Summer Project 2013

I have been so out of whack since the late spring.  Something about end of school and starting summer with a bang and never really stopping for a breath…..I guess that is my excuse.

My summer has been pretty busy, not unlike most moms with a gaggle of kids.  We had camp, and lots of Swim Team, friends and a family trip.  It is unreal our summer is only about 8 weeks.  Just not enough time.  Not to say I am not ready for some consistency, but I dread the strict time schedule and the nagging about homework and going to bed and getting up.  I dread the running around with all those activities, errands and exercise while trying to balance the homework and meals.  When I say ‘homework’ I am also lovingly referring to my load as well.

This was my 'Project List' to
organize my kid-free week. Ha ha!

So that brings me to my summer project.  Well, I actually had some dream-of-a-list of projects to get done while all three of my kids were at summer camp in June.  It was the first time in years they all were gone for days and I was at home. I prioritized my list and decided the best thing to work on that needed non-stop focus:  my armoire in the Master Bedroom.

This armoire was one of our first purchases after we moved to Tennessee.  It is a good brand, sturdy and well made.  It has been through 2 moves and 3 kids banging it up.  The armoire found a home in our Master, along with our other dark wood furniture. 

This is the 'before' pic.

I decided I wanted to paint it and distress it just a bit.  This would lighten up the room and avoid competing with my other dark furniture.  It had seen better days and lost a few knobs.  So Mr. Lizzard (hubby) helped me slide paper under the edges and I taped off the room around this project piece.

The kids left for camp and I worked hard but had many distractions with cleaning and our Swim Team starting up as I was volunteering with the team.  I had most of it completed by the end of camp.  

...and mid-way through...

I painted it with a creamy white chalk paint, then highlighted areas with a taupe chalk paint.  I distressed.  

I distressed too much for that piece in that room.  So, then I did a pale warm gray chalk paint wash and rubbed it all over.  I slightly sanded this time.  This made the finish less distressed.  It took forever to finish the whole project.  I followed with an antique wax about 2 weeks later.   I love it in my room!

Ta-da!!!  All done (finally)!

So much better now...

My list barely had a dent in it by the end of camp and certainly by the end of our summer break.  I have cleaned out just a smidge here and there. We did a lot of Swim Team and a lot of running around.  That is life.   One day, my house will be empty and my project lists will have more checks than now.  

For now, I can look ahead at the school year and try to plan a few projects….of course between activities, homework and work, dinner, errands…. you know the drill.  Sometimes LIFE gets in the way.  And that is ok by me.  Just remind me.

With Joy!

Tracey

Pink Lizzard Designs!