Thursday, November 15, 2012

Mirror, Mirror...

Hi, everyone! Another week, flying past...
 
I sound like a broken record, I know.
 
Remember being little and how s-l-o-w-l-y the time used to pass?
 
My Mom once told me the older you get, the more time seems to fly by...
 
At the time I didn't really get it, but I do now...
 

 
Here is what I've been working on so far this week...
 
(although I should probably be working on things for Christmas) ~
 
This mirror frame was stained very dark, and of course, I wanted it white...
 
"Rubbed", lightly distressed white...
 
Mr. B painted it very nicely for me, actually ~ a perfect solid white;
 
but, when I went to distress it, the contrast between the white and the very dark stain
 
underneath was just too stark, I thought.
 
So, ignoring a slightly pouty Mr. B, I took it back out to the garage
 
to re-do it myself.
 
Actually, first I had to go get more spray paint.
 
Why is it that I never seem to have anything I want to paint when it is
 
seventy degrees and beautiful outside?
 
I always wait until it's too cool out for the paint to dry,
 
then I suddenly have a dozen things I want to re-do.
 
I spread newspapers in the garage and open the door occasionally
 
to let out the noxious fumes...
 
That's me.
 
Anyway, I went to Lowe's to look for a nice medium-toned neutral color in the
 
Valspar spray paint line...I've had very good luck with this brand.
 
I found a dark rosey-beige color called Thorny Brush that was marked half-price...
 
I guess it wasn't a very popular color,
 
but it was just what I want wanted for an undercoat.
 
Valspar Satin White for the top coat...
 
it's my "go-to" color for just about everything.
 
So much of the world could do with a nice coat of Satin White, don't you agree?
 
Distressed or not.
 
:^)
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Here is my mirror frame, painted with 2 coats of Thorny Brush and 2 coats of Satin White.

Of course I had to bring it inside, right in the middle of everything, to work on it...

At least I had a drop-cloth.
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Cyrus decided to help me...

Kitty-help is always appreciated!
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Such a sweet boy!
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When he gets his winter coat, Cyrus gets longer fur in the strangest places...

He gets extra-long fur right on his forehead,

two tufts...

which Mr. B and Jonathan both make into "Triceratops Horns" at every opportunity...
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Here's the top of the mirror frame...

In most areas, I only sanded down to the rose-beige color;

in a few spots I have actually gone through that to where it shows the dark stain,

but that's okay.

I love how the distressing accents the edges and carved details.
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Here you can see the distinct layers of white, rose-beige, white again, and the bottom dark stain...

You could do this with any number of soft colors...

I'm thinking of doing a chair similarly, but with Sage Green as the undercoat.

You do need to stay with the same brand of paint, though, for all your layers...

just to be on the safe side. I've had different paint brands react naughtily with each other,

layering them like I do...there are times when you want "crackling"...

and times when you don't! With colors in the same brand (and finish...satin, gloss, flat)

it eliminates unexpected surprises...
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Such a nice look, I think. Men don't understand the appeal...

Jonathan would have me "touch it up" ~ ;^)

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"Why are you upside-down, Mom?"

Sweet Cyrus...put your tongue back in!

Lots of times he forgets his little tongue is out (it only shows a little bit here, but sometimes it's

way out, and he just goes around like that...doesn't seem to notice),

I think it's cute, though ~ ♥
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Oh, am I ever having to "eat crow"...

I've said that my kitties, the three I have now, never get on the counter-tops...

However, I am working on being more organized and I am trying to keep

things off of the island, especially, as it seems to be the ultimate catch-all in this house...

 (well, you see I do have three O'Kringles there, but that was all...except Leo)

Now that it's clear, Leo has decided he likes it up there...

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And, this is what I walked into at 6:30 this morning...

Sun streaming in, and Leo, looking as if he had been enjoying a nice glass of milk...

See Tallulah to the left?

I'm pretty sure she had just jumped down when she heard me coming...

I guess they're happy about my de-cluttering!

Have a wonderful Friday, all!

(I'll post a picture of the finished mirror tomorrow...)

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24 comments:

  1. Hi Anne,
    the mirror looks for sure very pretty. The prove is that Cyrus decided to take place inside the frame. Cats have a good instinct for wonderful things. I love his little cute face with tongue outside. How nice to live with those cute friends. Have a wonderful day.
    Best greetings, Johanna

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  2. Love your mirror frame and the nice tutorial. I never thought about using the same brands of paint for a project. Good tip! Your fur babies are just so adorable. Love the wild tufts on Cyrus's face and your naughty counter sitters! Looks like you have plenty of helpers. xx

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  3. That mirror is so pretty--can't wait to see it finished. Your kitties are also so pretty. Getting on the countertops is a constant battle between me and my felines. :)

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  4. The mirror is so pretty ..and your kitty is so sweet too..
    Big hugs cucki x

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  5. Only Tallulah is happy with the declutering of the counters. Guys don't get it? ahahahahah

    They're so precious and I'm so happy you have them for company.

    When my home is childrenless - they seemed to be underfoot always and all of the sudden became so social and busy that it's a comfort to have babies of the pet kind for company ahahahah (I've been known for decorating the Christmas Tree only with the Precious Help and listening ears of pets... everyone gets scarce when I'm having THOSE important decision moments ahahah).

    I love your frame and you're so right. World should have a bucket of Satin White at every corner :). And an Anne to distress it so magically.

    You're an Inspiration!

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  6. Your mirror looks wonderful, Anne....well, at least the frame does. Love the kitty on the counter. Gotta love that in the morning- xo Diana

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  7. Beautiful job on the mirror. And the cats are cute. I always had cats and kittens as a chid because they are a staple on the farm. You must have cats or you will have mice! *lol* We haven't had one in years, though.

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  8. You have some Beautiful things hanging around your place Anne and the frame will just add to it!<3

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  9. I love the mirror frame! The kitties add just the right touch.:)

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  10. Your mirror looks like it will be stunning. Your kitty's are looking very groomed and happy too. Keep smiling and creating

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  11. The frame is beautiful! and I think Cyrus has given you your inspiration for your nest painting, "Look , Mama, me in a frame!"
    Blessings,
    Susie

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  12. What a lovely frame! And love the kitties! I wish I could have more than one, but we have only ever managed one at a time successfully!

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  13. Your fame turned out beautifully! And as always your fur babes are a delight!
    Have a great day.
    Always, Queenie

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  14. Looks amazing!!! Love your Kitty Too♥
    ~~Hugs,
    Dena

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  15. Dear Anne - this mirror looks wonderful. I love the putty cat laying in the middle too...as for kitties on the counter I could say that too but it wouldn't be the truth. (LOL) and I have pictures to prove it. Have a wonderful week-end - hugs pixie

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  16. You, de-cluttering??? Bwahahaaaa!! Temporarily, I assure you, fellow readers.
    -The Middle Child

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  17. Another excellent creation and not a cutie kitty hair to been seen♥

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  18. You Mom was Right! Your mirror is just what I would have done .. and your kitties.. well you know ..
    BJ

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  19. Wow! The mirror looks great. I'd like to have seen the "before" photo as well. Great job! Susan

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  20. LOVE your kittty's...I like the shade of white you are using on your frame...very nice choice.

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  21. Gorgeous mirror! And I see where you got your inspiration for the title of your blog! They are all so adorable, do you have to brush them often?

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  22. More cuteness than I can handle! :)))
    The mirror turned out beautifully...
    xoxo

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I love your thoughts and comments, and I read each and every one! Sometimes life gets in the way, though, and it takes me a while to respond...Thank you for understanding! ♥...Time is precious, and the time you have taken here is truly appreciated!