Hi Sueb20; we're around the corner in MA on buzzards bay. Many newer builds around us use the pre-finished shingles,which in the long run are more economical than painting every few years. It boils down to putting up the $$ now to save later. I always take the easiest (and least expensive) road. Painting this house is so costly, and it's literally a money pit w/ one major thing after another...having to put in sewer; french drains for flooding; a leaky roof; and on and on. And yes, neighbors are another tricky issue.. Wouldn't want to "steal" their paint color! Me too...about a fun door color. Like the idea of teal blue to match the ocean...but would that be stealing an idea from you?? I'm leaning towards lighter colors for the house...maybe something creamy w/ a clean white on the trim. I have been inspired by posts here, and especially by the Lettered Cottage blog -- my new fav. addiction. Thanks for the input. I'd do raisin if i had a different husband.

I recall reading that you can mix two together , 20 & 45 for example, and get a setting time somewhere in between. Anybody know if that's really the case? Maybe I'll try it when I have some of both left over. On a separate note, what's the real deal with just using sheetrock "All purpose" compound for all coats? Our county government is doing a major interior makeover, which is still open to the public, and they were using "All purpose" for all coats. As for their technique and workmanship, they're real pro's. These guys were doing an atrium balcony wall's second coat (4 ft high wall), across the entire 4' height with a short piece of steel stud. I was amazed it was coming out so even (two guys working as a team). It still looks perfect 6 months later.

Fantastic!!! You have done what I am just beginning to think about doing!I was surfing CL last night looking at wing chairs to slipcover with linen like fabric like you! .( I may have found a slipcovered Mitchell Gold sofa for 250) no wing chairs yet.But just thinking about it,not sure I can pull it off but your photos show I am on right track You have amazing talent here- not everyone can do what you have done- as simple as it may be to you to do! Gorgeous gorgeous work! thanks for the inspiration.Sue

Hi Fori--No, they do not and all 3 of my cats love sleeping on any fabric I leave on my sewing tables, especially fleece! When my hubby gets done sanding 6 layers of paint off the door to my room (he also needed to cut it down a little to fit in the doorway since it's not the door the previous owners had for the room), I will paint it with the same ultra white semi gloss paint that I used on all the trim and closet doors and he will rehang the door. Once the door is up, I can close the door and my cats will not be able to get in the room unless I'm up and in the room! The reason I purchased the kitty cots for my cats is our last house had a sliding glass door and all 3 loved laying in the sunshine coming through the door. We only have solid wood doors in this house without glass and it's perfect for them to lay in the cot, especially when the sun is shining.