Pages

April 18, 2010

Project Sneak-Peaks and a Project Revisit

I have a few projects currently on the go, and I had hoped that I would have at least one finished to share with our readers today. I worked so hard, but couldn’t get anything finished!!

I can share sneak peaks of two of my projects, though…

DSCF0346

A couple of weekends ago I had Brian pull up one of the three cedar trunks I saved when we had our mega-tree removed. It was a large and attractive tree, but it was also old and – according to the arbourist we consulted – “not a good specimen”. Plus, the tree’s roots were going to make the building of our new front steps extremely difficult!! We removed the tree back in July 2009 and I’ve had these three stumps waiting for me to work magic on ever since!!

What do I have planned for these stumps? Take a look at this post and, if you read past the tree-removal photos, you’ll see all about it!! Yep… I’m making stump tables!

Brian plunked this particular trunk in the centre of our living room, I pulled together my tools and got to work de-barking it. It’s SO neat to see… the stump has both chain saw slices in it (see in the photo above) and spike marks from the tree-remover’s boot spikes. I’m excited about incorporating these “blemishes” into the finished product and I know it’ll look FAB!

DSCF0348 DSCF0350DSCF0354

Even though the stump had many months to dry… there was…

lots of sap!

DSCF0355Now I have a very cool-looking stump without bark that needs to be sanded and then urethaned (or some such thing). I wanted to work on this stump last weekend but sewed pillows instead… and I posted all about THAT project last Monday! :-)  I wanted to sand the stump this weekend, but it rained on Saturday!!

DSCF0435So… instead… I got started on another project. Well… okay… truthfully? What I really did was pick up a project that had been left waiting for me for more months then I care to count. Does this sound like a pattern with me? Oh ya!!

If you’re a regular reader of DesignTies you’ll know that back in January I attempted to FINALLY start the sewing of my dining room drapes… and at that time I promised to stick to it and finish them within a few weeks. I got a little done, but I DID NOT come close to finished!!

DSCF0439This last Saturday, because the rain kept me from working outside on my stump table, I decided to finish my drapery… and I’m almost done!! WooHoo!! But not done enough to share the end results with DSCF0426you today. I’m sorry!! Very, very soon… I promise! I’m very happy with the results so far… but let me tell you, it’s HARD to make drapes without a work table… especially when my living room floor had to do duty as my work table… working on my hands and knees is not fun!

But that’s all I can share about these two projects… I said a sneak peak, didn’t I?! You’ll just have to keep DesignTies on your blogroll and come back later to see how everything turned out!! ;-)

But since I’m participating in Between Naps on the Porch’s phenomenal blog party Metamorphosis Monday, I’d better show you a transformation hadn’t I?! The last thing I want to do is break Susan’s rules!! HaHa!

Take a look at this…

DSC00832DSC00840

My client Kate’s fireplace before I got my hands on it…

And after:

DSC01199

DSC01193

DSC01200

The entire fireplace – all 17 feet of it – was wrapped in fir, and stained in a dark brown/black. For visual interest, and to cover the joins in the wood, I had stainless steel strips added. A very contemporary look for Kate’s fabulous loft!! I need to head back to Kate’s place, style the room and have professional photos taken… THAT would be great, hey?

ButterflyThanks for dropping by DesignTies… and thanks to Susan for hosting Metamorphosis Mondays. Come see Kelly and I again soon! And be sure to head back to the blog party at Between Naps on the Porch; there are many more transformations to see!!

 sigv

18 comments:

Kathysue said...

Victoria, You are doing some ambitious projects. Love the drapery fabric and I saw that post and thought what a great idea. I like to see someone taking breaks while doing a project,if you read my post today I took several breaks,hehe. the fireplace for you client looks amazing love the stainless insert,great idea. Kathysue

Kammy said...

Sleek and Sassy - I know your style...LOL ! Looking good !
Kammy

Nancy@marcusdesign said...

Wow Victoria, that fireplace is stunning!! I love it. And the fabric for your drapes is gorgeous, thanks for the fun sneek peeks into your projects :)

qerat said...

That fireplace is a beauty. the scale is amazing.

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Well, I can't wait to see where you use that stump and your finished draperies. I understand the work area problem. I am kind of in limbo myself and have basically taken over my living room.

Carrie @ Dittle Dattle said...

You definitely add a "WOW" factor! Modern and Fabulous!!!

Lisa said...

Love the fireplace those stainless steel strips look fabulous! I love your stumps I have one currently in my back yard acting as a side table (it was from a tree that we had to take down at our cottage). I have been using it au naturel but I should at least varnish it - another job for this summer....

DecRenew Interiors said...

Fireplace is absolutely stunning! Such grandeur and sophistication.

Ruthie

Christy said...

Victoria, that fireplace is AMAZING. I've never seen one like that before, and it might just be my new favorite fireplace EVER! And I love that you included a photo of you resting - resting is key! Hope you have a great week!

Diane Schuller said...

oh wow, that fireplace makeover is to die for!

Linda @ theLENNOXX said...

The second I saw your tree stump I thought about the Pottery Barn stumps, and then I clicked the link and you had used the exact same images! hahah! I love the stump side tables, what a great idea to DIY it!

Looking forward to see your curtains all done, and the fireplace turned out sooo nice! I wonder do you think the owners will place anything in the "hole" above the fireplace? It's so sculptural that it doesn't need anything, just curious =)

Have a great day girls,

Linda

Gayle said...

It looks like you've been busy on a lot of things! I can't wait to see the stump table and drapes when they're finished. The fireplace is amazing! What a huge difference!

Tammy@InStitches said...

You do have a lot going on. I'm in love with that fireplace !
My knees hurt just thinking about making drapes on the floor. ;)

Moore Minutes said...

That literally just took my breath away! What an absolutely incredible fireplace! I'm floored...and very impressed.

Also, I just posted a gorgeous city loft remodel that my cousin did, turning her space into a hip and modern feel. I would LOVE LOVE to have your input on it. It would make my day.

http://www.mooreminutes.com/2010/04/apartment-therapy-feature-hip-and.html

Do you ever do features of other people's spaces on your blog? Her loft is incredible. Thank you for your time!
Lisa

Joselyn said...

Beautiful fireplace with a modern feel! Love it!

Julia @ Hooked on Houses said...

Holy cow! That fireplace transformation blew me away. So cool!!

Fana Syeda said...

I like the fireplace you made..liked your blog, started following it.. keep up your good work !!

BubBLeS said...

That fireplace looks totally awesome!! Great work! To think you actually stained the wood yourself and came up with the metal strips. You're so talented :)

Can't wait to see your tree stumps!

Post a Comment

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.