While you were away...

I have been absent from blogging for a looong time but I have kept up on as many "home projects" as time and finances would allow.
 That is my personal joy after all!

A few projects from 2011:

I've painted the front door red.

The door was a classy black but I'm loving the spicey red!

I Painted this old dark pine bed:

It's still too big for this small room but the white has really lightened-up the space.

I've added a wall of Ikea shelves in the loft for my ever-growing book collection. Looks like I need to buy some more books, hubby!!!

We spruced up the laundry room:

We added the cabinets and moved the washer/dryer from the back wall to the side wall. Now it is more like a galley-style rather than walking straight in to the appliances. The room has a much more spacious appearance and I love having the cabinets.

And...last, but far from least, we created a new flower bed in the front yard: (photos to come on a future post)

Looking ahead (I always have an idea brewing!)

A few projects for 2012:

I have two "must-do" projects but many more are percolating in that head of mine.
   
    1) A Dining Room re-do with board and batten wainscoting and new paint. I'm  feeling closed in with the dark terracotta and want to lighten up with white wainscote and trim. I haven't chosen a new wall color yet but thinking about butter. LOL, maybe coffee, cherries, blueberries or even pickles? What do you think?!?!?
    2) Adding a Mini Mudroom between the garage and front entry doors. Can you believe, our house doesn't have a coat closet? I use the wall behind the door to hang keys and umbrellas with a basket to stash mail so why not go ahead and add bead-board, shelves, baskets and a peg rack? Granted, it will be a very, "mini" mudroom, but it will add some architechture and purpose to that area.

More posts on these project ideas as they progress.

One goal for 2012 is learning to knit and do some cross-stitching. (when I'm not working, sawing, nailing, planting or painting, LOL!) I bought a knitting loom kit to learn on, and a few iron-on cross stitch patterns to try.  I need to be able to knit those baby booties and blankets, one day...sigh.

And finally, I'm dreaming about getting an embroidery machine, not sure if this one will come true this year or not but happiness is having something to do, someone to love and something to hope for! :)

Happy 2012 Ya'll!