Hickory Dickory Doc

No clock here though- only soon-to-be gorgeous Hickory floors!

I don't think I can accurately express how excited this picture makes me!  Yesterday was spent prepping floors for most of the day, but I was able to get this started towards the end of the day.  Since I'm essentially figuring out how to install a hardwood floor as I go, there's definitely going to be a bit of trial and error (hopefully no major errors- keep your fingers crossed!).  If you have any experience with this, I'm definitely open to tips!

Next week, once I get the hang of it, I'll let you in on my steps and all the details.  I need to get hopping on this floor, though, so we can get the kitchen installed. The IKEA cabinets are being delivered Thursday, although install is still TBD.  Have I mentioned my excitement?  She'll be a pretty kitchen.

It's definitely nice to see Clark on his way back from being the demo zone!

Clark: Week 2

It has now been two weeks since I became a professional house flipper.  Sounds crazy, but honestly, it feels right.  I've been working practically every waking minute, since I can't turn my brain off, but I'm so happy to be doing this! Ok, enough with the sap for now. I'm really not sure where this past week went- I seriously blinked and it's Friday....  and I feel like I don't have a ton to show for it.  Despite my own perception, I did accomplish a TON of prep and planning this week.  (Check out Clark the Flip House's Week 1 update HERE)

The only visual change that occurred this week is the kitchen:

The opening is 95% done (I'll be adding a wood ledge to the unfinished bottom later on), the in-the-way closet is no more, the walls are all patched and sanded (PHEW!) and I finally got to start priming.  The priming is a HUGE step- at least in my head it signifies the rebuilding, and I'm ready for the rebuilding.  No more demo!

Hubby's going to help me break down the demo pile in the living room today so that we can load up the bagster and get to work on those floors!

So, the floors.  I have BIG plans for them.  I know I mentioned in my last Clark post that I was eyeing hickory for the floors- and they will be be.u.ti.ful!  What I neglected to mention is that I've decided to attempt the floor installation myself.  It'll save us over $1000 which was the primary reason, but I also wanted a challenge.  I think this qualifies, don't you think?  The people that I've told my plans to either think its great or think I'm crazy.  I'm going with both.  So far I've picked up 14 of the 23 boxes that I purchased from Home Depot (a Jeep can only fit about 5 boxes at a time, and yes, I know they shouldn't be in the basement, but I need my big strong Hubby to help me move them upstairs later today).

I'll let you know how it all works out when I get started on the floors next week.  I'm very excited for them!

The other running around and non-visual accomplishments of this past week are:

• Got several quotes for each a new roof, a new driveway, and granite countertops
• Ordered tile for the shower surround and scheduled installation for next Thursday (hooray!!)
• Purchased all the hardwood floors
• Purchased mosaic tile for bathroom floors
• Purchased wainscoting for bathroom walls
• Finalized the layout for the kitchen (ordering at IKEA this afternoon)
• Patched and sanded all the walls in the house- ready for paint!
• Patched, sanded and deglossed all the trim in the bedrooms
• Got one coat of spray paint on the ReStore kitchen light that I purchased last week
• Replaced a broken spring on the garage door and assembled new door opener (which hasn't been installed yet)
• Researched appliance deals and scratch & dent deals
• Adopted several new tools- a compressor, mega-shop vac, and a floor nailer

The key to this girls heart is with shiny new tools, I'll admit it.

I am, however, VERY ready for a weekend- next week's going to be jam packed!

Winter Pinterest Challenge: Chair Sketch Art

I am now the proud owner of a Floor Nailer! In other news, it's Wednesday!  Do you know what that means??

It's Pinterest Challenge Day!!

If you're new to this blog, check out my previous challenge projects here.

When this latest challenge rolled around, I knew that I couldn't take on any big undertakings (since I have my own collection of big undertakings over at Clark the Flip House).  After looking at my collection of pins, I knew exactly which one I wanted to attempt.

I love the informal feel of the sketch and the simple use of color.  So I had to try my hand at it.

Naturally, though, I couldn't stop there.  I decided the chair needed some friends.

The steps were very simple:

• Use a pencil to sketch the desired chair- precision not necessary
• When I was happy with the shape, I used a thin felt-tip pen to trace the outline.  Then erased the pencil guides.
• Then I added color as desired.  Not too saturated, but a little pop of color/pattern in each.

I'm REALLY pleased with the way they came out.  I popped them into some frames I picked up on sale at Michael's and hung them on my office wall (with 3m picture strips so I can change my mind on location if necessary).

This collection adds a nice balance to this wall since to the right is a wall-mounted tv.  I must apologize for the lighting in these pics- it's a dreary, rainy day here in New England and I was forced to turn on the lamps- boo.

So, what do you think of my new artwork?

I'm not worried about my computer blocking the art, since this is only a temporary home for the computer until I get my butt in gear and finish my secretary desk eventually.

Now that I have my picture ledge on the wall and these on the wall, my office is starting to feel like a finished space.  Yay!  Not quite finished yet, but definitely well on it's way!

Go check out the Pinterest Challenge Projects from this season's hosts:

Sherry's Board and Batten

Katie's Growth Chart

Megan's Fabric Ottoman

Michelle's Button Art