Mary Elizabeth Interiors

The blending is complete and we are now ready for the transfer. Follow along as I show you how easy it is to add this decortive little gem. **Disclaimer** - I use what I have on hand....some of the tools used in this video should not be attempted at home. Please use a straight edged razor and painters tape.... Hey, I'm not Martha Stewart....I'm Raymond's daughter - I'm resourceful. :)

Let's get started on this great little bureau. Good bones, solid and ready for paint. Sorry for the ending....I'm not techie - and my video just stopped recording....I was just wrapping up when it stopped so all you really missed was me saying "Thanks for watching" -- so "Thanks for watching." There are no re-do's in videos with paint.....it is what it is. Ha. Ha.

FINISHED. Well, here she is the armoire I worked on and shared with you in video. This beautiful piece had been passed down to my client from her mother. I think my favorite projects are those with a story. These pieces are lovely - solid, well built and deserving of refinishing or a facelift. Each piece has its own tale and this armoire was no exception. If you remember, this project began before Covid-19 broke out. I removed one of the drawer pulls for my client to begi...n the search for the perfect replacement. Fast forward to today - and we are still saddled with Covid-19 so you will note that one pull is missing. Although the project has been completed for a while, it remains with me () until it can be safely delivered to her new home. So, I look forward to seeing the new hardware once we are all back to "normal". This piece is very special to me, as is my client - and friend. I hope this brings her many years of pleasure and is used to display the gorgeous pieces she has collected and received over the years.

What I know for sure You can take the Girl out of Nova Scotia but you can’t take the Nova Scotia out of the Girl. No matter where you roam, no matter where you hang your hat, no matter where life’s adventures take you to those of us born and raised in this great province, Nova Scotia will always be home. ... For 20 years I spent my life in Calgary, Alberta. No matter where I was, in the air or on the ground with Canadian Airlines - when someone asked Where are you from? my reply was always the same with my head up, my shoulders back, and perhaps an overly energetic, proud voice and broad smile I would say Nova Scotia. That would be the beginning of a wonderful conversation with my new acquaintance which would frequently begin with Nova Scotia? Do you know..? Then we would reminisce on the landscape, the history, the deeply rooted traditions, the beaches, the apple blossoms, the food, the changing of the leaves, the Mayflowers in spring, but mostly - the people and our warm and welcoming ways. There was always a connection. Looking back, I feel these conversations sustained me. I loved bragging about Nova Scotia. Those conversations kept my memories of Nova Scotia and her beautiful, authentic people - and my dream of one day returning, alive. When my dream finally came true and I returned to Nova Scotia 15 years ago, I was often referred to as a CBFA (Come Back From Away). An acronym I truly never understood and still don’t for no matter where life’s journeys have taken me and many other fellow Nova Scotians.in our hearts, we never left.

- She's called Nova Scotia. Deeply rooted in history and tradition. A province where peace, kindness and acceptance are our way of life. ... The unimaginable has happened in our beautiful hamlet and as a province, we mourn for those innocent lives lost, those who have lost loved ones, and for those injured or harmed in any way as a result of this tragic event. Please be patient. We will rise again, it's just gonna take some time.

Wax - is it the best sealant? What about durability? Will wax provide longevity? So, just what are the different waxes and how do they compare. So, Here’s The Thing.. Wax, like most speciality products, is not cheap. You will spend a considerable amount of money on a rather small container. LESS IS BEST - it is not necessary to be heavy handed or liberal in the application.... It is also worth pointing out that wax is considered a protective finish in addition to being a barrier from such things as moisture, air pollutants and dust. During the waxing process, wax is absorbed into the wood and cures from the inside out which means your finished project will be durable. And, for the record - although wax is a great protective finish, it is not a "tough as nails" finish compared to a topcoat, varathane or acrylic. Therefore, as much as wax is my preferred finish, I recommend reapplying wax every few years to help maintain durability and provide health and nourishment to the wood. One thing I would suggest is to keep in mind that speciality paint stores sell their products to many DIY enthusiasts as a package deal. Everything you need to transform whatever your heart desires - all from one manufacturer. This is great for those starting out, wanting to paint a few items it takes the guess work out and basically you can’t screw it up! However, as you learn new techniques, figure out what works - and what doesn't, build your confidence and find your groove - take the time to discover the fabulous products offered by different manufacturers. I maintain, in painting there are no rules. And, you can rest assured, the rules that are out there - I have broken most of them! Mix paint lines, waxes and topcoats, use a brush from another line - find out what works for you! Continue to learn, experiment, grow as an artisan - and trust your gut. That will ensure success every time!

There are so many people to acknowledge. So many to thank for their service, their courage and commitment to get up every day and go to work - or stay at home. MEI has followers across this great country - from the eastern shores of NS to the west coast of BC - so today I am asking for your help. Comment below - give a shout out to "whomever" for doing their part - on the front lines, working behind the scenes, grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, truck drivers, warehouse workers, airline employees or those doing their part by staying home. So many of YOU deserve a huge thank you. We're in this together so - let's do this together.

Staining the back of the armoire

BLUE! Ahh, blue - from our glorious sky to our magnificent oceans, varying shades of blue sooths the soul. Very much on trend this year, pick your tone and add a few touches throughout your home. Blue represents trust, responsibility, honesty, loyalty, sincerity, wisdom, stability, faith and intelligence. Blue is said to reduce stress and create a place of calmness, relaxation and order. We could all use a bit of that right now.... What do you think of blue? Where have you used this amazing color in your home? Stay safe, stay healthy....STaY HoME Photo credits: Pinterest Images

Be Responsible. Be Kind. Wash Your Hands. and for all that is good and holy..... STaY HOmE... See more

Paints, supplies, how to wax and Annie Sloan and Fusion Mineral Paint

YOU GUYS....Thank you, , so much for your support of the recent video post where I shared some of the products I use as well as demonstrated my painting and waxing techniques on this gorgeous armoire. Much to my giddy surprise, that video has been viewed just over 5000 times. I have also been busy replying to a number of emails and messages asking for more information as to where you might purchase products, how to paint different techniques, and other tidbits. I am thrill...ed you have reached out and (hopefully) helped each one of you with you inquiries. I’m more than happy - excited, actually - to share whatever I can to assist you with beginning your own project - so please, keep the questions coming. So here’s the thing. What better time than now to share a list of contacts so you can order online and have products delivered right to your door? So convenient. Not only will you free your mind of the Facebook coronavirus overload, but you will also be supporting local small business owners during a time of heightened uncertainty and worry for their business's survival during these trying times. It’s a win-win. So, I have compiled a list of supplier across Nova Scotia who carry the products I use and welcome you to look them up on the web or visit their Facebook page. This will also give you an opportunity to view all of their product lines and see some refinished pieces for inspiration. Many offer test pots so you can give them a try. FUSION MINERAL PAINT - $$ Defined Furniture & Décor Kentville Regained Relics & Antiques Shubenacadie The Painted Attic Dartmouth and Halifax Oceanview Home & Garden Chester Past Times DIY Designs Vogler’s Cove Delaney Antiques Liverpool The Painted Cupboard Barrington Forbes New To You - New Glasgow Phillips and Chestnut - Truro The Red Door Furniture Rescue - Sydney Corner Bridge Store and Bakery - Port Hawkesbury & Petit de Grat Knackered Vintage to Modern Décor - Porters Lake Tooie's Country Store - Yarmouth ANNIE SLOAN - $$$ Absolutely Fabulous New Minas Rusty Hinges Halifax Create DIY Mercantile Dartmouth COUNTRY CHIC - $$ Past Times DIY Designs - Vogler's Cove Country Chic - web Granny's Country Cottage - North Sydney CLING ON BRUSHES - $$ Etsy - web Wise Owl - web Front Porch Mercantile, Moncton, NB ARTIST BRUSHES - $ Michael's Home Hardware COTTON GLOVES, SANDING BLOCKS, STAIN BLOCKER, WAX - $ Home Hardware Home Depot Canadian Tire Kent’s Home Building Supplies MIST WATER BOTTLE - $ Mary Elizabeth Designs Amazon As always, feel free to message, email, or call me if I can offer support, guidance or further information. Thank you, again, for your support. Create. Something. Beautiful.

Happy Monday :) I thought this was a fitting post for today. Wondering what to do while confined to four walls? Why not put on some music, dig out that paint project and pick up a brush? Painting (and music) is very soothing for the soul, occupies the mind and helps keep those anxious thoughts at bay. Dance it out and enjoy the moment. Create something special for you, your home, family or friends - you will feel so much better. If you need a word of encouragement, ideas... on how to tackle a project, guidance with paint choices or whatever is on your mind - drop me a note, pick up the phone or message me. I love sharing my insights, knowledge and experience so don't be shy - I'm here. Wishing you all a blessed and safe day.

Fusion paint, my favorite brushes and wax finishes.

Redesigning a room midway through a new home build can be a little daunting..but my clients were such fun and out of the box" thinkers that if a new idea was brought up - we explored the options....even when we were closing in on the final details. So here’s the thing.. Last week I posted the magnificent floor to ceiling stone fireplace. And mentioned that my clients were in northern Alberta overseeing the construction of their new home in Nova Scotia? This is a continu...ation of that project..... So, once the fireplace was completed, we were so thrilled with the results we kicked around the idea of carrying the stonework into a sweet little three season sunroom off the front of the house. Now, the sunroom was basically completed with the work done except painting the gyprock butthe idea of continuing the exterior board and batten siding and using the fireplace stone as wain-scot in the sunroom that was something I could jump on-board with. The goal was to achieve a flow in the open concept home which tied other elements inside and outside of the home, back to the main focal point the fireplace. The decision was to turn this three season room into a year round functional space and I am so thrilled they did. The addition of heating for those chilly evenings and wicker furniture for those breezy summer nights, this room has become a four season, lovingly used space in their home. Do you change your design ideas mid-stream? Are you an out of the box thinker? Tell me, show me what you have done out of the ordinary I’d love to see what you did.

The other day I had a conversation with a very dear friend, who is also one of my mentors. During a discussion on living each day to the fullest, this individual made a very profound statement that truly resonated with me. "Surround yourself with those who choose to live in a world of possibilities not probabilities." As we dove into this statement and began to break it down - it became very clear to me....those who choose to live in a world of possibilities not probabilitie...s are the dreamers, the doers, the believers and the thinkers. Those are the individuals who sing our praises from the rafters, share and celebrate in our accomplishments and our successes - but they are also the ones who lift us up, offer support, words of encouragement and honest to goodness friendship when we are struggling. Because - they see the greatness within us - even when we don't see it ourselves. So, here's the thing.... I know - life is not all unicorns and rainbows, but in a world where there is currently so much negativity, confusion, fear and dare I say hate, I'm choosing the doers, believers, dreamers and thinkers. Those who choose to live in a world of possibilities, not probabilities. Have you taken stock of your tribe? Be strong. Be Bold. Be Beautiful.

Building a beam mantel This was a fantastic project and it easier than you'd think. So here's the thing....... I was involved in a new build and my clients asked for an old beam mantel over their fireplace. I searched through rescued lumber from torn down barns hoping to find exactly what they had requested, but the specimens, for one reason or another, would not accommodate our project. So, off to the lumber mill I went and purchased the perfect size beam. The goal - to take something new and make it look like an old reclaimed barn beam. Where to start? Well, I drug that beam up and down a gravel road a number of times to wear it down and beat it up a bit. This is a great way to rough up the edges, bang in a few spots and give it that old look. Once satisfied with that process, back in the workshop, I used a draw blade to give it a hand hewed feel - like they did "back in the day" then strategically pounded a few worm holes here and there to add character. After a coat of wood protector and stain prep to ensure a consistent finish, I applied three coats of Early American stain and then a matte ploy finish. This mantel has been one of my most favorite projects ever. It has character and it looks like an old updated barn beam. With the floor to ceiling stone work - this home's focal point is truly something to behold. I do love working with wood. Working with things from nature. What about you? What have you built from scratch and are proudly displaying in your home? Share your photo - I'd love to see

Hello March! As we begin a new month, I find myself reflecting back on the last two months, wondering how or if, I have followed through on a promise I made to myself at the end of 2019 - which was to live my best life. Am I turning those thoughts and dreams into ideas, those ideas into actions, and those actions into habits? So, here's the thing.... There have been a lot of re-sets, re-adjustments, a lot of re-thinking and re-programing over these past two months. It's ...hard...admitting some 50 years later that you are not perfect or that you have insecurities or that you carry around years of old wounds of disappointment, rejection and judgement. It's challenging - and - quite honestly, it is hard to let go.....But, the challenge is, can you? Can you overcome? Do you have the courage? You bet! It isn't - and can't be just a thought, wish or dream. It has to be an action. It has to be tangible, something that can be measured. Something that has sustenance and can be proven, not to others, but to yourself. What a great measuring stick - the staircase. Leave it to the brilliant Dr. Martin Luther King to make such a statement. Absolutely B.R.I.L.L.A.N.T. The staircase - I think I am somewhere between the second and third steps (depending on the goal). Heaven knows I've stumbled, but I'm still climbing, still chasing those dreams. It's a long staircase, and I have a long way to go....but that's okay as long as I am "March"ing forward. Are you waiting for another year to roll around to rely on some date on a calendar to tell you when resolutions are made? Screw that! It's March - it's a new month! It's Monday - it's a new day! Make today your new beginning. Put yourself at the top of the staircase where you hold your dreams, your goals and your vision of YOU. Now march yourself down those stairs and start figuring it out. It's not about the whole staircase, it's about the first step. Which step are you on? How will you get to the top? What are you going to do? Be Bold. Be Brave. Be Brilliant.

OK, it's one thing to talk the talk - posts of encouragement, support, and posts that build us up and helps us all to face our fears and believe that WE are good enough, WE are stronger than WE know and WE are courageous, bold and beautiful. Posting these words of encouragement are one thing..... But it's another thing to walk the walk - because, if we are not moving beyond those insecurities, self doubts, mind games and fears - what's the point? So here's the thing........ Going live on my business page has been a goal for the past two years. Yes.....two years. But, during this whole time, every time I thought I was ready, I struggled - with the fear that I would fall and the whole experience would be a complete and utter embarrassment. For two years I constantly talked myself out of sharing what I love to do with you, for fear no one would watch, no one would comment, share or like - and no one would care. I struggled with how I looked, how I sounded, that I wasn't good enough in comparison to other artists out there, and - I started to wonder if I really did know what I was doing.....yup, the struggle is real. But, I did it anyway. You know what I have learned? I've learned that fear IS crippling. I've learned that negative thoughts about our own capabilities prevent us from following our dream and living our best life. In the end, the fact is, I did it, I overcame, I found the courage to spread my wings - and fly. And, I will do it again! You? What's holding you back from living your best life? Or, did you ignore those negative thoughts and face your fear? Drop a comment and let's share what you did. Or if you are struggling with that first step, whatever it is - let's hear it. Let's overcome the negative voice inside, let's finally, truly, believe that we are capable, courageous and strong. Be Bold. Be Brave. Be Brilliant.

You can tell a lot about a man by the way he treats his dog. - Peary Perry Anyone who know me - knows of my love for animals. So when my friend asked me to turn a bench she had purchased at a local antique store into a raised bed for her two fur babies, Angus and Fiona, I loved the idea. I jumped at the opportunity to create something beautiful something fun, something creative - their own ‘sofa". So, here’s the thing..... Angus and Fiona are two little sweeties! Rescued from a shelter south of the border, my friend took these babies under her wing and, over time, gained their trust and showed them that life can be good, that it does get better. She helped them see that whatever they had been through, whatever they had faced, whatever life had dealt them tomorrow can be better that life does get better! This project holds a special place in my heart not only because it was for a friend but because of Angus and Fiona's journey from their point of despair to a life full of happiness...Hang in there - life does get better Do you have a piece of furniture that could be upcycled, recycled or revamped to accommodate your furry friend? Send me a note, drop me a line - I'd love to hear from you :)