Knock Off Art - Paper Butterflies

I was inspired by Catherine Swan at Paper Butterfly to create something new, fresh and exciting for my space. I don't get crafty very often, but this captured me. Alas the price is way above anything that I could afford, so I used mostly what I had to make it.

I used a frame that I had previously purchased, Amy Butler scrapbook paper that I already had. I did have to buy a mat board for $8.00. I had the art supply store cut it to the correct size. I also had to buy the foam glue dots for mounting the butterflies. The hardest part was cutting each one out  and getting them aligned on the mat board. The size is deceiving in the photo. The frame is 33" X 27", so it is substantial.

I'm linking up to Between Naps on the Porch and The DIY Show Off

new lamps

I got these yesterday at the G.W. Boutique. $6.99 each, and it was 50% off day, so two for the price of one.
I love the shape and the wood.

The wonders of steel wool

Remember the 30's art deco sailboat?  A co-worker suggested that I use fine (0000) steel wool to shine it up, as this is what he uses on his drums.  It works like a dream. Then he suggested that it can also be used on taps and sinks; I think he was implying that I should clean mine, that's when I shut down :)

Kitchen tile is done

I chose a porcelain tile with some texture and matched the grout to make it appear to have little contrast. Of course one thing leads to another and the walls now have to be painted. The backsplash will be replaced and my ultimate goal is new SS appliances.

Bedroom Makeover

The CSI project is having a pantone party. Who knew that when I updated my bedroom that I had already predicted the 2011 colour of the year; honeysuckle!

Ok, I didn't know, I just loved the colour :)



I have some tweaking to do: beef up the baseboards, cover the tv/cable cords, iron drapes, find finials, replace cover plates, but overall it’s done and I couldn’t be happier with the results. I love it!
New flooring, fresh paint – cream, brown and blue, diy upholstered headboard, new to me lamps.
Before


During

After


 

It was a lot of work, but the results are fantastic.
I’m linking up to the 53rd Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch
and The DIY showoff Show and Tell

This project was featured on Better After

Repurposed roman blind

I used an old blind as the template/lining for a new window treatment.

The fabric was used on the back of my chairs (not that you can see it), which is very thick canvas.  I cut the fabric about 3 inches wider than the blind then used stitch witchery to iron the fabric on.

Then I added ribbon down both sides with stitch witchery.

Here it is hung

This room is mostly done except for an area rug.

notice the cat beds…aaaagh! I have no idea where to keep them since this is where my two cats like to hang out.

I'm linking up to the 44th metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch. Please go on over and look at the gorgeousness.

And be sure to visit Cottage Instincts for the made it with what I had party

Updated chairs

I’m done, I’m done. It was a lot of work but so worth the effort.
I bought these chairs at a garage sale about 11 years ago for $7.50 each. They are so comfortable and have been reupholstered a few times.  It was time for an update as I’ve been updating my entire house.
The fabric was a little pricey, but I had to have it.
Here they are before

During the transformation
And wallah, after

I have to do a window treatment but I haven’t come up with any inspiration yet.
Here is the back of the chairs

Here is a close up of the fabric.


The DIY Showoff is hosting a party. Have a look to see what others have done to their furniture.

And here they are today. I've changed the room a bit :)

This post updated to participate in the The Girl Creative's furniture fix up party.

Squeal…I’m as happy as a pig in s*it

Two amazing bargains this weekend via Kijiji.

First, I had been looking for a side table for my dining room for a long time, but I knew that it had to be something that fit well. I purchased this and it actually goes quite well with the base of my dining table.

Whadda ya mean you don’t have a fold up table in your dining room?  I use it to sew on and it hasn’t made it back to it’s home yet.

Wait until you see the fabric I have to redo these chairs. I do have more chairs but I’m not loving them, so I’m only keeping these two for now.

And now for my second find.  This was a steal at $60.

And just in case you don’t see it well enough in that picture, here is another shot :)

So I’m still looking out for a rug and two new lamps.  I’m happy to wait until I find what I love.

My Beautiful Sprout Fairy

This is how my daughter dressed for hallowe’en this year. This afternoon is her party at school, then she has two house parties after school.

I’m participating in The DIY Showoff’s Halloween Costume Party. Head on over to see what other’s have done. (it’s down at the bottom of the page, after the Fall Festival.

Hallowe’en in my hood

There are two houses side by side down the street from me, that make their hallowe’en display creepier and creepier each year. I think they compete for the house with the most stuff competition.

 

I think this one is in poor taste, but my kids thought it was creepy cool.

Updated dresser

I finally completed the dresser.  It was a lot of work and it’s not perfect, so don’t look too closely :0)

It took sanding, priming and two coats of paint.

Here is the before:

and after:

It looks very small in this photo, but it’s not. I have 15 foot ceilings in my living room. Not an easy room to decorate.

The purpose of this redo was so that I would have somewhere to put all of my balloon supplies.

I’m linking up to the Saturday Nite Special over at Funky Junk Interiors. Go on over and see what others have done to their junk.

And also to The DIY Showoffs party, just cause I'm so darn stinkin' proud of this transformation.