Now that I've stopped working on my first floor apartment (at least until I can open my doors and windows again to let the fumes of the products I use out) I seem to have taken up birdhouse renovations.  Fun.

I forgot to take a before picture.  This is actually a during picture.  Originally this house had no base on it, and the roof was all looking pretty much like the front as you see it here.  So, being as the bottom of this was pretty much rotted out, (it was found in a pile of leaves headed for the trash) I decided to rescue it and give it a new lease on life for another year or two.  So I built the base, painted it with exterior paint and added a few embellishments.  Here is the final result.  I have not put it outside yet, but probably should as this is the nesting season for the birdies and it did actually have a lot of nesting material I had to clean out so I know they did live here.

Do you think the cat sitting by the door will frighten them away?  Personally I doubt it.  We shall see and I'll let you know.

Meanwhile, I've taken on another one.  This one comes from another one that was pretty distraught.  I had purchased it years ago at the Tulip Festival and I remember paying $40.00 for it which just about blew my mind that I would actually pay that much.  Well you can't tell yet what the final house looks like, it was just beautiful.   Again, I didn't take a before picture.

So today I plan to finish my embellishments and some paint and stain to finish it off.  The front will have a more distinct door with doorknob and planters and the back I decided needed a picture window. I know it looks crooked but I haven't trimmed it in yet.  I actually have a piece of glass in there so the birds can see out.  This one they might not inhabit but again it will be interesting to see if they do.  So I will trim out the window, put some more embellishments on and show the finished project later on.  Hopefully, later today.

Hope you are enjoying your creative side and thanks for stopping by.

Today I went shopping for a piece of furniture that I could use for a desk or table for my arts and crafts but came home with this instead.  Everyone who comes into my house asks why I don't have my large screen tv in my living room so when I saw this and liked it, checked the price and it was right on target so I bought it, came home and assembled it and my daughter and companion came and carried the tv downstairs and I managed for the first time to hook it all up and the VCR too and then watched a movie to be sure it worked and it does.  Yea!  So often I am technically challenged but was able to complete the set up and watch the Country Music Awards on the big screen.  I've been watching on a small 29" and that now is in my bedroom.  More information than anybody needs.  Anyway the piece was made by Sauder Co. and I have had them before.  They go together really easily if you follow their directions and look really much more expensive than they are.

My blog will probably take on a different tone now that most of the work is done on my lower floor.  It is now fully functional although there are still small jobs that need to get done.  I am waiting for warmer weather so I can open windows and doors and paint and work outside on my deck and not have to deal with fumes inside.

A few more pictures for my  friend  Janet who doesn't do Facebook but who helped to finance my recent reno and help me with final finishing touches.

This vase I purchased at the Salvation Army Store for $1.99.  I think it is beautiful.  The dishes above I purchased to go in my kitchen.  Something to ad some pattern as my everyday dishes are plain white.  Above that is a new faucet I had to replace in my master bath due to leaking of the old one.  Above that is a coffee table that a dear girlfriend gave me.  It was her mothers who recently passed away.  I sanded off all the dark old finish and it came out this light color with some weathered streaks in it.  I find it goes really nicely in my room.  I need to put a finish on it yet, and haven't decided whether to whitewash it or just a clear coat.  I'm afraid the clear coat will make it dark again and I really want it to stay as light as it is.  Any suggestions I will listen to and consider.   Please leave me a note if you have an idea.

Spring is finally here or very near.  The ice on the side of my house is almost gone.  Will be working outside cleaning up soon.  Am anxious to get out in the fresh air and enjoy some sunshine.

Thanks for stopping by.  I hope you are enjoying your days and doing things you love.  Feel free to leave a note.