Paper Dolls

My grandchildren dressed up as homemade paperdolls...

The Help

I must be the only person who hasn't read or seen "The Help." I am getting ready to start the book today. Here is a photo from 1953 of me, age 2 and Essie. I don't have any memory of this...except when I first found this photo in a pile several years ago, I just cried and cried. I don't know why. All I know is I loved Essie. She has such a kind look on her face. I love the way she is holding my hand. I love the way I am loking up at her. I wish I knew where she was now. I would love to get to know her.

I have been trying my hand at painting and re-purposing furniture...some for my own use and some to sell. I just finished a cute little vintage bench I found at Club GW. I t was a dark walnut with a mauve striped cushion. I used Annie Sloan paints. If you haven't tried her paint yet, you MUST. It is so easy to use and so versatile. You don't need to sand or prime! First, I painted several coats of "Emperor Silk" (red)...then followed it with one coat of "Graphite"...waxed and lightly sanded. I recovered the cushion with some leftover "rooster" fabric I hand around the house. I think it looks pretty good and am taking up to my shop today.

Here is another example of a table I also found At Club GW. I painted this one using Annie Sloan "Old Ochre." I sanded it when done. I took it to the shop and it has sold.