Achieving the overhead lighting I wanted for my Ugly Duckling Dining Room was by far the most challenging part of this room makeover. This room used to a be "formal" living room and when I confiscated the beautiful bay windowed well-lit dining room to use for my Mom Cave, the dark "formal" space became our little-used dining room. Alas, there is no wiring in the ceiling of this room for an overhead fixture. I had to get creative in order to … [Read more...]
DIY Baby Spoon Display {Ugly Duckling Dining Room}
August 15, 2012 by · 15 Comments
I am totally in love with my baby spoon display in my dining room, so I thought I'd share the "how to!" It all started with these small racks I found thrifting with Charity a few weeks ago... They were $2 each and I got them for 20% off -- $6 for the four of them. :-) I've also gotten in the habit of trolling the hobby stores framing department for frames on clearance... especially open frames. Many were custom orders … [Read more...]
Thrift Store Frames Revamp {Chalk Paint}
July 13, 2012 by · 14 Comments
I'm alive but functioning at about 50% -- not good when you have a dining room in total disarray and company on the way! I've put my indentured servants teenagers to work helping clean and fluff for the grandparents... times like this I love having older kids! Thank you for your well wishes yesterday - I so needed your words of encouragement. I was hoping to share a fully completed project today using these thrift store frames, but I'm … [Read more...]
Haven-Bound and Map Podge Candles
June 20, 2012 by · 14 Comments
Thanks for all your sweet comments and words of encouragment on my porch progress post! I'm just glad to no longer be embarrassing my neighbors (though they're much too nice to ever admit it)! Now, onto later this week... I haven't had butterflies like these in YEARS. You see, this week, I'll be at Haven, a conference for DIY/decorating/crafting bloggers. I'll be in the company of some of the most inspiring bloggers in the blogosphere, … [Read more...]
Easy DIY Moss and Burlap Wreath
June 6, 2012 by · 8 Comments
Once I finally took down my evergreen "M" that hangs in my kitchen window through the winter months, it just looked so bare. When I then painted the walls that very pale gray-green, I knew I needed something with a little punch hanging there... can't be too sleek and neutral now. :) And I wanted natural elements -- or something resembling natural elements anyway. So I gathered up a few things I had laying around from other projects: a … [Read more...]
Burlap Wrap Vase (the No Sew version!)
May 16, 2012 by · 11 Comments
If you've been reading here long enough, you know I'm a non-sewing decor blogger. I'd love for that to change, but I'm not in a big hurry to break out the sewing machine and learn. So when I got a load of this from Laura over at Top This Top That... Source: topthistopthat.blogspot.com via Heidi on Pinterest and this from KariAnne at Thistlewood Farm... Source: thistlewoodfarm.wordpress.com via Thistlewood on … [Read more...]
It’s a Cinch!! Chalkboard Flower Buckets
March 27, 2012 by · 15 Comments
This has GOT to be the easiest project I've tackled in a while... I spied these flower buckets in the dollar section at Target. There were only two left so I, of course, snagged them both. I was thinking I'd love to dress them up to put in my booth... or not. :) I dug out my chalkboard paint and some stencils from my scrapbooking days. I'm thinking "chalkboard labels", ripe for any message. I used painters tape to secure the … [Read more...]
Sheet Music Candles {Romance for Valentine’s Day}
February 14, 2012 by · 10 Comments
I'm not one for decorating for each and every holiday that comes along. I'm in awe of these gals that are switching out mantles and vignettes every couple of months to celebrate the various holidays... but I guess I know my limits. :) I'm more of a seasonal switcher of decor-- winter, spring, summer, fall, then Christmas (though you might find a nod to a certain holiday on my kitchen island or hanging on my door... just sayin'!). I've loved … [Read more...]
Moss Topiary {DIY}
January 23, 2012 by · 9 Comments
This has to be one of the easiest projects I've undertaken and I love the impact it has on my mantle. I could just see it in my head, but you know how that goes-- seems simple, but ends up being much more complicated? Not this one. Just a few materials needed: The planter is a discontinued Willow House product that's been sitting in my basement after being overlooked in my sample sale. Lucky me. :) I spraypainted the cone … [Read more...]
Favorite Christmas Treat {Reindeer Food}
December 22, 2011 by · 2 Comments
I started making this treat for family and friends several years ago-- a recipe torn from a magazine in the doctor's office. I can't even remember which magazine, sadly, but it's favorite to make, share, and enjoy. We call it reindeer food. :) Here's all you need: The cereal is either corn or rice chex (I just grabbed a bag, so I really don't know what this batch holds. :)) I use the microwave to soften the almond bark-- much easier … [Read more...]
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