espresso? Have you painted your doors/handrails a different color than standard white or stain? I'd love to hear your thoughts and any blog links with before and after pictures if you have seen any.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here are a couple of pictures I found on Pinterest. I do apologize I can't give photo credit. I couldn't find the original source for the pictures.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m-ZEYZ9PHm8/TtQ-IDR4MkI/AAAAAAAABYc/FW2MkjIUGWg/s1600/1doors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m-ZEYZ9PHm8/TtQ-IDR4MkI/AAAAAAAABYc/FW2MkjIUGWg/s400/1doors.jpg" width="233" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo via Pinterest - Source not found yet</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cP6Di6F7ioU/TtQ-J_IhJzI/AAAAAAAABYk/jULtAJR0XVo/s1600/1stair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cP6Di6F7ioU/TtQ-J_IhJzI/AAAAAAAABYk/jULtAJR0XVo/s400/1stair.jpg" width="312" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo via Pinterest - Source not found yet</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thanks for stopping by my friends,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Karen</div>Karen @ The Quaint Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11126934108568122913noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668114154077398041.post-69360815704024632752011-11-13T21:54:00.000-06:002011-11-13T21:54:03.627-06:00Happy Dance!!! All the flooring is complete.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Let's look back at my list of things to do <u><strong>LAST</strong></u> weekend....seven days later, it still isn't finished.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Checklist - Phase 1:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strike>Scrape all popcorn ceiling (3 rooms)</strike></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strike>Install hardwood floors (only room #2 left to do this weekend)</strike></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strike>Paint all rooms (only room #2 left to do this weekend)</strike></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Baseboards and trim for rooms #2 & #4</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strike>Install new closet door guides on floor</strike></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strike>Reinstall closet doors</strike></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strike>Build 2 Bed Frames for older boys</strike></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strike>Prime and paint bed frames for older boys (need a second coat)</strike></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Although I wanted to have phase one finished last weekend, I'd run into a few other tasks around the house that needed my attention and I couldn't focus solely on my list. I should know nothing ever goes to MY plan. Especially since I have no real concept of time. I always think everything will take 5 minutes. Those DIY shows can build an entire room in 30 minutes, I should be able to do a simple list over a weekend - RIGHT?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Anyway, I was thrilled to put the last piece of hardwood floor into place this weekend. I mentally did a happy dance. I didn't have the energy to actually do it. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Good news - I already have the baseboards in my garage painted. So, that last item on the list is halfway there. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here is what happened this weekend:</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--SJuXQ_gtl4/TsCJbvfQCOI/AAAAAAAABWg/KZo2fTsdTnE/s640/blogger-image-1729368306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--SJuXQ_gtl4/TsCJbvfQCOI/AAAAAAAABWg/KZo2fTsdTnE/s400/blogger-image-1729368306.jpg" width="299" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Final Closet - Complete and waiting for the baseboards.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kxgzz5sdso0/TsCJb1tPQII/AAAAAAAABWo/G-JVtN36Psc/s640/blogger-image--1920378272.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kxgzz5sdso0/TsCJb1tPQII/AAAAAAAABWo/G-JVtN36Psc/s400/blogger-image--1920378272.jpg" width="299" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Slight hour+ delay. <br />
There was a warped board in the second row to last row, so I had to pull up two rows and start over. <br />
As I was enjoying that little fun event, I found a wall full of drywall pieces where the builder must have had to do a repair. Instead of throwing away the section of drywall he decided to add it into the wall. <br />
While I was over there, I marked the wall where the pipes and the metal plates were on the wall so I know where to nail the baseboards.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SdsDLOgAWok/TsCJcegtklI/AAAAAAAABWw/f5WrLp8cjic/s640/blogger-image-932556000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SdsDLOgAWok/TsCJcegtklI/AAAAAAAABWw/f5WrLp8cjic/s400/blogger-image-932556000.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shopped to find the little cubbies and bedding for the older boys.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BBbeBfETAk4/TsCJclksbII/AAAAAAAABW4/3tnDfDOm_GA/s640/blogger-image--1344147706.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BBbeBfETAk4/TsCJclksbII/AAAAAAAABW4/3tnDfDOm_GA/s400/blogger-image--1344147706.jpg" width="299" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All rooms had the closet doors (and new guides) reinstalled.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Even if I can't do everything I plan, I'm still pleased with myself for knocking things off the list. Hmmm, I wonder now if I could have finished if I would have used my time to install the baseboards instead of baking two batches of cookies for the kiddos? We will never know.<br />
<br />
I'd love to install the baseboards in the evenings this week after work, but we will see how that goes.<br />
<br />
I hope you had a fun weekend! Stay tuned for more updates on the rooms and the final four simple wood projects I'm getting back to doing this month.<br />
<br />
Karen :)Karen @ The Quaint Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11126934108568122913noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1668114154077398041.post-35452518120974930672011-11-10T19:53:00.001-06:002011-11-11T10:37:24.423-06:00Prep Work for Fun Wall AccentTonight (while the last box of wood floor acclimates to the house) I prepped a fun accent wall in my son's room. I was going to paint stripes or circles, but I wanted to try something a bit different.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-7zzGMszXRRQ/Trxwf0o6zqI/AAAAAAAABWQ/Cdr6HRviBVI/s640/blogger-image--2030897631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-7zzGMszXRRQ/Trxwf0o6zqI/AAAAAAAABWQ/Cdr6HRviBVI/s400/blogger-image--2030897631.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Do you like the before picture? Obviously it takes many tries to find the right color.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> While looking in the Restoration Hardware children catalog last week for new bedding, I found this cool drop cloth accent wall piece. I thought it would look amazing in my son's room. However, we have to think and rethink everything we do in his room due to his autism. If we hang something like this on his wall, chances are very likely he will have it ripped off in less than an hour. He has a funny little habit of collecting all the pillows, blankets and sometimes curtains from around our house.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-5og0vlOWlyc/Trxwga8K2hI/AAAAAAAABWY/M8gvEfJP550/s640/blogger-image--865101826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="390" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-5og0vlOWlyc/Trxwga8K2hI/AAAAAAAABWY/M8gvEfJP550/s400/blogger-image--865101826.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Restoration Hardware Photo</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
Instead, I am going to design a wall accent like this with paint I already have on hand. Since it will be attached to the wall, he can't remove it.<br />
<br />
Tonight (even though it is pitch black outside at dinnertime) I was able to drag myself from the warm couch and painted a square on the wall with the left over paint from the other boy room I just finished.<br />
<br />
Tomorrow night I'll draw out the pattern and paint the first color. I have almost every color of the rainbow of paints, so the hardest part will be picking which colors to use. Hmmmm, now that I'm looking at the inspiration photo...maybe I should have used the beige colors. <br />
<br />
Thoughts? Have you painted a fun accent wall? <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Karen @ The Quaint Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11126934108568122913noreply@blogger.com2