China Hutch Makeover

This gem unexpectedly found our way into our lives a few years ago. Some friends of ours were relocating to another state, and offered it to us for FREE! I didn't ask questions, I just said emphatically yes! It sat for years holding odds and ends, with no design or purpose. One day I decided to pick up a paintbrush and get to work. That happens pretty often. I wake up and decide, it's time to paint. Luckily I had some white paint (sorry I don't remember what color) and some sand paper so all I needed was time!

 
This is what I call a Junk Hutch.

 

I am not sure but I think I was a little bit obsessed with "Gone With The Wind" memorabilia. These days I collect children. A much better investment:)

 

I started on a Thursday and by Sunday the Hutch was bringing light into my life. Happy Sigh.

It was a tedious process and my husband helped a lot. He and I took turns sanding it with a hand sander, mostly on the sides. It had so much wear and tear it didn't need much sanding. And the paint soaked right in. It was just LARGE! A lot of area to cover and all the trim inside took a bit long. During the painting he thought of putting bead board over the mirrors and I couldn't be happier. He had some scraps from another project and they fit perfectly. Imagine that! He measured and cut them to size after I had painted them the same color as the hutch. Using wood glue he put the bead board over the mirrors. I like how the bead board makes everything cohesive, bright, and oh the WHITENESS!  The hardware was fun too. I just took it outside and spray painted it with rust-oleum metallic gold.

 

We have decorated the Hutch for Holidays and special occasions. It's the perfect size for hanging a banner or displaying pops of color for each season. Here's a shot of my fall banner ( and daughter) I made and put on the Hutch. Yes I made both. :)

A fun summer time banner! I had an end of school party for my daughters 5th grade class. I was searching for Frozen themed parties and came across this idea from I Can Teach My Child... I really like her website and loved her Frozen themed party! I have no idea why my daughter is holding a tennis racket! My children seem to find their way into all our photos one way or another.

I snapped these photos of my husband and daughter on their way to a Daddy Daughter Valentine's Day Ball. They won a contest for best dancers that night, by the way. My husband taking over the dance floor, swinging his daughters around, pshhhhh, no couldn't be.

The Hutch holds some Valentine's Day décor made by my daughters and I one afternoon. The heart picture is a canvas painted by my 12 year old.

 

 

I love this China Hutch and all it's purposes. It brightens the dining room and is a great storage piece also. In the cupboards and drawers I keep all things party. Cups, napkins, table cloths, themed décor, everything! So glad it became part of our home. It's kind of my favorite piece.

 

 

Thanks for reading! Catherine

 

 

Snow Day!

The snow has arrived! And it's not the fall and melt kind! I can safely say my kids have been waiting for this day all winter. Do you want to build a snowman? This girl does! Building a snow man might not be for everyone, but driving in it? Yes yes yes says my 16 year old boy! Why do boys in particular like to maneuver tires over the snow...it's a mystery I tell ya. But a moment of fun with the boy? I'll take it! I'll take the wet, snowy, dirty, slippery floors. The sopping wet gloves, hats, pants, socks, and red faces. I didn't use to be so relaxed when it came to the mess after a day of snow. "Ugh! Who came in with their boots on! Why did you take your pants off right there!" Now I am more of a, "Hey the tile is easy to wipe up, it only happens once a year, and my children are going to have such fun memories." Who was that stressed out mom in years before?? Glad she made her exit...

Now THAT is a snowman!

Every activity that the kids can involve their pets in, they do!

Best friends doing life together! Sweet times with sweet sisters.

 Finishing the day off right with some hot cocoa and Daddy's favorite cookies.

 

Happy Snow Day! Catherine