Monday, January 4, 2010

Making Some Changes…

I have been making quite a few changes to my blog lately.  My friendly followers/friends mean so much to me and I want to make sure that you all can read my blog.  I received a couple e-mails from followers informing me of them having difficulty with reading my blog.  Several gals mentioned that the format wasn’t working for them, but I have not changed the format, but only changed my header picture.  I did change my header picture again hoping that those having problems with my blog would be able to read it ok now.  I also received a comment stating that the black font on the red background was hard to read so I changed it up a bit and I am hoping it is easier so see.  Please do leave me a comment and let me know if any of you are having problems with it now.  I am not sure what else I can do on my end.  It shows up just fine on my computer as well as my  parents so the only other thing that I can think of is that it might possibly be with your computer.  Please be sure to let me know how things are working for you now.  I appreciate the feedback and of course want you to keep coming back.

With all of that being said….. let’s start out with some makeovers ~ shall we?  Do you remember this chandelier that my Mom gave me from her new home?  Well, I knew that if I was able to makeover one chandelier then I could definitely makeover another one.  So, I took it and headed to the store for more flat black spray paint.  Ah, that stuff has been my best friend lately.  I even purchased one of those spray paint thingies that you put on top of the spray paint can and I must say that I absolutely love it.  It not only kept the paint off my fingers, but it helped spray the paint evenly and easily.  Gotta love little thingies like that (lol).  Ok, back to the pictures…. here is a BEFORE picture of the chandelier.  Yep, it was gold and full of shine (yuck).

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Well, I spray painted it with flat black spray paint and changed up the candle sleeves to a more prim candle sleeve.  Alot of you have inquired about the sleeves that I purchased.  I bought mine at a lighting store however I would think that you should be able to purchase them from Lowe’s or Home Depot.  So, check it out….. the new and improved AFTER look.  Much better – don’t ya think?

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Are you ready for some more pictures?  Well, since I changed up my header picture once again…. I thought I would share with you the make-do chair that I made.  One of my wonderful Facebook friends gave me some instructions and I tried my hand at making one.  It was rather easy up to the point of putting the muslin on.  I am nowhere close to being one to sew so instead of making a cover for my chair…. I just simply stapled my cloth on and if you look closely then you might be able to see it, but I guess that is why it is called a make-do chair.  I was totally learning as I went along.  So, here is my chair BEFORE.

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Here it is AFTER.

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Don’t you love it?  Here are some other shots of the side and back.

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It is far from perfect, but I love it and it is pretty good for my very first make-do chair.

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Do you all remember this cupboard that I bought back in November?

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Well, I am so anxious to get this bad boy done and start using it.  You wouldn’t believe what I did…… I started primming it a couple weeks back.  Uh yeah, it was a couple days before Christmas.  I thought it would be relatively easy, but the inside of it was a BIG challenge.  I had practically my whole body in the inside of that cupboard and applying primmer.  I thought that I scrubbed it out pretty good, but I didn’t realize how gross it was until I was in there and primming it.  Ughhh, I can tolerate most things, but this thing has definitely given me a workout to say the least.  I am not sure that it will be worth it in the long run, but my FIL seems to think that with a couple coats of primmer and a coat of black paint and two coats of red paint that it should be ok and rid of all odors.  I am sure as heck hoping so especially after I go to all of the trouble, but we will have to wait and see around spring time.  I told myself that I had to be patient with this piece.  It could actually be a beauty when I am done with it, but it is definitely going to take time, patience and some hard work.  It is funny because it took me about 20 minutes just to get all of the hardware off of it.  It was caked on with who knows what, but I was finally able to get everything off.  Here is a picture of it as it went through the primmer process and afterwards.

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As you can see….. the primmer has been applied and the cupboard is back out in the garage until spring time.  Spring can’t come fast enough for me ~ not only because of the cold, but also for crafting purposes.  This cold definitely puts a damper on my crafting.  I can do a little out in the garage, but with the temps as low as what they have been lately…. it is just too flipping cold.  The wind makes it even worse.  Well, at least you got to see where things stand with this piece of work (lol).  Hopefully after all of my scrubbing, smelling, primming, painting, sanding, and staining it will be well worth all the hard work and determination.  Time will tell – right?

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Today…. I leave you with this lovely picture.  At this time 3 years ago, I was just days away from meeting my son for the very first time.  I was pregnant enjoying every moment of it (even being sick 24/7 all the way up to my delivery) and ready to pop.  On Wednesday my little boy turns 3 and I must say that every moment of every day just gets sweeter with him around.  He is my whole world and I love him more then I could ever even think about describing.  I sometimes wish I could just pause this moment in time, but for now, I guess I will just continue to enjoy every single day with my little miracle baby.  I love you my sweet Cameron.

Until Next Time ~

Many Blessings Always……Lisa

36 comments:

Laura :) said...

Not sure why, but I see the actual text going all the way from the left side of my screen to the right side. I have Mozilla Firefox and will try looking at it with OE and see if that changes it. The red background and black letters is hard to read, but I enjoy your blog. Love the makeovers!

Laura :)

Laura :) said...

Interesing....with Outlook Express, it's the old way...all text is in the middle of the screen like before instead of spread out over the whole page. The text is white (or off white) instead of black with Outlook Express.

Laura

Linda said...

Like Laura.........I am using Mozilla and see it the same way, with the black font hard to read on the red background and it stretches all the way across.
LOL......whatever you do, I'll keep reading, love your blog!
Linda/simplycountryseasons

Unknown said...

Hi Lisa,
I can read everything a-okay.

My gosh, you have been one busy gal lately!!!
Love all your make overs. I cant believe how prim the light turned out by simply painting it black. Love it!!
I would love to make one of those chairs!!! I see them all the time on eBay and other places. Yours turned out fabulous!!
~Tam

Lee Hill Primitives said...

Hi Lisa, First of all love your pregnant pictures and the pictures of Cameron in Facebook. You had amazing pic's of him. Your makeovers are beautiful and I love the chair. I want to make one for me but I had no idea how to start. Please, if you can share a imply instructions of it. I have Mozilla Firefox too and your post goes from the left to right sides of the screen. It is hard to read but I will keep reading your blog, because I love it, don't tell this to other girls but this is one of my favorites... (LOL)

Unknown said...

I can read your blog just fine. Hope it is working better for everyone else. Love your makeovers. Good luck with the cabinet.
Kristi

Anonymous said...

Mine is the same as others with Mozilla Firefox, love reading your blog anyway! Dori

Mary said...

Hi Lisa,
I use google chrome and everything looks fine. your posts are on the left and all the other stuff is on the right. very easy to read, although i wasn't having any problems with the black on red either. Have a great day

Sheila said...

Hi Laura-I can read and see everything just fine. Love your makeovers and get such inspiration from you and so many others. Working on a few things myself.
Happy Birthday to little Cameron! So glad you've been blessed with such a darling little guy to love!
May God continue to bless your life with such joy.

Lona said...

All the changes are wonderful and much clearer to me. I love the black background. It makes everything pop. You header is wonderful and the touches to the chair are so pretty. Cannot wait to see the cabinet finished.

Pam said...

Hi Lisa! I can read your blog just fine thank goodness! You have been a very busy bee lately...send some of that energy & motivation my please...lol! I love how your chandelier turned out...I have one in my basement waiting to be made over...I will have to check the home improvement stores for the light sleeves.
Flat black spray paint is a prim girls best friend that's for sure!
Hugs,
Pam

Karen~The Barely There Primitive Bear said...

Hey Lisa, I wanted to say that
your ladder back chairs look so
good! I went to Paris and forgot new
sleeves for my chandelier!
I think they look so good, done
over..I think your little chair
you made over is cute and you do
such good work :)
Tell Cameron "Happy Birthday"

Bear Hugs~Karen

Jo-Anne said...

I have a sweet angel named Cameron as well. He is my also my first born and has brought me much joy and happiness. He turns 24 this year. :)
I love your make overs! Can't wait to see how your cupboard turns out!
Take care-
Jo-Anne

Something Nice and Pretty said...

Hi Lisa,
Everything is just great with your blog today...the last time I was on it was clear across the page but today is wonderful.

Oh, how I love the make-do chair...I saw one much smaller priced at 70.00!!! I'm also still looking for a chandeliar at GW!
Have a great day:)
Rondell

carolyn@simple~primitive~devotion said...

It was weird for me this morning and I use IE. But whatever, I will still read it. Your blog is one of my favorites.
It looks really nice now with the simple black.
Love the cupboard, the make-do chair and the chandelier! All great jobs!
I hope your sweet baby boy has a wonderful birthday!
Stay warm!

Linda* ~ Josephine’s Daughter said...

Hi Lisa...I was having a hard time reading the black text on red background as well.
You did a great job on the make-do, I've made several and I'm not a sewer either...I tacked mine...:)!
Linda*

Christine said...

Things are much better now! The black on red didn't bother me, but I do love this look!
I love your makeovers...but I can't WAIT to see your cabinet redone! Are you sure you have to wait until spring??? I know it's only a few months away, but I may have to jump in the car and come down to help you get it done now! lol I can stand the cold to a point...we can take shifts on it! lol just kidding ;-) Are you going to leave the doors off? I love the looks of it like that too...

~Christine~

Craftyperson said...

Hi Lisa...
You blog looks fine for me...It was alittle hard reading before with the black background and burgundy lettering.
Love your makeover on you light...looks great..
Also love your chair...so cute.
Hugs,Trena

A Bit of Colour said...

Lisa,

I can read everything fine. Love all your new changes. Great jobs on everything! Look forward to see the outcome of the cabinet.

Blessings~Kim

ohiofarmgirl said...

it looks fine now...it had been across the screen and I use firefox too...who knows!
Love the baby belly...I have been blue today because my oldest daughter moved into an apartment new her college yesterday. I am sad for myself...but of course happy for her. It had been a long drive everyday for her...but I miss her terribly already....hug him and lavish him everyday for the days go quickly. Dianntha

Farm Field Primitives said...

I love your make do chair and your cupboard. Oh if that cupboard could talk..... Maybe we will get a warm stretch before spring to finish it!!! We can only hope. This weather is for the birds!!!!!! Your pregnant pic is so cute. I always shied away from the camera while pregnant, but now wish I had some pictures!! My daughter's b-day is tomorrow. Hope Cameron has a great day!
~Melissa~

Olde Tyme Marketplace said...

Your picture is adorable!! Happy Birthday to your sweet baby boy.
I want to make a chait like that~ I loved it. Please share instructions!
Smiles,
Beth

Laura :) said...

GRRRRR I meant with Internet Explorer it was different.......I am not thinking today!!!! Not sure why I said Outlook Express!! Anyway, looks like you changed it again and it looks good!

Laura

Chatty Kathy~Palmetto Prims said...

Much better on my end. Love the new look!! Tell Cameron to have a Happy Birthday!!

Love, love, love that make do chair. Would you be willing to share the instructions? I was on the internet over the weekend looking for a tutorial but had no luck.

Susannah said...

Hello Lisa....Great job on the chandelier and the cupboard. But I just love the make-do chair. That is an unbelieveable job!!!!! It is so very prim. Keep showing all of your pictures....I enjoy your blog so much!

Susannah

Prim Stacy said...

I use google and have never had a problem viewing your blog. I love, love, love the chair! I have been wanting one much like that for my living room.

I know what you mean about your little Cameron. My twin sons are 13 and I am having a hard time with them getting older...I wish I had a pause button also! There is nothing else in the world like a little boy is there?

You posted a comment on my last blog and I will email you about my wood bowls and baskets...where I found them...when I get the chance!
Stacy

Prim Stacy said...

Oh, I forgot...I love your greenery in the basket in your header picture. Where did you find it? Is it just a fake fern?

Stacy

Carey's Farmhouse Kitchen said...

Lisa,

I think things on your blog look good. From what I remember the font was pretty large but I think it may vary person to person on their computer.

I love the makeover chair and look forward to seeing more.

Happy Birthday to your little boy, they are truly a gift.



Carey

Sherrie said...

Hi Lisa, love your make-do chair. You did good, my friend. I guess I am the odd one, but I have not had a problem reading your blog. It has always been very clear and sharp pics. It seems to really be dark now and the pics are not as clear but I will follow you no matter what, so you need to be happy with it.
This will be a special week for Cameron....enjoy and give him birthday hugs from S.C.!!!!
Prim friend, Sherrie

PS. I got money that says that cabinet won't make it until spring....who are you trying to fool???? LOL

Janet-Olde Crow Primitives said...

Hi Lisa.
I have Safari and your Blog goods on my end.
I love the chandelier and I can't wait for spring to see your cupboard.
~Janet

Sherie said...

Lisa, your makeovers are awesome. That was a great job on the make-do chair too. Your blog comes up okay on my computer. Print is really easy to read too. Have a Good Tuesday. Sherie

Hillcresthome Prims said...

Lisa, I love all your make overs, I have a light that I have hanging in the kitchen and I am going to spray paint it black like you. Thank you so much for this wonderful idea! I just hope it comes out great like yours.My Honey will be helping he is good at that stuff. I will send you a picture when it is done!!!

Those chairs you made are beautiful, you sure did a great job!!!

Blessings friend,
Tricia
Hillcrest Home Prims

Birgit said...

I love all the makeovers. The chair is awesome! I have a ladderback chair I'd like to try that with. Could you possible share your instructions with me??

That is the cutest pregnancy picture ever! Happy Birthday to your sweet little Cameron.
My son's a January baby too. His is coming up on Monday.

Hugs ~ Birgit

sonyadawn said...

Lisa, I can see and read your blog just fine, and thank goodness for that! I love to visit with you and see all the great things your are doing. I love the chair redo, will you be doing a tutorial on that?? I sure hope so!!
Have a great week!
Sonya

Gettysburg Homestead said...

You did a great job on your chandlier. I too am wanting to try my hand at a make do chair. That cupboard will be awesomw when your done. Did you use KILZ primer cuz it gets rid of smell and stains.

Mary

rebecca said...

ok, so now my dining room light is next! it is a horrible shiny gold one and i do believe that with some flat black spray paint, patience and some prodding of the hubs to take it down, i too can have a non shiny light in my dining room. i have looked at so many that i am in love with but wow, they are charging more than i want to spend. good old do it yourself ingenuity.