Blue so blue!

So while surfing craigslist I happen to run across this beautiful gem and I just have to have it. I had been wanting to add a pop of color to my white and black decor forever, but never found that wow piece. And I just knew this was it! It's beautiful tufted blue velvet in immaculate condition from the 1940s. My style has evolved throughout the years and transformed from modern to shabby chic to what now I call would say timeless. It's all about quality and finding the beauty in every style. I loved it as is but wanted to add some upholstery tacks and made a bold move painting the wood trim a coordinating blue. It wasn't as easy as I thought because trim had aluminum insert and I had to cut out, fill,sand and paint.  Once that was all done I tried nailing the upholstery tacks and had a difficult time until my brilliant husband thought of pre-drilling the holes and then securing them with heavy-duty glue. I'm super happy with the results and now time to find the perfect oversized blue Decour pillows for my dark brown leather couch to coordinate. 

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How to make a number piñata!

Materials needed:

-cardboard

-scissors

-marker

-pencil

-tape

-Hot glue gun

-flour

-warm h2o

-your choice of decorative paper

1. Making the structure. Stack two pieces of cardboard together. Draw your number and then cut through the two layers of cardboard at the same time. We made our piñata 3 ft tall.

2. Cut strips of cardboard for the edging. Our strips were about 5" wide.

3. Taking the strips, tape together the top and the bottom piece on the seam. Reinforce it on the top and on the inside.

4. When you get to an edge just make a crease in the cardboard so it bends easily. 

5. Add a layer of papier-mâché with newspaper and flour mixture. Allow 24hrs to harden:) 

6. Cut your paper into 1" squares. 

7. Using the eraser side of your pencil wrapping paper square and twist. Now add a dot of hot glue and stick to surface of piñata. (Try and work a little each day so that it's not overwhelming) 

8. Cut a section at the top to add candy in then cover with paper. To hang cut two holes at the top and thread string through. Enjoy:) 

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Spring Wreath

I took a wreath purchased at Goodwill for $1.99 and transformed it to my liking. I bought some flowers at the Dollar Tree and used some left over ribbon from my Christmas wreath. The letter "R" I also had.

Materials used:

Wreath ($1.99 @ Goodwill)
Flowers ($2)
Ribbon (already had)
Letter (already had)
Paint (already had)

Tools Needed:

Scissors
Paint brush
Hot glue gun
Twine

BEFORE

I removed the ribbon, white flowers, and greenery. I kept the purple flowers because I felt they looked well paired with the flowers I bought.

Next, I started cutting flowers from the stem then hot gluing them onto my wreath.

Then, started painting my letter gray and when dried I then placed in the center of my wreath. Hot glued in place.

Finally, comes the the ribbon. I don't know about you but I was struggle when trying to make a bow...So I have found a way to cheat in making it. I make each individual loops, ribbon ends, and center then hot glue all together and VOILA a perfect bow.

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Oatmeal Banana Cinnamon Smoothie

In my journey of trying to eat clean, I have been drinking a smoothie that has helped me in fighting off my morning hunger. This smoothie keeps me nice and full until lunch time. It's easy and simply delicious! Hope you enjoy as much as I do.

Ingredients:

1/4 cup of oatmeal
1/2 of a banana (frozen)
3/4 cup of Almond Vanilla Milk
Pinch of Cinnamon

Combine all ingredients and blend. Then, Enjoy!

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Everything Needs an Inspiration

The first thing in my dining room was my dining table, chairs, and the painting you see as my inspiration photo. My mom gave this to me as a gift when I first moved into my new home. I just started pulling colors from this photo and worked around it. 

My light fixture used to be a generic light fixture that would be found in most newly built homes. I wanted something that stood out, but like with everything else I needed it not to cost a whole lot. One day walking around the store Hobby Lobby, I came a crossed two planter baskets on clearance. I think I paid less than $10 for both. I came home with the idea of putting them together to make the sphere lighting fixture I have been wanting. I just used the existing hardware that I had and removed anything that I didn't need. Then, spray painted the fixtures because they were a brushed nickel. I also put LED lighting, they don't get hot, save on energy and are supposed to last longer than regular light-bulbs.

Dollar Store plates I hung up using disc plate hangers, bought at Hobby Lobby. Rugs were purchased at Lowe's, on sale for less $30 a piece. I used 2 rugs and just set them side by side to make it appear as one.

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Egg Hunt...Coming Soon.

Easter is just around the corner, so we created this FREE printable for you to print, frame, and use as Easter decor. Enjoy!

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Flocked Christmas tree

Although, it isn't the season for Christmas trees, I still wanted to share my DIY Flocked Christmas tree from 2013. 
You can easily buy flocked Christmas trees from a Christmas tree store, but  DIYs can be fun. Here’s how to easily create the beauty of a winter wonderland right on your old shabby tree.

Materials needed: 

 
-Wall Texture Spray
-Cornstarch 
-Glitter

 

I first set up tree in garage because I was sure it would make one heck of a mess. 

Flock the tree as heavy or as light as you like, but for a more realistic presentation, look for pictures of snow-covered real trees and make them your inspiration. Start flocking your tree from the very top and work your way down. With this technique, there will be less work for you to do as some flocking will fall on the lower branches of your tree. If you like a natural flocked look, spray only the outer tops of branches using light even, strokes. Coat your tree lightly with the wall texture spray and add more when necessary. Now sprinkle cornstarch and glitter sparingly to achieve desired texture.

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DIY Style-Chalk Finish Paint

I have these two old stools that my boys use as their dinner chairs, to get something from the counter, to watch Mom make dinner or to help make an espresso drink. ;) These stools were calling for a DIY project. I have been wanting to try this Chalk Finish Paint, the stools were perfect!

I've seen Annie Sloan Chalk paint but it is pricey....so when I saw a way to get a similar look while reading Lowe's Creative Ideas, I was super excited! I really enjoyed this project, it was easy and loved the finished product.

BEFORE

Materials Used:

-Valspar Paint
-Plaster of Paris
-Spray Polyethylene

Tools Needed:

-Paint Brush
-Plastic Bucket

Step 1: 

I mixed 1/3 cup Plaster of Paris with 1/3 cup of water until it is dissolved. Then mix in 1 cup of paint. This was enough to paint both stools.

Step 2:

Clean the surface you will be painting and make sure that it is dry. After your surface is dry then you are ready to paint. (NOTE: you do not have to sand the surface). I did two coats on the non painted stool. The brown stool did require more coats, to ensure the brown paint was completely covered.

Step 3:

I waited 24 hours before spaying the stool with a spray polyurthane. I did two coats. I let dry another 24 hours. I just wanted to be safe!

AFTER

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Baseball Curtain Tie-Backs

My Boys' room is a vintage sports theme that is still underway. I do want I can and when I can. They are very active three year old boys that enjoy the game of baseball, basketball, football, etc. They love it all!

I wanted something that would tie back their curtains, so in the day-time I could have them pulled to the side to let some light in. With that being said, I also wanted something that tied in with the theme of their room. So, I thought of using the actual seams of the baseball and hold it together with a clip.

Materials Used: 
-2, old baseballs (Free, already had)
-2, 3/8in swivel eye bolt ($2.06 ea. @ Lowe's)
-E-6000 Glue  (already had)


Tools Needed:
-X-Acto Knife
-Scissors

First Step: Cut the seam of the baseball out, don't cut too close to the seams because you don't want them to unravel. It is best to leave more than enough of the baseball leather, and if need be you can trim later. Then, cut your piece of seam in half. Clean the back side of the seam strip by pulling all of the strings off. (I saved the inside of the ball for a possible future project).

 Second Step: Take one end of the seam and pull it through the bottom of the eye bolt. Then, bring it over and enclose the eye bolt with some of the E-600 glue. (I used a paper clip to secure it, until the glue dried).

 Third Step: Now measure the length that works best for holding up your curtain. (I just test wrapped it with creating a loop and closing off, then just marked the spot where to have the loop). Now glue your loop and cut excess seam strip. (I used a paper clip to secure it, until the glue dried).

Fourth Step: Tie-back your curtains.

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Basket Detail ***UPDATE***

Earlier I posted a picture of my plain brown weaved basket that I had added some detail to. I was not pleased  with the outcome. I felt like it still needed some more detail to balance out the basket. All I had to do was bring out the brush and some acrylic paint. I didn't really have a plan, I just kept painting until I felt like it was complete.

                        My 1st Attempt 

                My 2nd Attempt 

I'm much happier with the outcome. I didn't tape because the weaves had intents that I used as my guides. Again, I just used acrylic paint and a brush. And as you see I use the basket for my boys' basketballs, footballs, etc. And the basket sits under a table in my living room, so I am using it as storage but still doesn't compromise style.

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Repurpose for Decor

PotteryBarn is one of my favorite inspiration go to places, and of course I say inspiration because honestly their stuff is just too expensive for my liking. I get their magazine every season and happened to see some pretty cool decorative pieces and thought hey these look like those 80's pendant lights I've seen at my local Habitat for Humanity Store. So I went on a hunt and finally found some that were perfect for repurposing.

INSPIRATION 

http://www.potterybarn.com/m/products/decadendrom-sculpture-metal-objects/?pkey=cdecorative-home-accents

My Repurposed 80's Light Pendants

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Personalize a Towel

I am super bad at choosing gifts for people, I over analyze and think way to hard on what to get them. I always think: Do they really need this? Would they even use or like this? Is this in my budget? Etc.etc. So, when it came to buying a gift for my nephew who was turning 1, I knew I had to get him something he would actually use and could be useful. I'm walking the isles of Target trying to find the PERFECT gift. I walked by the kids bathing toys and towels. That's when I saw the Batman towel and figured I could personalize it and it would make the gift of a towel that much better.

Here is my version of how I personalized the towel.

Materials Needed:

-Towel
-Fabric (I used less than 1/4 of a yard)
-Wonder under fusible interfacing ( I used less than 1/4 of a yard)
-Cloth
-Thread (color to coordinate with your fabric and towel)

Tools Needed:

-Scissors
-Iron
-Sewing machine

Step 1:

Getting your name in the font and size you would like it. I just drew mine out because I wanted to get the letters the right size to fit somewhat within the boxes of the Batman fabric.

Step 2:

Place your interfacing (with smooth side face down) on top of your print out of letters and trace. You should be writing (with a ball point pen) on the rough side of the interfacing to avoid backward letters. If using a dark fabric re-trace onto the paper side.

Step 3:

Now take your interfacing and place onto wrong side of fabric with rough side face down. (I cut each letter out roughly, didn't cut on the lines. I wanted to get a good placement on the fabric, to ensure that I was getting the most out of the graphics). But you can do it however you would like.
After you have your placement of your letters, you need to iron (5-8 seconds) the interfacing onto the fabric. Let it cool. Once it is cooled then cut out each of your letters. Place the cut out letters on your towel where you would like them (to see how it will look or workout).
Once you have your layout, peel off the interfacing from each letter and place back side down onto the towel.

Step 4:

Next, I took a dampened towel, placed over my interfaced letters and took my dry, heated iron (setting on wool) and ironed firmly over the dampened cloth for 10-15 seconds. I did all my letters, let them cool. If for some reason, some edges are not sealed, just go back with the damp towel and iron to press the edges down.

Step 5:

Here comes the real fun.....sewing the edges of the letters to make it's really secure. I used the zig zag pattern and sewed all around the edges.

Once all of the edges of the letters are sewn, cut any loose strings. Then, put in the wash before actually gifting, that way it is nice and clean!

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Inexpensive DIY Headboard

If there's a will , there is a way! I've seen numerous diy headboards on Pinterest that use wood and that's awesome if you want a permanent shape or don't care to spend a little more on supplies. But I used a substitute that works brilliantly. CARDBOARD! Yup I went to my local hardware store and asked associate if they had any spare heavy duty cardboard from fridge or washer and dryer shipping boxes, and they gladly handed over a few pieces:) 

List of Materials Used

-Cardboard ($0) 

-2 yards of quilting batting ($8) 

-Duct tape

-2 yards of fabric ($20)

Tools Used

-Sharpie marker

-Box cutters

-Staple gun & staples

First take huge piece of cardboard and fold in half. If your piece isn't large enough you can do one half at a time. Measure ideal size of headboard and after drawing your design cut cardboard with box cutters to the appropriate size. 

Lay cardboard shape over quilt batting and cut a 2 inch perimeter around cardboard. Fold batting around cardboard edge and tape batting around it. Less tension will give you a fluffier headboard.

Take your fabric and iron out any creases you may have in it. Now lay the headboard on the back side of fabric and cut a 2 inch perimeter of fabric around headboard. Fold over fabric around edge of headboard pulling tight and using a staple gun, staple fabric to batting and cardboard. It helps if you're starting point is at top and bottom centers and working your way outward. It's a lot easier than you think! Voila! 

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Glam Your Laundry Room

Accessorizing Your Laundry Room
Although, it may seem like the laundry room is the least important room in the house,
I wanted mine to shine. I felt the need to accessorize it, paint it, and make it glamorous
that way it would make doing laundry more FUN! Just a theory of mine. It's just about complete, still need a counter top on top of washer and dryer and a hook for my ironing board.

My laundry room walls started off with just a Milk Chocolate paint, it was a Pinterest pin that inspired me to do more from the blog dancingcommas. I instantly fell in love with the herringbone design. I had some blue tape and some paint that I had got FREE from a garage sale. So, I started rummaging through the paint and found the right combo for my herringbone wall.

Now, that my wall is complete (and by the way still loving it!), I needed to start putting things back and get the look together. I decided that my accent colors would be a hot pink and a silver metallic. I found small flower vases at a thrift shop, I think I paid  $1 for two. Then, I filled with fake flowers from the Dollar Tree. My Frame is from Home Goods and the white floating shelf got at a garage sale for $1. But the shelf wasn't so great on the floating part, so I bought brackets (on sale) from my favorite store TARGET. They also add the metallic look I was going for, so a win-win.

  

My laundry room is not very large, so I need to maximize on the space I do have. I have my iron in a rack I got at IKEA. I think it was to place iron and ironing board, but my ironing board is too big. But it does the trick. My ironing board at the moment is just leaning against the wall. 

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Sharpie Mugs!

Here's the method: All you need is a sharpie (any color) and a porcelain dish that you want to permanently alter. You can even use super cheap mugs from the dollar store to create gifts or party favors. Just draw on the surface of your mug and bake it for 30 minutes at 350 degrees. Allow them to cool completely before washing or using. 

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