Sunday, May 17, 2009

Making a silk purse out of a sow's ear

Bonjour from Campagne Maison


The Sow's Ear


Who says “you can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear”?

Who says you can’t use the colors of the ocean when decorating a 100 year old country farmhouse in the hills of East TN?

I think a person should decorate their homes—or in this case, their gardens, in what ever makes them happy. Bright cheerful colors make me happy. They appear to be a “light bulb” burning where one does not exist. They seem to holler out and say “look at me”. They make the mundane seem important.

I have two park benches that have been neglected from years of wear and tear and being left outside to weather the elements. Being one that is not afraid to use color and who loves the surprise of the “unexpected” when decorating, I took on yet another project this weekend. This is the first one finished as a storm surge prevented me from continuing my work outside.
I had the DH remove all the old wood from both benches and replace it and the screws with new. I cleaned and painted the cast iron framework and applied a GOOD dose of color and sealer to the wooden slats. The addition of the unexpected stenciled crown turned this “sow’s ear” into a beautiful silk purse. A place fit for a queen to sit!
I feel the need to channel Candace Olsen... “How Divine”…


The Silk Purse

Please leave a comment if you stopped by the farmhouse for a visit today. We just love having company!

Au revoir,

3 comments:

Vera said...

lIKE THE SILK PURSE...

Jacque said...

Thanks for stopping by the farmhouse and for the nice comment, Vera! Sometimes all it takes is some elbow grease and a little bit of paint! Reminds me of the the difference in the way I look AFTER I put on a little bit of makeup...LOL

Anonymous said...

That bench looks really nice