Favorite 2018 Projects

Over margaritas, quilty friends and I were discussing favorite projects from this past year. I have a few, two of my favorite were an auction package for my school and the Go Teal it on the Mountain. Yesterday, I created a pillow casing from an old feed sack (zipper and all!) and placed a fat feather pillow inside.

Perfect for snuggling up for holiday break TV binge-watching. 🙂 Anyhoo, here are a few of my favorite projects from 2018:

I have two unfinished quilts that I hope to work on next week – didn’t quite get them done in time for 2018. Ah, well. So? I hope to hear about some of your own favorites that you’ve worked on in 2018.

Regardless, Happy 2019! May this year bring you and your’s health and happiness.

Have a good 2019! – – Joanne

TV Multimedia Console, Part 1

George and I spent the weekend helping our daughter and son-in-law build a TV-multimedia console.  Brianne and Brian found online plans that would suit their needs, but desired storage with more of a mid-century flair.

How to Specialist: How to Build a TV Stand

The inspiration choices were narrowed down. However, it still wasn’t quite what they had in mind. They didn’t want all the wiring and electronics exposed, but were concerned about enclosing heat-producing electronics.

Garage Laundry Nook: Part 2

As a good portion of the U.S. has been sweltering in this unbearable heat; we’ve continued to work on the garage laundry nook area while taking many water and puppy breaks. Wait. What? May I introduce little Tollach, better known as Tolly, our 9-week old maltipoo puppy.

He’s a cutie, but when he naps we’re back in the garage.  A lot has happened in one week in our garage. The new wall has been taped and mudded, the cabinets and wet clothes hang drying area are installed, the ceiling and walls primed and painted. Isn’t it amazing how paint improves any area? 😉

Garage Laundry Nook: Part 1

Most older homes, like our 1969 home, do not have laundry or mud rooms. The washing machine and clothes dryer are located in the garage. Not only is there something unpalatable about the cohabitation of delicate whites, lawn mowers and furnaces; but our garage had become a hoarder’s nest. We do not park our cars in the garage, so the decision was made to create a low-budget laundry nook area. 

We researched low cost ways to incorporate appliances, lots of storage, a utility sink, clothes hampers and a wet hang drying area. All in a small space. Reality check: We were not searching for “home-decor magazine-quality” laundry room plans . . . our space is in the garage! 😉 Plus, it had to be budget friendly. We found loads of inspiration online:

livingvintageco.com

Budget White Kitchen Makeover – Part 4

Ever the procrastinator, I’m finally posting the long-overdue cost breakdown for this project.  We really do mean BUDGET white kitchen makeover. 😉 I helped my sister make a wish list through browsing home magazines, bookmarked online sources and drawing amateur plans.  Then, we weeded it down to a realistic list.  Sweat equity from family and friends and ingenuity kept costs down to under $2,000.  I thought I’d break down some of the savings, expenses and share a few tips.

So here goes . . .

Inspiration: Both teachers, this was going to be our summer project. For months, my sister and I browsed home magazines and online sites. We saved inspiration to a Pinterest account. We gathered free or low-cost supply samples and viewed them in the morning/noon/evening lighting.  (You might change your mind after seeing your paint chips in a different light). Each paycheck, we purchased and stored supplies.  

Grandaddy’s and Grandma’s House

My grandparent’s, John Glenn and Lillian, moved back to the States into this home after an Army career that took them all over the world. This would be the last home that John, known as Glenn, and Lillian would live in together. Their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren loved to visit them often. An opportunity arose and my sister had the option  to purchase my Grandparent’s home, having been out of the family’s purview for several years.

John Glenn & Lillian Mae

Built in 1919, the old girl was showing her age. Situated in Ocean View, in close proximity to the Chesapeake Bay, she is an Arts and Crafts bungalow, with an additional bedroom added in the 1950’s.  Massive oak trees once shaded the house. She has gone through many changes over the years.