jennifer, Author at Hopeful Homemaker

Thrifted Bookshelf Makeover

April 22, 2010 jennifer Decorating

The return of sunshine and warm temperatures means a lot of good things.

One of them is the opportunity to paint. I picked up this little bookshelf at my local thrift store for $5.

It spent the winter in the garage holding shoes. This week I went after it with a can of Rustoleum’s Heirloom White spray paint.

It’s a nice creamy white. I chose not to distress it after painting.

One of the things I liked about the shelf was it’s open construction. With no sides or back it seems to use less space. I also like the character of the posts. Another interesting thing about it is the angled top shelf. It was clearly an easel or music stand at one point.

The good thing about this is that it can’t catch a bunch of clutter on the top shelf. The down side is that I have this plain piece of wood on top:

I think it might be fun to add a monogram.

Regardless, I’m happy to have it now holding the books that have been stacked on the floor in my bedroom. I added a few pieces of my collection of vintage silver. It’s nice to get them out of the cupboard.

I’m curious. Would you add a monogram or leave it as is? Any ideas?

Thanks for stopping by! Have a great day!

Hopeful Homemaker Linked to The Inspired Room , Transformation Thursday and Remodelaholic

14 comments Decorating, white

Touching the Sky

April 21, 2010 jennifer Musings on Life and Beauty

When I was a girl, I loved to swing. I remember the day I learned to “pump” by myself. When I was old enough to go to school the swings were the only thing I was interested in during recess.

I remember how satisfying it felt to reach my toes up into the sky as high as I could go. I felt free.

All these memories came flooding back when I watched my daughter smiling on the swings a few days ago.

For a moment I wished I was seven years old again, touching the blue sky with my toes.

Thank goodness for children and the memories they rescue.

Hopeful Homemaker

One comment life

Rural Jardin by French General

April 21, 2010 jennifer Quilting and Sewing

A layer cake from French General’s second fabric collection arrived in the mail last week and I’ve been looking at it ever since.

I must admit that I braced myself for disappointment because I loved Rouenneries so much. The thought was unnecessary; I’m very impressed! Here’s a peek at this beautiful new collection.

A very pretty array of cream with reds.

Followed by an equally beautiful selection of cream with blues.

Toile in three colorways.

More of the red-faded-to-pink color that was in Rouenneries.

And some GORGEOUS deep reds that I’m loving.

This pretty selection of dusty aquas.

And this STUNNING group of deep blue.

I think this is my favorite print in the entire bunch. It comes in red, aqua and beige as well.

There are also some beautiful solids.

I was unable to find any at my local shops, but I know that this collection also includes an incredible selection of wovens, particularly plaids. The few I’ve seen are amazing. I wish I had a layer cake or some charm packs of the wovens as well. Simply beautiful!

Once again, French General has done a great job. This line contains all of my favorite colors: red, white, blue and aqua. Lots of pretty florals that call up memories of dresses from many years ago. And although I don’t have pictures, that adorable little design along the selvage is on every bolt again. Good thing! I really like that touch. I hope it’s part of their signature style.

This lovely group is my next project. I’m so excited to see these incredible prints work together. Nice work, Kaari! You’ve done it again!

Hopeful Homemaker

3 comments fabric

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