The little cottage steps are finished. Not too difficult on the craft-odometer scale. The hardest part was measuring the wallpaper to fit the kick back of the step as the steps are not all the same size. Then to be able to leave the top overhang which again, not uniform in size. This picture does not do them justice as the lighting is not that great. I love the shiny steps. I put a couple coats of varnish over the entire step and wallpaper. I also applied glue to the backs of the wallpaper pieces after I cut them to size. The pre-pasted paper was not sticking well to the steps and I didn't want corners to flip up or tear when walking up the stairs.
I used an enamel floor paint for the stairs. My experience in painting floors has taught me to choose enamel over all other paints when it comes to floor painting.
A long time ago I painted a linoleum floor with enamel floor paint. I then sealed it with several coats of varnish. I was hard on the floor intentionally. I scooted furniture across tried to tatter it with high heels and cowboy boots, nothing! It never showed any sign of scuffing or scratching or paint peeling EVER! I kept the painted linoleum floor for probably six or so years.
The process of painting a piece of linoleum is very much like making a floor cloth. The techniques are the same. Although I did not use a design on that floor. Well unless you could call pouncing a paper bag in paint design.
Now the top of the basement stairs. A little breezeway of such. To the right, well depending on where you're standing, our tree house porch door. The left, kitchen. Both have glass windows. That's the way the made doors back in 1921. We also have original brass door knobs on both. I'm experimenting with color and accessories for the small area. I like the red gingham. Did you notice my row of soldier cherries?
Cottage Stair project cost: Drum Roll Please, 0 dollars!
Of course my time is worth something, but we won't count that. If you're planning on a similar wallpaper step adventure allow plenty of time in between painting and papering and varnishing. It took me two days to finish this.
The rest of the house has glass door knobs with nickel hardware. I really like the silver color on the old hardware. I'm wanting to exchange our current bathroom fixtures with the nickel. Kind of desire to have a cohesive thing going on. I have this thing about hardware. I'm really picky! I'm always amazed how something so small can make such a huge difference in the look of a space.
This back plate has been painted white. Those glass knobs and hardware are pricey. If you think about it though, they're probably there for a very long time. In most cases the life time of the home. I guess that's why I believe it's important to have aesthetic hardware in a home.
Those are the current home updates. Another trip to the paint store today. Bedroom and bathroom mini makeovers. I'm waiting on the blinds and curtains to arrive!
Enjoy caring and sharing spring days.
Warmly,
Jill 00 (two hugs are better than one)
