Molly Susan Strong

Monday, September 19, 2011

Vacation for a bit

I will be off the blog for awhile.  I am helping my Mom move into her new home in Michigan next week.  I look forward to feeling the Fall season a bit and taking a break. The cider mill is a must in Michigan.  I hope to do some good picking too!!  I will be back with more creations, I am sure sooner than later.

I am hoping to spend some good creative time, exploring my art as I turn the big 5-0 in a few weeks.  My how life can move so fast and before you know it,  there you are.  I so remember the days when I never thought I would be "that old".

  Reflecting on one's life and the passions that drive us, is a gift.  For me it has always been those I love dearly, my husband, my children, my family and friends.  Thanks to all they do to make me who I am and give me the inspiration, and sometimes the nudge, to create and be the best I can.


 Each of us is here for a brief sojourn; for what purpose he knows not, though he senses it. But without deeper reflection one knows from daily life that one exists for other people.

--Albert Einstein

I love my peeps. 
See you soon!
Molly

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

AS to the rescue!

Huge fan...say no more.
Old White and Country Grey joined together
is
pure
simple
beauty! 

Country Grey is not getting it's credit!
Warm and goes with everything.
Try it.
You will like it!
Nothing distresses like AS paint!
Even the hardware gets a wash!
Blah to breathtaking.
See that shine...
NO priming with AS either!
Stay awhile!

Molly

Go share at Shades of Amber inc-- AS Party

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Market Monday - Fall, fall everywhere

'Tis the season
Crunchy leaves,
 Sunflowers
Apples

I have a thing for signs on salvaged wood. 
 The beauty of saving something and turning it into a bit of art. 
 Love that.
  The barn doors are really my thing. 
Big and bold statements in the home.
 Original paint.
Crusty hardware.
What could be better?  I used a graphic
from Graphics Fairy...of course.
I altered it a bit here and there to fit my salvaged door. 

I likethe graphic nature of fonts.
 And add the freehand detailing for a one of a kind piece.

Waa laa, fall inspired art.
I love the change of season. 
Makes me feel full, warm, cozy
--even in the muggy heat.

Thanks to all for sharing on Market Monday. 
So many fabulous things to see.  Go take a peek at
Atelier Cecilia Rosslee
to see some gorgeous art.

Love her style and use of color.
Her work is simply yummy.
Go say hello!

Molly



The Graphics Fairy
Boogieboard Cottage



SO...what are you waiting for?

MARKET MONDAY

Here are the rules:




1. Must be a follower here.
2. Anything goes, show us your creations.
3. Place my button in your post, sidebar or use a text link.
4. Go visit someone new...show some love!



Sunday, September 4, 2011

Market Monday with Linky -- Creating from Nothing

My favorite motto:
Something from nothing.
I did not really make this from "nothing"
 but it has a story.
The legs, once white, were sitting
 under the back deck at The Cottage. 
 I inquired and they belonged to some
of the great ladies there...not yet in use. 
Nice shaped iron + paint= fab base
Now the top.
This is my final weathered technique.

It was a blonde wood with
 stenciled pineapples...a la 80's.
Yes again no before pics. 
 I get to excited to transform it all.
I removed the base
(going to use on a great door I scored and build a table).

I was closely looking at a table top
on a farm table in The Cottage. 
What made it look so cool?
Old stain, old paint, lots of use. 
 I can do that!

SO here is my process for the wood:

  1. Sand...be messy, do not remove everything.
  2. Stain.  I use a dark walnut stain.
  3. Dry brush with AS Country grey in a random pattern.
  4. Sand again, leaving paint in different places.
  5. Stain again and wipe off.
  6. Wax with AS clear wax for protection and even better patina.

The chairs are another story!
Gotta love these lines.
I have four for this table.
  All the arms tuck neatly under the table top.
A few seasonal goodies.
Barn Party - one of my hand painted signs.
Come have a cider and sit a spell no?
***
Now for
Market Monday
RULES:





1. Must be a follower here.
2. Anything goes, show us your creations.
3.  Place my button in your post, sidebar or use a text link.
4. Go visit someone new...show some love!

A big thanks for all who came by last week for my first link up. 
Let's get started.

Be sure to visit this Chalk Paint Party too!





Molly







 

Monday, August 29, 2011

Market Monday with Linky -- My REAL reasons for loving Chalk Paint!


My first real linky for Market Monday. 
Please come in and stay a bit.
BEFORE 80's GAH!



AFTER Ahhh
 I really wanted to share my top reasons for loving Annie Sloan's products.
We hear so much, see so many great painting but let me simplify.

1. EASY
No need to seal, sand and toil--right over anything, metal, wood and more.
Look at this 80's shine on the above piece, I did nothing before painting.
 Coverage is amazing.
Before wax

2. Water based
Easy clean up and mixing to
 create your own custom colors
or water down for a wash.
Here I mixed Country Grey with
 Old White trim and
 a special mix of blue for
additional subtle accents
 on the curves of this piece.

3.  THE COLORS
Nothing can beat the sophisticated,
muted to bold,
 one better than the next.
Where can you buy?? Link below.


4.  The wax
Soft buttery and easy to apply with
 great protective qualities.
The wax also ups the patina...
clear provides a subtle change
 to a richer tone
of the color you use. 
The darker wax really letting you add patina
and "age" or pop trim
and deco accents and crannies.
This piece I did clear and then accented crannies with dark.


Now here is the deal...

oh please oh please
yes I am begging...pitifully
Link up one of your creations
Any creation.
 Link back here to my blog and share the love. 
Go visit a link here and
 let them know you came by.

Click here for a AS giveaway--
 Shades of Amber inc.
Ladybird LnFurniture Feature Fridays
Molly

Monday, August 22, 2011

Seasons changing...

So I told you I got the new laptop...
awesome
and bad.
One of my new signs is fitting.

I have some issues.
My files did not all transfer...
I do not know the new photo editor yet...
I am old and set in my ways so must open my mind.
Dang it.
So onto something more fun.

Fall signage


And many sayings like the Alice saying...

Or Cinderella.

So my miracle,
learning to navigate this new laptop,
 may take some time.
Be patient with me.

Now go visit someone new who has left a comment here.

Stay tuned for a fall sign giveaway.

Molly

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Time flies...sale time!

I have a new laptop....
I do not have my files yet, or pictures.
I do have wireless printer.
No more printer on my desk.  Yes!

The little ditty above is one of my latest paintings.
  Look for my how's next Monday.

Go to
directions and more...

For fabulous pictures of this next sale....


Trust me....so much to see!

Molly

Sunday, August 7, 2011

Market Monday Yep...Let's do it, one two three.

What is it with numbers??
I love them...add a dresser drawer, magic.
Little chalk paint love...
Duck Egg and Old White
So now a little French...
Un
Deux
Trois


Old White with Cottage Grey
I also used a little dark umber to
shade the lettering,
Golden Oak Briwax,
mixed with clear wax
for a really warm patina.
Detailing on top...
You get the picture.
I have used house numbers, vintage enamel tags...

Are you too into
1

2

3

?

And please play

Market Monday 
Why and How to Market Monday??

Remember:

1. Follow here if you like what you see,
 I need love too!

2. Leave a little note

3. Go visit someone new
from the comments here
and say hello.

Share the love, meet someone new!

Molly
Oh and go visit
cottage and vine
for a fun tour at link below,
room by room
Today, Foyers.

This little cabinet as using in my foyer for YEARS.
I love it.
And the little cow tag with my street number
of my childhood home.
I still am stuck in Maine






Boogieboard Cottage
http://cottageandvine.blogspot.com/
A Glimpse Inside

Funky Junk's Saturday Nite Special

Search This Blog