Bargain art – The Village Blacksmith

A nearby church has an annual garage sale and it’s HUGE. This is the second time I’ve been and I will definitely going back. Last year I think I found a few things, nothing I can remember specifically, but this year… this year I got something worth remembering! After a few historic home tours, Jeremiah…

Read More

Windows Pt. 6 – Interior Trim Rehab and Installation

Antique Wood Window Reoair - www.LauraAnneStone.com

… And speaking of trim, the combination of water damage and bright north sun proved too much for it and nearly every piece was damaged. Mottled water spots, drip stains and overall bleached and dried, we weren’t sure what we could do without completely stripping and re-staining them, which would mean doing the entire set – and…

Read More

Windows Pt. 5 – Interior Plaster Wall Repair

Because when it rains it pours, as demonstrated on day two of this three-month project, the water and neglect had caused the plaster keys to break which allowed the wall to bow out significantly. The cracks this caused were masked with drywall texture some years back but the wall was never properly repaired. Traditional plaster washers…

Read More

Windows Pt. 4 – Sash and Exterior Trim Installation

With the repaired sashes and new casing frame compete, it was time to finally get rid of the chipboard window. We took final measurements, positioned the sashes, and restrung and hung the window weights. With the window stops all positioned correctly, we could install the new exterior trim. Although I’m sort of a purist when…

Read More

Windows Pt. 2 – New Casing Frame Installation

So with everything removed it was time to build a frame. Measuring the rotten and partially replaced structure in the wall would be extremely impractical if not impossible – and honestly just the thought of trying to figure out where everything went makes my stomach turn even now. So those geniuses, Jeremiah and his dad, used the old frame as…

Read More

A crap storm – literally

Before I get to the casing frame rebuild, did I mention it rained the night after we started this project? No? Oh, well let me elaborate. We went to bed sometime after midnight knowing the city was expecting rain. Except it wasn’t rain, it was a watery nightmare. A blowing, pouring, lighting-and-thunder show, movie-style nightmare…

Read More

Windows Pt. 1 – Discovery & Demolition

“I guess I’ll tackle these windows this weekend since I have Friday off,” said a man to his wife as they were about to embark on a harrowing project. The front windows had drippy upper sashes, we assumed because they were caulked and painted shut without being properly closed (hence the need for Window Wieners I made…

Read More

Anniversary dishes!

For our anniversary, my husband tried to surprise me with dishes he picked out all on his own from Pottery Barn. He even went to the trouble of hiding them in the attic. Unfortunately he forgot that when he gave them my rewards number, it emails me the receipt. I was surprised nonetheless, but just…

Read More