Homemade Pool Signs....

I am busying myself with making signs for our pool area! They will actually be hung in the outdoor kitchen/building. We will be starting that in mid-August. *Ugh....more construction!*

I started by buying unpainted wooden plaques at AC Moore. I bought two of the larger rectangle ones, two of the larger ovals, and one of each smaller size. I then painted them with Glidden's "Pacific Khaki" as the base color.

I also purchased small, wooden, decorative pieces to paint. Palm trees, life preservers, anchors and 'architectural flourishes'. I painted each small piece and am deciding on where to use each one.

This is a close up of the palm trees I painted. I even added 'coconuts' to each one! :)

My first sign is all about MERMAIDS!! I lightly drew the Mermaid with a pencil, on top of the painted plaque, then began painting her. As a redhead, I decided my mermaid should have read hair, also!! {hey---I'm allowed some creative license!}

This is my finished "Mermaids Welcome" plaque. I used the flourishes on opposite corners of this sign. I had painted them white, then did a wash in a light blue. I did the same to the plaque, itself. I learned a GREAT technique to painting on your own letters! I will post the link to that blog in a separate entry.

I have many others to create......so----I'm off to paint! I will post photos as I go.....What are y'all doing to 'let loose' your creative beast???

Pool Plans.....Outdoor Kitchens!

The pool has been ordered! And now, the fun begins!! We ended up with a rectangle shape vs. a kidney shape....you get more pool for your money!! :) So, aesthetics vs. the almighty dollar!! We decided that the dollar would have to win this fight!


The pool will be a 16'x36' rectangle with 4' of brushed concrete around the entire perimeter. We will then continue the concrete around 3 sides of the pool to about 8'. That additional 4' will be stamped and dyed. On the 4th side of the pool (the one that faces the house and yard), the concrete will extend out to about a total of 12'....we haven't quite decided on how far out that will come out. It will also be stamped and dyed.


The pool will be solar heated....(to be explained in a bit) and will have a salt-water system. No chlorine for this redhead!! My 'sensitive' skin (heehee) can't take the harshness of chlorine.


Our hard work will come into play for the "pavillion" we want to build. It will house the outdoor 'kitchen', fireplace and seating area. The roof of this building will provide the space needed for the solar panels.


So, folks, now the design phase begins! Any suggestions or ideas? Here are some favs that I've found....






























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Spring Cleaning

It's that time of year when our grandmother's voice speaks to our heart, mind and soul....."You must "spring clean"! What does that mean? I think this was the time of year when windows were washed, storm windows removed and screens put in their place. Well.....most of us don't have to worry about that chore (*whew*) so I am thinking of what other tasks should be completed. One task that no one should overlook is to change out or clean your HVAC (furnace/air) filter. I am completely guilty of forgetting that area....and it's important in my house with 4 kitty-cats and 2 dogs! Fur will clog that filter sooooo fast and then your HVAC system loses its efficiency ! I do think washing windows---inside and out---is a fabulous idea! In theory. I really do! So, if you have the time or the energy-----have at it! And while you're at it.....would you like to head on over to my house and do mine?? Another important (and timely) item is to check and change the batteries in your smoke alarms! This is something that should be done in the fall and spring. Just an easy way to "schedule" (and remember) this lifesaving task. Speaking of fire safety......one thing most of us never think of is the dryer and the vent system. This is one area of GREAT concern! Lint can become trapped or build up, creating a serious fire hazard in the home. You can buy Vent Trap (and hose) cleaning systems at Lowe's or Home Depot----any hardware store in your local area. Or, if you're like me, shop online! Here's a link to Amazon.com and their page of cleaning systems. http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=dryer+vent+cleaning+brush&tag=googhydr-20&index=aps&hvadid=3282509057&ref=pd_sl_9c04y4u9q5_b Other than the above tasks, I feel that Spring Cleaning means to deep clean your home, organize, stow away all remains (and evidence) of winter, and ready the house and family for the warmer weather. And that is exciting enough for me! I will gladly jump into the foray of cleaning products, Rubbermaid storage containers, glass/window cleaners, mops and brooms!! BRING ON SUMMER!!!! For me and my home, we will be ready!! I hope you will "happy dance" in the sun and warmth with me!!!!