Friday, November 30, 2012

The not so fun DIY part

Weekend is here... time to finally sit back and relax. This past week I have been working on my small chest which I have found on Craigslist. Remember that? I talked about it here.



 I was hoping to be done with this project within a day or two? It didn't happen. :-(

My major problem is not having a proper "craft room" or any other area that I could do my "stuff."  It is cold here in OH and it is impossible to work outside. So I have been working in my basement. Not a good place to sand your furniture... but I wanted it done so I did it anyway... Now I have dust everywhere. :-(

I was hoping to keep the original chest feet. After looking at them again I knew I didn't have the skills (and proper tools... or the desire) to fix them. They were pretty bad...


Not a big deal, right? After all I had the opportunity to change the furniture legs/feet for the first time. I was actually excited about it! :-)
So I went to Lowe's and bought this...
 

... and then I CHANGED MY MIND. I went back to Lowe's and bought this...
 
... and then I CHANGED MY MIND again. Back to Lowe's! I finally found this... and I won't change my mind. I promise I won't! :)

 
After a few trips to Lowe's, a few scratches on my hands, dust all over my hair and everywhere, I was ready to paint.
 
 
I grabbed a can and started spraying... Oh boy... I don't know what I was thinking (Actually I was not thinking... I was talking on the phone) Huge, huge mistake. Instead of using primer I was using a protective gloss finish... that one the you use last to protect the paint. Alone in my basement I felt so, so... stupid! At least I didn't get to spray the drawers. I tried to remove the finish quickly but I could not get everything off. You know what that means, right? More sanding! At that point I knew it was time to take a long two/three day break. I didn't cry but I was mad at myself for such a stupid mistake.  
 
I thought it would be a good idea to share the real life behind the before and after pictures of DIY transformations. Hopefully I have a story with a happy ending next time. :)
 
Have a nice weekend everyone!
 
 
 
  


Friday, November 23, 2012

How to Make Moss Covered Letters

 
To make moss covered letter you will need:
- Moss mat
- Letter of your choice (I used paper mache letter)
- Glue
- Scissors
- A few minutes


Place your letter on your moss mat. The front of your letter should face the back of the moss mat.

Cut around the letter. Leave enough edge to cover the sides.



Glue the front of your letter to the moss mat.


Then do the sides, one side at a time.


You can use some moss pieces to cover some areas. Because of texture, the moss pieces will blend together.

If you  would like, you can cover the back of the letter.  I left it uncovered. I will be using it against a mirror or wall so nobody will see the back. ;-)

So here is my DIY project. I paid $2.69 for the paper mache letter and $4.49 for the moss mat (JoAnn).



Just in case you don't know... Pottery Barn has Moss Covered Letters for $79.99 each!


Pottery Barn
 
Link Up Parties:








 

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Thanksgiving Table Decor Ideas

Looking for some Thanksgiving decoration? I won't be hosting Thanksgiving so I haven't set a table this year. However I have found some nice ideas from fellow bloggers.

Judy K (DIY by Design) opted to use a basket as a centerpiece for easy removal. Love her squirrel gravy boat from Pottery Barn.




Courtney (A Thoughtful Place) goes for tones of gold and rustic accents. Her Thanksgiving table is simple yet elegant.


What about burlap acorns ornaments as place card holders? Love that idea!




Cheryl (From New House to Home)  uses a cake plate and real gourds as a centerpiece which is great for a last minute idea.




Becky (This Is Happiness) also shares simple table setting ideas.

She opted to use a reclaimed wood plank (and burlap ribbon) as a runner. Centerpiece? A basket with pine cones and a little greenery from her landscape.


After all these nice ideas I feel like setting my own Thanksgiving table. Maybe next year?!. ;-)

Hope you and your family have a HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Friday, November 16, 2012

Blog Header: Done!

I have been blogging since... last month! I have not spent any time trying to customize any template... until today! As you can see my blog has a brand new header! My first (official) header! I also added a picture to my profile and some pages to my blog!! Things are getting serious here. hahahaha The best thing... I made new friends already!!  Yeah... I am enjoying the blogland!

So... here is my first customized blog header:




I also want to share what I found on Craigslist. Just a little love plus a little paint and this piece will be beautiful again... Can't wait to finish this project.







That's all for today! Enjoy your weekend!

Thursday, November 15, 2012

How To Paint Chevron Stripes on a Wall: Inspirations and Tutorials Around The Web

I have been watching this chevron trend for awhile (decorative pillows, bedding, curtains, rugs...) but I never felt like... Oh, this is something I want it! Well... Then I saw this picture bellow and... YES! I must have this!


 
I think the yellow chest (love yellow!) plus the dark chevron and drapes and everything else just caught my eye in a special way... haha Now I am hooked!
 
This bedroom was designed by Lindsay Ballard (Makely School for Girls), and it is just so beautiful!
Do you want to see more? Look this...
 
 
and this... Isn't it gorgeous?
 
 
Monica (East Coast Creative Blog) opted just for an accent wall. And... wow... her kitchen looks fantastic!
 
 
You can visit her blog to check out how she did it! It is a nice tutorial!
 
The blog Remodelaholic also has a step-by-step detailed tutorial. If you follow their directions, you will be fine!
 
 
It doesn't look that difficult, does it?
 
If you don't want to mess around with paint, you still can have the chevron drama without the mess. Check out this living room designed by Debbie Basnet.
Love this black and white rug!
 
Via Houzz
More chevron... rug + chair (love this yellow chair!) 
Hello Pretty Things
Placemat...
Via

 
Backsplash anyone?
 
Via Pinerest
 
 
Via Pinerest
 
It seems like the chevron trend is taking over your closet as well.
 
Black + White Chevron


Black + White Chevron by redstamp featuring whiting & davis



Via Pinerest

 
That is it for today... Hope you enjoy chevron as much as I do!
 
And don't forget our giveaway!
 
$25 Target Gift Card Giveaway ends 12/12/2012
Click here to see details!
 


Tuesday, November 13, 2012

$25 Gift Card Giveaway

$25 Gift Card Giveaway: Just in Time for the Holidays!




I will be giving a $25 Target Gift Card to a lucky winner. I'll choose a winner on Thursday, December 13, 2012. This giveaway is open to everyone 18+ in the United States, and it is not sponsored by any advertiser. It is my gift to a randomly-chosen winner.

To enter the giveaway, please follow the instructions:

1) Join this site with Google Friend Connect.
2) Leave a comment saying why you should win this gift card.

It's that simple! So good lucky, and have fun!








 

Saturday, November 10, 2012

Master Bedroom Makeover

Just a little sneak peek at my bedroom. While I am done painting the walls I am still playing with the accessories trying to find the right accent color.





This is how the bedroom use to look before...


Bye Bye Brown Walls! Happy to have you here gray walls! :-)


Don't forget to enter:

$25 Target Gift Card Giveaway ends 12/12/2012

Click here to see instructions!
 
 
$25 Gift Card Giveaway


Link up Parties:


TDC Before and AfterUndertheTableandDreamingKeeping It Simple