Privacy Screen...

We're on a roll with do-it-yourself projects lately.  We have a small deck off our sunroom that overlooks our neighbor's backyard pool. 

 Chris and I really enjoy sitting on the deck at night (but our neighbors also love evening swimming).  I had been complaining that I didn't like the feeling of being on display, so Chris came up with a cheap but festive solution for a privacy screen.

Using lattice, bamboo poles and a couple of sheer curtains that can be drawn closed or opened up, Chris constructed this privacy screen.


To give it a little color, we found these glass vases, glass balls, and glass t-light holders while recently on vacation in Pentwater and Whitehall.




We also attached the lights that were in the umbrella to the railings of the deck.

 


It's a lovely oasis with a tad bit more privacy.

Well done, Chris.  Have I said how much I love his K-12 summer work schedule (smile).

Tree house...nearly done...

Chris is so close now. Just a few more cedar shake siding pieces to attach to the front of the tree house and then he can say he's officially done with the siding. Three of the tree house walls have aluminum siding and the front has cedar shake.








It's been a labor of love and Chris has learned quite a bit about construction throughout the last three months. We'll spend the winter plotting how we want to finish the interior (which is MY FAVORITE PART)!! Chris is hoping to decorate the exterior for Christmas with lights and evergreen bows. It's definitely more charming than I ever imagined. I can't wait to fill it with all kinds of family memories.

Tree house teaser...

I haven't shared any tree house construction updates in a long time (Halloween festivities kinda trump construction). This shot was taken today.

The windows are all installed, the railing is done, the siding is up on all three sides (take my word on it. I'll take more pictures this weekend), the door is installed and the felt paper is up. Chris's school is closed on Friday and he's hoping to start putting up the cedar shake siding before the weather changes over.

Shall we take a look back on our tree house progress?

More pictures & progress to come!

“Slow but steady wins the race”

Chris finished the railing around the tree house and it looks fabulous and very "safe".



He and our neighbor (thanks Mike) have also been busy on the metal roof.

I swear every time I peek outside, they are perched in positions that make me shutter.

Next up, siding and finding a front door.

Go, Chris go!!

Tree house updates...

I went to the last Allegan Antique Market of the 2010 season yesterday with my mom and came home with a bunch of goodies. Stash pictures and more Halloween crafting/decorations coming soon. Pinky swear!! If you thought the Halloween tree was neat, just wait until you see my fireplace mantles.

Now, about that magnificent tree house....

With Chris back to work at his elementary schools and then being gone several nights chaperoning two different fifth grade camps, and throw in several days of really bad weather, the tree house construction has been delayed a bit. That being said, the flooring is all done!

The railings and a section of the spindles are the latest addition.

The spindles are going to take several days to install.
I definitely feel safer seeing them started.

He's even been working in the dark.

He's determined this magnificent tree house will be done
in time to decorate for Halloween. I believe him.
Go Chris GO!!

Sneak peek from the top...

Over Labor day weekend, Chris took the camera up with him into the tree house to take a few interior/exterior shots that I have not been able to capture from the safety of the ground. Between you and me...I'm waiting to set foot in that tree house until after the flooring, safety rails and steps are in place.



I can't wait to sit on the front porch or play a board game inside the tree house with the girls.

The view from that height is very pretty.

You have to agree, it's quite the tree house.
GO Chris GO!!