I'M DREAMING OF A SPRING GARDEN

Undoubtedly this is the time of year I find myself longing for
my Spring Garden.

The desire to be surrounded by the unequivitable beauty of nature and its flowers is so great, I take pleasure in whatever form I can find it in.

The soft textured petals of a silk rose;

A pretty chintz floral plate;

The delicate hand-painted bouquet on a vintage tole tray;

An African Violet in the purest of white, neatly tucked away in
a cherub planter;

Some dried hydrangeas right out of my own garden.

I'll even cherish the ceramic variety of flower!

So whether it be

Cloth ...

Cardboard...

China ...

Porcelain...

Dried...

Silk

or Glass

I will delight in an alternative type of bloom until I can get back outdoors and into my Spring Garden!

Hope you're all enjoying a FABULOUS week!

Stayed tuned ... I have a Giveaway Announcement coming soon!

Cheers - Lisa

TWENTY-TWELVE NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION

I promise ...

...to be a better Blogger and not only NOT neglect my Suburban Retreat but also NOT neglect my email account associated with my Suburban Retreat.  I do hope to keep these Resolutions better than my prior intentions to “Lose Weight” ... 

"Quit Smoking", "Exercise Regularly, "Eat Healthier" and so on!

Our Blogland is full of many Wonderful, Caring and Thoughtful individuals.  Hugs and more Hugs to all those who thought of me during my hiatus.  Sometimes bad things happen to good people but my life is back on track and I start 2012 with renewed Enthusiasm and Optimism.

I purchased this two-piece pine hutch off of Kijiji for $70.00.




The plate slats were removed to give it a more 'updated' look.  The entire piece was primed with Kilz.

I need some colour in my life so after much contemplation I selected this shade of Green

Further contemplation had me resand the top and then apply a walnut stain.  The drawers were painted in a cream colour.

Never one for doing things in a proper sequence, I then searched for a co-ordinating fabric to tie the entire piece together.  Spray adhesive glued the fabric to my back wood panel.


 

Nothing like a little colour to brighten one's world during winter's bleakness!

Some new hardware for added 'bling'!
 

I rushed this project to complete it just in time to be dressed for the holidays.

 Happy New Year to all of you and may 2012 bring you Peace, Joy and Good Health.  I look forward to visiting with you soon.

Cheers - Lisa

Addendum - May I add "Aquire More Patience" to my Resolution List?  After a long Blogger absence, this post has taken me 3 hours to complete!

PLANT STANDS

I attended a very special, by invitation only, sale yesterday.  A very talented lady who repurposes furniture is moving, fast, and had a garage full of furniture and accessories she needed to get rid of.  She advertised that every item would be sold for exactly what she paid for it!

One of my purchases was this gorgeous white wicker plant stand.

I was compelled to purchase one of these equally gorgeous hydrangeas when I saw them for sale at Home Depot.

I placed a small garden statue on the little shelf below.

I put the plant stand in my entrance to bring some much needed "Spring" to this tiny foyer.

 The second plant stand was purchased with the intent of going outdoors.

Actually, I'm not even sure it is a plant stand.  It has 3 holes in the bottom tier.  (Cats are allowed but must enter at their own risk as there are 3 dogs in residence)! 

Both the seller and I have 'assummed' that's what this 3-tiered, half round table was intended for and after much pondering over this piece, I decided to 'bring it in'.

I used clay pots with ivy in them to fill the 3 holes.

Also a couple of sweet birds because what's a garden without our feathered friends (even the indoor kind)?

Love the details ... brass feet and wheels.

Intricate turned wood.

A vintage inspired garden journal sits atop the second tier ...

Along with a wire bird cage, complete with nest and bluebird.

And a small white urn.

The top tier holds a faux lavender topiary in a clay pot.

Although there isn't much happening yet outside, my indoor garden is looking

lovely, thanks to the addition of my new plant stands!

I'm joining the party at French Country Cottage! It's Feathered Nest Friday No. 30!

Come and join the fun!