Sighs, signs and swaps

I had a million things to do this week and little time to get them completed before I pick up our 3 nieces and 1 nephew tomorrow.   Do you ever wonder how you seem to be busy every single minute of the day- but not very much is showing for your efforts?  I'm having a week like that.  I'm having a year like that!

I did manage to get a sign made for the backyard, but with the wind blowing so hard it will not be getting hung tonite.  After photographing it, I realize that it could use a little more distressing.  Five minutes out in the heat and wind should take care of that!   I'd also like to find some sort of iron embellishments to jazz it up.  I'm going to stop in at a few shops on the way to Brenham tomorrow and maybe I'll find something fun to add to the sign.  I'm meeting my Mom and Aunties so we can do the "kid swap".  We like to meet at Must Be Heaven for lunch and then I generally browse the shops.  I will not be dragging 4 munchkins through the shops, so you ladies up in Brenham can relax.  You are safe.  This time.  ;  )

I think the sign will be fun by the pool.  And a good reminder that we are free to be happy.  It's up to us to decide how we get there.

 I finally finished one of the ottomans I've been meaning to paint for the last 4 years...I found them at TJ's for $40 each.  As I was attempting to get them out the NON automatic door, one of them fell off my cart and crashed onto the pavement.  Wasn't pretty!  The hinges broke (the top lifts) and the wood cracked.   I was not looking forward to stripping, sanding, priming, painting and poly coating these suckers.  Which is the reason they had never been painted.  I originally covered the seat cushion in animal print with a large monogram.  They were pretty, but I wanted to move them from where they were.  I'm thinking I should have put some embroidery on these, too.  A big cream monogram or icon of some sort.  Plenty of time for that later....I have four children coming.  I have bigger fish to fry.  ;  )

 I used Annie Sloan Old Ochre as the base and then added Old White.  These were maple so I really had to spend quite a bit of time filling in around the carving on the legs.  Tedious, but worth it.  I didn't want the maple to show through.  I waxed with clear, sanded and then waxed with a mixture of clear and dark. 

 I am always amazed at the beautiful finish!

The fabric came from Interiors in Houston.  Not likely that I can find more since I bought it a few years ago.   Maybe I'll get lucky and find a yard or two at their summer clearance.  Keeping my fingers crossed.  I love the texture.  You can't tell from the photos, but it's a beautiful herringbone pattern in the most perfect shade of soft turquoise.  I have this fabric in three other shades...it's such a classic and I never tire of looking at it.

So what do you think...leave the top as is or give it some embroidery?  I'm taking a vote.  Of course, I will actually have to risk my life to get into my sewing room.   I don't see that project completed until September.  I think it might be quicker to blow it up and start over!  LOL

Once I decide what to do, I'll post a before and after for the big reveal.  It's just too fun to see the hideous fabric you find on these things!

Also...I have not forgotten the giveaway.  My model ran off to Hawaii.  When she returns, I'll be posting something fun for a couple of you to win!

I'll be out until next week...after the return "kid swap" takes place.  :  )

Have a great weekend!

T.