Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Frostine, Frostine, the Tile Queen

Just a little before, after, and during to share this morning.

I interrupted my marathon kitchen painting last week to step outside and enjoy some unseasonable blossoms in the back yard.


We're kind of used to our Japanese magnolia blooming whenever in the world she pleases. She has shown up in January before.

I can't remember the azaleas ever joining her, though.



 That was then...
This is now.



As you can see, what passes for winter here in south Georgia arrived this past weekend. It frosted the bloom  off the rose.

And the azalea and magnolia too.  



Do you want to know what I was doing in those frosty temperatures? 

I was outside dressed like the unibomber cutting tiles with a wet saw. 

Yes indeed, as soon as the temperatures even remotely allowed it, we had to jump on our tiling project. We didn't really have a choice.  The man of the house is only home on the weekend, and the lady of the house can't be trusted around power tools.  We worked in tandem.


He measured;
 I cut. 

He mixed mortar and laid the tile; 
I narrated and handed him spacers.


We're using 18 inch square tiles so it's supposed to go a little faster.

So far, we've put down 43 full tiles
and 
36 cut tiles. 




Aside from an area around the hot water heater which made me cry,
 I cut every single one of them, too. .

Pretty good, if I do say so myself. 


All told, that's almost 80 pieces of tile. By our calculations, we are just over a fourth of the way finished with the laying.  And then, there is grouting, of course. And sealing.

Can someone please remind me why I thought it was a good idea
 to paint the cabinets in the middle of it all? 

47 comments:

Amy Kinser said...

Tennessee weather is so unpredictable just like GA weather. You just never know. I got a few beautiful blooms myself last week.

Donnie and I (mostly Donnie) tiled our kitchen a few years ago. It seemed to take forever because we were also mainly working on weekends. So worth it!

Things are going great around these parts with my mom.

Debbie said...

Good morning! My azalea decided to bloom this January too..soo weird, but nice. I am sooo impressed with your tile work. That is what my brother does for a living and he has done it for us a few times so I know first hand how much work is involved in this. Quite a bit of my house is tiled. I love it. Some people think it is cold on the feet and just in general, but I love the clean look of it all. Anyway, your cutting those tiles is impressive! You go girl! Can't wait to see the whole thing done! Enjoy your day!

At The Picket Fence said...

Wow!! What a big project! I was cracking up when you said you were "narrating". Sounds a lot like when my hubby and I do a project together. LOL! I know it's a ton of work but it is going to look so beautiful! :-)
Vanessa

Ann said...

Wow! My knees hurt just thinking of all that work! But, how amazing will it all look when you are done!?
As for your flowers .... our azaleas bloomed a little last month ... not full out like yours though. We also have all our bulbs up and half in bud, but then we had the deep freeze ... so I don't know what the results, if any, will be on my spring blooms.
Can't wait to see it all done and put back together. You do terrific DIY work!
Cheers!

Barbara F. said...

Debbie, you knew the best time to do it all is when it is messed up. Floor looks great, and having it done professionally, well, you know how expensive that is. I feel bad for your frosted plants, will they come back again? xo

Maryann said...

My husband and I did this DYI project ourselves a couple of years ago,,,and I got to cut the tile too, but it was the middle of summer (I remember how messy and wet a wet saw can be) you are a real trooper, hope it was a warm day! The floor loks great so far, I know you are gonna love it. Weather has been pretty fickle here too, So sorry to see your plants like that

Angel said...

To say I'm impressed would be an understatement. The fact that you actually cut tile definitely earns you the title of TILE QUEEN! I would be too much of a scaredy cat to attempt that job. I'd probably just stick to the "narrating" part. :)

Vee said...

Oh you poor dears. You really are in the thick of things, aren't you?! Still haven't lost your sense of humor, though..."I narrated." Made me laugh!

elizabeth said...

But it's going to be gorgeous!!!

Deanna Rabe - Creekside Cottage Blog said...

Oh what a huge job! But I know you are going to be so happy when you are done with it all!

Crazy flower blooming - I have tulips leaves up in the garden, no flowers yet thankfully, or they would be toast by now too! I blame it on this weather pattern of freezing, then mild, then freezing...

Deanna

http://bitsandpieces-sonja.blogspot.com/ said...

Hey Frostine... I'm in the middle of my own re-do over here. It can make me grumpy while the big mess is everywhere, but I am trying to keep my focus on the beauty of the 'after'. :) Keep going, it looks great!

Sharon said...

Oh, how I can relate. We were supposed to have our granite put in last Monday. But an overnight snow, and slippery roads, prevented the contractor from coming up (he got as far as our gate at the beginning of our twisty switchbacks). Then, the cabinet guy was delayed because he couldn't stain in the rain. (I'm singing show tunes here from "My Fair Lady").

But, I am overwhelmingly proud of you guys. DIY's have my TOTAL respect. And, tile cutting?? Wow, Debbie - very impressive. I noticed the difficult cut around the heat duct opening. That took skill, my friend. What's next? Plumbing...car mechanics...electrical wiring...brain surgery?

The tiles are beautiful, by the way.

The only thing better than re-doing a kitchen is having it done...just sayin'!

xo

Miss Char said...

It's snowing pretty hard right now so your beautiful blooms are a welcome infusion for me.

That is a big tiling project Debbie, did you feel the big tile project hug I just sent you?

Christine said...

I relate it to childbirth...
a lot of discomfort, then pain but you end up with something beautiful!

Tricia said...

Wow, this IS early for azaleas! So sorry yours got zapped. I had to giggle at your role in the tile adventure including "narrating"! Of course it does! What a huge job -- thanks for sharing your humor!

Chatty Crone said...

We had the same plant problems - sad isn't it? And I don't know how in the world you are doing that project - this coming from someone who knows nothing about DIY work. I think it looks beautiful and you will love it when it is done. sandie

Denise said...

We need a new name for you. The "little engine that could." So proud of your tiling job. What a great skill to have in our family. Surely I have a project you can help with around here somewhere...KIDDING!

I think the earlier comment with the birthing analogy is perfect. This kitchen will be beautiful when it's all done.

I sure hated to see those plants get zapped. Some of mine were zapped as well. Better luck next year, I suppose.

Thanks for the update pictures. And remember...I think I can. I think I can. Good job Debbie!

Sue said...

You get the prize for DIY. I can not believe you are handling the saw ~ my husband won't let me near one. Your kitchen will be so worth it, and I agree with the person who said get all the mess done at once. I dismantled the kitchen for the floors and now can not bear the idea of doing the cabinets. I wish I had them done back to back.
Your kitchen will be fabulous when you are finished and you can be proud that you did it yourself!

The Polka Dot Closet said...

Oh goodness, kitchens and bathrooms are the worst!!! Good for you though to do it yourself...I bet it will be like birthing a baby, you will forget all about the pain when it is over...maybe...I never forgot LOL!

Carol

Sooner Laura said...

These things are always worse when you're in the middle of them. Sooner or later it will all be done and it will be awesome. My husband is the tile layer, I'm the grouter. Is grouter a word? I'm also the cheerleader and gopher. I'm impressed that you do the tile cutting! My plants are also thinking it's spring. I'm hoping they don't get bit. We are taking a necessary break in our project because the hubs overdid it with the heavy lifting and strained his back.

Lynn said...

You go girl! Just think of how great it will look when it's complete:@)

Mrs. Kelley Dibble said...

AAAACK! I love it!... Not the sad purty frosted flores but the tiles, Queen Frostine! Your kitchen is really coming along! I'm sooooo excited for you!

Kelley~

Mevely317 said...

Are you sure you’re not an undercover agent for HGTV, Debbie? This is going to look so great!

I enjoyed a great laugh at your reference to the unabomber outfit!


Gina said...

I'm sorry about your blooms! I was so excited when I saw the first 2 photos. They were a sight for my sore Winter eyes.

The tile is coming along great! Hang in there! Looks like you're doing a super job!

Janettessage.blogspot.com said...

So sad to see the flowers....and I could just see you all bundled up cutting tile. In our family I am the one who owns the tools and we keep "Tim Taylor" away from them! Oh cabinets at the same time..sounds like me also...you will so delight in the fruit of your labor...GO Girl!!!

Jennie said...

Great progress! You are a WOMAN! Sam and I make a great team on tiling projects. He does the measuring AND the cutting. I lay them down and get blamed if it looks bad. ;) Ha! You're doing great. It's going to be a complete makeover by the time you're finished and it will be all worth it.

Dayle ~ A Collection of Days said...

Oh, darling ... I'm getting hives just looking and your pics and I hired my floor done. The cabinets though, nearly wiped me out. You'll get it all done. I have faith.

Tanna said...

LOL! I ALWAYS wonder why I thought a project was a good idea when I am in the hot mess of it!! LOL! I know for a fact there is a certain satisfaction that comes with difficult tile cuts e.g. around the hot water heater. ;) I LOVE to see my cuts fit!! LOL! The grouting on floor space that large is a beast of a chore. Sending you knee and back hugs! blessings ~ tanna

Shanee said...

Pick me, pick me, I know the answer! Every DIYer knows it is a law that you cannot have only one giant disaster/project going at one time! It is the old one thing leads to another so why not just go ahead and doing them all :) Floors are looking great, can't wait to see it all come together. Have a great week.

Kim@stuffcould.... said...

The weather always seem to do that here in GA...so sad to see such beauty frost bit but?? Wow you really did some nice tile cutting

Alycia Nichols said...

Oh, for goodness sake!!!!! Mother Nature has just wiped you out!!! And then on top of that, you further defied her by getting out there in her rage to cut tiles??!?!?! Do you have a death wish, woman?!?!? :-) I am impressed that you did the cutting. I get nowhere near that kind of thing. I have no clue, don't want a clue!!! You've heard that old adage that "That what don't kill ya, makes ya stronger"? You're gonna be able to wrestle & hog tie Popeye, The Hulk AND The Rock all at once after this, girl!!! I'm really sorry about your beautiful trees & bushes and REALLY sorry about the frustration your mega projects are causing. :-( A year from now you'll look back and....oh, who am I kidding? A year from now you'll be still freaked out about everything you went through! :-) Try to have a good one!!!!!!! Sending you a virtual hug!

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Debbie, I am so impressed that you cut the tiles! My husband would never allow me near that kind of machinery! Of course, I do all of the typing in his office, so he's really concerned about me losing a finger! LOVE your tile. That is going to look beautiful. It's kind of like having a baby. When you are enjoying the outcome of your labor, you sort of forget how difficult it was getting to that point. Oh, that pretty Dogwood and Azalea. How sad. I thought our Azalea was going to bloom, but it hasn't. The cold may have gotten it too. laurie

Susan Nowell @ My Place to Yours said...

OK, I'll admit to cringing just a little when I think of you cutting tile AND painting cabinets at the same time. Glutton for punishment, are you? ;-) Actually, I'm very impressed with your tile cutting, and your floor is going to be beautiful when you're finished. I'm sorry your pretty pinks couldn't cooperate and stay cheerful rather than succumb to the freeze... I've been praying for you, and it's nice to see your progress! Hang in there.

Merlesworld said...

Looking good I hate laying tiles mine are never straight look lumpy and I always have too many or not enough because I never measure right which is weid because I was alway good at maths.
Nice to have flowers in winter.
Merle.......

Anonymous said...

Aaahhh....but it will be SO worth it in the end!
Isn't it great to accomplish something together?!

Barbara Neubeck said...

Hi Debbie........YOU ARE AMAZING......
I always think it's a good idea to do as much of the re-modelling work at the same time if possible. I hate the mess lingering on.
Keep warm
Barb from Australia

Gayle said...

No pain; no gain. You'll be happy when it's done, and we'll enjoy all your pics. :-)

Sharlotte said...

Hey, I think those are the same tiles in my kitchen! We had builder's grade flooring before and have loved having tile. It's so easy to keep clean.
Wow, I'm impressed that you're cutting tile!! I have never tried that before. Way to go! You're going to love your "new" kitchen! Keep us posted on further changes!

Denise at Forest Manor said...

Beautiful job on the tiles, Debbie!! I've never used a wet saw, but I've seen it done on television, and the guy who put up our kitchen backsplash last summer used one. I'm impressed that you cut them yourself; don't you feel proud? As for the cabinets; it's stressful to have more than one project going at a time, but you'll get it all finished I'm sure.

Well, those brown Japanese Magnolia blossoms are a familiar sight at our house for sure -- par for the course. But your Azaleas -- darn, that's the pits. We've certainly had changeable weather so far this year.

Have a great weekend, Debbie!

Denise

Mary said...

Keep Calm and Tile & Paint On! It's hard to live with the mess which we've done, but it will be oh so worth it!

We don't have much blooming here yet but the jonquils have already shown their faces. We've had lots of cold snaps so I fully expect them to be zapped.

Manuela@A Cultivated Nest said...

Oh yes, my peach tree had blossoms. I've had to wrap it up to protect it from the frosty over night temps.
That's a lot of tile you cut, I'm impressed! I don't know how you're painting cabinets and cutting and laying tile - one of those things is torture enough for me.

Kathleen said...

Wow, you are doing a great job. Have to say it definitely looks like hard work! Your poor blooms. I remember your Japanese magnolia from last year. You brought some into the house and I thought it was beautiful.

Renée said...

You are an all or nothin' kind of DIYer. You don't just post a snowman, you post a dozen. Your charming country tablescape is out back with cow's centered in the background. Who else turns their back bathroom into a craft room? Just someone who tiles her floor and paints her cabinets at the same time. Thanks for always sending a smile and sunshine my way...it's going to be a fabulous makeover! Absolutely luv you and sending Valentine hugs...

Always Nesting said...

:) You are busy busy busy!

Red Couch Recipes said...

Wow, now I know for sure that I am a slacker! You are such a busy bee! It is going to turn out so fab and you are going to be patting yourself on the back, and maybe being a part-time job as a painter or tiler :). Joni

no spring chicken said...

I would remind you, but I haven't the faintest idea! :)

The frost picture broke my heart. I can't even enjoy early blooms for fear that Frostina may come for a visit!

Blessings, Debbie

Babs said...

Y'all are so talented laying tile. It's looking really good. I know you can't wait to get it all finished. I think my Japanese magnolia died. It struggled last year and looked just pitiful. I see no sign of life yet on it. My forsythia is trying to bloom, but we had frost yesterday morning, so who knows what will happen with it. Have a fun weekend and don't work too hard,
Hugs,
Babs

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