Copy Cat Creations

Bedroom Reveal

2011-10-26T07:21:00.000-05:00

I finished updating our master bedroom. The changes are not hugely drastic, but are calming and provided the results I wanted.

Here is a reminder reminder of the before

You can see more before pictures here....

So now for the after pictures....

Don't ask about the eagle...sometimes you just have to give a little!

Run down-

Curtains- Martha & Ash
Lamps- Hobby Lobby
Duvet cover- Pottery Barn
Print pillow- Wuslu
Window frame-Home Goods
Bird prints- Bed, Bath and Beyond

Two projects - one Sunday afternoon

2011-10-24T13:54:00.001-05:00

On Sunday, I fixed up two projects that I have been procrastinating with. The first was this-

Before

After

I have had the paint and vinyl done for about 6 months now. Finally in a matter of 30 minutes the project was complete!

Next on the list was this piece of wall decoration. Since I am in the process of updating the master bedroom, I revamped the color of it...

Before- Green

After- Watery aqua blue...ahh

The curtains I ordered from Esty... Martha and Ash should be here in a day or two. Here is a sneak peak of them. I hope to get them up this week. Maybe some pictures of the updated bedroom decor then.

Hobby Lobby

2011-10-11T12:55:00.001-05:00

Most blogs I read and follow always mention the Hobby Lobby somewhere in them. I've been intrigued by all the great project pieces they have, but not moved to go. The closest Hobby Lobby to me is in Burlington about 75 miles from my house. I am working on updating the bedroom and have been looking high and low for chic lamps- gourd shaped. I stumbled upon this at the Nesting Place. The cutie on the left. Oh, I feel in love.

Image credit- The Nesting Place

So, on Saturday I drove to the Hobby Lobby in Burlington with the intention of buying two of the pretties above. The lamps were on sale that day for 50% off. I was able to get one! They only had one! I got a rain check for the other and will get a call when the lamp comes in.

Here is the one I was able to purchase. My pictures are terrible, but you get the drift of what I got.

Ignore the red curtains and tags. He, he!

I also got a smart little lamp for the bureau in the bedroom too. Here that one is.

These two lamps are the newest edition to my bedroom make-over. I hope to reveal the transformation in a few weeks.

Last, but not least...check this out

Second swim lesson and my son was willing to dunk under water. So proud of that boy!

Cute Apron Giveaway

2011-10-05T19:36:00.001-05:00

Check out this giveaway at Envy My Cooking!

http://envymycooking.blogspot.com/2011/10/apron-giveaway.html?showComment=1317861185852#c7070266286911825262

Chair Revamp

2011-10-04T21:11:00.000-05:00

Remember these chairs?

I decided to revamp them by painting them ivory and adding a top cover. I don't sew, so I used liquid stitch and painted the fleur de lis on each one. What do you think?

Posting to:
http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/

http://www.domestically-speaking.com/

http://organizeyourstuffnow.com/

A few quick projects

2011-10-04T16:56:00.001-05:00

Just a bit of spray paint and two cute pieces.

On the magazine rack I just sprayed it. The wheel I sprayed white then ivory. Last, I sanded the edges.

Cleaning...

2011-10-03T21:34:00.000-05:00

I have had some time to do a few needed cleaning, organizing and decluttering projects. I started with the pantry. Can you say absolute disaster?

Then I tackled the frig and freezer.

I have also cleaned all the globes on my light fixtures with Shaklee's window cleaner, cleaned the hall linen closet and guest room closet (where I store all my crapola).

I had some great pictures...but some how they all got deleted- darn?!?!
Still on the list of things to do
-re-mulch all beds outside
- aerate and re-seed lawn
-clean all four, yup, four garages...two of them are so bad you would not believe.

Blogging with my iPad

2011-10-01T21:56:00.002-05:00

Just downed loaded Blogger's app for the iPad. Seems like a keeper.

Here's what my dining room table looks like currently. Been busy decluttering and reorganizing. Seeing how the pictures turn out with my iPad.

The bedroom...ahhh

2011-09-28T12:42:00.002-05:00

I look at so many blogs and see beautiful, relaxing bedrooms. My bedroom is a dungeon! I want a luxurious haven, of comfort and style....one can dream!

Take a look-

Dark and dingy...only thing cute is that little pup on the bed- Zandy!
Curtains too short, wires hanging, purple lamps and red bed covering...ahhh

Nice large pile of crapola on the bureau.

Bench and pup step. Great decorating!

Tacky angels on the wall.

I have a plan...a sweet plan. Here it is-

Plush mattress pad

New bed covering

New curtains

Updated decorations

Shaklee

2011-09-28T12:02:00.000-05:00

We have all seen the blog postings about Shaklee- or maybe even the highlight Oprah did on it! This weekend I decided to give their cleaning products a try. It was the prefect time, I was out of all my basic cleaners at the house! I decided to purchase from Creating a House of Grace. Bonnie does a great job of show casing Shaklee products, especially their cleaning items.

Here is what I got-

This is one of the starter kits from Shaklee for cleaning. I paid about $47 for the entire set. See it here. So far I am in love. The scour off is amazing and really makes my sink shine. The Basic H (in different concentrations) is amazing. I used it to clean the interior of my car the other day prior to our family trip to the Great Wolf Lodge (Concord, NC). I love it. I am already looking for items to clean around my house.

Great tip- The Basic H dilution for everyday cleaning worked great to clean up the cushions on my wicker furniture on the screened porch.

Thanks blogging world and Bonnie @ Creating a House of Grace for introducing me to Shaklee's cleaning products!!

What I did during my hiatus

2011-09-22T08:44:00.002-05:00

While I vacated blogging, I still did some projects. Nothing outstanding, but noteworthy. Here's an overview.

It's Been Awhile

2011-09-18T06:25:00.002-05:00

I have been on a hiatus for quite awhile. Not only not updating my blog; not reading others. Life has been chaotic. The decorating and copying did n stop, albeit it moved at a slow, slow pace.

Here's to getting back into the swing of things.

What have you been up to?

2011-02-15T21:29:00.000-06:00

I have been busy working and being a mom. I like being busy, but it does cut into my "crafting" time. I have completed two projects-

1. I made this cute sign with my Silhouette

2. I also bought soem great curtains off Ebay. They are now hanging in our dining room. They are handstamped linen with burlap bottom portion. So pretty!

BEFORE

(no the chair doesn't usually sit in front of the window.)

AFTER

(Ignore the junk on the table.)

Thank you Martha!

2011-01-17T19:10:00.002-06:00

I have been drooling over all of the mudroom/entryway organization posts lately on the web. Problem is, I don't have a mudroom. We have a lovely house, but that's just the one and only feature we ain't got. So I had to improvise. Along with the drooling over ideas, I am not officially sick and tired of vacuuming, sweeping and mopping 5,000 times a week. Hence the "No shoes in the house rule as of 1/17/11."

I have seen many beautiful pieces to go in a mudroom, but since we don't have a mudroom (I am using the garage) I had to be practical. This is where Martha comes in. I got these two great pieces from Home Depot plus the baskets for less than $170.00. I know that seems like a lot of dough to pluck out, but compared to other items, I think this was one of the cheapest solutions for the space I have. What do you think?

Oh Ebay, my love!

2011-01-17T18:52:00.000-06:00

I got these Ballard burlap panels - 108 inches- brand new- for- HALF the price they sell for. Ka-chow.

...Gone Wild!

2011-01-09T12:53:00.002-06:00

You've seen the shows...Animals Gone Wild, etc. We'll at our house the last week it should be called "3 year old gone wild." Our son, Creighton, has effectively for a week stopped napping, refuses to stay in his bed, takes over an hour to fall asleep, wakes up before 5AM and has turned into what I lovingly refer to as demon span. Creighton has been a great sleeper since 13 weeks old. I, like a Nazi, followed the book Healthy Sleeping Habits, Happy Child. The book works. I knew he was a bit sleep deprived from the holidays, but after yesterday I was thinking I could sell him to a band of gypsies with no remorse...the shit hit the fan...so to speak. I planned to go back to strict bedtime schedule. My goal was 6:30. Planned the entire night out from 4:30 on.

4:30- dinner
5:00- bath
5:30- ice cream cake for my husband's birthday
5:45- 20 mins of TV
6:05- stories
6:20- teeth and such
6:30- sleep

He lasted until 6:10 falling asleep during story time. Chalk one up for me. So to recap the score...

Team Creighton- 50
Team Denise- 1

I am once again aiming for a 6:30 bedtime.

In between trying not to go crazy and shear embarrassment of the tantrums in public. I did get to do a bit of shopping. We went to the Model Home Interiors sale on Saturday were I snagged a cute basket ($5) and two wooden bar chairs ($75 for the pair). I may have over paid for the bar chairs, but I love them. See-

PS right now Creighton is sleeping in the car seat in the garage. So change that score to-
Team Creighton- 50
Team Denise- 2

What did you get for Christmas?

2011-01-02T19:19:00.001-06:00

We had a wonderful Christmas here. My son just turned 3 years old and what a joy Christmas was for him. He celebrated his 3rd birthday two days later and for some reason expects Santa to bring him a present every day. :-)

My husband and I usually don't exchange gifts...but this year was different. Although I have tried to win every doggone giveaway for one of these, I never prevailed. Not until Christmas, when my husband bought me a Silhouette SD Cutter. Commence the drooling! Since we were out of town for the holiday I really hadn't had a chance to break open the box and try it out.

Tonight was the first night. Wow, the Silhouette is super easy- even for me- a person who refuses to read directions. I cut my first four vinyls this evening. Simple and chic. Check them out.

Do you have a Silhouette? What do you do with yours? I think my next venture will be to make cute tags to hang off of silly crap around the house.

Cute, Quick Burlap Star

2010-12-05T20:58:00.000-06:00

I got this star, last week at Michael's (with coupon it was about $1.00). I saw while blog stalking someone do the idea I copied below. Unfortunately, I can't remember who...so sorry can't give you any credit here.

All you need is - a star, spray adhesive and burlap.

Spray the star, smash the burlap on; then cut around to make the shape of the star.

I wrapped the points of the star with twine and then hung it up.

This is a super easy project and took about 15 minutes to make. They would make great Christmas gifts too.

Model Home Sale and FINALLY Some Cone Trees

2010-12-03T23:29:00.000-06:00

With holidays right around the corner and Thanksgiving just passing. I have been so busy. I am very excited to play Santa this year for CQ. A few weeks ago I went to my first Model Home Sale. You can find out about them here . Since it was my first time going I was not sure what to expect. I did find out that 100s of people line up prior to the sale. The sale only runs for 3 hours. We arrived towards the very, very end. Needless to say, I bet a lot of the good stuff went quick. Here is a list of what I got.

Two brand new hand towels
Four place mats
A manual juicer
A decorative box
Two random place mats

I paid $15.00 for everything.

Here a small peak at some of the items.

For almost a year I have been jonesing for some cone trees. I finally found the cardboard like thingy that is the frame of the tree. I wanted to pointy kind not the blunt tip ones. They are super easy to make and look awesome. I used yarn, although I did think of using twine too. Total project cost for two cone trees about $3.75! Wow.

Hope everyone is having fun getting ready for Christmas. If you are a looking for a good Christmas books to read aloud ... check these two out-

The Littlest Angel
A Special Place for Santa

My fireman~Creighton

2010-11-10T07:20:00.000-06:00

My son was a fireman for Halloween. I was especially tickled by the fact that I bought his costume at a yard sale for $1.00 over the summer. I am relieved the costume still fit!

We went to a local indoor market area (The Factory) for tricker-treating. It was perfect, since he is not three years old yet, just enough to enjoy the experience without overload (on his part or mine)

Disclaimer- I stink at taking pictures. I use to think it was because I have a 'decent/junkie' camera. Now I am coming to realize I just really lack the skill to do such. Anyone have any suggestions for a camera- that is not too expensive, easy to use and will help me take pictures like Ansel Adams?

Quick Weekend Projects

2010-11-07T07:01:00.000-06:00

PROJECT ONE-
Everyone has one of these...

You know, letter organizer of some sort. I planned to update mine to match the decor of the rest of the house. I have tons of old music I bought for $3.00. So here is what I did.
1. Spray paint organizer

2. Cut music to fit sides

3. Mod Podge the music on

4. Sand some paint off

5. Rub with antiquing glaze

6.Figure out where to put it now. ????

PROJECT TWO
At our old house, our fixtures were stainless color. So many, if not all, of the accessories we have for the potty room are stainless color. I spray painted the trash can a few month back and just did this cutie!

The soap dish

Yard Sale Finds

2010-10-28T12:16:00.000-05:00

My in-laws were in town this week. We hit a few local yard sales. Here are two of my best finds.

The milk glass $3.00

The set of dominos was only $2.00.

Here is a cute framed mirror I picked up at the Goodwill. Just added a little antique glaze and ribbon.

I need your input - furniture fix for stability

2010-10-20T21:41:00.000-05:00

I bought this beat up hutch top for my son's room. Close your eyes and envision this...

painted a beautiful blue, with the back replaces, stroked with some antique glaze and then some cuuuutttteeee baskets on the shelves! So nice. Is this what you envisioned?

Here is the dilemma- it is not very sturdy - upright. I am fearful it will tip. The options I have come up with are-
1. Secure with a bracket to the wall
2. Add a piece of wood to the bottom (think 10x1 plank)
3. Put on Craigslist and lament

What to you think will be best, safest solution?

I'm a Big Boy now..

2010-10-20T21:27:00.002-05:00

OK, he's not a big boy yet. He is not potty trained yet, we are regressing most days. I have a terrible time trying to remember to tell him to go potty. Here's what he's really good at-
1. Holding his pee all night long
2. Yelling he needs a diaper change really loud

Here's what we are struggling with
1. My son recognizing when he has to go
2. Pulling his own pants down without falling over
3. Tapping his 'friendy' to remove the pee without slapping it really hard--I know, TMI

Now on to the copycatting...

Remember this bed?

Now it is this.

Right now, the bed is shoved in the corner of the room while I keep his crib up to help ease the transition. His bedroom looks like a bad trip to the Goodwill right now, ahhh, albeit, I think the bed frame turned out so nice- kinda has a 'cottage' feel to it. The Pottery Bard quilt is rockin' too.

Linking to-

$7.50 Craploa to Chic- I think?

2010-10-07T20:19:00.003-05:00

Did you ever buy something, get it home and realize "wow, what a piece of crap I just bought?" I did just that. A few weeks ago I got this dresser thingy for $7.50. Metal casters on the bottom, skeleton key locks on each drawer, great vintage pulls...what more could I ask for? I thought to myself- "what a steal!" Then I got it home and began to think differently. The dresser has been beaten and abused. Nailed and sawed in places to intimate to describe.

To start I had to replace the bottoms of the drawers, they were warped and broken. Re nail the top down- not that it should have been nailed in the first place, scrub the crud off, and fix the drawers they broke!

I spent several hours sanding the million layers of paint off. After a while I just gave up. Even with my power sander, my pitiful chicken arms hurt. I then made the executive decision to not labor any more. I wanted to paint. My quickest option was spray paint. I wanted green!

This is where my new favorite tool came in handy.

I am going all green...yes all green.

And plan to add some green accessories! Yeah!

$0.50 candlestick

$1.00 brass goose!

I then antiqued the dresser a bit, especially since it was in pretty poor shape even after 5 coats of paint. Added a little vinyl too.

Then I realized I misaligned the handle on drawer #2. Off the handle came and on came a nice hole and messed up paint.

Repaint drawer #2. Moan a bit and try to figure out how that couldn't have been my fault. Darn! Put the lean green fighting machine all together and smile!

Take upstairs and table scape. Yeah! Yes, table scaping is a verb!

See the candle stick and goose above. Too cute.

I love it! Do you?

Linking to-

Do you have one of these?

2010-10-06T15:45:00.000-05:00

I got this spray paint helper today made by Rustoleum. It is awesome. It cost about $6.00- worth every penny. Go get ya one!

It has been a huge help with my upcoming post. Can you say pea-green?

Goodwill Find- Score one for me!

2010-10-03T21:46:00.000-05:00

Got this at the Goodwill today for $15.00. Plan to use it in the little helpers room.

Here is the backing I removed prior to the picture taking.

Here's the little helper in action- yes we are potty training- ignore the undies! It has been in the 90s at our house this week.

Little Red Riding Hood

2010-09-28T15:47:00.005-05:00

Take this crapola table - yes I did actually pay $3 for it. Ahhh. The veneer was riped up on the top and splitting off on the bottom. Not sure I can salvage this one. :-(

I fixed the top as best I could and then sprayed it with Rustoleum Colonial Red- satin finish. I decided to give Little Red Riding Hood as I have called the table to a friend. Here is the finished product.

Linking to-

On top of my cabinets and a hairy situation

2010-09-27T13:49:00.000-05:00

I have been working to decorate above my kitchen cabinets. Here is what I have so far.

Notice the box I put the vinegar jar on- ahh. got to find something better.

The star I just got from Target- $2.50!

Here is the injury my son incurred while I was vacuuming this morning.

Yes, that is a motorized car knotted in his head. He said he was tickling his head???

I had to cut the sucker out. Ouch!

See all the hair.

Junk Drawer- Clean Up and more

2010-09-26T20:25:00.003-05:00

I have been organizing and decluttering as much as I can over the last few days. Now, my reorganizing does not look as pretty as others, but it is functional. That is what matters to me!

Junk Drawer Before-

Junk Drawer After-

Here are some other after shots-

I know...I'm not on the "green-cleaner" kick yet. Would love some suggestions for some good "green cleaners" especially all-purpose ones.

Fabric Lined Drawers

2010-09-21T22:03:00.000-05:00

Remember Terri? I was so tired of opening her drawers and being ashamed.

Here is what I would see-

So here is what I did...

Take this-

Plus fabric

Plus one AWESOME helper

(Yes, I did give him the biggest brush I could find!)

Put all the above together and this is what I got!

ah so pretty

Big Boy Bedroom...Making Headway!

2010-09-18T20:02:00.001-05:00

Here is the list...

~~Buy headboard and footboard~~
~~Find twin size quilt~~
Decide on bed skirt
Buy decorations/odds and ends for decorating the big boy room
~~Decide on a color to paint bedframe~~
New table lamp
~~Replace overhead light with fan and light~~
Touch up walls
Move small dresser into closet and move larger dresser into room
Find creative, chiild friendly storage options for toys
Curtains
Area Rug
What else?

Here are some pictures of the items crossed off the list.

First up- the headboard and footboard I bought from the Goodwill. We paid $40 for it. I think it was a good deal. I ahve been pricing similar ones on Craigslist for $75-100. Do you think it was a good deal? It is in excellent condition.

Second...the new Madras twin quilt and pillow sham for Pottery Barn. This set was on sale at Pottery Barn for less than $100. Pretty good! I love the colors. So many colors and so versatile! You can see the paint swatches on the right side in the picture. I am leaning towards the darker or middle blue to use to paint the footboard and headboard

I will be adding pictures of the sad looking toddler/baby room in a few days - this will lend itself to some great before and afters!!!!

Plans for a Big Boy Room

2010-09-17T20:47:00.000-05:00

Here are my plans for the big boy room...

Buy headboard and footboard
Find twin size quilt
Decide on bed skirt
Buy decorations/odds and ends for decorating the big boy room
Decide on a color to paint bedframe
New table lamp
Replace overhead light with fan and light
Touch up walls
Move small dresser into closet and move larger dresser into room
Find creative, chiild friendly storage options for toys
Curtains
Area Rug
What else?

Preschool Treat

2010-09-17T20:42:00.000-05:00

My son goes to preschool twice a week. This Thursday my son brought snack for his class. Thursday was yellow day in his class. We made these cute treats for his class.

The yellow- is just a simple squirt of icing on the rice krispy treats!

My son is going to be a big boy...SOON

2010-09-13T21:08:00.000-05:00

In the next few weeks I hope to handle two large hurdles in parenting. Potty training and putting the crib away.

My son is sorta, kinda potty trained. He'll pee outside, he'll pee on the floor and occassionally in the toliet. My favorite is when he pees in the diaper and then tells me! ahhh. Wish me luck as we embark on this full-time in two weeks.

I bought a cute simple headboard and footboard from the Goodwill for $40. I have this awesome visions in my mind of painting it blue, adding a plaid quilt and metal airplane decor. I hope my son takes as well to the new bed as I do. I hope to have his new room ready by Jan/Feb.

Yard Saling on a Saturday

2010-09-11T22:11:00.001-05:00

Hopped to a neighborhood yard sale today with the family. I got these great glass dome things. Reminded me of Pottery Barn "like". I only paid $4.00 for BOTH of them. Ka-chow!

I got this cute pony at a second hand store for $10. Too cute!

The Eagle Has Landed

2010-09-06T20:54:00.000-05:00

We have this range cover thing in our kitchen. I have seen others in houses that have a ledge to put cute stuff on. Not ours! It's mighty pretty, but plain. See...

I got this big plastic eagle at an auction for $3. It is from the 60's. It was gold and black and oh so rocking. I painted it and my son and I smeared on the antique glaze.

Now you see...The Eagle Has Landed! I love it! Do you?

I'm back

2010-08-29T20:44:00.001-05:00

I have been so busy being a mom and working that the ole blog has fallent to the wayside. Not any longer. I'm hoping to have some new projects up and get my crafting mojo back on! Stay tuned.

Vinyl Addiction

2010-07-06T23:14:00.000-05:00

Is there a support group for Vinylaholics? If so, I need to join. I love vinyl, I dream of vinyl, I lust for vinyl.

Here is my latest vinyl escapade from www.vinylwallart.com

Finial-Easy Peasy and a Super Find

2010-07-05T21:54:00.001-05:00

Here's a quick easy project to add a little extra to a table scape or do-hicky. Buy a small wooden finial from Michaels for around a dollar or so. Paint, sand and then rub with minwax.

I was at the beach last week and stopped at a glorified beach shop to by some shells ans what-nots. Low and behold I saw an item I was loving for $3.99.

Isn't it awesome!

Don't ask me what it's called, it just reminded me of the door stop that Ballard Designs sells for $39. Maybe I'll call it the "husband tamer."

Cute Holder for the Table

2010-07-04T21:20:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago I bought this cute cubby thing for the kitchen table to hold my glamorous paper napkins, salt, pepper, etc. I paid just $3.99 for it from Carolina Pottery. I love it.

Vinyl Addition, Table Update and Vacation

2010-06-29T22:21:00.000-05:00

I am on vacation this week in Corolla, NC with my son, husband and my husband's family. Good times. Here is a new little vinyl addition to our laundry room. I just love vinyl! I think I could easily put it everywhere.

Here is the table that started out green. Now it's lookin' lovely in the living room in antique white.

Before

After

New Little Cuties!

2010-06-23T23:01:00.000-05:00

Remember these...

So as you remember, got this at little spice rack at the Goodwill for $4.00. Added some spray paint and then...vinyl!

My vinyl numbers came today. I ordered them off Etsy at Craftbusplus. Her prices are AWESOME. I paid a $1.75 for a sheet of vinly numbers and shipping was just $1.00.

So here is the final project.

My Newest Edition and the Great Recliner Debate

2010-06-21T12:37:00.000-05:00

I got this ultra cute coffe table for just a few dollars. Needs a lot of love and attention. I plan to paint it with Behr's paint and primer (antique white). It will look so nice in place of the monster coffee table we have now in the living room.

Yup, it's pretty rough looking now.

So...here is the winner of the recliner debate. In all it's glory. My husband won.

Here I am trying to cover it with a blanket. Ahhh.

Ok, it is not that bad. I am getting use to it.

Great Idea - Gone Bad...Way Bad

2010-06-20T10:33:00.000-05:00

I have all wood steps and all though they are all the rage and look super chic, let's be honest, with a child and small dog, they can be a huge accident waiting to happen. So when we moved into our house, I bought some cheap stair treads for the steps. They are definitely not attractive. See...

So I had this splendid idea. I was going to spray paint them white in the center, add a vinyl number then spray over the entire rug in black. Well, I started this super-duper task today. Let's say the rugs will be given to the Goodwill, maybe someone can use the scrap pieces. Not sure what went wrong, but Lordy it was way bad!

I have orderd these stair treads as a replacement. Bless you Ebay!

Garage Sale Saturday

2010-06-19T21:59:00.000-05:00

My son, Creighton, and I went hunting for "junk" as he calls it today. We only hit a few sales b/c he was not feeling great. I got this cute bird in a nest for $1.

I painted the bird Antique White and added a little Ralph Lauren Smoke Glaze to it. Here is the little birdie in its new nesting place.

The Great Recliner Debate

2010-06-15T06:55:00.000-05:00

My husband and I bought a recliner.

I wanted this one.

http://www.la-z-boy.com/Product/5530-552/Tarleton-Leather-Reclining-Chair/

He wanted this one.

http://www.la-z-boy.com/Product/58-6924/Trevor-Recliner-Rocker/

Guess who won? Stay tuned to Thursday to see.

The entryway...AKA the foyer

2010-06-14T08:52:00.000-05:00

I think my entryway/foyer is done. Here is what it looks like now. Give me your honest thoughts.

A Start to Summer Projects

2010-06-13T21:09:00.000-05:00

I started this weekend by kicking off my crazy 3 weeks of projects. I have the next 4 weeks off from work. Well not really off from work - I just work in the evenings as opposed to the days and for not so many hours. Of the 4 weeks, one will be at the beach- so no project doing then. The other 3 weeks are planned for projects.

Project 1- Starfish! Added that cute little starfish to the galvanized cabinet. I need to work on what to put in the cabinet next. Suggestions?

Project 2- Candle Holders! I got both candle holders at the Goodwill. The shorter, chucky one- I did nothing to. The taller, square one was silver. Sorry no before pictures. I think it looks super-de-duper. I know the candles in the picture are BUTT - ugly! You try keeping pretty candles with a 2 year who is obsessed with picking them up and carrying them around the house.

Project 3-Spice Rack. Is this not the most awesomest spice rack ever? When I got it it was just drab brown. One coat of spray paint and a little sanding. I plan to get some small vinyl numbers for each bottle and remove the tops. It will look so cool on the wall with some single stem fresh flowers! Ka-chow!

Did you go to Michaels? and Are you feeling cheesey?

2010-05-31T21:39:00.006-05:00

Michaels had a great coupon sale today from 9-1PM. Along with their awesome 40% off one item coupon they also had a 20% off entire purchase coupon. Here is what I got.

All of these goodies for $25.00. Not bad.

Here is a cheesey project!

Cheese Domes...All the rage.

Here is the copy cat take

Cheese dome and candle stick holder from local Goodwill for $4.00. I attached the wooden plate to the candle stick holder with some Elmer's heavy duty butt-kicking glue and then painted the entire thing Behr Antique White. Spray painting would have been easier, especially with all the detail on the candle stick.

Happy Memorial Day!

Linking this to...

Pottery Barn Keys

2010-05-25T19:26:00.002-05:00

I hung my coveted Pottery Barn keys a few weeks ago. Remember this-

I liked it, but every day as I walked by them, they did not WOW me. Not doing much for you either, right? So I copied some ideas I have seen on several blog sites. Here you go-

1. Buy 6 frames from the Dollar Store. Take apart and cut some burlap to cover the backing.

2. Glue burlap to the backing.

3. Put frames back together- ahh pretty!

4. Glue keys to frames.

5. Hang!

6. Admire! Ahh.

I love them now!

For fun- here are my cute shoes I wore today. Ka-chow!

Linking to...

A Good Day

2010-05-23T20:44:00.000-05:00

Made my local stop at the Goodwill in Raleigh today. Let's see what $8.00 can buy you.

Price breakdown-

Cheese dome -$2

Candle holder small $1

Large white candle holder $3.00 (original price $34.99)

Woven tray- $2

Later that day I made lots of crafty snakes with my son.

Yes, I know what you are thinking. He is essentially naked. He's going through this phase of wanting to be naked all the time. I agree to give in at home, if he agrees to not pick his nose 24/7.

To Tassel or Not to Tassel???

2010-05-18T21:02:00.002-05:00

I won a great box of ribbon clippings and the such at Burlap and Blue a few weeks ago. As soon as I got the box I started playing. I wanted to make a tassle. Checked a few blogs on the specks and went to work.

1. Realize you need a base for your tassle- search the house until you find the perfect base.

2. Take a swig and realize vodka is really not that good. Pour the rest down the drain.

3. Attach ribbons and do-hickys in a random whimsical pattern.

4. Admire.

5. I know what you are thinking...gawd that thing clashes with that curtain. I moved the tassel promptly to the halltree after I looked at the pictures.

Posting to-

A Day of Doing...

2010-05-11T19:29:00.002-05:00

I took the day off today. It was nice to have some quiet time to finish up all of the half done projects in the house.

Here is what I did-

*Updated the topiaries I bought at a yardsale for $1. I just added some new reindeer moss (from the Dollar Store). They look lovely. Maybe a bit hairy in the photos, but in person they are super duper cute.

BEFORE

AFTER

*Spray painted a slue of things-
Inside the bathroom trashcan - that I forgot to paint the first time. No pic- really not too exciting.
Large metal vase thingy I bought at the junk store up the road for $5.

The three wooden letters I bought a month ago for $1.

Plastic Charger from gold to silver.

*Cleaned a wooded box thing I bought for $1. Plan to paint black when it dries.

*Hung the Pottery Barn Keys. Yes!

*Took some killer pics of my front proch.

* Fix the two odd nook things in the house with some nice stuff. Pretty satisfied with them now.

All in a day's work!

Posting to-

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-09T21:39:00.002-05:00

Before you were conceived, I wanted you.
Before you were born, I loved you.
Before you were here an hour, I would die for you.
This is the miracle of life.

~Maureen Hawkins

For those of you w/o children-who desire them- don't give up.

"I prayed for this child, and the Lord granted my request." ~1Samuel 1:27

Peanut Petunia

2010-05-07T09:23:00.000-05:00

Check out Peanut Petunia! She is holding an EXCELLENT (yes I'm yelling) giveaway.

Here's a peak at what you could win.

Chic Cutting-Copy Cat Style

2010-05-03T19:36:00.001-05:00

I saw an awesome idea at House of Hepworths to update your outdated knife block ... Looked quick and easy.

Step 1- Knife block- ala natural

Step 2- Paint. I used Behr Black paint and primer. ~~Love~~ Lust that stuff. Yeah!

Step 3- Personalize. I wanted to add a cute monogram to the front. No vinyl here, No cricket cutter either. Did it the good ole fashion way. Print on computer, cut that sucker out.

Step 4. Paint letter on with trusty paint pen.

Quite Cute! Meow.

Posting to...

Chalk Board Update!!

2010-04-30T08:25:00.002-05:00

I got a great comment from Cathy at "The Stylish House". She said...

I didn't mind the rooster, but the chalk board is nice too. How about wrapping heavy twine around the handle to give it some UMPH! Maybe paint a little primitive checkerboard edging too. Then place it on a stand to make a nice display. These types of things are alway a bit of trial and error. I've been wanting to try chalk board paint. I guess a trip to my favorite thrift store is in order. They always have tired wood pieces that could be transformed into something special.

Thank for the visit. It's been a fun one.

Cathy

So I took her advice and went from this-

to this-

To this (drum roll)-

I love it now. Thanks Cathy for the advice!

Linking this to-

Two Quick Weekend Projects

2010-04-26T10:11:00.004-05:00

I had this...

I added a little chalk board paint and made it this...

Is it better? The jury is still out on that.

I got this cute cheese dome at a junk store for a few dollars.

Painted the bottom - black on my handy dandy paper plate

Added some goodies and now I have this-

POSTING TO-

ahhh

2010-04-23T07:39:00.007-05:00

Let's say my "To Do List" is piling up. Here goes...

Make lima bean wreath

~~Paint~~ ~~knife block~~

Add fabric to curtains in living room

Move mirror in living room up

Paint mirror in dining room

Fix topiaries

Buy something like this for the garage

~~Take the stinkin' Praxis II test Saturday b/c I thought it would be great to add additional areas of licensure to my teaching licensure- yeah me!~~

Put away my yard sale finds from last week

~~Paint gadget thingy into chalkboard for kitchen~~

Redo the stair runners- now this will either be awesome or insanely horrible

Pass on the "Happy" given by Nikki at Kreative Knack

Yard Sale Finds and the Garage Door

2010-04-18T19:01:00.002-05:00

I went to a few yard sales on Saturday in a large neighborhood close by. Here is what I got

Topiaries- $1
Little wooded shoe mold- $4
Clock- $1
Bird Nest and Eggs- $0.50
Fisher Price Doodle Pad- $0.50
Farm Fresh Pail- $1
Green Ceramic Bottle- $1
Galvanized Steel Cabinet- $5
Not pictured
5 Matchbox Cars- $1
3 Ceramic butt ugly gold pieces of fruit- $1

Pretty Good Day of Buying Other Peoples Junk!

I did a quick project Saturday afternoon after the yard sales and while my son slept. I applied a super fab vinyl decal to the garage door. I got the decal on Etsy for $12.00
Before

After

Custom Clock Giveaway at Stories from The Stories of A to Z

2010-04-16T11:05:00.004-05:00

Beth at The Stories of A to Z has a great giveaway going on now. Here's a hint...

V and Co. Giveaway

2010-04-12T07:50:00.000-05:00

Have you been to V and Co. lately? Vanessa is holding a great, lip-smacking giveaway at her blog. Here's a hint...

Good luck!

Kisses!!

Organizing a Huge Mess- Chic Style

2010-04-01T20:57:00.000-05:00

I got this piece of ~~junk~~ shelf thing on Craigslist for $10.

I was willing to pay $10 for it because all the hard labor was done to it. Believe it or not someone had already taken the drawers out and made three lovely shelves. I had been hoping to make a piece like this to organize the huge heep of crapola in our living room aka my son's toys.

I decided to paint the piece Behr Antique White. I used the paint and primer mix. Love it. This piece really needed good paint.

I then antiqued the piece a bit with Minwax and a nice coat of Ralph Lauren Smoke Glaze.

I added some great baskets from World Market and a whole bunch of toys.

I added a bit of "junk" to the top to make it look a bit more like it fit.

It is a great addition and needed piece to add some order to the chaos of a house with a 2yr old in it.

Here's the recap...

BEFORE

AFTER

HomeGoods Giveaway

2010-03-23T19:46:00.000-05:00

Have you heard about HomeGoods - Happy Spring Giveaway?

Here’s how it works:

1. Each Monday morning for the next 6 weeks, HomeGoods will announce a brand new, Spring Trend that Makes Us Happy, challenge at their OpenHouse Blog, Facebook and on Twitter.

2. To participate, visit HomeGoods each Monday at either their Openhouse Blog, or on Facebook or on Twitter to discover the topic for that week’s Spring Home Fashion Trend.

3. You will have all that week, until Friday at 5PM, to submit photos showing your “take” on that week’s Spring Trend. Just submit your photos via HomeGoods Openhouse Blog, Facebook or Twitter. The winner for that week will be announced on the following Monday.

Not only will you be able to enter to win over at HomeGoods, but you also will have the opportunity to win gift cards over the next few weeks at The Inspired Room!

Go check it out and Good Luck. Happy Spring!

Home Depot Finials

2010-03-23T19:38:00.005-05:00

I bought these two finials at Home Depot a few weeks ago. I paid $1.00 a piece for them. I believe they were clearanced. I found them in the section of Home Depot where fence posts and parts are.

I had my husband remove the large screw that was in the bottom.

I spray painted each one with Rustoleum. One is Antique White the other is Fossil. Both are satin finishes.

I sanded the edges of each one.

Then brushed a little Minwax on and a coat of Ralph Lauren Smoke Glaze.

I plan on putting them outside on the front porch and back screened porch. Aren't they spiffy?

Posting this at

Craigslist Rantings

2010-03-22T12:12:00.002-05:00

I wanted to share some ~~rantings~~ musings about Craigslist.

1. If I have the item still posted - Yes, it is available.

2. If I wanted to sell it for half the price I have listed- I would have listed it for that price.

3. If you are selling an item- Why do you always sell it out from under me?

4. If am trying to sell an item on Craigslist- No, I am not interested in your crazy spam emails.

5. If I am selling an item for $10 - Why would I want to drive 60 miles to meet you? Hello- have you seen the price of gas?

6. If you are selling an item- Please price it fairly. I can often buy a new identical item for the price listed.

Here are some items I have on Craigslist now. Did I price them fairly?

Two nesting tables (real wood) $40- SOLD

Two shelves - list this $20 for the pair. SOLD

Ten small lamp shades- Faux leather $20.

3x4 Rug $10.

Hall Tree Redo - TAKE 2!

2010-03-20T19:00:00.001-05:00

I bought this hall tree from Craigslist a few months ago. I originally painted it green. After looking at it for a few months, it jsut did not work. Since I have added a few other pieces to the surrounding area - the hall tree was begging for a redo take 2.

Here is the big reveal.

Tell me what you think? Better? Worse? Indifferent?

Posting this at

Coat Rack

2010-03-18T13:17:00.001-05:00

I took the coat rack I got at the flea market for $20 and painted it black.

Sanded first

Painted with Behr Paint and Primer

Antiqued and moved into house. See my new rug from Ballard there too? My entire foyer/entry way is sporting a new look- total reveal in a few days. I was thinking of chaning out the hooks and spraying them silver. Not sure yet. Until a decision is made they will be classic bronze.

Flea Market Finds -

2010-03-13T20:18:00.000-06:00

Went to the Raleigh Flea Market today. I am totally convinced I live in an area where anything vintage, rustic or antiqued is always double the price-even if it is beated to smithereens, broken and half rotted away. I was able to walk away with a wooded bowling pin, cast iron bunny and star for $10. But boy did I have to really "shop" to find these bargins.

Also, I know eggs are the rage now. I found 12 cute eggs at Marshalls for $4.99. Check out Marshalls if you're in the market for some cute speckled eggs- like these...

ahhhh - no posting this week

2010-03-10T12:32:00.002-06:00

Silly little me is busy at work! 12 hours days don't lend themself to blogging, or craft projects or seeing daylight or much of anything.

George finally flew home

2010-03-04T20:25:00.000-06:00

I won George at The Little Green Bean. He's so cute. Check him out.

He flew right in and decided to perch on Terri.

You should check out the other cuties The Little Green Bean has in her Etsy Shop.

Goodwill Finial and Shelves

2010-03-04T20:11:00.000-06:00

I bought this finial at the Goodwill for just a few dollars. I decided to spray paint it Heirloom white and then antique it.

I also got these cute shelves at the Goodwill for $3 a piece. I gave them a nice coat of spray paint and hung them on the wall. Best part was decorating the shelves with little cuties.

Goodwill Finds

2010-02-24T06:42:00.000-06:00

I found these two cuties at the Goodwill during my most recent shopping trip.

The globe is perfect just as it is.

The other item needs just a bit of antique white paint and antique glaze.

Quilt Update

Here is a picture of the quilt my in-laws gave me at Christmas now up on the wall. I think is looks so good.

Another Give-A-Way at Its So Very Cheri

2010-02-22T12:17:00.000-06:00

Check out this awesome give-away at Its So Very Cheri. She is holding a month of giveaways. Wow. I love the bars of soap- how chic! Which would you love to win?

Terri the Secretary

2010-02-18T07:05:00.003-06:00

I have had Terri for a few months now. You can read about her here and here. I have fallen in love with Terri and have spent more time in the evenings with her the last few days then my husband (don't worry he's been busy working in his office). Here is Terri's transformation from trash to treasure.

1. Remove hardware, drawers, and cabinet doors.

2. Sand all surfaces - I thought this would take a night or two. It took a whole week.

(opps - remember always sand with the grain - not like I did here and went against the grain- good thing she's getting some paint in a bit)

3. Wood fill extra holes in drawers to accomodate for new pulls.

4. Paint- I used Behr Forever Black-satin. I used the new Behr (paint and primer in one). Loved it.!

5. Paint again.

6. Attach knobs.

7. Put back together.

8. Antique a bit. You know I debated antiquing Terri for about 12 hours and then went for it. Antiquing is forgiving almost meant for a piece like her.

9. Move into house.

10. Throw odds and ends in cabinet to take picture.

11. Reassure husband I have not lost something as I scour the house for goodies.

12. Sit and contemplate how much prettier the hall tree would look black instead of green. Good thing I have some black paint leftover.

Posting this at

Great give-away at ...

2010-02-16T07:59:00.000-06:00

Check out this awesome give-away at Its so very Cheri. She is holding a month of giveaways. Wow. I love the ball jar dispenser. Which would you love to win?

The Copy Cat Strikes again

2010-02-11T08:27:00.000-06:00

I saw this super fab pillow cover over at Domestically Speaking. So I had to give it a try. I of course did not have a cool cable knit sweater. Why you ask? Because I gave them all to the Goodwill about a year ago. So, like any desperate crafter, I went to Goodwill and bought a lovely sweater for $4.00. I had a pillow in mind I wanted to recovered.

Exhibit A- Sweater and Pillow

I washed the sweater and then got to work. I sewed the bottom closed BY HAND. (If you can use a sewing machine – do it. I am impaired with a sewing machine.) Then cut the top (arm part) off the sweater and stitched, by hand, away. One hour later I had this.

Exhibit B- Sweater Pillow

Thanks Domestically Speaking for the idea!

Ohh Black Betty

2010-02-07T20:52:00.007-06:00

Remember this chair I got from Craig's list?

Well I tackled Betty this week.

Step 1. Rip crappy fabric off. Pull out 1,000,000 staples.

Step 2. Paint chair and give her a name- Black Betty.

Sorry no picture of this step- I got carried away naming her.

Step 3. Begin reupholstering.

Before

After

Step 4. Realize you put the fabric on with the print sideways. Doggone! Is it that noticeable?

I'm posting this to:

I'm going to...

2010-02-05T22:06:00.001-06:00

Garage Brothers tomorrow. They have free items available from 12-5. Hope I get some good junk.

I hope I win- but maybe you could win too?

2010-02-04T09:10:00.000-06:00

Check out the great giveaways at The Design Girl.

I want them all. I guess that's greedy.

Target Steal

2010-02-02T19:20:00.000-06:00

I got these two pillows from Target.

Here's the best part- they were $2.68 each. The Target in my town is doing a huge clearance of home goods, bedding, etc. Check yours out for some steals of your own.

I like this...Do You?

2010-02-01T20:33:00.001-06:00

Comforter

The Design Girl- Great giveaway

2010-02-01T10:13:00.002-06:00

Check out this at The Design Girl

What a great site and GIVEAWAY!

Candleholder, little sign, snow, a peanut and a cane back chair

2010-01-30T20:02:00.003-06:00

I finished painting the candle holder I got at the Goodwill last weekend.

Before-

After-

Is the candle too big? I think so. I do think it goes well with the other items in the house.

Especially my son's tricycle.

Also, my friend who also hunts junk, like I do, got me a cute little wooden thingy. I painted it up...

Then I messed it up...

Do ya think?

On another note. We got lots of snow (maybe 6 inches or so). So I bundled up the "peanut" (ironic I call him that as he is deathly allergic to peanuts). Doesn't he remind you of Ralphie's brother on "A Christmas Story."

Last, but not least. My cane back chair. I removed the seat cushion and back fabric and sanded him down tonight and started with my first coat of paint.

My working quarters are cramped due to the snow. So I could not work on Terri.

PS- My handmade quilt holder I won on Ebay from Matlock Woodworks shipped today. Ohh can't wait to pester the hubby about hanging it up. Since it will be going above one fight of steps, I figured I like my bones the way they are - NOT BROKEN. I guess I should confess- I am a klutz. Ask my parents!

I'm linking this to

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

2010-01-29T08:03:00.001-06:00

They are calling for snow here in Wake Forest tonight- in to tomorrow. So here is the plan for the snowy weekend.

1. Play outside with my son Creighton until he's so tired ~~he can hardly stand~~ he is miserable and cranky- YEA!

2. Paint my wood candlestick holder.

3. Remove old upholstery from cane back chair.

4. Paint wooden sign and add some decoration.

5. Continue to sand my secretary.

Here's some history on this beauty. I call her Terri. I got Terri on Craigslist for a steal. She has been painted- black, cream, yellow and green. Terri's been partly stripped- but her dignity is still intact. The person who was stripping her decided to scrap the crap-ola out of her side. (You can see that below). She gave a good fight and they stopped and gave up. All her parts are here. Her drop down drawer needed a little repair. Her glass is original, claw feet, and lattice work panels are perfect. She a beaut!

Terri's french- French Canadian that is- from Ontario, Canada. The McMahon family owned her over there. Ahhh. One day she will be back to her glory looking stunning as all French woman do- especially those named Terri.

Candlestick holder- reveal

2010-01-26T12:21:00.000-06:00

Remember these beauties.

Now they look like this-

Not bad?

Thank you Craig's List and Goodwill

2010-01-24T21:15:00.001-06:00

I got this great candle stick holder and cute step stool at the Goodwill today for $10. The candle stick holder still has a Target price tag still attached for $29.99. What in the world!

I plan to paint the candle stick holder black and then antique. I think I am just going to antique the stool up some for my son.

Here is another sweet item I got on Craig's list today. Can you say Cane Chair w/ugle fabric?

Goodwill Hunting

2010-01-17T20:59:00.001-06:00

I found these slender lovilies at the Goodwill.

All for $6.00!

I was initially planning to paint them silver and do the Pottery Barn knock-off. Then I thought I have nothing in my house that is silver. So I am planning to paint them all white and antique them. We'll see!

Black Basket - updated

2010-01-17T20:55:00.001-06:00

A few weeks ago I repainted a basket I got off of Ebay.

I conned my husband into drilling some holes in some small shells to add to the basket. Just for a bit of flare. (I think he is saying "Damn little shells are so small and quite tough to drill - are you sure you need this done now?)

I think it looks quite cute now. What do you think?

Two projects-One evening!

2010-01-12T20:31:00.002-06:00

I have been sick with a terrible stomach bug the last day and 1/2. I finally am starting to feel like myself again. I did two quick projects tonight in honor of feeling better.

Project 1- Twig Star- Cost $0.35

I went out side scavenging with my favorite boy and found some great twigs. I broke them to be similar sizes and tied twine around the points to make this whimsy little star.

Project 2- Wooden Dice- $1.69

I bought these two wooden blocks from AC Moore. Ohh how I pine for a hobby Lobby close to my house.

I painted them with Rustoleum Heirloom White and then added dots like dice with a paint pen.

Then I added some stain and smoke glaze.

Here they are debuting on my shelf in the living room.

I am posting this at

Domestically Speaking - Power of Paint

The Shabby Chic Cottage- Transformation Thursday

An easy little wreath

2010-01-09T20:00:00.001-06:00

I made a twine wreath the other night in about 30 minutes. What a great, easy project. Here are the steps-

I used a straw wreath. I have seen other twine wreaths made on blogs with styrofoam, but I thought, if it some were to show through straw would look best. Now, this was my first interaction with a straw wreath. It was a messy one. Little pieces of straw were all over me, the floor, my clothes. Other than that I love how the straw peaks through the twine in certain spots.

I added a piece of burlap to hang it with and some cute decoupage clothes pins I won on DIY's giveaway.

Add some pictures of the world's cutest little boy.

Angelic Revamp

2010-01-09T19:47:00.000-06:00

I had these cuties

I repainted them and added some antique glaze. They now look like this.

Pillowcover- No sew

2010-01-06T18:40:00.000-06:00

I found this idea at Living with Lindsay. I did mine today in about 20 minutes. Too much fun!