What Lurks Behind Your Stove?

 I, along with my sisters, have been spending a lot of time with our parents helping to care for my Mom who was diagnosed with Dementia a few years back.  I’m currently on “weekend duty” so when my shift rolls around I just move in with them for a few days which allows ample time to help our Mom, visit with her and our Dad as well as an opportunity to tackle some of the cleaning projects that have been neglected of late. 

So, Here’s The Thing……

A few weeks ago while cleaning for the holidays, I mustered the courage to check the status behind their stove.  You know what I’m talking about……even the cleanest of houses has its dirty little secrets…..and behind the stove I think we can all agree as to how grungy this space can become with grease, dust bunnies, crumbs, splatters and yes, a few mice droppings – which is somewhat expected when you live on a working farm in the country. Nonetheless, I am still surprised every time as to what I discover back there.

Quite honestly, I think the last time I pulled out their stove was a year ago.  Why it isn't done every couple of months with all the cooking that goes on around there is beyond me – I’ll chalk it up to "no one will ever know" or "no one looks behind the stove" – or maybe, just maybe, I’m waiting and hoping the kitchen fairy will eventually show up and do it for us.  In any event, whatever the reasons, I think we can all agree it is a nasty job - and one we all put off.

I finally man-handled the stove out from between the counter and the island – probably one of the reasons it’s been a year between cleanings – and grabbed the vacuum to suck up anything that wasn’t stuck to the floor. 

I purchased two of my favorite cleaners - SOS Pads and Spray Nine. SOS Pads are an abrasive steel wool pad saturated in soap. They will power through your toughest messes from baked on grease to bathroom scum and BBQ grill residue.  Spray Nine is the most versatile weapon in your cleaning arsenal. It is a professional strength heavy duty cleaner, degreaser and disinfectant.  I was confident I would be able to complete this project using these two cleaners. 

Armed with rubber gloves I grabbed an SOS pad and a bucket of warm water. I dipped the SOS Pad in the water just enough to get it wet and scrubbed the floor. I started with the floor so I would have a clean area to stand while tackling the wall and cabinets.  After the floor was scrubbed I wiped it down with wet paper towel - for easy disposal.  Then I sprayed the entire floor area with Spray Nine and wiped it down with a clean, damp rag.  I repeated the process on the cabinets, wall and both sides of the stove until everything was sparkling clean. Once more over the floor with the trusty Swiffer Wet Mop and ta-da! - project "behind the stove" - done.

I must say, once this area was clean – although no one else will ever know what I had just spent the morning doing – there is something satisfying, almost therapeutic, in knowing one of the most neglected areas of the kitchen - is clean.  And, one day, when the kitchen fairy finally shows up, she will be mighty impressed. My luck it will be the day before I pull the stove out a year from now!

Now I bet you are all wondering what it looks like behind your stove.  I dare you - take a look!  If you are like the majority of us, you are thinking it probably needs some attention. I would suggest that we try to clean this area every so often - especially if you are preparing your home for sale, considering a renovation or appliance replacement, or if you are like me....and haven't looked there for at least a year! Let me know by posting your comments below.  I'd love to know what cleaners you chose and any helpful hints you'd like to share.

   “My idea of Superwoman is someone who cleans her own floors.”

                                                                                                            - Bette Midler

                 Until Next Time – Live Simply!

                         -  Mary Elizabeth

Deconstructing the Platform Rocker

Ahhh, the Platform Rocker – also called the swing rocking chair.  These rockers move on a stationary base as opposed to the floor.  These little beauties were introduced back in 1870 in the United States. Traditionally made from wood with an upholstered seat and back, today you will find many versions, from ornate finials to carved details such as the gooseneck armrest – they are quite ingenious.  I have come across those made from wicker, both wicker and wood and even bamboo – some with footrests, most without.  Although, like so many things throughout history, designs and styles have been modified to keep up with the times - but one constant in recognizing the platform rocker is the stable base. 

You may remember the platform rocker from time spent at your grand-parent’s home. Maybe your parents had a matched pair – or you have been the proud recipient of a platform handed down as you set up your first apartment! At one time or another I’m pretty sure you have had the pleasure of sitting in one of these chairs.  I must say, they are comfortable! The easy rocking ability, the comfort of the old coil springs, the well-padded seat and back and the construction at just the right angle so you are neither sitting straight up nor leaning too far back lends credence to their brilliant design.

So, Here’s the Thing….

I received a call from a friend of a friend of a friend…..she has four, yes FOUR platform rockers.  She asked if I would drop by to take a look at her family heirlooms as she was interested in having them reupholstered.  While visiting with her, I asked what the attachment was to the chairs, suggesting she could easily find replacements on kijiji or craigslist and alleviate the expense of fabric and my services. Her story is what resonated with me.  She told me they were handed down from her husband’s family and, although she had tried to convenience him to throw them away over the years, he refuses – they are sentimental to him. I get respect that. 

All too often we are quick to throw out an item that no longer fits with our lifestyle regardless of the reason we received it in the first place.  When I hear a story like this from a new client I am moved by her husband’s refusal to throw out his collection of platforms just because they don't fit with today’s trend - or they require some tender loving care.  It is the journey of the chair from one generation to the next that counts – memories of the weary bones that have rested in these comfortable places -  the hand knitted or crocheted baby’s blanket that was created while relaxing on that platform, or the many rocks to sleep with that newborn nestled in a grandparent's arms. It is the story, these are the sentimental attachments that move me to tackle projects like this.

Today we are going to show you "the deconstruction" of this great little chair and will follow up in a later post with the finished project.

After my consultation and discussion with my client, I collected one of the rockers with the fabric she had chosen and headed home.  Here is what I am rescuing - a platform rocker that has been passed down over the years, full of stories, memories, history and comfort.

As you can see I had my work cut out for me.  The first step was to remove the arms from the main frame.  The bolts and washers were easily removed from the inside base and backsides. I then removed the well worn upholstering, batting, form cushions and buttons.  The time then came to remove all of the old staples. Don't forget to remove all broken staples and the upholstery tacks as well.  This is really a must. Yes, it is tedious and time consuming, but when you reconstruct your chair you want the new staples to go in clean and be secure.  Removing all of the old product now will ensure a beautiful finished product. It's worth the time and effort.

After this preliminary work had been completed, the real fun began!  My client is a farm girl red fan, so she chose "Dutch Door" by FAT Chalk paint to add some life to the rocker frame and exposed arms of her chair. Two coats of this gorgeous color, hemp oil as the protective top coat....and that was the end of a long day!

My client had a bolt of this pineapple upholstery fabric in her stash and asked if it was possible to use the 'wrong' side instead of the true side of the fabric. Why not? I have done this on previous projects and they have turned out to be spectacular.  Using the wrong side of the fabric turns this every-day pineapple, run-of-the-mill fabric into a colorful, creative and fun chair.  And I love how the Dutch Door Chalk paint pulls the red out of the fabric....it was meant to be!

With the framework and arms painted, I moved on - adding extra batting to the arms for a more comfortable armrest. Reusing the original foam forms for the back and seat, I chose to cover the entire chair with new batting and secured everything in place with my trusty pneumatic upholstery stapler. Thus ended another long day!

Join me soon as I move to the next phase of the Deconstructed Platform Rocker!  I will walk you through the reupholstering, offer tips on working with a design in the fabric such as the pineapples so everything lines up properly. We will also show you how to make your own piping, the seat cushion cover and the final details. At that time, we will also reveal the  ultimate restoration of this treasured platform rocker!

The platform rocker - a unique creation. I can see why it is difficult for those who have owned one or more to part with them.

Until Next Time - Live Simply!

- Mary Elizabeth

4 Easy Steps When Choosing Paint Color

Choosing a COLOR…..

I have finished another painting project in my little cottage. I had grown tired of neutral walls and bead board so decided it was time to add some life to my main floor. It’s a small space, an open concept connecting my kitchen, dining and living areas.  Once I got started there was no stopping – the whole space had to be done.

When I was nearing the end of cleaning, organizing and putting my home back together a friend dropped by for a visit. Over a cup of tea she mentioned the new color combination felt warm and cozy - then proceeded to ask what colors I had used. She had been wanting to paint her kitchen for some time now and was inspired to use the same colors in her home – after all, she had walls, bead board, windows and doors – why wouldn’t they work for her?

Although we had discussed various shades in the same color family she was convinced the ones I had chosen for my cottage were perfect.  So off she went to the local home improvement center, confident and relieved from not having to search through paint chips, and went to work repainting her kitchen.  She spent hours painting her cupboards, cabinets, walls, bead board and trim – only to discover when all was said and done, the colors didn’t have the same feel or affect in her home. 

What my friend neglected to do was to take the time and consider her home - the space, the lighting and the other elements that ultimately affect paint and fabric choices.  What looks totally beautiful in magazines, other homes and in the home improvement centers won't necessarily compliment your setting.

So, here’s the Thing…..

Paint choices are endless.  It can be intimidating to stand at a local home improvement center in front of a wall, literally floor to ceiling, full of paint chips, each color offering varying shades – from the soft and muted to the bold and beautiful. Not just one home improvement center, but dozens of them each offering their own line of paint slightly different from one another making the decision that much more difficult. Add in the brochures, pamphlets and individual paint chips and you can leave with an armful of inspiration.....only to return, exhausted and confused to purchase a neutral. I get it. Neutrals are safe, timeless, and goes with everything in our homes. ...or so I am told. Choosing a neutral saves us the headache of making the “wrong” decision.  But, even they have their challenges.

How many of us have flipped through home decorating magazines, watched transformations on HGTV, attended open houses and house tours - or just visited friends or relatives and walked away excited to take that step into painting a room because that color looked good in someone else’s home?

One of the most exciting parts of my business is choosing color. From a home or cottage renovation to furniture restoration or upholstery projects.

I enjoy the process of assisting clients find the perfect paint or fabric to bring their vision to life, making their home comfortable, warm and cozy by taking the time to choose a color and shade that resonates with them.  Tie in all the additional elements such as lighting, furniture, rugs or flooring and accessories and it truly is a thrill to see it all come together and have a client say “It’s perfect.”

Selecting a Paint:

Here are some tips to help you the next time you are standing in front of that sea of paint chips, scratching your head and wondering “Now what?"

1. Pull a color out of something else that is going to be in the same room. Maybe there are a few colors you love in a pillow, duvet, artwork or an area rug. 

2. Limit your choices to three and then pick up a sample pot or quart of paint in these colors. This may seem like an unnecessary expense, however, honestly, this will save you a ton in the long run.

3. Paint a piece of leftover drywall, plywood or an existing wall – something that will give you a good visual of how the color will look against the surfaces in your room. 

4. Live with it for a few days – follow the light as it moves around the room, in the morning, afternoon and evening.

If you do find you are stuck making the final decision, narrow down your choice to two. There is always one choice that doesn’t work and will be your least favorite. Discard that sample and continue the process.  One of the final two sample boards will eventually jump out at you and you will experience that “Ahha moment” where all is right with the world.

I know this process sounds tedious and time consuming but trust me, the time you spend now will eliminate any confusion in your decision making process and give you the confidence to choose the color that works best for you - and your home.

I'm happy to report that my friend and I spent the next week choosing paint colors that work for her.  Yes, we did use the "color" she was so enthused about at my cottage, however, they were a little higher on the chip sample...then we painted her kitchen! Working with her surroundings - choosing a softer shade and taking light and accessories into consideration, her kitchen is now warm and cozy - just what she was hoping for!

What's your project?  Have you found yourself in the same situation as my friend?  Comment below and let's chat about your painting dilemma.

"Start with a color you love. Even if it's not a trend at the moment, it will always be on trend in a space that resonates with you."

- Kristina A. Howell

textile designer and color expert

Until next time - Live Simply!

- Mary Elizabeth

Restore, Repaint and Reupholster a Broken Vintage Chair

Over the years I have refinished a number of pieces that were considered past their prime.  These side chairs were no exception.  My friend chose Annie Sloan English Yellow – I was so excited, English Yellow is a very versatile color. She asked that they be heavily distressed and finished in the dark wax. She had her fabric and new burlap for the seats and backs and asked that it be upholstered with antique brass nail heads.  I was eager to get started - they were going to be fantastic.

So, here’s the thing….

I think that if you can refinish a chair, with all the details and hard to get at places, you can refinish anything.  Chairs are a challenge – they are not a flat surface like a bureau, hutch, bedframe, desk or cabinet.  They take patience and time. That's probably why I get asked to do so many! Getting them just right - from the various styles, repairing loose joints and lost spindles, painting, waxing and distressing all the rungs and corners - and then the seat - cane or cover.... patience. To refinish a chair and have it authentic, sturdy, beautiful and useable - I say, if you can handle a chair, you can accomplish great things with any piece you choose to refinish!

When you are given the task of refinishing chairs of this nature – honestly,  your greatest asset will be patience. You can’t be in a hurry. Take your time, do a little and walk away. Come back later with a fresh set of eyes, review what you have done, fix any oversights (a missed nail hole, a little more distressing, a little less wax) and you will be overjoyed with the end result.

BEFORE

Let's Get Started!

Preparation

I started by stripping off all of the fabric, old leather piping, horsehair batting, burlap and then I removed so many nails I lost track – somewhere in the hundreds.

Glue and Clamping

Next came restoring the frames - gluing and clamping.  I use Gorilla Wood Glue found at my local Home Hardware Store. Gorilla Glue is awesome and, trust me, once your piece is complete - it will stand the test of time.  When using glue of any type, be sure you have a damp rag when working with glue – once it is clamped the glue will ooze out the crevices so a wet rag to wipe any drips away makes clean up easier.

Wood Filler

I used wood filler on all the nail holes  - yes, all of them - and again, let it dry – completely. I used a sanding block as to not remove the patina of the wood or damage the edges.

Painting

A fresh coat of Annie Sloan "English Yellow" gave the chair life!  English Yellow is a lovely happy color and in many ways, very much a neutral. These chairs, for example, are in a home full of blues, greens, wood tones and cream.  They look spectacular!

Clear Wax and Distressing
A coat of clear wax to set the paint and act as a protection.  To distress these particular chairs I used a medium steel wool as the wood was rough and my friend asked for a heavy distress. I let the wool do the work with an extra nudge here and there.  This chairs must have been stored in a barn as the wood was well weathered as the paint came off easily and left a beautiful overall worn look. 

Next, I practiced what I’ve preached.  After I finished distressing this chair – I walked away and started on another project.  The next day I came back and decided it needed a bit more distressing in a few places to make it authentic, worn and old. You will know after a few attempts if you have gone far enough.  However, it is just as important to know when to stop!

Dark Wax

I applied a coat of dark wax, followed by rubbing off the access with a clean cotton rag. When I am working on chairs - painting or waxing, I turn it upside down and start on the bottom – and work up.  This allows you more control to flip, tilt and handle the chair without touching the places you have just worked on. Starting at the top makes it harder to maneuver.

Polishing
My go to polishing secret is cotton work gloves purchased at my local Hardware Store.  An old diaper, dish towel or t-shirt works as well, however, I find the gloves allow me to feel the wood, polish rungs and spindles as opposed to a thick rag.  I like to let the wax cure for a day or two and return once more to go over the chair with a fine steel wool.  This removes any spots that are too heavy with wax – I find this around joints and spindles more so than other parts of the chair.  The steel wool also allows me to remove wax from spots where I feel the paint would have worn off. One last buff and your chair is complete.

I am a stickler for looking under a refinished chair or take a peak at the back of dressers or sideboards – even in the drawers!  I like to see a project finished completely. Why would you go to through the process of painting, sanding, distressing, waxing and polishing and not do everything? My furniture is always finished, top to bottom.  Backs, drawers, bottoms - painted or stained.....always.

Upholstering
My friend asked that I use the wrong side of the fabric on the seat and back – she liked it better than the right side.  A little creativity and we decided to use the right side of the fabric for the piping and the back panel on the back rest.

The chair springs were covered in burlap and stapled in place, followed by a foam form and a sheet of batting for comfort – again, stapled in place. Next came the piping followed by the upholstery secured with antique brass nail heads.

On the back panel I stapled upholstery tape followed by a foam form, a piece of batting and then the piping.  The fabric was secured in place with antique brass nail heads.

I think this pair of destined for the dumpster chairs turned out great!

Please let me know if you have any questions about this or any other project. I love to share! Do you have a piece of furniture you don’t know what to do with?  Send me a picture and I will provide a free consultation for you!

“Supercalafragilisticexpialidocious!”

Until Next Time - Live Simply!

- Mary Elizabeth

What Day Is It?

I love the look of a hammock – very inviting. I do have one on my property - it does look awesome!  When I first hung my newly claimed treasure in my yard one of my neighbors actually said “Looks great, when will we see you use it?”

So, here’s the Thing…….

About six years ago I made a conscious decision to free myself from the busyness of life, the crazy schedules, racing from here to there, trying to be everything to everybody....I was tired of saying "I'm busy, so very, very busy!" 

I was on a mission - decluttering, reorganizing and reprioritizing my life. I was learning to live simply - simplifying everything, from my cottage and "stuff" to me - mind, body and soul. Crazy notion, right?  Well, I was doing really well - I had found my groove and had a good handle on my new life. I really enjoyed the quietness in my head.  However, lately I find I have slipped back into an old habit of "beat the clock" and it's just been go, go, go. 

This week while racing around I began to wonder where May and June have gone....its Summer and I don't know what happened to Spring! Why is it that I'm feeling like there are never enough hours in a day or days in a month? It seems one day I'm weeding, planting and working on that to-do list, and the next thing - I realized - is that if I don't slow it down and enjoy my days, I'll be preparing for snow and I will have missed it all.

Am I taking the time to really enjoy living?

So my question is:

Are we so busy with the everyday demands on our time and emotions that we have forgotten to stop and enjoy the simple pleasure of living? Trust me, there have been days, weeks recently where I have just managed to keep one foot in front of the other trying to cross something off that never ending to-do list. Lately, I fall into bed, thinking about my day – and wondering … did I enjoy it and live my best life?  And then I fall asleep too exhausted to even answer the question.

With the hustle and bustle of daily living I'm re-committing to my promise of six years ago to slow it down, breath and reconnect with myself - to find time, carve it out for me and enjoy a few moments of peace and solitude – rejuvenating, however and whatever that may be.

Today I am challenging you to join me.  Take control, even if only for a while – claim it as your own. Take that walk in the woods - breath in nature.  Stop and see what flowers are growing in your garden - literally, stop and smell the roses. Start that book your girlfriend has recommended - at least the first chapter. Have that bath - with bubbles! Go to yoga - stretch or just sit - quietly.  Take time to reflect and rejuvenate your thankful soul. You will feel better!

As for me – what better time than now to head out to that wonderful hammock!  I have a book I have wanted to start for some time – and right now is “me time” - I’m disappearing from the world…..even if it's for only 20 minutes - unless I fall asleep!

Are you feeling the pressures of life? How do you cope? What practices help keep you stay grounded and grateful? Send me a note - I'd love to hear from you.

"What day is it?” asked Pooh.

"It’s today.” squeaked Piglet.

“My favorite day.” Said Pooh.

Until next time - Live Simply!

- Mary Elizabeth

For The Love of Wax!

I love, love, love antiquing wax (dark wax) and how my pieces look after they are finished. Antiquing wax gives furniture a patina, a look of age and authenticity.  It brings the wood to life after years of wear and tear and just looks old. And, dark wax is excellent for highlighting not only the paint color but the wood tone as well.

So, here’s the Thing…

I like to work with a variety of paint lines.  At present, my shelves are stocked with Annie Sloan, FAT and Country Chic Chalk Paints as well as Miss Mustard Seed Milk Paint. But, there is always a project calling out for a latex so I keep a variety of Benjamin Moore samples on hand.

Tips before we get started with wax: 

On most occasions I like to finish a project with dark wax. When I first started painting furniture - many moons ago, I would do exactly as the experts in this field suggested.....however, following the rules has never been my strong point, so I played around with all the paints, waxes, products and techniques until I found my groove, my ways to work with the products and express my own creativity. And, yes, occasionally I still break the rules!

Many of us are timid when it comes to dark wax.  Let's just put that fear to rest and go for it!  Once you see the difference dark wax makes, I can pretty much guarantee 99% of your pieces will be completed in this fashion.  Is there a place for pieces finished in clear wax only, absolutely!  However, taking that final step and adding the dark wax you are giving your piece life, it enhances everything.

This project:

This may be a good place to say - A LITTLE WAX GOES A LONG WAY!  Those little jars are small - and expensive. Go easy on the application and really spread it around using all that is on your brush - if you don't most of the wax will end up on your rag when you wipe it down - and that makes for an expensive project. Seriously, in this case, less is more!

Before waxing, wipe down the surface to remove any dust or lint.  I like to use Tack Cloth found at my local Home Hardware store.  Unlike cotton rags, the Tack Cloth picks up even the smallest of particles and leaves your project completely lint free.

A great little Bass River chair

I painted this piece with two coats of "Paris Grey" Annie Sloan Chalk Paint to get good coverage and then I distress using 100 grit sanding block and fine steel wool.  I like to work with both as it varies the distressing and gives a more worn-over-time authentic appearance.  

Painted, clear wax and distressed

WORKING WITH ANTIQUING WAX (DARK WAX):

To apply the antique wax, I use a large wax brush, which is a great investment if you plan to do a lot of refinishing. If you are just starting out you can use a bushy paint brush. I use the large wax brush as it is either round or oval and the hairs are densely packed making it easier to get full coverage and into all the chipped and worn parts - the details.

Waxing does take muscle power!  Rub right into the wood, in a circular motion.  Move the wax around being sure to get into all of the nooks, crannies, crevices, scratches and dents. 

Dark wax application

After completing a small part of the project, take a cotton rag or a microfiber cloth and wipe off the excess.  I then go over my projects with fine steel wool to further distress and buff. The piece should feel totally dry to the touch. If it feels tacky or sticky you still have too much wax on the furniture and need to go back and remove the excess. Once your piece has been completely waxed and buffed you can add the hardware, or in this case - send it for caning.

Buffed and ready for caning

So, before we go any further, let's just take a look at this chair with clear wax and then with the dark wax application.  As you can see, the clear wax is lovely and you could leave your chair and be very happy with it.  But, look what the extra step of adding the dark wax does to the paint color and wood grain.  In my opinion, this vintage chair deserves the extra step.

The paint and wax take approximately 30 days to cure to the point of it being as durable as any other piece of furniture in your home.  However, if you do decide to use your piece right away, be gentle and don't leave it where it will be exposed to scratches, dents or water stains.

Here is the completed little Bass River chair.

Love this little chair!

What have you been working on?  Do you have questions on working with antiquing wax?  Share your techniques! Leave a comment and I'll get back to you!

"Keep Calm and Wax On!" 

Until Next time - Live Simply

- Mary Elizabeth