Keep Smiling

Keep Smiling

Wednesday, April 26, 2017

Stark Raving Mad or Just Having Fun

Except for calking, trim, fascia and stain . . .
the outside is completed.  
Prepare yourself for the next photos . . .
you will either think that I have gone
Stark Raving Mad
or
That I'm having fun with color.
  
 Here is a shot of the walls going up.
Not only is it how I wanted it,
but I did the entire interior myself.
Reclaiming scraps and using fence boards 
to create shiplap.

I dry brushed and stenciled some of the boards, 
not sparing the use of color.

I know that it is not everyone's taste,
but it makes me happy.

 The ceiling is mostly white dry brushed,
but if you look closely, you will see
that I painted a few of the boards 
yellow and blue, before applying the white.
I was going for a reclaimed look.

 This is the cut out pass-through into the Art Barn,
before removing the plywood cover.

 This is the flooring going in.

 I know that you have all heard the saying . . .
the calm before the storm.
Well, this photo shows you 
the storm before the calm.
I am moving and rearranging everything
in the barn.

Painting some of the walls . . .
yes, I know . . . more bright colors.
You must remember that this is my creative space
and not my home:)
It's a place to experiment and have fun.

On the more normal side of life . . .
out in the potting shed, 
 our tomatoes and peppers are doing fine.

This photo is blurry . . . 
I just dropped my camera before taking this shot
and something is not working.
I hope that Steve can fix it  . . .
he's pretty good with modern technology.  

Well, thanks for sticking with me through this crazy post. 

Please leave a comment and don't be afraid
of hurting my feelings if you don't like 
what I'm doing in the barn.
I'm thick skinned and to each his own, LOL

Keep Smiling!

Your blogging sister,
Connie :)

51 comments:

  1. Connie, I am so envious. I love that you are using reclaimed wood. Good for you. I like the mixing of colors. IT's a like a quilt and you do quilting and stitchery, perfect. Wow those plant starts are awesome. Wishing you a great day there. Blessings, xoxo, Susie

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    1. Hi Susie, thanks for your sweet comments . . . I'm very excited about the addition and will be even happier when I have everything organized. That storm of mess and disarray is slowing being taken care of :)

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  2. Having a place to call your own for crafting and creativity sounds like a wonderful idea. I have seen boards done with different colors like that, but they were more drab than bright like yours. I'll be excited to see how it turns out for you. I tend to paint everything white these days, so seeing a little color is inspiring.

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    1. I enjoy the BoHo look, it's fun and happy, so I decided to go that way in the barn. The nice thing about paint is that it is the cheapest and easiest way to make a change . . . if you get tired of a color, just paint it again :)

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  3. I say, whatever makes you happy is all that matters! I think it's great that you were able to use the reclaimed wood! Can't wait to see when you're all moved in and organized.

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    1. I spent a lot of time out there today working on getting everything in it's place . . . hopefully it won't be long now :)

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  4. I am sure, once done it will all be perfect....I wondered where you would put new things you got....your art barn looks like my basement. Need to rearrange things for sure and spread out!!! Like your plant station....what a good start you have. Now to find a balance between gardening and your art barn.....I am worn out just watching you.

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    1. I'm worn out, too LOL. I have been coming in from working out there, then straight to the shower and dinner. After that I fall asleep in my chair. Steve has to wake me to go to bed. Spring is a busy season anyway, but with this added project it's exciting and exhausting.

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  5. Aren't you lucky to have such great space to let your creativity flow!! I love color, so this is a fun, inspiring space to me!

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    1. I'm happy to meet another blogging sister that loves color . . . it just makes me happy and gives me energy :)

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  6. Inspirational, what a joy to visit and see all that beautiful reclaimed wood. It was also a delight to see your plant starters. I am so looking forward to see your progress.

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    1. I'm working out there everyday now, trying to get things organized. I think it is going to be amazing :)

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  7. I love it. I think not only is it colorful and artsy but it's pure fun.

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    1. Thank You !!! I want it to be fun and full of energy . . . a place that makes you smile even when you're feeling low :)

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  8. It would be so much fun to be fixing up a brand new place like that...another playhouse!! I love playhouses! I have a hard time picturing how something will look when finished, but knowing you, it will all come together and be pretty. I like unusual The colors look especially pretty on that fourth picture, around the two windows. Your plants sure are big and healthy and ready to go in the ground. You have plenty to keep you busy. That's how I like it! Looking forward to seeing more.

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    1. I love reading your comments, they always fill me with joy and enthusiasm. Life is full of surprises (like your rain storm and flooding) and chances (good & bad) but I think we can do a lot of things to make life fun. I like unusual too . . . I can't stand cookie cutter perfect and matchy, matchy . . . give me funky and fun any day, LOL.

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  9. I like funky and fun. It's funny........when my daughter was here recently, I had my string quilt on the bed, and it is so UNLIKE my usual funky, bold, off-the-wall choices in color that she didn't know what to think ! You have to throw them a curve once in a while when they think they've got you figured out. Shoot, I surprise myself sometimes ! You're gonna love the new digs !

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    1. I know surprising yourself is more fun than surprising others, LOL.

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  10. I think it's great, Connie. It's you. It's what you love and how you want it. What could be better than having your space the way you want it? I'll be interested to see what goes in your new space. Very fun. xo

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    1. Thanks, it's fun having a space that you can go a little wild in, LOL. I lived a very beige life for too many years . . . now I want to color with the full box of crayons :)

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  11. My favorite thing that you've done is the ceiling! I love the little bit of color showing through the white washed finish! It looks amazing! I would like that for a floor too! Hugs!

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    1. Thank you, I am happy that you like it. This addition has been fun . . . I've been planning it in my head all winter and just not sure if I would take the leap and do it or not.

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  12. Well, what fun! I think a person's space is their own and they should do whatever they want that makes them feel happy to enter that space...to heck with all the 'shoulds' and 'musts' and 'advice' from decorators and others. The most loved rooms are those that speak to us and make us feel happy in them.

    I had a friend that did almost the same thing in an old school she rehabbed. I think she used about 4 or 5 colors and repeated them in a random method throughout. The ceiling was beadboard and she waxed that using a aqua and green color palette. I like it, Connie and, more importantly, YOU do ...that's the test! xo Diana

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    1. Diana, you are so sweet . . . thanks for your bold comment, you have confirmed my beliefs and I do love my new space :)

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  13. Rearranging things is one of my favourite things to do!! I think if you like the mix of colours and it makes you happy you should ( and did) go for it. But it wouldn't be my thing ( I painted the inside of my "playhouse" bright aqua).

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    1. I'm in the middle of the rearranging part now . . . it is fun, but work just the same. My favorite part will be when I can say, "done" and start a new project, or finish an old one. I do have a quilt that is 85% done that I would like to get finished :)

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  14. I think it's fantastic! I would love to have a space where I didn't have to be "afraid" of making a mistake or doing something too bold like in a house. I say go for whatever strikes your fancy. How lucky you are that you have a potting shed, too.

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    1. Moving to our little country acre three years ago has been a blessing beyond our wildest dreams. We love all the space for spreading out and for having a big garden. For over thirty years we lived in a house that was so close to our neighbors that we could, on one side touch their house without leaving our property and on the other side almost touch it. I think moving here has freed me to do so many things and bold color in my space ( I love saying that, I never thought that I would ever have a "my space") is one of them :)

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  15. Hi Connie, This is so you and when you are done it will be lovely. Can't wait for the completed pictures. Sort of reminds me of what we have done to our courtyard with lots of color! Looks like you have really worked hard but the end is in site! Know you will enjoy! Have a lovely rest of week! Nancy

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    1. Hi Nancy, color is fun and I know that I am going to enjoy my space for many years to come. The best thing about paint is that it is cheap and can always be changed if the mood hits you . . . right now I'm into happy and cheerful:)

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  16. I love your playfulness! Looking forward to seeing it finished :)

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  17. Connie, you're a MARVEL! Love you little add-on.What are you going to do with that space. You might have said, but I have just got back from helping a neighbour who has let his house go and I am a bit tired.. I find at 67, I can't stand for as long as I'd like. We attacked the kitchen.Dear neighbour was "helping" me at the sink, but I would have preferred him work and tidy the dining room next door!Oh well, it looks much better what we did. His family (sis and her family and his brother, have worked like demons on the other bits of the house.It still needs a professional cleaner to bring it up to scratch, and he's thinking about it. I do find cleaning to be rewarding- and when you have tidied up, you'll begin the fun part!

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    1. Oh, I'm looking very forward to being able to say, "It is finished" and get on with my sewing and crafting. It's been a lot of work, but very rewarding. Now I am in the process of finding a place for everything and getting organized. I haven't said what this addition is all about, but will very soon :)

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  18. I envy you for the fun you are having! it would be so fun to have a place, outside of the house, to just let go in and do "whatever" your heart desires, without worrying about it looking proper or being the style you normally like. Would be so fun to just let loose! I love it! What a great idea to use reclaimed wood and I love the idea of shiplap look. Many years ago, my ex and I put cedar shakes on two walls INSIDE our house and on the ceiling! Now that was different but I loved it. We were very creative back then.. in the 70's ya know? :-) I'm still amazed at how fast your addition has gone up. Did I say I'm so envious of you having a handy hubby? I so enjoy each of your posts to see what you've been up too and am anxious to see your finished room. don't work too hard! xoxoxo Marilyn

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    1. Hi Marilyn, if i didn't work hard it would never get done. I am one of those that when I start something it is very hard to take a break from it until it is done. Therefore; I have put a lot of eight to ten hour days into this project. I'm looking forward to saying, Done, and getting on to sewing and crafting again :) Then there is getting the garden ready and planted . . . that work is just around the corner and can not be put off. Spring is a busy season! Oh, to my disappointment, I have lost many of my roses due to our bad winter . . . How's your yard and garden doing?

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    2. Hi Connie... yes hard work does pay off! I tend to be that way with a garden project, or if I'm out working in the yard and "on a roll", I want to continue (even through dinner or after dark) to get it done! If I posted pictures now of my yard, it would be mostly DEAD stuff! A few things are peeking up through the dead last year's growth though. I haven't had a chance to get out and prune away all the dead stuff. My hope is that this weekend I can get to it. We've had awful cloudy and rainy and windy weather the last week.. I had company for 10 days and my part-time job to do and then a trip to the beach! It has all curtailed my yard work! I have managed to mow the grass and that's about it. Am so anxious to see your new plans for your addition. I have a feeling it will be something fun and new! Marilyn

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  19. Hi Connie. I Love that you are doing this! Going with what you love and not being afraid of color! How Fun this space is! Cant wait to see the rest of it. I do hope hubby can fix your camera.

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    1. I think that my camera is shot . . . it's been a good one for many years. I think that it is going to be my last expensive camera . . . I'm going to replace it with a Nikon Cool-Pix . . . smaller and easier to carry with me :)

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  20. Hey Connie, it's your Art Barn and I think it should reflect your personality ...
    Art is meant to be colourful too isn't it!!!

    Hope Steve fixed the camera ok.

    All the best Jan

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    1. Hi Jan, I'm very happy with how the art barn is coming along. Bring on the color, it does make me happy :) As for my camera, it has seen it's last days, it would cost more to fix it than you replace it. I've decided that I want a smaller version . . . I love SLR but am going cheaper this time and choosing a Nikon Cool-Pix, they seem to have a very good rating :)

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  21. I like the colors.
    We did one wall similar to that in our cabin.

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    1. I remember seeing your cabin and thinking that it was a very happy place with whimsy and charm. I'll have to go back and look again, or maybe you can post more photos next time you do up there:)

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  22. I love all the colour, such fun and I bet it gets those creative juices flowing. Have a lovely weekend xxxx

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    1. I Fran, it is always great to see you. Thanks . . . I'm enjoying getting this addition ready, I know that I will love it out there :)

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  23. I LOVE what you are doing! It is amazing! You should feel free to have fun and be creative in your creative space. I am so excited to see what you do with everything. I wish I was there! You amaze me with your energy! Looking forward to seeing more. Have a wonderful weekend my friend!

    Hugs, Vicky

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    1. Oh, I wish you were here too . . . having the queen of organization here to give me tips would be amazing:) Not only that, but it would be loads of fun!

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  24. Glad you are having so much fun creating your space and decorating it just the way you want to, I do love the way you did the ceiling, cool look!

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    1. Thank you . . . it's coming together and I'm loving it :)

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  25. Love the new addition. It's going to be so nice. You are so talented. Have fun and enjoy. lol, my mouth is still watering from the picture of your delicious looking pie.

    Have a great day, Janie

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