French Door Makeover

Are you like me and sit there in your home wondering what you can do next to make it look even better. Plotting the next project or small renovation. I had this vision that this entry would look amazing with french doors so I set out to find myself some. I found the best pair on ebay, perfect size, clear glass 12 panels - Oh boy how excited was I. My very handy husband who is a carpenter by trade had these beauties installed in no time at all. They are all chippy and old just how I like them. They just finish the room and look like they were meant to always be there. Don't you love it when things turn out how you see them in your mind. Sandy x

A visit to Black & Spiro

Yep thas right I called into Black & Spiro last week and met the lovely Kelly. Thought I would post some pics and yes girls the shop is divine. Filled with an oversupply of colour everything is big & bold - just loved it. If I could of had anything in that shop it would have most certainly been this lovely sofa in the window.

This was just a picture I threw in of a lamp I finished this week.

Cover Trial Run

Well here is my trial run on a linen slipcover. I have not sewn for months and the last time I used my sewing machine it was playing up. So I dragged it out today and gave it a grease and oil change so to speak. It started sewing beautifully so I thought I would do a trial run on a smaller stool. I used some left over linen that I had and this is the end result. Thought it turned out not too bad for my first attempt although the frill is not quite right. Think I'm ready to tackle the big one now.

Burlap Stool Cover Next Project

Ever since I saw this cute little burlap ottoman cover in an old Country Living magazine I just knew I had to have one. I had the stool but not the fabric, but on my travels this week I was fortunate to pick up some just the perfect shade and size. I think the white frill just sets it off and I can't wait to make a start on this.

Giveaway Arrived/Tile Paint

My beautiful tablecloths arrived today - thankyou Katherine they are gorgeous. Freshly washed and ironed thank your mum for me. I will enjoy displaying these around my home.

Thankyou to all those that left encouraging comments about my kichen makeover you are all the best. This is my secrt weapon Dulux "Prep Lock". Now its all in the preparation and believe me I have spoke to heaps of people but still take advice from a lady in my local paint shop and she hasn't been wrong yet. This is a prep lock (primer in otherwords) suitable in all situations especially glossy surfaces as a primer and sealer that locks in your top coat. Will help avoid scratches, chipping and dries in no time at all which is what I love. You can basically use any paint over the top of this and for my kitchen I used Dulux Full Gloss in Vivid White. I also used Prep Lock on my kitchen cupboards.
To apply is easy: make sure your surface is clean, apply two coats of prep lock and don't be too fussy as it does cover really well. Once dry apply your top coat depending on what your covering like my kitchen tiles I have given them about four coats of top paint with a foam roller. Don't be scared to use this product and if you have tiles to paint around the house I say go for it. I am going to do my bathroom tiles with this as well.

Kitchen still work in Progress

Remember This (Before)
My kitchen is still a work in progress but has come so far compared to when we purchased the house. The pale blue splash back tiles I have lived with for a few months now but they just had to go. I talked to the kitchen man through the week who advised me not to paint but re-tile. I went to my favourite paint shop and spoke to a lady that I seem to get all my painting advice from and she advised that yes it can be done and will look great. Honestly I cannot tell the difference and don't think anyone else could. They just look like white tiles that have been there forever. I just can't see the point in replacing when you can re-paint. I won't stop at the kitchen tiles and have the kids bathroom next to do.

Don't worry the blue benchtops are next on the list to go. Had the man come and measure this week for a lovely replacement bench and lets just say that I cannot wait.

Me giving the tiles a good clean prior to painting. Yes i Did change into my old painting clothes.

Before

Mirror Make-over

Spotted this mirror at the second hand shop and loved how it was about 6 foot high. I knew the frame would paint up a treat, now I just have to find a spot for it. Every time I get a full length mirror my daughter claims it and then in no time at all I sell it. So think this one will be a keeper.

Treated myself to some new sheets today Target is having a homewares sale so I grabbed a set of 1000 thread count sheets with $90 off. Can't wait to jump into bed tonight as I love the feeling of clean new fresh sheets. Also don't think I have the nerve to cut up that marcella would be different if it was rippd or soiled but its perfect.

Mixing Old With New

Firstly just wanted to say thankyou to Katherine over at theoldboathouse.blogspot.com I was the lucky winner of her giveaway and this has just topped off my week. Also a big thankyou to Samantha at thenestuk.blogspot.com for nominating me with a beautiful blogger award how lovely it is to receive these awards.

I am home today which is going to be great as have some projects to finish off and some projects that I need to make a start on. Wanted to show you this cabinet I picked up through the week. It's modern I know but love mixing modern pieces with vintage ones and this was just so practical. Not sure if its a keeper yet but I can imagine it in the bathroom filled with goodies or even displayed just how it is in the lounge area.

Love Vintage marcella bedspreads I picked this one up at the op shop this week of all places. They are hard to find and this one is in perfect condition. May get cut up and used for cushions yet but I do find it hard to cut them when they are in such good condition.

A New Cushion

I treated myself to a Marley and Lockyer cushion this week and was so pleased when I found it waiting at my door tonight. Thanks Ness it fits right in here with my other cushions and no doubt I will be ordering more.

Monday Snaps Around the House

The weekends are always so full on that you need Monday at home to have a rest. I'm not that lucky - off to work today. Have a great week all.