Creative Home Expressions

Master Bedroom Dresser

2012-01-29T19:30:00.000-05:00

A few months ago, I was on a search for a French dresser for our master bedroom when I came across this one on Craig’s List.

I knew it wouldn’t be staying white but wasn’t sure what color I wanted to go with. It took me about three months to decide! After looking around the other things we have in our master bedroom, I decided to take these two items with me when I went looking at Annie Sloan Chalk Paint {ASCP} colors. Plus, I took into consideration the quilt you see, which is on our bed.

As well as these drapes that I had gotten from Pottery Barn shortly after we moved in.

I also had my friend, Sue, with me, who provided a second set of eyes to determine which color went better! Duck Egg was the hands down winner.

As soon as I started putting the color on I felt happy with my choice! Did you ever start painting a color and right away knew that you went with the right one? Warning: Picture overload ahead!

Once I got the first coat on, I was really pleased! It anchored this side of the bedroom more by having this darker color on the dresser and I could see it was going to work in really well with everything else I’ve been pulling together in here.

The mirror will be removed {as soon as I can get hubby for about 10 minutes} and I will be using a mirror I had in our old house. It will also need to be painted, but I think it will work better on this wall and with this dresser.

I wasn’t sure what else I was going to do to it once I got the two coats on. I decided to add in some Old White, which I already had, and just put it in a couple of the detailed areas.

I don’t often mix two colors on one piece of furniture, so I decided to play it low key.

I applied some clear wax once the paint was dry. I waited 24 hours and then put a little dark wax on.

I used some Antique Gold Rub n Buff on the hardware. Here they are “before” in silver, which was nice, but I have no silver going on in this room.

I applied the rub n buff with a little brush.

Once I was satisfied with the look of the dark wax, I reattached the hardware to the drawers.

I am loving it!

I waited another 24 hours after I applied the dark wax and gave it a nice buffing before I put my lamp and accessories back on the top of the dresser, but I’m not going to show you that part yet. I’d like to have the mirror finished first to give a more complete picture of this side of the room.

This dresser is one project I can cross off my 2012 project list!

Linking up with

Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps On The Porch

Your Cozy Home at Cozy Home Scenes

Tuesday’s Treasures at My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia

Wow Us Wednesdays at Savvy Southern Style

Winter Blues Wednesday at DIY by Design

Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage

Kathy

Sneak Peek ~ Duck Egg & A Dresser

2012-01-27T16:00:00.000-05:00

This is what I’ve been working on this week ~ finally! It only took me three months to decide on the color.

I went with the Annie Sloan Duck Egg and so far I am loving it!

Kathy

A Little Alice On The Side

2012-01-26T07:00:00.000-05:00

Last week, I went with my friend Sue to a couple of antique marts in the area and I came across this book.

For $4.00 I had to pick it up! Not only was Alice in Wonderland the theme for my daughter’s baby shower tea party, but last year we did a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party here {joining in with Vanessa at A Fanciful Twist}. This book has great graphics throughout; mostly black and white, but also some color images.

I love the cover and the pages. It is in excellent condition and I shall look forward to reading this to my granddaughter in a few years. For now, I think I’ll just take a look through it. It’s been years since I read about Alice’s adventures!

I also got the chalk paint for my master bedroom dresser and, hopefully, I am doing that as you are reading this!

Linking up with

Nifty Thrifty Tuesday at Coastal Charm

Time Travel Thursday at The Brambleberry Cottage

Vintage Inspiration Friday at Common Ground

Kathy

Vanity Top

2012-01-24T07:00:00.000-05:00

I had to come up with something to share to celebrate the 100th Tabletop Tuesday over at Marty’s A Stroll Thru Life linky party. Congratulations, Marty, on this marvelous milestone!

After looking at the pictures I took of the total picture overhaul I posted about here, I thought I’d share the “tabletop” of this vanity.

Everything I have used here I had and, although they were in different spots in our old house, they all traveled with us when we moved a few months ago.

The lovely lavender in the peat pot came from Becky at Junk to Joy.

The apothecaries hold egg soaps. I’ve had these for a couple of years now and got those from Dawn at The Feathered Nest.

The bottle with jeweled crown and the harlequin tumbler came from Home Good’s about two years ago. The tumbler had been in the clearance section; I use it to hold my make-up brushes.

I like having this spot where I can add a little pretty to our master bathroom!

Kathy

Total Picture Overhaul

2012-01-22T20:30:00.000-05:00

I had saved this picture from donation before we moved because I really liked the frame and thought I might be able to do something with it once we were in our new place.

After reading a post over at {oc cottage} and how she used chalkboard contact paper on a few projects, I wondered if it might work for this frame.

I can’t get the back open without causing possible damage {it must be glued in someway} and the glass is only over the actual print. The linen look fabric “mat” is exposed.

To start, I taped off the glass and the fabric “mat”.

I had gotten samples of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint {ASCP} Paris Grey and Old Ochre over the Summer. I used the Old Ochre on our hall tree prior to our move {you can see that here}, and thought I’d give the Paris Grey a try on this frame.

When that dried I dry brushed some ASCP Old White over the whole thing, but focusing a little more on the detailed areas.

As for the chalkboard contact paper, I’ll let you in on my secret for dealing with it and not getting bubbles, ripples or any other bumps. Don’t take the backing off the contact paper. That’s right. Don’t take it off. After cutting the piece to size and using an x-acto knife for a smooth cut, I used double stick tape on the back of the chalkboard paper and attached it to the glass with that. Smooooooth!

I used a piece of chalk and just went over the whole chalkboard surface because I wasn’t sure if you should treat it as regular chalkboard and “season” it.

I’ve added a little clear wax and I think I may leave it at that. With the white dry brushed on, I don’t think I need to add anything more with the dark wax.

For now I propped it on our bathroom vanity until I figure out where I want to put it. Maybe I’ll get a Command hook and have it hang down in front of this section of the mirror.

Linking up with

Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps On The Porch

Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style

Inspiration Friday At The Picket Fence

Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage

Kathy

PB Santos Ornament Winner

2012-01-21T12:00:00.000-05:00

Thank you to everyone who entered my giveaway for the PB Santos Ornament. I am happy to be able to give one of you the chance to own one for yourself, since they were sold out on the PB website.

The winner is #10 ~

Melanie! Congratulations Melanie!

Melanie said...

Mine actually is also "It is what it is"! But one I keep hearing lately that's driving me bonkers is "That's how I roll!" UGH!!!

Thanks for the chance to win.

Thanks for leaving your email Melanie {not shown here} and I have contacted you for your mailing address.

I have a sponsored giveaway coming up within the next couple of weeks!

Kathy

Last Call ~ PB Santos Ornament Giveaway

2012-01-20T15:00:00.000-05:00

Putting out a last call for entries into my PB Santos Ornament Giveaway, which you can enter here.

The giveaway will be ending tonight at midnight, EST, so enter while you still can! I’ll be announcing the winner on Saturday.

Kathy

New Lampshade For Master Bedroom

2012-01-15T20:30:00.000-05:00

This is the wonderful toile I bought at Hobby Lobby, which I really just love the look of ~ the colors are great, as well as the pattern, and it has an aged look about it.

I bought about a yard and a half to do this lampshade in our master bedroom and a pillow for the bed. I have plenty left over and could probably get three pillows out of what is left.

A good way to use a fabric that might otherwise be out of your budget is to buy a small amount and use it for something like a pillow, a lampshade or a simple valance. It’s a good way to get something you love into your home while staying in your budget. This fabric is fairly pricey.

I followed the same steps as I did on my craft room lampshade and you can find the complete tutorial here, although this shade is a bit larger than that one. Plus, I’m just using one fabric as opposed to two.

I’ve used a wider flat trim on this one in a gold tone that went well with the gold in the fabric.

I used it for each section, the top and the bottom.

I had this looped fringe {just enough to go around the bottom portion} and also covered that with the flat trim. I could have left it with just the looped fringe, but I thought it would finish it off better because you could see the thread where they sewed the looped fringe together.

Finally, on the lamp.

There were eight sections to be cut for this shade and I made sure to do every other section with one of the women figures. So, I had four of those and then I tried to get some of the other colors going on in the fabric from the scenery in the other four.

You can see in the picture above how, with the lamp in front of the mirror, it will pick up the images that are on the back of the shade, too. Here’s a night shot so you can see how it looks lit up! If you have any questions about this project, feel free to ask!

I can’t wait to get started on that dresser! I am going to try and do the shade of blue that you can see in this fabric. I think this mirror is going to go {it came with the dresser} and I have a larger mirror from my old house that will probably work better here. That will need to be painted too.

I’ve got a giveaway going on for the PB Santos Ornament here!

Linking up with

Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps On The Porch

Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style

Winter Blues Wednesday at DIY by Design

Air Your Laundry Friday at Freckled Laundry

Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage

Inspiration Friday At The Picket Fence

Kathy

French Tea Towels

2012-01-14T11:00:00.004-05:00

Right before Christmas, Debbie from Confessions of a Plate Addict made these great little tea towels. They turned out really pretty and not only did she do it in color, but it really does look like embroidery.

I just loved these! Being that I usually keep some Osnaberg fabric on hand {it’s just so versatile}, I knew that I would be trying something similar soon. This is soon. I followed Debbie’s post so I won’t repeat any instructions here.

I didn’t have enough to do two towels of the same size like Debbie did, but I got one and then made a smaller one. My Osnaberg was just about totally cut up, so I used it all on this project.

I cut as close as I could to the images and the Avery directions say to keep it rounded for easier removal.

I used these two graphics from Karen at The Graphics Fairy. I was actually going to do the text one on both, but couldn’t resist the bee and crown image!

Here they are and I love the way they turned out! Picture overload ahead. This is the smaller one.

A nice little towel to use with my tray and maybe some tea and cookies.

Here’s the larger one.

Thanks so much Debbie for sharing your inspiration and thank you, Karen, for the great graphics!

Don’t forget to enter my giveaway for the PB Santos Ornament here! I’m keeping mine out all year round!

Linking up with

Brag Monday at The Graphics Fairy

Sew Crafty Tuesday at Ruby Jean's

Your Cozy Home at Cozy Home Scenes

Kathy

Santos Ornament Giveaway

2012-01-13T07:30:00.000-05:00

This Giveaway has ended.

Word on the street is the Pottery Barn Santos Ornament is now sold out! Happy news for you ~ I ordered two! One for me and one for a lucky one of you! Here is the ornament as pictured on the PB website. Since I didn’t officially celebrate my 4 year blogaversary on December 30th, I thought this might do.

Here’s mine under one of my cloches. I’ll be keeping this out year-round so I have to clip that little ring off the top.

Let me remove the glass so you can see it a little bit better. This Santos ornament is made of wood and is 6 1/2 inches tall. It comes with a jute string hanger.

To enter for a chance to win this Santos ornament just leave me a comment on this post with the word or phrase that just drives you up the wall. Mine is “it is what it is”.

For additional chances to win you can:

Post about this giveaway or put it on your sidebar and come back and let me know in a separate comment;
Tweet about this giveaway, come back and let me know in a separate comment.

Giveaway will end on January 20, 2012, at midnight EST. Giveaway is open outside of the United States, too! You must leave me an email for contact if you do not have a blog. Winner will be selected via random.org. Winner must confirm within 48 hours of notification or a new winner will be selected.

This Giveaway has ended.

Kathy

Blog Posts Not Coming Up & Comments

2012-01-12T13:00:00.000-05:00

Since yesterday, January 11th, I have noticed an issue when I click on certain individual blog posts in my dashboard. It starts to come up and then I just get a white screen. This means I can’t leave comments.

I checked out Blogger’s help section and found other people were having the same issue and here is what I found today:

“I am wondering if this isn't related to the fact that a post page and an embedded comment are on the same page and threaded comments on embedded comments was rolled out today.”

And this:

“Are you using the embedded comments system for comments? If you are then the problems are due to the change to the new (as of yesterday) threaded comments system. If you want to avoid these you can change your comments system to pop-up or full-page.system until the problem is sorted out.”

I just changed my blog to have the pop up box for comments rather than having the comments embedded on the same page, as that is suggested as the fix. It apparently does not happen on all computers {browsers}. So, if you haven’t seen me comment on your blog recently, and you have your comments entered on the same page as your blog post {embedded}, this is probably why.

I like being able to leave a comment on the same page as a blog post myself, because it allows me to scroll back up and comment on something that I may have forgotten while writing my comment. I hope that this feature is not lost to us forever now.

Kathy

Added To The List

2012-01-11T20:00:00.000-05:00

So far, so good with sticking to my non-spending. Of course, it’s only the middle of the first month, so that’s not saying much. I am focusing on using supplies I have on hand for present and upcoming projects. However, I do have a credit at Hobby Lobby {loophole!}, and a coupon, and I’ve decided to use it to get this.

And this trim.

To do something that involves this.

After we moved, I noticed this.

Which I don’t believe was there before we moved. It does make for a good excuse to do a project again that I enjoyed doing a few months ago. I’ll be working on that this week. I’ve long admired this fabric that Kim at Savvy Southern Style has shown, as well as, I believe, Rhonda at Blue Creek Home, and it seems perfect for this project.

I also went crazy and bought this candle that was 50% off. Still within my range for the credit I was using, mind you. It smells wonderful ~ White Tea & Thyme by Darcee and David. Have you ever heard of them before? I hadn’t, but will look forward to checking out their other candles. This has a nice subtle smell.

Kathy

Gotta Have Heart(s)

2012-01-11T07:30:00.000-05:00

Okay, this will probably be the last post I do on these hearts. I’m sure your sick of them by now and since I ran out of stuffing that will be it for at least a few days! I did want to show you the ones I did with the Ballard document fabric.

I love them and would be sorry to see them go. I may have to make a few just for me to keep!

I also did a couple in this black and white floral toile fabric. They are perfect for me and if they don’t go they will find a happy home with me!

They’ve joined the crew in my red wooden tote for now but heading into my Etsy.

Kathy

Project List ~ 2012

2012-01-10T07:00:00.000-05:00

I thought I’d put my project list for 2012 in writing so this way I can have some accountability to get it done. In no particular order, this is what I’d like to get done this year. {Some real life pictures ahead as I was putting Christmas away when I took them}.

Painting the sunroom. I have these five paint swatches that I’d like to choose from:

I realize these are probably hard to make out in the picture. The colors are all Sherwin Williams and are: 6115 Totally Tan; 6388 Golden Fleece; 6129 Restrained Gold; 6380 Humble Gold; and 6128 Blonde.

The dresser I bought off Craig’s List a few months ago. I have one of the Annie Sloan paint colors in mind for this or mixing two to get a soft blue color.

These bedside tables in the guestroom. They are from my son’s old room and I’m thinking of doing an Old White bottom and Walnut stained top. New knobs as well.

The laundry room needs to be painted now since I removed the previous owners metal shelf.

I have something else to go in this space but we’ll paint first.

I’ll be doing something with the entry and paint. I’ve got this one all planned out, just need to pick a day and do it.

The bathroom will be getting a frame around the mirror ~ either a purchased kit or asking my hubby to put something together. He may like doing that since he seems like he’s looking for something to do that requires tools.

Also in this bathroom, I have something planned for this wall and little stool. I have the paint for the stool so that will probably get done first.

And, I want to get an upholstered chair of some kind for this corner of the guest bedroom.

As well as this corner of our master bedroom. I’ve seen a few I like but they are not in the budget I have in my mind to spend.

Of course, this doesn’t include anything I pick up along the way that needs some tender loving care, but I’m going to be showing a lot of restraint and making sure I really need what I’m buying. Do you have projects planned for this year or do you just take them as they come?

Kathy

Valentine Pillow

2012-01-08T20:00:00.000-05:00

I decided to do a version of the PB pillow with the stockings that was around for the holidays, except I adapted it for Valentine’s Day.

I used fabric and a pillow form that I already had. I don’t put much out for Valentine’s Day, so this will work just fine for me.

I may put something on the reverse so that this pillow can then stay out for the rest of the year and blend in with my regular décor.

Linking up with

Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps On The Porch

Seasonal Sunday at The Tablescaper

Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style

Winter Blues Wednesday at DIY by Design

Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage

Vintage Inspiration Friday at Common Ground

Air Your Laundry Party at Freckled Laundry

Inspiration Friday At The Picket Fence

Overflowing with Creativity at It’s Overflowing

Kathy

Getting Back To Normal

2012-01-07T07:30:00.000-05:00

As I’m putting away our Christmas decorations, I’m putting tabletops back to an everyday look. The first things I worked on were my cloches. Just before Christmas I bought the PB Santos ornament and I decided to put her under one of my cloches.

I then brought out my letter balls which I have had stored away since we moved. I put them under my dome clock cloche, which is larger than the original one I had for them before we moved {that one broke during the move}. I may need to find more of these letter balls at Michaels to fill it up just a bit more.

I wasn’t sure what I was going to put under this third cloche until I unpacked a box that I needed to use to ship something out. I came across my Fitz & Floyd black and white sugar and creamer rabbits.

A perfect way for me to bring them out so I can see them and they just fit under this cloche.

I forgot how much I loved these! It’s like getting something new without spending any money!

Now I’m moving onto the rest of the house. I’m hoping to have new storage bins and everything packed away by Sunday night so I can start the week off fresh and Christmas décor free!

Linking up with

Tabletop Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life

Kathy

Mini Chandy

2012-01-06T15:00:00.000-05:00

Loving my little chandy in my craft/sewing room. For such a delicate little light, it was well worth getting just for the better lighting it is giving me in here.

This is the part of the condo with no windows or natural light, so I will never get a really good picture of this fixture.

There was some paper wrapped up that had “spare parts” written on it and when I opened it up it was a bunch of extra crystals.

You can just see the flush ceiling fixture that was in here in the picture above, taken when I first started unpacking my supplies in this room.

I’ll have a chance to try it out while making something since I joined in at Marsha’s, Tattered Chick, Valentine Heart Swap. I’ll take pictures so I can show you what I make for my secret Valentine.

Kathy

Creating Free Art Work

2012-01-05T13:14:00.001-05:00

Stop! Wait! Did you throw out your 2011 calendar yet? The one with the images you loved and that’s why you bought it? If you’re like me you buy your calendars keeping those images in mind. After all, you are looking at them every day for a month. My 2011 calendar was this one.

I had these frames that I had painted before we moved and posted about here.

Using the mat that came with them, I placed it over each image to see, first, if they would fit and, second, to see what part of the images I wanted to frame.

Now I’ve got three new framed prints that cost me absolutely nothing, nada, zero, to fill a blank wall in our entry. The great thing is that I can change them out again easily this time next year.

I can’t wait to get my hands on my 2012 Cavellini calendar and use these images! This is the Flora & Fauna calendar.

This shows all the great images I will be gazing at monthly.

These are definitely frame worthy and I’ll probably change out the 2011 pictures with these 2012 images. Can’t beat free!

Linking up with

Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style

Winter Blues Wednesday at DIY by Design

Time Travel Thursday at The Brambleberry Cottage

Vintage Inspiration Friday at Common Ground

Inspiration Friday At The Picket Fence

Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage

Kathy

Sweet Hearts

2012-01-04T11:00:00.000-05:00

I figured I would pace myself with the first couple of projects for the new year and started out small with a bunch of hearts.

It snowed here on Monday and I took the opportunity to pull out some fabric, make a heart template and got to sewing.

This batch will be making an appearance in my Etsy with more to come. Plenty of time for Valentine’s Day and I think they would look great out all year long.

Maybe in a grouping in a bowl, or add some ribbon and make a garland, even as a pincushion.

I “heart” hearts!

Kathy

Liking My Light A Little Bit More

2012-01-03T10:00:00.000-05:00

Have you seen the new Ballard Designs catalog? Flipping through it, my eye was drawn to the pendant lights they have on several pages and in different room settings.

They remind me of the fixture we just put up over our table in the dining area.

I think I’m liking my new light more and more!

Kathy

Dressed For New Year’s Eve

2012-01-02T07:00:00.000-05:00

As promised, I wanted to come back and show you my table dressed up for our New Year’s Eve get together. We went buffet style doing appetizer type foods since we went out to dinner. Everybody loved the “tablecloth” and couldn’t believe it was a tree skirt.

I cleaned up all three of my silver trays to be called into action and decided to go with this one in the middle to cover the hole. This is my largest tray.

I brought out a couple of silver candlesticks I have and put the two smaller trays on top of them to elevate them.

Put out the two trees I just got at TJ Maxx, too. I had nowhere to put them at the moment, so I figured “why not”.

Added in some tealight candles and a couple of clock related things.

Here it is just waiting on the addition of some food!

Linking up with

Tabletop Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life

Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps On The Porch

Kathy

Bad Kathy

2011-12-30T19:30:00.000-05:00

My only consolation is that it is not January just yet and my plan is to not spend on frivolous home décor things for at least a month. I went into TJ Maxx on my way home from the supermarket to look for two gifts for people coming over New Year’s Eve. I walked out with this.

After having a conversation with myself {in my head, of course} I was able to justify these purchases to my own satisfaction. Everything was 50% off and I spent a grand total of $47.00!

This gorgeous silver tree skirt was the first thing to catch my eye {originally $29.99}. Rosettes and ruffles! This is so pretty I want to wear it! Now, I don’t need another tree skirt, but the wheels were churning to use this as a tablecloth for our New Year’s Eve party.

What about the hole you ask? Well, the hole will be taken care of with a silver tray. Like this.

Maybe not this particular tray but I have three to choose from. I also fell for these trees, at least 17 inches tall with the urn. I was amazed they weren’t broken or trashed in some way, but they are perfect.

Also picked up some holiday tissue paper since I ran out wrapping this year’s Christmas’ gifts. Oh yeah, the gifts. I got two candle gifts ~ one in this Peace tin and the other a blue mercury glass-like candle.

I’ll be back to show you how I set up the table using the tree skirt as a tablecloth.

Kathy

Whew! What A Year ~ 2011 In Review

2011-12-30T11:00:00.000-05:00

I know I did my favorite project of 2011 post, but I thought I’d add in a few more that I did over the course of the year. This was a big year for us in that we moved from New York {where we lived our whole lives} to Ohio. Some of these projects were done in our old house and, after September, in our new home.

January had me using a Nine West dress I found at Goodwill and turning it into a table skirt for a small round decorator table for my granddaughter.

In February I did another project for the granddaughter with this shelf I found at Goodwill for her china tea sets.

At the end of March, I decided to customize some ready made sheers when I was doing my Winter to Spring switch.

In April, I turned a plain wooden tray that was destined for the trash into a little French beauty using supplies I had on hand.

In May I found a fabulous chair at a local thrift store and I just adored the detail on it. It did, of course, receive a makeover.

In June I finished the dresser, which I already posted about as my favorite for the year, but these little cupcake stands were a popular post, too.

July had me making two different kinds of Frenchy memo boards with clearance frames from Michaels and fabric I already had.

The end of August, as we prepared to move, an attic clear out had me transforming my son’s old child-size rocker for my granddaughter.

We moved at the end of September, but I was able to get our hall tree made over before we left.

By October we were getting settled in our new home in Ohio and I did two projects this month that I’m still loving every time I look at them. The first was bringing some interest to the glass door cabinet in my kitchen that houses my white pieces.

The second was being able to do the gallery wall I’ve been wanting to do for the past two years.

In November I was tackling my craft/sewing room off and on and one of the things I completed was a toile skirt for the sewing table.

In December I was more focused on decorating for Christmas. One of my projects was doing bottlebrush trees like the ones I had been coveting.

I’ve got a few projects that will be starting me off in the new year. Now the question is which to start first!

Kathy

A Few Gifts

2011-12-29T07:00:00.000-05:00

Besides spending the day with loved ones, I got a few things for Christmas that I’ve been wanting. First was this black and white throw.

It is so soft! I can’t wait for a cold winter day where I have nothing to do except sit with a good book, a cup of hot chocolate and use this throw.

I’ve also been wanting some of the Mark Roberts’ fairies for a few years now and got two of the small ones this year. Love ‘em! Next year I’ll have fun finding a real place for them.

We kept things simple this year, hubby and I, since we have bought a few things since our move. How about you? Did you get something you’ve been wanting?

Kathy

Favorite Project of 2011

2011-12-27T17:00:00.000-05:00

Kim from Savvy Southern Style had such a great idea for her Wow Us Wednesday linky party this week. With so much going on, she suggested we link up our favorite project of this year. I had a few I really enjoyed doing, but I have to say I think my rescued curbside dresser was my very favorite.

Here is the original post where I did the reveal of the finished dresser:

Monday, June 27, 2011

Finally! The Dresser Is Done!

Finally! You’d think I was doing a whole suite of furniture for the time it took me to get this little dresser done. I posted about how I found it on the side of the road here and this is what it looked like.

It was missing two of its three drawers, but I knew I could put wood there and use baskets. Since I ordered a quart of the legendary chalk paint for my headboard, I thought I would use it on this piece, too. Anything to not have to sand or prime!

My hubby made me two shelves out of some luan that we already had in our garage for the drawerless areas. We also had this decorative trim left over from our master bathroom redo.

I painted the whole thing in Annie Sloan’s Old White chalk paint, then rubbed on the Clear Wax. {Edited to answer a comment: All products used are from the Annie Sloan line}.

You recall I asked for your help on what color to paint the baskets for the two shelves. I wanted to make a choice between gray or black. Thank you so much for your input on that! I wound up not going with either of those choices!

The baskets got sprayed with Oil Rubbed Bronze; for two reasons. First, I had it already and B. because I thought the brown would look good considering the dark wax is, basically, brown and the script writing on the scrapbook paper I used was brown.

I added tags to the baskets using shipping tags covered in a script scrapbook paper and numbers I got from The Graphics Fairy. I tied them on to the baskets using two colors of seam binding.

I was disliking the way the floral bit looked on the one and only drawer ~ even painted over. Not quite the look I’m going for.

So I got some script and music scrapbook paper to see which I liked better.

I liked the middle one best. The background color went very well with the Old White chalk paint and the script was very soft. The first one pictured to the left I used on the tags.

I cut it to size and Mod Podged it onto the front of the drawer. The 12x12 sheet allowed me to get the two pieces I needed. The picture below is pre-wax.

I also needed knobs because there were none on the drawer when I got the dresser. I realized that I already had a couple of round wood knobs that I could use. I dipped them in the chalk paint and stuck them upside down into styrofoam cups to dry {I put the screw in them when I did this}.

I added the dark wax to the whole piece {except for the shelf areas since the baskets will be on them anyway}, but got a little heavy handed I think and had to go back in with the clear wax to lighten it up again. Like magic that clear wax is! I couldn’t believe how it lightened up the dark wax and I finally got it to where I liked the look.

Finally, here she is in place in my entry foyer! This will be her home for now. Although, I do like the idea that because of the color, I could put this piece anywhere. I love it! I have some future posts planned featuring this piece.

By the time I got someone to help me bring it in from the garage on Sunday, it had gotten cloudy. If I can get a few better pictures in the morning before I leave for work, I will replace these, as they really don’t do it any justice.

I decorated the top with stuff I already had. The lamp I recently bought at TJ Maxx {$19.99} specifically for this chest. The books and tray are in my etsy; the floral I’ve had for several years and is from Home Goods.

EDITED: Some day time shots from this morning.

Now just a little bit about the paint and my take on it. I would be a bit more careful when applying the dark wax although you can fix any area that looks too dark by reapplying clear wax. The paint covered wonderfully and this piece is made up of plastic legs, MDF and a little bit of real wood. Very high quality stuff here. So it worked on three different surfaces beautifully. I applied the paint with a good paint brush and applied the wax with rags.

Is it worth the $34.95 a quart, plus additional for the waxes? Well, depending on how much I can get out of this can will determine whether I would buy it again. I applied two coats to this dresser and still have 3/4 of a can of paint left. The major plus was no sanding or priming and if you had to get primer and paint, you might be pretty close to that price anyway.

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This dresser really works in well in our new place, too. Not only fitting in perfectly, but giving me a little more storage, since we did downsize.

Yes, I’d have to say that, even though this project took me the longest to finish, it is my favorite for 2011.

Also linking up with

What’s It Wednesday at Ivy and Elephants

Kathy

New Lights

2011-12-26T09:35:00.001-05:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! On Christmas Eve my hubby hung up the light fixture in the dining area. Here is the before with no light fixture.

Here is the after.

The jury is still out on how it looks, but part of that is probably just getting used to having something hanging there.

If you remember this light fixture was silver and I spray painted it Oil Rubbed Bronze. I found the cord cover at Lowe’s for $5.97.

He also surprised me Christmas morning when I saw he hung the mini chandy I bought from Overstock in my craft/sewing room.

I just need to get more bulbs for it and add the crystals then I’ll show you that one. It will definitely give me more light in there along with looking much better than the basic ceiling fixture that was there. {I already sprayed those candle holder pieces white}.

Linking up with

Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps On The Porch

Kathy

The Thrill Of The Hunt

2011-12-22T07:00:00.000-05:00

Sometimes, I think that the thrill of the hunt in finding something is just about equal to the thrill of actually acquiring that something! I spent a whole day this week trying to find three wall mirrors that I recently saw on Sonny at 155 Dream Lane blog, which she happened to show a portion of in one of her posts.

Great knock off look of Ballard’s Garden District mirror. A set of two is $229.00 from Ballard’s.

The ones I got {eventually} from Target were $25.89 each. I did get the three I wanted, even if it required several phone calls to several Targets as well as trips to three of them.

I hung them above this chest in our dining area, which has basically become a sideboard here.

Close enough to a Ballard’s look that I love them!

Just in case you wanted to get them yourself, they are on clearance, are discontinued, and there are limited quantities out there. Good luck!

Linking up to

Open House Party at No Minimalist Here

Fall into Fall at DIY by Design

Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style

Kathy

Fun Gift Wrap Idea

2011-12-20T07:00:00.000-05:00

I did this for my daughter one year when I bought her a bunch of different colored and patterned socks. This year I’m doing it for my granddaughter. Take one of the empty cardboard tubes that your wrapping paper was wrapped around, some safety pins and your socks.

Safety pin all the socks together ~ toe to cuff until you have them all pinned together

Stick them in the tube. You may need some help from a dowel, knitting needle or pencil to get it to go all the way through. When you see it at the end, stop.

Wrap it up and stagger the paper if your paper is the same size as the tube, leaving some end paper.

Squeeze that end paper together so that the tube looks like a giant cracker and tie off with ribbon. I didn’t have any curling ribbon so I just used what I already had in the house. You could also use twine or string. The curling ribbon looks really good though.

A gift of socks never looked so good and you’ll get some laughs when it’s opened and the socks are pulled out of the tube. It makes me think of the neverending scarf trick that magicians do.

Kathy

Shedding Some Light

2011-12-18T20:30:00.000-05:00

I got this great light fixture from Joss & Main with a credit I had several months ago. It was only offered in the silver color for this size.

I had really liked the larger size because it came in the darker color, but it was too big and more money. You can see it has two tiers of lights as opposed to the one tier of 4 on the one I got.

I knew, though, that I could get mine to look the same by painting it Oil Rubbed Bronze. So I did just that!

We are mounting this light here. Can you see the ceiling plate?

No light fixture in this dining area or the adjoining living room, although there are plates up there indicating that electrical is in place. We can really use the light because eating by lamp light only goes so far!

My son will be back to stay with us for Christmas so I’m hoping I can talk him and my husband into doing a father/son project and hook it up for me. I’ll be back to show you how it looks once it’s up!

Linking up with

Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps On The Porch

Kathy

Christmas Quickies

2011-12-16T07:30:00.000-05:00

I’ve got two quick projects for you today. One you can make for yourself or give as a gift. The other can hold a gift ~ specifically, a gift card. First up is a gift card holder I made using an Altoid tin.

I keep these tins on hand when they are empty because they just beg to be dressed up and reused. Plus, you are recycling in the best way possible. I took some Christmas scrapbook paper and traced the inside bottom portion for sizing. I cut two pieces and this paper happened to be reversible so I got to use one piece of scrapbook paper.

Mod Podge one piece and put in the inside cover. I used craft scissors to cut a little more decoration into the one that was going on the outside top and then attached that with Mod Podge.

Once they dry, put a coat of Mod Podge over the top of both. The red of the tin works well for this particular project, but you could paint these with paint that works for metal. You could also apply ribbon around the base part, but I just left mine.

Best thing is that a gift card fits perfectly inside! The second project is using those pretty little decorative frames you can find in the dollar bins at Michaels. I’ve been picking up a few every so often.

I used the same scrapbook paper for the insert on this and then used the JOY scrabble tile letters I picked up at the antique store recently.

I applied them with hot glue, added a ribbon and you’ve got something to hang from a cabinet knob, door, as an ornament, just about anywhere. I found that the stands on these frames don’t do well being turned hence the ribbon.

Great little project to keep for your own décor or to give as a gift.

Kathy

Quick & Easy Ornaments

2011-12-14T14:00:00.000-05:00

I bought a box of white ornaments at Hobby Lobby the other day. All their Christmas stuff is 50% off. I found a small package of transfers that I already had and just rubbed some of the designs and phrases onto the ornament.

You don’t have to limit yourself to Christmas designs. There are so many great rub-ons available to coordinate with your home or personalize with a monogram. This would make for a great gift, too!

Five minutes and you’re done! You could do the whole box of six in under half an hour.

Kathy

Making A Pincushion

2011-12-14T08:00:00.000-05:00

I’ve been wanting to make pincushions to put in my Etsy shop. I have plenty of supplies on hand to make these, but I’ve never made one before. This guinea pig will be a Christmas gift for my daughter. So here’s what I’ve got.

This base was on clearance at Home Goods and I have no idea what it is for. I think it was in the bathroom section and I used it for paperclips when I worked my day job in New York. Fabric {she likes anime} and some stuffing.

I used a salad/sandwich plate to make the circle and cut that out. It probably should have been smaller than this and every fabric will be different depending on what you are using as your base. Then, from what I’ve seen online, I did some basic stitches to be able to draw the circle closed.

I pulled the thread a little bit once I did that and it started to close up. At this point I started to add the stuffing. When I had enough in there, I pulled the thread all the way to close it up and sewed it back and forth a few times to tie it off.

I used hot glue to attach it to the base. It looks a little demented here, but I’m hoping the trim will help with that.

I looked through my trims for something to add a little pizzazz to it!

A few pretty pins and it’s done! I definitely need to practice a little bit more. It looks like a mini ottoman! I’m looking forward to making more of these and I hope my daughter likes hers. Any tips are welcome!

Linking up to

Share Your Creations Party at Kristen’s Creations

Kathy

New Use For An Old Frame

2011-12-11T20:30:00.000-05:00

I brought a couple of framed pieces with us when we moved just because I wanted to use the frames for other things. This is one of those frames. I recently got a vinyl from my fave Etsy vinyl shop, Empressive Designs, with one of my favorite quotes {she’s got a great sale going on right now, too!}.

I had this quote stenciled in our great room in the old house and I always loved it. I hated that I had to paint over it when we went on the market. So, now I have a vinyl of it and I wanted to use it in the laundry room. This area is also our entrance into the house from the garage and we use it all the time. This room is going to have to be painted, so I didn’t want to apply the vinyl right to the wall.

I found a fabric scrap that I liked and that fit the old mat and backing that went with this frame. I just covered over the whole thing and hot glued the two ends to the back.

The long sides were just a bit short, but I took care of that with some trim. I popped it back into the frame and then applied the vinyl right onto the glass. This way I can always change out the fabric if I want to.

Here it is hanging just below my new shelves {I installed and they are level!} and above the washer/dryer.

I’ll be sharing more of the laundry room with you as I finish up my additions to this area. I want it to be a welcoming entry, even though you are walking right into the washer/dryer!

Linking up with

Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps On The Porch

Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style

Inspiration Friday At The Picket Fence

Air Your Laundry at Freckled Laundry

Kathy

Oh Fuuuuuudggggge!

2011-12-10T09:00:00.000-05:00

Had to do that title since A Christmas Story is one of two of my all time favorite Christmas movies and I did make fudge! Thanks to Patti at Pandora’s Box I followed her recipe and idea for fudge wreaths found here. I couldn’t find the aluminum mini pie pans but I did find these tins at Walgreens {3 for $2.00}.

I thought these would work out since I am giving them to two of my new neighbors and the mail carrier. I lined them with parchment paper on the bottom and around the sides.

I followed Patti’s instructions to make the fudge. The only thing I didn’t add was the nuts and I used red candy covered chocolates instead of the hot candies for the wreath.

I also made a tray of gingerbread folks with the left over and a heart, so this way I could taste test it and make sure I’m not poisoning anyone.

I’m happy to say it turned out delicious! Now to fill out the little tags that came with the tins, write up a Christmas card and I’ll be delivering these to my neighbors and putting the mail carrier’s in my mailbox {it only opens by key so it’s safe to put in there}.

Thanks, Patti!

Kathy

Christmas Vignettes

2011-12-09T07:00:00.000-05:00

I love doing vignettes for Christmas! In fact, I think my little vignettes look better than the overall picture of my holiday decorating. Here is a little bit of what I have going on this year in our new place.

This little red tote I found at an antique mart with my friend Sue a couple of weeks ago is my favorite this year.

I got lucky that it was already red! You could go so many ways with decorating one of these, but I decided to keep it pretty basic with greenery. I also tried to highlight some smaller pieces by putting them under cloches this year.

These pieces I’ve had for over 20 years and they were given to me by hubby. I added this fake snow stuff for them to stand on.

My new Mary Engelbreit book! Signed by Mary! This will be wonderful to take out each year now and when my granddaughter is old enough, I will enjoy reading it to her at Christmas time.

My bottlebrush trees are the newest additions to my vignette groupings this year. I love the way they turned out and would really like to make more of these.

This Baker Santa and his tree are in the kitchen and sit on the counter corner.

I couldn’t resist taking this picture after seeing some sun actually shining through the other morning.

I’ve got my brown and white transferware teacups and saucers {from Nancy at Nancy’s Daily Dish} and put one of my bleached bottlebrush trees in the top cup.

Linking up with

French Country Cottage for Vignettes at the Christmas Blogger Block Party

Tabletop Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life

Kathy

Christmas In The Kitchen 2011

2011-12-08T07:00:00.000-05:00

I had such fun decorating my kitchen last Christmas because I added in a small countertop tree and a new Baking Santa, along with some baking related ornaments. I did reuse them in the new place and they fit nicely here on the corner.

I also added some garland that I twined white lights around {on a timer} for on top of the cabinets. There is an outlet up there, but I wasn’t going to be climbing any ladders every night to plug them in, so a timer it is!

Love the light up there! I may just keep a couple strings of lights up there all the time.

After I took the pictures above, I found this Santa when I was food shopping this week, and added him to the mix. That is one thing I love about some of the food stores here in Ohio ~ you can find everything in one store!

I also found this Christmas postcard wood plaque. It has a picture hanger on the back but I decided to use it differently. It was only $10.00 plus 30% off!

I decided to add it to the front of this tray, which I have propped up against the back of the countertop in this area. I used museum wax to attach the plaque to the tray. So far it’s holding.

From the package of trees I purchased, I decided to use some of the green ones here in my glass front cabinet. I think it adds something to the whites I have in here, where the bleached trees might have gotten lost.

I’ve got my little battery operated white lights in here. There is no outlet in or around this cabinet, so battery operated it is!

Just a few other little pieces here and there. These next two were part of my sneak peek.

I don’t like to have a lot of stuff on my countertops, but I like to feel the holiday in here.

Linking up with

Christmas In The Kitchen At The Picket Fence for the Christmas Blogger Block Party

Kathy

Christmas Trees

2011-12-07T14:00:00.000-05:00

I have three Christmas trees that I have been using for the past couple of years. Two of them are small and were found at Goodwill ~ prelit and working! I wasn’t sure where I was going to put any of our trees this year, but did wind up putting our main tree in the living room in front of the window.

One of the little trees is in our sunroom, where we spend a lot of time and watch television, too. This tree is where I put all the ornaments from when my kids were little and include some of their baby ornaments.

I used a little crown that I won in a blogger auction last year as the topper.

The second little tree I put in our bedroom, mainly because I had nowhere else to put it! It fills this corner for now. I may get an accent chair for that spot the holidays.

Almost forgot! I got a little one for my kitchen last year. I use it with my Baking Santa and have baking related ornaments on it.

Linking up with

2805’s Christmas Tree party for the Christmas Blogger Block Party

Kathy

Christmas Front Door 2011

2011-12-06T19:30:00.000-05:00

Being in a condo now, I’m keeping my outdoor decorations quite simple. For Fall, I had a two pumpkin topiary in a black urn by the front door and a basket of faux florals.

For Christmas and Winter, I have some faux greens in the urn and I hung a “baby” sled with a red bow and a faux Christmas pick, tucked in above that. I got that sled for $2.00 at a yard sale over the Summer before we left New York!

I was going to paint the sled, but I’m liking it the way it is.

And a swag for my front door. I like the way it looks against the cranberry colored door.

Thanks for visiting!

Linking up with

Doors & Porches At The Picket Fence for the Christmas Blogger Block Party

Kathy

Christmas Mantel 2011

2011-12-05T15:00:00.000-05:00

The fireplace mantel in our new place had me stumped this year. Part of the problem is that I’m trying to decorate it like the two larger mantels I had in my old house. This mantel is smaller and narrower. I have redone this mantel three times and that’s it; I’m done. No more futzing with it!

The most recent addition was the beaded garland that I found in one of my bins. I’ve also decided to bring in some things that are not quite as big as what I’ve used in past Christmases ~ like these bottle brush trees that I bleached here.

I also included one that I bought from Becky at Junk to Joy. Love the one she did!

I added my Lladro Christmas tree, and the boy and girl that go with it, on the other side. I had no other surface to really put it on, plus I need to keep them out of reach of little hands.

So that’s me this year! I’m hoping to pick up some inspiration for next year though, because I’m not touching this mantel again until January, when everything gets put away!

Linking up with:

My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia for the Christmas Blogger Block Party

Mantel Party at From My Front Porch To Yours

Kathy

Christmas Copycat ~ Bottlebrush Trees

2011-12-04T19:30:00.000-05:00

Joann’s had a great sale over Black Friday weekend and I picked up lots of things on sale. Included in that was this package of green trees ~ originally $19.99 for the package they were 60% off and cost me $7.99! That’s a lot of trees for $7.99!

I decided to take some in varying sizes and try my hand at bleaching and decorating them.

This is not a quick project. It took an hour for the first two trees to reach this point and they are the smallest ones!

After two hours, all the trees were in varying stages of, what would you call it? Bleachedness?

I went through a bunch of supplies I had on hand to see what I could dress them up with and came up with this stuff. Beaded garland!

I found this picture at Country Living for inspiration.

I cut some of the beads off to do two trees and one I cut into a small garland. I very carefully put a little hot glue on the actual beads and stuck them into the tree.

Now I have a new mantel display!

I used three little ones under my mini cloches in my master bedroom.

I added “Peace”, “Joy” and “Love” banners, and used some Epsom Salts in the base of the cloches for snow.

I could see making more of these; decorating them is definitely the fun part!

Linking up with

Holiday Copycat at Debbie Doo’s Blogging & Blabbing

Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps On The Porch

Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style

Kathy

Sweater Covered Ornaments

2011-12-03T18:28:00.001-05:00

A couple of weeks ago, Sonny at 155 Dream Lane shared her sweater ornaments here. I forwarded this post onto my daughter because, while she’s not really crafty {yet}, I thought she might like this project. Especially since she did just buy a whole bunch of sweaters at Goodwill recently for another project. We used some of her leftovers for this project.

I provided the rest of the supplies.

Once we got the circles sized correctly, we covered styrofoam balls. After securing them with a rubber band, we added ribbons and button embellishments.

Here they are all together.

Can you tell which are mine?

These are my daughter’s.

Here are mine on my tree. Love ‘em and they will be something I will treasure when I decorate my tree in the future, remembering how my daughter and I crafted together today.

Except for the hot glue for attaching the buttons, this would be a great craft to do with kids.

Kathy

Little Bits Of Christmas & A Winner

2011-12-02T08:05:00.001-05:00

I’ve been busy decorating and going through all my decorations. I’ve already given a good amount to my daughter and I have a box to go to Goodwill, too. As I prepare to join in the Christmas Blogger Block Party {button on my sidebar}, I thought I’d give you a few peeks of what’s going on at my house.

I don’t want you to wait any longer than you have to, so I wanted to announce the winner of my Merci Giveaway here, too. The winner, via random.org is

#31 Debra from Bungalow

Congratulations, Debbie! I’ll be contacting you for your mailing address so I can get your package out to you.

I’ve got another giveaway waiting in the wings. However, it is dependent on me getting a project done. I’m hoping to get that in before Christmas, but I’ve learned not to make any promises to do things during the holiday season ~ not even to myself!

See you back here for the block party posts!

Kathy

Repost ~ A Christmas Organizer

2011-11-29T20:43:00.001-05:00

I thought this might be a good time to repost an organizer that I made two years ago. I found it very helpful for keeping gift lists, food lists/menus, Christmas card lists, etc., organized and easy to find. Plus, it’s a lot of fun to pull together the papers and embellishments and customize it for yourself {or even as a gift!}.

Saturday, December 5, 2009

My Manila Folder Planner & A Great Gift Idea

I saw this great project over at Pixie Dust and Heather did a great tutorial on how to make this planner. From her blog, I was brought to They Call Me Jammi's blog, who also made a great planner and provided a tutorial. I have not provided a tutorial, because I don't think you need to know how to get Mod Podge in your hair.

Here is my first go at this planner. I decided to do a Christmas one for myself and knew it would come in handy for all the bits and pieces of paper I write things on, stuff in my pocketbook and then find months later.

I used 4 Christmas scrapbook papers and alternated them throughout the project. This is not done yet, but is 75% completed. Here is the front.

I used a lot of these little holiday chipboard pieces that I picked up in a box from Michaels {37 pieces for $5.99 and I had a coupon}.

Here is the inside {or what it looks like opened} with the pockets.

Update today: When I did add the ribbon, I attached it with glue so that when I untied the folder, I didn’t lose the ribbon. A fun and functional project!

My Thank You Giveaway is running through December 1st! Don’t forget to enter!

Kathy

Thank You Giveaway

2011-11-27T09:00:00.000-05:00

This Giveaway has ended.

I am finally able to schedule my thank you giveaway {or Merci Giveaway} for everyone who put up with my posts leading up to our move from New York to Ohio. It was stressful, tense, exciting and anxiety producing all at the same time! So, thank you, my friends, for putting up with me!

I’ve been putting together quite a few things, and there may be a few surprises other than what I’m showing you here. I teased you a couple of months ago with these pillows.

Next there is this great tote. It is recycled and makes for a nice size bag to bring to work or for shopping.

This little French notebook. The pages are unlined and ready for your words of wisdom or just jotting down that phone number. There are also two pockets, in the front and back covers, for those loose pieces of paper. Perfect for your purse or car.

This unframed French print.

A piece of blue and brown toile. The blue is more of an aqua and there is probably enough to get a pillow out of it.

To enter this giveaway, please leave me a comment telling me about a blog post of mine {prior to this one} that you liked. If you are a “quiet” follower or reader, this would be a great time for you to speak up and leave a comment. Again, there may be a few little surprises added in to this package as well.

For additional entries, you can:

Take my giveaway button, put it on your sidebar with a link back here and come back and let me know in a separate comment;
Blog about this giveaway with a link back here, come back and let me know in a separate comment;
Tweet about this giveaway, come back and let me know in a separate comment.

Due to shipping costs, this giveaway will be restricted to the U.S. and will end on December 1, 2011, midnight EST. You do not need to have a blog, but you need to leave me an email address for contact. Winner will have 48 hours to confirm their win or another winner will be chosen.

This Giveaway has ended.

Kathy

The button graphic is from Free Pretty Things For You.

Christmas Decorating Begins!

2011-11-25T10:06:00.001-05:00

This is what I’m doing this weekend, probably as so many of you are. Gathering the Fall stuff to be put away.

Getting all the Christmas stuff out. Not sure what’s going where yet, but I did manage to decide on putting the tree in front of the living room window. Thankfully, my son is visiting and I asked him to help me get the Christmas boxes that were put up in the attic.

Some Christmas music on the radio and I am good to go! I’ll be back when I come up for air and get a good amount of this done. I’d like to knock it all out by this weekend. Then it will be on to helping my daughter decorate her house!

I love opening up my boxes and bins every year because sometimes I forget what I have! I find that happens especially when I’ve bought something on clearance and it is pretty much packed away as soon as I get it home. Do you ever forget what you have?

I’ll be posting my “Thank You Giveaway” on Sunday, so I hope you’ll come back and enter!

Kathy

Shabby Apple Giveaway Winner

2011-11-24T14:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you are all enjoying great food and great times with your friends and loved ones today! I’m just popping in to announce the winner of the Shabby Apple Giveaway for the Izzie Skirt.

The winner, via random.org, is

mindyvol

Congratulations!

I will be emailing you, but if you see this post before I do, please send me your complete mailing address and the size skirt you’d like. I’ll send all the information onto Shabby Apple!

I’ll let you all get back to letting out that waistband now.

Kathy

Goodwill Finds

2011-11-23T07:00:00.000-05:00

Finally! My fourth trip to the Goodwill here in Ohio seemed to be the charm. I finally found some things in their home section. I was starting to give up on this place! Here’s a group photo ~ taken cloudy day and all.

I went with my daughter as she was looking for some sweaters to make a “pixie coat” and I had stuff to donate anyway. Not thinking I’d find anything, I first came across this sweet little white creamer.

No sugar bowl, but that’s okay by me. For $2.49, I grabbed it up. Then I saw this cute little ceramic urn with a plastic Christmas tree. It’s no bottle brush tree, but I thought I’d spray it with some adhesive and let the glitter fly. It’s gotta wind up looking better than it does now. For $1.99 I figured it was worth trying.

A small stand for $2.59. Not sure what this might have been for originally, but I thought one of my cloches might fit on top of it. I think this needs a quick spray paint and it will be good to go.

This great decorative box. I thought this might work on either the top of my kitchen cabinets or my daughter’s so I picked it up. A good buy, I thought, at $3.99.

I was really happy to see that they had some stuff this time. This Goodwill seems to be 75-80% clothes, where the one I used to visit on Long Island was about 50-50 for clothes/home stuff. I told my daughter they should have more home stuff now ~ I’ve only dropped off donations three times already!

Kathy

Dressing Up Drapes

2011-11-20T20:00:00.000-05:00

I am working with a slate blue color in the guest room in our new place. I finally found a way that I can work with it! Here is a before:

Before I show you the whole room and the bedding I wound up getting, I wanted to show you the drapes I made for the window. I had envisioned how I wanted them to look and am pleased with the way they came out. I bought two chocolate brown panels and two slate blue swirl panels from Hobby Lobby. It was about $11.99 per panel.

I decided to use the brown drape as my “base” and I cut four pieces from the 96 inch long, slate blue panel {at about 23 inches long}. I sewed them together width-wise so that I then had two long pieces. I pinned the slate blue to the brown after measuring up from the bottom. These are at 23 inches {up from the bottom}. I pinned it like this.

I kept the measuring tape handy so I could measure as I went along to make sure it stayed at 23 inches all the way down the line.

You are basically “ruffling” it as you pin. Flip it down to make sure it falls to the bottom edge before you sew it in place.

I then sewed it on. I thought I would cut the brown off once I sewed that, but you can’t even see it, so I just left it.

I glued on the trim with Liquid Stitch.

For the top, I took my second slate blue scrolly panel and cut off the top and bottom {about 14 inches}. I pinned the piece face down to the “right” side of the drape like I did the skirt. Sewed that in place. Then flip it up and over to the other side ~ covering the grommets ~ and sewed that. I tried to keep it in line with the first stitching but another trim here will cover all that.

This gave me a little bit extra at the top for the clip ring and proper hanging length.

Just needs some trim here now that will cover where the two fabrics meet.

Done! They did come out as I envisioned them and they are one-of-a-kind!

I love that the bottom looks like a fancy skirt.

I had to bring my hubby’s shop light in to get some decent pictures!

Closed over.

Not too shabby for the lazy version!

Once I get the room looking as close to how I want as possible, I’ll show you the bedding, too.

Linking up with

Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps On The Porch

Wow Us Wednesdays at Savvy Southern Style

Fall Into Fall at DIY by Design

Textile Party at Freckled Laundry

Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage

Kathy

Sneak Peek & A Giveaway

2011-11-19T07:00:00.000-05:00

The giveaway has ended.

I had to put my sunroom panels on hold to get on with the panels I wanted to do in the guest bedroom. My son is coming for Thanksgiving! While I still need to finish up with a picture or two, and decide what I want to do on the bed wall, I’m pretty happy with the way this room is coming along. Here is a sneak peek at the one drapery panel I finished in here.

I’ll have a more detailed post once I get the second one done. I wanted to complete one to make sure it was going to come out the way I envisioned it.

Meanwhile, I have a Shabby Apple giveaway to offer you! It was hard to decide which of the options to choose but I’ve chosen the Izzie skirt. If you hit the warmer climates during the Winter months, or even if you just wait until it’s warmer your way, I think this skirt works well for casual or work wear. Shabby Apple also has quite a nice collection of women’s dresses.

To enter this giveaway you MUST like Shabby Apple on Facebook. This is a required mandatory entry. Please leave a comment letting me know you’ve done so.

You can also enter by:

Blogging or putting this giveaway on your sidebar, come back and let me know in a separate comment;
Tweeting about this giveaway, come back and let me know in a separate comment.

You can still enter if you do not have a blog, but you must leave an email address in your comment for contact. Winner will be chosen via random.org. This giveaway will end on November 22, 2011. Winner will have 48 hours to confirm or another winner will be selected.

Giveaway has ended.

I have not received anything from Shabby Apple for hosting this giveaway.

Kathy

Thrifty Finds

2011-11-18T07:00:00.000-05:00

Since moving to Ohio, I’ve made an “in real life” friend in Sue from Sullivan and Murphy. Sue contacted me to get together shortly after we moved here and this past Thursday was the second time that we met up. Sue has been very generous in sharing her favorite shopping haunts with me. Here are some of the things I found on this trip.

I found this great looking pedestal in one shop Sue took me to. It was only $21.99 and is quite tall. I’m not really sure what or where I’m going to put it {probably the master bedroom} and the top is large enough to hold a cloche, which is giving me lots of ideas.

At the same place was a large glass jar filled with Scrabble tiles; $.25 a letter! I started to pull out letters to spell “Creative”, but there was no “C” to be found. I bought the “reative” anyway, thinking I can pick up a “C” somewhere. I also pulled out “JOY” figuring I could use it somewhere for the holidays.

My final find on this trip is this great red, sectioned wood carrying tray. I think I’m going to leave it red and put it on my coffee table, decorated for Christmas. At $14.99 I thought this was a great buy!

Linking up with

Nifty Thrifty Tuesday at Coastal Charm

Tuesday’s Treasures at My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia

Treasure Hunt Thurs. at From My Front Porch To Yours

Kathy

Easy Canvas Prints ~ Winners

2011-11-17T15:00:00.000-05:00

The winners of the Easy Canvas Prints gift cards

are ~ via random.org

The first winner is

#14 Sherry from At No Minimalist Here

Congratulations, Sherry! I will be emailing you for your mailing address to mail you your $50.00 worth of gift cards.

The second winner is

#26 Deb {chedeb5353}

Congratulations, Deb! I will also be emailing you for your mailing address to mail you your $50.00 worth of gift cards.

Enjoy!

If you ladies see this before I get to email you {I’ll be out and about today}, please feel free to send it to me directly at kathyp{at}creativehomeexpressions{dot}com.

Kathy

Panels For The Sunroom

2011-11-16T07:00:00.000-05:00

I have seen several variations of adding fabric to ready made drapes to get the length you need or even just to customize them more for your home. I bought this fabric a few months before we moved to fix some panels I had that were falling apart at the top. Since I don’t have to do that anymore, I decided to use them for stationery panels I want to do for the sunroom.

It is double-sided and I chose to go with the cream background and rust pattern {the other side is a rust background and cream pattern}. I found decent priced panels at Hobby Lobby in a similar cream color. They are 84 inches long and I need about 92 inches for the sunroom windows.

There are seven windows in this sunroom and that adds up to a lot of money for drapes! Since they are going to be stationery panels, I slashed down how many panels I actually need ~ eight panels, but I only need to buy four because I’m going to cut them in half lengthwise.

I went neutral, basically, because I am hoping to paint this sunroom from its current green color. I’m leaning toward Restrained Gold; I liked the way it looked on Becca’s walls. Since we are waiting until after Christmas I have some time. I’m going to pull the paint sample from my case and see how it looks with the fabric and all.

I decided to add my fabric to the top because I want to see it when I am both in the room and when I look into the room. I figured that while it would look just as nice at the bottom, I’d like seeing it more at the top.

I also found this trim at Hobby Lobby and, while I sewed the fabrics, I used Liquid Stitch to apply the trim. I applied that to the seam where the fabrics meet.

I just tacked these up on the wall with pushpins to get an idea of how they would look. They will look more like the one to the right side of the picture since I had three drapery rings on that one and only two on the left one.

I found some interesting options to use to hook the drapery rings onto, but I want to get the panels done before I get those. Two panels down, six to go! They are on hold at the moment though, because I need to skip ahead to the guest bedroom drapes. My son is coming to visit for Thanksgiving!

Kathy

My First Lampshade Redo

2011-11-14T19:30:00.000-05:00

Wow, two hours later I am quite pleased with the way my first lampshade redo turned out. I used a lampshade that was looking beat up, fabric and trim I had on hand and hot glue. Oh, and, of course, the inspiration of many bloggers who have done this before like Sherry, Penny and Sonya. I did use Sherry from Creations From My Heart’s tutorial, which I had up on my laptop as I went along.

This is the shade I started with. I used the iron to soften up the glue holding the top and bottom bindings on the shade so I could pull them off. It looks even uglier at this point.

I made the pattern as Sherry mentions and cut out my fabric. I even ironed it and I hate ironing.

Then started gluing the pieces of fabric on one section at a time until I wound up with this.

Trimmed out the sections.

Then trimmed out the top. The bottom was getting a beaded trim that I’d had for a couple of years now just waiting for a project. Then, as Sherry describes, just glue your trim over that on the bottom.

I think you can see the toile fabric better when the light is off.

Love it! I am just so pleased with the way it turned out. I love that it is in my craft/sewing room because I need the extra light in here and how fitting that something “creative” I made will help me in further creating!

Linking up with

Tabletop Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life

Wow Us Wednesdays at Savvy Southern Style

Inspiration Friday At The Picket Fence

Vintage Inspiration Friday at Common Ground

Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage

Kathy

Skirting The Issue

2011-11-13T19:00:00.000-05:00

While I was putting some panels together for my sunroom {and sighing because I have six more to do}, I decided to play with the glue a little bit by hemming the toile fabric I want to use as a skirt around my sewing table.

I did it before I went to bed, so it would be dry in the morning. I used this stuff. I like it!

Using my staple gun, I attached the top {unfinished edge} underneath the table top. I kind of mooshed the fabric together as I went and stapled.

I’m sorry these pictures are so dark, but the lighting is horrible in this area of the condo and there is no natural light back here. I’m working on getting better ceiling fixtures and that lamp will be called into use, too.

I had two widths of fabric that I had meet in the center.

This way, I can do this. And store stuff underneath but still be able to get to it fairly easily.

As soon as I find my yard stick, I am thinking of putting a finishing nail on each end of the table top edge and putting my yard stick there. It would work great to store it, it would be right there if I have to measure something while I’m sewing, plus it will be a little bit of a decorative element while it sits there.

If I had done two more widths of the fabric, it would have been quite ruffley looking, but this works just fine for me.

The lampshade doesn’t know it yet, but she’s next for a makeover!

Linking up to

Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps On The Porch

Fall Into Fall at DIY by Design

Open House Party at No Minimalist Here

Air Your Laundry Friday at Freckled Laundry

Kathy

Got A Dresser!

2011-11-12T22:15:00.001-05:00

Woo Hoo! That’s for finally getting a dresser and getting the style I wanted. I’ve looked and looked; prices are high and styles were not grabbing me. I found this one on Craig’s List and drove a half hour {getting lost thanks to LOLA ~ Lose One Lose ‘em All} today to check it out. I love it!

A little more than I wanted to spend at $200.00, but it came with the mirror, too, and it’s Bassett ~ solid wood. Not sure what I’m going to do about the color though. It is a bright white with silver handles.

Okay, I just needed to get the Woo Hoo out of my system. I’ll be back with master bedroom pictures soon since I can now get the rest of our clothes out of bins and into drawers!

Two winners of $50.00 in gift cards to Easy Canvas Prints is going on through November 16th! Don’t forget to enter!

Kathy

Around The House, A Review & A Giveaway

2011-11-11T07:30:00.000-05:00

This Giveaway has ended.

It took me a little while but I finally figured out where to put the plates that I had in the living room at my old house.

There’s not much wall space here, so much of my wall décor is just sitting on the side. I’ll see if my daughter wants some of it, otherwise it’s going to Goodwill.

There is more wall on this side of the window than the other, because of the fireplace.

I finally found the rest of my lamps and the harps to them, so I was able to finish up my Frenchy dresser corner. Night shot.

Daytime shot. I’m trying out the brown and white transferware cups and saucers I just recently purchased from Nancy at Nancy’s Daily Dish here. I need two more to fill this stand.

And, I’m liking that print I got from Hobby Lobby more and more as I live with it. I went out and got the frame and an OOK kit to hang it up.

So we’ll give it a go with this frame and see how it looks. I had a great idea of what to add to the sides and I’m hoping to find “them” this week. Hopefully, that will turn out as I’m imagining!

Now, onto the review. A couple of weeks ago, I was contacted by Easy Canvas Prints about reviewing a wrapped canvas. Of course, as a first time grandmother, I jumped at the chance to send in a picture of my little cutie! I got an 11 x 14 wrapped canvas that I’m giving to my daughter as a gift.

The ordering process was super easy and I got it quickly, too. The canvas itself is beautiful! The picture quality is amazing and I would highly recommend using Easy Canvas Prints, if you are thinking about getting a photo on canvas. This would make such a great gift idea, especially with the holidays on the way.

They offer a variety of sizes, so there is one for every budget. What grandparent wouldn’t love one of their grandchildren? How about that family portrait you’ve been putting off?

Easy Canvas Prints has kindly sent me some gift cards that I am going to share with you, so you can get your own photo on canvas! There will be two winners; each will receive $50.00 in gift cards to Easy Canvas Prints. To enter this giveaway, just leave me a comment letting me know what you might choose for your canvas. If you do not have a blog, you must leave me an email address for contact.

For additional entries, you can:

Blog or add this giveaway to your sidebar, come back and let me know in a separate comment;
Tweet about this giveaway, come back and let me know in a separate comment.

In addition, if you like Easy Canvas Prints on Facebook, they will give you 50% off your first order! {Not an entry}.

This giveaway will end on November 16, 2011. Winner must confirm within 48 hours of notification or a new winner will be selected.

This Giveaway has ended.

I received a free wrapped canvas to review for Easy Canvas Prints.

Kathy