French Bench

I finally had this great bench reupholstered.  The transformation is amazing.  I paid $60.00 for the bench and $200.00 to reupholster.  I am happy with the result.  I used the reverse side of the fabric for the piping and buttons.  I like the mix.  I also painted the legs white.  Since I have hardwood floors, there would not have been enough contrast had I kept them natural.

Don't be afraid to bargain shop and have things reupholstered.  Customizing pieces to fit your decor is what creates that eclectic look.

In The Christmas Spirit

We went to Berkley for dinner before heading to see Bob Seger in concert in Oakland.  I was so inspired by the celebration of the season.  I wish my own town went to such trouble.  It was beautiful and got me in the mood for this special time of year.

More Christmas Ideas

I love the old pictures of me and my family with Santa.  A fun way to display them is to frame them and prop them in front of each persons stocking.  Its a great way to display the photos and adds decoration to your mantel.

Creative Christmas Card

I have this reoccurring competition with myself to outdo the Christmas card from the past year.  This year was easy because I didn't like last years.  I was in a time crunch and just did it even though I wasn't happy with the result.

The background is pretty enough, but the picture is fuzzy and boring.  I got inspired while watching a decorating show.

This is a picture off the TV so the quality isn't great, but you get the idea.  I shared this with my neighbor, who happens to be a photographer and that got the ball rolling.  This was the result.

The photographer has a program that makes the picture look like a painting.  It looks a little like a Norman Rockwell of modern times.  I hope this inspires  you to think outside the box and get creative.

Christmas Decorating

So sorry I have been gone so long.  Life is getting in the way, but I am back doing what I love.  Here are my favorite things to decorate with for the holidays.

• Bottle Brush Trees
• Mercury Glass
• Ball Ornaments

I am not a huge lover of red so this is my contribution to the traditional Christmas colors.  Of course, I paired it with my favorite color, turquoise.

This is my buffet in my dining room.  I love glass domes.  This one was a steal at Marshall's for $19.99  compared to the usual price of $80.00.  I have it sitting on a salvaged piece from an old porch.  A column rested on this pedestal.  The bottle brush trees and mercury glass I just buy when I see them for a good price.  The picture above is the only Winter  one I hang.  I just love it.  It has all my favorite colors.  I found it at antique store some time ago and bring it out every winter.  I hope you got some ideas.  I will post tomorrow with more.

Barn Door Table Finished

The table is finally finished.  Now to find chairs.

I love the dents and the years of wear and tear.  It reminds me of the history of this 100 year old wood.

Fred

Fred, (just like Smokey And The Bandit), is the White Barn mascot.  He wanted out, as you can see.  Made my day.

The Gift Of Giving

I am going to a wedding this weekend.  I can tell by the invitation, a lot of thought has been given to the planning of this special day.  I think it is important to give a little time to the gift.  It doesn't have to cost  a lot, but make your gift look special.  Just like the day.
I used package wrap from the dollar store, burlap ribbon, shipping tags ( from an office supply store), and wire ribbon.

To create the rosette, you simply pull one side of the wire ribbon to gather.  Then roll ribbon into a circle, and secure with hot glue.  This whole project took about 10 mins., and I have a beautifully wrapped gift. I use shipping tags most of the time for gifts.  I just can't see spending $3-4 for a card that is going to be thrown away.  Plus, I just like the way the tag looks.  Hope you like the result.

Classics Are Forever

This 1950 Ford Custom is an unexpected planter box.  It may not be hauling down the road anymore, but this is the next best thing.  I think this old beauty looks amazing.  Oleander seeds made there way to this parked car and took root.  The result, a great addition to the garden.

Progress

Today Tom cut the legs for my barn door table.  He also put a clear coat on them so they wouldn't chip anymore paint.  He also added an oil base primer to the door.  Tomorrow we will add the top coat.  I am so excited to see the end result.  It is gonna be amazing.

Get Inspired

I went shopping for a client today. If you haven't been to the Antique Trove in Roseville,  you are missing out.  Bargains are to be found if you really look.  I found this beautiful chandelier and ceiling tin frames.  They will be perfect for my dining room project.

Of course, I never pass up an opportunity to be inspired.  Here are some of the things that inspired me today.

The first photo was framed antlers used to hang old keys, but I think would be great for necklaces.  Second, was the glass vase full of blue bottles.  I love that.  The third pic was a wall full of botanical prints.  It looked so cool.  Lastly, was a booth that just looked amazing.  Other peoples creativity is so inspiring.

Feels Like Fall

The first sign of cooler weather and I was baking cookies and burning candles.  I am looking forward to Fall.

Thrift Stores Are Your Friend

I know you drive past them every day.  You think there is nothing in there you could possibly want.  I, on the other hand, love thrift stores.  It is the thrill of the hunt for me.  This week I came across this treasure at my local Salvation Army.  I have big plans.  I have already delivered it to the reupholsters.  Can't wait for the end result.  I know it will be amazing.
I know you can't really tell from the picture, but one side of the fabric is a muted turquoise, and the other side is tan.  I am having the base done in the turquoise and the buttons and piping in the tan.  I will post pictures as soon as I get it back.

Keep Decorating

Just a few more ideas.

This display is on my buffet in my dining room.  My favorite is the orange dish with the black dice.  The colors are what makes it.  So check the china cabinet.  You may have the perfect decoration without even buying a thing.  Add a little candy corn and antlers and you have a masterpiece.

It Is Time To Decorate for Halloween

I know it may seen too early, but I had the time so I thought I better get it done.  Six weeks passes so quickly.

Every year I buy 1 or 2 new things to add to my holiday decorations.  This year I bought the Vampire Love Potion canister and the Ravens Craft bottle.  Both were from Marshall's for under $10.  The crows, the web on the mirror, the runner and the skeletons in the glass jars were all from The Dollar Store.  Most of the glass jars came from Marshall's.  I love jars.  I use them for every holiday and for everyday decorating.  Hope you get some good ideas.

Get Snap Happy

When people come to my house for the first time, they almost always comment on my picture wall.  These are just some of my favorite photos I put together to make a collage.  Throw in some antlers and awesome frames and you have art.

My favorite photos are the candid ones.  The unexpected ones.  I am by no means a photographer, but I do know what I like.

These are just a few pics that made it to the wall and I didn't have to pay for an expensive photographer.  I just had to start snapping photos.  Sooner or later you will get that perfect picture.  And for some reason, making a picture black and white turns an ok photo to a fabulous one.