THE COUNTRY FARM HOME

Monday, February 11, 2013

Cottage Glass Cabinet--What a Difference a Little Paint Makes

Yesterday was a rainy, stormy, gloomy day. . . .I began looking for something to brighten the dreariness. . . .which led me to this cottage glass cabinet. . . .

It's been a dark addition to the living room for four or five years. . . .I intended to paint it, but you know how that goes. . . .

Since we're working on the living room redo--as time permits--I decided I should brighten that corner of the room. . . .A little white paint did the trick. . . .

It's actually a lovely piece. . . .a handmade Arts & Crafts cottage style display, ca. 1920. . . .
The panes are blown glass. . . .the interior is painted beadboard. . . .I left the original soft green inside--a beautiful backdrop for my collections.

I love it's simplicity.

Before, the cabinet looked big, bulky and in the way. . . .Now, it works with it's surroundings perfectly.

Originally a bookcase, the shelves hold Granny's demitasse cup collection, Mom's crystal glassware, my collection of pedestal cake plates, and numerous family heritage pieces. . . .

It's so charming. . . . came from western Tennessee--out of a 1920s bungalow. . . .A friend of ours spotted it and knew it was just what we needed for the farmhouse. . . .That's the same friend who found the bathroom tub for us--being used as a flower bed. . . .

Making my day even brighter, John arrived home yesterday afternoon with a surprise--this precious framed print. . . .Isn't he the romantic? He says it's a younger version of us. . . .Such a sweetie.
I immediately displayed it on top of the newly painted cottage cabinet, along with the ironstone and a paint splattered basket. . . .

With a ladder and a vintage quilt, the cozy little corner is complete. . . .

I have paint left--beginning to eye a few other pieces. . . .There's a vintage mirror standing in another corner that I bought junkin' this weekend. . . .Hmmmm. . . .
Where's that brush. . . .

. . .from my farmhouse to yours. . .

Sharing this post with: * Wow Us Wednesdays * Show & Tell * Feathered Nest Friday * Home Sweet Home * Be Inspired Fridays * Simple & Sweet Fridays * Share Your Cup Thursday * Knick of Time Tuesday * Budget Decorating Party * Tweak It Tuesday

Saturday, February 9, 2013

Rag Rug Loom Giveaway!

Calling all Rag Ruggers and Rag Rugging Wanna Bees!

John's been busy again!

This time putting together a Mini Rag Rug Loom

that's the perfect size for weaving a hot pad

or a roomy coaster

or a small rug for a doll house

or a decorating accent. . . .

I can think of so many uses for these cute little rugs. . . .

The loom is perfect for trying your hand at rag rugging

before your invest in a larger one. . . .

Perfect for teaching the art of weaving, too. . . .

Or as a gift to a crafty friend!

I love this Mini Rag Rug Loom.
It's so much FUN!

It doesn't take long to make a Mini Rag Rug either.

I can weave one in less than two hours--

and that includes tearing the fabric.

As a thank you to everyone for following The Country Farm Home
(and I DO Thank each and every one of you),

I'm giving away one of John's Mini Rag Rug Looms! *

The Winner will receive a loom and the instructions for weaving.
I'll even throw in this Mini Rag Rug, too!

The rules are simple:

Become a Follower of The Country Farm Home

and

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

In The Pink--Strawberry Cupcakes & Transferware

Valentine's Day is around the corner! As if you didn't know. . . .

I've learned through the years something I'm sure most of you women already know. . . . The best way to my Sweetie's heart is through his tummy!

With that in mind, I thought I'd try an idea I had for Two Ingredient Cupcakes--this time using strawberries. . . . I love how fast I can make a batch, as well as the simplicity of it. . . .They turn out so moist and delicious. . . .So delicious that the minute they came out of the oven, John and Boo both suddenly appeared in the kitchen, begging for a taste.

I did give in. . . .let John have a sample. . . .not Boo. . . .He IS a cat, although he thinks he's human. . . .

John gave me a two thumbs up on the recipe. . . .Then wanted another.
Bless his heart. . . .He does love his Sweets.

Two Ingredient Strawberry Cupcakes
1 Box White Cake Mix
1 15-oz can Strawberries in Syrup
     (reserve 3 tablespoons syrup for
      icing--optional)
Blend Strawberries and Syrup together. Add Cake Mix.
Bake at 350 degrees, approximately 30 minutes.

Cream Cheese Icing
1 8-oz package Cream Cheese, room temp
1 Stick Butter, room temp
3 Tablespoons reserved Syrup
   or 1 teaspoon Vanilla
3-5 Cups Sifted Powdered Sugar
Cream Butter and Cream Cheese together. Add Syrup or Vanilla, then Powdered Sugar to the consistency desired.

I brought out the Rose Transferware for a Valentine's Day vignette featuring the Strawberry Cupcakes. . . .Alas, I have very few pieces of it. . . .I'm constantly on the lookout for more that is within my budget, but they're few and far between. . . . .
What you see here is the extent of the collection.

A few cups and saucers. . . .A small bowl. . . .

A couple of crazed dessert plates. . . .

And, a plate that reads, "A Good Mother Makes A Happy Home". . . . A Tribute to Mother by Norma Sherman of Staffordshire, England. . . .

I'm a little confused as to what to call the transferware. . . .I've seen these dishes referred to as Pink and as Red and as Rose. . . .Which is it? I chose Rose because that's my best friend's name. . . .but, I'd like to know which is correct. Maybe you could enlighten me?

Will there be more Rose Transferware in my future? I hope so!. . . .If nothing else, it gives me an excuse for junkin'. . . .as if I needed one. . .

For now, I'm just hoping the Strawberry Cupcakes will earn me a Valentine's Day dinner out. . . .but, as fast as they're disappearing, I may have to make another batch for the big day. . . .just as a reminder. . . .

. . .sending Love from my farmhouse to yours. . .

Sharing this post with: * Home Sweet Home * Be Inspired Fridays * Simple & Sweet Friday *Share Your Cup Thursday

Monday, February 4, 2013

My Blue Haven--Simplifying the Bath

"When Wippoorwills call, and evening is nigh,

I'll hurry to my Blue Haven (Heaven). . ."

"A turn to the right, A little white light,

Will lead you to my Blue Haven (Heaven)."

I love the serenity of our Farmhouse Bath. . . .It is often a haven for me after a busy day's work. . . .Lighted candles, soft music, a hot bubble bath with rubber duckies. . . .

a heavenly haven. . . .

The Robin's Nest Blue and white wall colors were chosen several years ago during the initial renovation. . . .The bead board on the dresser sink wall, the ceiling, and the tub are that pale blue--the rest of the walls are painted a soft white called Silver Feather. . . .I thought about painting everything with the white. . . .White paint works wonders for a light and bright room--but, for me, too much white can leave a room feeling sterile. Add a touch of a second color and instantly things become more interesting. . . .

I had no idea a few weeks ago just what a challenge I'd have taking our bath from "cottage cozy" to "farmhouse plain & simple." What started out to be a quick room make-over ended up taking considerable effort on my part--physically and mentally.

I've heard all my life that it's hard to teach an old dog new tricks. I once looked at others and swore I'd never get stuck in the same old rut. Famous last words!

There's nothing wrong with cozy cottage style. It's been updated over the decades as it's popularity continues. But, the challenge was to change my mind set and move toward a simpler look.

Did I learn a LOT! It's not easy to do Plain & Simple. . . .At least not for me.

On the first day, I thought I'd have the bath done by noon--no problem. . . .Two days later, I was still changing vignettes. . . .My tendency toward small groupings of many items was certainly challenged. . . .I found myself removing most of what I'd spent two days of continuous work putting together. . . .

Before

After

Before

After

I discovered the use of a larger piece sure makes a vignette "pop" when striving for simple. . . .

Before

After

A splash of color doesn't hurt either. . . .

With color on one side of the dresser sink, toning down to a more neutral grouping seems to be a better choice for the opposite side. . . .

Before

After

In a few places, I couldn't decide which vignette I liked the most. . . .

The one touch I didn't change was the clothesline in the corner. . . .For me, it speaks Farmhouse. . .and, it makes people smile at the unexpected. . . .

I learned many years ago that it's a good thing to "reiterate" not only colors but a theme. . . . If there is laundry on the line, there should be a wash tub and clothespins near by. . . .

As I gained a little plain & simple insight, I realized the secret of numbers in the groupings. . . .odd numbers were good. . . .no more than five together. . . .when possible. . . .

My favorite numbers were three and five. . . .The wash tub grouping is a perfect example. . . .the pot of clothespins counting as one. . . .

I think defining Plain & Simple Farmhouse Style has certainly become all about old fashioned simplicity and charm at our Country Farm Home. . . .

Although I learned so much from this bath challenge--I'm still learning! There's room for improvement. . . . I'm the first to admit, the bath still carries a cottage look to it--a softer, serene rendition of cottage cozy, though, don't you think? Maybe I'm developing my own style, incorporating all the styles I've found most appealing through the years--the style that speaks the most of Home for me. . . .
And, that can only come with time and practice--an on-going lesson to learn. . . .