Monday, March 21, 2011

It Took A Puzzle

When my kids were off for February break, we bought a puzzle to do as a family.  They love to do puzzles, especially during a break when we actually have some time to work on it.  We started it that week, but I kept the kids pretty busy, so we didn't have as much time to work on the puzzle as we thought we would.  So, it has been set up on my dining room table for weeks.  We would work on it for 10 or 15 minutes here and there.  On Saturday I told everyone that by the end of the day we needed to complete the 1000 piece puzzle.  I wanted my dining room table back.
So we started working on it during the day on Saturday, and again Saturday night for several hours.  By 10pm we called it a night with about 100 pieces left to go.  Sunday we finally finished.
The last break my kids had we did another puzzle by the same company and using Mod Podge saved the puzzle and then framed it.  We did the same thing this time.  One coat of Mod Podge on the front and one coat on the back is all it takes.
I went to Michael's craft store and bought a poster frame (to match the frame we already have hanging) from the last puzzle.
Here it is...framed and ready to be hung next to the puzzle from last year.

The entire time we worked on the puzzle the chairs from the dining room table were constantly in our way.  I have three chairs on each side plus the two head chairs for a total of eight chairs around the table.   I realized that the table looked so crowded with all of those chairs.
That's when it hit me...why not move the two head chairs to the bay window area of the room and make a little sitting area?  This way the table won't look nearly as crowded when it's not in use.
I got the little table from the living room and moved it in between the chairs.  I love my little sitting area.  I think I'll be changing those pillows, but for now, I'm loving my new little sitting area.  All because of us working on a puzzle.  This was definitely one of those, "why didn't I think of this earlier" moments.  Why not have an cozy little area in a dining room?  Let me know what you think of my new sitting area.  I always love and appreciate your comments.

-Judy
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21 comments:

  1. DianneMarch 21, 2011 at 7:29 AM

    I love it with the chairs by the window..don't you love when you do something simple and change something so much.

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  2. DebbiedoosMarch 21, 2011 at 7:36 AM

    That is so cool Judy that you guys do those puzzles. I love it framed. The new sitting area looks great!

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  3. UnknownMarch 21, 2011 at 8:59 AM

    Judy, looks like you kept them busy... and your sitting looks great Have a great week

    Pattie

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  4. AnonymousMarch 21, 2011 at 9:10 AM

    A nice and easy way to create more space. Looks good!! We used to do puzzles a lot when we were kids and my mom also framed them...amazing we didn't loose and pieces! :)

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  5. laxsupermomMarch 21, 2011 at 9:30 AM

    I don't remember the last time we did a puzzle together. What a fun idea! I used to enjoy doing puzzles all the time, and am sure it would be a great family activity.

    Love the new arrangement! It looks terrific! I love your little garden seat table! Gorgeous! Do you remember where you got it? Thanks for sharing.

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  6. Cool stuff art galleryMarch 21, 2011 at 10:44 AM

    We love to do puzzles. What a GREAT idea!!

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  7. Pam@OurAdventuresInHomeImprovementMarch 21, 2011 at 11:43 AM

    I love the new sitting area! The chairs look beautiful there and work well to create more room around the table. Nice work!

    Have a great day.
    Pam

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  8. Yvonne@StyleBurbMarch 21, 2011 at 12:04 PM

    I am impressed by your family's tenacity when it comes to puzzle completion! I love the little sitting area by the window. Thanks for the visit to my blog....I've added you as well. Happy first day of spring!

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  9. Tammy @BeatriceBanksMarch 21, 2011 at 12:11 PM

    Such a pretty dining room! It's been so long since we've put together a puzzle. Great family activity.
    Have a wonderful day!
    Tammy

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  10. UnknownMarch 21, 2011 at 12:36 PM

    Hi Judy,

    Here's a quick tip on the puzzles. I flip my puzzles over after they are done and then duct tape the back. It works great and I don't have to wait for anything to dry. I use pushpins to hold my puzzles to the wall because I haven't wanted to find frames for them.

    I like the sitting area. It looks great.

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  11. SybillineMarch 21, 2011 at 1:19 PM

    Looks like a crazy puzzle to do!! Well done! Very nice dining room!

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  12. glamourpussMarch 21, 2011 at 1:22 PM

    Love the extra chairs by the window! Always easy to add to the table at the last minute if needed! Visiting from Between Naps on the Porch. :)

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  13. hilary@oldhousetrueloveMarch 21, 2011 at 1:26 PM

    i adore your little sitting area! nice to meet you!

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  14. AnonymousMarch 21, 2011 at 1:40 PM

    Oh, this is beautiful! I love the chairs by your windows. I love how you've dressed your table too. I have one of those pretty candlesticks! :)
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  15. Ribbonwood CottageMarch 21, 2011 at 2:02 PM

    HI Judy! Boy what a beautiful dining room area you have. It is wonderful and I love the new seating area.
    Blessings,
    Debbie

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  16. Dee ⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️March 21, 2011 at 4:21 PM

    Judy,

    I love your sitting area in your dining room.

    Cute puzzle idea.

    Dee

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  17. jandjhomeMarch 21, 2011 at 4:57 PM

    What a fun idea. I remember doing these giant puzzles when I was young with my sisters and parents.

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  18. RachelMarch 21, 2011 at 8:55 PM

    YES! Very good idea! I like your style.

    I'm one of your newest follows... come visit me. :) Really liking your blog so far. ~Rachel

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  19. At The Picket FenceMarch 21, 2011 at 10:38 PM

    We love puzzles at our house too and do the same giant one every Christmas! It really is so good for family bonding time. I love the new arrangement in your dining room too Judy and definitely relate to the "why didn't I think of this sooner" feeling! :-)
    Vanessa

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  20. abeachcottageMarch 22, 2011 at 6:50 AM

    You have a beautiful dining room. The sitting area is a great way to maximize space! Love your dining table and chairs.

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  21. Be Colorful CoastalMarch 27, 2011 at 4:11 PM

    Every home should have a great nook like this. Thanks for sharing on Motivated Monday at BeColorful
    Pam

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Please leave me a comment. I read each and every comment and I always love and appreciate your thoughts.