Sunday 30 August 2015

He said, She SAYS!... the kitchen at LAND'S END continued.

"I REALLY DON'T KNOW WHAT ALL OF HIS FUSS WAS ABOUT!?"
The fact of the matter is that I needed a carpenter but I couldn't afford a licensed professional due to budget constraints, therefore I placed the ad in the local paper, willing to take whatever I could get.
He was the only one who answered, therefore... he was it! 

Perhaps I am not the easiest person in the world to get along with.  
However,
  I have been taken advantage of in the past, and I have learned the hard way,what it takes to become more assertive, because a woman alone, can often be an easy mark if she won't speak up for herself! 
So after the carpenter left for the weekend, I took another long look at the work that we had managed to get done.  That was when I realized that I had made
 A BIG MISTAKE! 
Look again at the top photo and you'll see what I mean.  That huge laundry tub that I had insisted on, has now become the focal point of the kitchen.
(not pretty)
Okay, I'll admit that I blew it, so now I would have to fix it!
I had the entire weekend to come up with a plan.
I was desperate to find a solution, and what I eventually decided on was a FACE LIFT!
I had saved in my files, a picture of a carved sink panel from an interior design magazine.  It turned out that the image was the perfect size for the front of my kitchen sink.  I cut out the photo and glued the panel directly onto my sink surface.



The results were better than I'd expected!
Whew! Meanwhile, I made the decision that I should also change the wallpaper.  By the way, this is the 4th time that I have changed this paper, and in so doing, it changed the atmosphere of the kitchen all over again. But I ended up liking the Royal Blue a whole lot better than the aqua and white stripe that was on there before.  I feel that the blue balances the visual weight of the sink.
This was a great relief to me because I didn't want the carpenter to return and have to listen to him complain about me changing my mind- AGAIN!

(It always takes me a few false starts before I finally get it right, but I sure didn't want him rubbing my nose in it! )

By the time Monday rolled around the walls were ready for him to get started on.
He was so surprised when he walked in and saw all of the changes  
and he let out one of those long, low whistles that guys like to do when they see something pretty."This looks like a different room!" he exclaimed when he saw the new sink front and especially the walls. "What a difference this blue color makes!" He nodded his approval as he inspected the room.
I was pretty proud of my achievements too, but I don't like to boast, so I just said that I would like him to install the window frames and then lay the tiles for the backsplash.
I had discovered a sheet of clear adhesive tiles at the dollar store. The difficulty would be getting them to stay put once they were on the walls.


So what the carpenter did was to lay the tiles onto the wall over the card that I had previously glued in place.  He then took some clear Scotch tape and covered the "glass" tiles with it so that the surface would be smooth and not sticky and the tiles would stay put. 


He then added wood trims to finish the tiles.
Prior to that he had framed in the windows and here's how he did it.  I had been saving some Christmas ornaments for years and years.  In an effort to make use of some of what I had been collecting, I thought that it was time to bring them out of storage.
The windows are plastic.  The frames are narrow enough for the given space and once the top curve was removed they were the right height.  



The muntin's were cut away from the casing and trimmed down to fit the upper portion of the glass.

White glue filled in the top portion of the window to cloud it and give a "old glass" look. 

At this juncture, I asked if he would mind trying out what I hoped to eventually use for the ceiling, (when I get that far! )
I had thought about using a map for the kitchen walls but scrapped that idea when I had discovered the Blue card-stock.
I felt certain that I could use a map in my cottage, and the ceiling seems as good a place as any!
It took a bit of convincing before I was able to persuade him to climb up onto the roof.  It was kinda windy and he told me later that he was afraid of heights, but he did it anyway.
Looking up from below, I LOVED the look and when he descended from above, he admitted that he liked it too!
Getting the windows and the tiles installed took us a couple of days to complete.  Since he had an appointment which he had to keep, I didn't see him again until Thursday.  

When he returned on Thursday, I had to give him the news that I knew he was dreading.  I needed a "NEW" STOVE! 
"What's the matter with the one you've already got!???"
(he was mad)
"I DON'T LIKE IT!" 
(I was mad at him for being mad at me!)
"What's the problem here?" I challenged him.  "You knew that I had wanted you to make me a stove right from the beginning and now it's time!"
I saw him blanche and begin to look like a trapped rabbit and for a moment, I seriously thought that he would turn and make a run for it! 
So I tried to calm him down before he bolted though the front door.
" Now listen", I said, "I'm not looking for a BRAND NEW STOVE!  If that were the case, then I could very easily just go out and buy one."  

(this was not exactly true since at this point, I was "rubbing two pennies together, trying to produce a 3rd." in short,...
I was broke! however, I didn't tell him that; instead I said)...

"What I want is a new "OLD"stove. 
It doesn't have to be perfect.  It only needs to fit the kitchen and have enough space for me to cook a turkey in.  What'da ya say?  Just give it a try, at least!"

"I'll help you!!!!"

Those it seems, were the magic words
He took a deep breath and drew out a long sigh, resigned and defeated, and told me he would "try".
 and that was all that I needed to hear.
I quickly sketched out the style of stove that I thought would be ideal.  We built the frame from junk that I had in the garage, Balsa, foam core, cardboard, and wood trims, etc.

and this is the result




After the frame was constructed he painted the entire stove with acrylic lead paint, you know the stuff you use on plastic stained glass windows, well mine was old and nearly dried up.  It was really thick and it gave a solid base color for whatever was layered on top. 

the base coat

Once the black paint was completely dry, I then brought out the auto body putty.  I have previously used this product on a bed-frame make over.  It was a special commission that I did for a lady who lives in England.  She sent me a photo later on of the bed once it was installed in her cottage on Green Dolphin Street.
(see: studio e making my bed)
I instructed my carpenter guy on how to use this product.
First, make sure that you are working in a well-ventilated area.
Apply the paste onto the surface, and spread it evenly with a putty knife.
The putty sets up very quickly but one can dip the knife into a bit of water and it will allow you to get a smoother finish as you spread the paste.




When it is dry, sand it down.  It sands easily, but the dust is a nuisance so wear a mask.  The macho man carpenter didn't though, and
red dust went everywhere and he began coughing and coughing and finally felt that he had had enough and wanted to go home.  

I reluctantly said "okay,.... if you must"
and added that I hoped that he was coming back Friday?
"Ya, sure" he said unconvincingly, and he left coughing and wheezing and I really thought that I was not going to be seeing him again anytime soon. But to my surprise and delight he showed up early Friday morning and was anxious to finish the work on the stove.
I had already painted it and given it another sanding and had started work on the electric burners.

I fashioned the burners from a set of earrings that I had found at the thrift store.  I cut the rings down to fit the top of the stove.  I painted them black and glued them over some silver metal circles.  I can't say that the job I did came out as clean as I would have wished, since I used too much glue on the front left burner, but when he saw it he kinda shrugged his shoulders and began working on the oven door.
After the door was installed, we stood back, looked at the stove and we smiled. 

hey, not bad!
A High 5! 

Without a doubt, this IS a"vintage stove" with a door that opens and closes.  It has chipped enamel and what appears to be burnt food spills which cling tenaciously to the burners.  The dials look pretty good and most importantly, it fits right into the kitchen as if it has always been there! Whoohooo!




Once the stove was installed, all that remained were the shelves and a shelf unit.  

I had him run an old wood plank the entire length of the kitchen wall.  The shelf supports were commandeered from a Chrysnbon bathroom sink set that I had unearthed from the junk pile in my garage.
A long iron pot rack that was affixed to the underside of the shelf was given some hooks to hold my collection of pots and pans. 


The free-standing shelf unit, he made with matt board, balsa wood, paper and paint.  I painted it in a soft minty green but later I went over the exterior in a Martha Stewart satin acrylic called "Summer Haze"a kind of watery blue.  I filled the shelf with my  two favorite small appliances.  The Kitchen Aid mixer that I won from Kristine at "Paper doll Miniatures" and my vintage toaster, which I've had for years and it still works fine!  
(Need to get the electrical outlets installed soon, but I can do that bit by myself!)
A lot of the linens that are on the 3rd shelf, came from Jennifer at "Plushpussycat" again, as part of a Giveaway that I won! 
Thanks again to both of you Ladies!!! :D





Some nautical bits for the long shelf in the kitchen.

Plenty of grocery dry goods for my kitchen which were purchased at Hobby Builders Supply.  I focused on American favorites including the Quaker Oats which I happen to LOVE, as well as the Morton Salt which my Great Grandmother, Mattie May Casey always used.
"When it rains, it pours"

And finally for Genvieve, at "Miniacollection" who wanted to know if I could see the ocean from the kitchen window....

Well, you can't get much closer than this

My time spent with the carpenter, who came in as a stranger and who left as a friend, was quite the experience.  I think that we both gained something from the time that we spent together.  On Friday after I paid him I included an additional tip of, a BIG BAG OF POPCORN! hahaha), we shook hands and before I waved him a final goodbye, he told me that he would be using the money from this job to help him take some wood working courses at a trade school because he now knew that he really Could be a Carpenter, (among other things), if he wanted to be.
Now that's the spirit!  
I felt the wind picking up just as he was driving off and not long afterwards it seriously began to howl!
Throughout the rest of the afternoon and into well into the night, the wind and the rain battered against my little cottage and of course, the power went out!  

Thankfully, I'd already lit the fire in the fireplace and sat as close to it as I could, wrapped in a warm blanket with a pot of hot tea close by, and Kristine's Peek Frean cookies ready for me to nibble.  

Lacy Tea cloth by Jean Day
"Nothing like a blazing fire in the fireplace"
I always say

                                     Sheltered from the storm
                           

elizabeth

88 comments:

  1. Holy smokes! I'm blown away!! It's like a visual mini explosion of awesomeness. I love the "new" sink and the blue wallpaper, great choice. And the stove! Wow. All your accessories are what really makes it a home. Love it.

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    1. Hi Kat! Thank You for your Warm Enthusiasm about this kitchen! :)) For a week it felt as if it was never going to happen because NOTHING was going right. But just when I felt like chucking it, the room began to finally come together. ( What a relief! ) I prefer the blue wallpaper too so Thank You for that! :)) The stove looks better from a distance but this was my third (and last try) so it is what it is, however, I 100% agree that it's the accessories which make a house ( especially a mini one), into a HOME! :D

      elizabeth

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  2. You never cease to amaze me!!! You have the best ideas. Those earring burners, the whale image added to the sink. I love the blue walls and all the details. I would move right in. :-) with =^..^= He would love it too.

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    1. Hi Catherine! So Very Happy that you have liked my ideas for this little kitchen, Thank You! :)) When I stumbled onto the whale image which I had forgotten that I had saved; it SAVED THE DAY! It has a lot of character and dimension to it and of course the theme couldn't be more PERFECT!
      The change in the wall color helped me find my way again, but In truth, I am myself surprised by the way that the details all came together! I had no idea that it would turn out this way.
      Please let Killmouski know that the door at Land's End is Always opened for you both, for whenever you would like to come! :D

      elizabeth

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  3. Bonjour Elizabeth,
    la cuisine avec les changements et les nouveautés est encore plus belle et plus "vraie". Une perle rare que ce menuisier et une aide précieuse ah, ah, ah !
    Dans cette maison comme dans la précédente, vous exprimez tous vos talents. Je vous dit BRAVO ! Bises. Joce

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    1. Hello Joce! I shall pass on your compliments and words of praise the next time I see that carpenter! He certainly was " a rare find" as well as " a valuable help"! :D They say that 2 heads are better than one and I believe that the 2 of us made a Good Team! :)) I wonder though, if I shall ever see him again?
      Time will tell, but in the meantime - Thank You Joce! :D

      elizabeth

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  4. Unos cambios impresionantes!!! el aspecto del nuevo fregadero es realmente sublime!!!! Al cambiar el tono de fondo de la cocina por ese azul y las baldosas antiguas,le han dado un ambiente totalmente diferente y acogedor y la nueva cocina es preciosa,me encantan los cambios que has realizado!!!!!!!
    Besos.

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  5. Oh Thank You Pilar! :D I had a bit of difficulty for a while in trying to make this kitchen User Friendly and so your comments are Greatly Appreciated! Making adjustments to the sink front, and replacing the striped wallpaper with the blue, finally woke up the kitchen, and it makes me happy that you have enjoyed all of these major changes too! :D

    elizabeth

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  6. Replies
    1. Thank You Merja! Emotionally, I have gone from not liking it very much to now thoroughly enjoying it! :D I still have the other side of the kitchen to finish but this bit was the hardest to come to terms with, however I am quite Pleased with the final results! :))

      elizabeth

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  7. oh, Elizabeth, toujours un enchantement de découvrir vos réalisations

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    1. Thank You Claude! :D Watching this kitchen unfold, was an unusual and unique experience for me. I have taken it apart so many times already and I thought that I would Never get it right, so I am Very Happy to see it finally realized too! :D

      elizabeth

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  8. Hello Lady Elizabeth,
    When can I rent the cottage for a holiday! The kitchen is just wonderful. It is so welcoming and warm and beautiful...I love the new sink panel. It really brings the room up a notch and is a wonderful focal point from the rest of the cottage. great call! The wallpaper is a lovely shad eof blue and really, really works with the theme and the feel of the house. The tiles are a very nice touch and that was a very clever way to apply them. The windows are perfect and frame that gorgeous view perfectly, and the maps are a wonderful idea. what better place to put a map then on the ceiling for daydreaming! Well done! All that ebing said, I am most impressed by the stove you made with the carpenter. It looks wonderful and I can't believe the beautiful finish you got on balsa wood. I am always impressed by your work and feel inspired after every visit!
    Big hug milady
    Giac

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    1. My Dear Sir Giac! I had already been to visit your Dewell Manor and have seen your most AMAZING and INCREDIBLE wood work for the new wing, still in its infant stages and yet already on the road to GREATNESS, so it is difficult for me to accept any consideration from you regarding my very clumsy efforts. I am trying but there was a section during the construction of this kitchen where EVERYTHING I touched- I Wrecked! Trying to salvage the mistakes took me more time correcting than actually getting anything accomplished. I am still not entirely satisfied with the stove but I was too dispirited to try and make another one, so better to put a kettle on it and call it a day! hahaha
      Even so, I Thank You for your Very Encouraging Words! I like what you have said about daydreaming while looking up at the maps on the ceiling, because That is just what I was thinking too!
      Big Hugs Back , Sir Giac!

      elizabeth:))

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  9. It's wonderful, Elizabeth! Can I come over for tea?

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    1. YES!!!!
      Do come over Keli because I am liable to eat every cookie in the house All By MYSELF, and then have to up and bake and of course, eat some more! :D

      elizabeth

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  10. Fabulousity! My goodness, you are the clever one!

    Love the sink - that change is brilliant. I don't know how you thought of it! And the wallpaper and the shelf and hanging pots and pans...and the STOVE! I just love it. You've also shared some great tips and I thank you for that. Have a wonderful day, Elizabeth!

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    1. Hi Claudia! Thank You Very Much!:D I had forgotten all about that photo for the sink panel and stumbled upon it nearly by accident, after having tried other solutions to disguise The BIG SINK, without success. What's Amazed me about it was how perfect it was for this space and how it took the "tinniness" away from the metal and gave it some substance. When the sink was improved then the rest sort of followed, and I am Delighted that you like it! :D

      elizabeth

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  11. I definitely would love to live in your house. In my dream I'm in the living room reading by the fire enjoying at the same time the noise of the wind and the waves. I, at times, leave my book to look at the sea through the kitchen windows. And I feel how lucky I am to live there. Tomorrow after the storm I'll have a nice walk to discover what the sea has brought on the beach.
    I love your kitchen, the sink is fantastic, as your stove and I enjoy the style of the windows very much. The nautical details are perfect.
    Thank you very much for the beautiful sea view and for having made me dream.
    Geneviève

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    1. OH Genevieve! I am grinning from ear to ear! :D The story that you have told and the picture that you have painted for yourself living in this cottage is such a Terrific Compliment! Thank You So Very Much, because YOU have opened for me, A Dream too! :))

      elizabeth

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  12. Hi Elizabeth, your kitchen is just enchanting. I think the blue walls are a success and the stove you made is so quaint. It can often be so easy to buy ready made items, but nothing beats the inventiveness and creativity of a handmade miniature. Thank you for sharing your wonderful work, I'm going to sit awhile and watch the storm outside all snuggled up in front of the roaring fire.
    Jayne c

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    1. Thank You Jayne! I LOVE it when people place themselves into the picture!:D
      It is also gratifying when after so many blunders, the project somehow rights itself and comes together. The stove is still a bit of a sore point with me because I had wanted it to be a bit more polished than what I ended up with, but for now the kettle effectively covers up a multitude of sins! :D

      elizabeth

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  13. I love the solution of the carved sink, it looks so good now!
    greetings

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    1. Thank You Very Much!:D I think that it made a whole lot of difference once I installed the new front panel onto the surface of the sink. After all, who would want to have to stare at that big old laundry tub, whenever what you wanted to see was the ocean? At least now when you see the sink apron, you will be viewing ART! :))

      elizabeth

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  14. Hello Elizabeth,
    You've astounded me again by your creativity and ingenuity! (Although I don't know why I continue to be astounded - I should know well enough by now that your work is going to reach the highest heights of ingenuity!) The hand-crafted stove is superb; I've made a note of some of the finishes that you used to achieve just the perfect look. And of course the earrings! You have a wonderful ability to "see" the unseen and make it visible to the rest of us. Your windows are remarkable (I love your ocean view) and I was happy to see you do some "window bashing!" But my especially favorite part of the kitchen is the front panel for the sink. How incredible that you just happened to have the absolute perfect piece! I truly love everything about this kitchen. Keep that kettle on the boil; I'll be there as soon as I can!
    Marjorie

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    1. Hi Marjorie! Thank You Very Much for your Treasured Comments! I feel the same way about everything that I have seen you do too! :)) With regard to the stove, the auto body putty gives a very hard and durable finish, once it has fully cured. I tackled the sanding a little too early on and caused it to crumble and so I had to patch it back up again, but I did that with wall plaster for any of the smaller goofs. Those earrings were a blessing and I forgot that I had them. I was going to use coiled wire but in frustration, I started going through the boxes of junk jewelry that I have, and found these thin brass plates which were easy to remodel and install. The plastic windows
      ( Christmas Ornaments from the mid-90's) proved to be a Big Help too, because I AM NOT and never have been, good with wood! :(( and so
      it was with great pleasure and relief, that I was finally able to make use of those frames that have been hanging around for YEARS! :))
      The exterior view was another Thrift Store Score. I was at a local Value Village looking for a sea side print or painting that would reflect the situation of LAND'S END, and lo and behold, there it was! The perspective, color, atmosphere, weather conditions and horizon were Exactly what I had been looking for - WhoooHooo!!! I keep peering into the kitchen and out at that view. It makes me Happy!!! :D
      There is still the far side of this room left to do and I hope it will be easier than what I already experienced but somehow I doubt it. This house has been the Most Difficult of Anything that I have done to date. Which continues to perplex me because it is such a simple design, but it certainly hasn't been very co-operative for me.
      However, we'll talk more about it when you pop by for a cup of Tea and biscuits! :D

      elizabeth

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  15. I was somehow expecting the carpenter to move in living with the lady to be at hand when she has new ideas... *LOL* What a great story for amazing progress - the result is simply awesome, the kitchen looks so vivid with every detail well chosen. This sink panel was a great choice, the whale motif is just perfect and I too think the blue walls look better. My favourite is the last photo... it looks totally real... and what more could I say about a miniature scene...

    Greetings
    Birgit

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    1. Hey there Birgit! You should know that I am not that kinda girl!!! :D I much prefer to live on my own, besides, he remembered to leave me his number! But I am So Pleased with your description of the kitchen. I love that you have described it as "Vivid", what a Great Word! When I was reviewing the top photo before I began the "face-lift", I felt that the room looked pasty and insipid. BLAH! to be precise. I tried several different wall treatments but when I discovered the blue paper, everything came Alive against it, So Thank You for your comment about the wall color. And also for your words about the last photo. That is my favorite picture too, where both the fire and the water are visible and where being wrapped up in a warm blanket is the Perfect way to pass an evening without power! :D

      elizabeth

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  16. O Lady E you've done it again, Boggled the mind, made the eye dazzle, made the envy monster emerge!

    Its a stunning build and of course your amazing details and style make this seaside retreat a place to dream of for big living!

    It looks so cosy with all the warmth needed for this upcoming winter, I will think on your cozy fire and tea as I slowly freeze into a minifanaticicle..

    Well done lady, well done!

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    1. Oh Jane, How I have missed your Wonderful sense of humor!!!! Welcome Back, Ms.Fanaticus! :D Thank You for liking the development of this cottage by the sea. Your half scale log cabin was full of the flavor and mystery of the forest,as was your Elfin Bower. To me this coastal retreat feels just as Isolated and distant from "civilization" as your two forrest dwellings did.
      But as for being a "MINIFANATICICLE" ( what a mouthful) I can certainly appreciate those sentiments. It has gone from Record breaking Hot weather to a dump of Wet and Chill practically over-night!
      So, I'll just move over some and make room by the fire Jane, and we can slowly thaw out together! :))

      elizabeth

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  17. Hola Elizabeth, desde luego es un trabajo impresionante. Me encantan los cambios que has hecho, La cocina vintage me gusta muchísimo con ese aspecto de muy usada. Gracias por compartir tus fantásticas ideas.
    En general la cocina ha quedado preciosa, llena de grandes detalles.

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    1. Hi Eloisa! I am soooo Glad that you like the changes in this Vintage Kitchen!
      Thank You Very Much! :D I knew that if I tried to make the appliances really new looking that I might not get the look that I felt was the Best choice for this room. And it is always easier for me, to mess things up On Purpose than to try and make them Perfect. which I am not very good at.
      It makes me Very Happy when others express their approval for the details, because that is where I feel my strength lies as it certainly is NOT in construction! :O

      elizabeth :D

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  18. You really are amazing! That stove is terrific! I need to keep this post in mind next time I want an older style stove (they are hard to come by and never the look you are after). I also like the darker blue wallpaper, especially with all your little food items and accessories against it. Hope the weather has improved! You could go outside and pick up shells washed up after the rough weather!

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  19. Hi Shannon! Thank You for liking the Stove! I have been Quite Surprised by the general response to the stove! It was annoying to me that the mistakes I made with it were so obvious, but I tried 3 times to make one that would fit the space and I was too discouraged to try and make another, so for me this one would have to be it. I didn't really expect people to like it, so I Thank You Very Much I feel very encouraged! :D
    The wallpaper was such a dramatic change and I have NO REGRETS with it. It provided the perfect segue from the living room and a great backdrop for the various accessories. With so many shelves both in the living room and then again in the kitchen, the concern for me was would it look too busy? Thankfully, the kitchen shelves are practically invisible from the living room and vise vera! :D
    The weather here in western Canada continues to be inclement but I think that the storm has since by-passed LAND'S END
    so now its back to work

    elizabeth

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  20. Just everything about your kitchen is perfect - inspired, quirky and so clever - and even a view of the sea. Love it to bits!

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    1. Hi Robin! Thank You Very Much and I LOVE your word "Quirky"! :D When I read your comment, I had to agree that when reviewing this kitchen, that it does have certain peculiarities that distinguish it as being a little "off beat", ie. that HUGE laundry tub/ kitchen sink, as well as a rusty old vintage stove. But however much this room has frustrated and bugged me from its inception, I have since grown to "love this Quirky cottage kitchen to bits" too! :D

      elizabeth

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  21. Hi Elizabeth,
    Great work. The darker wall paper does highlight the accessories and works so well I. The look-through from the sitting are? Love the view from the kitchen window. Looked a bit like my view during the wknd storm on Saturday. Need some seaweed to stick on the window?
    Thanks for the inspiring build of the stove. Makes me feel I shoul give it a try!
    Everything looking so cozy but I l ow there will be lots more to come.
    See you soon.
    Janine


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    1. Hi Janine, Thank You and Welcome Home from the sea, my friend! :D I too, prefer the darker color of the walls as it pulled the two rooms together. Not sure what you refer to when you say "the look-through from the seating area are?" Need further clarification but I was thinking of your view of the beach and what it must have looked like at your "Becalmed Cottage" during the Weekend Windstorm that we all lived through last weekend. Thankfully here, the seaweed remained on the beach and not sticky strand of it landed on the windows at Lands' End.

      Which is a good thing, since I don't DO windows! hahaha!

      elizabeth

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  22. Hi Elizabeth
    I am just blown away by all your changes....they are gorgeous. The sink, walls and the little cooker are just made for your kitchen :) LOL In all I think you and the carpenter did a marvellous job indeed!
    All the best
    Vivian

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    1. Hi Vivian! Thank You Very Much and I have to agree that working with the carpenter, was an opportunity for Both of us to learn something new! :D I've often found that it is often the little details that will make the biggest difference, and modifying the sink was without a doubt, the jumping off point for me and the rest followed. I am So Glad that you like the "final" results :D


      elizabeth

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  23. The kitchen is amazing. I really like the sink, but everyhing is perfect.

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    1. Hi Faby! Thank You Very Much for your lovely compliment! :D In changing the sink, the rest of the kitchen finally found a direction that I could work with. Until that happened, nothing was working well.
      But now the hardest part is over, and I can get started on the other side of the kitchen.... Should be interesting.

      elizabeth:D

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  24. but .... but how long I've been here without going through? OMG! I adore your kitchen !! and every single detail, are wonderful, Elizabeth. I love! good job, Elizabeth, one of my favorite, you know that kitchens me crazy. Congratulations!
    A big hugs :0)

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  25. Hi Monica! YES, I DO know how much you LOVE kitchens!!! :D And so Thank you for including mine in the mix! :D Always the most enjoyable part of any doll's house is adding all of the accessories to the rooms, and like your lovely shabby kitchens, all of the gadgets and food items are the real eye candy. I only wish that I had more room for display.
    I LOVE mini living rooms the most, but I have to admit that mini kitchens offer the most fun when it comes to adding all of those extra little details.
    Thank you for your compliments, Monica! :D

    elizabeth

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  26. Oh!!! Has hecho un gran trabajo con ese casi carpintero. Pegar esa foto en el frehadero le ha dado un aspecto impresionante. Nunca había visto utilizar la masilla como lo has hecho tu. Una buena idea. La cocina ha quedado muy cálida.

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    1. Hi Isabel! I must say that there has been a LOT of enthusiasm for this "almost carpenter" guy who came from nowhere but who appears to have garnered a Lot of support along the way. I shall pass on your Very Encouraging words whenever I happen to see him next! Meanwhile, I Thank You Very Much for enjoying the sink make-over as well as the putty that I used on the stove. Look for it at Auto parts stores. I bought mine at LORDCO which is a chain store. It really works well for filling in the wood grain if you are looking for that kind of finish! :D

      elizabeth

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  27. Ok...now that I've gone through it 3 times (and it won't be the last) I am in love with the changes. Liked what you had done before, but love love the changes you made. The stove is great! I think I've seen that stove in one of the (real) houses Joe and I have bought and renovated., So awesome in mini! I love the new wallpaper. You and your readers are quite right about the improvement. The kitchen looks great, Love the view from the window. Couldn't be better! You outdo yourself each time you do something. You make it possible to improve on perfection!!! Maybe we should change our Miniteer's meeting to "chez toi" the Janine and I can see this amazing project.... Here's hoping!

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    1. Hey there Fatima! Always a Pleasure to see you here but 3 TIMES? WOW! :D
      I know just how much time you and Janine spend on the water and how much the two of you and your spouses have access to it and so it goes without saying that the view was something that both you and J have mentioned. I am Very Glad that you like it because I do too! :D The kitchen has taken quite a number of wrong turns before it got to where it is now and it is still being "Tweaked as we speak" but for this half of the kitchen, the worst is over ... For Now! Thank You for your compliments Fats and I shall hope to be seeing you at YOUR house soon, for our next Miniteers meeting. I have some things still on my grocery list, remember? :D

      elizabeth

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  28. My Dear Elizabeth, I don't know Where to begin!!! You have been working your Magic on everything you touch with this cottage! The new front for the sink... Brilliant! The new wallpaper... Perfect color and mood!!! The new window frames... Awesome makeover!!! And Perfect for the style of the cottage!!! The Map for the ceiling.... Out of This World!!! (You Know I Adore Decorated ceilings.... and this is Sooo Daring and Unusual!!!) The tile backsplash and shelves.... Could not be more Right for this kitchen!!! But that Stove.....!!!!! Arrrrgh.... Only You could find the Perfect material to make the burners out of Earrings from a thrift store!!!! I am sooooo impressed with every layer of difficult and challenging material you applied to turn cardboard into chipped enamel!!! I bow down to your Daring, your Brilliance, and even your Luck!!! And to top it all off, you treat us to the Gorgeous Moody pictures of the shoreline with a Storm brewing..... Warm inside by the glowing fire with a cup of tea and a plate of treats!!! Aaaahhhhh.... I think I have come home! (Obviously because there are Quaker Oats and Morton Salt on the shelves!!!) :):):)

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    1. Hi Betsy! Thank You for Every Single thing that you've said, but in particular your comments about The Oatmeal and the Morton's Iodized Salt! :D I ALWAYS have these old-fashioned oats in my pantry and the older I get the more I like them! When I saw them at the HBS store, I knew that they would be coming home with me and don't they look Great on the shelf? An American Classic, even the packaging are the right colors. The salt is something that I remember Vividly from my annual summer visits to Seattle and my grandma's house, so again, for me they were a MUST HAVE.
      And since I have Always admired and also commented numerous times on your innovative ceiling treatments, Betsy, it is no wonder that I caught a case of "Daydreamer" through blog-osmosis. :)) The idea came about accidentally but I enjoyed the effect so much that I have accepted it as a Given even though I am not exactly sure how to make it happen but when it does, I'll know that I'll have YOU to Thank! :D

      After reading your latest post, I have put this kitchen on hold for the time being, and have been working on making something to fill the tummies of your group of "Hungry Bears". I'll email you when it is ready. Meanwhile, do come on over and sit by the fire and share a cup of tea. The storm has now passed and the electricity has been restored and I have some of Jennifer's( Plushpussycats) cake, ready to be devoured after all of Kristine's cookies are finally eaten.

      And then I'll make dinner on my new old stove. :D

      elizabeth

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  29. I love your houses, Elizabeth. You don't subscribe to the letter to any particular style and I like that. You create little interiors that look lived in and are welcoming. You make it look like there are things going on in there. I always feel like walking in and making myself at home. Love that stove and that little kitchen looks cozy and like it would be fun to cook in there. The sea view is an added bonus, of course! Love all the wee knick-knacks. They contribute to the atmosphere of a place that is loved and made use of. I mean it's not just magazine perfect and I like that about your style. The kitchen is an absolute success, Elizabeth, and I look forward to seeing what you will do with the other rooms.

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    1. Hi Lucille! What a Beautiful Compliment and I Thank You Very Much!!! :D

      I can't do perfect even when I Try and believe me, I HAVE Been Trying! But it is going to be what it is going to be. What I believe that I DO do well, is making places appear occupied and "lived-in", so your comment is especially Treasured Lucille. :))
      I still have yet to make the oven rack for inside the stove, but for now I'll have to do ' "A CASEY" and focus on cleaning up my workroom AGAIN, because it looks like a Storm has passed through,
      and I'm not kidding either! :O

      elizabeth :D

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  30. Dear Elizabeth, you always make me laugh with your adventures. Your carpenter has made amazing additions to the build. I adore the idea of the map on the ceiling. It's one of those spaces I rarely think to decorate. The sink and stove look wonderful. In fact it all looks so warm and inviting. Well done you =0)

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    1. Hi Pepper! Thank You Very Much! :)) Initially I locked horns with the carpenter but later on we seemed to have worked it and out as we worked together. :D
      But I have been Fascinated though by your Lodge, Pepper, Especially by the quality of work that you have been doing! (no surprise there) but your solution for the removable ceiling was frankly- INSPIRED! I have found in working on this project, that working with this ceiling has been THE most challenging of any that I have done. The roof although simple continues to be the biggest thorn in my flesh. Yet when I see how cleverly you and so many others have managed to work with it, I feel that there is hope. So Thank You for all of your Very Encouraging Words, Pepper. They mean a Great Deal to me.

      elizabeth

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  31. Wow! Everything looks so realistic and amazing! I LOVE that roaring fire!!!!!!! Thanks for the shout-out about the linens. They look great in your kitchen. :-) xo Jennifer

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    1. Hi Jennifer! So glad that you've stopped by and Thank You for liking this kitchen! :D The next time you visit the kitchen, you will get to see one of the little pound cakes that I Also won from you. I have been saving it but I put it out on the kitchen counter last night. It is perfect and looks sooo yummy! :D Meanwhile your linens pilled up quite nicely on the shelves and again look perfect in this space.
      The roaring fire was something new that I recently discovered how to do. I am going to do a full tutorial on it before Christmas comes around again,
      ( the Good Lord willing) but I'll have to catch up on the chocolate cake tutorial that I said I would do first but as its quick, the one for the fire could easily be squeezed it there too.
      Thank You for mentioning it! :D

      elizabeth

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  32. Hello again and Thank You, my Seafaring Friend! :)) I know that you have been up to your crow's nest in out of town company, so no worries... since I know where you live! :D

    And I agree !00%! Far better to gaze out the window at the ocean any day, than to have to stare forever at the front of an old laundry tub from the living room!
    ( What was I thinking?!!! ) :O

    elizabeth :D

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  33. Love your kitchen! The sink and wallpaper look perfect. I´m amazed from your clever ideas to ceiling and STOVE. Thanks for stove tips as I have to make also old stove :)

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    1. Hi Anita! Thank You so Very Much for your Lovely comment!:D
      I am So Surprised that so many people are liking the stove! In truth, I had to redo the stove 3 times before I got the proportions right, but should anyone else cares to try,I highly recommend using the auto body putty will make their task a whole lot easier in disguising the wood grain. I have also used ordinary pre-mixed wall-patch as an over-lay on the wood, but the auto putty works better.
      I hope that your old stove will turn out well and that you'll allow your creativity and imagination to explore using any bits and pieces that you may have on hand, as I did. It is quite gratifying when you can say that you made it yourself, even if and when it is not exactly perfect! :D

      elizabeth

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  34. Votre travail est admirable Elizabeth, c'est un vrai plaisir de scruter chacune de vos photos à la recherche de l'objet, du détail si particulier qui fait la richesse et l'originalité de vos réalisations.

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    1. Good afternoon Jean-Claude! Thank you Very Much for your Very Encouraging words! :)) For me it is the details that make the difference and I LOVE details! :)) After years of saving and collecting, I have more accessories than I should and yet I never seem to have just what I need.
      In filling up the shelves, I tried to incorporate as much as I could without making too much of a visual muddle. So it is gratifying to me when others enjoy what they see in each of the photos! :D

      elizabeth

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  35. Hi Elizabeth! You always make me laugh. Hahaha! Your post is again a ridiculously funny and lively. You are a storyteller and skilled artist.
    The colour of the wall is perfect now, the windows look beautiful, the sink is super fine and the stove has just the right look. The sea view, which can be seen through the windows, complete your fine house.
    I am thinking about a carpenter. It's rare that you found someone who understood your miniature ideas. They tend to carry out the projects in their own way.

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    1. Hi Sirkka! I Thank You Very Much for your comments, especially about enjoying the story!:)) As I was writing it, the carpenter was beginning to sound quite real to me, almost as if I actually knew him!!! (Nothing like having an active imagination) :D
      I am Delighted that you have enjoyed all of the changes to the kitchen. I still have the other kitchen which needs to be dealt with, however, I am not sure if the carpenter will be coming back again. But even if he doesn't, I know that I'll probably be able to do the rest of the work myself! ;P

      elizabeth

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  36. Elizabeth, this is the masterpiece! simply fantastic job!
    I love this kitchen, my favourite piece is the front of the kitchen sink. I don't know how you did it, but I love this panel!
    Have a beautiful September,
    big hugs
    Magda

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    1. Hi Magda! It is so Wonderful to have you say so Magda; Thank You Very Much! :D That new panel for the sink front, made the difference for me and set the ball rolling towards the other changes in the room. Nothing came easy though, but for me it is with great surprise and pleasure that so many people like what they see! Hooray!!!:D
      Two more rooms to go as well as the exterior.
      Wishing for you a wonderful September too! :D

      elizabeth

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  37. I always enjoy reading your blog posts. I love the way you go through all the steps including all the mistakes so that other people can avoid making them. And you are never ashamed of them! Mistakes are the only way of learning the right way. It's always very ingenious what you do and a clear example is the front of the sink.... who would've thought that is paper? The stove came out great and I really like the way the kitchen is looking.
    Always thank you for all the tips you share with us!
    Hugs!!

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  38. Hi Simona! Thank You Very Much for your Lovely Compliment! :D But I show the mistakes because that is what I DO! I have never yet set to work on a project without somehow Royally botching it up, and then having to fix it. *sigh* However, I have discovered along the way, that often my messes lead to better solutions than what my original plans would have been. That is the only saving grace because I teach myself something in the end that I would have never learned otherwise. :))
    I am Very Pleased that you are enjoying the results of the way the kitchen is looking. One side of it is done and now for the other side, entailing yet another interior wall to make for this cottage *Blah* oh well, ..... Forward March!

    elizabeth :D

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  39. Я не верю своим глазам! Вы сделали такую большую работу! Кухня смотрится такой обжитой! Большая жизнь прожита в этой кухне. Все смотрится очень добротно. Мойка кухонная является чугунной и старой. Ее очень украшает передняя панель. Кухонная плита! Великолепное решение! Вы потрясающе творческая леди! Я всегда восхищаюсь вашими способностями! Я пропустила предыдущий пост... Я люблю ваши новые синие обои. Все смотрится очень гармонично!
    Я обожаю вид из окна!!!! Я могу многими часами стоять в теплой кухне и смотреть на бушующий океан! Это может происходить только в мечтах или во сне, к сожалению...
    С уважением,
    Татьяна

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    1. Hi Tatiana! What a Great Pleasure it is to see you again, now that the long and lazy summer days are nearly over! :D I am Sooooo Pleased that this kitchen meets with your approval, and especially for your remark about it looking inhabited, you know that Nothing makes me Happier than to hear from others that I have achieved that objective! :D Since this posting, I have been refining the kitchen and playing with some of the accessories again. It is almost the way I wish it to be but no doubt there will be more changes in the future as I ready myself to tackle the far end of this room. Meanwhile it is very restful to gaze through the kitchen windows out towards the raging ocean.
      And you my friend, are not the only one who stands at the window and dreams....

      elizabeth :D

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  40. Oh, excellent work! This is truly wonderful. I will need to find the time to read through the rest of the posts, but I look forward to it!

    --Juliette (Cider12)

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  41. Hi Juliette! Thank You Very Very Much! :D This Beach cottage is proving to be quite the challenge, but at last, I am Finally enjoying it and I am Delighted that you are too! :D

    and Welcome back to Blogland

    elizabeth

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  42. Hello Elizabeth, I'm so glad I found the "open link in new tab" drop down as I've been able to zoom in on your wonderfully detailed photos. This latest project is really enjoyable along with the story and I particularly like the new sink detail and ceiling. I had no idea there were such things as "carved sink panels". Love it!

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  43. Hi Irene! Thanks for letting me in on that neat trick too! :D I also get frustrated when I am having to crane my neck trying to see more than a tiny photo allows.
    Clever Girl:))
    I had never seen a carved sink panel prior to seeing it in the Design magazine and I was happy that I saved it because, IT saved the day! :)) I am looking forward to getting the ceiling installed and using the overhead maps because I LOVE the effect too, however I am still a long way off before the ceiling can even be tackled. Nevertheless, I am certainly happy that it meets with your earnest approval;
    Many Thanks Irene! :D

    elizabeth

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  44. Hi Elizabeth, I've much enjoyed your post, you are one funny lady and you're kitchen looks fabulous! I love the front of the sink, very good idea!! And the stove is a great collaboration effort, fits right in indeed! And what about that view, who wouldn't want a view that superb?! I could name everything I like here, but that would be a post on it's own :D I just love what you've done!

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    1. Hi Monique! Thanks for all of your needed Encouragement! I am still having a bit of trouble getting this project to submit but I press on!:)) I am glad that you like the sink front and the view, and I agree that that view out the window is worth its weight in gold! :D

      elizabeth

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  45. It looks splendid! I love the new stove with all that character. And the new sink front is very fitting for your kitchen with a view on the ocean. It's coming along perfectly!
    hugs♥,
    Caroline

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    1. Hi Caroline! Thanks for the thumbs up! :D I have been trying to learn from the "mistress of constructing vintage stoves" (that would be you), however, as a student of your blog, I still think that I have a long way to go, but your comment was Most Welcomed! :))

      elizabeth

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  46. Dear Elisabeth,
    I'm finally catching up with your blog. I had so much 1:1 work in the last weeks, and now I really enjoyed your carpenter/lady story. And I STILL CAN'T GET THE MUSIC OUT OF MY HEAD!
    Thank you for writing these posts.
    Best wishes
    Andrea

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    1. Hi Andrea! I must admit that "IF I WERE A CARPENTER" was looping around inside my head for days at a time too! :D hahahha

      elizabeth

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  47. You kitchen looks great. My favourite is definitely the earrings for the stove top. Such a clever idea.

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    1. Hi Indy-Poppy! Thanks Very Much! I am currently working on the kitchen again after a very loooong break time, but I was glad to see you posting again too! :D
      The earrings for the stove top were something that I had nearly forgotten about, but I was glad that I found the earrings again when it was finally time to make the burners. :))

      ellizabeth

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  48. bravo ! c'est superbe j'adore la vielle gazinière et la vue sur la mer !

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  49. Thank You Very Much Catherine! :D And I must say that I too, love the view of the sea. and Thanks for liking my old stove too!

    elizabeth

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  50. I thought it was high time I stopped in for a visit to see what you're up too. Holy Moly what progress! What a clever, clever girl you are to hire someone so easy to boss around and isn't it amazing the great work he does with no experience? Uh huh, uh huh. I want to hire him next. I will pay room and board and I won't take any sass or eye rolling either. lol Last time I came for a visit you were still hammering away in the living room and oh is it beautiful now that it's finished. Every detail is perfection. I am loving the kitchen too. That blue paper is so fine and happens to be a favorite of mine. I have a stack of the same paper right here and it is turning into Christmas cards. I learned so much by reading through everything. You are generous to share your tricks. I thought I would tell you how I accomplished rust. Black acrylic paint and over it I dabbed on Tim Holtz rusty hinge distress paint until the black was covered as well as I wanted it to be. Then I gave it a little spritz of water to make it run down the cement a bit. Never would have thought of cinnamon in a million years. I've been pinning madly. Reading and laughing and pinning. You really should think about writing a book you know. This is the most entertaining blog there is. Thanks again Elizabeth for sharing all the wonderful ideas. I think we have another winner here for sure.

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  51. Hahahhaha! Although I readily admit to being bossy, this guy wasn't as impressed with it as you are, Susan. Nevertheless, in the end we parted on very good terms, and I would be pleased to give him a referral too, should he need one. ;P
    Meanwhile, I am glad that you like the results of our kitchen collaboration. :D
    I am intrigued with the rusting product that you've mentioned, because I know that Tim Holtz has such a vast assortment of COOL STUFF for card crafters , and although I don't make cards, I am going to look for the Rusty Hinge Distress Paint, the next time I'm at Michael's. Thank you for sharing this tip! I can hardly wait to give it a try!
    And Have a Very Merry Christmas Susan! :D

    elizabeth

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  52. Oh Elizabeth! I enjoyed this post tremendously! Your little kitchen is so welcoming . . . all the little details! You've taken miniatures to a whole new level . . . it will take me years to catch up! LOL!

    Hugs,
    Teresa
    beaconhilldollhouse.blogspot.com

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    1. Hi Teresa!
      This house is on the shelf and still only half finished. I keep wanting to get back to it but haven't the room in my Studio to work on both it and the Villa, however I am Greatly ENCOURAGED by your comments and Thank You Very Very Much! :D

      elizabeth

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DO OVERS! a Glencroft Living room redecoration

    Back in April of 2022, I made up a storyline for my Glencroft renovations, which went something like this...   "After due considera...