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Showing posts with label DIY. Show all posts
Showing posts with label DIY. Show all posts

DIY Jewelry Organizer.

May 05, 2015

Today I'm taking a little break from our before and after series to show off a project I wrapped up not too long ago.  Don't worry, it'll be back soon...

More Easy DIY Art.

April 02, 2015

As you already know, I’ve created a ridiculous amount of very amateur art for our home.  It’s fun to use little money and a bit of creativity to spruce up our space.  My latest “creations” include two amazing brights...coral and citron.  Mixing these invigorating colors with my favorite blues add a super fun pop to our home...perfect for spring and summer!

Two of the pieces I made were painted over old designs.  You might recognize them from my last post...


I mixed my colors mostly using a combo of $0.99 acrylic paints from my craft stash.  First I painted over my beloved stripes from Christmas to create blank canvas.


Then I started layering my favorite colors, and ended with a little liquid gold leaf.



After that was finished, I turned my attention to revamping a piece from last spring.  I truly loved it as is, but needed to freshen up the color scheme.  So I swapped out the hot pink for bold citron...just painting the new color over the old.



Then it was time for two new pieces.  Well over a year ago, I found two sizeable gold frames from Michael’s.  Both were on sale for $8...a deal I just couldn’t pass up!


I didn’t have a plan for them at the time of purchase, so I hoarded them in my junk craft room.  

One day I had a light-bulb moment and realized they’d be perfect to hang on our expansive wall that houses our barn door.  I didn’t have proper paper to paint on for these frames, so I simply flipped over the “picture” that comes with the frame and painted on that.  It wasn't ideal, but a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do. ;)


A few brushstrokes later and I had new art!


For wayyyy too long they sat on our fireplace mantle because, well, I hate hanging things.

Several weeks went by and was finally forced to hang them because we were having company.  (Isn't that always the best motivator?!?!?!)

I absolutely love the statement they make in that formerly boring corner.



I love getting four "new" pieces of art for next to nothing!  

Anyone else swap out and recycle their art?

I Heart Art.

February 26, 2015

I really do.  I may not be the best at it, but I have a blast creating swap-able, inexpensive pieces to hang around our home.  I've dabbled in super amateur art before. Hereherehereherehere and here.


Then last spring I created a few more pieces on some scrap wood I had stashed in our hall closet.



This past winter, I painted another scrap piece to help make a statement next to our Christmas tree.





After we took all of our Christmas decor down I was craving a bit of spring.  It's been very chilly, and once the holiday season ends, I am NOT a fan of the colder, darker months.  To combat the current season, I added pops of coral and citron to our great room.  An inexpensive way to get these colors into our living space was to update some of the art I previously painted above.  I can't wait to share it all soon!!

Anyone else ready for winter to end?!?!

Leaner Mirror Makeover.

February 11, 2015

Once our walls went dark, I really fell out-of-love with our large leaner mirror.  It blended in with the walls and didn't provide any pop.


I solved that problem the same way I solve 90% of my other problems....with some leftover paint!!

For our master bedroom refresh, I knew I didn't want to completely rid our room of my signature teal color, so rather than have an accent wall covered in Behr's Balmy Seas, I wanted to incorporate it using accessories and accents. That gorgeous shade of teal would be the perfect hue to make our old mirror come to life again.


I took it outside, spray primed and painted it with a leftover paint sample.




Once that was done I got out my Citri-Strip gel, coated the over-spray and used a scraper to clear the mirror surface.  (Yes, I was lazy and didn't want to cover and tape before I primed, so I had to strip later.)  After that, I used Minwax's polycrylic in semi-gloss to cover and protect the paint.


Anvoilà...a new mirror!


I think it looks great against our dark walls, and all dressed up for the holidays... ;)


Can't wait to share more details soon!!!

Quick DIY Cork Coasters.

February 06, 2015

Here and there I've been working on our master bedroom refresh.  I promised myself and even declared to the blog-world that I would finish the space by the end of the year, but it just didn't happen.  I'm getting close.  As you can see here, it's all about the details now.  Once I check a few more things off my to-do list, I'll finally be D-O-N-E!!!

What's left, you ask?  Finding the right pillows (I've been on the pillow hunt for more time than I want to admit...I've fallen in love, but my budget never got the same warm and fuzzy feelings), DIY'ing some jewelry storage, pretty-ing up our exposed lamp cords (with paint or a DIY cord-cover project) and a DIY art canvas.

Since I've talked enough about what ISN'T done, let me prop myself back up on what I've actually finished: upped the cozy factor in our room with dark walls, installed our DIY lucite curtain rods, painted our DIY curtains, hung our TV gallery wall (sneak peek here), stenciled our gloss-on-matte accent wall (sneak peek here), hung our wall lamps, swapped out our focal point mirror, painted our old leaner mirror and DIY'ed some simple coasters for our nightstands.

You see, hubby and I drink a ton of water...and every night we each have a bottle or glass of water next to us in bed.  Normally I wouldn't be such a freak about putting a drink on a side table, but these "nightstands" are one of my favorite Craigslist makeovers I've ever completed.  


The thought of ruining one with a water ring makes me cringe.

So the easiest/cheapest/most-stylish solution I could come up with was painting a 4-pack of cork coasters from Michael's.

This project took all of 10 minutes, is embarrassingly easy and pretty much self-explanatory, so I feel silly even posting about it, but hey, I love how they turned out...so why not show them off?!

First, I gathered my supplies: 1) the coasters, 2) some left over paint samples and acrylic paints, 3) old paint brushes, 4) painters tape, 5) liquid gold leaf, 6) Krylon clear finish spray and 7) an old piece of cardboard to paint on.


Then I taped off different areas on the coasters and started painting!  I didn't have much of a plan for shapes or color placement.  I just crafted without thinking or measuring.




Once everything was painted, I used a Krylon clear spray to lightly coat each coaster 2 times to protect my award-winning paint job.


After the coasters dried, they were ready to go!  I love the colors and how pretty they look compared to the folded over paper towels we were using. ;)


High-five for super-simple, cheap projects!!!!  Happy Friday, friends! :)

Friendsgiving Blog Video!

November 26, 2014

Yesterday I shared the super fun collaboration between me and my good friend, Dina, the Dish It Girl.  We had a blast using our passions for decor and food to create a little Friendsgiving dinner.  If you want to see some behind-the-scenes action (and what I sound like in person....eeeeeek), check out the YouTube video below!!


And I know you'll want the recipe for that UH-mazing fig and Cabernet cranberry sauce after watching, so head here to grab it!!

Thanks for teaming up, Dina...and again, Happy Thanksgiving to you all!  I'm so thankful for each one of my readers and friends! Xo!

Thanksgiving Tablescape & Dish It Girl Food!

November 25, 2014

I love this time of year.  It's all about gathering with loved ones, and celebrating all we have to be thankful for. Unfortunately, the stress of planning a gathering can occasionally get in the way of the enjoyment it should bring us.  So to keep things simple, just remember there are two key components for a successful celebration: 1) good food and 2) fun decor.  The good company you keep is just a given in this equation. ;)

Hubby and I hosted a little "Friendsgiving" dinner this past weekend.  I supplied the decor, and thankfully (for this not-so-skilled cook), my good friend Dina from Dish It Girl, brought the good food along!!



When it comes to dinner parties or hosted holidays, I like to keep things relaxed and casual.  I don't worry about proper place settings...making sure my water glass is properly spaced from my plate, if my silverware is appropriately laid out, etc.  Instead, I focus on creating a table that is practical, comfortable and pretty to look at. :)



Like most projects I complete, I did this tablescape on a budget and even included a few DIYs in the mix.


My runner was a simple strip of fabric I carefully cut, making sure to remove any rogue strings from the edges.  The acorns were a past project that I updated this year to match my color scheme.  


I found the faux pumpkins and pine cones at Michael's.  I updated them with some brightly colored spray paint and acrylic paint.  The wooden candle sticks were a beat up clearance find from Target that I gave new life to with, what else, but more spray paint!  


I found the tea light holders and mason jars (just remove the lids) at Michael's during a 50% off sale, and the coordinating cloth napkins were only a few dollars from Home Goods.





I know it's not a typical Thanksgiving table you'd see every day, but that was my intention.  I really wanted to step outside my comfort zone and try to put a colorful spin on the holiday. :)

You know what else wasn't typical?!?  Dina's food!!  It. Was. So. Good.  She spoiled us with herbed turkey breast, sausage stuffing mushrooms and fig and Cabernet cranberry sauce.



Yes, that's right...fig and Cabernet cranberry sauce.  It was delish!

Head to Dish It Girl right now to get all of her amazing recipes!  Your taste buds will thank you. ;)
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***And HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!  I'm so very thankful for each and every one of you!  Xo!!***

Blogger Stylin' Home Tours - Fall 2014 Edition

September 26, 2014

I think this time of year is so dreamy. I'm always excited to experience another transition from summer to fall. The cooler temps, the comfy sweaters, the delicious scents and beautiful scenery are all so magical.  And to celebrate this wonderful season, Lindsay is hosting another edition of Blogger Stylin' Home Tours!!


If you are visiting from Tatertots and Jello...welcome!!  I'm so glad you stopped by!  I hope you like my bright and playful take on the season. :)

This is the second year I've been lucky enough to participate in the home tour series.  Last year I was all about rich, jewel tones.  I stuck to plum, teal, mustard yellow and charcoal gray.  This year, I found some autumnal inspiration while cleaning out my junk craft room a few weeks ago.  


The colorful cover of this book was the exact scheme I wanted to see in our home for the fall.  It allowed me to feed off the vibrant, fun colors I decorated with in the summer months, while adding in a few new ones to up the cozy-factor...a must for the cooler months. ;)


My readers know by now...string lights on our mantel are mandatory every day of the year.  But they do add a little something extra now that the days are getting shorter.










I was able to recycle a good portion of accessories I used last year.  My acorns, faux pumpkins and pine cones received an inexpensive makeover, thanks to some craft paint and patience.



Thank you so much for taking a peek into our home!  I hope you like what you saw, and keep this tour moving by heading to Eleven Gables to check out Emily's home! :)  Happy Friday!!!



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FULL TOUR SCHEDULE: