On the Porch

I took some time over the weekend to clean my three season porch.  It's still a bit too cold to sit out there, but at least when I look out the slider I see the hope of spring.

Last night we had a winter storm warning for freezing rain and then I heard the loudest clap of thunder I have ever experienced (louder than when my house got struck by lightening when I was a child).  The power flickered and the whole house shook.  I was waiting for the sound of trees falling as our yard has many.  But all was well!

I know that for me, I enjoy spring so much more when the winter has been long and harsh.  It is so fitting that Easter arrives in all it's beauty on the heels of winter.  Such a picture of the death and resurrection of our Lord.

I'm praying for some sunshine today.  I've decided that if the sun doesn't show itself I'm going to the nearest florist and diving into the flowers.  I need color!

Hugs,

Beautiful Breezeway

I was visiting my friend, Diane, yesterday and asked her if I could take some pictures of her gorgeous breezeway to show you.  Diane is a very talented lady with an eye for display and the uncanny ability to always find the best treasures when we are out junking together.  She makes beautiful quilts as well and I am always inspired to create after being in her home and spending time with her.

She has a lovely dress form, as I do, that she likes to fancy up with vintage petticoats and velvet.  Diane can find the most unusual hats and has a great collection.  I always love it when she wears one unexpectedly.

I think the black wicker sofa looks fabulous against the pink walls.  Our friend, Jan, is responsible for making the cushions on the furniture and Diane made the cute pillows.

The fabric and trim on this cushion makes me swoon!  I made the pillow for her awhile back.  So fun to see your friends use the gifts you make them.

This darling pink wheelbarrow is one of her latest acquisitions.  I have never seen one like this before.  See what I mean about her ability to find cute things?

I remember being with her when she found this shutter.  She painted it this delicious green and hung it as art - genius!

This picture did not capture the built in magazine rack on the side of this vintage wicker chair.  Quite a unique find.  I remember being on vacation with Diane when she found "Jack".  He will be moved out to the garden when the weather gets nicer.

She has many adorable vintage pictures of children.  The colors go so nicely with all the other decorative items in the room.

I think this puppy print is so sweet.  Diane has 3 doggies of her own and often has her brother's new puppy as well.  They are a loving bunch and I get a kick out of their enthusiasm to see me when I visit.

Diane paints furniture beautifully and this pale lavender side table turned out great!  Aren't the ducks cute?

This decorative shelf is one of my favorite pieces in the room.  I love all the chipped paint!  The colors are amazing reminding me of a vintage porcelain doll.

Diane's husband is a very talented carpenter and has made many beautiful pieces of furniture for my home.  He made this shelf with the door knob hangers.  It is a great focal point in the room.  Thank you Diane for the tour and for allowing me to show your beautiful breezeway!

Be blessed today,

Fun News!

I would like to share with you some exciting news.  Today my little porch has been featured on the website, "Front Porch Ideas and More".  When Dave and Mary contacted me and told me of their plans to add my porch, I was excited that my humble space was to be added with all the beautiful porches they feature.  You can find my story under "Renee's Easy Decorating Ideas for Spring".   I hope that your Monday is filled with sunshine and laughter!

With joy,

On The Porch

The weather has been so wonderful that I decided to bring my three season porch out of hibernation.  It's a bit risky because there are rumors of snow flurries coming next week.  I just couldn't stand it any longer and decided to take my chances.  Would you like a tour?

The porch is a work-in-progress.  The floors were put in about a year and a half ago.  It was just poured concrete and we had a company come out and resurface it with concrete which has a color in it and then they texture it to look like large ceramic tiles.  This cupboard came from a barn sale that I love to frequent.

I purchased this wonderfully, whimsical, windmill at my friend, Diane's barn sale.  I just love the charm and color it adds to the room.

This afghan was one of my most favorite finds purchased at an estate sale.  The dear lady that owned this decorated most of her home in roses.  I believe we could have been good friends.

I enjoy decorating with old doors and screens.  I think they add a bit of texture and interest to an otherwise bare wall.  Perfect for porch decorating.

I keep playing with color out here and love this pretty pale sea foam green chair with the cobalt blue one above.  This pillow came from the same estate sale as the afghan.

I love that someone took the time to make this iron stool a pretty ruffled seat cover.  The perfect spot for my "Cup of Kindness" teacup planter.

Pretty pink geraniums add color by the windows.  I do use silk flowers in the porch so I'm not trying to water live plants over the wicker sofa.

My dear friend, Joyce made the banner for me.  I love it on the porch where I can see it every day.  She has a beautiful blog and you can visit her here.

I get so much enjoyment out of my wicker coffee table.  The little wedges come out and you can use them for foot stools or extra seating.

Aren't they fun?  I recovered them last year with rhubarb colored gingham.  Fabric doesn't get much happier than gingham.

A sweet little arbor to hold some herbs.  A fabulous iron sculpted rose from Joyce in the wine bottle that comes from the restaurant of the first job I ever held at 15 years old.

A favorite sign purchased at my friend, Nancy's barn sale.  I realize that lilies is spelled wrong, but that just adds to the charm.

I can get so much joy out of ordinary, everyday objects especially when they are painted in two of my favorite colors.  You would have thought I had won the lottery the day I found them, I acted so silly.

The birdhouse was a fun project.  It came unadorned and I, of course, couldn't have that.  So buttons it was.  Makes me smile every time I look at it.

One last sign to show you.  It is the back of a chair.  The chair was attached for quite some time and sat in my garden, but this is all that remains.  The best part really.  I hope you enjoyed the tour!

Sunshine & laughter,