The Buddy System

By now, you know my barns are stuffed with STUFF.

My Yankee jokes that our little farm has become a Cline's starter kit.

Now for those of you who are new to the Brambleberry Cottage...

this IS NOT my farm.  It's Cline's Antiques and Collectibles—

 and salvage yard!

Thank goodness, my situation is not nearly as bad as THAT;

but, believe me, it's bad enough!!! 

So...

the Yankee and I decided it was time to start "unstuffing" the barns—

before someone nominated us to be candidates for

 the TV show Hoarders.  ; )

I contacted a blogging buddy of mine, Tammy @ HOME FOR 6, to see if she was

interested in taking a look at the goods that had been culled from the barns,

thus far.

She was eager to oblige and ended up with quite a load of treasures

 from our "destash."

She even did a post about some of her fabulous finds from the Brambleberry Cottage.

And since Tammy does a show a couple of times a year,

it was a great way for her to increase her inventory,

before the next show.

This piece was very hard to let go of, because the Yankee and I had already invested so much

 time and energy in the transformation process.  Basically, when we first acquired it,

 it was just another nondescript,

vintage mirror frame...

that is, BEFORE its beautification.

We found it in one of Cline's barns, looking like this.

Then it came to reside in one of our barns—remaining the same way...

for quite a long while.

Even after the transformation evolved to the point you see it above, it sat around the

 cottage for a very long time unfinished.  The Yankee and I just could not come

to an agreement

as to how it should be completed...

so it was time to just SAY GOODBYE...

 to it, not each other.   ; )

Having a totally fresh perspective on the piece...

Tammy was able to put her creative finishing touches on it, in no time at all, 

and sell it at her spring show.

So, how's that for the buddy system?

Joining Susan's Metamorphosis Monday, Roeshel's The DIY Project Parade,

Nita's Mod Mix Monday, Kathleen's White Wednesday, and

Meg's Everything But the Kitchen Sink.

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Time Travel Thursday #21 - Praising the Power of Paint

CHECK OUT ALL THE DETAILS FOR THE LINKY PARTY HERE!

Welcome to the 21st Time Travel Thursday linky party at the Brambleberry Cottage.

Are you ready for our next trip back in time and into the future?

Well, climb aboard!

This beauty was a piece I won at auction–for a mere pittance–several years ago. 

Okay, so maybe it's not much of a beauty as you see it here.  But stay with me, and you'll see how it became one.

Actually, I didn't have a "before" picture, so I did a bit of photo editing to give you some idea of what it looked like when I first got it.

It dated to the late 50s or early 60s, and it had the traditional stained finish from that period to prove it.

You know the one—maple wood with a stain turned ORANGE with the patina of years! 

Yuck!

This was another purchase of mine that gave the Yankee cause to roll his eyes and shake his head in disbelief.

But, I had a plan.  ; )

I felt sure it had been a planter of some sort—because of the metal insert in the top.

The Yankee thought it looked like funeral-home décor 

...hence his distaste for it!

The first course of action was to sand the less-than-appealing old finish off and spray paint the whole thing a soft, cottage white.

Those steps alone were a grave improvement and...

 enough to encourage the Yankee that there might be hope for this piece after all.

A pretty floral swag appliqué, for the top panel...

and an ever-so-light sanding–in a few key areas–were the only embellishments needed to bring out the hidden beauty.

The resurrection of this dated dame now makes her worthy to bear a bevy of books at bedside, a tumble of towels in the powder room,

or even...

a flourish of flowers (or pine branches and holly) in the family room.

Here's to the power of paint!

Linking to Maryann's for the Power of Paint Party, Leigh's for Thrifty Thursday, Suzanne's for Vintage Thingie Thursday, Gina's for Transformation Thursday, Becky's for 100 Ideas Under $100.00, Cindy's for Show and Tell Friday,  Betty Bee's Buzz for Buzz, Brag, and Bee Happy Friday, Marian's for Furniture Feature Friday, A little Lovely's for Saturday Soiree, Stephanie Lynn's for Sunday Showcase Party, Susan's for Metamorphosis Monday and Sarah's for the Before and After Party. 

 

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A Painterly Touch

I'm aware that there are many purists among us, who feel that to paint an antique is a most despicable deed. And...I respect that there is such diversity of tastes in the world.

When it comes to painting vintage or antique items, the Yankee and I consider a number of variables, prior to taking that plunge.

For each project we tackle, we determine the steps necessary to enhance the unique features of the individual piece.

Some antiques have suffered such ravages of time that simple refinishing will not suffice. Those are the very pieces we believe to be the ideal candidates for a painterly touch.

We jokingly say we're in the rescue business.  It's not uncommon for us to retrieve items from trash heaps or burn piles, in an attempt to resuscitate them.

If there is even so much as a single breath of life existent in something, we feel compelled to revive it.

I wish I had a before picture of the actual Depression era vanity that we delivered from certain destruction–atop a rather large pile of  trash, about to be burned. 

Just imagine, if you will, a vanity very similar to the one pictured below, but...IN NOWHERE NEAR THAT CONDITION!

Remember this sneak peek I gave you in the post about the Yankee?

That was a peek at our rescue efforts for the once abandoned vanity we recovered. When we found it, the mirror was missing, and the bridge that connected the two sides was beyond repair.  The Yankee cut the piece apart and disposed of the irreparable bridge.

Though one of the sides had some nicks and dings and a few small areas of missing veneer, and two others needed to be replaced altogether, we knew we could totally transform the much neglected castoff.

To most observers, the piece had breathed its last breath. To us, though the breath was shallow, it still existed and was therefore worth reviving.

After the standard thorough cleaning–that was my job–and a good sanding–that was the Yankee's job–the Yankee set about making the necessary repairs.

We are of the opinion that to totally rework a piece–eliminating every little imperfection–negates its vintage character. So, more often than not, we will leave certain minor flaws.

Being the incredibly creative man that he is, the Yankee masterfully designed and crafted new backs from vintage wood.

Once those lovely details were added, I knew we had to adorn the stands with lots of sweet, feminine flourishes!

One of the characteristics I absolutely love about older pieces is the quality of construction found in details like dovetailed drawers.

After the draws were sanded and cleaned, and all structural repairs complete, it was time to decide on the decorative touches.

My favorite part!  ; )

We sifted through numerous delicious appliqués in search of the perfect embellishments.

This lovely three-dimensional rose, accented by a delicate scrolly vine, could not have been more perfect for the backs.

With our creative touches, the frames went through a Cinderella-like transformation.  They're now dripping with sweet little roses and wildflowers cascading down from tiny ribbons.

The pretty, scalloped apron fronts were also gussied up a bit with the cutest curly ribbon appliqué.  It's knot even resembles a rose!

As if all those sweet details weren't dreamy enough, we then painted everything the softest, cottagey white we could find.

That was followed by an ever-so-light distressing, from the top right down to the lovely little turned legs.  It was the perfect finishing touch to amplify the delicate beauty.

The result...total shabby sweetness!!!

And where there was once one ugly duckling...

there were now, not one, but two beautiful swans.

Wonder what other wonderful transformations await at Susan's for...

Let's also show everyone our vanity makeover at Diane's

for

the Shabby Chic Cottage for

and

Domestically Speaking for

then, over to Suzanne's @ Colorodalady for

We'll also show off our frugal find @

and feature our furniture @

Oh, and we can let everyone see our DIY project @

Then, we'll pop over to Cottage Instincts for

and Cheri's for

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Lights, Camera...

Action...

I have been anxiously anticipating sharing something with you!
Several weeks ago, I asked a fellow blogger—whose blog I love—if she would
be willing to be interviewed by me. And she said yes.

I'm sure many of you are quite familiar with her and are probably even followers of
her blog yourself. Her name…Cindy Kihn Santiago.

And if her name doesn't ring a bell, her blog's title probably will.

So, let's not waste any time getting straight to the interview.   ; )

Liz:  Hi, Cindy.  First, I want to thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule for this

interview.  I'm sure that working full time and preparing all of those wonderful posts for your

blog, My Romantic Home, keeps you quite busy.

Cindy:  Thank you, Liz! Yes, I am quite busy these days, but never too busy to help out

another blogger!

Liz:  Would you be willing to answer a few personal questions that I think readers might be

interested in?

Cindy:  Sure!

Liz:  You've been blogging for almost five years now, correct?

Cindy:  Yes, it will be five years in June!  Time flies when you’re having fun!

Liz:  What motivated you to start a blog?

Cindy:  I was reading cooking and knitting blogs for about a year, and then I decided

one day to start my own blog, although I really didn’t know what I wanted to blog

about.  At that point, I don’t think there were any decorating blogs around.

I decided to name my blog “Romantic Home” after my favorite magazine

(Romantic Homes).  I later changed it to “My Romantic Home.”  I really didn’t blog

much in the beginning.  Once I found other decorating blogs, I became more motivated.

Liz:  I stumbled upon My Romantic Home a little over a year ago. At first, I just kept up with

your current posts—occasionally venturing back into your archives. Then, at some point,

curiosity got the best of me, and I decided to go to your very first post and work forward

to the present.

I must tell you, it was amazing to me to venture back to those initial posts, and compare those

with where I first discovered your blog in fall of 2008.  And, to contrast the beginning to

today…wow, what a difference!

This was Cindy's home in the earlier days.

The evolution of that same room!

Cindy:  I know! The beginning of my blog is so bad, it’s almost embarrassing! I’ve almost

deleted the first few years so many times.  I can’t bring myself to do it though.  It’s part

of my history now.  I had a huge learning curve!  Things were different five years ago

though, blogs were much more simple than they are today.

Liz:  In what ways do you feel your blog has improved over the years?

Cindy:  I think people that read decorating blogs are very visual people.  They come to

blogs not only to get ideas but to see beauty.  I try to make my blog as beautiful as I

can now.  I’m also more comfortable with blogging, and I feel like I’m just chatting with

 friends now.

Liz:  From the beginning, decorating your home has been one of the main features for your posts.

But, one of the most notable changes that has taken place has been your ever-evolving décor.

How do you feel your decorating style has changed since you first began blogging in 2005?

Cindy:  I’ve always been into decorating, but having my blog has really motivated me to

do more. I’ve gone with a more feminine look.  I’ve always loved that look but really

couldn’t do it when I was married.

It took years for me to collect the things that I have in my home now.  It’s really evolved

over the last five years, and it’s all documented on my blog.  I hope that inspires people

that are just starting out or starting over that it takes time.  Most of us can’t afford to

redo a whole house all at once, but if you work slowly at it over the years you can have

the look you want.

Liz:  What have been the greatest influences in those style changes?

Cindy:  I love looking at decorating magazines and other decorating blogs.  I’ve always

been drawn to the shabby chic look and luckily this style of decorating is very

budget friendly.

My dining room hutch that I found on Craigslist was only $125 and my table and chairs

from the Salvation Army were only $175. I just painted them white and now they look

so much more expensive!

Liz:  I, for one, have loved the changes that you've made to your home. It just keeps getting better

and better all the time.

Cindy:  Thank you! It’s been a fun, creative outlet for me.

Liz:  Another significant improvement that I've noticed, over the life of your blog, has been the
quality of your photos. What do you attribute that to?

Cindy:  I take photos for my blog almost every day, so I think naturally you become better
at something when you do it that much.

Liz: In reviewing your blog from the beginning, it appears that sometime in 2007 there seemed
to be somewhat of a shift in the composition of your photo shots as well. What was the
determining factor there?

Cindy:  I think that came from studying photos on other blogs that I thought were
really good.

Liz:  What do you look for when you're composing your shots?

Cindy:  I look to make sure there is enough light if possible.

I also look to see what is in the background.  I always make sure there isn’t something
lurking back there that will distract from the photo, like my purse, or a soda can or
whatever else gets left out that should have been put away.  I can’t tell you how many
times I’ve taken photos and then later realized there is something ugly in the background.

I try to think of it as a magazine shoot and make it as visually appealing as possible.

Liz:  Have you ever taken photography classes?

Cindy:  I took photography in high school, and then I took another class in college, but I

really don’t remember anything I learned…that was a long time ago and way before

digital cameras!

Liz:  What are some tips and tricks that you can share with the rest of us that would help us to

improve the quality of the photos we take for our blogs?

Cindy:  Crop those photos to get close ups.  You can make a really bad photo look good

just by cropping it down.  Also use a program like PhotoShop to adjust the light and color.

If you don’t have PhotoShop or another photo editing software on your computer, you can

use a free online photo editing option.  Picnik.com lets you adjust your photos, and I know

there are many more out there as well.

A great feature of these is that you can adjust the temperature of the photo. Sometimes a

photo taken indoors without a flash comes out really yellow, but you can cool down the

photo with the software or warm up photos taken with too much light. Also don’t be afraid

to emulate other bloggers if you like their style! I think we can all learn from each other.

Study what draws you into their photos and try to do that on your own.

Liz:  Since 2005, when you first began blogging, have you used different cameras?

Cindy:  I had some really bad cameras in the beginning. I think I went through a few that

were $50 or less.  Then, I had to learn how to use a Canon Rebel at work, because they

didn’t replace our graphic artist when he left the company.  I was the one that would be

taking photos of our products for different uses.  I was able to take the Canon Rebel

home to learn how to use it, and I fell in love.  That’s when my photos really started

getting better, and my blog traffic started growing rapidly!

Liz:  What type of camera do you currently use.

Cindy:  I ended up buying my own Canon Rebel XSi.  I bought mine through the QVC

website, because I could spread the payments out over 4 months and use the money I

was making through the advertisements I have on my blog.

Canon Rebel XSi

Liz:  What camera features have you found to be the most essential to produce the best images
for blogs?

Cindy:  I never use a flash.  The flash makes photos look horrible to me.  I would rather
lighten the photo with a photo editing software, it’s a much softer look.

Liz:  Well, I can tell you without hesitation…the beautiful images you consistently share with
us are a big part of what keeps me coming back—and I'm sure many others, as well.

Wow! You're such a wealth of information that I could go on with this forever.  But then neither
of us would ever get our blog posts up.  Perhaps we'll pick up from here at a future date.  Are
there any final words of wisdom you would like to share with those of us who aspire to have
terrific blogs like yours?

Cindy:  I think one of the things that draws me into a blog is not just the beautiful photos
but a feeling that I "know" the person.  I think it's important to post a photo of yourself 
every once in awhile. That was hard for me to do for the longest time, and it still is now,
but I think it's important.  Also remember to be yourself and let your personality shine
through your writing!  People will "connect" with you more if they feel like they
know you!

Liz:  Thank you, Cindy, so much for your time.  It has been a pleasure getting to know you
through your wonderful blog and this interview!  And PLEASE, keep those fabulous posts—
with those lovely photos—coming our way!

Happy blogging!

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