thrift store find

I snatched this little table at a thrift store (on their 50% off day!), ran by the local hardware store on my way home to pick up some paint, and got to sanding.

I'm always so bad at remembering to take a 'before picture.' This is the best I could do (just picture it all the same color as the bottom.)


Brooke let me borrow his orbit hand sander...


It worked great!


Mmmm....mint green.


It took a few coats of paint.


and....ta-da!


This table really opened up our living room, and gives Townsend more room to romp!


An easy weekend project on a small budget:)

backyard fence, part 6

all that's left on the backyard fence is to mount the gate and gate latch!


making sure the gate latch hits in the right place.


with the help of matt t., we mounted a sweet lantern that andrea found as a warm welcomer.



the backyard fence it finished! no back to the laundry room trim!

"treasures"

one of my favortie parts of home renonvations is the hope to find some lost treasure. this afternoon was a treat! i was working on the backyard fence [adding some gravel drainage] and unearth the below: two photograph negatives [always my favortie and almost as good as money!], a poker chip, and bead.

backyard fence, part 5

in order to maintain the style of fence panels, i need to assemble the gate with mortise and tenon joints. not my favorite task, but i'll try to be patient and do my best.



i like to use a spade drill bit to remove as much material as possible before using a hammer and chisle to square off the corners. your other option is to buy a mortise press.


if all is done right, your should get a nice smooth joint. if all is not done right, chisel more out and add more glue!


i was surprise at how much i got done in just a few hours. i'd say the mortise and tenon joints will be well worth the time i spent. now all i have to do is add the screen and mount the gate.

townsend's tape measure

mom! dad! i wanna help you measure! just give me a second.

mom! dad! i don't have any thumbs!

there, i got it. will three inches do?!

favorite tools: ear plugs

i've acquired a few favorite tools over the years. these are my most recent: ear plugs. i use to try to 'man up' and just deal with it, but recently i've noticed some hearing loss. maybe it's all of those loud guitar amps and saws! i've grown tired of always saying 'what?' and 'huh?' so i've 'manned up' and have started using ear plugs. the best $6 i've ever spent. no more ringing ears, imagine that!

backyard fence, part 4

everything's done except for the gate!