Before and After!

Many of you have asked about our Summer project of refinishing my old French Provincial Wooden Bedroom Furniture from when I was a little girl.  This is actually the 2nd time the set has been refinished - back in the mid-80's, my Dad & I refinished the dark cream with gold metallic highlights - to the white that you see on the left side.  My prior post here on the blog goes into more detail if you want to see older photos and our prep process.

It was an extremely busy summer for all of us - so I'm so sorry for the delay in sharing these "work-in-progress" and "before & after" photos.  Above is the nightstand…it's always amazing how different a piece can look when refinished, isn't it?  I loved the old pretty white…but I also love the new black too!

Below are some photos I took while my hubby was doing all the painting (yes, we opted to roll with a specialized paint) and it worked great.

 

This set was refinished for my daughter for her first apartment…and although I missed getting detail photos of the furniture all put back together and in their new place - I do have a collage that includes a few shots of her charming one-bedroom apartment that we decorated by being thrifty shoppers :) - we didn't really start with a plan - just found things as we went along and it all wound up coordinating.

As always - have fun shopping the deals - and never turn your nose up at some old pieces of furniture…you never know what they might turn into with a little hard work, paintbrush, roller, primer and paint ;)

Warmly, JLynn

Me = Vintage…Circa 1960s

French Provincial Furniture…beautiful lines with timeless looks...

This is a photo of what my "little girl" furniture (purchased in the mid-60s) looks like today...It is so hard to believe that this set is almost 50 years old now.  Despite the numerous moves it has been through - it still is in excellent shape!  

It didn't always look like this - back in 1986/87 - my Father and I worked very hard at sanding and removing the gold accents along the inner bevel edges (I didn't have a picture of my furniture back then - but did find a similar set online - shown below).  The goal of course was to make the pieces more neutral so that my husband and I could use this as our "just starting out" bedroom set when we were married in 1986. 

If you compare the top photo to this one - you'll see we also changed out the drawer hardware too…

So my little girl furniture made the transition to Newlywed Furniture - and ironically, it remained our bedroom set until we finally decided to purchase something for ourselves in 2003.  At that time, we passed it down to my daughter, who in turn, used it until this past December, when we purchased a bigger bedroom set for her.  We thought about selling it - but there are too many heart strings attached to it - as it was one of the last DIY projects I did with my Dad who passed away in the late 90s.  So this special furniture set, transitioned to our Guest Room.

Well, come late August, our daughter will be moving into an apartment for her last year of College.  But being that this is a short-term lease…and a small apartment - we all decided it would be a whole lot easier to take the "Guest Room" furniture versus her very heavy new furniture.  The only kicker is that after almost 30 years since the last refinishing - all the pieces are in need of another overhaul. 

As you can see…lots of little nicks and scratches…

including the laminate/formica top…

So, we have opted to do another total refinishing - only this time we are going to paint it black to coordinate with other furniture my daughter purchased from Ikea.  

By now you are probably wondering what brand of vintage furniture this is - a set that has survived all these years…it's none other than "Dixie" Furniture.  If you're into vintage items…well I can tell you first hand that these sets (whether in their original glory - or some refinished version…still command great prices for resellers).  If you're not sure if it's a Dixie or something else…look at the back of the furniture and you should see the furniture number and stamp on the back of the piece (such as our nightstand here…)

However, if that's faded or someone painted over it, then you will find an embossed Dixie logo on the inside of one of the drawers in each piece (typically it's the top drawer - make that the very nice WOOD drawer (not particle board…as you can see in the photo).  You may fine it another drawer though because over the years, these removable drawers can get mixed up lol.

And if you're wondering about the bottom of the drawer - 

I take old wallpaper, and cut it to fit the inside as a quick liner…

in order to keep the bottom looking as good as those beautiful sides

Needless to say, we are now getting ready to start a pretty major Home DIY  project.  It's not a hard project - but it will be time consuming (especially considering the top laminate which needs to be sanded down, prepped with an oil primer, and then sanded again before it's ready for painting).  Looks like we are still leaning towards painting them black, but I have been also thinking it may be fun to do a combination of white/black.  Right now our nightstand looks like this…

But I'm wondering if a combination of White with Black accents might work with the decor...

or maybe reversed with mainly Black paint and White accents?

Will be fun to see what we wind up with...

For now - I'm remembering the first refinishing job with my Dad…

while thinking about the 2nd refinishing job coming up…

Wish us lots of luck!

If you have your own refinishing DIY projects...I'd love to hear about them :)

Have a great week!

JLynn

Once Upon a Time...

Front Porch Rocking…a thing of the past?

Some would say it's an age thing…but I think not.

Whether it's a 5-10 minute break to unwind - or a 30 minute "catch-up" time…

Porch sitting is definitely still "in"

It's funny…I remember my Grandmother would always tell the "remember when" or the "you don't know how lucky you have it…when I was your age…" type of stories.  Of course you politely listened, but you really couldn't relate, other than to give thanks that you didn't live back in "that" time period lol.  

And now I find myself in similar shoes.  I'm not a Grandmother - but it is amazing just how fast technology exploded in the course of a few decades.  You know it wasn't really that long ago when the "Internet" was born - most would say in the late 80s (and if you've never heard a dial up modem or those famous words - "You Got Mail" - honestly you don't know how lucky you have it!). Our first computer was a big clunky thing that literally took up our entire desk (and that was just the monitor).  There were no such things as cell phones either…we had pagers.  If you wanted to talk to someone because it was an emergency...you had to dial the pager number, and that person would receive it and know they had to find a telephone booth to call you.  Crazy stuff that's hard to believe - I know… lol!

Then in a blink of an eye - there's been a string of the "latest and greatest" gadgets.  I've loved the transitions - and I love all my gadgets, especially my iPhone - which gives me an ease of staying in touch with family, and taking photos and videos to share.  I also love my laptop and finding quality information (that is if you know where to look for it and can stay away from the judgmental, critical sites).  Just because you find something on the internet or you see it on Facebook or Twitter does NOT mean it is the "truth" - lots of one-sided garbage out there…

So the plus to the technology for me, is in just the past 10 years, I've been able to work part-time at home in order to have greater flexibility for my family.  I've designed several websites, and continue to do the things I love - which namely is being creative.  I may not be making the income I did when I was working full-time out of the house, but the benefits of being home sure outweigh whatever material things I've done without.

The downside to technology is that the Internet and gadgets can be used for things that are less than positive.  Plus there seems to be an influx of people (both young and old) that are so totally wrapped up in these gadgets, that they miss the things going on around them because they are so focused on looking down.  Back in May, I shared this video on Facebook that touches upon the thought to "Look Up" - - and thought I would share it here.   

LOOK UP VIDEO - great message!

I've been on "social media" for my business for sometime now - and there are definitely good things and good people out there.  But if you're feeling a little anxious with all the information, the constant stream of trivial information, the tweets, the twits, the drama, and the social marketers telling you exactly what you should be doing, what to say, how often, what times - that you're on information overload and feeling really stressed…well just remember that you are actually SMARTER than all this information out there.  Be  proactive in how you're using your gadgets…and remember to take the time to actually look around at your surroundings and the people in it.  

Miranda Lambert's song "Automatic" is such a sweet reminder to slow down and take time like we used to…

AUTOMATIC VIDEO - nostalgic but with a very contemporary message

   

Just because we have all the conveniences of the latest and greatest technology - doesn't mean that we can't find pleasure in doing things by hand…and taking the time for the simple things.  For me - sometimes I just need a break - a  "leave of absence" from the internet to just "breath"- and trust me, it's ok to do that… :)

Yes - "Porch Time" is still something that I make time for in this busy, streamlined "smart" world - and if I've gone missing…well, you may just find me sitting here…relaxing, having a cup of coffee and taking time to time to look and simply think about all the good things in life.

Have a great rest of the week everyone!
JLynn

Creative Corner and $20 dollar Guessing Game!

Creative Corner…

The creative corner in my little artistic world is a busy place - always in constant motion with the Art Tiles, Jewelry designing, painting, photography and computer work.   Of course, there is also that task of attempting to finish organizing my Office/Studio space (with that never ending list of never ending projects).  All good things - but some days it would be nice to have a couple extra hours in the day lol :)

As I sit at my desk at the end of the day, and sipping on my last little bit of coffee - I'm feeling a relaxed sense of accomplishment with being completely caught up on all my orders right before a long Holiday weekend.  So other than doing a little computer work over the next few days (digitizing some artwork samples for an upcoming custom order) - I'm making plans to finish some things I've been wanting to do...

#1 - Complete the organization of my Beads in the Office/Studio - so that I can get some design time in.  I've been slowly working on sections in the office…and happy to say that the drawer unit is organized with a variety of metal findings…and the baskets to the right are organized and filled with freshly cut Wood Tiles.   But as you can see in the lower left corner, I still have some fabric open trays to fill - and on the right...a few tin projects that have been patiently sitting in the "waiting" area…(cough…that would be the floor)...

My desk needs a little straightening up…but 
the design table in front of the window is ready and waiting!

My 6' Wall unit will be re-arranged to fit those 5 fabric trays from above...

Bookshelf is finished…

Just have a few extra baskets piled up on my wicker basket

that will be used in my Hall Storage closet makeover.

SO…not too much organization work left before I am able to squeeze in a little "play" time with just a few of my lovely beads and creative components…

 

SO…here are the details for the GUESSING GAME to win $20 in Art Tiles...

As I was going through all my "prepped" Art Tiles - and trying to pick out those I'd like to wood burn for the Summer/Fall production lineup - I was overwhelmed with how many I have actually prepped!  So I did a guesstimate…but then curiosity got the better of me and I COUNTED them! You see when I do print runs for actual orders, I'm always mindful of not wasting paper - so I typically fill the print area with new images (themes and colors) and prep additional tiles with the orders…obviously, they added up over a short period of time…

  

RULES…

*Guess how many Art Tiles are in this pretty fabric storage box measuring 12 x 8 x 6 by leaving your number guess in the comment area below in this post (you can also leave a comment on our Blog Post Link on Facebook which is pinned at the top of our business page J-Lynn Jewels )

All those that guess correctly will be put into a random drawing for the $20

Remember…this game does not require any mathematical skills - just a little luck ;)

HINT #1 - the actual number of Art Tiles is over 1,000 but under 1275…

HINT #2 - the actual number of ART Tiles ends with the number 5…

If you're quick with your Math - or like to scribble out combinations…these hints will narrow your choices down to…oh... 28 possibilities…

And since I'm a nice person and would like to give everyone a fair chance…I'm going to add one more HINT tomorrow ON our FACEBOOK Blog Post link to narrow your choices  down to 10…so put on your lucky thinking caps - maybe you'll be the lucky winner of $20!  WINNER will be announced Tuesday noontime EST! 

In case you didn't catch HINT #3 on our Facebook page post…here it is: 

HINT #3 - the correct and final count number of the ART Tile Guessing game has the number "2" in it!  This leaves only TEN possible combinations - have fun guessing by leaving a comment here (or if you're on Facebook, you can leave a comment on the Creative Corner post highlighted at the top of the biz page (link above)

Have a great day everyone!

If you're traveling over the long Holiday weekend…be SAFE!

Happy Memorial Day :)

~J-Lynn

AND THE WINNER of our CREATIVE CORNER Guessing Game is…

CATHY O

Ironically…Cathy was the very first person to correctly guess the correct Creative Corner ART Tile number and the #1 on our Random.org list :)

Congrats to Cathy - the winner of $20 in Art Tiles!

The Happy List...ready - set - go... :)

So you want to know the secret to happiness?

Well - there is no secret...

Do you think there are "to-do's" in order to be happy?

Not for me...

Is there some sort of "Happy List"

Yes - and it's unique to you... 
 

We've all heard the saying...Happiness is not something you can buy...

For me...it simply comes down to finding that content, satisfied feeling in your everyday life - and to take notice of the little things...
(as a Photographer - it seems I'm always detouring because I'm taking notice of the little things...like these beautiful Pink Roses outside my Mom's house)

My daughter always says - "Walk with a Purpose..." 
and I say "Live with a Purpose..."

Life has depth, strength, and meaning...

So to live a meaningful life - we need to use all of our tools...talents, skills, and time,

and to do so, with thoughtfulness, love, and a purpose each and every day.

Some people are born with that sunny disposition - and some aren't...

But everyone can tune into their own happiness...

My best advice...don't over-think the happiness thing...that can be stressful...

When you're sad or things are difficult - face it with grace, and learn from it...

And always...pay attention to the little things - with all your senses...

I know you hear it a lot - that gratitude/blessed word (words often overused...) 

So that's why I like to say... "Appreciation"

As in...find your own appreciation for the simple things in your own life...

Life is not always sunshine and smiles - there are storms too...

But it's REAL - and each morning when you wake up, it's another day to appreciate that fact.

So...the HAPPY LIST...are you ready??

It's a quick, in this moment and time... TOP TEN List of the simple things that make you smile, laugh, giggle, cry, or gives you those warm, fuzzy feelings of contentment...

My HAPPY list...well - it goes without saying that my family if always first.  But beyond that - here's the everyday little things that are currently making me smile, happy, and - just  appreciate having another day in this beautiful, big world.  I've always been one to notice the little things...and that makes me happy.  I don't think about being happy - and although I'm not always a bright & cheery person every sun-shiney day...I can say that 99.9% of the time, I'm happy and positive.  To my way of thinking, it's all about learning to let go of the stuff we have no control over, and just being yourself in all your moments in time :)

Here's my TOP TEN in no particular order...

#1 - Appreciation for the backroads...they are beautiful 

Just a week ago, I captured this little peace of heaven on the back roads in Maryland.  Roads less traveled, with miles of Horses and wooden fences - brings to mind a feeling of peace and relaxation for me.  I love making the time for these drives...usually on the way to somewhere I need to be - but I'll leave a little early just to be able to take the roads less traveled...

#2 - That "small" feeling in a big world

Mother Nature is so inspiring...through all her moods from sunshine to storms.  When you think about how many centuries our ancestors have weathered and endured - it sure gives you an appreciation for the little things in life...and it makes you realize that we are all just here living in little moments in time...it's an awesome feeling to be thankful for those moments in life - don't you think?  The above shot is one I took from my front bedroom window - pretty amazing sunset...and if you look close - you may even see a flock of hundreds of Birds flying across that "on fire" sky...

#3 - Fun & Colorful Coffee Mugs & Notebooks

 No explanation needed really...

I have a lot of mugs that I've collected or created over the years...

Did I mention I also have a variety of flavored coffees to fill them too? ...

I love the Art of old-fashioned writing...and making lists...and taking notes...

I'm very thankful to live within an hour of a Vera Bradley Outlet where this past week they just had 60% off their already reduced prices and I was able to "restock" :)

#4 - Places...the Beach, my front porch, and a Winter Wonderland of Snow

 

Nothing quite like the sound of the ocean waves and seagulls...

  Love my Porch time - comfy rockers, good company...and my favorite beverage

Love the sounds of that winter stillness, the cool crisp air and those snow covered branches...

#5 - Flowers

Whether they are outside or from a bouquet I plucked from our Grocery store...

I love flowers...their scents...their colors and the all the beautiful details in them

For me - they definitely effect my mood in the most positive way and typically inspire me to get creative in either painting or designing jewelry

#6 - Fur Babies...unconditional love from our two rescues from the Shelter...

 Maggie Moo...who has grown so much in the past year...
but who loves to be held and rocked like a baby...
Yes...she is a big Dutch Bunny!

And ANGEL...our dwarf Netherland Bunny (first to join us...)

 

She loves to be scratched around her ears...and when she is totally content - she gives us her "Dumbo" elephant ears.  She also loves to race around the Family Room and then crash...

She is not much of a Snuggler but loves to hop up and visit with you when you're sitting down.  She also loves to play games with my Slippers too :)

#7 - Baking...and Fresh Fruit

 There is something about the smell of baking cookies...
We love baking - and typically make traditional cookies - Chocolate Chips & Scotties...
but I also love doing different ones, like these easy "Hoot" Owl cookies...which were part of a surprise "Care Package" for my daughter at College - had a lot of fun making these!

 Fresh fruit is the best....

 

#8 -  Beads and ART Tiles of all kinds...and Jewelry of course...

No explanation needed - just visit my Facebook page, my website and Etsy store...

 #9 - Art...Painting & Doodling

My favorite...Watercolor painting (yes I do other mediums - but there is something about the liquid fluidity of painting with these very translucent paints)

Yes - I love to doodle (Zentangles) when I can!

Love Pen & Ink and the tiny intricate patterns you can create 

with a series of lines, shapes, dots and swirls

#10 -  Gypsy/Bo-Ho style patterns...

Fun and colorful patterns -  I have a lot of different home decor pieces and throws with similar patterns.  These are just so inspirational and a great way to give life 

to a colorless corner on a shelf...but they also inspired me to create "Boho" styled ART Tiles and Gypsy/Bo-Ho style Jewelry as well :)

That's my Top Ten for the current Happy List :)

Have you made one yet?  If not - try it :)
Keep it simple - and include the little things that make you smile.
JLynn