Wait a minute Mr. Postman

Saturday I had mentioned on MCLFH facebook page that I needed to paint my ancient and decrepit mailbox. The mailbox was attached to the house when we moved here 12 yrs ago. It was horribly rusted and faded to a dull grayish black. So I slapped a coat of spray paint and added a little stencil and forgot about it. For 12 years. Until I was getting the mail on Saturday and was chased away by rather angry wasps who decided my mailbox was their dream home. Once I got away (i.e. securely in my house, behind closed and locked doors) and my heart returned to it's normal beat, I decided 1) they must go...and suffer  2) My mailbox was looking a wee bit shabby.

before

Out came the wasp and hornet killer spray, and I waited patiently for sundown and all the angry buzzing to cease. Then carefully opening the mailbox, holding the lid open with a clothespin  the wasp nest got zapped. And I mouthed thank you and gave the hubbs the thumbs up sign while he sprayed and ran.  Ummm, you seriously didn't think I was gonna do that, right?! So when the wasps were eliminated the hubbs took the mailbox off the wall of the house and knocked out the nest for me. I used the hose to spray it down and remove any pesticide. Then wiped it with rubbing alcohol which helps eliminate any greasy residue from the pesticide and binds with the water to speed drying.  Once the mailbox looked dry I did wipe it down with paper towels to make sure.

Now for some inspiration...

http://www.copperjungle.com/mailboxes/standardhorizontalmailboxes/thenatural.htm

http://coppermailboxesonline.com/

http://www.archivedesigns.com/PAGES-METALWORK/MAILBOXES/MAILBOX-MB7.html

http://www.copperjungle.com/mailbox/largehorizontalmailboxes.htm

http://www.oldhousejournal.com/products-for-the-home-garden/magazine/1644

Out came the 100 grit sandpaper to knock off any of the burrs and give the surface some teeth so the paint would adhere. After tacking it off, I sprayed with Rustoleum hammered copper but it was to bright and shiny for my taste. Then I oversprayed  with the hammered brown/ bronze. Much better.

Hmmmm...I like the finish, it just looks kind of plain.

 Out comes a stencil.

And the hammered copper paint.

TA DA!

I sprayed the lid hammered copper for a nice 2 tone look and to pick up on the sunburst. 

What do you think? Not perfect but nothing in my house (life or world) is anywhere near perfect. I like it. Who knows maybe I will bling it up down the road. Until the thing falls apart I refuse to spend the money on a new mailbox. Yes I know I can get a cheap generic one for $13 and some change. Mine has character. And I am ok with that.

Total cost= FREE
I had all materials on hand (Mailbox, stencil, and both cans of paint)

Next project: New House Numbers!

Linking Up

http://howtonestforless.com/2012/04/02/just-a-party-with-my-peeps-8/

http://www.homestoriesatoz.com/2012/04/tutorials-tips-link-party-54.html

Cozy Home Scenes: Your Cozy Home Party

http://joy2journey.blogspot.com/2012/04/sunday-stop-6-partying-from-cali.html

http://www.finecraftguild.com/party/

Stencil Madness

Earlier this month I lamented the lack of design in my stairwell (as shown here). Well I went on a mission of inspiration to one of the happiest places on earth. No--not Disneyland. Or  IKEA. I went to Michael's. I love craft stores!

While shopping for some Christmas craft goodies (which is another post), I decided to wander the aisles and I stumbled upon some stencils! I found my inspiration!

Martha Stewart Crafts™ Arabesque Laser-Cut Stencils

There are 11 different stencils in this pack. originally priced at $16.99 but I had a coupon for 40% . After the coupon discount and tax I paid $10.90 which is the equivalent of $0.99 per stencil. Not to bad my little mathematical minions!  I envision all sorts of stenciling projects. WOOT!

 I like these 2 the best.

Iron works

Arabesque tile

The lower portion of the staircase 

   

will be painted Valspar Smoked Oyster 

6005-1C

The  upper portion of the staircase

will be painted  Valspar Oatlands Subtle Taupe

6005-1B

Then to break up the expanse I will stencil the Ironwork's pattern in a Pearlized white. I think the white will provide a nice contrast. The pearl will have just enough sheen and shimmer to bounce the light around. I do plan to add artwork, photos, and possibly a quilt.  (Don't forget the stair treads will be a nice dark Cappuccino color and the risers a bright crisp white!) 

I love the ideal of this stencil. It will look like wallpaper without all the icky glue. So excited to work on this! That is until I have a hunchback and claw-hands from spouncing paint for the stencil effect. Oh and there is the whole afraid of heights  and climbing a 14 foot ladder issue. Details, details....

And to my daughter who said-"Your just gonna paint it Beige and Cream, Mom. It's your thing."  I say  "Hush yer' mouth!"

(And I just might work that Arabesque tile pattern onto my risers...you just never know!)

Upstairs, Downstairs

I have a very narrow and steep staircase. The stairwell has a decrepit  mine shaft vibe going for it right now. I am looking for ways to make the space inviting  and reflect upon that you are transitioning from the public house space to the private space of the bedrooms and dressing room. 

Currently the plaster walls are cracking and very banged up along with a very tired coat of Behr brand OatStraw on the walls. We removed the baby blue 40 yr. old carpet to uncover oak treads. I would like stain the stair treads dark (cappuccino) and paint the risers a crisp, bright white. 

Looking up (sorry for the weird slant)

 Here you can also get a bird's eye view of the door at the bottom of the stairs. Unfortunately it must stay because it is the only way to move furniture up/ down the stairs.

Looking down

 Here there is a weird pseudo-cubby that really is dead space. Not sure what to do here. Hang a mirror or art? Someday I would like a window. Lots of light! The picture doesn't show well but the light fixture is the only thing I like in the stairwell.  It is shaped like an acorn, has a milk glass shade and the hardware is brushed satin nickel.

Looking straight ahead from the landing

Color options?

(Oatlands Subtle Taupe, Smoked Oyster, Smoke Infusion)

(Betsy Ross House Green, Winter Calm, Jekyll Crane Cottage Yellow)

Our upstairs bath has the Subtle Taupe Ceiling and Smoke Infusion walls.  My dining room/ office has Smoked Oyster walls. All trim and doors are/ will be crisp white. My dressing room is painted Winter Calm.  I think I will paint the lower stairwell walls Smoked Oyster. The upper and lower walls are separated by the 10 inch wood molding (similar to a chair rail divisor).

The upper wall will be Subtle Taupe with a simple stenciled motif with a contrasting color. The green will be a bridge color in the upper hallway. The yellow will eventually be used in the spare room. All of the colors (similar shades) are found throughout my house. It is just a matter of making a cohesive color story.

 I love the ideal of stenciling a quote on the stairs. Something like this....

Courtesy of  tickingandtoile.blogspot.com

Family photographs in assorted frame shapes and sizes (all painted white, maybe a sprinkle of silver) will be on one wall. Perhaps mount  an heirloom quilt on the other wall to help muffle the sound? And what to do to conceal that door? It is only in use 2 or 3 times a year. Maybe mount a custom sized decorative screen? So many possibilities. So what do you think? Ideals and suggestions are welcome! Also if someone wants to bring a ladder and help, that is even more welcome, ha!