Merry Christmas!

And I'm only a day late!  But in this crazy, whirlwind time we live in I don't think it is ever too late to wish you and yours Good Will and Peace and the Love of Christ!  The tragedies weighed heavy on my mind and heart as I muddled through the month. I think the only answer to those moments is prayer, and trying to treasure the moments I have with my family and friends.  Here is just a snapshot of what we have been up to here in Nebraska.

An elf named Trixie came to visit and kept us on our toes with her antics.

She is mischievous and added some lovely giggles to our troop every morning.



I think she may have a slight crush on Woody!

There were programs galore to attend.

And when the blizzard and power outage changed our Santa visit plans we made do with the Mr.'s favorite character Mr. Grinch, whose heart surely grew 3 sizes that day!  3 Lovely Ladies:  Madison 14, Michaela 16, and Ellarie 7. 

Every year the Mr.'s company in VA has sent us the year's White House ornament as a gift. We all look forward to seeing and hanging the newest ornament. This year's ornament features President Taft and the one of the first automobiles made by the White Sewing Machine Co. They are all so lovely.

 

I even managed to finish this piece while watching "It's a Wonderful Life" this week.  It's such a nice sized Coffee Table.

At first when we sanded down the top and refinished it I was quite dismayed by the lighter and darker shades that showed up.  After some consideration though I really loved it as it reminds me of a piece made with reclaimed pieces maybe off of a wine crate.  (Always go with your imagination right?!)

A visit to the Graphics Fairy blogspot provided me with a lovely French advertisement to adapt to my table top.  Now it is perfect!

I also found this Bassett Furniture beauty and had planned to paint her with some very modern graphics on her.  However, that wood, oh help me that wood, was just too lovely to cover in paint! Look at those original pulls.  This piece just needed preserved as best I could.

So, I hope she'll find her home with someone who enjoys her clean lines and lovely walnut wood that has all been reconditioned to bring out her glory!

These pieces were done at the same time that I finished 2 dining room sets that took up the remainder of my month.  The weather has turned frigid here and it is hard to do much out in the workshop even with 2 little heaters going.  I'm hoping the weather turns soon as I have more custom work to get back to in 2013 and plenty of my own pieces for my house and to sell in line for work also.  It's a blessing to be so busy with something I love! 

Merry Christmas!  And here's to a wonderful New Year, full of Peace, Health, and Prosperity for ALL!  God Bless!
Deb

Listening to Tracy

Hello again from the long lost painter who can't seem to get her blog groove going.  Or maybe it's just keep it going...

Regardless, I'm back today with another recent finish to show you.  In addition to forgetting to blog I've also had a bad habit of forgetting to take photos of everything that I have completed.  I have worked on several custom pieces and sent them on home with nary a photo.  I've been finishing things to take down to NJ & Co. and forget to take photos.  So, last week I tracked down one of my items and managed to take some really horrible photos that I'm going to show you today.  Lucky you!

Isn't she gorgeous...or she would be if she didn't look rather blue in this photo.  Poor photography skills aside she is a pretty deep black.  You see, one of the other vendors that is part of the Co.  at NJ & Co. has been requesting some true black (not the chalk/milk paint versions).  She has told me several times that she could have sold this piece or that piece if only it were in black.  I've drug my feet for awhile because black can be so hard to work with (IMHO).  So I'm going
to go with her on this one and see if the folks who were seeking black furniture pieces come out to take this baby home.  You rock Tracy!

This buffet is so solid and the storage in this piece is AMAZING!  In addition to the dining room I can definitely see this piece scoring big time in the family room to house the games and DVD's  The top was an easy refinish with some new stain and antique oil finish.  I tried out Benjamin Moore's Advance Waterborne Interior Alkyd in Black on the body.  I will tell you that I've had mixed results with Alkyd type paints in the past.  Some don't level well, some don't cover well.  I've never been asked to, but I would recommend this paint whole heartedly.  It went on beautifully and I got great coverage with 2 coats.  The down side of the paint is the dry time.  It is recommended you wait at least 16 hours before gently sanding, wiping down and painting your 2nd coat.  I'm thinking this is what I'm going to be using on my kitchen cabinets when I finally get the nerve (and energy) to paint them.

The downside to black, as I've told Tracy, is that up close (or in photos) you can pick out the wear and tear a vintage piece of furniture will have on it. (though I will say I don't even see these creases in person).    But even those she's a bit time worn she wears her bling proudly!  Aren't those gorgeous knobs?! 

You can find this lovely piece for sale down at NJ & Co.  If Tracy is working tell her "THANKS"!  As a matter of fact NJ & Co. is having their monthly "Ladies Night Out" this Thursday evening.  They stay open until 8, serve wine and snacks, and most of the vendors are there to help and meet you!  You ALL are invited to come join us.  There are some wonderful new things all over the shop to fill out your shopping list!  I'll be there to help you load any furniture purchases, wink, wink.

Deck the Halls!
Deb
Linking to:
http://primitiveandproper.blogspot.com/2012/12/poww-117.html
http://elizabethandco.blogspot.com/2012/12/be-inspired-features-and-link-party-48.html