On Columbus day weekend my family took a trip to Galena Illinois.This time of the year can be quite beautiful with all the fall colors.Our first stop is always Grants home.One of  mine and my daughters favorite stops.President Ulysses Grant and his family did not live here long.For a mansion it seems so small in today's standards.Some photos of the inside.You cannot walk in the rooms and there is limited space for taking photos.But here is a glimpse inside this mansion.Above the fireplace is a painting of Grants.Those black chairs are original.They are upholstered with silk.The dining room and a painting of Julia Grant is above the fireplace.This is all original to the house even the china!The bedrooms are small.And space is limited to taking photos.Here is a glimpse of on of Grants ... View Post

I have been tackling several projects at a time around here while keeping up with my Space 417. I have been inspired by images on pinterest and other sources with kitchen sink skirts.Recently while I was at a yard sale I came across a pair of hand towels and I knew just what I wanted to do with them.I don't sew.Although if I had a machine I bet I could try and make pillows and things.But I don't.This was quite a project.I used a cafe curtain rod. When I attempted to hang it the screw broke :-( .I thought this would not work because it was stuck and I could not get it out! I thought maybe I should try a tension rod.The problem with the tension rod is even though you have it snug they slip.I did not want it falling all the time.So I decided to try hanging the rod again but with better ... View Post

I am no jewelry designer by any means.But my niece was turning sweet sixteen and I wanted a special gift for her.I wanted something from the heart.I found some vintage keys and I thought it would be fun to make her something special using some bits and pieces from her Great Grandmother and Great Great  Grandmother.I had an idea in my mind and I just went for it! I found some glass beads from a broken earring and another dangling earring missing it's partner.That flower is new but I thought it would be perfect for this piece!On the back I added a page from a vintage french book and added decoupage and a little glitter too! What girl does not like a little extra bling!I added the music notes because she plays the Viola,the number 16 for of course her 16th birthday and the letter G for her ... View Post

I have been collecting white ironstone for a year now.It  started out simple and is really blooming into a nice collection.In my living room cabinet I was displaying my rose dishes.Now that I am changing my home I did not like all the pink in that cabinet.I wanted a simpler and cleaner look.Here is a glimpse of the cabinet with my pink dishes  HEREAnd this is what it looks like now.I just found that latest pitcher at a yard sale I will share that in another post.I really do love this simple look.And the warmth of the wood too.Yes I am painting many things in my home.But not everything.I do want to keep a few wood pieces to add some warmth.This and my antique sewing cabinet are not going to be painted. Lighting is an issue in this room.Really the best time is in the early morning.But I am ... View Post

I have been a bad blogger.I have been very busy shopping and painting for my space.I have not been able to keep up with all the blogs I follow.I am hoping I can catch up soon!Here is a table I found at the goodwill store.I planned on selling it but then decided to sell the table I had and keep this one instead.That is the fun part about selling!I  painted this with Annie Sloan Pure White. Originally I was thinking of cutting the legs off.Now that sounds a bit creepy doesn't it! But I thought I would end up with a bigger project than I wanted so I left it as is.Not sure if it needs something underneath or not.I added some old books,some horse shoes,a few plates and a Lady Madonna.Not sure if I like this set up yet or not.Here is another view.Also the lighting is not so good today.It was a ... View Post

I am taking a little break from my home projects.I still have to add the hardware to our cabinets.I need Mr. Cottage to help me with that.We were trying to fix a leaky toilet this past weekend and  it is still not fixed.This past weekend I sold my french table set that I shared with you.I added a few more pieces to my space and then sold those as well.I did not even have a chance to take photos to share.I am low on furniture inventory so today I need to get out and shop for some things to paint.I have a few small pieces I will work on.But I need some larger pieces too!Today I wanted to share a tote on found recently at a local antique shop.LOVE this old tool tote! I am showing this on my farmhouse kitchen table but I am using it in my family room on our blanket chest.I want to paint ... View Post