Wednesday, April 09, 2008

Your questions answered

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I've been getting a lot of questions left in my comments lately and most of the time I can't respond back because there was no email address left. So, I decided to open this post up to answer any of your questions. If you leave a question here I'll update this post and add it to the bottom.


Here are some of the questions I've received lately:

What is the pattern of the dishes in your hutch? I not sure if it was the pattern above someone was referring to...these are made by Johnson Brothers but there isn't a pattern name on the back. I bought these at TJ Maxx and Marshalls. Every time I go in to one of these stores I buy one or two dishes to add to mine. I almost have a full set now. I also have similar ones made called Finlandia. You can find those here. This is a really popular pattern and made by other manufactures also. I have a really old one hanging in my bedroom but I can't read the name on the back. Thank you Laurie Anne - She left a comment that the Johnson Brothers pattern is called Blue Denmark. You can find it here (although it's a lot cheaper at Marshalls!)

Where did you move your birdhouse table when you got your new hutch? It's back under my staircase on the other side of the room, like in the old photo below. The table I had there is now in my daughter's room for her to use as a vanity.
What color did you paint your armoire and hutch? Both are painted with Behr paint and the color is called Polar Bear. It's a really white color but the paste wax I use on top of it adds a bit more yellow (see question below for more info on this)

How do you paint your furniture? There is a link on my sidebar, click on the photo and it will take you to the steps I use to paint my furniture.

Where do you get lavender water and how do you use it to iron? I buy my lavender water at Marshalls. I just lightly spray it on whatever I'm ironing and then iron. I also spray it on my sheets. I tried to find some online in case you don't have a Marshalls near you but WOW they are all so expensive. I only pay about $5.99 for mine. I think TJ Maxx also carries it.

Did you paint the hardware on your hutch or replace it? I painted it white. I also painted the hardware on my bedroom set. On the armoire, I replaced it.

You told us what you had to give for the china cabinet. Did you say what you "stole" the armoire for? It was $250...a little more than I wanted to spend but it is really good quality.

Where did you get the applique you added to the armoire? There are many places to buy these online. I got mine from DoItYourselfChic.com

Where do you paint your furniture if you live in an apartment? I paint it out by my carport which is one of the reasons I get my projects done so quickly because I can't really leave my furniture sitting out there. I'm sure my neighbors don't want to look at my old half-finished projects. I think they must say, there she is...painting something white again!

I sent you an email but you didn't respond, why? I really try to respond to every email I receive but some end up in my SPAM box with about a million real spam messages I get everyday. I check there about once a week but there are so many I may have overlooked some real emails. If I don't get back to you, please send another email if you like. I don't usually respond to comments on my blog. I really planned to be better with that this year but I just can't seem to find enough time! I read and cherish every single comment made!

How do you find such good stuff on Craigslist and in thrift stores? I live in Silicon Valley. Most people here are into the latest and greatest and keeping up with the Jones. They get rid of their stuff so they can get newer stuff. I like the old stuff!

How do you get so much done...don't you sleep? Sometimes I don't sleep. I woke up at 2:00 AM and started this post and now it's almost 4:00 AM...I better get some more sleep!

I hope I answered all the questions I've been receiving. If you have another question please leave a comment and check back I'll answer those below:

***************************************************************************
Updated with new questions:  
How long have you been shabby chicing or whatever you call this style and to someone like me just starting out where do I start?  I've always loved country style decorating but it's evolved over the decades for me.  Around the early 90s I switched to blue and white from hunter green. My advice for someone just starting out is to get ideas from magazines or blogs and see what you like.  Also, I would pick a color scheme you like (blue & white, pink & white, pink & green, etc.)  Little by little start collecting things for your home that fit with your style and color scheme.  Buy the best you can afford and only things you love!  Over time, you will be surprised how much you have collected.  This is the way I've done it.  It's taken me many years but now I cherish all the things I have and they have special memories attached to them.  Most of my rooms in my home are blue and white which makes it easy to move things around from room to room.   

How did you start & what first inspired you to start - did you see a magazine or someone's house or shop?  I've always been inspired by magazines.  I read Romantic Homes and Victoria from the beginning when they were first published.  Victoria always had a blue and white issue and that is what really inspired me to decorate with blue and white.  

What flea markets do you frequent?  I go to the DeAnza College flea market in Cupertino.  It's the first Saturday of every month.  It used to be a lot better but you can still find some nice things there.

33 comments:

Unknown said...

Thank you Cindy for all the answers!
I admire your energy and your excellent time management. I love your armory and your newest project, absolutely gorgeous, well I am just simply in love with your whole home.

Relax and enjoy your week. Suzy

Donna Lynn said...

Dearest Cindy, your energy is catching! I am always up with Don when he leaves for work, armed with a wonderful breakfast, coffee, and a fully packed lunch! (Today was lasagna and a lush green salad.) We get up at 5:45 AM and today after reading your blog I am not going back to bed, I am going to get my new Country Living read, clean my closet (again), and do the laundry! I will be able to move on to something crafty as our weather is finally going to make a turnaround... Sunny and in the high 60's by the weekend! Yea! I will post pictures if I get my little table done. :)
Bless you today, LOVE, LOVE your blog! Donna Lynn

Donna Kay said...

Cindy - thanks for answering all those questions - now sleep - just close your eyes and breathe deeply!!
You are the greatest!!!!
Bless...

Marilyn said...

Cindy,

Your vision and sense of decorating style continues to awe me! As a daily visitor to your blog I am so inspired by your projects.

Thank you for sharing your talents with us!

Anonymous said...

Great post! I recently found those same dishes (finlandia) at Goodwill and just had to have them. I also want to find more peices and see if I can complete a set without breaking the bank.

Blanca

Laurie Anne said...

Hi Cindy,
I love your blog. The Johnson Bro pattern is called "Blue Denmark".
Thanks for all the inspiration.
:0)

Sharon~heartsongs said...

Your blog makes my day. It is always a bright spot.
Thank you so much.
Sharon

Glenda said...

It's always interesting to find out about someone else and the everyday life.
Thanks for sharing.

Glenda

roseroomnz.com said...

Hi Cindy, your blog is one I read first thing in the morning although I don't normally comment. I was very impressed with your open-ness and honesty in answering the question about how you afford items for your home as a single Mom. Not only did you divulge personal information but I think you gave other single Moms hope and some very good advice, pay cash etc. Your blog is a breath of fresh air. Thank you:) Rachael

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Heidi said...

What a fun post! I loved reading it!
*Heidi*

Gail McCormack said...

Hi Cindy, I've just popped over to visit, I can't believe how much you've got done since my last visit, it all looks gorgeous. I've enjoyed this post....what a great idea to answer questions so we can all read and enjoy.

Rue said...

Cindy,
I found all your answers to be very informative, but I have to say that some of those questions seemed ...um..out of line perhaps? You're very sweet to answer them though :)

Have a great night,
rue :)

Beki - TheRustedChain said...

Well girl, go get some sleep!! haha!

Anonymous said...

Hi Cindy,
Guess where I went today?? Marshalls, I love that store.

Hugs,
LeAnn :)

Southern Lady's Vintage said...

Cindy - I a few of these pieces with the Finlandia mark on them. I love the pattern. I have two of the creamers and two of the sugars and two of the oval platters all with the Finlandia marks. I have also seen these made by another manufacturer marked the Churchill.
Loving all your pretty projects!
Barbara

Anonymous said...

Cindy,
Where do you get the patience for all of us... you are so giving..
By the way... I have one word for you...
LUNESTA.... ahhhhh sleep... sweet sleep
HUgs
Linda

Rosemary said...

Thanks for the info Cindy!!
Rosemary

{oc cottage} said...

Thank you for sharing so many fun and useful insights.Looking forward to more.
M

Anonymous said...

Cindy, thanks so much for the compliments on the shabby pie safe makeover! It is amazing how white paint, appliques, and some glass knobs can transform a prim piece, isn't it?... Donna

Chloe Doria Mattison said...

You have given me such wonderful ideas. We are currently re-doing our dining room which was my mom & dads that they bought when I was about 3 or 4. I'm now 50. Its really sentimental to me, but I'm tired of that old traditional color. Most of the new things we've done in our living room is in the darker brown. This is the orangey brown (ya know traditional) well when I saw your white & the linen/lacy things & how you displayed your things to make each piece special it gave me several ideas. You seem like such a nice person & I'm sure your kids have turned out great with you as a mom. I know how hard it is to be a single mom & hold the household together. I'm lucky enough to of found someone special to share the rest of my life with....we've been married only 7 years but I can't imagine my life without him. Anyhow, I just wanted to stop in & comment on how much I love your rooms & ideas over on hgtv rms.........my rooms are under Southwest in Living room........SouthTexasGrandma. I hope you'll stop in. I relaly enjoyed your blog too. So very nice............Take care. smithmyra@hotmail.com

Alicia ~ Time Worn Style said...

Ah fantastic Cindy, now I have all the answers!! Would love to know a supplier in Australia of those appliques, seems I can only find them overseas :0(
Alicia ~ time worn style

Anonymous said...

Cindy, Oh Boy, do I ever have a questions for you. Where did you get the blue sofa? I've looked high and low for one with great lines like you have. Now, let me say how much I look forward to your blog each and every day. I've learned so much from you and we have very similar decorating style and taste. You bless my socks off with the beauty of your home. I appreciate the time you take to share your romantic world. If you want, email me at pattyr74133@yahoo,com. Thanks, Patty Ann

Anonymous said...

Hi Cindy ,
I have a question for you.How long have you been shabby chicing or whatever you call this style and to someone like me just starting out where do I start?For that matter how did you start & what first inspired you to start= did you see a magazine, or someone's house or shop.
TFS
Chris
P.S I hope I didn't ask too many questions.

Shabby in Pink Boutique said...

Very Pretty! So interesting to read.... Have a wonderful evening!
Stephanie

Anonymous said...

Thank you SOOOO much for the questions answered - I was one who asked you about your plates. I love your blog and get so much pleasure looking at it. You are a very caring person to answer all these questions and so candidly! Thanks, Audrey

Four Paws and Co said...

Hi Cindy,

I love your rooms on RMS & discovered your blog. It's the best I've seen & definitely a 10.

What flea markets do you frequent? I live in Fremont.

Thank you for all the inspiration.

Diane

Anonymous said...

Cindy, I am a retired 63 year old divorced woman in Ky. I have so much admiration for you and all that you have done with your house and your life. I check your blog every day and get so excited when you add something to it. I love everything that you have done. It's absolutely beautiful!!!!!

Unknown said...

Hi Cindy,

I have a question about paint-stripping: Can you use paint stripper on furniture that isn't solid wood, or will it make the surface peel off?

Also, Since I'm Danish, we used to have that dinnerware you mention on your site, and it is actually called "black fluted', or, in Danish, "Musel Painted'. Here's what it says on their website:

"The Blue Fluted pattern is the company’s oldest, and has been produced since the factory was founded in 1775. This was the first service to be made at the Royal Danish Porcelain Manufactory, and to this day it is still known as Service No. 1. It has been in continuous production for over 230 years, and its simple, timeless decoration is recognised and loved all over the world."

Thanks for a great site!

:-) Vibe

Dee at The Carlton said...

Hiya Cindy
Interesting comments about the Blue patterned plates.
I have the Ridgeways Blue Danish ones - an old pattern which is very similar to Royal Copenhagen's pattern too, & was replicated by various other china makers.
These patterns are all similar & I have various ones that go together:

* Royal Copenhagen BLUE & WHITE LACE (half or full)pattern
* Furnivals or Mason's BLUE DENMARK
* Ridgway BLUE DANISH
* Churchill 'FINLANDIA'
* Myott FINLANDIA
Lovely blog, I love visiting
Regards
Dee at the Carlton

Dee at The Carlton said...

I love your blog especially the comments on the blue crockery.

I too have similar patterns & have blogged about them ....

Dee at the Carlton