Sunday, July 8, 2012

Porch Rules






Once again, I haven't been posting or reading blogs ~ not sure what's wrong with me ~ just busy I guess with my hands in too many pots.
This post is for Dawn, my cousin, who I didn't realize not only faithfully reads my blog, but knows exactly when I posted last.  I promised her a post, so I thought I'd share my partially finished porch.  I say partially because these changes are cosmetic.  The structural changes will come when the weather cools ~ if ever.
Anyways, this post is titled "Porch Rules" because of a sign I made this spring to hang on my porch. 
 





 
I found the idea on Pinterest and you can buy this lady's version at her Etsy site. 
 





 
I must admit I copied her sign word for word, just changed the layout, colors, and fonts to match my decor.  Her signs are on wood and I did mine in Photoshop, then had it printed on poster board and laminated.  I found the perfect chippy window for mine at a flea market this spring.  Because the outside of my sign is exposed to the weather, I put a layer of foam board and cut glass on the back side with caulking around the edges to keep any rain or moisture from getting in.  
My sign obviously hangs on the porch where I can see it when relaxing out there.  I was going to hang it on a porch wall of the house for better protection from the elements, but it just didn't look as pretty as when it has the outside trees and sun as a backdrop.  I do bring it in when there is a threat of a nasty storm.







The Adirondack furniture is probably twenty years 
old by now, but a fresh coat of paint makes it look new 
again.  The pillows are new, but I haven't had time to 
make seat cushions yet.
 





 
On the table between the chairs is a beautiful planter I bought from a friend's sale this spring.  I haven't found anything to put in it yet.  With the intense heat this summer, it might just be wise to go with artificial flowers this year.







Next to it is a sweet tree-shaped candle holder that I found at a yard sale for $3.  All I had to do was paint it white.  As you can see, I haven't bought any candles for it yet.







How do you like this Christmas cactus?  I've had it for over 40 years and it is almost too heavy for me to carry, but it loves to come outside for the summer.
My screened porch is very small, but I made room for a small wrought iron table I also purchased from my dear friend, Nancy, who was getting rid of lots of things this spring.  







The table came without glass, so I needed to replace that,  and it was originally intended for the deck, but the glass was so expensive, I was afraid a branch would fall on it, so I brought it inside to enjoy.
 





 
Some of these pictures look foggy, but it's just the sun coming through the leaves and screen.







Last summer I installed sheers on the corners of my porch, more for looks than anything else, and to soften the edges.  This summer I added a couple more panels and decided to actually close them on the west side of the porch to help filter out some of the hot afternoon sun.  I love how they soften everything, blow in the breeze, give a little privacy, and yet still let you feel like you're outdoors.
And last, but not least is a new chandelier, also bought from Nancy.  She found it at a flea this spring and I traded it for one I found this spring too.  This one is so unique and I think my favorite of all that I have. 







It is wired for electricity, but I haven't had an electrician come and remove the ceiling fan and hang it over the table yet.  I love it's charming rusty petals and sweet flowers, and 
I can hardly wait to see it lit at night.











Unfortunately ~ like most of the country ~ it has been unbearably hot this summer, so I have hardly had a chance to sit or enjoy a meal on my porch.  I'm hoping that soon we'll get a reprieve from the heat so I can apply some of my porch rules and enjoy the sweet outdoors.

Linking with

The Tablescaper for Seasonal Sundays
~
Boogieboard Cottage for Masterpiece Monday
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A Stroll Thru Life for Table Top Tuesday
 

15 comments:

Unknown said...

Your porch is beautiful. I love all the white.

Crystal Rose Cottage said...

Hi Cindy....Good to see you post and sharing your pretty little porch! It is charming and I love your sign! Your chandelier looks perfect over your little table...just lovely! I too have a lot going on. Family issues with my kids and I have been in no mood to post about one thing. Too much heat and stress so far this summer. I am ready for a change in both situations! Hope you are doing well. ~Hugs, Patti

Michele M./ Finch Rest said...

Hi Cindy,

Your porch is picture perfect.

You should put moss covered balls in that planter, and buy those waxless fireless tealights for your candleholder - they don't melt in 100+ degree heat.

It's been entirely too hot in here C-Bus and I can barely stand it either - the poor garden.

Take care and stay cool, nice to see you're back!

Grandma Barb's This and That said...

Your porch is beautiful and I love the rules you have for it!

A New England Life said...

Hi Cindy,
Your porch might be small but its absolutely divine, just like everything else you touch. I love the sheers. They add such a soft touch. Wonder if I would have thought of that? It's all just to good. Maybe one day I'll have my own screened in porch.

Hope today isn't to hot! We're in the upper 80's here with a nice breeze. Perfect.

Sharon

Anonymous said...

Ah, I love a screen porch - miss mine from our former house. I think the sheers blowing in the breeze would be heavenly, and if I come by, I promise to obey the Porch Rules :) Hugs ~ Mary

Anonymous said...

Cindy I would so love to come over and sip a glass of ice tea and visit out on your beautiful porch!! You have such a talent for pulling unique pieces in to make a cozy and charming room. THat chandy is so amazing! Love the sign you created too! I found what I think is a storm window insert that I have been thinking of doing something like this to. Thinking is about all I have been doing lately-

We have been extremely hot here also. Bill went to a camp that we speak at each year along - he left today- we both decided that I really needed to stay home and try to catch up on some energy as I just can't seem to get back quite on my feet since May. I have all these things I would love to do around the house since I am free for about 5 days-

We just got a very nice rain and yesterday were blessed with more so hope it will help with all our high fire danger and extremely dry and hot herein Colorado.

bee blessed
mary

La Vie Quotidienne said...

How pretty and fresh all of this looks ~ the white and green is so perfect to cool-off hot summer days.

PAINTORDIG.blogspot.com said...

I LOVE your porch.It has sure been hot but just turn on the ceiling fan full blast and enjoy your porch! How about mixing pine cones and seashells in your planter, instead of putting in plants.

Tammy @ A Walk in the Countryside said...

Your porch is beautiful and I love the your sign!

Robyn said...

I am loving your porch.. I would like to enclose mine as well but what do you do when it rains? Everything just gets wet or do you have covers for thing? Thanks
Robyn :)

Anonymous said...

LOVELY, LOVELY, LOVELY! Everything about your porch is perfect. I especially love your sign! :)
Hugs,
Zuzu

June said...

Cindy your new sign for your beautiful porch is just the perfect touch for an already gorgeous space.
I love your new chandy and how you hung the pretty curtain panels. It gives it such a romantic look. I am drooling over your iron table. What an amazing piece. Well worth the cost for the new glass.
sending hugs...

elizabeth said...

I love your porch...the sign in the window frame and those wonderful Adirondack chairs are my favorites!
Thanks so much for your kind comment on my post about God being transcendent.

Anonymous said...

Everything about your porch is absolutely lovely!
And I love all the green and white color scheme .

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