Another Birthday Present
The DIY medal rack that I showed you on Wednesday was only part of Douglas’ birthday present and my overall plan. I wanted something else to go on the wall in the living room with the medals. I picked this picture of Mirror Lake in the town of Lake Placid, since that is where Douglas competes in the Ironman every year.
For the frame, I chose this one that I bought for $5 at a garage sale in the spring of 2012. I forgot to take a true before picture, but this was as I was polishing it with Brasso. It was better after I finished, but I thought I could do better. The inspector and her apprentice also thought that I was not yet finished.
Crème kept an eye on me to make sure that I was doing it right. For the second step I used Barkeepers Friend. Finally, it passed inspection.
Next I added a mat and taped the picture to it. This is a temporary solution until I can buy archival tape that will not ruin the picture. At that point I realized that I had forgotten to add the glass and had to go backward. Replacing the mat with the picture, I covered it all with the back.
At this point the inspector was completely distracted by a new task. Not only does she have to sign off on all home projects, but she is now in charge of kitten bathing. Ponche is a dirty little boy and does not like to wash himself. From time to time Crème forces him down and gives him a thorough cleaning. The frame that you can see beside them is one that I found in the trash that morning.
Although Crème was not paying any attention, I thought that the picture was looking pretty good. The metal frame really draws attention to it.
It is now hanging where the map used to be in the living room. We stuck it up on an existing hook. I think that it needs to be a tad higher. I also need to paint the doorbell and pull out the drywall anchors from the map. That means patching, sanding and painting… and hanging the map somewhere else. Why does every project seem to lead to a dozen more? One step forward and two steps back.
One last picture – can you find Crème?
Happy Homemaking!
I am a teacher, traveler, artist, writer, homemaker and a whole lot more. In January 2009, I bought the Cape of Dreams. It was the second house that I had ever owned, but it was the first that I bought by myself. I now live in the house with my husband Douglas, our dog Kahlua, and Crème de Menthe, the cat. Because, what life is complete without a little Kahlua and Cream? I love arts and crafts of all kinds, and I refinish furniture as well. We are slowly redoing our entire house. You can read about my projects on my blog www.CapeofDreams.com
Thank you, thank you! I love both my presents! I especially love that I can show this one off and no one truly knows it is about me (unless they are very familiar with mirror lake). The swim buoys for ironman sort of disappear unless you really look for them. It is an awesome pic!
You’re so right about one little change leading to a list of corrections. Lovely picture, though. You’re on a roll with your projects. Woo-hoo! Jo @ Let’s Face the Music
It’s beautiful picture and beautiful frame! And I love the pics of Crème giving her new little brother a bath! That is super sweet 🙂 I like the sneaky reflection of her in the last pic 🙂
This photo is beautiful, and the frame is perfect for it! It brings out the color of the clouds. Your neighbors throw out the best stuff!
So sweet that Crème is assuming mom duties. Chex used to do that for Peggy Sue, and they would cuddle, but she’s grown out of it, and now all he wants to do is wrestle. Enjoy the kitten stage!
The metal frame compliments the picture in a very nice way.
Thanks, I have been waiting for a while to find the right picture for that frame, but I think that I finally did.