Truth.... isn't it strange?

" Truth is stranger than fiction, but it is because fiction is obliged to stick to possibilities . Truth isn't "

Mark Twain

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Staining Shelves

  1. Just finished the shelves. I'll have to give you more info. Much easier than I thought it would be since they had been stained and sealed previously. I found the perfect product, Cabot solid color acrylic deck stain. I went through 2 days of debate in my head on what to use to get the look without sanding down the entire unit to the raw wood. this particular job didn't justify doing that much prep.  I'll show a photo when it's cured and put together. Turned out beautiful!  
1.  lightly sand  surface, I used a sanding sponge, spent 20 minutes sanding. 

2.  Good 2 1/2 sash brush. I used a Proform brush . Purdy is always a good choice. 



3.  wet bristles before beginning and periodically dip in an inch of water to help with application. Brush stain on, then wipe off . I kind of rub lightly with an old white gym sock or tea shirt. Apply to an area quickly and wipe before drying and continue on to keep a wet edge. Don't brush too large of an area that you can't get wiped off before it starts to set. I started on the inner sides of the shelving unit because they are smaller areas. 1 ft X 4 ft works well at one time. 

4 Done!!!
  

Thursday, March 24, 2011

starting work


Just got to the studio and am trying to get moving on a job I have . Going to re- do some shelving for a neighboring shop. bring it from natural finish to an old aged walnut . Sanding is always kind of a drudgery that can't be avoided but I definitely can procrastinate!! So .... now I'm committed. Here goes!

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

rag rugs






The gallery has so many of Peggy Severns rag rugs right now. Huge variety ! But only one of each kind. Not possible to get any two identical. This is what she does and I never know what will be coming into the shop. They are between 30 and 50 dollars a piece

rag rugs

Monday, March 21, 2011

summer pears


floor cloth : pears , 2' 10" X 4' 5" . completed in 2009  sale for 220. 00. This one is currently in my gallery in Cottage Grove , Oregon.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Rag Rugs


Just got in a huge variety of rag rugs. Come and see , pick one out for your bath mat . I think there is a color for everyone.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

sweet table

I found this sweet little side table and sweetened it up even more. I may have to keep this one but for now it is in the gallery.

Thursday, March 10, 2011

spring painting , remodel

Lots of painting to do this spring. I'm remodeling a bathroom  in my own home and getting some painting done for me.

One of the most rewarding parts of the work I do is in consulting. What that includes : colors and what paint to use and where. Every surface has its needs. Textures , woods, concrete. Badly remodeled or completely outdated design can all be transformed with less cost than most think. The surprise is in the preparation to do a job right . I could talk all day on primers and what sheen to use when painting.
This is my love , taking an uncared-for home and making it beautiful again. Most of it is cosmetic and that it where I come in.  Houses need social workers too. This kitchen had 3 layers of subfloor and old linoleum on top of this fir floor. Fir is soft but beautiful when restored . I used flat paint on the ceilings which cleaned the look up immensely I took out the odd pantry by the door and moved the fridge to open up the rest of the kitchen work space. Hung a pot rack over the stove which helped with freeing up more cabinet space. But most of all the RED is what did the room justice. 

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

eggs

Another view and now I'm off to do some more eggs

eggs

easter

More eggs. I'm taking a break from big projects. Fun! These are for sale in the gallery or you can go on line to my website and get a better look in the store

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

delivered

finally delivered and installed the 12 X 7 1/2 foot rug. It is beautifull in it's new home.




I'll be starting on another commissioned piece end of this week. I wonder how that one is going to look? Who knows? It's always a mystery to me .