Odds & Ends

Just some little things to share, so I thought I’d put them in one post.  I found some French journal pages that a bloggy friend sent me from a swap last year {or the year before} and I decided to put them in the cloche where I have the little PB Santos ornament.  I think it makes for a nice background.

That led me to change the cloche I have in our master bedroom.  I had a few clock faces in this one, but put in one of my fabric hearts and a Valentine Bingo card I printed out.

I performed some plastic surgery on “Teddy”, my granddaughter’s well-loved constant companion from the time she was a baby {she is 3 years old now}.

His nose got worn down so he needed a new one.  The pink button was the granddaughter’s choice.

Since it has been so cold and I’ve been inside a lot, I’ve also been doing a lot of reading and some cleaning, both the housework and organizing kind.  I’m looking for some good book recommendations, if you have any.  I love mysteries and thrillers, but often go off on a romantic theme {a la Tricia Ashley}.  I think I’m caught up with all the new books from my favorite authors, so I’m on the search for new and interesting books.

Valentine Swap

Since I was feeling a bit unmotivated creativity-wise at the beginning of the year, I decided to sign up for a swap and I was so happy to see there was a Valentine Swap going on at Etsy Cottage Style.  I signed up right away.  Funnily enough, I was partnered with my friend Marsha from Tattered Chick!

Here are some of the things I put together for Marsha’s Valentine.

I made the heart out of scrapbook paper, sewed it, and stuffed it with some fiberfill.   A red scrapbook paper on one side and a sheet music one on the other.

I also made the pocket/tote and filled it with some goodies.

Some Luscious Lips chocolates, vintage trims, a couple of Valentine’s Day Bingo cards I printed out, an Altoid tin with LOVE Scrabble tiles, a charm and an old key, some nice chunky buttons, some crystal charms, and a few other bits and bobs.

I couldn’t have asked for a sweeter Valentine to swap with!  Here is what Marsha sent me.

Marsha makes such beautiful things.  I’m so happy to have received some of her creativity! 

Master Bedroom Updates ~ On A Budget

I promised I would share what else I’ve done to update the master bedroom in my last post.   This new King size bed has been the bane of my existence!  One of those things was the update to our lamps that I shared here. 

I’ve been trying to get my master bedroom “just right” and I was able to continue with my updating, keeping budget in mind.  I found these panels at Hobby Lobby ~ 50% off ~ for $17.49.  I bought two. 

I hung the panels on the wall over each side table.  They were already this color and work well with the Duck Egg chalk paint on the other furniture in the room.  This wall really needed something and I think this accomplishes what I was looking to do.

I’m a lot closer to being happier with this room again.  I am hoping we might be able to paint in here at some point this year.

I will probably keep it neutral, just go a tad darker.  I’ve been thinking maybe Benjamin Moore Blonde Wood, which we used in the powder room at our old house.  It is a bit warmer than what is in this room now. 

For now, this will do!

Linking up with:

Make It Pretty Monday at The Dedicated House

Inspire Me Tuesdays at A Stroll Thru Life

Winter Blues Wednesday at DIY by Design

Treasure Hunt Thurs. at From My Front Porch To Yours

Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage 

 

My Favorite Five . . . Over At Décor To Adore

 

Today I’m over at Décor To Adore sharing My Favorite Five Valentine’s Day projects. 

I hope you’ll swing by and say “Hi!”.

 

Burlap & Bling

  Since we have a ceiling fan in our master bedroom {and I know that won’t be coming down any time soon for a chandelier}, I decided to bring some bling in another way.  I decided to change up our lamps a little bit.  This is how they looked before.  This picture is from before the King size bed messed everything up.

To save money, I painted the bases using chalk paint.  This is CeCe Caldwell Vintage White.  I also applied clear and dark wax to bring out the details.

I picked up two burlap shades at Walmart.  I made sure they would fit properly before I moved onto the next step ~ poking holes in them to add some chandelier crystals that I had left over from a couple of fixtures.

I figured out my placement of the crystals based on how many I had, before I made the holes using a large needle.  Then I just added the crystals!

I got the shades I was picturing and it only cost me $18.00, which was the cost of the shades.  A whole new look for not a lot of money! 

I am keeping the old shades {and harps} and would like to figure out how to make a slipcover for it, maybe with dropcloth, with a ruffle.  It would make for a nice change when I feel I need it. I’m thinking of something along the lines of these pictured below from Pinterest {you can check my Sewing Board for them and their sources}.

This was the second part of what I did in my continuing quest to tweak our master bedroom.  You can see a sneak peek in these pictures of what else I added, but I will show you that, along with a full view picture of the room in my next post.

Linking up with:

Blissful Whites Wednesday at Timewashed

Winter Blues Wednesday at DIY by Design

Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage