Easter cloche

I found this today at the GW. It stands about 14 inches high, one of the largest of these types of clocks I’ve seen. It was $5.00 and it’s glass, not plastic. The twirly thing at the bottom was missing. (edited to add, I've since learned that these are called anniversary clocks, who knew?)

I spray primed then a couple of coats of satin black, add cute ceramic bunnies holding giant carrot candles? Ha ha.  The bunnies I bought quite a while ago at the GW.  I can change it out with the seasons.



I’ve done a lot around the house this weekend, and worked a couple of hours OT too :)  I am working on one more project, which I will reveal later this week. It involves moulding and bedroom doors :)

I'm linking to Susan's Met Monday at Between Naps on the Porch and at Southern Hospitality

Butterfly art for my daughter

I used an Ikea Ribba frame, some foam core to make it more of a shadow box, sparkly letters and colour chip samples from the paint store. I made this for her for her upcoming 12th birthday. Her bedroom is black, white and red.
The two red butterflies represent her an I. She is the lone butterfly, flying in a different direction. I am in the pack, amongst her family and friends, who will always be there for her as she journeys through life.

Although this is an older project, I’m linking up to Fireflies and Jellybean’s Iron Crafter party. The theme is paint chips and this one fits the theme perfectly.

Crown moulding and baseboards are finally done

It took me weeks to finally get around to caulking and touch up painting.
The bulkhead was previously green

and now it’s painted out to match the cupboards. I think it looks so much nicer and gives the appearance of taller cabinets (sort of kind of)
Then I tackled the baseboards. I purchased a big sheet of mdf and had the store cut it down to 4” strips. I painted it out and then added chair rail, upside down.

I don’t know about you, but I have such a hard time getting to the final touch ups. I’m glad it’s completed.
Next I am going to install beadboard on the backsplash.

Computer nook update

Before

I mod podged the counter with wall paper, used scrap book paper to cover cereal boxes and a coffee can, moved the bulletin board to cover the phone outlet and moved the broken down pc.  It’s not perfect but it’s a whole lot better.
After

Spring refreshing

A jute rug will replace the existing rug.

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.