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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

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August 23, 2014

Our Readers Strut Their Stuff

We hope you know that we sure do like you. Like, a lot.

Being a blogger has some really awesome perks. Frankly, we get ‘stroked’ a lot. We share our hearts and our homes with you and you leave us lovely comments (except for the crazy spammers whose comments look like they were written by someone with multiple personalities!). We get to try out fun new products and share the results with you and then you leave us lovely comments. We get to travel, speak at conferences and connect with other bloggers. We come home, share about our adventures and then you leave us lovely comments. You support and encourage and cheer us on.

strut your stuff graphic

And frankly, we’ve started to get a little sick of US!

Don’t get us wrong, we still LOVE to do all of those things and soooooo appreciate those lovely comments and emails. But, sometimes it’s just good to have a little less ‘us’ and a little more ‘you’.

Which is why we were so thrilled to launch our new ‘Strut Your Stuff’ series. We put out the call and invited you, our readers who are non-bloggers, to share your summer outdoor projects with us and it was so fun seeing these awesome projects hitting our inbox!

We’ve selected a few to share with you today and we know you’ll love them as much as we do!

Susi in Georgia transformed her plain garage door by doing a ‘faux’ carriage house look and we think it looks just gorgeous! Here are her tips for doing this project.

garage door before

Faux Carriage House Garage Door in 3 Easy Steps:

1.  Thoroughly clean garage door.  I power washed without any chemicals.  If a washing product is used, be careful to make sure no residue remains.
2.  Paint doors.  I spray painted my door, but the texture on the doors would allow for using a paintbrush.  I used latex paint without a primer, but my door was in excellent condition.
     Note – many blogs and info sites recommend latex paint, but suggest consulting with a local expert before beginning the project.
3.  Attach hardware purchased at local home improvement store.

AFTER:

Garage door after

From Elizabeth in Wisconsin, we got to see ‘Betty Lou’, the newest member of their family! And we think she is fabulous!!

camper

Meet Betty Lou, our bunkhouse up at the lake for our fast growing family.  My husband Steve and I spent the summer restoring/remodeling our late spring purchase of a 1961 Canned Ham.  She is our bunkhouse yet our 2 year old granddaughter thinks of her as her very own playhouse.
I tore out the closet, heater and cupboards and we built a full size bed frame with tons of storage underneath.  I took out the stovetop and sink and we put in a countertop because she will be used as an extra bedroom. I primed, painted, made pillows and new covers for the cushions and of course I had to make her a banner.
We just finished building a deck and will be doing more to her in the future (for starters…curtains).
camper makeover

Pam in Oklahoma showed us her brand new deck complete with custom table and benches and a beautiful pergola!

 New Deck & Pergola 2014
Table & Benches

Then we got this email from Bill and…well…we felt quite certain that this was exactly why we started this series in the first place!

Good Wonderful Morning Ms. Heather & Ms. Vanessa,
My wife Brenda and I recently moved to the beautiful area of Chuckey, Tn.
We live out in the country surrounded by cattle farms and beautiful views of the mountains in the Cherokee National Forest. The mighty Nolichucky River flows just a few miles from our back door. History surrounds us in every direction we turn. Davy Crockett’s birthplace, Jonesborough, the oldest city in Tennessee, Greeneville, the home of President Andrew Johnson and the list could go on and on. 
As anyone knows, when you move into a new home, that projects around the homestead are a part of  life. I could send you many projects we have completed since moving in last year in November. Although tempted to do just that I decided you might be too busy for so many emails. So I decided to send the latest project we completed this past weekend. 
A few days ago Brenda mentioned that we needed a bench to go in the area between our large flower pots beside our porch.  So I started thinking about what I could build to go in the spot and came up with an idea and drew out some plans. Then I bought some lumber.  After a day in my shop measuring, cutting, assembling came up with this Peacock Back Bench.  
bench
We liked the rustic look so decided not to stain but to just protect it with a couple of clear coats of polyurethane so the greens and yellows could be seen. We set it in place and stepped back for a look.  We think it fits the space perfect and Brenda really liked it too! 
The last picture is the view of the mountains that we have while sitting on our new bench.
mtn view 1-2014_FotoSketcher
Hope you ladies like our Peacock Back Bench, we sure do.
Just found you ladies on Facebook and enjoy reading and seeing your projects too!
 
Hope you pick our project. Thanks for giving your fans a chance to strut their stuff.
Have a great day,
Bill 
Bill & Brenda from Tennessee

You see, Bill’s email, like so many others, allowed us a glimpse into your lives!

This series serves as a reminder of what we are all trying to do in our homes…make them feel comfortable, welcoming and most importantly, reflect who we are. It really bonds us all together, don’t you think? That process of carving out our own little corners of ‘home’. So, what do you say we keep this series going?? We’re game, are you?

Be watching for the ‘Strut Your Stuff Fall Edition’! 

And thank you as always for meeting us here at the Fence today!

dual-signature_thumb2

15 Comments Filed Under: Good Ideas

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Comments

  1. Susie says

    August 23, 2014 at 4:15 AM

    WOW. Imagine my surprise when I opened your post and saw my garage door. Thank you so very much for using it in your Strut Your Stuff summer series. I am honored. Truly honored.

    It’s a real confidence builder.

    I’m looking forward to submitting a little idea for your fall series. :-))

    Have a wonderful week-end,
    Susie

    Reply
  2. Suzi says

    August 23, 2014 at 4:46 AM

    Wow! As they say in Blogland, these projects are certainly blog-worthy…and beyond! I love this series.

    Reply
  3. Kerry Purcell says

    August 23, 2014 at 5:07 AM

    These are awesome, inspiring, and a perfect motivation to start my Saturday morning. Love how you help others “strut” and shine!

    Blessings, Kerry

    Reply
  4. Ashley @ 3 Little Greenwoods says

    August 23, 2014 at 5:45 AM

    I always love being inspired by others! Love the series!
    ~ Ashley

    Reply
  5. Becky says

    August 23, 2014 at 6:08 AM

    Love these.
    Can we get info. on the color of latex paint used in the Faux Carriage House Garage Door? I am crazy about that look!
    Love this blog and all the great ideas here!

    Reply
  6. Claire @ A Little Claireification says

    August 23, 2014 at 6:44 AM

    What a super fun series! This was such a great way to include some very talented non-bloggers and get a little peek into their lives. I love it!

    Reply
  7. June says

    August 23, 2014 at 7:11 AM

    Wow…I love all the pics and projects. Envious of all the creativity. What a great idea ladies…or should I call you the “dynamic dual”:) I can’t wait for the fall pics.

    In the meantime, I have another idea for you. This post has obviously shown so much of the talent that is out there. I would love you to feature once in a while problem projects where readers like me can get advice from your readers.

    For example, I recently became inspired because of one of your blogs to not only re-position my dining room table, but to move my large hutch to a living room wall. It not only opens up my dining room which is right off the kitchen as we took down a wall, but it cozies up the space in my vaulted ceiling living room which is an extended part of the dining room. It’s all a work in progress. What I’m looking for help with is what to display. Friends say going back to my dishes takes away from the fact that I moved it out of the dining room. One has suggested displaying some of my decorating books and to integrate small pic frames. I do have my kids baby china each in it’s own corner with their bronzed shoes.

    Thanks for considering my suggestion. Keep up the great work. I LOVE your blog.

    Reply
  8. Elizabeth says

    August 23, 2014 at 7:11 AM

    I AM SO EXCITED!! Like Susie said, imagine my surprise and excitement to see Betty Lou when I scrolled down…I just about spilled my coffee on myself! Talk about a confidence booster indeed!
    Thank you so much for featuring her in your Strut Your Stuff series, you girls made my day!!

    Have a great day and again THANK YOU!!

    Elizabeth

    Reply
    • Jessica Griffin says

      August 23, 2014 at 7:50 AM

      Betty Lou is absolutely adorable!

      Reply
  9. Jessica Griffin says

    August 23, 2014 at 7:50 AM

    I’m taking little Betty Lou on the road. She is just precious! All the projects are so beautiful. Wonderful talent!

    Reply
  10. Jeanie says

    August 23, 2014 at 9:03 AM

    What fantastic ideas. loved all of them but my favorite was the garage doors and the camper!…

    Reply
  11. Janelle@The Peaceful Haven says

    August 23, 2014 at 9:38 AM

    I really enjoyed this post! More than that It has inspired me to tackle a few things around the house…thank you for sharing other readers exceptional projects!

    Reply
  12. Emily, Our house now a home says

    August 23, 2014 at 4:45 PM

    I think this idea of having your readers share their space is wonderful. What a great idea! You have some talented readers. And we must have the same spammers because mine are confusing and interesting too. I seriously love this idea of letting others shine!

    Reply
  13. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    August 24, 2014 at 4:21 PM

    I love this series…I must tell my friend who has been through many years of decorating with me to join in on the fun!!!…So many great ideas here…and it was great to meet “Betty Lou”…

    Reply
  14. Susie Heller says

    August 25, 2014 at 10:20 AM

    Loved seeing all those projects. Keep them coming often.

    Reply

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Yesterday on the way home from school I had the ra Yesterday on the way home from school I had the radio tuned to my daughter's favorite station and a song that was playing had a line in it that really stood out to me. It made reference to a 'season of the sticks' which I think its safe to say must mean winter. I thought that was such an accurate, albeiet kind of depressing, picture of this time of the year.

While we definitely have more than our fair share of evergreen trees here in Oregon, we also have plenty of trees and bushes that are reduced to sticks during the cold months. But, this morning as I looked out my kitchen window, greedily sipping from my mug of coffee, I marveled at the beauty of the winter sunrise. The sky was all pinks and oranges with frost on the rooftops and a little bit of fog. And, I realized that part of why it was so amazing is because I could see it more clearly through the sticks. The bare branches allowed me a view that I wouldn't be able to see if those same branches were covered in leaves. Being stripped down to almost nothing revealed something magnificent.

We have seasons of the sticks in our lives too, don't we? Times when we feel as though we've been stripped bare and left exposed. It's easy to think that this is a place where all is ugly and dark. And yet, just like the winter sunrise was more visible because of the bare branches, the vulnerability we feel in the winter season of our souls allows us to get a glimpse of beauty that we wouldn't see otherwise. In the lush, warm seasons it's so easy to become comfortable. But in the bare, cold seasons we recognize just how much we need to rely on the One who placed the stars in the heavens and is sovereign over all.

If you feel like your soul has been stripped bare and you've been left exposed and vulnerable, may I encourage you today to ask the Lord to help you to see the beauty in this 'season of the sticks'.

“Answer me quickly, O Lord! My spirit fails! Hide not your face from me, lest I be like those who go down to the pit. Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul." Psalm 143:7
I just went to make my mid-morning protein shake a I just went to make my mid-morning protein shake and grabbed a banana out of the freezer and was about to put it into my shake before I realized it was a frozen egg roll. Sooooo that's how my day is going so far! 🤪How about you?

It's honestly fairly representative of my state of mind these days as I can't seem to make the date on the calendar match the date in my spirit because it feels like it should be January 45th. Every year this month drags on and every year it seems to surprise me for some reason. In addition, my heart just feels heavy as I witness a lot of darkness and sadness around me. So, I'm choosing to control what I can control by making my house feel as cozy as possible, relishing the sunshine whenever it dares to peek through the clouds, gathering inspiration for warmer weather projects and, most importantly, resting in the comfort of the sovereignty of my Father.

“God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding. He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth,’ and to the rain shower, ‘Be a mighty downpour.’ So that everyone he has made may know his work..." Job 37:5-7
What if you could do something at the beginning of What if you could do something at the beginning of your day that would be a gift to yourself later on? That’s what we’re talking about on this week’s Tip Tuesday! #tiptuesday
The sun decided to make another appearance today! The sun decided to make another appearance today! It’s been such a lovely Sunday. Chocolate croissants for breakfast followed by church then naps/football/reading/etc and soon we’ll be heading out to dinner with friends. These are my favorite kind of weekends. Hope yours has been lovely too! 🌿
Yesterday was stormy and cold but today the sunshi Yesterday was stormy and cold but today the sunshine is breaking through the fog and my house just seems happier. We definitely needed to see that light streaming in through the windows and it’s a gift I don’t take for granted.

And yes, there are still twinkle lights on my mantle because those help when the sunshine goes away again. ✨
Happy weekend! The rainy and gloomy weather here i Happy weekend! The rainy and gloomy weather here in the Willamette Valley has me feeling less frustrated about my migraine forcing me to just snuggle up indoors and these flowers in my kitchen are lifting my spirits. What are you up to on this holiday weekend?
It’s time for TIP TUESDAY! This week, I’m offe It’s time for TIP TUESDAY! This week, I’m offering a gentle reminder from my own parenting experience after feeling my heart pricked with conviction about what was waiting for my daughter every day after school. I hope it will encourage you! 🌿#tiptuesday
The day after Christmas I found myself laundering The day after Christmas I found myself laundering and folding all of the linens we used the previous night as we hosted my husband's side of the family for dinner and other festivities. As I laid out each cloth napkin and folded them one by one, I couldn't help but be struck by what a simple, yet meaningful, task it was. It's such an honor and privilege to be the hostess and, at this stage of my life, I realize that this has almost one hundred percent become my role now. Our parents are in their 70's and have either downsized significantly or simply don't have the energy to take on hosting duties for a large group. I could resent this. I could feel overwhelmed by it. But, instead, I'm choosing to embrace it knowing that, someday, I too will pass the hosting torch and I hope that I will be welcomed with love and attentiveness. So, I fold the linen napkins, taking pleasure in the way all of the creases line up and how neat and tidy they look in the drawer of my dining room buffet. These seemingly simple chores are part of the lifeblood of homemaking and my attitude towards them can either be one of gratefulness or grumbly-ness (yes, I'm making up words now). 

And I’m choosing gratefulness. 

“This job has been given to me to do. Therefore, it is a gift. Therefore, it is a privilege. Therefore, it is an offering I may make to God. Therefore, it is to be done gladly, if it is done for Him. Here, not somewhere else, I may learn God’s way. In this job, not in some other, God looks for faithfulness.” (Elisabeth Elliot⁣)
Welcome to Tip Tuesday! I’m so excited to be kic Welcome to Tip Tuesday! I’m so excited to be kicking off the year with a brand new series! Each weekly installment will feature a tip for everything from your home to faith to parenting to family life and so much more. My goal for 2023 is to have far more personal interaction with this community while continuing on with the mission of weaving together all things heart and home. I hope you enjoy this first tip and I’d love to hear from you about whether or not you decorate for winter! 
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“He has made everything beautiful in its time. H “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” 

Here’s to beginnings. Happy new year friends! May you experience the majesty and sovereignty of the Lord in 2023 like never before! ✨
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