Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Kitchen's Done!

Well, as done as it's gonna get for now. In my last update, you saw the cabinets were finished. Now the "garage" half of the room has it's own fresh coat of paint.



Last week, we installed the mini blinds and vertical blinds. They look SO much better than the old pink drapes! Clean, neat, and modern... just what I wanted.


(The framed print you see next to the door is one of my sister-in-law's pear images.)

About two weeks into the project, Marble Man and I were talking in that Stream-of-Consciousness way we do, when he said, "You know, you could paint the switch and outlet covers... you could even make each one different!" I cringed inside because, usually when he makes a suggestion of "what I can do", it involves WAY more work than I want to put into whatever it is.

I had to agree that his suggestion was a creative one, and I did like the idea, but I knew in my heart it was going to take a lot of time. I promised I'd think about it and work up some designs.



Then I'd try one, just one, on the next rainy day. He rubbed his hands together with glee saying, "Oh, good! 'Cuz I know you can't stop at just one." Living with someone who knows me that well is a curse, I tell ya!

Wouldn't you know, last week it rained? And rained, and rained... *sigh*. Time to honor my promise and get out the acrylics and fine brushes.



I must confess, I got through my college art studies and never took a painting class. Whatever I've learned over the years has been through trial and error, and discussions with my mom about her own painting experiences.

My first switch cover turned out so well, I can hardly believe I did it myself!


I woke up the day after I finished the first one (still raining), feeling all charged up to work on the second:


Two down, five to go! Each cover took me several hours to do. I used the acrylics like watercolors so I had to wait between each wash for the paints to dry before moving onto the next layer.

I don't think we can use the words "bland" or "depressing" to describe this room anymore. It turned out so well, I do a little happy dance when it's time to cook.

copyright 2009 Shibori Girl

16 comments:

Enzie Shahmiri said...

Your kitchen turned out so lovely! It is bright and cheery and reflects your creativity. I think this project was well worth it. Congratulations my friend! :)

Unknown said...

Kate, your kitchen is so beautiful! And those switch covers... I have never seen anything so lovely! Wow, they are so beautiful and what awesome conversation pieces!

rochambeau said...

You did it!!!
& IT TURNED OUT GREAT, KATE!!!!!
Your switch plates look very nice too! What a happy room you created with your own two talented hands!!

xox
Constance

Unknown said...

and happy you should be! Beautiful kitchen and the personal touches make it come alive...

congrats!

gypsymoondesigns said...

I love it! I have always wanted a kitchen in that color. I noticed your sister in laws painting right away, very pretty.

Your light switch covers are so beautiful. Great job all around!

lori vliegen said...

wow, kate!! your kitchen looks fabulous!! and did i read that right.....you've never had a painting class?!! i think that your light switch covers would argue with you on that one.....they're fantastic!

now that the kitchen's done....what's for dinner?!! :))))

Gabriela said...

Hello Kate,


Love your kitchen's new look!



~ Gabriela ~

trisha too said...

the kitchen is pretty, pretty, pretty, but the switch plate covers are fantastic!!

(ps--you are so right about the chocolate . . . )

:)

Faded Plains said...

Oh...Wow...your switch plates look amazing...they are truly little works of art.

Snap said...

Well done and I love the switch plates. Very clever.

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Fete et Fleur said...

It looks AWESOME!!! Those electric plate covers ar TDF!

Hugs!
Nancy

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
EADotCom said...

O my you have given me ideas indeed! Glorious!

Thanks for dropping by my site. Have been following you on my newsfeed but not had much time to go visiting these days. Will definitely try to make amends especially when your creativity sparks mine!

LW said...

Your kitchen looks wonderful
and the switch plates are fantastic and beautifully done.
Cannot wait to see the five others.

Louise

a fanciful twist said...

Happy Happy Happy Thanksgiving Miss Kate! Long time long time!!
xoxox