Upcycle!

A month or so ago, I took a trip to our local furniture charity shop & came away £70 lighter and waiting on a bookshelf delivery. It wasn't particularly my type of piece of furniture - it was antique pine with fairly ornate handles on the bottom two drawers. But it was the perfect size for the space we had in the kids playroom (the dining room as was). It's been sitting there ever since, covered in lego constructions, toys & some of my quilting mags & books. I had intended on having a go at it yesterday as the weather was nice and we had an unexpected "kid free" day. However, I had my sensible head on and Tax Returns *bleugh* won.

This morning, however, I cooked the kids breakfast, DH returned from his early morning cycle ride & I declared that I was going to paint it. I think sometimes when we vocalise our thoughts, it makes it more real and there is no going back! So, DH kindly sorted dust sheets, brushes, paint & a roller & I chose a sunny position in the garden & started to paint. J&A were very keen to get in on the action but a bit of gentle persuasion from mummy & daddy saw them cleaning the barbeque, watering plants & generally helping without actually getting in on the action

4 hours later and a trip to a local DIY shop for new handles & it's finished. And I have to say I am rather pleased with myself

I can't say that I actually enjoy painting furniture but I do enjoy the effect of it. So, I think it's pretty safe to say that this will not be the last piece of painted furniture in our house. Oh, and I used the same paint as that used on the twins' table & chairs set so it all matches rather nicely

Hope you are enjoying the sun this weekend xxx

Busy few days!

I've been incredibly busy in my job which is always a blessing in January. This has left me wiped out come the evening, however, and less sewing has been done this week.

That said, I have started stitching the comic strips to go on James' Block of the Month quilt. Boy, this is going to take a looooooooooooooong time! That said, it's nice to have something to curl up infront of the telly and do without having to haul out machines, cutting mats, rulers, iron & ironing board etc etc each night

My stitching is straight - honest - The photo was rather rushed this evening..........

Yesterday I had the urge to finally paint J & A's table & chair set from good ole' IKEA. So, I nipped to Homebase and got the necessary paint etc and this is the result (have to say am rather pleased with this!!)

They are also very pleased with their new table, although every time I wipe up after food, James asks me if I'm trying to wipe the paint off - so cute.

Finally, look what came in the post for me Friday:

Tulla Pink's Parisville. I loved this line but simply could NOT justify buying any more fabric after my spending spree. So, I settled for a Jelly Roll. Am sure I can make something nice out of it - I have a few ideas up my sleeve.................watch this space!!