A new coat of paint

It is a beautiful spring day in Georgia, 

and it has been freezing cold for the past few days, so the fact that I had arranged to paint at my cousins new home today was perfect!

We were able to open all the windows and enjoy the lovely day.

When I was growing up my cousins lived only 20 minutes away in a quaint neighborhood, it was practically my second home for years.  

Then through the years and different life circumstances they no longer had a family home in the quaint little neighborhood, 

until now.  

One of my cousins has moved back in with her family of four :) 

It was quite a surreal feeling driving back into that neighborhood after 20 years to paint her older sons room.

Here is the room before, a beautiful green color, 

but since this room was going to belong to a 4 year old sweet little boy that had a different color in his previous home, this just wasn't going to work!

So I got busy, taping off the room, one of my favorite parts of a paint job...

except when it comes to a popcorn ceiling...

This is when my daughter called me and asked when I would be home.....

So I texted her a photo of my progress,

 then she texted back and asked which one was the new color?  

Such a good question :)

Here it is after the first coat of paint!! SO much brighter already

and it matches the bedspread better too!!

This adorable little alcove is perfect for a little bookshelf and that door leads to an attic space that will one day become a FANTASTIC playroom for two sweet little boys

AND cousins to play in!!!!

Although it was a little difficult to put the tape on the ceiling it made for a beautiful finished job!!!

Here it is after THREE coats of paint, I LOVE it!!!!! It is so fresh and clean!!! 

I am looking forward to seeing how she puts it all together over the years!

Rocking Chair Cushion Redo

My Pap Pap had made a special, one of a kind, rocking chair for my second born, back in 2003.

He was a very crafty man, 
he flew planes in World War 2, and then ran his home like a tight ship! 
He then drove a school bus, 
and when he retired he built MANY things around his home for his loved ones. 
From Adirondack chairs, to bird perches, little trucks, 
which I also received, 
and so many little things that I can't even recollect :) 

He has since passed away, 

but this special chair has been in our home since.

I love the extra special touches he added to it!

It is hard to believe it has been 10 years since I received it from him!!!!!

It has been very loved and has been sat in by both my youngest children quite often. 

The little rug seat was just not cutting it, it was time for a change...

I think I kept it the way he made it because I thought it was cute, 

not anymore :)

I wanted to paint it but my daughter liked the "antiqued" look to it 

and the original paint strokes made by my late Pap Pap...

I added some extra padding for comfort and them stapled some fabric that had once been a curtain to it. 

I love taking something that was once something else and turning it in to something else as something "new"!!!

  Check out the before and After pictured below and let me know what you think.

Do you have something special in your home that could use a little love?!

 I hope I have inspired you to add your own special touch and renew something you love!! 

Be inspired and peace be with you :)

Jamie Leigh

Aprons for new homes

Happy Monday morning to you all!

It was a beautiful weekend filled with wonderful visits with loved ones.  

On both Friday and Saturday nights we were invited to visit new homes.

The first home was of a dear old friend that I had not seen in about 5 years!!!

She has the most beautiful green eyes I have ever seen, which is why I chose a fabric in many variations of green. 

It looked GREAT in her new home,

 finding itself in the proper spot, 

hanging in the kitchen concealing her sons spider man apron from sight :)

The second apron was for my cousin who has just moved into her first house!

Her favorite color is blue and her dad was a chef so I know she cooks often!!!

I absolutely love to make aprons, just about as much as I like to make baby blankets!!

Have a great week,  I am really looking forward to spring!!!

Carrot Cake Valentine

 So, do you remember these Carrot Cake Bars I made a few years back?!

They were so good, 

I make them quite often.

Today I made them into a Valentine for my lovely family of 5.

The first thing I did was follow the recipe to the Link, 

except the pan preparation part... 

http://jamieleighsewingpaintingbaking.blogspot.com/2011/07/carrot-cake-bars.html

THEN...I prepared it into two different pans.

One round the other square, you will see why later.

Bake as directed and cool on wire racks.

 After they have cooled,  cut the round cake in half.

Then place on either sides of square cake. 

There will be some extra on both sides so you will have to cut off the extra like so.....

There!

Remember, there is no such thing as perfect, as long as the sides match up!

I added a little red food coloring to the cream cheese icing, so sweet!

Time to ice it!!

 AND add some sprinkles!!!!!

Happy Valentines Day to you and your loved ones!!!!!

Textures

Silver Painting

I love silver jewelry ♥

I am always wearing something silver,

 whether it be a ring, earrings or a necklace. 

Earlier this summer my silver chain broke and I have yet to replace it. 

I have missed it 

but these days silver cost a lot to repair of replace and it has just not happened...

Therefore I have been painting a lot with some silver paint that was given to me by a friend. I have never before used silver paint and I love how it has turned out, it shimmers when it catches the light just right and it compliments any color it is paired with!!! 

I will be painting with a lot more silver and I will be replacing my chain soon, it's been too long.....

Here is my most recent window, I paired two windows together, but they look just as good separate :)