DIY Countertop

I have been wanting new kitchen countertops in our very small in-law apartment [as I disliked the ones that were in the apartment] and for one reason or another my husband keeps putting it off [I can't imagine why].  I had seen some painted countertops on Pinterest and thought "I could do that"!   After researching several different blogs with tutorials on how they transformed their countertops I jumped in with both feet.  There is a product on the market by Rust-Oleum especially for painting countertops, but the cost would have been near $100.00.  I just wanted to DIY to give my husband "more time" to get the ambition to install new ones so I wanted this to be cost efficient.....just to let you know, it cost me less than $30.00 and a few hours from start to end.

 Primed and ready for paint ...

 First color ...

 Several additional colors ...

 Finished and clear coated ...

I used a primer and craft acrylic paints applied with plastic bags, sea sponge and wadded-up paper towels.  I used 5 coats of clear coat just to be sure.  I think it will work for awhile but I will be careful not to use anything sharp directly on the countertop.  I also put those little plastic "feet" on the bottoms of  the glass jars and crocks just to further protect the counters.  I also painted the kitchen from a tan to green!  What will I do next???  Has anyone every painted an upholstered chair???

Umbrellas

This is a journal page  I recently did in a Moleskin Sketchbook Journal - the one with the purple paper wrapped on the outside.  It was painted with watercolor crayons; the journaling and outlining were done with a Micron pen and a Scarlet Lime pen [purchased from Christy Tomlinson's online store "Scarlet Lime"].  The idea was "adapted" from a Pottery Barn catalog.  I could live in a Pottery Barn catalog!!!

Weekend at Brennan's Lake House - July 2012

We spent a couple of days at Jack and June's lake house at The Great Sacandaga Lake....weather was perfect and the company was even better.  Campfire at night, boat ride and swimming in the afternoon; what a wonderful way to spend a summer weekend!  June, Tammy and I even had time for antiquing!  We're planning a "just girls" weekend in the fall for relaxing, antiquing and probably some "spirits" around the campfire!  Here are some of the pictures I took at 6 AM [except, of course, of the campfire picture - that was more 10 pm]...everyone at camp was still sleeping and I, with my pi's on, took my mighty Cannon and took the short walk down to the docks and snapped away!

  Jack and Ralph tending the fire...

  picture perfect dock scene...

  the dock...

   at the end of the road....lovely scenery!

  walk back to the house ...

  

  approaching house...

   welcoming committee -  June, Ralph, Tammy and Ava Ryan ...

    found this "sand art" at the island we stopped to swim...

                                                    

Thanks for the weekend - Jack and June!!!

Kindergarten Teacher Gifts - 2012

On the tail of my online class with  Junelle Jacobson and Christy Tomlinson I created these three wood blocks for my grandson Niko to give to his Kindergarten teachers.  The blocks were just plain pine 2 x 4's cut into 4" blocks, painted and collaged.  

It's a beautiful day here in my part of the world....enjoy the remainder of the week-end....

Laters....;-)

Mahina's Moving-Up Day

Mahina's moving-up day from "The Donald Duck Room" to the "Rainbow Room" was held on Tuesday, June 8th.  She will be 4 in August and in Pre-K in September....where did the time go?  

She looks "grown-up" holding her diploma and her award for "Best Smile" ...

Pots of Flowers

I have taken several online classes from the talented Martha Lever; one being Color Drop Flowers.  At the end of the class videos Martha gives an additional video, which was these pots of flowers done in watercolor.  I love creating these little watercolors.  I recently started working in a Moleskin Sketching Journal and decided to try using watercolors in it and to my surprise it worked quite well.  Many art journal blog sites I visit have the artist raving about Moleskins to do their art journaling.....so, I am pleased to say, I rather enjoy working in this journal.  I have tried both watercolor and acrylic paints in this Moleskin and both held up very well!  Next time I'm out shopping for art supplies I'll pick up a Moleskin Watercolor Journal - just to test the waters!  I thought I share a spread I did with these Pots of Flowers in my Moleskin.....hope you enjoy...

Popcorn Parade

Recently my grandson Niko was in the Blue Creek Elementary School's production of the Kindergarten class rendition of the "Popcorn Parade".  Each child from the three Kindergarten classes had a part in the play and it was to celebrate the children's progression into first grade.  They were all so cute-of course Niko was the cutest of all!!!  I can not believe he will be in first grade-it seems he was just a little baby now he's growing up faster than I could imagine!!!  And now, here is Niko ....

Niko is seventh from the left in the front row.....

good wishes...

Memorial Day 2012

First, I thought I would start this post with this journal spread I had done in "Journal Club" a few months ago.  I belong to a very creative group of people - about 14 artists - that meet once a month to create spreads in our journals.  This group is led by the ever-so-talented Marilyn Rock, Melanie Phillips and Kerri Stabile. This spread is called a "grid" and it is composed of many different elements....stamps, paper napkins, watercolors, photo and various other pieces of ephemera.   I find I really enjoy working in this type of structure.  

Today is the day we celebrate our veterans.  I grew up in a small city called Watervliet and today is the annual Watervliet Memorial Day Parade.   It commences in front of a lovely park- appropriately called "Veterans Park" - that is dedicated to the deceased veterans of Watervliet.  It is well attended and all the local dignitaries will be there shaking hands and doing "their thing".  But it is also a day when you see old classmates, neighbors and friends who still feel strong ties to Watervliet.  My husband and I will be there with my grandchildren.  Lucky for us my sister lives across the street  from Veterans Park and she always has bagels and coffee for her family and friends that stop by after the parade.  This has been a tradition for many, many years and we always look forward to it.  After the parade festivities we will be going to my nephew Jonathan's and his wife Deanna for a day of eating, swimming and, yes, a little drinking!

Wishing everyone a safe Memorial Day however you choose to celebrate!
good wishes....

The Vegetable Garden

Saturday, May 12 was spent planting our new garden.  We planted 14 tomato, 6 eggplant, 6 red pepper, 6 jalapino, 3 zucchini, 2 yellow squash, parsley, basil, 3 cucumbers and a pumpkin.  I actually did the planting, but my husband, son and DIL did other work around the garden.  My DIL dug up along the walkway by the side of the house and planted hosta and some "wild geraniums"  [not sure what the botanical name is but that is what I know them to be].  We also planted a lilac bush....so we we're busy all day.  On Mother's Day, after we all went out for breakfast, we came home a put a "rabbit" fence around the raised beds in the attempt to keep critters out.  My son went out and purchased cayenne pepper to also deter the varmints from feasting on our newly planted veggies to be.  I'll keep posting the progress of our soon to be farmer's market to see if we actually get any produce.

The marigolds were planted to keep critters away....we were told they do not like the smell - let's hope so!

Last year my DIL planted some strawberries along the split rail fencing.  They didn't do to well last year, we actually thought the rabbits ate all the plants but we were surprised to see this on several of the plants:

If you look very close you can see sights of little berries in the making.  Now if we can keep Mahina [my granddaughter] from picking the flowers for mommy, we might just have some strawberries this year.

With all the planting going on around here I haven't had much time for art.  Here are a couple of watercolor paintings I have been working on.  I am taking an online class from another wonderful teacher...Martha Lever...I have taken many of her classes and love, love, love her style of art.  This latest one is called Pear-ology:

It looks like we're in for a wonderful, warm, sunny weekend....our agenda is full this weekend with baseball games, birthday parties and a first of the year Bar-B-Q that my niece and her husband - Amanda and Robbie - are hosting tomorrow.

The Great Escape opens on Sunday and my son and his family will be in line to open the season. . .and maybe I'll have time to paint!!!

Sorry for the long post!  Have a wonderful and safe weekend.....

Spring Planting - 2012

Last Sunday my son and DIL purchased an apple tree....one that is mature and should produce granny smith apples this year!  The first picture is after the tree was planted.  On Monday, my husband [in top photo] purchased three raised garden beds in the hope of growing mouth watering tomatoes and various other veggies this summer.  The kids [my grandchildren Niko and Mahina] are very excited that they have their very own apple tree and veggies in their yard!  Today will be the big planting day after a week of cold and rain [except for yesterday when the other two photos were taken] here in the great Northeast!!!  Today the sun is shinning and it promises to be warm.  But first and foremost is a tee ball game that my five year old grandson, Niko, will participate in.  The last picture is of our Diva - my three year old granddaughter Mahina [I couldn't leave her out of this post - she would be insulted].   I will post pictures of the "Big Planting Day" soon.  Have a happy, sun-filled, warm Saturday........