Scraping Paint

Wow, what a mess. The paint didn't look bad but once I started scraping, it peeled off like wallpaper. The green layer of paint (2nd layer of 4) is like chalk so the peach and cream are not well adhered. I'm trying to get all I can and we'll have to eventually wash off the rest of the "chalk". In the process I uncovered the original stenciling about 9 ft up and again just below the ceiling, two different very Arts & Crafts patterns. I plan on using the actual patterns again so I was glad to uncover them. They can be seen in the picture from 1915 though not very clearly. Fortunately the weather is cool because it can get hot 14ft up with a respirator on!

Entryway Surprise!

What a fun day! The kids were tired of being cooped up from all the rain so we headed to the library with really no specific task in mind. We've had trouble with the entryway leaking after heavy rains and my dad and I both thought there was wood flooring under layers of commercial carpet and tile like everywhere else on the top floor. Out of curiousity I pulled up the carpet, afraid the wood floor was going to be ruined from constant moisture, only to find what looks like original tile. The style and colors are consistent with the craftsman era and it looks as if the tiles were actually laid directly into the concrete when the entryway was made. They're in great shape so we're taking care to restore them. Most of the work consists of scraping glue off the tiles and out of the grout lines.

We also set up the scaffolding to start repairing some of the plaster that has fallen off the ceiling from roof leaks. This is the room in which we removed some of the newer bookshelves. Again you can see the original green color....I don't think I'm bold enough to repaint it that color. Currently, the plan is to make this space the kitchen and informal dining area.