simply vintageous...by Suzan: Anne of Green Gables

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Anne of Green Gables

The greatest Canadian that never lived.............................

For all Kindred Spirits

I can see it vividly as though I were still 8 years old - the wondrous joy of her world - I so wanted to live in her house - I wanted green gables but we however lived in an apartment in the heart of the city.
My father passed away when I was quite young - so kindly Mathew was someone I wanted ( needed? ) in my life - I had tons of uncles ( my mother came from a very large family ) but they were more the Archie Bunker type - I loved them, don't get me wrong - but I longed for a gentle kind hearted Mathew too. ( Marilla always scared me actually, lol ) I also btw would have settled for an Uncle " Bill " and a Mr French because I did have a Mrs Beasly doll after all.
I had an imagination the size of my little world - filled to capacity - and so I could relate to her.
I read those books - and I reread those books - and writing up this post tonight I realize I want to read them again - I want to get lost in the antics of a precocious young red haired girl from long long ago............

For those of you who loved these books as much as I did, a visit to P.E.I ( Prince Edward Island ) is
mandatory - walking around the grounds - walking through the reproduction old Green Gabled home -
you can just " feel " Anne's spirit all around you.

Here's my tribute to Anne ( with an E - because it sounds more distinguished Marilla )

I started with this

and ended up with this

I used the stencilling I bought this week to do my Parisienne Butcher Block and I'm just loving the lettering on this -

And the flower is an Ikea wall art sticker set that I bought years ago - I placed the sticker where I wanted it
to go and outlined it with my Sharpie - then removed the sticker and and went over the design to " thicken"
the lines......................

I painted the 2 backplates on the top drawers black - to match the script - but not sure if I should have
went silver - not to late to change it - thoughts anyone?

I love the crispness of the black against the white - ( Annie Sloan pure White )

dresser, makeover, before, after, anne of green gables

source

And really, from the bottom of my heart, I don't care if no one wants to buy it - this one can sit right where it is in my bedroom for as long as it needs to - I get all mushy and goosebumpy just looking at it .
Sorry John, I know it's girly - I'll make you a Hardy Boys something or other lol.

I hope mothers of little girls still read these books to their daughters -
I hope mothers of young girls leave them on their nightstands as soon as they're old enough to read them themselves -
I hope mothers of young daughters take the time to read them again themselves -
And I hope when their finished they forward them on to Grandma because everyone needs a little Anne from time to time.

Though she struggled with terrible bouts of depression for most of her life, Ms. Montgomery still managed to create this incredible character that will delight girls forever.
Thank you Lucy Maud - for all that you gave with your amazing talent.

source

84 comments:

CynthiaAugust 15, 2012 at 6:13 PM
I think I am as big of an "Anne" fan as you! I too have read and reread every single LM Montgomery book. I love the quote you chose for your dresser! Hope you get to keep it!
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NanaDianaAugust 15, 2012 at 6:37 PM
I loved Anne of Green Gables and just bought the book for my grandd not too long ago. What a great makeover on the dresser. You outdid yourself with that project!!! Love it- xo Diana
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Maureen WyattAugust 15, 2012 at 7:23 PM
Another Anne fan here! I couldn't count how many times I've read the books and they get deeper as you get older. For me, it's a toss up between the House of Dreams and Ingleside. I would like to live in Miss Lavenders house, though. Whichever one I settle on, I'll take your dresser with me! ~ Maureen
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Claudine from ReStory.caAugust 15, 2012 at 8:42 PM
Dear Suzan!!! I missed you!!! I am finally home!!!
I loved your dresser!!! I am not familiar with Anne as you because I did not grow up here and this was not a "must read" when I was a kid. But I did see a play the put on in my son's Elementary school, I remember that!
I read a lot to my son when he was little, and my favourite Canadian author was Robert Munch. I never thought of putting a quote on a dresser, you are really creative!
I also love the colours you chose!
Hugs,
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LizAugust 15, 2012 at 10:13 PM
Wow, very beautiful!
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Myric August 16, 2012 at 12:55 AM
This is pretty awesome!! Our grandma has a anne of green gables inspired guest room because she love that story! Thanks for sharing at passion parade!
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AnonymousAugust 16, 2012 at 3:00 AM
This is so lovely! It has made me run to my book shelf to find my precious copies of Anne of Green Gables! Total inspiration!

Karin
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Liz @ Quirky VistasAugust 16, 2012 at 3:53 AM
Last year around Christmas time, I rented the Anne of Green Gables dvd's from the library and watched all of them while I was cooking and making gifts. I had an Anne of Green Gables marathon. I love the stories and the quaint way she spoke. The speech pattern does get stuck in your head and you find yourself wanting to talk like that as well. Your dresser is a fitting ode to Anne. Beautiful!
Liz
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SuttonsDazeAugust 16, 2012 at 4:08 AM
I am head over heels in LOVE with this dresser! Beautiful transformation. I'm pinning this one for certain!
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PaulaAugust 16, 2012 at 4:12 AM
I was only introduced to Anne a few years ago, but we became very close. My mom had never met her, and I think that's why I never heard of her. I grew up with Trixie Belden and Cherry Ames. And Buffy and Jodi, just like you. I love the dresser!
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Stephanie@New AgainAugust 16, 2012 at 5:40 AM
Wonderful job - it's beautiful!
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Carol Carrasco aka Carol's Paint CreationsAugust 16, 2012 at 5:44 AM
That dresser is sublime! I would leave the back plates black, it's perfect. Using the Ikea sticker is a fabulous idea...hope you don't mind if I borrow it. I have not read that book in 40 years...think I'll pick it up again and thanks for the inspiration...I have a few books I'd like to immortalize!
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Cranberry MorningAugust 16, 2012 at 6:19 AM
That is absolutely gorgeous!!!! Gives me inspiration. To take something so plain and turn it into something spectacular. sigh. I loved Anne Shirley's personality. :-)
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ANNEAugust 16, 2012 at 6:41 AM
Sweet! Love your pretty dresser!!

Thanks for following me, I'm always happy to find another Canadian blogger :) Pop back to my blog & sign up for my giveaway.

Cheers!!
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Gypsy HeartAugust 16, 2012 at 1:13 PM
I MUST have this! Leave the backs on the top 2 drawers black, k? You did an incredible job on this and I absolutely love it! I've always loved Anne ~ I think the book is a must read. Oh my, I'm going to dream about this chest tonight. Don't you feel sorry for me? ;-)

xo
Pat
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AntiquityTravelersAugust 16, 2012 at 1:19 PM
What a lovely piece! I love what you've done
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AndreaAugust 16, 2012 at 2:01 PM
what a great idea! I too adore the books (and the movies). In fact, I should pick them up and read them again =)
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AnonymousAugust 16, 2012 at 2:26 PM
What a tribute! That's a wondeful job, it looks so poetic! Thank you for sharing a have a delightfull weekend
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Honey at 2805August 16, 2012 at 2:32 PM
The chest is totally fabulous and I adore your poetic tribute to Anne! I have visited Prince Edward Island, so lovely! Thank you for sharing your charming project at Potpourri Friday at 2805!
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Baked In The SouthAugust 16, 2012 at 2:33 PM
love this! would love to have you share over at our party!

http://baked-inthesouth.blogspot.com/2012/08/made-it-by-monday-link-party_14.html
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Marty PhilpotAugust 16, 2012 at 2:38 PM
Your dresser really makes me smile! Another big Anne fan here! I've visited "The Island" a dozen times, have read all of the Anne books at least a dozen times as well, and love Maud's 3 "Emily" books as well. For those who haven't visited PEI.....GO! It is a place of incomparable beauty and wonderfully warm people! :-)
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KathyAugust 16, 2012 at 2:45 PM
Love this dresser - I am a great fan of Anne of Green Gables and this is wonderful. I appreciate you visiting that I might become your newest follower!
Kathy
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Gail @ http://biblelovenotes.comAugust 16, 2012 at 3:37 PM
You did this so well, and I love the phrase you chose. I'm trying to get up enough nerve to do something similar. Thanks for the info/ideas/how-to. Gail (BibleLoveNotes.com)
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JeannineAugust 16, 2012 at 3:41 PM
I loved Anne of Green Gables! And it's nice to hear about other people re-reading their favorite books so you can get lost in their world again. I do that so much!!
Your dresser is beautiful! I love that you added Anne (with an E) to it. Takes you to PEI just looking at it!

Jeannine @ The Concrete Cottage
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Katherines CornerAugust 16, 2012 at 5:12 PM
lovely book, lovely dresser, lovely post Hugs P.S> thank you for sharing at the hop my friend :-)
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Stone Cottage AdventuresAugust 16, 2012 at 5:15 PM
Oh, how inspirational! Thank you! -Marci
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Donna WilkesAugust 16, 2012 at 5:28 PM
Isn't nice tomorrow is a new day and Suzan will create us something sublime with no mistakes! Anne and Lucy Maud would love this!
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Jana@Transformations From the HeartAugust 16, 2012 at 6:02 PM
Suzy,
This turned out fabulous~just love it!
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Jennifer @ Town and Country LivingAugust 16, 2012 at 6:02 PM
Beautiful dresser. You did a great job with it.
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KC CoakeAugust 16, 2012 at 6:09 PM
If I were forced to pick, Anne of Green Gables would be my favorite book series of all time. It is soo good. Can't wait until my girls are a little older. We will be reading it for sure!
I love the quote you chose and think the dresser looks fantastic! I like the black at the top, it goes with the quote and flower, IMO.
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Jaye @ Just Trying to Make Cents of it All!August 16, 2012 at 6:54 PM
That is beautiful! Did you actually stencil it? I can't stencil so I'm always looking for other ways to do something like that. I have a dresser that I'm having the devil of a time getting a french graphic transferred on to. I just love your dresser!! I may have to figure out a way to freehand it!
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MicheleAugust 17, 2012 at 5:37 AM
What a lovely reminder of my all-time favorite red-haired girl! The chest is wonderful!
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Meredith @ Wait Til Your Father Gets HomeAugust 17, 2012 at 7:40 PM
Haha! I LOVED Anne of Green Gables when I was little. My middle name is Anne with an "e" :o) This dresser turned out beautifully. I especially like the hardware you chose!

Thanks so much for linking up with us again at Keep Calm & Link Up! We're thrilled you chose to party with us this week :o)
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Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouseAugust 17, 2012 at 11:17 PM
I'm so glad you came with Anne at the party! She greatly influenced my life... she is one of the reasons I became a teacher! The dresser is awsome and very "distinguished"!
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UnknownAugust 18, 2012 at 12:57 AM
Bonjour Magali - Je voulais dire merci pour votre commentaire sur ma commode mais vous est une NO REPLY BLOGGER!!!
XOX
Suzan
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Rose Garden MalevikAugust 18, 2012 at 3:37 AM
woow woow woow.that is a really great job :)
just Love it :)
and do not miss...

S
A
T
U
R
D
A
Y

S
H
O
W

O
F
F

it is FUN :)
WELCOME
Håkan ( The Roseman)
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Adorned From AboveAugust 18, 2012 at 8:09 AM
Suzan,
This is so beautiful. I love it. Wish i was closer to you to buy it.
Debi
Adorned From Above
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One More Time EventsAugust 18, 2012 at 9:28 AM
Suzan,
You really know how to turn your pieces into a materpiece! Beautiful! Thank you for shareing at One More Time, Share it One More Time
Tammy
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The White Pear TreeAugust 18, 2012 at 3:58 PM
Oooh, you're getting so many comments! Yes, I read Anne with an "E" and yes, I put it on my girls' night table as soon as they were old enough. Lovely book.

You did a terrific job with that dresser, great every day inspiration when you're getting dressed.
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DebbiedoosAugust 19, 2012 at 2:32 PM
WOW, this is sweet!~ I love this piece. Glad you shared it today with my party. Enjoy!
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Pam@OurAdventuresInHomeImprovementAugust 19, 2012 at 3:30 PM
Beautifully done! I can't imagine that you won't sell it quickly. It's lovely.

Have a great day.
Pam
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Tammy @ A Walk in the CountrysideAugust 19, 2012 at 4:04 PM
Spectacular Job!!! I like the black plates but a part of me thinks MAYBE the silver might look better. Blessings, Tammy
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Kerryanne @ Shabby Art BoutiqueAugust 19, 2012 at 8:35 PM
Great transformation Susan. Thanks for linking up at Shabbilicious Friday.
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cathy@my1929charmerAugust 20, 2012 at 7:23 AM
I so love Anne, I videoed the whole series from PBS when they had it on! So when I need to touch base with her, and missing a kindred spirit I watch her again! I love your dresser, and would proudly have it in my bedroom to read every day before rising to inspire me for my day. So very pretty and love the addition of the flower - perfect in every way. I will be featuring this at my next Sunday's Best next Saturday. Thanks for sharing your creative inspiration with Sunday’s Best – you helped make the party a success!
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kathryn cainAugust 20, 2012 at 9:13 AM
I love the dresser and think you deserve to keep this beauty,as she has a special meaning for you.. I have to be honest,I never read Green Gables....I read ever book that was part of the Black Stallion series...lots of people do not know more then the one book..but I will have to read Anne
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StaceyAugust 20, 2012 at 10:06 AM
Such a pretty piece and so original!
Thanks for sharing this week!
Stacey of Embracing Change
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girlsAugust 20, 2012 at 10:25 AM
This is beautiful! I have never put stencils on a dresser before, but yours turned out so lovely that I think I am going to have to try that!

-Peggy
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SarahAugust 20, 2012 at 10:27 AM
I'm a HUGE Anne of Green Gables fan. I love this quote and think all of your accessories for styling are perfect.

If you get a chance I would love for you to come link up at my Pin Party.

http://sarahdawndesigns.blogspot.com/2012/08/pintastic-monday-link-party-5.html
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KatherineAugust 20, 2012 at 11:33 AM
LOVE it! I grew up wishing I could be Anne Of Green Gables! Love the black with the top knobs! Hope you'll be sharing this week at Gettin' Krafty With It!
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Angie @ Knick of TimeAugust 20, 2012 at 8:03 PM
Absolutely, positively LOVE it!!! Anne of Green Gables is my all-time favorite movie (and love all the books too!), so your project warms my heart! I'll be featuring you next week at Knick of Time Tuesday and there will be an "I Was Featured" button waiting for you at the party!

Well done - take a bow!!!

Blessings,
Angie
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UnknownAugust 20, 2012 at 10:25 PM
Wow so beautiful. I am a big anne of green gables fan too and think it's just so adorable. You are very talented.
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Feathers and SunshineAugust 21, 2012 at 9:02 AM
you just took me on a trip down memory lane! every summer for years, my cousin and I would watch these movies! adorable dresser to boot! Nice work!
Stacia @http://feathersandsunshine.blogspot.com
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Cassie BustamanteAugust 21, 2012 at 12:41 PM
what a sweet quote and dresser! i love anne of green gables!
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Kirby CarespodiAugust 21, 2012 at 5:38 PM
Anne and I have been kindred spirits for over forty years, thanks to my Canadian mother. Love this!
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chateau chicAugust 21, 2012 at 6:08 PM
I love this! You did an amazing job on this chest of drawers.
Mary Alice
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Full Circle CreationsAugust 21, 2012 at 7:20 PM
Looks great. I never got into Anne of Green Gables. Thanks for sharing at the All Star Block Party!

Holly
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Rebecca NelsonAugust 22, 2012 at 8:09 AM
Simply MASTERFUL! Love the chest and LOVE Miss Anne!

xoRebecca
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Katie DraneAugust 22, 2012 at 8:19 AM
I'm so glad that I'm following you! This is gorgeous. Great work and thanks for the inspiration.

Katie
www.funhomethings.com
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The Charm of HomeAugust 22, 2012 at 8:47 AM
I love Anne! How Cute! Thank you for joining me at HSH!
Sherry
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MegAugust 22, 2012 at 9:23 AM
Oh my. This gave me chills. I adore Anne of Green Gables. I cannot even tell you how much.

XOXO
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ChristineAugust 22, 2012 at 4:42 PM
The wording is soooooooo amazing Suzy! Gosh a truly beautiful piece.
Side Note... LOVE the mirror shutter on it!

Thanks so much for sharing this at The DIY Dreamer.. From Dream To Reality!
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Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. OlsonAugust 22, 2012 at 9:43 PM
Oh how I want to go to Prince Edwards Island. Anne of Green Gables is a classic. Wouldn't mind rereading it right now. Love the dresser and such a good thought for all of us to remember each day. Love the black behind the knobs. Just really makes the words pop. I love that stencil also. Thanks for sharing with Share Your Cup.
Hugs,
Jann
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Julie August 23, 2012 at 6:18 PM
Oh I love this dresser, Suzan! It looks marvelous! Thanks for sharing on Marvelous Mondays. :) Please note, my new web address is www.thisgalcooks.com Same blog, different name. :)

Julie
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HeARTworksAugust 23, 2012 at 9:16 PM
I watched the wonderful TV series before i knew the story was from books. Then I found some old books (not complete though) and started reading it. A very charming dresser and I like the black plates as it is! Patsy from
HeARTworks and
papemelroti

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AnonymousAugust 24, 2012 at 5:08 AM
Oh, I do indeed read books of Lucy maud montgomery. I love them so much... To be honest, her books actually inspired me to write my own, and I have started. The book I'm writing is called 'Elizabeth May'.

The book I'm reading right now, is called "The Story Girl....... I just recently finished Pat of Silver Bush, and THAT, was the inspiration for me. Thanks for sharing...... I love your dresser! You made it look so pretty!

Have a great day! Hope you'll visit me too!

Ciao Bella
Sensible Sarah
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AnonymousAugust 24, 2012 at 5:09 AM
P.S. I am your newest follower!

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Honey at 2805August 24, 2012 at 1:05 PM
Hi! Just in case you haven't seen the news, you have been featured at Potpourri Friday at 2805!
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AngAugust 24, 2012 at 5:21 PM
Hello, I'm stopping by from the link up. I love Anne of Green Gables, and as a girl, my grandparents took me to PEI. I was eight, and saw my first play, which was AOGG, of course. So amazing - I'll never forget that. This is a beautiful piece of furniture, and your post is just so eloquent.
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UnknownAugust 26, 2012 at 7:53 PM
Oh, you did a fabulous job!! I love the creative writing. You go, girl. HUGS
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Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co.August 27, 2012 at 11:04 AM
I love the quote and the awesome chest! Nicely done!
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Adorned From AboveAugust 29, 2012 at 10:38 AM
Hey Suzan,
I really do love this dresser. Has it sold yet? Thank you so much for sharing with Wednesdays Adorned From Above Link Party last week. This weeks Link Party is opened at http://www.adornedfromabove.com/2012/08/free-bee-sweet-hat-pattern-crocheted.html
Hope to see you there.
Debi Bolocofsky
Adorned From Above
www.adornedfromabove.com
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KarissaAugust 29, 2012 at 9:43 PM
Wow! That is absolutely beautiful! What talent!
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Cheerios and LattesAugust 31, 2012 at 7:39 PM
Thank you for sharing at Saturday Show and Tell. I hope you'll be back this week to link up again! Have a great weekend!
-Mackenzie
http://www.cheeriosandlattes.com
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Sandi@ Rose Chintz CottageOctober 17, 2012 at 11:50 AM
Hi Suzan,
I am loving your makeover of the chest! LOVE it! I especially love the quote you put on it. I just read Anne again about a month ago. I read the books every once in a while to feed my imagination! *smiles* Thanks for sharing this with me and I'm very happy to 'meet' another Canadian too!

Blessings,
Sandi
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UnknownOctober 22, 2012 at 3:04 PM
Aww, I love that book. Ok, that's a lie. I've never read it. But I'm sure if I read it, I would love it! The chest looks fantastic! :)
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StaceyJanuary 13, 2013 at 5:19 AM
So pretty!
THanks for linking up to the favorite furniture makeovers of 2012!
Stacey of Embracing Change
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Due to a large amount of spam ( that I'm tired of going back to posts and deleting ) I'll be using comment moderation from now on !!!
Can I beat these spammers at their own game? Probably not - but I'm going
to try my damnedest !!!
xoxo

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Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Anne of Green Gables

84 comments: