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~A Stroll Thru Life for Table Top Tuesday