The Reading Parlour Part 1

     In case you are wondering about my "reading parlour," here are a couple of photos. The first is the earliest "before" I remembered to take. We had already primed most of the emptied out closet, which had been a rough and unpainted particle board, but had not applied any of the gorgeous "Pooh's Favorite Things" shade of turquoise blue paint. The other walls are a dingy butter yellow that even photoshop would not grasp, lol. The railing is very beat up, but still sturdy, so that will eventually get a coat of primer and then ivory paint. since there is big step involved, the railing has to stay, though I would love to get rid of it, I'll just have to make it work.

     The next photo shows the lovely blue color now up in the closet and the first coat of it on the other walls that will need two. Since we primed the closet part so well, one coat did the job. I have placed my two cozy chairs in the new space as well as one of my favorite shabby chic pieces that I've had stored for the last ten, yes ten, years. It is an old door painted white and then sanded to give it a charming worn appearance. The glass of the window has been replaced with a mirror and the loveliest coat hooks have been added as well. There is also a small shelf halfway down than can hold a cup of tea, a plate of scones and a candle or two. Of course it will more likely be where I place my diet grape soda and plate of Girl Scout cookies, lol. But it is charming and sweet and I've been dying to use it for the last ten years, so this is just the best present to myself. I have a good collection of shabby chic things that have been packed away for far too long and I've missed them terribly. I love the faded elegance and welcoming feel of shabby chic things. It never gets old for me.

     You can also just see part of my mini tile collection on the right side. I try to pick up local work as well as pieces from places we visit. And of course anything sweet on Etsy, though I do have a price limit. They are actually hard to find, not many potters make mini tiles so I strike out often. The other half of this particular collection is still packed away somewhere, but I'm going through boxes everyday and will soon happen upon it and if you were here, you would hear me shriek with delight. Really. My camera is flashing a warning about the battery level for the flash, so my photos haven't been very cooperative lately, I'll try to get it corrected before I take any more of the new room, which is much further along now. The built in shelves are up and a lot more is up on the walls, but you'll have to wait a another day or so to see it. Did I mention that my mom is bringing up a chandelier that I can use to replace the current sad and broken lighting fixture?