Nest. Nesting. Nested.

my love for linens

2011-11-07T22:37:00.000-08:00

Anyone who knows me, knows that I absolutely adore old linens. The other day, my sweet mom gave me this amazing old pin cushion; I absolutely love it!!!

My new vintage pin cushion now sits in an old egg basket that houses a lot of my beloved old linens.

My laundry room now has new look...come back tomorrow and you will see what has been changed.

Thanks for reading!

what to do with all those broken crayons?

2011-10-28T22:31:00.000-07:00

Melt them down and reshape them!

My youngest boy LOVES to color, but whenever one of his crayons break, he thinks it is garbage and doesn't ever color with it again. What a waste, right?! Today as I was helping him sort out all of the broken crayons, I had an idea to melt the unwanted (broken) crayons and make them into "new" crayons that would be fun to color with once again.

Here's what we did it....
First we took all the paper off of the crayons.
Then separated them into two empty soup cans, one for all the oranges, and the other for the black crayons.

I placed the two cans of crayons into a pot of boiling water. The crayons melted surprisingly fast!

After the crayons were melted, I poured them into a pumpkin shaped cookie cutter that I had placed into a disposable aluminum baking pan. I was a little skeptical of using a cookie cutter to shape the crayons, but it worked!

After our new pumpkin crayons had completely cooled down, we wrapped a couple of them up for some of his friends...such a fun little Halloween surprise!

And here is the final product.

I love the design that the crayons picked up for my disposable baking pan.

This is such a fun project that your kids are sure to love! Think of all the possibilities!!!

Thanks for reading!

Please click on the links on my "Favorite Places to Link" page to check out the linky parties that I have joined.

a ghostly treat

2011-10-24T20:46:00.000-07:00

Meringue Ghosts

These festive meringues are not only tasty but are also quite fun to make. My two little boys and I had a lot of fun trying to pipe out ghostly shapes today after school.

Ingredients
3 large egg whites (room temperature)
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
miniature semisweet chocolate chips
~~~

1. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper, or butter sheets and dust with flour.
2. In a deep bowl, with a mixer at high speed, whip egg whites and cream of tartar to a thick foam. Continuing to beat, add sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, then whip until meringue holds very stiff peaks.

3. Beat in vanilla.

4. Spoon meringue into a pastry bag fitted (or, like I did, spoon into a gallon-size Ziploc bag and cut off 1 corner to make a small opening).

5. Pipe meringue onto baking sheets into ghostly shapes about 1/2 inch thick. Place them about 2 inches apart. To make eyes simply press chocolate chips lightly into meringue.
6. Bake in a 200° oven until meringues begin to turn pale gold and are firm to touch, 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours (1 to 1 1/4 hours in a convection oven); switch pan positions halfway through baking. Turn off heat and leave meringues in closed oven for 1 hour.

Thank you for reading!
Please click on the links on my "Favorite Places to Link" page to check out the linky parties that I have joined.

Fall Wreath

2011-10-18T21:04:00.000-07:00

Every year as the air starts to get cooler and the leaves are begin to change color, I go out and gather beautiful colored leaves, acorns, rose hips, and whatever else I find fitting to make a simple, colorful fall wreath.

This is such an easy little project, and like most all of my projects, it is super cheap! The only things that I bought for this project was some clear glossy lacquer and a grapevine wreath. After gathering leaves and such, I simply glued (using a hot glue gun) the leaves, acorns, etc to the grapevine wreath and then gave it a shiny coat of lacquer to help preserve the leaves and all their beautiful colors.

Thanks for reading!!!

Please click on the links on my "Favorite Places to Link" page to check out the linky parties that I have joined. The DIY Showoff , Saavy Southern Style, Blue Cricket Design, DIY By Design
Clean and Scentsible

How to tile a backsplash

2011-10-13T07:33:00.000-07:00

I have had several questions about my back splash, so I thought I would post step-by-step instructions on how to tile, so that you too can tile your back splash.
This project only cost $115 and took less than an afternoon to do. So worth it!!!!

I purchased all my supplies (tile, thin set, grout, and tools) at Lowe's.

Step 1: Measure the surface area that you are going to tile

Multiply the length of your back splash area by the width of your back splash area to find the total square footage.

Step 2: Prepare your wall/ Cut Cement Board

Make sure to clean the wall that you are going to tile with an abrasive cleaner. Then, use your measurements to cut the cement board to size. This material is hard, but not too difficult to cut through. Use a razor knife to score one side, then turn the board over to finish the cut. Use caution when cutting to avoid pulling the mesh off the board.

Because my back splash is such a small area and the tiles are not heavy at all, I did use cement board. If you are planning on doing a bigger area, such as a back splash that goes all the way up to the ceiling, or if you are using heavy tiles then I recommend that you use cement board.

Once all the pieces of cement board are cut, lay them out to make sure it's a tight fit.
Secure the cement board to the floor using a drill with screwdriver attachment. Use special cement-board screws, and place them every 6 to 8 inches.

Step 3: Decide where to start

For my black splash, I thought it was most logical to start in the corner and work my way out.

Step 4: Spread Adhesive

Work in small sections. Spread the adhesive smoothly and evenly with a trowel. You'll want the adhesive to be about as thick as the tiles you're working with.
Lay all of the tiles that don't need to be cut first, and leave space for the tiles that are going to need to be cut. Then you can go back and tackle the tricky cuts toward the end. This really helped the job run quicker and smoother for me.

Step 5: Set Tiles in Place

Set the first tile into place and press it firmly into the adhesive. For the second tile, remember to line up the pattern and check the spacing before setting it into place.

Step 6: Cut Tile

The easiest way to cut individual tiles is with a wet saw. It uses water to keep the blade from getting too hot as it makes the cuts. Set the length wanted and guide the tile through the blade. You can rent a wet saw, or if you have just a few cuts to be made you can take it into Home Depot or Lowe's and they will cut it for you as long as you purchased it there.

Step 7: Grout

When mixing grout make sure it is creamy and easy to spread. Use "sanded"grout for larger spacing, "unsanded" grout for closer laid tiles. I used "unsanded" grout for this project.
Using a grout float, place a glob of grout on the tile and push it around the openings. Let it set for about 20 minutes then wipe the tiles with a damp sponge. Once the grout has hardened, buff the tile with a dry cloth.

Step 8: Seal grout

There are so many types of grout sealers. Some are a liquid that gets sponged on, and some are a spray. I used one that I sponged on. Make sure to seal the grout well to prevent staining.

Good Luck and Thanks for Reading!!!

Please click on the links on my "Favorite Places to Link" page to check out the linky parties that I have joined.

The DIY Showoff

look how far my kitchen has come...

2011-10-11T22:47:00.000-07:00

My kitchen has been the biggest work in progress for what seems like forever! With two young and very active boys and I seem to have very little time to focus on big projects (such as my kitchen), so I have tackled it by doing one small project at a time, making this kitchen one very long drawn out process. I just finished the island yesterday. It would have been done a few weeks ago, but indecisive me decided to paint it creamy white instead of the green that I originally painted it.

Here is a picture of my kitchen as of today...

And here it is just 1 short year ago...

Please click on the links on my "Favorite Places to Link" page to check out the linky parties that I have joined.

The DIY Showoff

Thanks for reading!!!

I won!!!

2011-10-03T00:09:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to tell you all that I won the Shaw Area Rug giveaway that Roeshel at The DIY Showoff hosted!

This is officially the first thing that I have ever won and I am sooooo excited!

Now, I need your help to choose the perfect rug for my dining room.

I am trying to decide between...

#1: Patina Rug

#2: Vintage Bloom Rug

-or-

#3: Light Multi Rug

Which rug do you think would look best in my dining room?

Thank you for reading!

my little dining area

2011-09-23T21:37:00.000-07:00

Have you all been linking up to the Roomspiration link parties? There are so many great ideas!!!

Today, Dining Room link ups over at Involving Color.

My dining room

This light fixture that started it all.

Check out my table...only $80. It was a horrible shiny brown. I sanded it down, painted it, and distressed it. A while later I decided I would sand the paint off the top and stain it. Love the way it turned out.

framed plates...

One day as I was going through my house, trying to get organized, I came across a large print that I had stored under my bed. I thought that I would paint the frame, get a new mat and hang it on the wall by my kitchen table. Well, my sweet boys decided it would be fun to throw a ball at my picture...the glass broke. I was a little mad, but am happy with the end result; a frame without glass, perfect for my plate display.

I have seen numbered chairs in magazines and on blogs a lot lately. I really like the idea, so I got a stencil and painted numbers. I tried them in black first, a bit too stark for me, so I went with the same color as I have on my walls, "Monks Cloth." After the paint dried I went over the numbers with sand paper, just to give it a bit of an aged look.

My chairs...the one on the left has a brown glaze. After looking at the chairs side by side for a few days, I decided to go without the glaze. Although it does bring out the details of the chair a bit more, I thought the brown interfered with my wall color too much.

This is my textured wallpaper that I got at Lowe's for only $20. It was my first wallpaper project and it turned out surprisingly good. After I got it on the wall, I hung some chair rail, painted it (wallpaper & chair rail) "pure white" in semi-gloss, and love it! And that darling little pillow...got it at a little antique/consignment store back East for a mere $4.

After putting butcher block on my little island area, my kitchen/dining area was starting to feel way too brown for my liking...brown walls, tan curtains, wood floors, butcher block counter, and a dark wood top table! In hopes of creating a more cohesive space, I decided to eliminate one of the shades of brown, and painted the table top creamy white again!

DIY cabinet lighting for under $10

2011-09-21T21:10:00.001-07:00

For a while now I have been wanting to add lighting inside my glass front cabinet, but was unsure if I was willing to pay an electrician $400-$600 to do it, so I did it myself for $10. That's right, only $10!!!

This was seriously the easiest project ever! I went to Target and bought two boxes of battery powered mini lights, brought them home and simply (using a staple gun) hung a strand of lights up both sides of the cabinet. The cords are neatly hidden behind the sides of the cabinet.
Is my cabinet lighting as bright as that an electrician would install? Probably not, but it also cost a whole lot less! I am really quite happy with the bit of ambiance that my new lights add.

Please click on the links on my "Favorite Places to Link" page to check out the linky parties that I have joined.
Thanks for reading!!!

Guest Post: Dabbling in Dappled Color

2011-09-20T09:00:00.000-07:00

I absolutely adore paint and love the way that it can transform any space, and that is why I was so excited when Debbie from the Paint Quality Institute blog contacted me and wanted to do a guest post. After reading this, you will probably want to get out some paints, glazes, and brushes, I know I do!

Dabbling in Dappled Color
The vast majority of interior painting involves the use of solid color. But there’s another way to embellish a home interior with paint that can be even more exciting – one that involves special application techniques to create dappled or “broken” paint color.

Often involving multiple paint colors applied in layers with unlikely tools, so- called “decorative painting techniques” impart walls or woodwork with varied tone and texture, all the while adding character and personality to interior spaces.

In a way, decorative interior painting is where home improvement enters the realm of artistic expression. . .a world that can be addictive for those with creative flare. If you’re game, there are a few things you need to know before you get started.

Virtually all decorative painting techniques employ glazes or washes to work their magic. Glazes and washes are really modified paints. Both give a textured look to the painted surface.

Glazes, which are made of oil-based paint mixed with linseed oil, turpentine or varnish, are more transparent than washes. They add a rich glow to walls and other surfaces.

Washes are simply latex paints that have been thinned with water. They produce color that is fresher, purer, and more delicately textured than that produced by glazes. Part of the beauty of washes is due to the fact that they show brush strokes and other marks, which adds depth to the painted surface.

Deciding whether to use a glaze or a wash depends upon the visual effect you want to achieve and the complexity of the application technique you’ll be using. Since oil- based paints dry more slowly, glazes are preferable when you want to “work” the paint extensively. However, washes are easier to make, modify, and clean up after. As a result, washes are usually favored by do-it-yourself painters.

Some of the most common decorative painting techniques are sponging, ragging-off, and stippling, each of which produces a slightly different dappled effect. Here’s how to proceed when working with water-based washes.

Sponging is a simple broken color painting technique that is used to produce a mottled, irregular pattern using an ocean sponge, which you can buy at the paint store. You can sponge either solid-color paint or a wash onto a wall or other surface. Two or more colors can be sponged on, as long as each is allowed to dry before the next one is added.

Start by applying a solid color of paint to the entire surface you’ll be sponging, typically in a light neutral or pastel color – this will serve as the canvas for your sponging. Next, lightly moisten the sponge and dip it sparingly into the second color of paint or wash. Start sponging in the center of the wall by gently tapping the sponge against the surface, while frequently turning the sponge and changing directions to produce a variegated effect. When you get the look you want on the center of the wall, begin to work outwardly towards the corners until the wall is completed.

If you plan to sponge on more than one color, be sure to allow plenty of basecoat to show through when applying the first color. Otherwise, there won’t be enough space left to accommodate the next color of paint.

Ragging-off produces broken color patterns reminiscent of brocade or watered silk. As the name implies, the technique involves removing wet paint from the surface with an absorbent cloth or clean rag. Often, two or three colors are ragged off in succession, typically in related tones or shades from the same family of paint colors.

As with sponging, the first step is to apply a solid basecoat color and allow it to dry completely. Next, decide what type of fabric you want to work with – you can use pieces of old sheets, chamois cloth. . . even paper towels.

Because speed of application is important when ragging-off, it’s best to work with a partner. One person applies the paint or wash with a brush or roller, the other lightly rolls the cloth through the coating while it is still wet, removing some, but not all, of the color.

Different rolling techniques will produce different effects. For example, single- directional ragging will create a much different pattern than random ragging-off, but both can yield attractive results.

Stippling is another decorative technique used to create broken color that is more subtly textured than that produced by either sponging or ragging-off. Rather than being mottled, the effect created by stippling is more accurately described as suede-like, with greater depth than flat paint color.

Again, start the process of stippling by applying a basecoat, which can be either a light tint or dark shade.

After the basecoat dries, start working from one end of the wall to the other, applying a wash to the wall in foot-wide strips from ceiling to floor. Working quickly, before the strips of paint dry, stab at the wet paint with a large, soft-bristled brush to remove dots of paint. Periodically blot excess paint from the brush onto an absorbent cloth. Working the paint in this way will break up the wall color into a mass of very small dots, giving your wall a rich-looking, patterned finish.

Sponging, ragging-off, and stippling are just three of the more basic decorative painting techniques. If you’re aching to be even more artistic, you can take your interior painting to a still higher level by trying your hand at marbling or trompe l’oeil. But even if you go no further than creating dappled color, you’ll have done more than the vast majority of do-it-yourself painters. . .and most professional painters as well!

About The Author: Debbie Zimmer is editor-in-chief of the Paint Quality Institute blog, http://blog.paintquality.com/. She's a widely cited authority on color, use of paints in interior and exterior design, and decorative painting techniques. She can be found on Twitter as @PaintQualityIns.

Thanks for reading!!!

one of my favorite pieces of furniture

2011-09-16T01:40:00.000-07:00

There is something about this piece of furniture that I absolutely LOVE! It might be all of the character that it has, or maybe because it is was one of my very first furniture fix-ups, or it could also be the fact that my husband grew up with it in his room? Whatever the reason, I adore this piece!

When I first got this piece, it had never been painted or fixed up, a true diamond in the rough. I was so excited to start fixing it up for my little boy's room. I sanded it, painted it, distressed it just a bit, fixed all of the drawers, bought new knobs, and added some small bun feet. My husband suggested that I get new mirrors and fix all the little dings and dents, but those are the things that add character and make this piece so charming!

Please click on the links on my "Favorite Places to Link" page to check out the linky parties that I have joined.
Thanks for reading!!!

another painting project

2011-09-13T21:07:00.000-07:00

My latest paint project, my dining table.

I decided to paint my dining table creamy white, again!

before...

and after...

Who knows, I may sand my table top down again one day. For today, I am happy that there is one less shade of brown in this space.

Please click on the links on my "Favorite Places to Link" page to check out the linky parties that I have joined.
Thanks for reading!!!

A little more distressing

2011-09-07T22:38:00.000-07:00

Remember this desk that I painted a couple months ago?

Well, I wasn't completely lovin' it, so I painted it again!

I painted the desk creamy white, and then... The new paint was peeling off because I didn't take the time to properly prepare the surface before painting. I was so frustrated that I tried to rush through yet another project, and was going to have to start all over. Seriously!?!
As soon as I started to sand the creamy white paint off, I realized that I just might like the desk a whole lot better if it were more distressed.
I sanded, and sanded a little more, until the desk looked old and worn. Then added a bit of Valspar Antiquing Glaze and a quick coat of Wipe-On Poly.
This sweet little desk now sits happily in my dining area.

Please click on the links on my "Favorite Places to Link" page to check out the linky parties that I have joined.
Thanks for reading!!!

Another Pinterest Pinning Party at Nest. Nesting. Nested.

2011-09-03T11:05:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my second Pinterest Pinning Party!
I hope you all enjoyed looking at all the linked up Pin Boards as much as I did. I seriously LOVED each and every Pin Board that was linked up to my Pinning Party last week. My boards are slowly, but surely, filling up with beautiful images of rooms that I can only dream about, and things that I hope to create for my home.

Simply put YOUR Pinterest Pin Board Permalink into the linky and show us what you have been pinning.

I cannot wait to be inspired by all of your pins, and continue filling my pin boards, and find new boards to follow! Feel free to grab my Pinterest Pinning Party Button to help spread the word. Happy Pinning!

fresh herbs all year long

2011-09-01T20:56:00.000-07:00

The other day I was at Wal*Mart and I happened to notice that all of the herbs were 75% off. I grabbed some and decided to plant my herb garden that I never got around to doing earlier in the season. The herbs are planted in little buckets and attached to some twigs that I attached to my fence using eye hooks.

I planted the herbs in buckets so that I can bring them inside when the weather changes. I am excited to have fresh herbs all winter long!

Please click on the links on my "Favorite Places to Link" page to check out the linky parties that I have joined.

Thanks for reading!!!

Pinterest Pinning Party at Nest. Nesting.Nested.

2011-08-27T10:00:00.000-07:00

Because so many of us {heart} Pinterest, I thought it would be a lot of fun to start a Pinterest Pinning Party here at Nest. Nesting. Nested. every Sunday. Anyone and Everyone with a Pinterest Account can link up!

Simply put YOUR Pinterest Pin Board Permalink into the linky and show us what you have been pinning.

I cannot wait to be inspired by all of your pins, start filling my nearly empty pin boards, and find new boards to follow!

Feel free to grab a Pinterest Pinning Party Button to help spread the word. Happy Pinning!

my new $50 countertop

2011-08-25T18:44:00.000-07:00

With the help of my sweet brother, my new butcher block counter top is cut to size and installed.

I knew that I wanted butcher block on my island area, but as I started to research custom butcher block counter tops, I found them to be pricier (about the same as you'd pay for granite) than I thought they were worth. If you want butcher block, Ikea is definitely the place to go! My piece of "Lagan" solid birch butcher block was only $39 at Ikea. Can you believe it? I was so excited!
After getting it home and taking it out of the box, I realized that I was going to stain it. On a scrap piece of the butcher block, I tested out a few different colors. The stain went on super blotchy.

I then realized that I was going to have to pre-treat the wood with Minwax Wood Conditioner. It worked magic!
After using the wood conditioner, I tested out three other colors on another piece of scrap wood. The stain went on a lot smoother with the help of the wood conditioner. Because I didn't want the color of the butcher block to interfere with my wall color I went with a medium-light Minwax stain color called "Puritan Pine."

After the butcher block was installed, stained, and sealed, I realized that it was lacking some detail, so I did what I always do...added mouldings.

I found a "stain grade" moulding at Home Depot that worked perfectly. After the mouldings were cut and nailed in place, I stained it to match the butcher block. It matches perfectly! It is always amazing what you can do with a few dollars of mouldings and some creative thinking.

Please click on the links on my "Favorite Places to Link" page to check out the linky parties that I have joined.

Thanks for reading!!!

going green...

2011-08-18T20:04:00.000-07:00

Here is a glimpse of how my island is turning out.

It is now painted a soft green with a mocha glaze. There are just a few more little details that need to be finished before I show you all the entire space. I cannot wait!

The paint color is "Garden Shed" by Martha Stewart

another little peek into my kitchen

2011-08-16T20:13:00.000-07:00

Originally I was going to paint all of the lower cabinets in my kitchen a different color than the upper cabinets, but because I really want my island area to stand out I decided to paint all the cabinets, excluding the island, in my kitchen the same creamy white. The island...well, that color is yet to be decided.

Here are a few pictures of my newly painted lower cabinets. Beadborad and mouldings were added to just two cabinet doors, I am trying to achieve a "created over time" look.

Here is a picture of what my kitchen looked like just a few short days ago

If you'd like to how to achieve the look of my painted and glazed cabinets, here is step-by-step instructions:

Supplies used:
*TSP
*sandpaper
*electric sander
*beadboard
*decorative mouldings
*liquid nails
*finish nails
*primer
*Martha Stewart "Heavy Cream" paint
*Paint brushes and paint roller
* Wipe-on Poly *Valspar glaze in "Mocha"

I first thought long and hard about how I would accomplish a more custom and updated looking cabinet. I came up with a plan that included beadboard, mouldings, paint, glaze and new hardware.

Now to really get started...

First you'll need to prepare your cabinet's surface by cleaning it with TSP and sanding it thoroughly. I used an electric sander to make the job easier and quicker, but you could always sand it by hand too.

Next I measured and cut two pieces of beadbord and then glued it, using liquid nails, to the recessed part of my cabinet doors. Finally, I finished it off by framing the beadboard with a decorative a moulding.
Now it's time to prime. I used two coats of primer and then waited until the next day to apply the paint. I used two coats of paint as well. 24 hrs. later, when the paint was completely dry, I sanded the cabinet just a little bit to smooth out any rough spots or drips.

You're almost done now...the glaze is so easy to apply. All you need to do is either wipe or brush a coat of glaze on, wait a minute or two and wipe some, most, or all of it off depending on how worn you want it to look.
The directions on the back of the glaze say to wait one week after glazing to apply a clear protective coat. I used a wipe-on polyurethane.

I am so happy with the end result...a beautiful, updated cabinet for very little money!

Please click on the links on my "Favorite Places to Link" page to check out the linky parties that I have joined.

Thanks for reading!!!

and the winner of the vintage lace lampshade is....

2011-08-14T21:04:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all that entered this month's giveaway and for all the sweet comments!
I wish you all could win!!!

True Random Number Generator

Min: 1
Max: 25
Result:
15
Powered by RANDOM.ORG

Comment #15

jennie_elisa_greene said...
I am a very faithful follower. I love everything you do. You have so many creative ideas. Thanks for sharing your ideas with all of us!!
August 9, 2011 12:55 PM

Congratulations!

Please email me with your information so I can ship this to you soon.

Thank you!

Progress in my kitchen

2011-08-09T20:04:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures of what is going on in my kitchen....

Here it is again, now covered with smooth MDF and mouldings of course! Now time to paint...what color though?

Vintage Lace Lampshade & Lamp Giveaway

2011-08-08T20:45:00.000-07:00

Today marks the official 6 month anniversary of Nest. Nesting. Nested. To celebrate, I am giving away a sweet little white lamp with a vintage lace lampshade that I made just for you. This lamp would be perfect in almost any space...in your laundry room, a bathroom, on a desk, in your kitchen, a bedroom, etc.

To Enter My Giveaway:
1 entry for simply leaving a comment letting me know what your favorite Nest.Nesting.Nested. project has been thus far

2 entries for being a follower

3 entries for all those following Nest.Nesting.Nested. prior to this post

Additional entry for:
~blogging about this giveaway or sharing it on facebook~

Please make sure to leave separate comments for each entry, up to 4 entries per person.
The winner will be randomly selected Sunday August 14, 2011.
Good Luck!!!

6 months...

2011-08-04T08:25:00.000-07:00

It has almost been six months since I started Nest. Nesting. Nested. I can hardly believe it!!! Monday August 8, 2011 will mark the official six month mark. Be sure to check back Monday, I am going to have a fun giveaway and will have a few fun projects (I am finally finishing my lower kitchen cabinets...exciting!) to share with you all.

A little sneak peek...

2011-08-02T09:10:00.001-07:00

First, I want to thank all of you for all the sweet comments on my last post. I have read and reread them all....seriously Thank You!!!!

Remember all of those frames...

I painted all the frames white and have begun to work on a gallery wall in a little hallway in my home. This is a project that I thought would come together quick and easy, but really it hasn't. Every time I walk by the frames, I have ideas of what to change, what to add, etc. I first added chair rail and then painted the walls a darker color. I have started to hang the empty white frames, now just need to find the perfect pictures and things to fill them with. Hoping it is done soon!

Here is a little sneak peek...

(sorry about the poor picture quality, my camera battery was about to die)

To Blog or Not to Blog?

2011-07-28T08:52:00.000-07:00

When I started this blog, I had no idea about the whole world of blogging. There are sooo many great blogs out there! In the beginning there were so many people looking at my blog and lots of sweet comments. I was so excited that my blog was somehow growing! Then, the traffic started to slow down, which is understandable...it is summertime. Then, last week I got my first not so nice comment. I think this comment is what really made me start questioning my blog. Blogging takes a lot of time, and is so personal. We, as bloggers, are putting ourselves out there sharing with the world our ideas, and it is (in my opinion) quite rude to leave a comment that is anything but completely nice. Sure, there are going to be things that I create or ideas that I have that aren't going to be to everyone's liking, but if you don't like it, why must you say it?

Thank you soooo much to all my sweet readers who are continually reading my blog and leaving kind & encouraging comments!!!

Faux Metal Letters

2011-07-26T08:05:00.000-07:00

I have had a few people ask me about the "metal" letters that hang above my newly transformed bench in my little boys' room, so I thought I would hurry and share with you all what I used...

I wanted a galvanized metal look so I went with Rustoleum's "hammered" silver spray paint (love the added texture) and finished them with a coat of clear matte.

The lettering and stars were purchased at Micheal's.

Thanks for reading!!!

Vintage White Chandelier

2011-07-21T09:00:00.000-07:00

Not long ago I was watching HGTV and one of the designers said that she likes to paint vintage chandeliers in a nice flat white. As soon as I found this beauty at an estate sale, I knew that it would soon get a coat of flat white paint.

Here it is now...

*rewired

*spray painted flat white
*new candle covers from Lowe's (also painted flat white)

*vintage crystals

Just need to find more vintage crystals...eBay maybe?

Click on the links on my "Favorite Places to Link" page to check out the linky parties that I have joined.
Thanks for reading!!!

A Light Fixture Revived

2011-07-19T08:00:00.000-07:00

One light fixture in desperate need of a fresh coat of paint....

Plus a can of my favorite black semi-gloss spray paint (no priming required), just tape off your glass and surrounding areas and start spraying
Equals a light fixture revived...

I always love projects like this...easy but with great and noticeable results!

It makes me happy to be greeted by a fresh, clean light fixture...no more dingy, dirty light fixture here!

The bench is finshed!

2011-07-14T08:52:00.001-07:00

I love this bench! It makes a perfect little reading area (and added storage) in my little boys' room.

Here is a picture of the bench just a few short days ago...
The spindles were fixed...
The bench was then sanded...
Moldings were added...

After the bench was painted and distressed a bit, it was glazed using Valspar Antiquing Glaze.

This was my first time using the "Antiquing Glaze", I usually use Valspar "Mocha Glaze". I really like the end result that the Antiquing Glaze gave my bench. If you want to know more about painting and glazing, check out my paint and glazing tutorial.
Love it!!!

Click on the links in my "Favorite Places to Link" page to check out the linky parties that I have joined.
Thanks for reading!!!

Projects, projects, projects

2011-07-12T08:00:00.000-07:00

There are a few small projects in process at my house this week. Here is a glimpse of what's to come...

This charming vintage chandelier was only $7.00 at a garage sale! It is going to get re-wired and painted. I have been collecting vintage crystals for this chandelier. I need to find more, but these will be a good start. Why is it so hard to find vintage crystals?

Aren't the colors on this bench perfect for a little boys room? It is going to make a perfect storage area! My mother in-law gave it to me and I am quite excited to fix it up. There are a couple spindles that need to be fixed. Some moldings will be added, then sanded, painted, and glazed. It is going to be a fun piece to work on for sure.

I have gathered all of the unused picture frames around my house; they are all going to be painted white...perfect for a gallery wall somewhere in my home.

This light is going to get a fresh coat of paint and cleaned up. It is going to look new again as soon as I am finished with it.

Thanks for reading!

Fun Beach Craft for Kids

2011-07-07T08:00:00.000-07:00

While on vacation a couple weeks ago, we spent our first week at a beautiful ocean front beach house in Nags Head, NC. with my entire family. We absolutely LOVE the beach!

This year as my two little boys and I were searching the sand for sea glass and shells, my boys found a lot of cool creatures, shells, and other fun things. All of the little creatures (crabs, sand dollars, star fish, etc.) were obviously dead, but my boys had no problem picking them up and playing with them...they are true boys! We ended up with quite the collection of shells, sea glass, crab arms, a set of vertebrae, starfish, sand dollars, etc. It really was so much fun to see the excitement in my little boys' sweet faces every time we found another interesting thing in the sand.

Today my boys and I created a shadow box full of their beach treasures. They were so excited to create something so "awesome" to hang on their wall.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Thanks for reading!!!

Charming Ribbon and Button Napkin Rings

2011-07-06T08:00:00.000-07:00

Sorry this post is a day late, I had planned to post yesterday but accidentally had it scheduled to post today. Anyways, here are some super easy and charming napkins rings that I made with little time and money.

The idea for these napkin rings came from one of my favorite books, Shoestring Chic.
All you need for this project is a little ribbon, some buttons, and napkins.
First, I rolled each napkin and then tied them with a piece of ribbon.
Next, these vintage buttons were each threaded with a piece of white embroidery floss.
The buttons were then tied to each ribbon on every napkin.
Simple as that...you have some charming napkins rings that will be perfect for any table setting.

I placed my napkins in a jar, ready to pull out for any family meal.

Thanks for reading!

Click on the links in my "Favorite Places to Link" page to check out the linky parties that I have joined.
Thank you!

Happy Fourth of July!!!!

2011-07-03T23:20:00.000-07:00

Vintage Lace Lampshade

2011-06-30T08:30:00.000-07:00

A month or so ago, I had an idea to make a vintage lace lampshade. The problem was, I only had one or two small pieces of old lace.

While on vacation, I looked and looked for vintage lace, but didn't have much success until a couple days before leaving to come home. I came across an antique mall with a booth full of amazing old lace. I was sooo excited!

Here is the lamp before I got started...

Here it is again after I took the fabric off the shade and sprayed the entire lamp with a coat of Krylon's Dover White.
I started gluing, using a hot glue gun, my first layer of lace...it was definitely the trickiest layer. Once you have the first layer glued on just how you want it, the rest is easy!

One of my favorite parts of the lampshade has to be the little snap on one of the pieces of lace. It looks as if it were an old slip strap. I love the character it adds!!!
Little lacey designs on the walls at night when the lamp is turned on...so sweet!

Click on the links in my "Favorite Places to Link" page to check out the linky parties that I have joined.
Thank you!

Fun Little Lucketts Find

2011-06-28T09:00:00.000-07:00

While I was on vacation a couple weeks ago, I stopped by Lucketts, in Leesburg Va. There were so many things that I would have loved to buy, but considering I live across the country and would have had to somehow get everything that I bought back home, I was only able to pick up a few small items. This little set of drawers instantly caught my eye. I love the color!

How cute is that hardware? Love it!

It took me a few days, actually a couple weeks, to find the perfect place for this little darling. My mom always says that if you love something, you will surely find a place for it, and that I did.

beautiful hutch with built-in plate rack

2011-06-26T09:00:00.000-07:00

I am thrilled to share this beautiful hutch transformation with you all today!
What makes this so exciting for me? The plate rack in this darling hutch was built using my DIY Plate Rack Tutorial. I received a sweet comment from Kathy about my plate rack tutorial, she was going to build one too. I was so excited! I replied and told her that I would love to see picutres of her plate rack when she finished. She so kindly sent me these pictures and said that I could share them with you all as well.

This is how the hutch started out...

To this...

Now...

Isn't this such a beautiful transformation!?!
I absolutely love it!
Thank you so much Kathy for sharing this with me and all my lovely readers.

~ Do you have a project that you created using one of my tutorials or ideas?
I would seriously LOVE to see it, and even share it with my readers if you would like.
Please email me at nestnestingnested@gmail.com ~
Thanks to all my sweet readers!

5 Minute, 5 Dollar DIY Glass Pendant

2011-06-23T09:00:00.000-07:00

Seriously, this is one of the quickest and easiest lighting projects ever!

Supplies Used:

1 Paper Lantern Power Cord ~ $1.99 ~

1 Bubbled Glass Shade ~ 2.99 ~

Simply attach the power cord to the glass shade and you have yourself a darling light fixture that you can hang just about anywhere.

Hope you all have a great weekend!!!

I am linking this post with...

The Shabby Nest, Frugal Friday - Chic on a Shoestring, Flaunt it Friday - Finding Fabulous, Frugalicious Friday -

Click on the links in my "Favorite Places to Link" page to check it out.

Lighting

2011-06-21T09:02:00.000-07:00

I love the way lighting can change the look of an entire room and love how it can drastically change the mood in a room. Over the next few days I am going to share my favorite lighting transformations, and tips for great lighting solutions.

First up, the best height to hang light fixtures around your home.
~Above your Kitchen/Dining Room Table~
As I have researched the proper height for hanging a light fixture over a dining room table, I have found that different sites say different heights, anywhere from 30" to 36" above your table. The light over my dining room table hangs 32", it just felt like the right height for my space.

~Above an Island/Bar~
The same rule applies as with light fixtures above dining room tables, light fixtures above an island/bar should hang between between 30" and 36".

~Entryways, Stairwells, Bedrooms, Hallways, Bathrooms, etc.~

Light fixtures hung in any space where people walk under follow a different measurement. To avoid heads from being bumped on your light fixtures, the bottom of your chandelier/light fixture should hang no less than 7 feet from the floor.

These are all just suggested heights, if you have a light fixture that you feel would look better higher or lower than the suggested heights, I say go for it! It is your space and you know what would best suit you and your space. The light fixture in my laundry room is hung a bit too low for some peoples' liking, but for me it is perfect!

Happy light fixture hanging!

2011-06-19T09:00:00.000-07:00

June Giveaway Winner

2011-06-17T08:46:00.000-07:00

A special thanks to Laura from B & B's Nest for hosting this month's giveaway!

Thank you for all entering this month's giveaway and for all the sweet comments!
I wish you all could win!!!

True Random Number Generator

Min:1

Max: 32

Result: 3

The winner is comment number #3

Bee said....
Love your Etsy Shop- I love the numbered trays- so cute- thanks for doing a fun giveaway:)
June 13, 2011 10:28 AM

Congratulations Bee!

Please email Laura at B & B's Nest with your information so that she can mail it to you soon.

Thank you!!!

June giveaway...last day to enter!

2011-06-16T08:15:00.000-07:00

Have you all entered the giveaway that Laura from B&B's Nest is hosting?

Everything in her etsy shop is darling!

Here are a few of my favorites....

Be sure to enter the giveaway...today is the last day to enter.

Click on the link below for details on how to enter.

http://nestnestingnested.blogspot.com/2011/06/june-giveaway-and-guest-post.html

Good luck, the winner will be announced tomorrow morning!

My Posting Schedule

2011-06-14T22:38:00.000-07:00

While on vacation, I thought about my blog and tried to think of ways to make it better. One thing that came to mind was consistency. In hopes of becoming a more consistent blogger, I have decided to come up with a schedule that will allow me to post about the fun projects that I am working on, on a regular basis without taking too much time away from my sweet little boys.
My new blogging schedule...

June Giveaway and Guest Post

2011-06-13T09:00:00.000-07:00

I am so glad to be back! My vacation was a lot of fun, but I really missed working on all my silly little projects and being able to blog about them. I have lots of fun treasures, transformations, DIY projects, and other fun things that I can't wait to share with you all in the days and weeks to come, so be sure to stay tuned.

Today, I am excited to introduce you all to a blog that I stumbled upon one night and instantly loved! Laura from B & B's Nest is the first ever guest blogger here at Nest. Nesting. Nested. and she is hosting the super cute giveaway today!

Hi everyone! I’m Laura from over at B & B’s Nest. When Emily asked me to guest post on her blog, I did a happy dance in front of my computer. I may have even done a back handspring, but regardless, I was excited. Ooh and I'm giving away one of my home accessories to one lucky reader today too. How fun!
So I guess I should start by telling you a little bit about myself. B & B’s Nest was born out of a love for all things vintage and antique, and my passion for interior design. I blog about what I love. Period. What I love most is finding an abandoned vintage treasure and giving it a new life. I have been refinishing and flipping furniture for a long time. And redecorating? Forget it. I change my mind on paint colors as often as Charlie Sheen says "winning". But I had no idea anyone would be interested in what I was doing in our little world. Until I started searching the Internet for inspirational photos of spaces I love. Unbeknownst to me, there are thousands of blogs written by women just like me who have a passion for decorating, DIY projects and crafts. What? Why didn't someone tell me? I would have been doing this a LONG time ago. It just so happens that we’re also in the midst of redoing our kitchen, dining room, living room and office soon-to-be playroom, so now I share all of our disasters and triumphs with you.

Not only that, but I recently came across a gorgeous hutch on a little website called “Craigslist”. Ever heard of it? Yeah, I thought so (*smile*). Anywho, I sent the seller an email asking if they were firm on their price and it sparked an exchange of emails that eventually led to B & B’s Nest taking part in its first ever professional sale. You can read more about the announcement of our participation in the sale here and how it all turned out here. It was an incredible experience and I wouldn't trade all of the blood, sweat, tears and countless hours that went into it for the world! I even reupholstered a chair for the very first time. Front, back and the seat! See:

Yeah. I did. And you could do it too! I even opened an Etsy shop and put B & B's Nest on Facebook and I've only been online since March 23rd!

My point in telling you all of this is to encourage you. I want to encourage you to do that "thing" you've been meaning to do, or wanting to do, but have been putting off. Do that project, learn how to (fill in the blank), paint that wall, shop that store, create that you-know-what. Whatever it is, if I can do this, you can too! In the famous words of Erma Bombeck: "When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say 'I used everything you gave me!'".
A BIG thank you to Emily for letting me come here and chat with you today! It's been my absolute pleasure to "meet" all of you and I hope our paths cross again real soon.
I wish you a very happy day!

And now for the giveaway!!

In order for each entry to count, please leave a separate comment for each.
Here's what you need to do to enter:

1. Visit B & B's Nest and become a follower

2. Be a follower of Nest. Nesting. Nested.

3. Visit B & B's Nest Etsy Shop, then come back here and leave a comment letting me know which item you would choose if you win.

That's all there is to it!
***If you leave an anonymous comment, please be sure to include your email address so we can contact you if you win.***
A winner will be randomly selected Friday, June 17th.
Good luck!

Having Fun in the Sun.

2011-05-29T18:33:00.001-07:00

Sorry for the lack of posting this past week, I have been so busy getting ready for a two and a half week sun filled family vacation. I will be back and blogging again on Monday June 13.

I have been working on some fun projects that I can't wait to share with you all, there will be a fun giveaway, and a great guest blogger.

Have a great week!!!

May Giveaway Winner

2011-05-20T11:41:00.000-07:00

Thank you for all the love and sweet comments!

I wish you all could win!!!
True Random Number Generator
Min:1
Max: 85
Result: 31
Powered by RANDOM.ORG
The winner is comment #31
Kimberly said...
I love the cute little bird!!!
May 13, 2011 5:06 PM

Congratulations!
Please email me with your information so that I can mail it to you.
Thank you!!!

DIY Plate Rack

2011-05-18T23:02:00.000-07:00

I love the charm and character that my DIY plate rack has added to my cabinet.

Materials Needed:

*5/16 in. round and 3/4 in. square dowels

*drill and 5/16 in. drill bit

*wood glue

*3/4 in. wood screws

* measuring tape

* level

First things first:Measure. Measure. Measure.

Measure the length and height of your cabinet opening.

Now it's time to make your cuts. The square dowels will be the top and bottom pieces of your plate rack, cut 4 pieces to the length of your cabinet.
The round dowels will be cut to the height of your plate rack.

When trying to decide on the spacing of the dowels, make sure there will be enough room to slide a plate between the dowels. I placed the dowels on my plate rack 1.5 inches apart.

Now that you have it all measured and marked out, drill holes through each of your four square dowels. ***Make drilling a bit easier by placing a piece of scrap wood underneath the piece of wood that you are working on.***
Now that you have your round dowels cut to height and your square dowels drilled with perfectly spaced holes, it is time to place the round dowels into the holes in the square dowels. Make sure everything is level and cut correctly (height and length).
If the plate rack is level and fits perfectly into your cabinet, it is time to glue. Using wood glue, glue your round dowels into the the square dowels. Level and let dry.
After the wood glue has dried, sand and paint the two identical racks.
Now you are ready to install!
To install, I used 3/4 inch wood screws and drilled from below the cabinet to secure the bottom plate rack, and from above the above shelf to secure the top of the plate rack.
I placed the front rack 1.5 inches from the front of my cabinet and the back rack 2.5 inches from the back of my cabinet.
Good luck and please email me if you have any questions.

I am linking this post with...
The Shabby Chic Cottage, Transformation Thursday-Delightful Order-My Romantic Home, Show and Tell Friday-The Shabby Nest, Frugal Friday-Chic On A Shoestring, Flaunt it Friday-Finding Fabulous, Frugalicious Friday- Just A Girl, SAS-DIY By Design-Blue Cricket Design, Show and Tell-Elements Interiors, Whassup Wednesday-Savvy Southern Style, Wow us Wednesday-Homemaker on a Dime-Tater Tots and Jello-Dittle Dattle-CRAFT-At The Picket Fence-Under the Table and Dreaming-Making the World Cuter-All Things Related- A Beach Cottage-Polly Want A Crafter-The Lettered Cottage, How Tos Day

Click on the links in my "Favorite Places to Link" page to check it out.

Thank you!!!

Painting Again!

2011-05-15T23:59:00.000-07:00

This once black armoire is now creamy white (Martha Stewart's Heavy Cream) and lightly distressed with vintage glass hardware.

After getting started on my painting project and taking the doors off, I realized that I hadn't taken any "before" pictures so this is the only "before" picture that I have of the armoire.
Too often I am so excited to get started on my projects that I forget to take "before" pictures, so sorry.

The details are so important to me...love these vintage glass knobs!

My Top Tips and Tricks to Flawless Spray Paint Everytime

2011-05-13T21:53:00.000-07:00

How many times have you started to spray paint something and then notice that the paint is bubbling, and/or dripping? So frustrating, right? It used to happen to me all the time. After trying out just about every brand, sheen, and color of spray paint, I have come up with a method that never fails me.
Today as I was spray painting a little table to put in my boys' room, I thought that I should really share my tricks to getting a flawless coat of spray paint every time.

If you follow these few simple tricks, you will find spray painting to be super easy with perfect results every time.

#1. Make sure your item is clean and dry.
#2. To avoid drips spray lots of light coats, absolutely no heavy coats.
#3. It is important that once you start, finish within an hour or wait at least 2 days and start with a base coat again.
#4. My number one and most important trick...always, always start your spray painting projects with a few coats of flat spray paint. Ever since I started using a flat spray paint as my base coat, I haven't had anymore bubbling. It seriously works miracles!

Here is my table before...

And after...smooth, glossy, and red! No drips & No bubbling.

I am linking this post with...

Tater Tots and Jello-CRAFT-Dittle Dattle-Thrifty Decor Chick, Home May'd
Click on the links in my "Favorite Places to Link" page to check it out.

blogger issues...

2011-05-13T21:44:00.000-07:00

What is up with blogger this week?

The last two nights blogger has been down just around the time I was trying to post...so frustrating!

Also, at least 35 comments were deleted from my giveaway. I am going to check my email and enter all the comments that were deleted, but if for some reason I miss your entry, please re-enter.

Thanks!!!

Busy, Busy Week

2011-05-04T08:59:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the lack of posting this week, it has been a super busy week without a minute to blog. I will be back next week with new projects and a fun giveaway.

See you then!

Progress in my half bath

2011-04-27T17:28:00.000-07:00

Who said you can't use a cake stand in your bathroom?

It worked well in my little bathroom.

To make the small space seem a bit bigger, I used two mirrors oppisite of eachother. It really opened up the space.

Slowly but surely this bathroom will be finished.
Stay tuned...

I am linking this post with...
Night Owl Crafting, Hoo's Got Talent, The Shabby Chic Cottage, Transformation Thursday-My Romantic Home, Show and Tell Friday-The Shabby Nest, Frugal Friday-Chic On A Shoestring, Flaunt it Friday-Finding Fabulous, Frugalicious Friday- Just A Girl, SAS-DIY By Design-Blue Cricket Design, Show and Tell-Elements Interiors, Whassup #18-Savvy Southern Style, Wow us Wednesday-How Sweet The Sound, Pink Saturday- CRAFT-Dittle Dattle- All Things Related
Click on the links in my "Favorite Places to Link" page to check it out.

Thank you!!!

Sometimes I just like to paint...

2011-04-25T14:52:00.000-07:00

Remember the darling cabinet that I posted about earlier this month? Well, I painted another piece the same color. There is an obvious difference between this painted desk and the painted cabinet. The painted cabinet was painted over bare wood, while this desk was painted over a creamy white paint. The creamy white shows a bit in the distressed areas of the desk.

Here is a before picture of the desk...
It was raining outside and I really wanted to work on this project, so I thought..why not paint just inside? The next morning, after the paint was completely dry, I grabbed my sandpaper and started to distress a few areas of the desk. At first I did not like that the creamy white paint was showing through in the distressed areas, but after living with it for a couple of days, I am starting to really like it.

After distressing the desk, I but on a thin coat of "Valspar Mocha Glaze" and finished it off with "Howard Premium Paste Wax."
Still trying to decide on which hardware to use...the vintage drawer pulls?
Or the vintage glass knobs?
Which hardware do you think looks best,
the glass knob or the drawer pull?

I am linking this post with...

Cherished Bliss, Craft and Tell Tuesday-All Thing Related, Anything Goes #46-Type A, Anything Goes Party #14-Censational Girl-The Lettered Cottage-Night Owl Crafting, Hoo's Got Talent, The Shabby Chic Cottage, Transformation Thursday-My Romantic Home, Show and Tell Friday-The Shabby Nest, Frugal Friday-Chic On A Shoestring, Flaunt it Friday-Finding Fabulous, Frugalicious Friday-Miss Mustard Seed, Furniture Feature Friday- Just A Girl, SAS-DIY By Design-Blue Cricket Design, Show and Tell-Elements Interiors, Whassup #18-Savvy Southern Style, Wow us Wednesday-Homemaker on a Dime-Tater Tots and Jello-Dittle Dattle-CRAFT-All Things Related-Polly Want A Crafter

Click on the links in my "Favorite Places to Link" page to check it out.
Thank you!!!

Spring Break

2011-04-18T15:37:00.000-07:00

My little boy has Spring Break this week so I am going to take the week off from blogging.

Hopefully I will have some fun projects to show you all next Monday.

Have a great week and a happy Easter!

Simple, Inexpensive & Fun Wall Art for a Child's Room

2011-04-14T22:11:00.000-07:00

I have been wanting to put the alphabet up in my little boys' room for a long while now, but didn't know exactly how I wanted it.

This is what I finally came up with...

I used a set of alphabet flash cards, small clothespins, a can of Krylon's "banner red" spray paint, twine, and a few nails of course.

First, I spray painted 26 clothespins red. After the clothespins were completely dry, I strung them onto two pieces of twine. I then measured and made sure my marks were level. Then hung the clothespins and twine by simply tying the twine to the nails.

So simple!!!

The flashcards were hung and my little boys love it!!!

I am linking this post with...

The Shabby nest, Frugal Friday - My Romantic Home, Show and Tell Friday - Finding Fabulous, Frugalicious Friday - Chic on a Shoestring, Flaunt it Friday - Just a Girl, SAS day-WhipperBerry, Friday Flair Linky Party-The DIY Showoff, Earthy Essentials-

Click on the links in my "Favorite Places to Link" page to check it out.

Thank you!!!

Banister Transformation

2011-04-13T18:46:00.000-07:00

Here is the only before picture I could find of my banister. Sorry it is a little small...you get the picture though, light oak.

I decided to stain the banister a dark color and paint the spindles bright white. I immediately did not like how it turned out. After working so hard on it, I decided to live with it for a few weeks and then decide whether or not to change it again.

Now a few months later, I still do not like the stark contrast of the dark banister and bright white spindles. Other people have banisters with the same contrast and I absolutely love it (hence the reason I went with this look). It just didn't look too great in my space, probably because there is little natural light near my banister. It got dressed up with a baseboard and a little decorative moulding. I truly love mouldings!!! My banister is now a creamy white. The new color makes the space feel a lot brighter and happier. I am linking this post with...

The Shabby Nest, Frugal Friday - My Romantic Home, Show and Tell Friday - Finding Fabulous, Frugalicious Friday - Chic on a Shoestring, Flaunt it Friday - Just a Girl, SAS day-WhipperBerry, Friday Flair Linky Party

Click on the links in my "Favorite Places to Link" page to check it out.

Thank you!!!

Adding a little something to some plain curtains...

2011-04-08T15:41:00.000-07:00

When I was decorating my little boys' room, I really wanted red curtains but when I went to PBK to buy some, they were sold out of red! After looking online and finding nothing, I bought some navy blue curtains instead. I liked, but never loved, the way the navy curtains looked in their room. They match the rest of the room, but were always lacking something...something red!

This was such an easy project...less than $10 and less than 30 minutes.

I went to hobby lobby and bought some red ric-rac and some "heat 'n' bond". Heat 'n' Bond is an amazing product and so easy to use. All you have to do is iron the heat 'n' bond on to your first fabric (red ric-rac), then iron your first fabric to your second fabric (navy curtains). It creates a great hold that doesn't require any sewing at all. Think of all the possibilities...ribbon, lace, ric-rac, etc.

I now love these curtains and am so happy that I was impatient and went with the navy blue curtains instead of the red. I do love ric-rac!!!

I am linking this post up with...

Funky Junk, Saturday Nite Special-Tatertots and Jello, Weekend Wrap up -Between Naps on the Porch, Metamorphosis Monday-Dittle Dattle-

Click on the links in my "Favorite Places to Link" page to check it out. Thank you!!!

Feather your nest...

2011-04-07T22:41:00.000-07:00

When I saw this sweet little basket, I thought...this would be so easy to make. Fill a basket with some grass and twigs, add some eggs and a few feathers and you have yourself a darling spring inspired nest basket.

My favorite part of the basket is the feathers...love them!!!

I am linking this post up with...

Just a Girl, SAS day-The Shabby Nest, Frugal Friday

Click on the links in my "Favorite Places to Link" page to check it out. Thank you!!!

I {heart} Spray Paint

2011-04-06T14:36:00.000-07:00

It always amazes me how easy it is to change the look of most anything with a little spray paint!

I am linking this post up with...

Elements Interiors, Whassup Wednesdays-Somewhat Simple, Strut Your Stuff Thursday-The Shabby Chic Cottage, Transformation Thursday-My Romantic Home, Show and Tell Friday-Chic on a Shoestring, Flaunt it Friday-Just a Girl, SAS day-The Shabby Nest, Frugal Friday-Finding Fabulous, Frugalicious Friday-Bubbly Nature, Project Party-How Sweet the Sound, Pink Saturday-Funky Junk, Saturday Nite Special-Tatertots and Jello, Weekend Wrapup-Between Naps on the Porch, Metamorphosis Monday-Dittle Dattle-The DIY Showoff-WhipperBerry, Friday Flair Linky Party-Censational Girl-The Lettered Cottage- Thrifty Decor Chick, Home May'd

Click on the links in my "Favorite Places to Link" page to check it out.

Thank you!!!

I have been featured...

2011-04-04T06:59:00.000-07:00

My "Cabinet Updating, Painting, and Glazing" ideas have been featured over at Remodelaholic.

Click on the link below to check it out.

Thank you Remodelaholic for the feature!!!

Edison Light Bulbs...

2011-04-01T18:47:00.000-07:00

Seriously, how cool are Edison light bulbs?

These light bulbs are such a great way to add a little something more to light fixtures that have exposed light bulbs.

Love the extra charm that this Edison light bulb adds to this darling vintage light fixture.

These bulbs were purchased online at House of Antique Hardware.

Be sure to check back on Monday, I will be posting my April Giveaway!

Hope you all have a great weekend!

Lace, Ric-Rac, & Spray Paint

2011-03-31T20:59:00.000-07:00

Another great lamp!

After my little "lamp revamp" last week, I have been adding a little more charm to a few other lamps around my house.

Today this darling milk glass lamp got a shiny coat of Krylon's "celery" spray paint to all metal surfaces, and a little frill was added to the lampshade. I used a glue gun to apply a little lace and a piece of soft pink ric-rac.

Seriously, so simple and yet such a big difference!

I am linking this post up with...

The Shabby nest, Frugal Friday - My Romantic Home, Show and Tell Friday - Finding Fabulous, Frugalicious Friday - Chic on a Shoestring, Flaunt it Friday - Delightful order, Delightfully Inspiring Thursday - Tatertots and Jello, Weekend Wrap up Party - Funky Junk Interiors, SNS #75- Between Naps on the Porch, Metamorphosis Monday- C.R.A.F.T-Thrifty Decor Chick, Before and After Party-Elements Interiors, Whassup Wednesdays-Somewhat Simple, Strut Your Stuff Thursday-The Shabby Chic Cottage, Transformation Thursday-Jusy a Gril, SAS day-WhipperBerry, Friday Flair Linky Party-Thrifty Decor Chick, Home May'd

Click on the links in my "Favorite Places to Link" page to check it out.

Thank you!!!

Vintage Spring Mantel

2011-03-30T19:48:00.000-07:00

I am linking this post with...

Someday Crafts, Whatever Goes Wednesday - the Shabby Chic Cottage, Transformation Thursday - Night Owl Crafting, Hoo's Got Talent - Somewhat Simple, Strut Your Stuff Thursday - Good Life Wednesdays Beach Cottage Style - The Shabby nest, Frugal Friday - My Romantic Home, Show and Tell Friday - Finding Fabulous, Frugalicious Friday - Chic on a Shoestring, Flaunt it Friday - Delightful order, Delightfully Inspiring Thursday- Tatertots and Jello, Weekend Wrap up Party - Funky Junk Interiors, SNS #75- Between Naps on the Porch, Metamorphosis Monday-Centsational Girl

Click on the links in my "Favorite Places to Link" page to check it out.

Thank you!!!

A lot can happen in a weekend...

2011-03-28T00:30:00.000-07:00

Hope you all had a great weekend!

This weekend I had so much fun helping my sister with a few projects for her bedroom. Together we painted a dresser, an armoire, a mirror, some frames, and a lamp. We added a sweet little ruffle to a lampshade, painted and hung a vintage chandelier, hung some curtains, re-arranged some furniture, etc.

I love her room, it is darling and so inviting!

We painted the mirror, the dresser and the armoire with Martha Stewart's "Glass of Milk" in semi gloss.

Isn't this armoire darling!?! My sister found it on craigslist and knew it had potential. She sanded and primed it, I then helped her paint and distress it. It turned out so cute! I love the pink knobs on the creamy white paint...so shabby chic!!!

I seriously love the pink glass knobs...darling!!!

I am linking this post with...

The DIY Showoff, The Project Parade - C.R.A.F.T., M.M.M - Between Naps on the Proch, Metamorphosis Monday - Dittle Dattle, Amaze Me Monday - Craft O Maniac Monday - & -Savvy Southern Style, Wow Us Wednesday- Making the World Cuter Mondays - Someday Crafts, Whatever Goes Wednesday - the Shabby Chic Cottage, Transformation Thursday - Night Owl Crafting, Hoo's Got Talent - Somewhat Simple, Strut Your Stuff Thursday - Good Life Wednesdays Beach Cottage Style - The Shabby nest, Frugal Friday - My Romantic Home, Show and Tell Friday - Finding Fabulous, Frugalicious Friday - Chic on a Shoestring, Flaunt it Friday - Delightful order, Delightfully Inspiring Thursday -& - Miss Mustard Seed, Furniture Feature Friday- Tatertots and Jello, Weekend Wrap up Party - Funky Junk Interiors, SNS #75-Thrifty Decor Chick, Before and After Party-3 Meadow Lake Cottage, The After Party-Just a Girl, SAS day-Tater Tots and Jello, Weekend Wrap up

Click on the links in my "Favorite Places to Link" page to check it out.

Thank you!!!

Welcome Spring!

2011-03-24T21:54:00.001-07:00

I am linking this post up with...

My Romantic Home, Show and Tell Friday - Chic on a Shoestring, Flaunt It Friday - The Shabby Nest, Frugal Friday - Finding Fabulous, Frugalicous Friday - Friday Remodelaholic - All Roads Lead To Homeroad - Tatertots and Jello, Weekend Wrap up - Funky Junk Interiors, SNS - Cherished Treasures, Sunday Blog Love - Between Naps On the Porch, Metamorphosis Monday - C.R.A.F.T. - The DIY Showoff, The DIY Project Parade -Craft O Maniac, Monday Link Party - Dittle Dattle, Amaze Me Monday - Making The World Cuter Monday -Savvy Southern Style, Wow Us Wednesday - Someday Crafts, Whatever Goes Wednesday - the Shabby Chic Cottage, Transformation Thursday - Night Owl Crafting, Hoo's Got Talent - Somewhat Simple, Strut Your Stuff Thursday - Miss Mustard Seed, Furniture Feature Friday -&- Good Life Wednesdays Beach Cottage Style-Thrifty Decor Chick, Before and After Party-Just a Girl, SAS day-Centsational Girl

Click on the links in my "Favorite Places to Link" page to check it out.

Thank you!!!

A Little Lamp Revamp

2011-03-23T20:39:00.000-07:00

When I was cleaning out and organizing my attic the other day, I came across this little lamp. I thought...I can do something with this! It was originally black with a basic white shade. The lamp base got a fresh coat of bright white spray paint and the shade is now dressed up with ruffles.

Does this fabric look familiar? It is the same fabric as the pillow that I had on my $5 chair makeover. That pillow was my first ever sewing project. I had intended to make a cute little pillow with ruffles. Once I started sewing, I realized that I should probably stick to the most basic pillow. I now had a bunch of unused ruffles...perfect for my lampshade! So Simple! I glued, with a hot glue gun, the ruffles all the way around the base of the shade. Then glued two more rows of ruffles on. So simple! I Love it!!! I am linking this post up with...

Someday Crafts, Whatever Goes Wednesday - The Shabby Chic Cottage, Transformation Thursday - Night Owl Crafting, Hoo's Got Talent - My Romantic Home, Show and Tell Friday - Chic on a Shoestring, Flaunt It Friday - The Shabby Nest, Frugal Friday - Finding Fabulous, Frugalicous Friday - Freckled Laundry, Textile Link Party - Friday Remodelaholic - Tatertots and Jello, Weekend Wrapup - Funky Junk Interiors, SNS - Cherished Treasures, Sunday Blog Love - Between Naps On the Porch, Metamorphosis Monday - C.R.A.F.T. - The DIY - Showoff, The DIY Project Parade - Craft O Maniac, Monday Link Party - Dittle Dattle, Amaze Me Monday -Making The World Cuter Monday - Savvy Southern Style, Wow Us Wednesday- & - Somewhat Simple, Strut Your Stuff Thursday-Thrifty Decor Chick, Before and After Party

Click on the links in my "Favorite Places to Link" page to check it out. Thank you!!!

Remember my $5 find?

2011-03-21T01:11:00.000-07:00

I gave this little chair a little more detail and charm by adding two wooden appliques, a fresh coat of paint, and new fabric.

I was thinking about painting this chair a creamy white or a pure bright white, but I wanted to go with a color that I don't usually use and a color that would still be quite neutral...a soft green (MS garden shed). I distressed it a bit and added the smallest amount of Valspar Mocha Glaze, mainly to the appliques to bring out their details.

Love this fabric! I found it on clearance at JoAnn's...originally $40 a yard, I got it for $11.

I love the new and improved version of my $5 chair. Can't wait to find the perfect place to put it!

I am linking this post up with...

Between Naps on the Porch, Metamorphosis Monday - Sarahndipities, Make Something Mondays - Blue Cricket Design, Show & Tell Wednesday - Savvy Southern Style, Wow Us Wednesday - Type A, Anything Goes #9 - DIY by Design, Swing into Spring - Someday Crafts, Whatever Goes Wednesday - The Shabby Chic Cottage, Transformation Thursday - Somewhat Simple, Strut Your Stuff Thursday - Night Owl Crafting, Hoo's Got Talent - My Romantic Home, Show and Tell Friday - Chic on a Shoestring, Flaunt It Friday - The Shabby Nest, Frugal Friday - Finding Fabulous, Frugalicous Friday - Miss Mustard Seed, Furniture Feature Friday - Freckled Laundry, Textile Link Party - Friday Remodelaholic - All Roads Lead To Homeroad - Tatertots and Jello, Weekend Wrapup - Funky Junk Interiors, SNS - Making The World Cuter Monday -&- Polly Want A Crafter-Thrifty Decor Chick, Befrore and After Party- Just a Girl, SAS

Click on the links in my "Favorite Places to Link" page to check it out.

My New Favorite Paint Guide and Colors

2011-03-16T18:33:00.000-07:00

Being is a small home it is so important to me that my wall colors flow nicely from room to room without being lame and boring.

My house, before the new Martha Stewart paint hit shelves at Home Depot, was painted in Benjamin Moore colors. I loved all my BM colors, but they didn't flow very well because I had picked colors that lacked similar undertones.

Because there are so many others out there just like me that find it hard to see undertones and find colors that flow and compliment each other perfectly, Martha has come up with the best paint guide ever! She has 6 (apple, moon, star, sun, leaf, and flower) different symbols, each paint color has a symbol. If you stay within your symbol group, your paint colors will compliment each other and flow amazingly!

I love the little sample sized paint colors. I have bought so many! They are not only great to test out on a wall you are wanting to paint, but are also perfect for a small projects that only require a small amount of paint.

Seriously! Look at all the amazing colors! All of the Martha Stewart paint colors with their symbols are in this great brochure that you can pick up at Home Depot.

These are some of the colors that I have is my house so far. It was hard to decide but I went with the flower symbol. I love these colors! The green and blue I decided to get mixed half strength, and the pink just one quarter strength...I tend to like really soft colors or very intense dark colors.

Another great thing about these color cards... there are suggested colors for you ceiling and trim work listed on the back of each card.

Last time I went to Home Depot, I noticed that Martha has recently put out a line of faux finishes...also symbol coordinated colors!

I am linking this post up with...

The Shabby Nest, Frugal Friday

Finding Fabulous, Frugalicious Friday

Chic on a Shoestring, Flaunt it Friday

&
At The Picket Fence, Inspiration Friday
Click on the links in my "Favorite Places to Link" page to check it out.

Projects is progress...

2011-03-14T22:28:00.000-07:00

Apparently I have become a mirror hoarder!

I told myself that I was going to start and finish this bathroom in a single weekend. I made a lot of progress that first weekend (tiled, painted, new baseboards, updated the cabinet, etc.) but since then I have been stuck on the details...the mirror especially! I am hoping to finish this bathroom this week. And now that I have all these extra mirrors...I have another project, a wall of mirrors! Just have to paint the mirrors and find the perfect wall. Can't wait!

This little tray-table has been sitting in my backyard unused for a couple years now. I have decided that I am going to finally put it to use. I am going to separate the tray from the legs. It will be a darling tray to place somewhere in my house.

This chair came from a thrift store for a mere $5. I saw it and knew it had potential. Hopefully it turns out cute, but if not I am only out $5.

Mouldings: An Easy How To

2011-03-11T14:13:00.000-08:00

Mouldings can take furniture, cabinets, walls, etc. from boring & plain to being custom & beautiful. I was a little intimidated the first time I cut mouldings...but I knew I would get the hang of it. Now, I am cutting mouldings all of the time!

First, I will quickly show you how to cut mouldings to create a frame...framing out a door/window, picture framing, etc. 1 Set the miter angle at 45 degrees to the left

2 Place your moulding face up and flush with the fence of your saw.

3 Make your cut.

4 Reposition your miter angle to 45 degrees to the right

5 Cut the opposite end of the same moulding that you just cut.

6 Repeat 4 times to make a full square. I cut mouldings to frame out the beadboard on my bathroom cabinet that I recently updated. For full tutorial on this cabinet, check out my tutorial page at the top of my blog. ~~~~~~~~

Next, how to cut mouldings such as baseboards, chair rail, etc. 1 Set the miter angle at 45 degrees to the left.

2 Place the moulding top up, face out and tight against the fence of the saw

3 Make your cut with the waste side to the left of the saw blade. 5 Reposition the miter angle to 45 degrees to the right.

6 Make your next cut with the waste side to the right of the saw blade.

7 Nail into place and admire your work. **This will cut an outside corner. To cut the inside of a corner you would follow the same instructions, only you would be using the other side of your cut. For example, in the above picture I have cut an outside corner (left piece) and have discarded the right piece of my moulding & for an inside corner you would use the right piece and discard the left piece. *** ~~~~~~~

Crown Moulding Crown Moulding is a little more complicated to cut but is definitely worth the time.

How To Cut Inside Corners

1 Set the bevel angle of your miter saw at 33.85 degrees.

2 Set the miter angle of your saw at 31.62 degrees to the right side of the saw table.

3 Place the crown moulding face up with the top of the moulding against the fence of the saw table and the waste end facing to the right.

4 Make the cut. Keep the left side of the cut. Waste the right side of the cut. This is inside corner piece "A."

5 Turn the miter angle to 31.62 degrees to the left side of the saw table. Leave the bevel set at 33.85 degrees.

6 Place the crown moulding with the bottom of the moulding against the table fence and with the waste side to the right of the saw blade.

7 Make the cut. Save the left side of the cut. Waste the right side of the cut. This is inside corner piece "B."

8 Nail it into place and admire.

How To Cut Outside Corners

1 Set the bevel angle of the compound miter saw at 33.85 degrees.

2 Set the saw miter at 31.62 degrees left of the saw table.

3 Place the crown moulding face up with the bottom of the moulding against the fence of the saw table and the waste end facing to the left.

4 Make the cut. Keep the right side of the cut. Waste the left side of the cut. This is outside corner piece "A."

5 Move the miter angle to 31.62 degrees to the right side of the saw table. Leave the bevel set at 33.85 degrees.

6 Position the crown moulding with the top of the moulding against the table fence and with the waste side to the left of the saw blade.

7 Make the cut. Save the right side of the cut. Waste the left side of the cut. This is outside corner piece "B."

8 Next, fit and nail into place. ~~~~~~~

Layering Mouldings For a beefier and more impressive moulding, I like to layer mouldings. For my kitchen cabinets I layered crown moulding, baseboard, and a piece of decorative moulding. First, I built up the top of my cabinet with a 1x4. I screwed it directly to the top of my cabinet and made sure it was flush with the cabinet front. I did this so that I would have a strong surface to nail my mouldings to. Then I cut and nailed (using a finish nail gun) the (upside down) baseboard, cut and nailed the crown moulding onto the baseboard, and finished it out with the decorative moulding.

Have Fun and a good Weekend!!!

I am linking this post up with...

Just a Girl, Show and Share Saturday

Funky Junk, Saturday Nite Special

Under The Table And Dreaming, Sunday Showcase

Between Naps on the Porch, Metamorphosis Monday

Craft O Maniac Monday

Dittle Dattle, Amaze Me Monday

C.R.A.F.T., MMM

DIY Showoff, Project Parade Monday

Savvy Southern Style, Wow Us Wednesday

Night Owl Crafting, Hoo's Got Talent

Type A

Elements Interiors, Whassup Wednesday

The Shabby Nest, Frugal Friday Finding Fabulous, Frugalicious Friday Chic on a Shoestring, Flaunt it Friday

At The Picket Fence, Inspiration Friday

Tatertots and Jello, Weekend Wrap up Party

Cherished Treasures, Sunday Blog Love

Decor Chick, Molding Party

The DIY Club, DIY Project Party Monthly Contest

Be Different Act Normal, Show and Tell Saturday

Click on the links in my "Favorite Places to Link" page to check it out.

Stylish Blogger Award

2011-03-09T23:28:00.000-08:00

I want to thank Audrey for passing the Stylish Blogger Award on to me!

She has a great blog with so many cute and creative ideas.

Be sure to check out her blog at:

http://adaywithadomesticengineer.blogspot.com/

RULES OF THE AWARD

1. Thank the person who awarded you and link back to them in your post

2. Tell 7 random facts about yourself

3. Pass the award on to 5 new found bloggers

4. Contact each blogger you want to pass the award on to and let them know you’ve done so, and let the giver of your award know you accept it.

7 Random Facts....

1. I recently got my first ever sewing machine...I am attempting to make some pillows.

2. I am a huge Micheal Jackson fan and have been ever since I was 8.

3. My two sons are my little helpers and love to help me with all my projects around my house
4. I talk to my mom everyday, if not 2 or 3 times a day.
5. I refinished my first piece of furniture when I was 14. It was a dresser that I

(with the help of my mom of coarse) sanded, painted, and distressed.

6. I am a total dork!

7. I absolutely LOVE diet coke...can't live without it!

I am nominating a few of my favorite newly discovered bloggers to pass this award on to:

1. http://shakentogether.blogspot.com/

2. http://lucyluvinyl.blogspot.com/

3. http://craftingandcreativity.blogspot.com/

4.http://thriftyparsonageliving.blogspot.com/

5. http://mylifeoncedarstreet.blogspot.com/

6. http://hillcountryhomebody.blogspot.com/

These are some great blogs with great ideas. So click away!
Thanks for your inspiration!

Gettin' Hooked...

2011-03-09T19:52:00.000-08:00

What do you do when you have two charming hooks that you want to stand out on a wall?

I simply painted a stripe of green, which I think is a nice contrast from my soft pink bathroom walls & then framed it out with a cute moulding. Before I added the stripe and mouldings, these hooks looked too small for the wall & blended in. Now these charming hooks look well thought out and finished.

Simple projects that have a big impact make me happy!

I am linking this post with...

The Shabby Chic Cottage, Transformation Thursday

My Romantic Home, Show & Tell Friday

The Shabby Nest, Frugal Friday

Finding Fabulous, Frugalicious Friday

Chic on a Shoestring, Flaunt it Friday

Just a Girl, Show and Share Saturday

Funky Junk, Saturday Nite Special

Under The Table And Dreaming, Sunday Showcase

Between Naps on the Porch, Metamorphosis Monday

Craft O Maniac Monday

Dittle Dattle, Amaze Me Monday

Tatertots and Jello, Weekend Wrap up Party

Somewhat Simple, SYS Thurday

Click on the links on my "Favorite Places To Link" page to check it out.

Thank you!!!

Spring Fever

2011-03-08T21:09:00.000-08:00

Even though it snowed last night, I have decided to display a few spring

things around my house today. I can hardly wait for warmer weather.

I am linking this post with...

Savvy Southern Style, Wow Us Wednesday -Type A, Anything Goes-Shabby Chic Cottage, Transformation Thursday-Somewhat Simple, SYS Thurday-My Romantic Home, Show & Tell Friday-The Shabby Nest, Frugal Friday-Finding Fabulous, Frugalicious Friday-Chic on a Shoestring, Flaunt it Friday-Stroll Thru Life, Spring Cloche Party-Just a Girl, Show and Share Saturday -Funky Junk, Saturday Nite Special-Under The Table And Dreaming, Sunday Showcase-Between Naps on the Porch, Metamorphosis Monday-Craft O Maniac Monday-Dittle Dattle, Amaze Me Monday-C.R.A.F.T., MMM-DIY Showoff, Project Parade Monday-Night Owl Crafting, Hoo's Got Talent-Tatertots and Jello, Weekend Wrap up Party-Cherished Treasures, Sunday Blog Love-Country Farmgirl, Jars, Jars and More Jars {link party}-Blue Cricket Design, Show and Tell-&-Centsational Girl

Click on the links in my "Favorite Places to Link" page to check it out. Thank you!!!

I have been featured...

2011-03-05T22:16:00.000-08:00

My kitchen has been featured on the DIY Showoff today.
Click on the link below to check it out!

Thanks Roeshel for the feature!!!

Versatile Blogger Award

2011-03-05T21:03:00.001-08:00

I was nominated for the Versatile Blogger award by

Radn at http://houseonashwelllane.blogspot.com/

then a few hours later I was nominated again by

Lindy at http://itsybitsypaper.blogspot.com/

they both have great blogs with amazing ideas so

be sure to check them out!

RULES OF THE AWARD
1. Thank the person who awarded you and link back to them in your post
2. Tell 7 random facts about yourself
3. Pass the award on to 5 new found bloggers
4. Contact each blogger you want to pass the award on to and let them know you’ve done so, and let the giver of your award know you accept it.

7 random facts about me:

1. I started a blog just for a little fun & I now can't get enough!

2. I have been married for 8 years to an amazing man who I

absolutely drive crazy with all my home improvement/decorating projects

3. My two sons are my little helpers and love to help me with all

my projects around my house

4. I LOVE to go thrifting!

5. My brothers and sisters are my very best friends.

6. I, as weird as it sounds, enjoy cleaning and organizing

7. My mom is my biggest inspiration. She is the sweetest, kindest,

most creative, ingenious, & clever person I know.

Five blogs that I really love to read that I am going to pass this award on to...

http://aturtleslifeforme.blogspot.com/

Please check these blogs out, I know you will love reading them just as much as I do.

Thanks again to Radn and Lindy for this award!

Great Ideas To Upgrade and Beautify Cabinets

2011-03-03T21:22:00.000-08:00

Here are a bunch of super cute ideas for upgrading and beautifying

your builder grade or outdated cabinets. There are ideas for

raised and flat paneled doors, as well as solid wood doors.

All the ideas are shown on painted doors, but you could always have stained wood too.
For ideas on painting and glazing your cabinets click on my painting/glazing tutorial link below: http://nestnestingnested.blogspot.com/2011/02/updating-painting-and-glazing-cabinets.html

These ideas are from the Better Homes and Gardens Website.

I love all of these ideas, but of coarse your cabinets will turn out

much cuter when you take the idea and make it your own.

A punched hole bird.

You could use this or any design/shape.
Place an image on your cabinet using a stencil or

drawing by hand (make sure to use something that will wash off),

then drill or punch holes evenly spaced to make a darling pattern.

This is a solid wood door that has been framed out with decorative mouldings.

Don't you just love the frame in the middle of the door? If you don't want to buy mouldings and then miter them, you could always buy frames, paint them to match your cabinets, and secure them to your cabinets using glue and finish nails...or hang them from your cabinet doors using a ribbon...so many options.

A red painted door with a decoupaged strawberry pattern, and a clipboard.

Think of all the cute scrapbook papers or wallpapers you could use.

And the clipboard...how perfect to make a grocery list!

I love this one! A decoupaged recipe...genius!

A painted cabinet with a simple design stenciled on.
Think how cute it would be to number your cabinets using a stencil.
Stenciling initials or a monogram would be darling too.

~~~~~~

For the next ideas, you will need to have panel doors. If you have a solid flat cabinet door you are probably better off purchasing replacement doors than trying to router out the center of your cabinet door. The reason you really need to start with a panel type door for the following ideas is that it creates a visual frame.

Fabric! How many darling fabrics are out there?!? So many!
French Linen with a vintage saying or image printed on it would look amazing!

Etched Glass.

When I saw this one, I thought about getting clear glass and then

etching something on them myself...initials, numbers, a saying, etc.

A wicker basket weave painted.

So creative!

Decorative tin/metal. You could also use chicken wire.
This is the idea that I am going to put to use in my laundry room.

I can't wait to show you all how it turns out!

~~~~~

Before you get started on the fun part of beautifying you will need

to remove the panels out of your cabinet doors. This may seem challenging but is really quite easily done. Here are pictures showing how to remove the panels using a router. If you do not own a router, and you don't want to purchase one, you can always rent one.

Good Luck!

Enjoy and have a great weekend!!!

I am linking this post up with...

The Shabby Nest, Frugal Friday

Funky Junk Interiors, Saturday Nite Special

Tatertots and Jello, Weekend Wrap up Party

Just a Girl, Show and share Day

Click on the links in my "Places That I Like To Link" page to check it out.

Charming and Functional

2011-03-03T18:19:00.000-08:00

Instead of having a cute little display or something of that sort on my bathroom

counter, I decided to create something that would not only

be cute but would also serve a purpose...storage!

I started with this little conservatory...

Then added things that I use everyday, makeup brushes, perfume/cologne, jewelry, etc. To add a little charm and beauty I also added a pink hydrangea, an old book, vintage handkerchiefs, and a vintage baby brush.I love this vintage lady head planter; it is the perfect home to my makeup brushes.

I am linking this post with...
The Shabby Nest, Frugal Friday
Chic on a Shoestring, Flaunt it Friday
French Country Cottage, Feathered Friday
Just a Girl, Show and share Day
Funky Junk Interiors, Saturday Nite Special
Tatertots and Jello, Weekend Wrap up Party

Cherished Treasures, Sunday Blog Love

Under the Table and Dreaming, Sunday Showcase

Between Naps on the Porch, Metamorphosis Monday

Dittle Dattle, Amaze Me Monday

&
My Romantic Home, Show & Tell Friday
Click on the links in my "Favorite Places to Link" page to check it out.

PBK Inspired Dr. Seuss Room

2011-03-02T20:52:00.000-08:00

When I changed my little boys' room from a nursery to a "big boy" room,

this is the room that inspired me...

This is my favorite room in my house. It is so cozy!

I bought lot of the bedding at PBK as soon as it went on sale. That is what is so great about Pottery Barn, super cute stuff & if you have patience it always goes on sale!

Ever since I have been decorating their room,

I have been picking up old & new Dr. Seuss books where ever I go.

I love reading with my boys!

Check out the Dr. Seuss pictures... they are photocopied out of a book...less than $2. I really wanted a Dr. Seuss fish & bowl vinyl cut out on the wall above the book rack, but I had no idea where to buy something like that. I looked online and found nothing even close to what I wanted. One day while I was at the mall and I found a place that cuts vinyl. Not knowing exactly what I wanted, I only got the fish and the bowl cut out. A few days later I decided I needed to add a little something to it. I decided to buy some red vinyl and cut out the wording myself with a pair of scissors and a stencil. I am glad that I added the wording...I think it looks a lot more finished now. This was actually a vintage changing table... took the top off and now it is a cute toy storage area. There can never be too much storage in a child's room.

I am linking this post up with...

Somewhat Simple, Strut Your Stuff Thursday-The Shabby Nest, Frugal Friday-My Romantic Home, Show & Tell Friday-Chic on a Shoestring, Flaunt it Friday-French Country Cottage,Feathered Friday-Just a Girl, Show and share Day-Funky Junk Interiors, Saturday Nite Special- Tatertots and Jello, Weekend Wrap up Party-Under the Table and Dreaming, Sunday Showcase- Between Naps on the Porch, Metamorphosis Monday-Dittle Dattle, Amaze Me Monday-C.R.A.F.T., M.M.M.-Thrifty Decor Chick, Before & After Party-Savvy Southern Style, Wow Us Wednesday-Night Owl Crafting, Hoo's Got Talent-Remodelaholic Friday-Designer Garden, VIP Party-&-The Shabby Chic Cottage, Transformation Thursday

Click on the links in my "Favorite Places to Link" page to check it out.

Thank you!!!

My Little Boys' Closet Makeover

2011-02-28T14:47:00.000-08:00

I LOVE to be organized!!!

This has to be my favorite closet in my house.

It is so hard to organize a little one's space because they have so much stuff, but I managed to find a place for everything!

This closet was pretty much like the rest of my house when we moved in...white and boring. There were two shelves, and that is about it.

This closet has been a long work in progress and is finally done.

These numbered hooks are from Hobby Lobby.

I hung them low so that my boys can easily hang their own jackets, bags, hats, etc.

Check out the orange vintage tee...it was my husband's when he was in kindergarten.

Love it!

A little stool, an absolute necessity! I wanted to make sure that they would be able to reach their toys and such without climbing like monkeys and getting hurt.

I built the top shelf to store all of their books. The books are out of their reach and I kinda like it this way so that they can't rip and tear all the pages out of their books, which they like to do from time to time. The navy blue basket is full of their favorite books, perfect to pull down for reading time. How cute is that alphabet boarder? I saw it, loved it, bought it, and had no place to put it. It doesn't match their room, but it sure looks cute in their closet.

This is such a boys space with their little bug collection and all!
There is something about old blue jars that I absolutely adore.

I also built these three shelves to hold these cute baskets that I bought at Michael's...don't they look PBK like?
I made the numbered tags by spray painting pre-cut wooden ovals and squares, then used vinyl numbers to label them, and drilled holes for the ribbon to tie them to the baskets. After I went through all the work of drilling holes and lacing ribbons through them, I thought...Why didn't I just use a hot glue gun to put them on?!?

All of these containers/cloth baskets, both in the picture above and the picture below, are from Target. The shelves and shoe organizer in the picture below were also purchased at Target. This little area holds a lot of their things, shoes, more books, socks, under shirts, and more shoes.

I seriously love how cute and functional this closet is. I have been able to put so much in such a little space by taking advantage of almost every square inch.

I am linking this post with...

Blue Cricket Design, Show and Tell Wednesday

The Shabby Nest, Frugal Friday

Chic on a Shoestring, Flaunt it Friday

Just a Girl, Show and Share Day

Funky Junk Interiors, Saturday Nite Special
Tatertots and Jello, Weekend Wrap up Party

Under the Table and Dreaming, Sunday Showcase

Between Naps on the Porch, Metamorphosis Monday

Dittle Dattle, Amaze Me Monday

C.R.A.F.T., M.M.M.

Night Owl Crafting, Hoo's Got Talent

Somewhat Simple, Strut Your Stuff Thursday

Click on the links in my "Favorite Places to Link" page to check it out.
Thank you!!!

I did a guest post...

2011-02-26T00:50:00.000-08:00

Kimm over at Reinvented is so sweet and invited me to do a guest post on her blog. Click on the link below and check it out. While you are there be sure to check out all of her darling ideas! Thank you Kimm!

DIY tiling instructions

2011-02-25T15:50:00.000-08:00

I really love the way my tile turned out on both my laundry room and bathroom floors. I thought I would share with you all step-by-step instructions on how to tile, so that you too can tile your bathroom, laundry room, entry, etc.

Step 1: Measure room

Multiply the length of your room by the width of your room to find the total square footage.

Step 2: Remove baseboards

Start at one end of your baseboard and slide a putty knife between the wall and the baseboard pulling a gap between the molding and the wall just enough to get a pry bar behind the molding.

As you're pulling the baseboard away from the wall with the putty knife slide the straight end of the pry bar behind the molding until it touches the floor.

Pull the pry bar towards you. The end of the pry bar will touch the bottom plate of the wall and as you pull you won't damage the wall.

Remove the pry bar and insert if further down the molding and repeat steps three and four until the entire piece of molding is removed from the wall.

Be careful not to damage your baseboards, that way you can reuse them if you'd like.

Step 3: Remove toilet

Turn the water off at the supply lines. Flush the toilet a few times to remove water from the bowl and tank. Use a sponge to remove any remaining water from the tank and the bowl.

Disconnect the water supply lines.

Remove the caps at the base of the toilet. Use a utility knife to cut the caulk at the base of the bowl for easy removal.

Lift off the bowl.

Scrap off all the old wax.

Step 4: Cut Cement Board

Use those measurements to cut the cement board to size. This material is hard, but not too difficult to cut through. Use a razor knife to score one side, then turn the board over to finish the cut. Use caution when cutting to avoid pulling the mesh off the board.
***Tiling over concrete eliminates the step of laying a cement board and saves quite a bit of time vs tiling over wood. The most difficult part of tiling over concrete is making sure the concrete is clean and level. If there was previous flooring, such as linoleum, remove it and scrape off all glue with a floor scraper.

Clean the floor with an abrasive cleaner. Check to make sure the floor is level. Minor problems can be corrected with the thin set mortar. If there is a major problem with the levelness of the floor, you need to put down a floor leveler. You can buy this at any home improvement store. Let the floor dry well before moving on to the next step.***

Step 5: Lay Out Pieces

Once all the pieces of cement board are cut, lay them out on the floor to make sure it's a tight fit.

Step 6: Secure Cement Board

Secure the cement board to the floor using a drill with screwdriver attachment. Use special cement-board screws, and place them every 6 to 8 inches.

Step 7: Mark the Center of the Room

Measure to find the center of the room. Mark it by snapping two chalk lines that intersect at the room's center point.

Step 8: Lay Out Tile

The tiles that I used come in sheets that are 1 ft. by 1ft. The individual tiles are attached on the underside with rubber "dots." The dots serve two purposes: they hold the tiles together in the patterned sheets and also act as spacers to create even grout lines. The rubber dots are easy to cut through when it's necessary to separate tiles.
Lay out the tile using as many full sheets as possible

Step 9: Spread Adhesive

Work in small sections, lifting out the tiles and spreading the adhesive. Spread the adhesive smoothly and evenly with a trowel. You'll want the adhesive to be about as thick as the tiles you're working with.
Lay the center section first, then you can tackle the tricky cuts around the edges of the room. Spread as much adhesive as possible before it dries. To determine how quickly the adhesive dries, check the open time on the product container.

Step 10: Set Sheet of Tiles in Place

Set the first sheet of tiles into place and press it firmly into the adhesive. For the second sheet, remember to line up the pattern and check the spacing and then set it into place.

Step 11: Start in the Center of the Floor

Work around the room until the entire center of the floor is covered.

Step 12: Cover Perimeter of the Room

For the perimeter of the room, trim full sheets to fit. To cut a tile sheet, flip it over and use a utility knife to cut the rubber dots, then pop out the piece. I started at the door and worked our way around, measuring and cutting tiles and sheets as necessary to fill the area.

Step 13: Cut Tile

Step 14: Grout

There are so many types of grout sealers. Some are a liquid that gets sponged on, and some are a spray. I used one that I sponged on. Make sure to seal the grout well to prevent staining. Your new tile floor will look new for a long time to come.

Step 16: Replace baseboards

If you are going to reuse your original baseboards you won't measure and cut new ones, simply replace them using a hammer and finish nails or a finish nail gun.

Step 17: Reinstall Toilet

First, purchase a new wax ring. If there is any question about the seal you need, take the old seal with you and the name of the toilet manufacturer so you can get the perfect match.

Make sure the seal is room temperature or warmer before refitting the bowl. Lift the bowl back over the nuts into position. Rotate the bowl back and forth several times to set the seal. Line the bowl up with the wall and check to make sure the bowl is level.

Replace the nuts at the bottom of the bowl and fill the caps with plumbers putty to keep water out.

Tighten the wing nuts and reconnect the water supply lines. Turn the water on and flush the toilet several times to check for any leaks.

Re-caulk the base of the bowl to create a water proof seal which protects your new tile floor.

Good Luck, Enjoy, and Have a Good Weekend!!!

Pottery Barn Kids Inspired Buckets

2011-02-24T00:04:00.000-08:00

I am really trying to get my house organized lately, especially my little boys' room. They have so much stuff and it seems to be everywhere! When I saw these buckets in the pbk catalog I knew that I could make some buckets that were not only a lot less expensive than these, but also more personalized.

I bought three buckets at my favorite store...Target.

I then borrowed my mom's vinyl cutter and cut out some red and silver vinyl letters and shapes.

If you don't have a vinyl cutter, there are so many places online that cut vinyl, or you could always use stickers.

My buckets before...

and after...

I am linking this post with...

Just a girl, Show and Share Day

Tater Tots and Jello, Weekend Wrap Up Party

Between Naps on the Porch, Metamorphosis Monday

The Tattered Tag, KISS Blog Bash

C.R.A.F.T., M.M.M. Party

Making the World Cuter Monday

Dittle Dattle, Amaze Me Monday

Blue Cricket Design, Show and Tell Wednesday

All Things Related, Anything Related Tuesday

Type A, Anything Goes

Chic on a Shoestring, Flaunt it Friday

Night Owl Crafting, Hoo's Got Talent

Funky Junk Interiors, Saturday Nite Special

Designer Garden, VIP Party

Thrifty Decor Chick, Before and After Party

Under the Table and Dreaming, Sunday Showcase

Click on the links in my "Favorite Places to Link" page to check it out. Thank you!!!

Updating, Painting, and Glazing Cabinets

2011-02-23T21:19:00.000-08:00

Have you ever looked at your cabinets and thought about refinishing them, but don't know how or where to start? That is exactly how I felt for the first few years that I lived in my house. One day I decided I was going to do it...paint and refinish my cabinets. I didn't know how or even if they would turn out, but I knew I was going to try and am so glad I did. I just finished my cabinet in my downstairs half bathroom that I have been working on for the past few days. It was a lot of work, but well worth it.

Supplies used:

*TSP

*sandpaper

*electric sander

*beadboard

*decorative mouldings

*gorilla glue

*finish nails

*primer

*Martha Stewart "Heavy Cream" paint

*Purdy Paint brush

*paint roller

* Wipe-on Poly

*Valspar glaze in "Mocha"

I first thought long and hard about how I would accomplish a more custom and updated looking cabinet. I came up with a plan that included beadboard, mouldings, paint, glaze and new hardware.

Now to really get started...

Now it's time to prime. I used two coats of primer and then waited until the next day to apply the paint. I used two coats of paint as well. 24 hrs. later, when the paint was completely dry, I sanded the cabinet just a little bit to smooth out any rough spots or drips. You're almost done now...the glaze is so easy to apply. All you need to do is either wipe or brush a coat of glaze on, wait a minute or two and wipe some, most, or all of it off depending on how worn you want it to look. The directions on the back of the glaze say to wait one week after glazing to apply a clear protective coat (polyurethane). That is the point I am at, just waiting a couple more days to put the final protective coat on.

**Check back in a week or two, I am going to post a lot of ideas on updating any cabinet.** I can hardly wait...my bathroom is almost finished! I got this vintage inspired hardware at Pottery Barn.

I am linking this post up with...

The Lettered Cottage, How To's Day - Domestically Speaking, Power of Paint Party-Somewhat Simple, Strut yourself Thursday-Just a girl, Show and Share Day-The Shabby Chic Cottage, Transformation Thursday-Chic on a Shoestring, Flaunt it Friday-Be Normal Act Different, Show and Tell Staurday-Funky Junk Interiors, Saturday Nite Special-Under the Table and Dreaming, Sunday Showcase-Tatertots and Jello, Weekend Wrap up Party-Between Naps on the Porch, Metamorphosis Monday-debbie-debbiedoos.blogspot.com, Newbie Party-Making the World Cuter Monday- Dittle Dattle, Amaze Me Monday-Blue Cricket Design, Show and Tell Wednesday-Women Who Do It All, Idea Sharin' Wednesday-Type A, Anything Goes-Savvy Southern Style, Wow Us Wednesdays-The Shabby Nest, Frugal Friday-My Romantic Home, Show & Tell Friday-French Country Cottage, Feathered Friday-Finding Fabulous, Frugalicious Friday-Miss Mustard Seed, Furniture Feature Monday-Remodelaholic Friday-The DIY Club, DIY Project Party Monthly Contest-Thrifty Decor Chick, Before and After Party-&- The DIY Showoff

Click on the links in my "Favorite Places to Link" page to check it out. Thank you!!!

Crayon Buckets

2011-02-22T21:43:00.000-08:00

Organization is key in our small home.
Whenever I see a way to get a little more organized, especially when it is cute, I am all for it.
After seeing a fun little crayon organizer on a blog, I thought I should really make something like that too.
This is what I came up with...

A tray decoupaged with charming, vintage inspired scrapbook paper and 7 (reds, yellows, blues, oranges, purples, greens, and neutrals) watercolored buckets.

Supplies used:
* 7 buckets

(I got my little buckets at target in their $1 section.

I LOVE the fact that these buckets came with a ribbon, it made it so easy to change out the plain white ribbon for fun, cheerful, colorful ribbons.)

*1 tray
* scrapbook paper
*spray adhesive
* Elmer's glue
*scissors
* double sided tape
* ribbons
* watercolors/paint
&
* clear glaze

My little boys and I painted three stripes on each bucket with watercolors.

After the paint was dry, I sprayed them with three coats of clear glaze to keep the paint from coming off.

I added scrapbook paper to a little wooden tray using double sided tape. I then brushed on a layer of Elmer's glue. After the glue was completely dry, I sprayed it with a coat of clear glaze.

I love the little imperfections and unevenness of the paint, an obvious child's touch.

I am linking this post with...

Thrifty Decor Chick, Organize it Party

Night Owl Crafting, Hoo's Got Talent?

Polly want a crafter, Polly want to party Mondays

Somewhat Simple, Strut yourself Thursday

Women Who do it all, Idea Sharing Wednesdays

Click on the links in my "Favorite Places to Link" page to check it out.
Thank you!!!

Weekend Project Still in Progress.

2011-02-21T20:53:00.001-08:00

First, I want to thank everyone who visits my blog, all of my followers, and all those who leave me sweet comments...it really makes blogging so much fun!!!

I had big plans to do my entire bathroom this past weekend...

A lot got done, but there is still a lot to do.

What exactly did I accomplish this weekend?

*Tiled and grouted

*Cut, hung, and painted new baseboards

*Painted the bathroom walls

What do I still need to do?

*Update the cabinet

*Find a mirror

*Accessorize!

Here is the plan for my cabinet...beadboard, new moldings, new hardware, a fresh coat of creamy white paint, and possibly a glaze for an older, more worn feel.

The other moldings in the picture below (#1, #2, & #3) are the pieces I am going to use to make my own baseboard to put at the bottom of my cabinet. I was going to take the easier road and buy a baseboard for my cabinet; I couldn't find the right height baseboard anywhere, so looks like I am making my own. Hopefully it all turns out just how I have envisioned it. Check back in a few days and see how it turned out.

Stylish Blogger Award

2011-02-19T22:32:00.000-08:00

Thank you to Katie at Creatively Living Outside the Box for the Stylish Blogger Award!

You can check out her wonderful blog at

http://blah2beautiful.blogspot.com/

The rules of this award are to list 7 facts about myself, so here they are...

1.) I have been married for 8 years to an amazing man who I absolutely drive crazy with all my home improvement/decorating projects

2.) I am a stay at home mom to two sweet, smart, handsome boys

3.) My two sons are my little helpers and love to help me with all my projects around my house

4.) I LOVE to go thrifting.

5.) I, as weird as it sounds, enjoy cleaning

6.) My favorite room in my house is my little boys' room, so cozy!

7.) My mom is my biggest inspiration. She is the sweetest, kindest, most creative, ingenious, & clever person I know.

Now I am nominating a few of my favorite new bloggers that I will pass this award on to:

1.) http://simplycraftyblog.blogspot.com/

2.) http://lovelaughteranddecor.blogspot.com/

3.) http://love2sisters.blogspot.com/

4.) http://kellyisinspired.blogspot.com/

These are some great blogs with great ideas. So click away!

Have you been awarded? What do you do now??
1. Acknowledge the person who awarded you by linking them back in your post.

2. Share 7 random facts about yourself.

3. Pass the award on to other new found bloggers.

4. Contact each blogger to let them know they have received the award; and let the giver’ know that you accepted the award.

Thanks for your inspiration!

Weekend Project

2011-02-18T20:31:00.000-08:00

As you can see my half bath is in major need of some tlc.

This is going to be my weekend project, and I am quite excited!

I am hoping to tile the floor, cut and paint new baseboards, paint the walls, and update the cabinet.

Here are a few before pictures...

I have big plans of beadboard, new moldings, new hardware, and paint for this cabinet.

A little weird, there were mirrors on both walls above the sink.

I took them down, patched, and primed. Now it's all ready for a fresh coat of paint and a new mirror. Hoping to find just the right mirror to hang, hopefully a vintage piece but we'll see.

Also, I started to rip the tiles and linoleum up, and took the baseboards down. What a project!

Check back on Monday to see the progress I have made.

Hope you all have a great weekend!

$20 DIY Magnet Board

2011-02-17T22:37:00.000-08:00

Because I think it is so important to display their little masterpieces,

This is what we (my little boys and I) made today....

A magnet board This is a great little project, inexpensive, very little labor required, and an easy way to bring lots of color and personality into a space.

Actually, this is my second attempt at this project. The first one I made about six months ago. The boards were a bit warped, making it bow out from the wall a bit. It was one of those things that absolutely bugged me, so I did what I often like to do...try again. This time around, I love it!

Supplies needed...

* wood for your frame, I used basic 1in x 4in boards-$4

*aluminum flashing, found near the roofing supplies at any hardware store-$11

*paint and paint brush, I used a sample size of Martha Stewart's "Ladybug Red" from home depot-$4
*2 inch wood screws-$1

First I decided exactly where I would hang my board.
Then measured to see just how big/small I wanted to make my magnet board.
Next I cut everything (boards and flashing). Sanded the rough edges of my boards and started painting. While the first coat of paint was drying I hung the aluminum flashing on the wall with small brads and a bit of glue. My little boys, who LOVE to help with all my projects, then applied the second coat of paint for me. When the paint was dry I simply hung the boards, overlapping the flashing about 1 inch, framing out the aluminum flashing using wood screws. You don't necessarily have to screw it to the wall, I just did because it is above my little guy's bed and absolutely do not want it to fall on him. Then I painted the screw heads; I thought about using wood putty to hide the screws, but because it is in my little boys' room I wanted it to have personality and be childlike.

This is one of the reasons I love DIY, you get to make it exactly how you want it.

I am linking this post with...

Remodelaholic

All things Related, Anything Related Tuesday

Someday Crafts, Whatever goes Wednesday

Somewhat Simple, Strut your Stuff Thursday

diyhsh, More the Merrier Monday

Craft-o-Maniac

Night Owl Crafting, Hoo's Got Talent

Click on the links in my "Favorite Places to Link" page to check it out.
Thank you!!!

My Laundry Room

2011-02-16T15:07:00.000-08:00

When we first moved into our house, this room was plain and boring. Originally it was a white room, with white linoleum floors, an unattractive fan/light, and two drooping shelves above the washer and dryer.

After much debate and convincing, my husband agreed to let me get started on my laundry room makeover. He always loves the final product; he just hates the process of getting there.

It just so happened that one of my husband's co-workers was remodeling his kitchen. He was getting rid of all his old cabinets and gave me one. How exciting! A free cabinet, now I could really get started. I added crown molding, painted it, and added hardware. For the longest time (a week or two) I didn't know what I was going to do on the sides of the cabinet to finish it off. I decided on two shelves on either side. What a perfect combination, a little display area on the shelves and the cabinet to hide everything else.
Next I added beadboard and moldings. I decided on a greenish brown color (it is a bit greener than it appears in these pictures), and bright white for my cabinet, shelves, beadboard, and moldings.
My next project...this sweet little chandelier. It is one of my favorite things in my house. My mom got it for me at Lowe's; she has such a good eye. Originally the flowers were rust red, I simply took the flowers off and spray painted them a light pink color called
"ballet slipper."
Because my laundry room is right off my kitchen I thought I would store my aprons in here. The cutest and my favorite apron (blue polka dots) was made for me by my younger brother.

I love the color these aprons add to the space.

These jars are from Wal-mart. One is filled with laundry soap and the other with odds and ends. I got the vintage buttons at a flea market for only $1.

So simple and yet so cute.

Finally, my floors...at first I had the same wood floors in here as I have in my kitchen/dining. On two separate occasions my washer overflowed and my floors were ruined. This time around I decided to go with white ceramic tiles and gray grout. It was such an easy project. The tiles came in 1ft x 1ft squares, were super easy to line up, and didn't even require any tile cutting.

Now I like to be in my laundry room; actually doing laundry...well that's another story.

I am linking this post up with...

The Shabby Nest, Frugal Fridays

The Shabby Chic Cottage, Transformation Thursday

Just a girl, show and share day

Somewhat Simple, Strut your stuff Thursday

Chic on a Shoestring Decorating, Flaunt it Friday

DIY Showoff

Under the Table and Dreaming, Sunday Showcase

My Romantic Home, Show and Tell Friday

Funky Junk Interiors, Saturday Nite Special

Tatertots and Jello, Weekend Wrap up Party

C.R.A.F.T., M.M.M. Party

Dittle Dattle, Amaze Me Monday

Blue Cricket Design, Show and Tell Wednesday

Type A, Anything Goes

Savvy Southern Style, Wow Us Wednesdays

French Country Cottage, Feathered Friday

Thrifty Decor Chick, Before & After Party

Remodelaholic Friday

Between Naps on the Porch, Metamorphosis Monday

Click on the links in my "Favorite Places to Link" page to check it out.
Thank you!!!

Framed Plates

2011-02-15T15:30:00.000-08:00

I have had a few people ask me how I created my display, so I thought I would give you a quick rundown on how to create your very own charming framed plate display.

First you will need to get all your supplies together, a frame, plates, plate wires, measuring tape, level, hammer and nails.

If you have a frame that you love, or at least like, but you don't like the finish, just paint it (that's what I did).

I got my plate wires at Lowes, but you can get them almost anywhere, Wal-mart, Target, Home Depot, etc.

I then secured the plate wires on the backs of my plates.

I found the perfect wall in my house to place my display on, right above my kitchen table. I measured, found the center of my wall, and hung my frame about 7 or 8 inches above my chair rail. I decided to hang my frame first so that I could visually arrange my plates in the frame. After deciding exactly how I was going to arrange my plates, I measured it out and hung my plates. Simple as that and you too can have a charming, inexpensive display on your wall.
I absolutely LOVE mine, and get tons of compliments on it.

I am linking this post up with...
Anything Related Tuesday
Whatever goes Wednesday
Hoo's Got Talent
The Shabby Nest, Frugal Friday

Craft-o-Maniac

My Romantic Home, Show and Tell Friday

Women Who do it all, Idea Sharing Wednesdays

Polly want a Crafter, Polly want to party Mondays
Somewhat Simple, Strut yourself Thursday

Between Naps on the Porch, Metamorphosis Monday

The Tattered Tag, KISS Blog Bash

C.R.A.F.T., M.M.M. Party

Making the World Cuter Monday

Dittle Dattle, Amaze Me Monday

Blue Cricket Design, Show and Tell Wednesday

Type A, Anything Goes

French Country Cottage, Feathered Friday

Whipper Berry, Friday Flair

Finding Fabulous, Frugalicious Friday

DIY Project Party, Monthly Contest

Click on the links in my "Favorite Places to Link" page to check it out.
Thank you!!!