I Don't Know What I Did Last Summer...........

I can't believe how long it has been since I last posted! The summer has been a very busy one with my children, the dog, family and lots of tennis matches. I play a lot of tennis during the summer months which at my increasingly advanced age is proving very exhausting. I have also been gardening and dealing with poorly parents. I have heard my age group being described as 'The Sandwich Generation' squeezed between not yet independent older children and increasingly needy parents. I sometimes do feel like a very wilted ham and lettuce sandwich I must admit!!

Anyway, I have been finding time for a 'small' summer project courtesy of a beach hut built for me by Julie Bennett who makes the most wonderful houses in all sizes. I love her range of smaller buildings which are perfect for presents and smaller projects. Do take a look at her range on her blog page there is a huge variety. I asked Julie for an unfinished hut as I wanted to match the colours to the room it will eventually be housed.

I have now more or less finished the outside with a plinth covered in sandpaper to look like sand. I changed the balustrade to a slightly more rustic look as this is a shabby chic beach shop. 

 I have also cladded the outside - oh how I love my table saw - simply because I wanted a stronger weather boarded look. Then I painted and sanded, painted and sanded, painted and sanded!!

 I seem to do a lot of painting in my projects and have decided to start looking at the paint sprayers that are produced for hobbyists as I have a birthday fast approaching. They seem to come in all shapes and sizes so I would be really grateful if anyone has one that they would recommend.

The weathered look was created using a plain wax dinner candle and a fine sandpaper. The overall look seems to have taken forever but I am pleased with the final look.

I always try and use up products from my stash now I have a number of full craft drawers and this floor is made up of oak veneer tiles that were purchased a few years ago. They were so easy to use and I wish I had bought more as the supplier does not seem to exist any longer. The skirting is also pieces left over from another project. 

 This is what my dining room table has looked like for a number of weeks now. Bits of furniture, material, plant pots and anything I thought might find a place in the shop.

 Many have had to be painted. I have printed off pictures for frames and made canvases for the walls.

I have begun to realise that I really need another of my children to leave home or an extension!! I seem to spread out all over the house and then whenever we have people over it all has to be cleared away.....again. Yes I know I have a craft room but that seems to be full and it really is too small for a craft pack rat like me. Maybe I could convert the garage? Maybe I could if that wasn't full of all the stuff we no longer have room for in the house!! 

I am such a magpie and like to be surrounded by all my ideas and plans when working. This is a really bad habit, I have at last realised, as I find it so difficult to finish!! So my new plan is to work on one portion at a time, perhaps on individual work mats/boards that can be moved for drying or setting. Then if I go off on a tangent the space is more manageable. 

I hope everyone has enjoyed their summer and I am looking forward to catching up on everyone's projects.