Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Brushstrokes

I'm feeling like a prisoner in my dining room.................and there's no escape for several more days.
Thinking time continues.
Yesterday's thoughts were bothersome, I couldn't concentrate on one subject for long. No village strolls, no country rambles, no paddling at the shore............just thoughts on how to get the look I want in the room. I take comfort in knowing that many of you who visit here are interested in decorating your home. We share our creative endeavors. We like to use any artistic talents we may have to make our homes special, reflecting our personalities and interests.


The color on the right is Classic Grey which I now have on the walls. The center color is Metropolis which I'm using to repaint the Welsh.........soon to be French..........dresser! The third color will not be used as it's too blue.

I painted the first coat, sanded lightly and painted a second coat.

This brand of paint is great, covers well and evens out very nicely. I'm using a flat finish. Note the color looks a little more blue here in bright light.

The top of the dresser shown here while still cream is also finished except for aging. Yours truly feels somewhat aged herself right now, especially her shoulders and knees! In the reflection you can just see a smidgen of the dark Graphite color used in the entry.

Initial distressing of the dresser using sanding blocks ~ this image shows the color well. May bash it up a bit more then wax to add some age, a soft sheen, and to protect the finish.
This is where my brother calls - from France - and says, "Mar, you need to muck it up a bit more to make it authentic. He's really good at furniture painting and does a lot of it around his French home.
And you are asking.........why does an English woman living in the American South want a room to look French Country. Don't ask me. Blame it on the 'shelter' magazines exposing us to beautiful places far away. Blame it on growing up in a house where we were always painting and hanging wallpaper. But most of all ~ blame it on a recent month in France!




12 comments:

  1. I'm loving the colors -and the graphite? Perfection! Can't wait to see the finish - bet you have your eye on the "finish line" as well! Take care and soak in a hot tub with a cuppa tea.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Mary,

    I believe inspiration can be derived from the past, present & future. Perhaps you are re-creating images from your past to keep with you now, far away from home. And it is undeniable, the history behind the homes and decor in Europe is both intriguing and beautiful!

    Your work is coming along wonderfully!!

    xoxo
    Jane

    ReplyDelete
  3. Mary , you are working so hard! That dresser is going to look so authentic when it's finished. Wish I could pop over to see it in reality!

    ReplyDelete
  4. It is looking good! I think when people are artistic that they are always looking for outlets to convey their artistry and creative feelings. I think that's why so many of us are always doing new projects around the house:) I understand the sore muscles that go along with the painting-it's great when all is said and done but a pain to get it there! I can't wait to see it all finished!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Mary, you hit the nail on the head. I keep thinking with everything beautiful England has to offer, why would you want to go French. Can you just tell I Love England????
    Happy painting and glad it is not me.
    Love Nancy

    ReplyDelete
  6. It is looking so great! What kind of wax do you use?
    xo
    Penny

    ReplyDelete
  7. Look good so far! I am thinking of repainting my hutch in my dining room an antique white, or black...hehehe! Have not decided!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hi Mary~
    As always I am enjoying what you are up to...
    My mind starts percolating...
    I must finish my overdue paperwork first...
    And then...all @%** breaks loose.
    Funny, I tho't you were in England. So I went & read your profile.
    If we lived closer, I could come rub the soreness out of your shoulders.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I am also wondering what brand of finishing wax you plan to use .....
    Helen

    ReplyDelete
  10. It is coming along so nicely. I am just sitting here wondering why your dear brother is not in the American South helping you with this little project? :)

    Hugs ~
    Heidi

    ReplyDelete
  11. I'm loving the look of this, Mary! You've got a wonderful flair for this style. I really enjoyed the tour in your previous post as well ... thanks for letting my tag along!

    xo,
    Lynda

    ReplyDelete
  12. These sorts of projects are so satisfying, well worth the aches and pains....you are inspiring me to think about doing some redecorating of my tired old home...a fresh paint color here and there would make a great difference I think, and new carpet and window treatments.

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for taking time to leave a comment. I always enjoy hearing from my special blog friends.....and new visitors are always welcome.