Vintage Finds

Buffet Makeover

2012-03-08T22:19:00.001-06:00

We've had this secondhand buffet sitting in our living room for about two years now. I knew I wanted to eventually paint it and bring a more updated and fresh color in the room that we spend most of our time in. So, for the last two days I have been prepping and painting this buffet along with freshening up two side tables from our living room as well... and revamping a patio coffee table in the mix {a post to come later}.

The buffet really brightens up our living room and I'm so pleased how it turned out. The beautiful details just seem to pop since I painted it.

I did have some help from my husband, tearing off the top layer of water damaged laminate, scraping and sanding it down to the natural wood top. This was the most tedious task in the whole makeover, but so worth it.

While all of that was going on, I decided to paint the two side tables and complete our patio coffee table. It's amazing what paint can do to a piece of furniture! I'm so excited because I feel like I have three NEW pieces of furniture in our living room.

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you have a great weekend!

I'm linking to Miss Mustard Seed, Primitive and Proper, Primp, My Repurposed Life, Crafty Friday, Flaunt it Friday, A Diamond in the Stuff, Simply Creations, Shabby Nest, Redoux, 504 Main, Romantic Home, Finding Fabulous, Show Me What Ya Got, Shabby Creek Cottage, Feathered Nest Friday, and Before and After Party at Thrifty Decor Chic.

Stoneware Crocks

2012-02-28T15:57:00.000-06:00

country living

design sponge

via

I love stoneware crocks and pick them up whenever I can. They are great on the kitchen counter for storing utensils within easy reach, storing produce, and even paper plates. I have one in my kitchen and it's perfect for storing bread and chips. I also love the functional use of displaying them as vases with flower arrangements inside. Some of my favorite antique crocks have bold numbers and crowns stamped in cobalt blue around the top.

Here are a few crocks for sale in our store.

Metal Basket Pendant Lights

2012-02-25T11:04:00.004-06:00

Think outside the basket?

We are always told to think outside the box. Well it’s time to turn things upside down and think outside the basket.

Vintage industrial baskets can make great storage containers. They can hold just about anything and they look great just about anywhere. By turning metal baskets upside down- they make unique industrial lighting. Just like pendant lighting, this basket light will shed light on your work or counter space and bring real vintage charm to your home.

I LOVE the industrial look of these lights. I can see them hanging in a kitchen over an island, over a dining table, and outside under a covered patio. There are so many places these lights could go.

I recently posted about Bucket Lighting Inspiration. I shared inspiration using upside down metal baskets and buckets repurposed into beautiful lighting.

These are my vintage industrial baskets that I picked up on a recent trip.

Now they are hanging pendant lights for sale in our store!

Thanks for stopping by!

I'm linking to Common Ground, Finding Fabulous, Five Days Five Ways, One Artsy Mama, 504 Main, Redoux, The Shabby Nest, Simple Home Life, Kitchen Fun Crafty Party, Tatertots and Jello, Chic on a Shoestring Decorating, Whipperberry, The Rooster and The Hen, and French Country Cottage.

Spring Moss Wreath

2012-02-20T13:38:00.000-06:00

Happy Monday! I want to share with you a little craft project I worked on yesterday as I helped decorate a friend’s parents' house. We had a great time shopping for home accessories and creating this springtime moss wreath. She already had the moss wreath left over from her daughter's wedding, so we just tweaked it a bit and took what we didn't need off.

While in a local craft store we found a small wood and metal birdhouse, a redbird, and a wooden letter J {we painted brown} that was perfect for the wreath. As we were putting the wreath together we came across another charming, vintage redbird to add to our spring wreath. Needless to say, this wreath now has another purpose; it's hanging beautifully on a mirror from our store, in their newly decorated living room.

I love just about anything related to natural materials and natural colors, so this mossy wreath mixed with burlap fabric makes me smile!

Thanks for stopping by.

I'm linking to Under the Table and Dreaming, Two Thirty-Five Designs, and Bits of Splendor.

LOVE LOVE LOVE

2012-02-13T18:35:00.000-06:00

vintage spools- SEW cute.

falling in love canvas

burlap banner via etsy

via etsy

heart-shaped cookies

family photo display

jute pillow via etsy

love this!

colorful heart art

Wishing you a Happy Valentine's Day!!

Chicken Coop Turned Coffee Table

2012-02-10T16:42:00.001-06:00

One afternoon I was out shopping and came across this rustic, wooden chicken coop. I knew immediately that I was going to repurpose it to a coffee table. So I just added casters to the bottom and cleaned it up a bit, that's all it needed! Now it's a functional coffee table that's for sale at our store. There's plenty of space inside the coop to display books, magazines and accessories.

When I first spotted it, I was drawn to the spindles and slats, and then of course, the weathered gray wood had me sold. I don't think the coffee table will last very long in our store. Maybe someone will love its character and charm just as much as I do.

Here are a few inspiration ideas using chicken coops as a coffee table.

the lettered cottage

country living

diy diva

Heather Bullard

I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

I'm linking to Frugal Friday, Five Days Five Ways,

504 Main, Sassy Sites, Tatertots and Jello, and Lovely Crafty Home.

teal + green goodness

2012-02-02T17:19:00.000-06:00

house and home

via lonnymag.com

house and home

design sponge

via homesandgardens.com

via lonnymag.com

via domino

via

decorpad.com

via pure style home

I just love this color combination and how it can be so bold, yet so quiet depending on how and where you use it. This color scheme brings a sense of freshness to any space. So... do you like these colors together? I sure do. I can't wait to incorporate a punch of color in my home.

Apparently, the groundhog came out today and declared that we would be having 6 more weeks of winter. I'm really looking forward to springtime. I hope you have a fabulous day!

Bucket Lighting Inspiration

2012-01-24T14:50:00.000-06:00

I went to my first Atlanta Market two weekends ago and LOVED the experience along with getting tons of beautiful inspiration and ideas. A trend I saw over and over again was industrial, vintage inspired, natural materials and so many repurposed pieces. I was in heaven looking at all the new products coming out! We had such a nonstop weekend "working" and buying, which is one of my favorite things about what I do. I'm looking forward to the next one in April.

Making lighting from repurposed metal buckets is a huge trend this year. Here are some beautiful lighting inspiration and ideas that I saw all over the market stores!

I'm obsessed with these lights!

I also love these looks too.

Who would have thought buckets turned upside down would make such gorgeous lighting!?

I just can't get enough of this trend. I bought a few buckets like the ones in the very first photo. I plan on making pendant lights using them. I'll let you know how the finished product turns out.

Thanks for stopping by.

Valentine's Sheet Music Banners

2012-01-20T11:56:00.002-06:00

Hey friends! I was looking for some cute Valentine's decor and came across these super cute banners from groop dealz. It got me all excited and creative to make my own banners.

Sooo.... take a look at what I made for the store.

Sheet Music LOVE Banner

These banners were so simple and easy to make. Cut sheet music, book pages or fabric, paint or write on them, hole punch each piece, and string them together with jute twine.

Sheet Music Heart Banner

These paper hearts are also easy to make. Just cut strips of paper, connect the ends with a staple, then bend the bottom of the heart, hole punch on either side, and string the hearts with twine.

Thanks for stopping by!

I'm linking to Finding Fabulous, Feature Friday, Frugal Friday, One Artsy Mama, Home Stories A to Z and Itsy Bitsy Paper.

I'm on fire. . .

2012-01-12T12:10:00.000-06:00

It turns out that Kelly at Eclectically Vintage. . .

has deemed my blog “on fire” and awarded me this big ball of flame. . .

Kelly has wonderful and inspiring ideas that you will love- so go check out her blog! She's been featured many of times for her talent. I've even featured her blog on my First Blog Award post.

Thank you so much Kelly!

DIY Twine Letter

2012-01-08T17:47:00.001-06:00

I found this great DIY idea on Pinterest and then put my own special touch on it. This twine wrapped initial was so simple to make! They make such great gifts, add a personal touch to any part of your home and they look just lovely as an extra accessory on a bookshelf or even hanging on a wreath. You can customize it any way you choose, the ideas are limitless. I've made several of these for Christmas gifts, by personalizing each one with different accents. Who doesn't love a homemade gift!?

All you need is a cardboard letter bought from any craft store, a roll of jute twine, scrap fabric for the flowers {I used canvas fabric} and a hot glue gun.

Start wrapping the twine around the letter. I started at one end, then cut where I needed and began a new section of wrapping. On this letter "H" I wrapped in 4 different sections. Be patient, this takes awhile to do, as you are wrapping you will scrunch the twine for a tight wrap around the letter so the cardboard won't show through. Tuck or glue the ends of the twine on the back of the letter.

M A K I N G F A B R I C F L O W E R S

Cut 10-12" long by 3" wide fabric strips . . .

Then fold the strip in half and begin to roll and twist the fabric into a flower shape . . .

Hot glue the fabric end to the back, flat part of the flower, let cool, then hot glue the flower to the twine letter. It's just that simple!

Thanks for stopping by!

I'm linking to The Shabby Nest, Momma Hen Scoop, Chic on a Shoestring, Free for all Friday, Feature yourself Friday, Feature Friday, DIY Showoff, It's so very Cheri, Tickled Pink Friday, The Pinterest Challenge, Thrifty Thursday, Thrifty Decorating and Nifty Thrifty Sunday.

Top Projects of 2011

2011-12-30T16:45:00.003-06:00

Hey Friends!

I wanted to share with y'all what I've been up to in 2011 and recap some of the projects I've completed. It's always fun to look back and see what I’ve accomplished for the year. I've had such a busy year with renovating and opening our antique store, redoing tons of furniture throughout the year, starting my blog, and working on house projects too. So I have much to share this year, I just can't believe its flown fly so fast.

Our store's one year anniversary is January 4th. It was so much fun to be so productive and to get lots of things accomplished in 2011. Starting a business was a huge change and major accomplishment for me this year. I'm so thankful and blessed at how successful our store has done this year. I'm sending out a huge THANK YOU to all of our sweet customers and supporters! I LOVE what I'm doing and appreciate all the business; we couldn't do it without you. Here's to another successful year!

Let's start with the remodel of our store.

BEFORE

Ugh... When we first started the remodel, the store had two different colors of commercial grade carpet that was so disgusting and ugly; it all had to be ripped up. We did an overhaul on our store with fresh paint on the walls and floors, we added and closed up walls, redid the bathroom, painted the outside awning and interior brick, then finally we hung floor to ceiling burlap drapes in the front three windows and added all the furniture and merchandise.

AFTER

What a major difference!

Now onto a few furniture makeovers. We've completed and painted over a hundred pieces of furniture this year.

Then we did a little summer backyard and patio makeover at our house.

I'm looking forward to what 2012 has in store for our business and my personal life. God sure has blessed me this year by putting special people in my life that are truly blessings and now great friends! We will be coming up on mine and Jacob's fifth wedding anniversary in June . . . where has the time gone!?

In 2012 I hope to travel more, help others more, grow more spiritually, meet more inspiring people, begin to grow a family and my business, and grow closer to God and my family. I have so much to be thankful for!

What are your goals for the upcoming year?! I would love to hear them! Wishing you a Happy New Year.

I'm Linking to Southern Hospitality, Home Stories A to Z and Tatertots and Jello.

Happy New Year- Inspiration

2011-12-28T12:55:00.000-06:00

banner from etsy

clocks from etsy

via pinterest

love this sparkly skirt

gold confetti art from etsy

countdown toast via Martha Stewart

mini bunting from etsy

via Martha Stewart

vintage clock display

cupcake toppers from etsy

A room full of balloons would be an easy and festive way to decorate for a NYE party!

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you have a Happy New Year!

Mrs. H's Home Tour- Part 2

2011-12-20T13:19:00.000-06:00

If you missed my friend, Mrs. H's Christmas Home Tour, check it out here.

I'd love to show you all the beautiful, painted antique furniture we did for Mrs. H that was bought at our store. Some of my favorite pieces have to be the dresser in her front foyer and the desk in her master bedroom with the painted drawers and legs, and the original wood top left natural. Well... I actually love all the pieces she chooses from our store; they all look wonderful in her home!

She has such great taste and an eye for picking out quality pieces, decorating, and styling her home. I love all her beautiful collected antique bottles, ladders, books, china, collectables, grain sacks, art work, and unique accessories and furniture throughout her home; it has a comfortable and collected feel that I adore.

I'm so blessed to have met and gotten to know Mrs. H in the past year, not only as a customer but a close friend. She is constantly pouring out kind words, precious handmade and thoughtful gifts, Godly advise, and creative ideas. She often says that she's adopted Jacob and I, we don't mind having our customers become our close friends. I love what I do because I meet people daily that I would have never met otherwise. God surely has blessed our business and our lives this year! Thanks for the love and support.

Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas!

Mrs. H's Christmas Home Tour- Part 1

2011-12-19T23:03:00.001-06:00

My friend, Mrs. H decorates beautifully for Christmas and year around too, I knew that y’all would enjoy seeing it, so I did a photo shoot at her house while I was at her annual Christmas Party and I'm sharing today. You’re going to love it. Her home tour is in 2 parts because there's too much to share for one blog post.

The mantel is accented with white, gold, and silver along with natural sticks and hydrangeas.

I'm inspired by this gorgeous antique secretary in the formal living room. Mrs. H incorporates a lot of her mothers antiques that were inherited, mixed with a variety of her own.

Who wouldn't want a fresh cut Christmas tree in their master bedroom, it's a wonderful idea!

The tree is simply accented with birds and pops of red through out.

LOVE this branch tree with mercury glass ornaments! This project is definitely on my to-do list for next Christmas!

An overview of the living room, she has a great eye for decorating.

The dining room buffet decorated in gold and silver for Christmas.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of Mrs. H's Home Tour. I'll be showing you all the pieces of furniture we painted for her, bought from our store. I can't wait for you to see how beautiful they look in her house. Come back tomorrow for more inspiration from the talented Mrs. H.

I'm linking to The Inspired Room and The Nester Christmas Home Tours.

Christmas Home Tour

2011-12-16T15:57:00.000-06:00

Welcome to our home, I'd like to show you around! We have been busy decorating the inside and outside of our house for Christmas. This year I decorated very simple with natural materials and lots of red accents. I've joined The Inspired Room and The Nester for their Virtual Christmas Home Tours.

I made my front door wreath, mailbox swag and dining room table centerpiece using natural greenery, magnolia leaves, pine cones and red berries.

A vintage sheet music wreath in the front foyer.

A feathered wreath on my antique door-turned mirror.

Click here for more info on the door.

Our all red Christmas Tree.

Our Mantel {more pics here}

Click here for more Dining Room details.

A vintage ceramic tree from Jacob's late grandparents.

Sheet Music Paper Tree
{click here for the how-to}

A special handmade ornament from my sister's trip to Africa.

The outside lights turned out beautiful with the help of my husband, Jacob.

Thank you so much for stopping by my Christmas Home Tour!

May you have a Merry Christmas!

I'm linking up with The Inspired Room and The Nester.

Pecan Ball Cookie Recipe

2011-12-15T15:10:00.001-06:00

This recipe has been in my family for years. Since I was a kid it's been a tradition with my mom, grandmother, sister and I getting together and baking these cookies every Christmas season. It's a cherished memory that I'll never forget and I'll definitely pass the tradition to my children one day.

Ingredients

1/2 cup powdered sugar (sifted)
1 cup of butter at room temp. (2 sticks)
2 tsp vanilla flavor
2 cups of regular flour (sifted)
1/4 tsp of salt
2 cups of finely chopped pecans

Mix steps 1-5 together then add the pecans and mix it into a thick dough {you may have to use your hands for mixing the dough together}, roll into small quarter size balls, put them on several greased cookie sheets. Bake at 350 degrees 12-15 minutes until golden brown. When they cool after a few minutes, roll them each in a bowl of powdered sugar and store them in a tin or air tight container. Enjoy!

I normally double this recipe, they last several weeks and are great for party's.

Thanks for stopping by!

I'm linking up to Homemade Christmas, Holly Bloggy Christmas , Christmas Cheer Party, and the Cookie Recipe Party at Tatertots and Jello!

DIY Sheet Music Tree

2011-12-14T13:26:00.012-06:00

I was in Anthropologie about a month ago and spotted this super cute paper tree. The $48 price tag turned my stomach a little bit, and I immediately thought "Hey, I could make that!" So I did for less than $3 and now I'm going to share it with you! This is a super easy project, it just takes some time to do... but when it's finished you'll be taken back by how charming this Christmas decor piece is!

Inspiration Paper Tree from Anthro

You will need:
A small wooden dowel
A piece of scrap wood for the base
Sheet Music book or similar printed paper
Scalloped scissors or paper cutter
Hole punch
A tree topper

Start by attaching your wooden dowel to a piece of flat scrap wood for the base. I drilled a hole big enough for the dowel to fit securely down into, through the top of the scrap board.

Grab an old music book and start cutting! I used scalloped scissors and started with squares about 6" in size, and just kept making them smaller as I went along. You will need a whole bunch of these! I made about 30 squares of each size.

Now all you have to do is start stacking your paper pieces (starting with the largest to the smallest) Just keep stacking! Keep your papers rotated randomly for that cone effect.

Add a small ornament or tree topper. {I used twine} That's all there is to it! Easy project. The most tedious part is cutting all of the paper, but the end result is worth it!

I'm linking up with Centsational Girl for her Christmas Craft Party, DIY under $5, Very Merry Vintage Style , Girlish Whims, Restore Interiors, Beneath my Heart and Show and Share.

Christmas Mantel

2011-12-08T14:26:00.000-06:00

For some reason I waited to decorate our mantel at the last minute this year. It was the only thing in our house that wasn't finished, so at 10:00 Tuesday night I decorated it. This year I went with all red decorations to add some color and sparkle in our house- I love a monochromatic color scheme. I used 2 garlands, white lights, red ribbon and tons of red glittery feathers and decorative sticks to complete our mantel.

Our store mantel is simple and rustic this year. I used fresh greenery, magnolia, red berries and pinecones. These textures add so much to a mantel and fake garland.

Have a Merry Christmas!

I'm linking up with Southern Hospitality and Home Stories A to Z

Christmas Dining Room Table

2011-12-05T12:02:00.000-06:00

This year I went with simple, natural and inexpensive decorations in our house. Using a lot we already had, added with natural touches here and there. I love the natural look and smell of fresh cedar mixed with magnolia leaves, red berries, curly willow and pine cones. Having fresh greenery every year in our house for Christmas is a must! (plus it's free)

I started with our Spode Christmas Tree china, added burlap ribbon for a little mix, white napkins with silver rings and then prepared a centerpiece arrangement in a concrete urn. I like to bring the outdoors inside our house by thinking outside the box- a concrete statue on the buffet with trellis stands on either side, decorative ironwork, salvaged architectural finds along with fresh greenery and flowers. To me it creates a collected over time feel, layered with character and style.

I recently added a wooden church bench to the dining room, it was bright green when we found it and it needed to be toned down to a more greenish-gray to coordinate with our home. It fits perfect and adds so much charm to our dining room.

I'm still putting the final touches on the rest of the house and I'll show it to you soon.

I'm joining Layla at The Lettered Cottage today for her Christmas table decor party. Head on over and check out all the amazing decorating ideas!

Wishing you a Merry Christmas!

DIY Bottle Lamp

2011-11-30T21:05:00.009-06:00

I love the large clear bottle lamps from Pottery Barn, but they're a little pricey for me {$210-$350 each}, so I decided to make my own for a lot less. {$40}

Inspiration Lamps

First find a large wine bottle or jug. I found mine in a basement at an estate sale.

The story: I decided to stop and look around at an estate sale not far from our store after a customer of mine told me they had great things. After walking through the entire house and basement with my hands full from all the great treasures, I found a whole closet full of old wine in these beautiful bright green and clear glass jugs for $3 each. I took advantage of this great find and grabbed 10 or more. People just kept eyeing me and asking me, "Your not going to drink that are you?" I said over and over again, "I'm not; I'm just using the empty bottles." They couldn't see past the nasty old wine in the bottles, all I was thinking was these bottles will make beautiful lamps and vases when I get them cleaned up! You never know what you’ll come across; I’m constantly on a search for great pieces to repurpose.

Next you will need a bottle lamp kit which you can purchase in any craft store or hardware store. You can find a cork in your bottle lamp kit which is to cover the opening of the wine bottle. Bottles in different sizes are also applicable to most bottle lamp kits. If not, have your local lighting or hardware store assist you in the parts you may need. I decided to run the cord from the socket instead of the base of the lamp, so I didn't have to drill a hole in the glass bottle. Finally find or buy a lampshade, harp and finial of your choice to finish off your bottle lamp, now it's ready to shine.

Thanks for stopping by!

I'm linking up with House of Grace, Show and Share, Thrifty 101,

Stuff and Nonsense, Feathered Nest Friday, Meg and Mum, Common Ground,

First Blog Award

2011-11-28T01:44:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I received quite an honor, my first blog award! Jody at Homey Home Design nominated me for the Liebster award! Thank you so much Jody! Check out all the creative ideas on her blog.

The Criteria: The Liebster Blog Award is meant to showcase bloggers who have fewer than 200 followers. This is all done in the spirit of pay-it-forward.

The Rules: You must mention and link to the person who awarded you with Liebster, and mention 5 other blogs with fewer than 200 followers who you think worthy of the Liebster!"

"‘Liebster’ means ‘favorite’ or ‘dearest’ in German. This award, which originated in Germany, recognizes up and coming bloggers! In accepting this award, I agree to:

Thank the person that gave me the award and link back to their blog
Copy and paste the award to my blog
Reveal the 5 blogs I have chosen to award and let them know by commenting on their blog
Pay it forward by awarding it to bloggers they would like to honor

The five blogs I’m passing the award along to are featured below. These are all blogs with fewer than 200 followers and they all have great ideas and projects to share ...

Kelly at Eclectically Vintage has done a wonderful job renovating her 100 year old house, take a tour.

Aimee at Twigg Studios has such inspiring ideas, check out her beautiful book page flower wreath.

Chrystal at The Shabbiest Chick has me wanting a french hutch, hers is just stunning.

Shannah at Just us Four has a creative way of making a stencil without spending anything.

Julie at Shabby Momma has a beautiful coffee table makeover you should check out.

I hope you visit all these blogs to see the amazing inspiration and ideas! Thanks again Jody, I really appreciate it!

Salvaged Shutters- Turned Screen

2011-11-24T16:02:00.010-06:00

We had a customer come into our store looking for a privacy screen room divider and we ended up repurposing one from old salvaged window shutters for her. The original henge's were still intact from years of wear and tear and we were able to henge them together to form the screen panels. The chippy and weathered paint are original and coordinated well with her decor. This project was a lot of fun to work on with such a great customer!

Thanks for stopping by!!

I'm linking up with Funky Junk Interiors, The DIY Showoff, Show and Share, Stuff and Nonsense, Feathered Nest Friday, Meg and Mum, Common Ground and Not JUST a Housewife DIY Contest.

Buffet Before | After

2011-11-18T12:57:00.008-06:00

G R A Y B U F F E T M A K E O V E R

I was drawn to the clean lines, simple look, and abundant storage of this piece. Structurally it was in great shape, the finish, for its age, was really not that bad. Just a little patching, painting, and new hardware was all it really needed for an instant update. This piece of furniture sold within a few days at our store. The sweet couple that bought it are refurbishing it to a bathroom vanity. I just love that idea!

BEFORE

Ugh... not so pretty, but I was pleased with the final product and so were the buyers.

Thanks for stopping by, have a great weekend!

I'm linking up with Funky Junk Interiors, Thrifty Decorating, No Minimalist Here, Miss Mustard Seed, Stuff and Nonsense, A Bowl Full of Lemons, Common Ground, Three Boys, Southern Lovely, Girlish Whims, Vintage Wanna Bee, The Shabby Nest, The Shabby Creek, Thrifty Decor Chic and Very Merry Vintage Style.

Inspiration: Wooden Planks

2011-11-15T19:28:00.002-06:00

photos via pinterest

Thanksgiving Decorating

2011-11-09T19:42:00.000-06:00

Can you believe it?

Thanksgiving is just a few weeks away.

I wanted to share some decorating ideas for this special holiday.

It's a perfect time to reflect on all the amazing things that we are so lucky to have.

Natural Elements

Gather around a pumpkin candle holder centerpiece with natural birch branches, bright colors, natural moss and pine cones. {via BHG}

Display vintage dishes and jars with bright foliage

{via country living}

Fill a birch-bark box with an assortment of flowers, foliage, and fruit to create a custom centerpiece in fall colors.

{via Martha Stewart}

Table Setting

Antique turkey-themed transferware with its rich colors and patterns, inspired the mix-and-match look of the table. Homemade menu cards add a personal touch.

{via country living}

Creative Display

A modern take on Thanksgiving from the fabulous House of Smith's blog.

Buffet Centerpiece

Add a playful yet practical touch to your table by bringing an outdoor piece- like a garden plant stand- indoors and displaying pies, plates, and desserts into the stand's arms.

{via country living}

Gobble, Gobble

Mixing a distressed dining table with elegant gold accents and orange-patterned plates add surprising contrast to a formal table setting.

{via Martha Stewart}

I love the idea of expressing your gratitude both in spoken and written word. So this DIY thankful tree is the perfect idea for doing just that. This is a great idea if you have children to instill in them the importance of having a thankful heart.
{via jones design company blog}

Thanks for stopping by!

Let me give a huge shout out to Tony at Evenpar Solutions for redesigning my blog! He did a great job and I couldn't be any happier with it. We will be adding more special features soon! Check out all the great work they do at Evenpar Solutions and you won't be disappointed. Also, I want to thank Jennifer McAteer Photography for the amazing profile picture, she truly is a talented photographer.

Chicken Wire Frames {Pinterest Challenge}

2011-11-02T16:56:00.000-05:00

Since I'm obsessed with all the creative and wonderful ideas Pinterest has to offer. I decided to join in on the exciting Fall Pinterest Challenge from Young House Love.

Since my Pinterest addiction runs deep, I thought I should challenge myself to make several things each month that’s inspired by all the amazing stuff I've pinned. It should help accomplish all these projects and ideas I've seen and stop-pinning-and-start-doing.

Pinterest Inspiration:

Here's what you'll need and the how-to:

an empty frame {I painted mine}
chicken wire
wire cutters
staple gun and staples

Cut the wire to the correct width and length around the frame, staple the edges all the way around the back, and cut the excess wire off.

I've linked up with Young House Love, Ana White, House of Earnest, Primp, Southern Lovely, Women who do it all, Hoo's got talent, Wow me Wednesday at Gingersnap Crafts, Lil Luna, and Clean and Sensible.

Check out all the wonderful ideas and

while your at it, follow me on Pinterest!

Happy Wednesday!

Happy Halloween {decorating inspiration}

2011-10-31T13:12:00.000-05:00

H A P P Y H A L L O W E E N !

I have never been a huge fan of Halloween with all the scary movies and spooky costumes. I'm so easily scared and such a jumpy person when it comes to scary movies, just the sound of the music makes me cringe! This year Jacob and I are dressing up as a Cowboy and Indian for a costume party tonight. I haven't dressed up for Halloween in at least 5 years, so it should be fun!

Here are a few festive Halloween decorating ideas that I came across this weekend and wanted to share.

I'm loving this distressed piano.

So simple- candy corn in a clear container with a candle

White stacked pumpkins with burlap, yes please.

Elegant black and silver decor

DIY treat bags using newspaper!

Creative Halloween display via House of Smiths

Black urns and painted pumpkins

Traditional orange and black mixed with white.

I hope you have a safe and happy Halloween!

wooden spools

2011-10-26T16:33:00.005-05:00

U P C Y C L E W O O D E N S P O O L S

make a rustic dining or patio table

display your collection

painted coffee table on casters

make colorful and graphic art pieces

just simple and rustic

my small wooden spool

large wooden spool at our store

repurposed bookshelf via country living

Oh, the places you'll go

2011-10-18T13:36:00.000-05:00

These items are for sale at our store!

{photos via pinterest}

Antique Door- Turned Mirror

2011-10-15T14:31:00.003-05:00

I went on a buying trip to New Orleans several months ago for our store. This salvaged antique door was one of the many great finds that came home with me. I knew I wanted an old chippy door in my house somewhere. When I saw this one I knew it was perfect just the way it was. I took the broken glass panels out and had it replaced with mirrors then I added an antique crystal door knob for the finishing touch.

I absolutely love the way it turned out! It fits perfect on the small wall in my living room and it brings a little rustic charm to the space.

Thanks for stopping by!

I'm linking up with Kojo Designs for Friday Fun Finds, Truly Lovely for Fancy this Friday, Dragon Fly Design for Inspiring Creativity, Shabby Nest for Frugal Friday, Whipperberry for Friday Flair and Not JUST a Housewife DIY Contest.

Mellow Yellow

2011-10-12T13:15:00.000-05:00

{photos via pinterest and my personal}

Grain Sack Stool

2011-10-07T13:24:00.009-05:00

About a month ago I was browsing the aisles of Target and I came across the French Country line, I was totally inspired by the rustic grain sack stool that was $50 and I knew that I could easily knock off the idea on the cheap. So, while I was out buying for the store I came across the perfect little wooden stool for this project and it was only $5. {my kind of deal} My sweet friend Mrs. H {a post about her} gifted me a grain sack hand towel from the Target collection and I knew right away what I could use it for. . . the fabric to cover my stool! It couldn't of turned out any better!

Inspiration Footstool

Grain Sack Hand Towel

Here's my new vintage inspired

stool for my living room.

I love the cranberry and cream

mixed with the graphic print.

I also made this gray-burlap stool for our antique store.

I'm linking up with The Shabby Nest for Frugal Friday and Miss Mustard Seed for Furniture Feature Friday.

I'm also linking up with Kammy's Korner:

Trash to Treasure Tuesday

Inside Meg Ryan's Beach House

2011-10-05T15:07:00.000-05:00

First of all let me say that I adore Meg Ryan and all of her movies. She has a classic, carefree, and charming demeanor with a warm personality that appeals to everyone. I came across her peaceful Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, home, which she renovated and decorated with Marsha Russell and I love everything about it. I especially like the industrial lighting, neutral colors throughout the house, the vintage touches, and the laid-back casual feel.

The pendant lights are from Historical Materialism and are installed above a rustic table in the kitchen; the large windows allow a lot of natural light in the kitchen. I love the ceiling and the vintage stool.

The dining area’s pendant lights are by O’Lampia Studio, the armchairs are slip-covered, and the metal sign is vintage. The factory style windows allow the space to feel more open to the rest of the house. The architecture of the room is stunning.

The great room in the house features this sweet sitting area. Meg and her designer have given the room a neutral base with a jute rug and neutral-colored upholstery. The sofas are upholstered in linen – I love the combo of one white and one gray sofa, paired with gray curtains. The accessories have an industrial vibe with metal tables and lighting.

The master bedroom features a towering ceiling

with beautiful windows and a large sconce. Look at those sliding barn doors, I wouldn't mind having

those in my next house!

The master bath’s vintage pendant lights hang above an antique soapstone basin; the counters are made

of bluestone with painted-brick supports.

A guest room features all white, industrial metal

lighting and wooden beam ceilings.

The view from the house is gorgeous.

Meg seems to be a very interesting person and someone you could feel right at home with. Her beach house shows less is more and has simplistic elegance with modern touches throughout.

Photos from Elle Decor's June 2010 issue.

mirror, mirror on the wall...

2011-09-28T12:25:00.000-05:00

photos via pinterest

Fall Mantel

2011-09-27T15:38:00.000-05:00

Well it's time for some more fall inspiration!

As you remember I had my front porch fall decor put out so early this year. I was probably rushing it a little but I just couldn't wait any longer to get it all out! This is one of my favorite times of the year.

Starting today these ladies will be hosting a fall decor series of great ideas and inspiration for this season.
It's fun to see all these creative ideas, I've linked up to join in this year.

Our Fall Mantel {at the store}

I started with an antique gold mirror as the centerpiece and then stacked vintage trunks in the mantels opening. I added pumpkins, old books, wooden candle sticks, a concrete urn full of gourds, a orange vase with curly willow branches- from my grandmother's yard, a wooden acorn, and salvaged architectural pieces that I already had.

These black and white pumpkins are from Hobby Lobby.

I then added a few collected pieces: an antique wooden spool, metal basket, wooden letter, and a small crock with festive accessories.

The mantel was originally from an old New Orleans house that was salvaged. I just love the details and chippy paint.

Click here and check out the party!

wordless wednesday: little birdie

2011-09-21T13:12:00.000-05:00

photos via pinterest and etsy

crate-ive projects

2011-09-19T22:02:00.000-05:00

There's just something about a vintage wooden crate that I can't get enough of these days. The graphics and lettering on old crates are all unique. Maybe it's the simple, rustic charm that I love or the fact that they make wonderful storage solutions and are great for displaying special items. Every time I’m out and about buying for the store and I run across a wooden crate I usually snatch it up, because they can be used in so many different ways. Here are a few simple DIY ideas using crates.

Roll it: Attach casters and add old book pages

for an inexpensive side table.

Stack it: I have several stacked storage crates around my house including a set in the garage and some in my office. This idea is a great alternative for a bookshelf. Just arrange and secure with screws.

Tote it: A crate turns into a one-of-a-kind picnic basket with the added leather handles bolted to the crate. Old shipping crates carried everything from fruit and wine to ammunition, cokes, and milk.

Shelve it: Make a shoe rack with three crates of identical widths; the heights and depths can vary. Old pine boards are cut to make the side rails, then screwed to the crates. Make sure the back sides of the crates line up so the unit will sit flat against the wall.

Hang it: Start by removing all but the middle partition from a coke crate. Add a mirror and accessories for bathroom storage. Roll with it: A vintage milk crate is used to store toys, just by adding four small casters to the bottom and some chalkboard paint. Carry it: To make a tray, remove the long sides from three different crates, then attach a 1-inch wide board to each end and add handles.

{three crates will make two trays}

Organize it: Fill a vintage crate with magazines, mail, and books to sit anywhere around your home or office.

photos via flea market style and pinterest

wordless wednesday: frames

2011-09-14T11:20:00.000-05:00

photos via pinterest

Ideas for Vintage Suitcases

2011-09-12T21:22:00.000-05:00

When I first started my blog I posted a few ideas on how to repurpose a vintage suitcase into a side table and even a dog bed. Since then I have found more inspiring ideas using vintage suitcases.

Luggage Chair:

Table Base:

Medicine Cabinet:

Stacked Storage:

Coffee Table:

Night Stand:

Photo Props:

Storage Towers:

I just love how vintage luggage brings charm to any space.

all photos via pinterest

Fall Decorating

2011-09-09T11:44:00.000-05:00

Well it's almost here! The Fall season is upon us, with all it's brilliant colors, cool nights, and decorating galore. Let's explore all the options this season has to offer for decorating our homes! Here are a few beautiful inspirational ideas to adore, plus a sneak-peek of my front porch fall decor.

BHG

via mamie jane's blog

BHG

My front porch fall decor:

Enjoy this beautiful weather and have a great weekend.

wordless wednesday: leopard

2011-09-07T10:21:00.000-05:00

elle decor

glo.com

lonnymag.com

wordless wednesday: LIGHTen up

2011-08-31T10:18:00.000-05:00

Measure Up

2011-08-27T16:48:00.088-05:00

Whether they stretch for three feet or six inches, vintage wood rulers are long on graphic appeal. Often used for advertising, they are great for fun projects because they have bright colors, cool promotional messages and logos, plus they all tell a different story. I came across these DIY ruler ideas from Flea Market Style. The original ideas are from the super creative and inspiring Layla & Kevin Palmer over at The Lettered Cottage. Check their blog out, you won't be disappointed. I absolutely love their vintage style, plus they're from Alabama too! Prattville to be exact. {my blog was featured on their facebook page a few weeks ago!} :)

M is for "Mallori" A folding three-part yardstick is the starting point for creating a decorative letter. By drilling a hole and using a small rivet you can create other letters: N, A, E, F, W, L, H, X, I, K, T, Y, V, and Z.

This easy to make ruler-front shelf would look great in a kid’s room, home office or even a country-style kitchen. Cut 1x6 lumber to your desired length. Screw a yardstick to its front, leave a lip along the edge and hang it with metal brackets. Also you can make a ruler vase by cutting rulers and gluing them to a recycled tin can.

Say "Bless you" in vintage style with a homemade tissue box cover. Organize your office or kitchen by attaching office clips along the length of a yardstick. Make drink coasters with 1/2" square pieces of ruler, mix and match numbers, letters, and colors for a variety of interest and glue them to a thin 4-inch piece of plywood. Channel your old school days with a catchall pencil box made from rulers.

Bond three triangular architect rulers together. Drill small holes and insert or glue wire; attach alligator clips for photos.

Make a striped place mat, just stack rulers, glue

and screw on the backside. This same concept can be applied for making a table top, cut random lengths of yardsticks

{of the same thicknesses} and attach to a table top that has a lip around the top. {see first photo}

Jarman Interiors

& Antiques rulers:

Card Catalog Coffee Table REstore

2011-08-23T20:04:00.004-05:00

This vintage card catalog turned- coffee table and ottoman storage was designed by a friend of mine, Luke Williams and
constructed by Dan Williams. They really outdid themselves on creating this one-of-a-kind piece.

I love the clean lines and the natural materials used to create this charming vintage card catalog coffee table. I'm inspired by the concept of repurposing one key centerpiece and then building around that to create a piece of furniture.

Let’s get started on what you will
need to make this coffee table.

Materials:

1 sheet of ¾” Plywood

Wood pieces of same thickness to cover plywood

1 card catalog

Wood glue

Finishing nails {this was done with a finishing gun}

1 large burlap sack

2 pieces of foam cushion

Tools:

Miter Saw

Table Saw or Circular Saw

Nail gun or hammer and nails

Here are the instructions:

1. Find a vintage card catalog to use {they can sometimes be difficult to find} if you can't find one, really anything can be used for the centerpiece: baskets, metal bins, or one big wooden drawer will work. Luke decided to repurpose his grandfather’s meaningful card catalog, which he used for storing all sorts of things in his workshop.

2. Cut a piece of plywood to the dimensions that you would like for your table to be.

3. Nail the plywood to the BOTTOM of the card catalog. Make sure you don’t use nails that are too long and also make sure not to put too many nails into the original piece because you don’t want to compromise it’s originality too much.

4. After carefully flipping it back over, measure the sizes for each “wall” piece for the boxed in sides of the table. Cut these pieces from plywood. Make sure to leave enough space on the top for the cushion. You will need 6 of these pieces, 3 for each side of the table.

5. After cutting out these pieces use wood glue and then nail them into the bottom plywood base to make the boxed in sides. You will need to put one piece of wood up

against the side of the card catalog to keep the

front and back pieces from moving.

{you can see that in the next picture inside the box}

6. Start to glue on any size pieces of wood you would like to use. These are planed down pieces of old salvaged wood from different places, old barns, old fences, etc. After gluing the pieces on you will want to use your nail-gun to nail each piece on as well. You will have to use a saw to cut each piece to fit correctly. Do this all the way around until the plywood is covered.

7. Do step 6 also on the top of the card catalog for the table top. {Below you see the product of step 6 & 7}

8. Cut the tops for the sides with the saw. Cut so they are a little loose because they will fit snug after you add the fabric to the cushions. Cut a large part for the top and the smaller part as seen above to nail onto the top piece of the plywood so the cushion top will stay in place. Nail these 2 pieces together to make the top. These will allow for closed storage under the upholstered top.

9. Cover the top with a cushion. {you can purchase two 1 inch thick cushions at Wal-Mart for around $6} Then cover them with the burlap sacks or whatever fabric you choose.

10. Stain the wood with a stain or glaze. {a glaze was used here} Cover it after it's dried with a few coats of satin polyurethane for a good coating.

11. Screw on small legs, casters, or leave it without any extra height. Here he used regular 4 inch legs purchased at Lowe’s for about $3 a piece and he painted them white.

He spent around $65 on the materials for this project and an afternoon to make it.

I hope this inspires you to create or repurpose your own piece of furniture! Have you repurposed anything lately?

If so, I would love to hear about it.

Summer Yard & Patio Makeover

2011-08-19T20:52:00.000-05:00

S U M M E R Y A R D

________________________

Summer is almost over, but I couldn't resist posting some pictures of our progress that we've been working on around our house. Where did the summer go?
I guess I've been super busy!

This summer my husband and I decided that our backyard needed some major TLC, for sure! {we have not done anything to it since we moved in 4 years ago... gasp!} So, it all started when we purchased a concrete garden bench and a metal arbor and the ideas just flowed from there of what we could do to the yard. We started out planting flowerbeds on 2 corners of the backyard and we also added several new plants to the front yard too.

Here are a few pictures:

First, Jacob started tearing up the grass, he cleared the area of weeds and overgrown grass to prepare it for planting the flowers and shrubs.

Next we bought 2 truck loads of flowers, shrubs, and top soil then started planting them. Let me tell you, planting was not an easy process, the ground was sooo hard but we pressed through. I could not have done any of this without the help of Jacob.

Then we headed to Lowe's and purchased mulch. . .

We still want to add a stacked river rock border around the flowerbed edges, when we find the time for that project!

P A T I O M A K E O V E R

__________________________

We decided to do a makeover on the back patio!
Here are a few pictures of how we rearranged the furniture and spruced it up a bit.

Here's our new porch swing we put together, painted, and hung. This is my new favorite spot around the house!

Here's another idea I did a few years ago on our back patio.

I hung inexpensive painters drop cloths for outdoor drapery. {I would suggest waterproofing the panels.}

My front porch:

I hope you have a wonderful weekend!!

wordless wednesday: kitchens

2011-08-17T12:46:00.000-05:00

Converting a Tripod into a Lamp

2011-08-15T18:22:00.000-05:00

I've been on the search for a {how- to} on converting a tripod into a lamp. I have an old telescope tripod base that I want to make into a floor lamp. Sooo, in searching I found this creative idea from The Painted Hive. Kristine was very resourceful and created a lamp out of an old music stand.

I just love this lamp!

Here's the HOW-TO:

First you'll need something
to form your lamp base:

{She found this stand for $6 on a thrifting adventure.}

And the following items are all

available at any hardware store...

A lamp switch:

A power outlet head:

A length of power cable:

The steps….

1. She removed the sheet music holder from the top of the tripod which left a nice hollow shaft perfect for housing the power cable.

2. To securely attach the lamp switch to the tripod, she first inserted the plastic thread (which comes with the lamp switch as shown above) into the top of the shaft and glued it firmly in place (you can see what she meant by this in one of the following pics).

If your lamp base won't easily accommodate the plastic thread then put your thinking cap on for a way to make it work.

3. Once the glue dried, she inserted the power cable into the hollow shaft so it protruded from both ends.

4. She wired and attached the power outlet head to the end of the cable as per the packet instructions.

If you're lucky enough to have a lamp kit this step is already done for you.

5. She wired and attached the lamp switch to the top end of the cable as per the packet instructions and screwed it onto the glued-in thread.

Because the thread would only fit into the fat section at the top of the shaft, half of it was still visible once the head was attached (as can be seen above). She could have cut it down though instead decided to keep the extra length for greater stability and simply wrapped it in some twine as a camouflage.

6. She inserted a bulb, turned the power on and crossed her fingers...it worked!

7. To finish she simply added a budget K-Mart linen shade.

Of course, if you are lucky enough to have a DIY lamp kit then this project gets a whole lot easier!

Sooo, from this:

BEFORE

To this:

AFTER

I'm lovin' this lamp not only because of the repurpose, but because it can be easily adjusted for the height, and the splay can be altered to best suit it's chosen location.

Rarely have I seen industrial style tripod lamps like this selling for under $150, so for around $30 she spent on this re-invention, it's well worth it!

Vintage Style

2011-08-12T18:57:00.000-05:00

I came across this beautiful Huntington Beach bungalow on Lonny and I just adore it's vintage charm. Amanda Malson and her design business partner Jolene Ballard both worked on it together. Almost everything they used to furnish Malson's home was either recycled, a hand-me-down, salvaged from family attics, flea-market and antique store finds. "We love to give things new life," says Malson. They also say that vintage furniture is always well made and it has great bones. That's SO true!

Malson calls her style "gallery style"- white walls stacked with personal collections of art and objects. She then mixes it with meaningful family pieces here and there. Her house has a neutral base with shots of colorful accessories, personality, and exceptional vintage pieces.