“Friends are the pillars on your porch. Sometimes they hold you up, sometimes they lean on you, and sometimes it’s just enough to know that they are standing by.”
―Merle Shain
Remember that ($15) crackled old oil painting I blogged about last week?
Well, I’m not *quite* finished with the wall grouping it’s now a part of, but I thought I’d blog about it today anyway, while I’m waiting on the final (tiny) piece. The grouping is in the hall area right outside our bedroom, and I just love seeing it there right when I wake up! 😀
(I am going to add a rod and curtains in the future, too.)
I put the crackled painting inside a (50% off) shadowbox I got at Michaels.
I just used the little pearl-headed pins that came with it to secure it in place:
I have found that if I’m drawn to something that’s a little on the feminine/vintage side, I like to balance it with something that leans a little more crisp/contemporary. And although he’s never said it, I think Kevin probably appreciates that kind of balance, too…especially when it comes to my love of “granny chic” decor. 😀
One thing I love about this particular shadowbox is that it’s very deep, which created an opportunity to display some things in a different way. I brought up a couple of blue & white bowls from downstairs, and I love the dimension they added to the grouping:
The tray with the hand painted dogwood blossoms on it came from the same flea market as the crackled canvas painting.
It was marked down from $12 to TWO DOLLARS (can you believe that?), and I didn’t even notice that both pieces had dogwoods on them until a few days later. What a fun discovery that was! The tray used to have orange-toned wood handles, but I painted them with some of my left over “Rosemary Gallery” paint so they would blend in better with the rest of the collection.
The framed “bird” quote came up from the living room…
…and you may recognize the little ($1.50) blue & white plate I got at that first estate sale Suzanne and I went to:
I’ve had the other white plate forever (it’s a flea market find, too), and I’m looking forward to adding a tiny vinyl graphic to the center of it when it arrives later this week.
I had fun sticking to a “front porch” theme with this grouping. I wanted it to have this kind of a vibe:
I found the “Front Porch Farmer” book and the old flat sawn porch baluster at a local flea market a while back. (I used the book on our mantel this past Christmas.)
The “tone nut” in me loves that the book pages are the exact same color as the baluster- LOL! 😀
The vinyl graphic I’m adding to the white plate will have something to do with sweet tea…I’ll be back on Wednesday to share how it turned out!
PS- My sunny “Valen-shine” and I got a really exciting adoption-related phone call from our caseworker at Lifeline on Friday.
IBESR released our referral letter (the one that was finally signed 2 weeks ago) to Lifeline’s in-country rep and we should be receiving a copy of it TOMORROW! 😀
We’re required to travel in groups of at least two families, and our fellow Lifeline/Three Angels adoptive couple-friends, Matt & Tacy and Jason & Stormy (a.k.a- the pillars on our porch!), are still waiting for their referral letters to be released. Prayers appreciated for their letters to be released so that we can all book our two-week socialization trips! XO
Layla,
So happy for you that your dream is about to come true. I’ll pray for it ! and cross my fingers as well !
Thank you, Cathie! I’m looking forward to posting from Haiti SOON! 😀
SOOOO excited for you both. What an exciting time in your life. Hugs to you, both now and for the future the three of you will share. x
Thank you, Susanne! XO
I have never before heard the term “Granny chic”, but I love it, and I knew exactly what you were referring to! I love the way you shadowboxed the crackled painting. My son gave me a painting from one of his overseas trips and I’ve been trying to figure out how to properly frame it without damaging it. I think this idea is perfect for that piece, so thank you for sharing! Can’t wait to see the iced tea graphic on the white plate.
Judy
judypimperl.blogspot.com
Thank you, Judy! They call it “sweet tea” down here, but I grew up calling it “iced tea”, too! 😀 #MinnesotaGirl
Very exciting times! I love that you save the fortunes in that little bowl.
How did you hang the plates without anything showing? Are they secure?
Congratulations and best wishes for your future journey!
Thank you, Toni!
I used a combination of tiny nails, Command hook-and-loop tape (safe for walls), and Disc Hangers (also safe for walls, and available at DiscHangers.com.) 🙂
Thanks so much for the response! I’ve ordered some. You’ve shared so many great tips recently. You’ve helped make my time indoors productive and pleasant, looking at things with new eyes!
Thank you!
Thank you, Toni!
They are very secure. I used a combination of tiny nails, Command hook-and-loop tape (safe for walls), and Disc Hangers (also safe for walls, and available at DiscHangers.com.) 🙂
And thank you for the friendly wishes on our adoption adventure- we appreciate them so much! XO
I love your bird quote pic. Where is this from?
My friend Courtnie designed it, Amanda. You can find her at PoppyPedals.com! 🙂
OMGoshhhhhhhhhhh!!!! I am past thrilled reading this post. Layla, the prayers go out for your family all the time. We are almost as excited as you and Kev.
Re: this last post and photos……..this has to be one of my very favorite blog posts. I positively love what you did with that vintage painting. What a wonderful idea. Since I am a granny………I think a small crocheted doiley, rolled up and tied with ribbon, would be a pretty add-on. I wish I has one trimmed in your green or blue!!!!
David and I have a pair of his father’s overalls…….(bib-alls)……. From 1932. Now I have to get a shadowbox for them. We have been dying to display them, without someone thinking we were nuts………..this is the perfect display box. Thank you again. Once we move to Kansas City, you can bet I will have the bib-alls displayed, thanks to you.
Huge hugs and prayers……
T
Ooh! I LOVE the idea of a shadowbox and bib-alls, Ter’e!!! 😀 #FarmerChic
LOVE this – the colors all work great together. And, I am a “tone nut” and “granny chic” deocorator too. Thanks for giving me a name for this obsession! 🙂 I am coming to Montgomery this weekend and would like to visit your favorite flea market/antique mall haunts. Are you willing to give up the secret names? 😉
Thank you, Christy! You *must* go to Eastbrook Flea Market and Amy’s Antiques in Montgomery, and Prattville Pickers in Prattville if you have time!
Oh my word! That is SO gorgeous! Love it!!
Thank you, Hannah! 😀
Where did you get the ceiling light in that hallway? I’m looking for something similar for my kitchen alcove…Thx:)
Here’s a link to the post about the hallway, Rachel! 🙂
Laundry Area – Before & After
Love the porch wall grouping and yes you can count on prayers for you and the other families and your trip!
Thank you, Julia! XO
Only YOU could make granny paintings look so good! Love your grouping.
Thank you, Kristin! XO
Best wishes that you will be off for your visit soon! What did you use to hang the dishes on the wall? The space looks awesome and I love the little blue and white dish especially.
All great finds!!
Thank you, Trish!
I used a combination of tiny nails, Command hook-and-loop tape (safe for walls), and Disc Hangers (also safe for walls, and available at DiscHangers.com.) 🙂
Gosh, things are really moving ahead now. I am SO excited for you and Kevin and cannot wait to see pics of your Sweetpea. Oh, and I love your grouping too. 😉 xx
Thank you, Colette! 😀
A petite glass “tea” pitcher added to the mix would be the crowning touch…if it fit on the top of the frame!
A tea pitcher would be so cute, Tiff! 😀 I am loving the A-symmetry of the grouping right now, but if I ever decide to use that bigger bowl somewhere else, I’ll definitely be on the lookout for a tiny tea pitcher! XO
Love this wall grouping and think you captured your theme perfectly! I love how it all came together. I also love that green light.
Oh how I love my fellow pillars.
“Granny chic” made me laugh! Your style is fresh and charming!
I can’t believe how wonderful a grainy picture can look in a grouping. Only Layla could do that. And then to find the dogwood tray. Absolutely perfect. Love the whole look of the wall. Praying as always for all of you. Sweet P is one lucky little boy. Blessings for all.
The front porch grouping is so artistic! The coordinating color hues, porch spindle, and dogwoods are a great representation of a relaxing sit on the porch without being at all cliche. Adding the bowl of fortunes also makes it fun and personal. I love how the decor elements that catch your eye at different times, all come together to portray a feeling or tell a story. Thanks for sharing your inspiration, process, and results.
Looks great! Can’t wait to see what kind of curtains you add.
i really enjoy your blog…i have to say, years ago i gave my baby girl up for adoption, she has since found me and have become great friends. Her parents are awesome…I spent years praying my daughter got a “good” family. Your child is lucky, you’ll be a wonderful mother…That is a greater gift then anything you have ever painted. Congrats
Glad to hear that you got news about your socialization trip! I hope the letters for the other families move through quickly so that you’re on way to Haiti in no time! What’s the next step/phase after the two-week socialization trip?
Love the grouping! Especially that crackled painting. Can you tell us how you hang your plates? I don’t see the normal wires. Thanks!
i was wondering the same thing!
I used a combination of tiny nails, Command hook-and-loop tape (safe for walls), and Disc Hangers (also safe for walls, and available at DiscHangers.com.) 🙂
Thank you, Ginger!
I used Disc Hangers. (DiscHangers.com) 🙂
praying hard that you get to hug your boy soon! this paperwork things is maddening…and i am not even the one waiting to meet my son!
Congratulations on your happy adoption news! So happy for you, and it’s such a joy to follow your journey. xx
I think your little grouping looks just so gorgeous!! Love it! Your whole home is a credit to you. I love the soft blue you have on your walls. Could you please tell me what colour and type it is? I may be able to have it colour-matched here in Australia.
Thanks Layla. Have a wonderful day. Cheers, Liz. 🙂
Just today I began working on a grouping of photographs of our triplet grandbabies, tonight I check my mail and your new post shares your lovely wall grouping! I love the dimensions you added in yours with shadow box and tray! Your eye for vintage treasures at sales add such warmth to your decor. Thank you so much for taking your time to share your work.
Congrats on the exciting adoption news, sometimes the Best things in life take longer than we thought, but they are so worth the wait!
I usually marvel at your creative eye, and today I am loving your eye GLASSES in the above pic. What brand are they?
Love your new wall grouping, and how “dimensional” it is. The bowls are darling, and I just love that little blue and white plate! Please shares where you found that marvelous striped rug! Please?
I love your wall arrangement — the blue plates are a favorite as is the fabulous shadow box. My large shadow box holds my brothers old Air Force jacket (not sure where he got it — he never served!) but I love it because it reminds me of him.
Congratulations on your adoption process! How very exciting for you to getting so very close to meeting your child. I hope all goes well and smoothly!
Cheers — Tammi
That front porch looks so comfy and fun!! Especially on a hot summer day 🙂
I love how that cracked oil painting looks – I’ll need to find my own!!
Congrats on the adoption news!!
xo,
Seng
http://www.sengerson.com