Keep Smiling

Keep Smiling

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Kitchen Signs


 Before      &        After
  
I liked the old color, but I was ready for a change.
It went from dark to cheery
&
from contemporary to country fresh.
Don't you think?



Welcome to our kitchen!
A few weeks ago I shared photos
of my milk bottle project.
I thought that you might like to see it
 hanging on my newly painted accent wall.
My kitchen is painted a medium light gray,
and this wall was painted charcoal gray.
I think that by painting it this robin's egg blue,
and hanging my newly made signs,
that it brought a little more cheerfulness to our kitchen. 
 This started out as a calendar frame.
I found it at the Senior Center Thrift Store for $1.25.
I painted the frame white and used chalkboard paint on the inside
which was already MDF.
I just love it when it turns into 
an easy pleasey re-do :)
(nothing but painting)
   This little sign I made from a piece of leftover cedar fencing. 
A little dry brushing, a homemade stencil, some painting, some stain, some sanding 
and a good old fashion "behind the barn beating" 
and it went from new to old and worn.  
  I decided that my spice jars needed new labels.
So, I made these on the computer.
Printed them on sticker paper.
Sprayed them with a clear sealer.
I like how they fit with my retro vibe. 
(if anyone is wondering . . . yes that is one of those old clocks that hung in every classroom across America.  I found it about thirty years ago and paid $2.
I don't know how many times in my childhood I stared at one of those old clocks.
Just waiting for recess or time to be dismissed for the day :)  
 


This sign hangs above the refrigerator.
I think I made it about 10 years ago.
It was a scrap of plywood that I painted
and then I found these roosters in a wall paper sample book.
If you hit the wallpaper stores on just the right day,
you can usually get these free. 



If you are like me and you like signs,
then I hope that this post inspired you to make your own.
Another great source for free weathered wood
is old pallets.  You can find them in alleys behind stores.
Always ask before you take them, just in case they are being saved for someone.
More times than not they will be happy to just get rid of them.
So happy that they may even help you load them up. 

Happy DYIing,
Connie :)  
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51 comments:

  1. Wow Connie, you are so talented! I do like the new wall better. I've never been one for dark colors and the new one is so bright and cheery. Good job!
    Cinfy Bee

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    Replies
    1. Hi Cindy, Wow, as busy as you are you still find time to visit. I'm so happy that you like the new color . . . Steve came home from work that evening and stood in the kitchen and just repeated "Wow" about three times. He really likes the new cheery look :) It's funny, because sometimes (being a man) I have to point out a new change to him, LOL. I love your visits!
      Hope you get all moved in before bad weather hits.
      Your blogging sister, Connie :)

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  2. I just love your signs, and what fantastic advice about using old pallets. I hope to rustle up a few more wooden decorations for Halloween. Guess I had better get my skates on?! X

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    Replies
    1. Hi Helen, I'm glad you like my signs . . . I really do have fun making them. Pallets are a great source of weathered wood and FREE! You sure can't beat that :)
      Thanks so much for visiting.
      Your blogging sister, Connie :)

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  3. Hi Connie! I really like the color robin egg blue, and I think it was a great choice for your kitchen wall! It is a very popular color and goes great with VINTAGE! I love your VINTAGE CLOCK~~~my husband found one similar to yours a few months ago at a yard sale for $7.00! It works beautifully and hangs in our kitchen! You CREATE wonderful signs with a VINTAGE look and I believe you could sell those all day long!(you may already). And the pallet comment....I had to smile....I see so many items on the internet now made with pallets(signs, furniture etc) who would think? We had a family business my Father started in 1968....A PALLET BUSINESS!...I dreamed, breathed and ate pallets(LOL) After 30 yrs. in that business...I retired......mmmmm..wooden pallets..so much more than a shipping device! I love your bottle sign.....Have a wonderful, blessed week! from one sweetie to another~~~Roxie

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    1. Hi Roxie, I think it is kind of cool that we both have an old school house clock in your kitchens. I love ours! It brings back memories of school days and there is no excuse for being late with a big black and white clock face like that one :) So, you grew up in the pallet business. How interesting . . . have you ever visited the Blue Velvet Chair blog and looked at their ideas for using pallets? It is incredible. I have them on my blog-list if you want to click and visit.
      Have a day filled with joy and happiness.
      Your blogging sister, Connie :)

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  4. Good morning Connie!
    What a bright and cheerful change. Amazing how much a fresh coat of paint can change not only the look of a room, but the feel of a room too :)

    I love your signs! They are perfect.
    And, how nice to have new labels on your spice bottles. Customized... just for your kitchen!

    Enjoy this wonderful day.

    K.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Kerin, thanks so much for stopping by . . . I wish I could pour you a cup of coffee and invite you to sit awhile. Thanks for the sweet compliments and yes, making new labels for my spice bottles was kind of fun. I had the chance to customize them for the spices we use most often :)
      Have a lovely day.
      Your blogging sister, Connie :)

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    2. Maybe herbal tea . . . I have that, too :)

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  5. It looks beautiful Connie!! I like the signs!!

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    1. Hi Beth, and thank you so much :)
      Your blogging sister, Connie :)

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  6. I like the new color it's very cheerful! Your soo talented! The signs you make are amazing!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Kelly, You say the sweetest things:)
      Thanks so much.
      Your blogging sister, Connie :)

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  7. Great make over...you always come up with something totally unique. xx

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    1. Hi Bron, thanks so much for the sweet words of praise . . . you are such a sweetheart.
      Have a wonderful weekend!
      Your blogging sister, Connie :)

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  8. Wow! I just love it. Wish I had that artistic ability to vision such things.

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    1. Hi Terry . . . you say the sweetest things. Thank you!
      Have a marvelous Autumn weekend.
      Your blogging sister, Connie :)

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  9. your kitchen is fabulous!! i love everything!!

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    1. How sweet of you to say so . . . thanks so much!
      Your blogging sister, Connie :)

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  10. The milk sign is amazing! I love your new kitchen--all of it!

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    1. Hello Tresa, I am so very happy to see you here and thank you so much. I am delighted that you like it. It will be a nice and cheer spot to work this winter when the days turn gloomy and cold.
      Thank you so much for following . . . I truly appreciate your new friendship.
      Have a lovely weekend.
      Your blogging sister, Connie.

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  11. Replies
    1. Hi Sara, and thank you so much . . . it makes me happy to own that others like my cheery kitchen.
      Have a lovely weekend.
      Your blogging sister, Connie :)

      Delete
  12. Hi Connie! Thanks for stopping by my place so glad you did as your blog is just my cup of tea! Your kitchen re-vamp is beautiful I love your cooker and the milk sign looks terrific. Your chalkboard sentiment is one I pinned recently, it's well worth keeping that in mind isn't it? I'm off to make a cuppa and get further acquainted with your blog xx

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    1. Hi Kandi, I am excited and delighted to have you as a follower. It will be fun sharing ideas and re-dos. I am looking very forward to seeing your finished bathroom.
      Have a lovely weekend.
      Your newest blogging sister, Connie :)

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  13. Connie, I love all you signs. The new kitchen color does look cheery. Good job. Smiles, Susie

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    Replies
    1. Thanks so much . . . it did brighten things up a bit :)
      Your blogging sister, Connie :)

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  14. Oh what a great do over! I am trending towards blue and all of the signs are great. I showed the picture to my future DIL and said I loved your spices above the oven....I am so going to copy that!

    Carol

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    Replies
    1. Hi Carol, About my spice rack: I went to Wal-Mart and found shakers that had three size holes and a slider to close them all off, then had Steve build it accordingly. It is the best spice rack I've ever owned . . . customized to what we use most :)
      I hope you post yours. I know that you'll put your own special touch to it.
      Have a marvelous weekend.
      Your blogging sister, Connie :)

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  15. "Gratitude turns what we have into enough"--oh, how I love that! So much. :)

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    1. Greeting! Kristen, I am delighted to have you visit and oh so happy that you are following. I'm drinking my morning coffee and getting ready to head to town to the grocery store, by way of the thrift store (Ha-Ha. That's my favorite route :) I was excited to see you here and I'm looking forward to getting to know you better through blogging.
      I do hope that your weekend is filled with joy.
      Your blogging sister, Connie :)

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  16. Connie, I really like your "new" kitchen! It is very cheerful and pretty. Is it really that easy to make a chalkboard? Great job, and thank you for explaining how you did everything.

    Hope your weekend is wonderful,

    Kathy M.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Kathy, Chalkboards are pretty easy to make . . . just last night I was on Amazon.com ( I ordered one of those wood-burning irons that they are using to transfer graphics on to wood . . . I can not wait to try it). Anyway, while on Amazon a thing popped up for a roll of chalk board contact paper (?) it's the first time that I've heard of it. But how easy would that be? I am delighted that you like my kitchen wall . . . I had a ball re-doing it :)
      Have a wonderful weekend.
      Your blogging sister, Connie :)

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  17. The new color is so fun! I love that milk bottle - and those spice bottles. I think I have a slight spice bottle fetish.

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    1. Hi Karen, When I read this, I that about the "Spice Girls". Actually all I know about them is their name . . . you hear it often enough. I'm not sure if they are a band or a cartoon.
      I am delighted that you like my spice rack . . . my sweet husband, Steve, built it for me about ten years ago.
      Have a wonderful weekend.
      Your blogging sister, Connie :)

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  18. Hi Connie

    What fun projects! Love the color change sometimes a bit of color is all it takes. You sign painting is beautiful love them all!!!

    Thanks for your sweet comments! I've off to be come a follower...

    Leann

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    1. Hi Leann, It is so nice to see you and thanks so much for following.
      Your newest blogging sister, Connie :)

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  19. I like the new color- so bright and cheery, and I love your spice rack and jars...want!

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    1. Hi Terri, it makes me happy to know that you like my little space . . . My bright and cheery kitchen will be great on our long drab winter days. Just bringing a little sunshine inside :)
      Thanks for visiting.
      Your blogging sister, Connie :)

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  20. What a wonderful makeover Connie.........love the blue, it certainly does brighten up the corner.
    Your signs look great too .....'behind the barn beating' lol....
    Great saying on the chalkboard and so true.....

    Claire x

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    1. Hi Claire, thank you for your sweet comment . . . I am enjoying my new bright kitchen :)
      Your blogging sister, Connie :)

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  21. Hi Connie, I just love your delightful blog! Your aprons are so pretty! Thank you for stopping by my blog and saying hello!

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    1. Hi . . . i must say it again, "What a cute name you came up with for your bog :)"
      Thanks for visiting and thanks for following, too.
      Your blogging sister, Connie

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  22. What a cheerful, bright kitchen that you've filled with love. I can see you had lots of fun creating it too.

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    Replies
    1. Yes I did have a lot of fun, and I love the new bright and cheery feel :)
      Thanks so much for visiting.
      Your blogging sister, Connie

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