Full.

by the Artist

Another week is upon us. Every Sunday the Carpenter and I sit down after brunch and plan the crew's schedule. Well the Carpenter lays it out, I write and email. It's a practice I initiated after leaving my office job. All those Monday AM kick off the week meetings! Even though we don't sit in cubbies and work in different locations.. it's been a good thing. The crew knows the work load, goals and expectations for the week. It gives the Carpenter an opportunity to pause and gather his thoughts. Even though the plans always change as the week progresses.. at least we all start out on the same page. Or should I say.. the same side of a 2 X 4!

We have pretty much completed our Jay St Project which was a rather large interior remodel- bath, new floor warming system, heating system etc. It was the project of technical details.

The crew is bouncing between our Wacouta Condo Project and our Lecuyer Project. I'm particularly excited to see the finished Lecuyer Project (you can see this project photos by clicking here https://www.applewoodremodelers.com/in-progress/) because we are collaborating with Fluidesign Studio http://www.fluidesignstudio.com/on this kitchen remodel. 

I've been enjoying some side design projects. Just completed a dear friend's wedding decor. She and her husband were married at the Scandia GammelGarden http://www.gammelgardenmuseum.org/ in a historic vintage church by candlelight! It was so beautiful but very cold as the church did not have heat! I have a new appreciation for the early settlers of Minnesota!

I've also been continuing to sell our "Painted Apples" which has been surprisingly enjoyable as each piece goes home with someone who is excited to have it!

So we're off to a full 2017. Hopefully we will be too busy to notice the cold!

Looking forward.

by the Artist

It's about time to focus on this blog. Today I'm thinking about the amount of projects we've had going on since summer and what is going to be an even busier November and December. And in the "in between" times the Carpenter continues to look for new crew members. We only need a few good men. They are hard to find apparently. 

We are currently finishing up a lower level remodel including a bath, and a larger interior remodel including two bath remodels. The Carpenter continues to be available to both homeowners to answer their questions. Last night he arrived home at 7. I always say... if you sign on with Applewood.. you will get solid moral support during the duration of your project. And with that comes usually additional work that we do our best to accommodate within project deadlines.

I had another sale last weekend for my chalk painted furniture line "A Painted Apple" in our front driveway. Traffic and sales increased because I put ads for every single piece I was selling on Craig's List. Had good activity for a few days. But still need to contact area shops to see if they want any "painted apples!" The Carpenter gave up on this endeavor of mine (I didn't blame him it's been a hard road) but is back to support me. Last night he came home with an old school desk from the 1960's. I've got plans for that!

Sale day was beautiful. Leaves were softly falling (I didn't need to get the leaf blower out) and the sun shined warm. I met some great people and got some good tips. There are a lot of members in the chalk painting club! 

Oh and in the past couple of weeks we topped 100 Likes (officially 103) on our Facebook page! That is cause for celebration. I started the Applewood page summer of 2012! I'm thankful for each "Like". It takes a loyal hardy soul to follow a construction company! 

Post sale.

by the Artist

I just walked out to the cabinet shop. The Carpenter and one of our guys is masking windows to paint for our Modern Farmhouse Project. This is phase two of "get those windows painted!". Unfortunately Marvin Windows does not factory paint any color but white. We need black. I don't understand why a company that large would not be set up to paint at least a few popular colors. 

It is labor intensive to prep to paint. All the hardware must be removed and kept carefully together. The actual painting doesn't take long. It's the prep that kills you.

And speaking of prep. We have just come off of our first "A Painted Apple" sale. It was an extraordinary amount of prep. It consumed me for many weeks. I had some friends and family help. One friend came last week a couple of days and gave it her all. Her support and her dog Dudley helped lighten the load. 

The start of the sale day was overwhelming. I consider myself to be an organized person. I wasn't organized enough. But it was the best I could do. I gave it my all. I have never even had a garage sale. I did not know what I was attempting to do. The Carpenter came through big time for me with all the painting he did. The sale would not have happened without his help. I'd still be out in the shop chasing drips!

I said I did not know what I was attempting to do. I thought you could put a bunch of colorful furniture out on your driveway and it would be snatched up! People would be coming in droves. I'm not sure where the people were. Maybe it was a too beautiful outside. I saw many boats and campers drive by. Here in Minnesota on a gorgeous spring day Minnesotans play hard. I didn't get enough signage out. Maybe my prices were too high. Maybe I didn't have enough balloons. And there's another story.. my first time ever buying balloons! I had no idea balloons were so popular. And scary to get to the car.

The best part of the day.. a couple of neighbors stopped by. One we had never met before and one we haven't seen in awhile. It was good to connect. We live on big properties where it's easy to never see a neighbor. A dear older couple we have done work for stopped by and bought a piece! Also I followed through on what I started. I finished. I painted, distressed and waxed through that pile of furniture that had been sitting out in the shop for three years. I did not quit. Hooray for me! Maybe someone can bring me a balloon to celebrate.. ;)

So now what? We regroup, and gather our thoughts. I'm going to put some of my favorite pieces on "The Painted Apple" page on this website to sell locally. And I'm going to learn from this experience. And get some sleep. yep.. that sounds like a good plan.

Sunday note.

by the Artist

Well it's official. Our furniture sale "A Painted Apple" has been rescheduled for May 21st. Check out details and photos here. http://www.applewoodremodelers.com/a-painted-apple/

I stopped at Hobby Lobby (my first visit to the mega craft store) to buy knobs for some of my pieces this week. I almost gasped when I saw the selection. exciting! I was even able to get the exact knobs that I had envisioned for one of the pieces. When I showed the Carpenter my "loot" he wasn't very impressed. He said... "you paid that much for one knob?" And I said.. "well it was a good deal at 50% off"!

Still no word on my ailing mac. I think we will be headed to the apple tree this week to pluck a shiny new mac off the lowest branch. I don't want a new mac. I want my old very fast rebuilt mac! I'm still hopeful that it can be saved. still.

We are taking a break from our "Painted Apple" project to start spring clean-up today. Between the spring rain and our schedule... the grass is high, the dandelions are plentiful, the gopher party huts are numerous, and the winter branches lay where they were flung. An acre of work and loveliness!

So here's to unexpected and expected life circumstances, busy weeks, plentiful work, and much needed patience to handle it all! Yes... we can do this with God's help. A Word for our Sunday and yours!

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Painting the apple...

by the Artist

I've not been feeling like writing much since the loss of our sweet Gracie. (our 13 year old lab) But I've been keeping occupied preparing for my first painted furniture sale for our new Applewood venture.."A Painted Apple". Full days are keeping both me and the Carpenter busy which helps fill the hole in our hearts. 

I've had a vision for an Applewood *chalk painted furniture line for about 3 years. I've shared the bumpy journey now and then on this blog. I started and then stopped. I didn't know what I was getting myself into. I stepped into the abyss of creativity and didn't know what direction to take. Or even if I wanted to go in any direction. I was completely overwhelmed with possibility. I don't do well with too much possibility. I like boundaries. A piece of furniture? Well it could be many colors. 

But I'm here to say that I have been spending many hours in the cabinet shop in recent weeks distressing and waxing and lettering. It's getting easier for me. slightly. I'm not quitting. The Carpenter is helping me. We discovered that my formulated chalk paint goes through his commercial paint sprayer. Huge smile. 

I said I have been lettering. I love typography. Letters. Before there were computers I would do hand lettering for my graphic design projects. I am hand lettering on some of my pieces. I love the look. I've been collecting quotes and sayings. I pick a quote according to the piece. Now the furniture feels like me. Because not everyone who chalk paints.. and there are a ton of women out there doing this very well... hand letter. By that I mean I freehand write script and roman letters with a small paint brush. It's kind of nerve wracking because I can't mess up. I get one chance.

So come May 7th... you can come see my "one chance" pieces if you live in Minnesota! And if all goes according to plan I won't have a single piece left! Watch for updates here... http://www.applewoodremodelers.com/a-painted-apple/  

* Chalk paint is a very flat paint that you can write on with chalk.. like a chalkboard! There are many brands of chalk paint on the market. Annie Sloan being one. I create my own chalk paint using a formula of flat paint and Plaster of Paris. The advantage of painting with this type of paint is very minimal prep.. meaning you don't need to pre-sand. (You do need to sand lightly before you wax.) The prep is after because you need to seal the paint with wax after you distress the finish if you choose to do so. Done right you end up with a beautiful antique looking piece with a beautiful patina.

Circling back.

by the Artist

I seem to be on a white theme these days. Snow and now the resurgence of white in home design. 18 years ago when we renovated our home I embraced white. It seemed appropriate for an East Coast style Cape Cod. We picked white siding and I painted the entire interior "Floral White". That was a lot of white. But it was so refreshing after looking at a dark brown exterior, gray gutted interior and most of all.. old house dirt and debris. It was one dirty dirty project.

We moved into our "brand new to us" pristinely white home. Not only were the walls white but all the doors, millwork and cabinetry and countertops wore white. It was a good choice till I got bit by the color bug. It was a nasty color bug because it left me weakened with the inability to make a single color decision. We had paint swatches of color all over the house. I think I had the Carpenter buy 10 cans of "gold" for the living room alone. I could not decide exactly which gold would be the perfect gold. And it had to be perfect. 

I got bit by that pesky bug at my friend's beautiful new home. She painted it in rich bold colors. Stepping into her home was like stepping into a bowl of Beef Bourguignon. My house was like stepping into a bowl of whipped cream. 

My main stumbling block to making a decision was my very own color rule. Colors are either gray based (rich yet subdued with a hint of gray) or clear based (pure bright color). You could not mix gray based and bright colors in one palatte. (this was my rule at the time) Which did I want? Which would be best for my little Cape Cod? Oh it was awful. Indecision is awful. It's like you just can't pull yourself out of the indecision pit. It has slippery walls and no ladder.

Eventually I broke through and chose a yellow for the kitchen. It was intense. I remember walking outside and looking in the window and thinking as the Carpenter was up on a ladder slaving away... okay that is just a might too too yellow. I lived with it. Never loved it. Add here... that poor long suffering carpenter.

Then I painted the kitchen a historical color cream. Ben Moore Waterbury Cream. Toned down that intense yellow. Better.

Then we moved out to live in one of the spec homes we built to stage it in hopes of finding a buyer. (BTW I was able to pick out the entire spec homes interior color palette in about 15 minutes!) During the time we lived at the spec home we painted the Cape the exact same color palette. It wasn't my first choice but I had to make a decision.

A year ago we were at the Carpenter's cousin's house. His wife has a great sense of design. She painted her living room pure white. I remember thinking... wow white. Why would she paint a room white? A year later... I get it. She was ahead of the trend. She was on point. And she knew to balance her white rooms with rooms of rich bold color. 

I've come full circle. They say what goes around comes around. Well white has returned. But it's an improved version of white. I've been highly influenced by the designer and HGTV host Joanna Gaines style https://magnoliamarket.com/. Just take a look and you will understand.

I'm redoing my home to embrace this new white. After the wedding flowers I'm doing for my nephew's upcoming spring wedding, after my furniture sale http://www.applewoodremodelers.com/a-painted-apple/

After. 

And I do love whipping cream.

Boughs and bows.

by the Artist

Our cabinet shop was taken over this past weekend. The Carpenter graciously gave up the shop for our sister-in-law's "Holiday Greens Party". From Friday night to Sunday night groups of women came to create sweet holiday greens arrangements. Fresh spruce and white pine and all sorts of specialty greens were supplied, as well as festive picks of berries, swirly sticks and yards of glittery ribbon. The women brought their favorite containers and baskets.

Arrangements were made from tiny vases to large outside urns. It was fun to see how much joy the women got out of having an opportunity to be creative in the mysterious area of floral design.

Leading up to this event we spent hours cleaning the shop. Sweeping and wiping and vacuuming tons of saw dust. Shelves that had not been cleaned in 17 years were cleaned. We polished and shined and strung up Christmas lights. (even the deer antlers hung high on the wall got in the spirit) Afterwards, when I walked into the shop it was the first time it smelled clean. ever. I want to keep it that way. An unrealistic goal?

With our new employee newly onboard... I decided with the freshly cleaned shop it would be a great time to establish some shop rules. Now that I share the space for my painted furniture venture... "A Painted Apple"... I need it to be as clean as possible. So some clean rules will come in handy. yep.

The Carpenter ended up not only contributing his space but helping with the party. He cut tons of spruce and white pine, lugged water jugs (no water in the shop) and helped women carry their arrangements. He was a super help. The first night I noticed he had sat down and was enjoying watching all the action. He was amazed at the event and how much work was done to create it and how much the women were enjoying it. He ended up helping the whole weekend!

So it looks like the cabinet shop will now be wearing multiple hats- cabinet shop, floral workshop and painted furniture workshop. Not bad use of a relatively small space!

If you would like to be a part of this event for next year... just contact me through this website and we will put you on the email list to receive the invitation.

Now on to the shop rules... 

Wax on!

by the Artist

We've had a beautiful fall for working outside. Upper 60's, no wind and mostly full of sun. Perfect for one of our current projects- an exterior renovation. Would be so great if this weather held till Christmas! Fingers crossed.

We've had a busy summer and fall and believe it will continue well into the snowy months. I'm hoping we get a nice inside project for the crew to stay out of the bitter. Hasn't happened much in recent years. 

I've been busy painting my little accumulated pile of furniture out in the shop. There's been a bit of a learning curve for me. Seems like it should be easy to paint furniture. But I'm using "chalk paint" which in application is different then latex. Because the paint is "chalky" when applied.. it needs to be sealed. With a "little brush." It hasn't been easy. Surprise!

I returned to the only "Annie Sloan stockist" store http://www.mamashappy.com in this end of the cities to buy more clear wax and brushes. I viewed a video on the merits of using a very very expensive wax brush (the professional painter in this house was aghast) as opposed to a clean cotton tee shirt. I bought two. One for the dark wax too. (someone is threatening to take the unopened brush back)

The next day I started waxing with the special brush. It didn't go well. I couldn't get a good rhythm going. Too thin, too thick. With little bits of wax here and there. So here I go again.. two steps back!! 

Thinking maybe the wax was too cold- we keep the shop pretty cool unless working in there- I placed the can in front of our wood stove to heat it up. The fire went out.. and I never got back out to the shop to face my waxy foe.

I've since cleaned the brush. With dish soap. Today I will try again. One of those pricey brushes might be heading back to the store. But sssshhhh don't tell the Carpenter that!

Now for the news for those that have been following this blog… I have decided to postpone "The Painted Apple" sale till spring. I don't want to wait that long and the Carpenter certainly doesn't. BUT… I don't want to rush the process. I want a nice variety and good price points, I'm honing my painting skills and ability to visualize a piece before I start.. the best color, hardware. I want each piece to be a story. That takes time.

So I look forward to painting as the snow falls lightly outside the shop window. I will play some good music and count my blessings for the opportunity to take this on. That's what dreams are made of right?.

So stay tuned if you care. I will update my progress get the word out in time for the sale.

Just pick up that brush!

by the Artist

I started. I didn't want to write about this till I knew it would stick. I'm painting that mountain of furniture in the cabinet shop. I picked a sale date and I'm now painting every chance I get. But.. I do not think the date is realistic for how much work there is to do. I feel rather desparate.

For those of you who do not know… two years ago or so I decided to start a tiny division of Applewood which I named "A Painted Apple". My plan… sell selected pieces of furniture through this website to boost traffic (just being honest here), and scratch a creative itch.

I had no idea what I was getting into. No. Idea. Notta. Nope. I don't know myself very well. I don't like to paint (walls and old furniture mostly). Really. I don't like old furniture. I grew up in a house full of antiques. They smelled. They were ugly (to my youngness) and they were everywhere. I slept in a four poster bird's eye maple rope bed which sagged terribly. I had a "school masters" desk, I had (and this was the worst… a "chamber pot" that featured soaring bluebirds sitting right by my bed and it smelled faintly of ammonia.) It was hideous to me. I have no idea why I didn't remove it from my room. We had "indoor plumbing". I wanted all matching white brand new bedroom furniture. I did not care that my dresser featured hand painted beautiful flowers on the front of the drawers. 

It has taken me two years to decide to move forward. And I have to admit.. the Carpenter's threats to put the furniture out on the curb spurred me on, along with the unexpected demise of my car (I need the funds). And.. I don't quit anything that I start. You can ask the Carpenter about that.

My main issue with painting the furniture was I did not have a vision for it. I could not see it finished. I didn't want to copy anyone else. I was paralyzed with possibility. Three things helped me over this huge creative block. I ran across a blog called The Weathered Door. http://www.theweathereddoor.com/before-and-after I just loved the colors. They resonated with me. I thought.. I can do this. And second. This past weekend after trial and error with subpar wax.. I drove to "Mama's Happy" http://www.mamashappy.com and bought good wax and "studied" the chalk painted (a painting technique very popular right now) furniture that was for sale. I was making it harder then it needed to be. And three… support.  Some good friends and family are picking up a brush to help in the trenches. I can do this.  

Yesterday I had made real progress for the first time. I got paint on five pieces. First coat. I filled my brush with a color called "Gambol Gold" which I had researched. It has been one of Sherwin Williams most popular golds. I can see why. It made me sing. Inside. Not out loud. 

I want to finish this post and get out to the shop to paint! This is a miracle. Is it enough of a miracle to make the sale date? Not sure. Right now it's a secret sale. In my heart. If I pull this off you will be the first to know. Pinky swear.