Mockingbird Hill Cottage

Mockingbird Hill Cottage

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You are here: Home / DIY / Sneak Peek

Sneak Peek

January 9, 2012 at 9:54 am by Claudia

Here’s what we have so far.

Why is it that when it’s time to paint, I shy away from doing anything to ‘weather’ a piece? I don’t want to mess with a fresh coat of paint. It looks so clean, so sparkly! So for the moment, at least, no sanding. I did add a few coats of paste wax to protect the finish.

Notice the ugly holes in the back are missing? Patti suggested covering some foamboard with fabric to cover them up. Wonder of wonders, I had some foamboard on hand. (Why, or for what project, I don’t know.) The fabric is vintage, from some 40’s era curtains. I chose it because it picks up the red theme in our den.

I haven’t done anything with the slide-in board yet. Today, I plan to run some errands, one of which is to buy some desk accessories for next to nothing.

Hopefully, the final reveal will be in a couple of days.

Tomorrow: Defending the Small House: Clutter. I should just take a photo of every room in this cottage – as is – to show what not to do.

Filed Under: DIY, painting, vintage 27 Comments

Comments

  1. Karen says

    January 9, 2012 at 10:26 am

    I like it! And I LOVE the weathered look, don’t know if I could pull it off. Do you follow Kim of Savvy Southern Style? She is the expert on this, could give you tips if you need them.

    Reply
  2. My Little Home and Garden says

    January 9, 2012 at 10:56 am

    Claudia,
    I like the look of a fresh coat of paint. Although some weathered pieces look lovely, others look streaky and unfinished,to me. The fabric has transformed that piece!
    I’m looking forward to your (and Brenda’s)clutter post. I’m working on eradicating mine!
    -Karen

    Reply
  3. Betty Jo says

    January 9, 2012 at 11:07 am

    That is going to be a beautiful piece! Looking forward to your clutter post.

    Reply
  4. Hartwood Roses says

    January 9, 2012 at 11:08 am

    Looks great so far!!

    Clutter … I hear ya. It doesn’t matter what size your house is, clutter sneaks up on you and makes life miserable. I’m sure your tips will be applicable to everyone.

    Reply
  5. Lucille says

    January 9, 2012 at 11:38 am

    Beautiful job! I love that fabric! You don’t have to age it if you don’t want to. Not everybody does that. Looking forward to the final reveal and particularly feasting my eyes on your clutter. That is always such fun!

    Reply
  6. Rizzi says

    January 9, 2012 at 11:50 am

    VERY NICE CLAUDIA….THE FLOWERS REALLY BRIGHTEN IT UP……IT IS GOING TO BE SO LOVELY WHEN IT IS ALL FINISHED…..HAVE A NICE WEEK….RIZZI

    Reply
  7. Kim says

    January 9, 2012 at 11:51 am

    Claudia- I love the fabric in the back- great idea from Patti!

    Reply
  8. Blessed Serendipity says

    January 9, 2012 at 12:05 pm

    It’s looking cute Claudia. I can’t wait to see a pic of the whole desk. You are such a tease.

    xo,
    Danielle

    Reply
  9. Mary says

    January 9, 2012 at 12:14 pm

    It’s a masterpiece! Seriously Claudia, I love it with the vintage tulips – now you will really be ready for Spring.

    Great job – looking forward to seeing the accessories you find. I bet they will pick up some of the fabric colors!

    Mary X

    Reply
  10. BEACH BUNGALOW says

    January 9, 2012 at 12:42 pm

    Very nice, Claudia!

    S
    xo

    Reply
  11. Cozy Little House says

    January 9, 2012 at 12:54 pm

    It’s gorgeous, Claudia! A breath of fresh air. I’m the same. I don’t quite understand painting a piece, then taking some of it off. Yet I love distressed pieces someone else does, and I buy them! What kind of sense does that make?
    Brenda

    Reply
  12. camp and cottage living says

    January 9, 2012 at 1:27 pm

    You are so funny, Claudia!
    We could all probably post a messy house if we wanted to be honest!
    I’m looking forward to seeing the end results of your desk-all dressed out.
    Kimberly

    Reply
  13. Crystal Rose Cottage says

    January 9, 2012 at 1:47 pm

    Looks great Claudia! I am so glad you liked my idea and you had the supplies to do it with! The great thing about the foamboard idea is that when you get tired of the fabric you change it out for something else with another color ….even a holiday or seasonal theme if you want. I am with you.. I also have a hard time distressing something after it is all painted and looks so clean and new. ~Hugs, Patti

    Reply
  14. Joanne says

    January 9, 2012 at 2:43 pm

    I love that fabric! I have itching to start a few projects of my own. I am looking forward to more pictures.
    Blessings, Joanne

    Reply
  15. wickedfaerie says

    January 9, 2012 at 3:24 pm

    I love that fabric. Reminds me of something my great-grandmother had. Lovely.

    Sue

    Reply
  16. Nola says

    January 9, 2012 at 3:33 pm

    How clever to use the fabric, it gives the piece a really cheery, vintage look. And I guess if you get tired of the look, you can just switch out the fabric for another print!

    Reply
  17. Nola says

    January 9, 2012 at 3:34 pm

    How clever to use the fabric, it gives the piece a really cheery, vintage look. And I guess if you get tired of the look, you can just switch out the fabric for another print!

    Reply
  18. Sandy says

    January 9, 2012 at 4:32 pm

    Nice! The fabric pattern is the perfect choice. Looking forward to seeing the final results.

    I love the distressed look too but not sure how to do it and after all that painting I don’t want to sand it off either.

    ~Sandy

    Reply
  19. Sandy says

    January 9, 2012 at 4:34 pm

    Nice! The fabric pattern is the perfect choice. Looking forward to seeing the final results.

    I love the distressed look too but not sure how to do it and after all that painting I don’t want to sand it off either.

    ~Sandy

    Reply
  20. Tina @ TinyBear Studio says

    January 9, 2012 at 5:06 pm

    Great project and great idea with the fabric. Can´t wait to see what you´re going to use it for.
    Have a great day.

    Reply
  21. NanaDiana says

    January 9, 2012 at 5:54 pm

    The fabric looks great and the foam board works perfectly! I cant wait to see it all done. Looking forward to your post tomorrow. xo Diana

    Reply
  22. Carol at Serendipity says

    January 9, 2012 at 6:43 pm

    Claudia,
    This is neat! Love the fabric. Can’t wait to see it finished.

    Carol

    Reply
  23. ImSoVintage says

    January 10, 2012 at 6:21 am

    Looking good so far. Can’t wait to see the final reveal.
    Laura

    Reply
  24. Dorthe says

    January 10, 2012 at 5:36 pm

    Claudia, is has become so very lovely,-I so like the fabric you used , it looks gorgeous, -and don`t age it if you feel not to….it is perfect like this.
    Hugs,Dorthe
    p.s.
    according to your answer last year, I can`t find any foreign adresses for that compagny, Claudia-sorry
    xx

    Reply
  25. Dorthe says

    January 10, 2012 at 5:37 pm

    Hi dear–I ofcourse meant QUESTION -lol-

    xo,Dorthe

    Reply
  26. Elyse says

    January 10, 2012 at 10:39 pm

    looking good, my friend!!

    xo
    elyse

    Reply
  27. Linda says

    January 11, 2012 at 11:44 pm

    My pc has been in the shop so I am here to catch up. Love the fabric on the desk and the paper in the shelves. I can never bring myself to age something I’ve painted. Instead of looking shabby chic, it turns out looking like a bad antiquing job-the stuff that was popular in the 70s. I think it was the 70s. Good choices, looks good to me.

    Reply
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Welcome!

Welcome!

I live in a little cottage in the country with my husband. It's a sweet place, sheltered by old trees and surrounded by gardens. The inside is full of the things we love. I love to write, I love my camera, I love creating, I love gardening. My decorating style is eclectic; full of vintage and a bit of whimsy.

I've worked in the theater for more years than I can count. I'm currently a voice, speech, dialect and text coach freelancing on Broadway, off Broadway, and in regional theater.

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