December 5, 2011

✥ Reader Feature: Foyer Makeover {& Bench Reupholser} ✥

Monday, Monday. Da, da, dat, Da dat, da da daa...
Hope everyone had a lovely weekend. Today I'm happy to introduce you to a clever and talented  interior designer, Sherry from Design Indulgence.
She authors a humorous design blog that features projects from her home and from the homes of her clients, as well as beautiful design inspirations.

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My first project in forever!  Seriously.  But this is like 2 in one because I finished the stripes in the foyer and dug out an old bench from my basement.  And believe me when I tell you...it has been down there for at least 5 years or more.  I always knew I would use it eventually because it has great lines.  
So lets see the foyer before.
See that black box on the glass console?  Well that is where we put our keys when we walk in the door.  It is a very important container because if my husband doesn't put his keys there, then they are lost in the bowels of the rest of the house and the search will begin.  By me.  BUT......
I was tired of that look and wanted to try something new.
So the stripes got repainted.
These were cream and kind of a gray with a hint of pink.
To black and white!
Then I moved out the console and this is where the trouble begins.  I wanted to put this bench in it's place.
Pre makeover.
And move this mirror to the foyer.
The big shabby blue one in the background.  But Mr. H said no...he did not want to bend down to get his keys. crickets.  huh.  AYKM.  Lame excuse.  I'm doing it.  The exercise will be good for you.  Remember to use your core when bending.
So here are a few pictures of the bench makeover.  Mind you I really had no idea what I was doing on this one.  Let's start with paint.  Chalk paint in Graphite.  Well that was after I killed the small colony of spiders underneath the sucker....or rather Mr. H did and then took off the welting.....or rather Mr. H did and then took out the bajillion staples....OK...he did that also.  But then he left because he saw where this was going and would rather sit in a cool office then do manual labor.  His parting words were "I think you should take this to a professional".....oh ye of little faith.
Here is a closeup after the paint and wax.  The fabric looks like burlap but it is actually a burlap and linen blend.  Less scratchy.  Also in this picture I wanted to show you that I put 4 staples in to hold it in place before I started hot glueing.
 Then I just folded it and glued small areas at a time right along the edge.  That dang glue is HOT as a MF.  Danger.
There she is glued.  It was a little tricky because she has curves....like me :)
Looking better than I thought.
Then I removed the 4 staples and use small upholstery tacks about an inch apart.
Hung the mirror and here she is!
For some reason it makes the SMALL foyer look larger.  There used to be a closet where the bench is and I took it out.  Who cares about hanging coats.  [Let me know when you get tired of me saying...see those pretty white floors!]
The mirror just fit with about a 1/2 inch on either side!  See my empty pot outside the door?  Yeah had some large ferns there but killed them.
I would clean up all the fuzzy stuff but you really can't see it.  Now I have to figure out a new place for the keys.  It's always something.
Phew....it feels good to have one room done. 
Happy Monday!
Sherika
Sha Ray
Sha Dazzle
or just plain....

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I'm obsessed with that after. I mean, I commented on it, I pinned it, and I asked if I could feature it. It showcases my favorite mix, old and new looking textiles, the texture, and the color gray. Hmmm, love it. {PS I'm dying for that pillow, I've got it pinned more than once! Christmas?!}

Make sure you check out Sherry's blog, you'll love her style AND her rockin personality!
While you're over there check out how she turned these discount and thrifted items into this AFTER.




I'm also linked up here.

December 4, 2011

✥ DIY Pottery Barn Globe Ornament ✥


If I'm being honest, I have to say- I debated about whether or not to share this ornament.
Try as I might, I could not get the lines perfectly straight! The joys of painting a globe on a sphere.
Well anyway, for 60-ish cents, I figured it wasn't that bad. {I hope...}

The inspiration for the ornament comes from Pottery Barn, well- from Pottery Barn via Pinterest. 
I love me some globes, although this in is ridiculously inaccurate. My apologies to Canada, I think you guys and the island countries took the biggest hits for on size and shape.



Wanna make your own? You'll need:
*Extra Fine Craft Glitter- mine's from Martha Stewart
*Silver Paint Marker {for glass surfaces}
*Glue, Elmer's is fine

*Painter's tape
I started with the vertical lines and used tape to get {at least} those straight. The painters tape will pull up the paint marker, so no overlapping- bummer.
Since I couldn't use tape to horizontal lines, I decided to skip ahead to the countries. That way there would be less open space to cover.
I painted on Elmer's glue, then used silver and a light turquiose glitter. The plain silver may have worked for PB, but for mine it seemed a bit washed out.

Lastly, I used the edge of a piece of cardstock to wrap around the globe to use as a reference for the horizontal lines. Basically, used it like a pliable ruler- now that I think about it, I guess I have one of those. Hmmf.
Anyhow, not a perfect system, but good enough. Like I said, for 60 cents I'm pleased with it.
Do you ever feel that way once you're finished with a project? Sometimes the results really exceed my expectations and then others, not so much. :)


I'm also linked up here.

✥ Magnetic Advent Calendar {Printable} ✥



It's December 4th, just about 4 days late for an advent calendar. Oh well, that's just how things go sometimes! 
Advent calendars seem to come and go in my house. Like last year my Mom gave me the one we had when I was a kid. Then, she decided it was too sentimental to her and asked for it back. Haha! Of course I gave it back, no biggie. But it's totally rad with teeny, tiny little ornaments from the 70's, or earlier, all hung on a tree made of felt hand prints. A total classic.


This one is nothing like that! I made it with the same modern patterns I used in the Christmas banner I shared with the The Simply Klassic readers today. Pop over and grab my printable Christmas banner and grab my printable banner,  if you haven't already!




Now, on to this advent calendar!! You can see my little tins on my fridge.
I had the idea for a spice/tin advent calendar that I'd position in a shadow box using magnets and magnetic paint. I planned to use a frame from Ikea and some cream burlap I purchased for my Christmas decor. 
That is so not happening right now. I figured it's better to get this post out now, rather than wait weeks until I have time to get around to this calendar. That way you guys can grab the numbers if you want them and I'll get around to working on the display next year soon! 

So, for now, it's on the fridge- which is still cute, I think.
Let's get down to business.

To make your own advent calendar, you'll need:


  • metal spice or favor tins- you can buy them almost anywhere, like at the dollar store, Ikea, Amazon, Bed, Bath & Beyond
  • my printable or your own numbers 
  • glue or mod podge
  • magnetic strips

I made up the patterns for the numbers by using the A-Mazing designs you can find on Sprik Space. If you've never been over you are missing out. There are a ton of patterns available and they come in 12-20 different colors each. Super rad!

I made the numbers to print off at 2 inch circles, but you can easily modify it to fit your needs. Oh yeah, and I made them square with a circle overlay in case you have the square spice tins. You could just as easily use scrapbook paper and numbers to make your own numbers with your own designs. This is a super versatile idea.




I purchased my tins from Amazon. It was less than 20 bucks for 25 tins. I have heard you can buy them cheaper at the Dollar Store and Ikea sells a larger version. I liked Amazon cause they sent it right to my house, 1 less errand to run if you know what I mean!!

My lil' sis helped me out by cutting out the circles. If you have a hole punch, then that would be easiest. I just glued my cutouts to the inside of the lid, using Mod Podge. Easy, peasy. 



Since I didn't have time to make the shadow box before I shared the end result with you all, I just cut some self adhesive magnets and attached them to the back of the tins. Wouldn't this be so fun for kids to place with on the fridge?


Then for the inside:

Add whatever little treat you'd like. I also love the idea of putting an activity inside each tin, things to help bring in the true spirit of Christmas: like do a service activity, go caroling, make your neighbors cookies, adopt a needy family, watch Christmas movies, read about Christ's birth, watch the Christmas devotional. SO many great ways to foster the spirit of Christmas in your life and in your home!

 
Maybe I'll have this finished before the end of the year. Then again, maybe I won't hold my breathe. You know the drill, busy, busy, busy! How are you all keeping on top of this super busy month? What does your advent calendar look like?Do you remember the one from your childhood? 
xoxo

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December 3, 2011

✥ Guest Hosting: A Simply Klassic Home's Holiday Printable Party ✥

Today's my turn to host at A Simply Klassic Home's printable party!
I hope you guys will join me.
I'm sharing an all NEW printable I whipped up just for this!

 
{Pic by: Spencer J Harris Photography

A little something to possibly use with your Christmas decor- or maybe for your Christmas cards photos!!
 
I hope you guys will swing by! 
Make sure to check out the other printables.
Don't forget, it's 12 days of free decorations just for you!

Looking for places to link up your projects? Check out my Party page.
I'm also linked up here.

December 2, 2011

✥ Snow Globe Ornament ✥

I've got another ornament for ya!
I pinned this awhile back, it's a snow globe ornament! So, so cute!
 
I have to use my rhino as a model, as alas, I cannot take my own picure while holding the ornaments.
 And believe me, I've tried!! {shaky, shaky}

Wanna make one?
I used clear glass ornaments from Michael's. This is a large ball, I got a box of four for 3$ {they were 50% off.} 
For the tree I used a little round bush you would buy for a Christmas village set, like for train set or whatev. I trimmed the shrub into a tree shape and trimmed the plastic base to fit into the globe, using regular scissors.
Then I used Epson Salt's for snow in the bottom of the globe and added some Martha Stewart glitter.
I added some white paint to the tips of the tree to make it look snow covered. {Although catching the detail on film may be beyond my photography skills!}

What about you all, are you pinning like crazy, or what? Have you made anything from Pinterest, latey? How about holiday crafts? 
Thanks for stopping by. 

I'm also linked up here.

December 1, 2011

✥ French Christmas Carol Ornament ✥



Team Gardenberger has been working on some new ornaments this year like crazy!
It's so fun, although there may or may not have been a glitter explosion!


This one was super easy. I printed off some French sheet music, courtesy of the Graphic Fairy. Then rubbed a glue stick all over it and added some silver super fine glitter.   Once it was dry I ripped it into rows. Rolled them up, and shoved placed them gently inside.


It's my version of this infamous ornament from Pinterest. 

Stay tuned, I've there's more where that came from!! I have no idea how many I will end up with, but there's quite a few done already!!
What ornaments are you working on? How about new Christmas decorations? 
{I love the holidays!}

I'm also linked up here.