Farm Livin' Is The Life For Me!

    

Dreaming of a Farm Life

      This picture is so inspiring and awakening for me! Toni and I have been working on his Aunt's house in Monterey for a few weeks now. We're updating the kitchen and doing some more fun things that I'll share with you later! We've had the kids here with us off and on while we've been working and I have to say, with 5 kids a FARM would be absolutely wonderful! I'm having withdrawls from all the open space, as I sit here looking out the window at house after house in our neighborhood! It's such a slower more relaxed way of living when you have all that land surrounding you. I didn't feel rushed or have the nagging feeling of what comes next hanging over my shoulder. I couldn't see the neighbors or hear any neighbor dogs barking.. it was just.. peaceful.


     Our boys spent hours outside catching lizards, walking in the dry creek bed, chasing frogs, even our dog was happily wandering the property chasing lizards as well! I can just imagine having chickens, sheep, and a couple goats for vegetation control! I know what our next venture will be!

Even the drive down was gorgeous, I wanted Toni to stop the car a dozen or more times just so I could snap some photos! He of course didn't stop for me so I just got what I could while we were on the move! I'd love to see this landscape everyday! 

Driving through these tree lined highways was like a breath of much needed fresh air! I don't know guys... I've got an itch to find a quaint little Farmhouse with a couple of acres! 

Even little Benedikta loves it out there! 

Just imagine the renovations and fun I'd have decorating inside these beautiful quaint little farmhouses! 

A girl can dream can't she?! 

My $40 dresser find!

      Those who know me know I've been looking for a carved detailed dresser with drawers on the top. I'm sure there's a specific name for this style, but I don't know it! I've seen them priced way out of my range on Craigslist a few times and have pretty much given up the hunt on finding one.

     Last Saturday I went to a local garage sale just to find some smalls for my booth space at The Spotted Cow, lo and behold THERE on the side is my baby. My treasure, my most loved find to date!
Of course I figured she'd want a few hundred for her so I casually asked. You know, trying to hide the hope and excitement from my voice? LOL She said, "oh, $40 since it's a really old antique." Um... OK! I paid her the cash chatted a few minutes about what I do and came back with the hubs later to pick it up! Woot! So excited!

I knew exactly what I wanted to do with it so I went to my friend Cortney's shop and bought my Maison Blanche paints and wax. Once I got home I got started right away, I painted two coats of Cobblestone over the entire piece. It gave me a great color and a nice blank slate to get into my favorite part! Antiquing and distressing! 

I highlighted the raised details and some of the edges with Maison White, then went in with MB Le Dirt. This was my first time using Le Dirt on a big piece so I was super nervous I started with the top detail, and fell in love immediately! 

Here she is all finished up and staged in the shop!

I hope you guys like this as much as I do! Remember to visit me at The Spotted Cow located at 

2631 N Main St Walnut Creek, Ca. 

Cameo Silhouette

      Hey everyone, I went on a mission yesterday to find a cameo silhouette that was affordable, not loving the $299 price tag on the brand new model!! So with the help of my friends and Robyn over at https://lusheswithbrushes.wordpress.com/ I found a sale price on the older model at Michaels for $179!! Woot! I called and they said they had 4 in stock and asked them to put one on hold for me. Then I rushed through my dinner and out the door. When I got to Michaels quickly went to the register to see what they'd put on hold after seeing the newer model on the display above the $179 price tag. I ended up getting the newer model for $179!!!

     Now I just have to figure this thing out! Wish me luck, I tend to have very little patience with things like this and get frustrated very quickly. As per my New Year's resolution I'll be kind to myself and the Cameo and not throw it across the room if I fail the first 15 times I try!!

     If your like me a new to using a Cameo, check out this great tutorial here: https://lusheswithbrushes.wordpress.com/2015/01/01/wood-sign-tutorial/ I'll share my learning process with you all over here and post what tools/videos I find helpful. Thanks for your support!

Just getting started

Welcome to The Olde Barn's blog! I am so excited for what I have in store here. I am busy getting ready to set up a space in a local shop, The Spotted Cow. I can't wait so start sharing with you my pieces and journey through this wonderful world of antiques and painting! I'll be uploading video tutorials to guide you through techniques and painting tips so you too can enjoy the thrill of bringing new life to your old antiques!