dreamingincolor

How to make Duck Tape Flowers

2013-05-22T08:00:00.000-05:00

I have had requests for a tutorial of my Duck Tape flowers. Finally getting around to it.

When I was at SNAP the Duck Tape representatives had a display of flowers and some of the prettiest tape I have ever seen.

When I returned home I knew I was going to play with my little stash. I wanted to come up with something a little different. I have to warn you. This is not a conventional tutorial. I literally sat on my tufted sofa and wrapped tape around my finger till I came up with something I liked.

I cut the tape around 11/2" I used 10.

I did this one at a time. I put print side down and folded one corner in so the sticky side stuck together.

Fold the other side in to match. It should make a point,

Then the weird part starts. I begin to wrap my finger. Two pieces facing each other and wrapped around finger.

Those points stay straight up on the two, Do the same with 4 more being taped around in a square. Bend tips out then wrap around. Do 4 more alternating points in the bare spaces.

When complete roll a little piece and tick in center. I then used a scissor to cut slits up stem part to take off finger. I hope you are still following this! I told you it was different!

I used my flower to wrap around the center of my flip flops but you can use these for so many things.
Go take a look HERE!

What would you do with one or more?

I think it is a fun summer project.

Smoked Turkey Veggie Pasta

2013-05-20T07:30:00.000-05:00

It is official! I will be going to Italy!

This has always been a dream of mine. When I was in grammar school, I had a friend who would go there every year. She always wanted me to go with her. She is my best friend to this day. We have done a lot together but I never got the chance to go to Italy. Then my husband surprised me at Christmas with this trip. Now it is official because now we have booked it!

We have never done anything this huge before. You see my husband hasn't been in the best of health for years. I don't talk about it much. It has been a long hard road. Knowing we are both taking this trip together truly feels like a dream.

I worry about the walking he will do but he is determined to live his life even through the pain he has.
We have been planning and searching for what we would like to do there and finally decided to take a tour for 13 days.

There are so many things I want to experience while I am there. Being 100% Italian, I am excited to eat the food!! Pasta, pizza, seafood, cheeses, bread, gellato! YUM

and go to the wine vineyards and taste the wonderful fruits of the land.

These thoughts made me so hungry. So I decided to spend the day in the kitchen making a favorite of mine and my family. Smoked Turkey Veggie Pasta.

This recipe makes a lot and it is great to bring to a picnic. With the summer holidays approaching, this one is a delicious dish to share.

I need to start learning some Italian! I only know a few words and most are bad words! (Don't judge! I grew up in an Italian household!)

And because of that....I can share some awesome recipes with you! Some I have shared are Linguine and Shrimp and Pesto to name a few.

Buon Appetito!

Smoked Turkey Veggie Pasta

Ingredients:

11/2-2lbs of fettuccine

1/2lb of fresh broccoli cut into florets

2 medium zucchinis sliced thin

6-8 green onions thinly sliced

1 large red pepper cut in thin strips

1 6oz can pitted olives sliced and drained

4c of cooked smoked turkey cubed

2c cherry tomatoes

2/3c grated parmesan cheese

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

Basil Sauce

1/4 c basil chopped

2 cloves garlic

2 eggs

1/2 tsp mustard

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp lemon juice

1T wine vinegar

11/2 c olive oil

1/2 c sour cream

Fill pot with water and add salt (enough to make it salty) when it comes to a boil add pasta. Cook 10min or until al dente. ( a little firm) drain and place in a large bowl.

Add all vegetables and stir. Add remaining ingredients and stir. Make Basil Sauce in a food processor. This is made like a dressing. Combine basil and garlic and process for 30 seconds. Add egg and next 4 ingredients. Process 20 seconds. While running add oil slowly. Add sour cream and process for 5 seconds. Add to hot pasta and serve. This is great cold too! You can adjust recipe to taste.

Enjoy!

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Savvy Southern Style

Tufted Sofa

2013-05-16T08:00:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone! Before I get started, I want to thank you all for your support! I exceeded my followers through Hometalk to qualify for the trip to Lucketts this weekend because of you. I was blown away! Unfortunately, I did not win.

With that said, I am pleased to say the my Antique Blue, Grey and White Dresser painted with Chalk Paint® by Annie Sloan is being featured tomorrow at Annie Sloan Unfolded Facebook Page . I love this paint so much it is an honor to be there!

If you follow me on Facebook you know I got a sofa for my living room. It is from the Martha Stewart Collection at Macy's. It was delivered before I left for SNAP. I am just now getting around to posting about it.

I had been searching for a sofa like this for awhile. Then one day my sister tells me she found a sofa she wanted for her living room. Turns out to be the same one I had been looking at! We do this a lot!
She bought hers is a light grey and my color is called Vintage! It is a darker grey but it had to be custom ordered. I am loving it!

I will be redoing my living room and building around this beauty!

At the same time I am doing mine I will also be designing my sisters.

I started on hers yesterday. Turquoise and yellow will be her colors. Can't wait to share my design with you

She also got the chair that goes with this set. So stay tuned it for a living room redo!

As always thanks so much for reading and supporting my blog!

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Miss Mustard Seed

Hometalk/Lucketts Trip!

2013-05-13T07:41:00.002-05:00

Today is the last day for me to get 10 new followers on my Hometalk page! Unfortunately I just started to ask people! Ugh! Since I have been away I have been out of the loop. So I am asking, no, begging you to please go HERE and follow me on Hometalk.

Borrowed from Funky Junk Interiors

I consider myself a small blog with a big heart! I love all my followers! When I heard about Hometalk coming up with a trip to Lucketts I wanted in! Only one lucky blogger gets to go. Yes I know it is a long shot but that's where YOU come in! When I get ten followers I qualify!!

Hometalk is a free, yes free, online Home and DIY community. You can ask questions and find great tips and tricks. Browse through thousands of posts/pictures to inspire and give you insight to your next project!

So I ask you to please follow me on Hometalk! Today is the day!!

Oh and Did I tell you I get to see some fabulous Bloggers? Read more about it on Donna's Site!

So, cross your fingers for me!! And FOLLOW.... Oh and I may be visiting you today to ask you to do this! Just in case you don't see this.

Thanks!

Happy Mother's Day

2013-05-12T08:00:00.000-05:00

Today many are celebrating what it means to be a mom.

I shared one of my special memories with you with my Blueberry pie story and recipe.

And now,
I want to share my pictures from the conservatory at the Bellagio from my trip to Vegas this week.

This is my gift to you!

Being a mom....I think that can be interpreted in many ways. No matter what makes you a mom today, the meaning of love is what is similar.

You planted a seed in someone's heart, nurtured it and watched it bloom.

Your words of truth and encouragement strengthened them

Your bond of love will continue to grow and be passed on

You may never know how much the power YOUR love has changed a life

Not everyone can be a Mom

It means giving up everything and getting everything all at the same time!

Unconditional Love....

That is why today we celebrate YOU!

Happy Mother's Day!

Enjoy your day!

Homemade Garden Soap

2013-05-08T08:00:00.000-05:00

This week the weather has changed and people are out in their yards cleaning the furniture, putting out the garden art and digging in the dirt . Getting muddy! Pulling weeds...

Some wear gardening gloves but the dirt still manages to stain your hands. You know you hate it!

That is wear this projects comes to life!

It is a fast and easy project. You can even get the children involved. And what a great gift for them to give to their mom or dad for Mother's/Father's Day!

Just place it in a basket filled with gardening tools. Makes a great gift.

Or keep it for yourself and hang it on your shed!

This is what you will need:

3 strands of raffia
2/3 c shredded soap
2/3 c cornmeal
2T baby oil
2T warm water

Grate the bar of soap and add all ingredients. It will start to form like dough. Braid the raffia and tie into a loop. Form dough around raffia in a ball. Let dry overnight.

The cornmeal acts like a scrub and the dirty hands become nice and clean.

If you want fragrance you can add some essential oil to it.

What I like is how quick this project is! You can make several. I can make two out of one bar of soap.

So get the kiddos to help you with this one!

This is a great "tool" for the garden! It is natural and it isn't complicated to make.

Why not give it a try?

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Savvy Southern Style
Jennifer Rizzo

Duck Tape Flip Flops!

2013-05-06T08:00:00.000-05:00

Hello friends! Are you ready for the beach?

I have to admit, I start getting a longing for the sand between my toes as soon as winter ends. Shoot I get it all the time , who am I kidding?

If you took a look at all the goodies I got from SNAP, you would have seen lots of tape! Duck Tape gave me this pretty floral tape among others when I was talking to them. I knew I would love to create something with the pretty pattern.

They had several flower items that I flipped over. I gave mine a little twist. Now I am flipping over my flip flops! (OK just had to do that!)

This can even be something for Mother's Day!

I literally picked up an old pair of flip flops from my closet to try this. The dog even got them once hence the teeth marks!

I figured if it didn't work it wouldn't ruin anything.

I have a thing for making flowers out of paper and now it looks like tape is my new thing!

The duck tape had just the right color to make these boring flip flops pop! We all want to have pretty feet at the beach or pool. Now these are the $1 flip flops I got from Old Navy. I would say a thrifty project!

I went for a stroll in my backyard.....stopped to smell the flowers.......kicked back and put my feet up and relaxed!

I like projects like this.....

Any project that lets me take a break is a good thing!

If I can make something old look refreshed, I accomplished what I set out to do. Now I will go buy some new ones and try something else.

Dreaming.....in.....color......
Dreaming.....of......summer.....

These are going with me to Vegas! I can at least wear them to the pool!

What do you think? Would you wear tape on your shoes?
Learn how to make the flowers here

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Savvy Southern Style
Flamingo Toes

Happy Birthday Audrey!

2013-05-04T08:00:00.000-05:00

"For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone."

I have used her quotes before on projects. She is a favorite.

It is no wonder that this lady is still an icon. Back in the days of classy and eloquent women, she set an example. She still does today.

I had the pleasure of painting Audrey a few years ago and I wanted to share the post again with you to commemorate her birthday.

This is still one of my favorite pieces to date. I would love for you to check it out and leave a comment! Some of you already have and told me numerous times it is your favorite too. Thank you for that!

She was amazing....

I wish there were more like her for the girls of today to look up to.

One thing for sure is I am glad that I can be the one to introduce her memory to others. My daughter loves her the same.

So Happy Birthday Audrey! Thanks for giving us so much to try to emulate.

SNAP Swag and Prizes (Part 2)

2013-05-03T08:00:00.000-05:00

After a great week at SNAP, I am battling mega sinus crap that is bringing me down. I haven't been able to do much. I am dragging. I am leaving for Vegas soon and I need to feel better! Remember my New Year's resolution? Trying to stick to it!!

I have given you the SNAP recap and Giveaway from the Queen Bee Market, but now I will show you the SNAP swag and prizes I received.

At registration, I received a stuffed pink bag full of sponsor gifts. Seriously, it was overflowing. At the end of the line there were more things in piles on the floor. Your choice of an umbrella or neck pillow from Ikea. I loved the pretty pink umbrella but it looked like a weapon and I didn't think security would let me on the plane with it so I took the pillow. My travel buddy, Michele, had one so I knew we would enjoy it on the flight back home when we wanted to rest.

Thank God I had it! I was exhausted coming home!

....until the crying babies started on the plane.... Ugh! No sleep for this one!

Yes I love babies. My children are grown and I do remember....but I was tired and this was an enclosed space! So it echoed! Bless there hearts!

ok sorry for the rant...back to swag....you know I love swag....loved what I got from Haven and now SNAP!

I wanted to highlight some of the great things I received. First all the goodies on the business cards like washi tape, candy, rings, pins and bracelets to name a few

Tons of candy

Tons of Swag!

Shurtek~Duck Tape, 3M/Scotch Brand

T-shirts

Homes.com/Homes for Rent, Family Share, MailChimp

Lowes, Fish Foam, Coldstone, Minwax, Expressions Vinyl, Moen,

Look at all this scrapbooking fun! Pick Your Plum, Cricut, American Crafts

All this from Floracraft! Thanks Sharon!!

This is always one of my favorites in any size! Thanks Annie Sloan Home!

Lots of Reading material. Where Women Create, Bosch, Moen

I won these items from World Market and a Light reflector from a photography class I took.

This beautiful necklace was designed special for SNAP creating joy. The r House presented this to us at our dinner.

Last but not least RYOBI!! My favorite people! Remember what I won at Haven.

And then I got this Airstriker nail gun and battery.....well I am waiting for RYOBI to mail it to me!!
I hope to get it this week.

Thanks to Ana White and RYOBI for this one.

I had to take an extra bag to on the plane with me. So many things!

Love all my swag and prizes! Thank you to all the sponsors. I tried to remember everyone.

others were

Basic Grey, DecoArt, Pollinate Media, Todays Mama, Ikea, Utah Truffles, Rhonna Designs, Very Jane, RFE, Thanksgiving Point

Thank you for making this conference extra special!

AND

Speaking of a Giveaway this one has over $200 worth. Be sure to enter!

ENDS SUNDAY!

Sofa Table

2013-05-01T06:00:00.000-05:00

It has been a busy week. Just getting back to the swing of things and now I am getting ready to leave again! This time Vegas baby!! My travel has started and I am excited!! Although traveling is fun, I still have to work in between.

We still have our $200 Giveaway going on so please enter!!

I love showing you this project because I want you to see how one little detail can change the whole look of this piece.

I painted a sofa table that is so pretty I would hate to hid it behind one. I think it would make a great laptop desk too.

This sofa table is a solid piece of wood with nice lines but a little plain for me.
I painted it in Annie Sloan Provence and Paris Grey. I used the dark wax to give the grey some grain effect. I used clear on the top.

The before shows the wood grain and color. I knew it had potential. After I painted it though, it was just too boring.

That is where these little babies came in handy, I was at Hobby Lobby and saw these in the clearance section. I thought it would make a great applique for my furniture. YES...they are for drapery. The wooden ones you buy can get pricey...so why not these?

Who says you can't use these for other things? Think outside the box. It is so much fun to use something that is meant for one thing, for another purpose.

That is what I did in this case. It was just what the piece needed.

One was all that was needed. It became a focal point.

I was going to paint over it but I think the silver gave it a little shine and complimented the colors.

I put my little blue chair with it to take the photo and I thought it looked great as a desk.

Remember it is always in the details! It is a far cry from the before picture.

What do you have lying around that can be used as a "detail" piece? I hope this made you think about it!

I can't believe we are in May already!! Time sure does fly! Thanks for being here!

Follow me below too!

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Savvy Southern Style
Miss Mustard Seed
A Stroll thru Life

Queen Bee Market Giveaway

2013-04-29T02:00:00.000-05:00

Last week I shared Part 1 of my experience at SNAP. I spoke about the Queen Bee Market shopping booths and now I am sharing something really exciting. A huge giveaway! I just clicked over 700 followers on Google friend connect and 900 on Facebook too! Thank you!

Other craft bloggers shared some awesome photos of the Queen Bee Market last week too. This gathering of handmade goodness is fun to browse through... and even more fun to shop at! I partnered with BlogPrizes.com and some of my blogging friends to give YOU a chance to win some of the hottest items at the Queen Bee Market. And I really mean HOTTEST. Several of these items were sold out before the show was over, and a couple sold out very shortly after it started!

One winner will be getting a box filled with all of this!

Be Kind Sign - Evie Ivy Engraved Cutting Board - Alexis Mattox Design Camera Strap - August Blossoms Cupcake liners, straws, and cookie cutter - Bake it Pretty Aqua Bracelet - Hoop-la Crochet Rose - Made by Jewls 3 Bars Handmade Soap - Karol's Handmade Soap White Flower Earrings - Love Stitched Heart Necklace - The r House Couture Moustache Covered Notebook - Ameroonie Designs Leather and Fabric iPad Case - Sage & Harper 3 Lip Balms - Kustom Kissers

It is even more awesome than you can see!!

Enter using the Rafflecopter widget found below: Giveaway end Sunday May 5th 12pm pst. If you win you will have 48hrs to respond. US and Canadian residents only. Good Luck!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

LET'S CONNECT!!

Carved Dining Table

2013-04-26T08:00:00.000-05:00

This is the rest of the story. The dining table to go with the carved chairs.

The table was huge so we decided it would be best if I just painted it in their home. If you are just joining this story, a couple that found my blog commissioned me to paint their dining room set.

I debated on painting the top or not. Once I got there I knew I would leave the top wood. I felt the space needed the warmth of the wood since there were already painted pieces in there.

These were the chairs I painted. I had the clients remove the cushions.

When they were done I delivered them to their house when I was ready to paint the table.

The carving would be highlighted with a dry brush technique and multiple colors.

And there were lots of carving under the table.

As soon as the paint hits it it is transformed.

I used Annie Sloan Paris Gray and Old White with clear and dark wax.

Look how everything stands out now

So much better! Now the cushions have to be covered to make this complete. And did you notice what is up against the wall.

That is my french hutch!

She did a great job styling it. She even added an Edison bulb to the inside light.

Can't wait to get an updated picture with the chairs covered! With the addition of the painted table, the dining room just stood out. Loved it.

Let's connect below!

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Miss Mustard Seed

Dreamingincolor at SNAP! Conference 2013 {Part 1}

2013-04-24T08:00:00.000-05:00

SNAP! Conference 2013 was a journey of inspiring events and creative people. It was the first time for me visiting Utah and participating in this event. A place filled with craftiness. From the moment I laid my eyes upon those beautiful mountains that would surround me throughout the week, I knew I was in a special place.

This conference was a little different than Haven. I arrived on Wednesday and departed on Sunday. It was a long week. But like Haven, My mind is on overload from all the classes I attended and the talks to 3am with so many amazing women!

And the swag was fantastic! I had so much stuff I had to switch bags and put my clothes in a duffle so I can use my suitcase to stuff all this goodness and take it home. The sponsors outdid themselves! More on this in another post. Too much to put here!

My roommates and I created a door for a contest. It was hard to take the picture because it was on an angle. There is a plane pulling our blog headers, a spring fence with paper flowers and a mailbox for everyone to place their business cards in. We didn't win but it did made the news!

I designed my business cards and I came home with tons of cards of blogs to check out. I also got cards of vendors to contact.

Thanksgiving Point was a beautiful complex that had hotels, a museum, restaurants, a home decor store, petting zoo, show barn and more. Such a great place to hold a conference.

The classes were great and informative. So many, ranging from Google+ , SEO, Branding your Blog, Object photography to Upholstery Etc. So much to choose from.

There were guest speakers at delicious dinners. The big events were held in the Show Barn.

And there were guests at our table that were more than interesting.

Fun parties like a pajama party and craft night, Queen Bee Market and DJ dance with glow lights and photo booth!

Tauni, the conference organizer, worked so hard to make us enjoy ourselves. All the details were so special, from the colored paper straws to put in our milk, to the blinking light rings on our finger. Each a memory to take with us.

I have to say, as exhausted as I was, it was hard to leave all these new found friends I had enjoyed all week. The apprehension I had felt in the beginning quickly faded when these new bonds were formed.

The laughter that will never be forgotten and the friendships that will last a lifetime!

And the beauty that I will carry with me and keep, till I return again!

I hope you enjoyed part one of my recap. Wait till you hear what I came home with!! (In my next post) Didn't want to make this any longer! I do want you to come back lol!

My New Business Cards for SNAP

2013-04-19T08:00:00.000-05:00

SNAP is here and I am so excited to be going to Utah!! It looks so beautiful!

Getting ready for a blogging conference is so much fun and it is a great excuse to get some new stuff!
It is always a good thing to refresh your look. I did some refreshing, got a haircut, did my nails, and and got some new shoes! That might not be a big deal to you but I never paint my fingernails because they are always in paint!

There are tons of amazing women going. These women have already inspired me as I have been getting to know them before the conference. I can't wait to share our stories with you. Just like I did when I went to Haven. This is my first time going to SNAP and I have already participated in twitter parties and and craft swaps!!

With all this excitement I decided to create some new business cards. I thought about it for awhile and created them. I even added a QR code to the back with my picture and blog button.

phone pic

Then.....

There was a big problemmmmm! While not wearing my glasses, I made some changes to the layout!

I said while I was NOT wearing my glasses!

So when I opened the beautiful box wrapped in ribbon and looked at my new cards.

Then to my horror......I seen letters missing on a couple of my social sites.

Can we say stupid!? I wanted to cry.

So I did what any DIY'er would do and fixed it! I am not happy with making a sticker for it but it could have been worse. (I am so anal and this really bothers me)

I will change it again for my next conference with more colors to the card but I do like them. To top them off I applied a little colorful treat.

I hope you like them!!

I will be handing them all out I know. The best thing about blogging conferences is always learning something new and meeting great friends. So wish me luck!

Click on the camera button below to connect to instagram and see all my SNAP pictures.

Carved Painted Chairs

2013-04-17T08:00:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I have the pleasure of meeting such nice people.

I got a email one day from a woman that found my blog. She was interested in a piece of furniture that I had painted. Love when people see my blog and all my painted pieces and want them!!

Unfortunately, I sold the piece she liked. Fortunately she wanted to see my painted french hutch.
Both she and her husband came to see it. I just love them. She reminds me of us bloggers. I can tell she has the "eye". Her husband made me laugh. He is super tall and can see on top of things that the "normal" person can't. Yes he can see the dust on top of your doors!! He noticed a spot I forgot to paint on the hutch! It didn't bother him, they bought it anyway. It bothered me though so when they left I quickly painted it!

When they came to pick it up I was proud to see it on its way.

They liked it so much they wanted me to paint their dining room set.

It was beautifully carved so I knew the paint would be great on them.

Look at these legs!! So pretty.

They were already so nice. Paint releases all the pretty and makes it stand out. I distressed and painted six of them with Paris Grey and Old White. I dry brushed the details to let the wood shine through the paint.

The paint looks like it has been there forever. The waxes gives it dimension.

I wish you can see it in person. They look even better! Never underestimate the power of paint!!

I can't wait for you to see the dining room table. I took a picture of the hutch in her home when I was there too. I will post soon.

I want to say thanks to them. It is such a compliment when a client likes your things and they come back for more!

And thanks to you my readers for coming back for more! I love having you here!!

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Savvy Southern Style

Plant Stick with Pine Cone Nest

2013-04-15T08:44:00.001-05:00

With Mother's Day coming soon I thought this would be a great project for adults or children to make for their moms. It is easy and inexpensive! These are the projects we like!!

A plant stick or pick which ever one you say, is something any mom would enjoy. This is a gift that can be for anyone though.

I have done other pine cone crafts before. I must love them! Remember my Pine Cone frame? Another good idea for Mother's Day!

I also did an Anthro Knock off with them.

I have a bunch in my yard I collect to use for crafts. I love

being able to come up with different ideas for them.

Now if you don't have access to any you can purchase some. I started with a cardboard circle and took apart the pine cone to have separate pieces.

I used hot glue to attach two rows around the cardboard. (face up)

Then two more rows with piece face down. This went real fast.

The finished product looks like a nest. It is fun to do different looking nests. You can add moss and stuff to it but I wanted just the pine cone.

They make pretty flowers too!

Then I copied the pink bird graphic from The GraphicsFairy

I used card stock and cut out the image and mod podged it together. The mod podge forms a protective coating on the card stock. I then glued it to a craft stick.

I then inserted it in the whole of the nest and glued it.

For a nice presentation, I painted a pot and transferred another bird image to the front.

Then when you give it as a gift, all they have to do is lift up the nest and insert it in a plant. Of course you can buy a plant and do the same, it is up to you!! If a child is doing this you can use regular glue.

I love how it can take an ordinary plant and make it look

super special.

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Restyling Bookcases {with Inspiration}

2013-04-12T08:00:00.000-05:00

My niece was on spring break last week and took a trip to Florida to check out colleges. She is very creative and loves fashion and art. You may have remembered when I was teaching her how to paint. I wrote a post about it because I thought she did a great job.

While she was away, my sister decided to start some projects. That is why I was there painting the antique desk. I was also deciding on what needs to be done for the design of the living room.

When I finished, I did a quick restyling of my niece's bedroom. We wanted to surprise her when she got home by giving her some newly restyled bookcases.

I wanted to move the shelves out of the living room so we put them in her room. She had a wall that needed some height to it. They worked perfectly. I think I was able to use things that will inspire her and still keep it functional. I even used her painting!

She will lay in her bed and look at the shelves so I wanted there to be special things on it for her to look at everyday. I started with blank shelves.

I filled the bottom shelves with paperbacks and schoolwork they she needed. I couldn't get a good shot but there is a basket to ho;d some of her things.

Sorry for the blurry picture. This is an art vase I made for her. I filled the bottom with oil paint tubes. I then add a wire piece from a bouquet used in her mom's wedding. Filled the top with painted paint sticks and brushes to mimic "flowers" I added blank canvases to the vignette too.

The next vignette was Marilyn! I used a pretty notebook she had got a pottery dish from my sister's stash and used it as a tray for her colognes. This was a hit!

She was so surprised when she came home. She texted me and said how much she loved how artsy it was. My sister and I had fun rearranging but we were delirious by the end of the night. We finished so late. (Which is my excuse for the bad pics!) I love changing the look of a room with things you already have.

I will have to update with a picture from the whole room when I can take better pictures. Hope you like this little glimpse.

Have you ever used things from other rooms for a fresh look?

If not give it a try! It is an affordable way to upgrade your room and be inspired!

Antique Desk Makeover {Turquoise and Grey}

2013-04-10T08:00:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I find a piece that has beautiful lines. One that is old and has character. Then I get to paint it. The paint enhances it, the change adds to its personality. Love transformations!
One of my biggest transformations was this roll top desk.

I love painting different styles and with different techniques like this little boys desk. But now I have an antique desk. Yes I have done a few but this one is one of my favorites.

There are a lot of makeovers going on right now. My son is redoing his upstairs bathroom. I am designing an office space, my sister's living room and my own. On top of all that SNAP and painting, painting, painting!

This antique desk makeover was the start! It will make the perfect addition to the living room. My sister purchased it awhile back. It is very old but sturdy. I will be using it to house her flat screen.

I love the colors I used. Florence, Provence and French Linen. She wants grey and I suggested a pop of color with the Turquoise.

Like I said before, it started as a great piece. I just made it stand out. This is what I started with.

It is just tired and old.....like someone else I know! lol AND those knobs had to go!!!

Since we were scurrying to get taxes done this weekend, I didn't start painting this til late in the day. That explains the lighting with the pictures!

The painting began...and layering. I wanted the drawers to be a deeper color than the rest of the desk.

Little variations to age the paint. Then dark and clear waxes were added.

Then distressing to give it dimension.

I added silver knobs. To me it updated it and made it current! I also like how the light bounces off of them.

I love everything about the patina!

The living room has this great piece as a starting point now. It is rich and beautiful.
Whose says you need to spend a lot of money for great pieces of furniture? This is so much better than what is in the stores nowadays!

It has a great shelf underneath for storage. I think a great basket could go here!

I then had an HGTV moment. I did a little makeover in my niece's room too while I was there.

I will show you in my next post. I am painting a clients table today and have to get started!

See you soon!
Oh and don't forget, with reader gone in Google you can follow my blog on Bloglovin' to the right on the sidebar or any of the buttons below!

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Chase The Stars

Miss Mustard Seed

Blueberry Crumb Pie {The Recipe}

2013-04-08T08:00:00.000-05:00

Wow! What a weekend! So much going on and trying to get ready for SNAP!

Last Wednesday I shared a Mother's Day Story with all of you that explains this recipe. It was a big hit. I had people from everywhere commenting, emailing and calling me about it.

Even Facebook friends where excited about it. They had fun laughing at me and my 1980's photo!

Everyone said it was a throwback.

But the one thing in common with all of the above was.....

What is the recipe?

So without further ado .......

Blueberry Crumb Pie

1 ½ cups flour

½ cup sugar

1 ½ tsp baking powder

1 stick butter, room temperature

1 egg

1 can blueberry pie filling(or any other fruit, apples, cherries, etc.)

Cinnamon, powdered sugar

*This can be altered with fresh blueberries but I wanted to give you the original recipe

Mix together by hand…. the flour, sugar, baking powder, butter and egg. Pat half the mixture in a pie plate, then pour in the blueberries. Make crumbs with your hands with remaining mixture and place on top. Sprinkle with cinnamon.

Bake 1 hour at 325 degrees. Sprinkle powdered sugar on top after cooled.

Serves 8

ENJOY!

Moss Birds

2013-04-05T21:25:00.000-05:00

Everyone loves birds. We have seen them all over the blogs created in many different ways. Last year I launched several bird ornaments in my Etsy shop. They were a big hit at Christmas and I sold a lot at Sales I was involved in too.

I have had different ones this year. The are moss covered. There are adorable for anytime of the year and great to put on packages.

For Bella Rustica I wanted to incorporate these birds and owls. My daughter gave me an idea to make them bigger. I had others say the same. So I listened and made some birds to put on walls or doors. They are approximately 15" wide x 10" tall. They are all wood too!

I now have these in my Etsy Shop!! They to were a big hit at Bella Rustica!!

They come with the words Blessed, Family or Soar! They can be customized too with words you choose like "Welcome"

Let me know what you think. If you like them they make a great gift too!

Go here to place an order!

Another Way to Follow Dreaming-n-Color

2013-04-05T09:29:00.000-05:00

With Google changing and getting rid of the RSS feeds, I have decided to add another way for you to follow my blog!

I have several social outlets and ways to follow like GFC,facebook, instagram, twitter, pinterest, Google+ and email. You might have noticed these buttons on my sidebar. You can press any one of these to connect with me through these sites!

Well now I have another way to make it easy for the transition. You can now Follow my blog with Bloglovin I hope this is one more way to keep us connected! I hope you agree and stay awhile longer to follow my journey through creativity!

Again Thanks for being here! I always look forward to hearing from you!

Layering Paint on a Dresser

2013-04-04T20:54:00.000-05:00

Have I told you that I am having the time of my life?

My plan when the children got older was to be able to get back to my creative side. I have always been creative but I mean doing it for me. On my time, and what I love to do.

I have been blessed with people that like what I do so I have been able to make a living from it too.

I do all sorts of things from design work to painting on canvas. Of course I have this blog and I paint furniture too.

My favorite part of painting furniture is being able to use my art in my painting. It puts my signature on it. I am able to truly offer a one-of-a-kind piece.

I get to experiment and screw up in the process too. It's all good because that is how you learn what is right for you.

Last week I layered paint on this dresser and loved it! I have layered paint before when I painted a drum table and china cabinet. This technique was different. It allowed me to change things up which I love to do.

There are all sorts of people with different tastes. So to have other techniques in painting helps with the customers.

This piece is so sturdy.

I love the detailing on it also. I painted it with three colors. Blue, yellow and white. It is heavily distressed also.

It came with these wooden knobs that I decided to keep. I dry brushed it to make it look like the paint is wearing off of it. I only changed out the top two drawers with some fluer de les knobs.

I dry brushed over the top so the details show. Don't you love these?

I have been painting like crazy. Today I hurt my back......getting old stinks! I wind up being somewhat of a contortionist when I paint. That plus a rainy day and I am taking Motrin tonight!

It is going to be beautiful tomorrow so I am hoping to enjoy the sunshine.

I will be starting my living room soon YAY! I found out today that my couch will be delivered soon. I cannot wait!

In the meantime I have lots to keep me busy!

More drawers to paint and legs to distress!

and things to get ready for customers .......and things to sell!

But I love what I do! I am so glad you are here and I can share it with you. Thank you! I really appreciate all my readers!

So this is it! My new layered dresser. Hope you like it!

This was the before....

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Miss Mustard Seed

Savvy Southern Style

Blueberry Crumb Pie {A Mother's Day Story}

2013-04-03T07:30:00.000-05:00

Blueberry Crumb Pie was the dessert I baked this past weekend. It is one of those oldie but goody recipes. You know, the ones you can count on being great and to take to someone's home.

This pie has a story that goes along with it. With Mother's Day around the corner I thought I would share it.

Nothing better than a recipe that has a story........ The best keepsake of all.

Let's start from the beginning......

My mom is one of the best cooks I know. My dad grows fresh fruits and vegetables in the spring and summer and she cooks them..... Every which way she can! I have shared her Basil Pesto recipe before on the blog.

Not only does she cook great, she is a great baker. Growing up, my sister and I were always on a stool with a wooden spoon, stirring some great dessert my mom was baking. Most of my favorite recipes growing up were my moms! She could be a great food blogger if she would just do it!

In April of 1980, my sister had an idea. The local paper was doing a contest for Mother's Day. We had to send in a recipe that our mother had created. We loved her homemade Blueberry Crumb Pie! So my sister sent it in.

In a few weeks the phone rang to say that my mother's recipe had been chosen as the winner!

We couldn't believe it!! That was a big deal back then.

I remember the photographers came to the house along with the news reporter. We posed for pictures and it was a real treat.

We were famous.....at least for that weekend when the paper came out and our picture with the Blueberry Crumb Pie was in the Heralds News!

It was one of those memories that last forever. And of course my mom saved it.

That is me on the left....mom in middle and my sister on the right

(Oh to be young and skinny...)

So when we bake the pie....the story goes along with it. The day my mom won a blue ribbon and was famous!

(Check out those cabinets...eeek!)

A double treat! ....and it is delicious!

Hope you enjoyed the story!

Get recipe here!

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Elizabeth&Co

Snap Swap Party

2013-04-01T08:00:00.000-05:00

In a few weeks I will be on a plane flying to Utah with my friend Michele from The Scrap Shoppe! I am super excited to be attending my second blog conference! It is the first time I will be attending SNAP and the first time visiting Utah.

To get to know some of the people that will be there, a couple of us have joined together in a craft swap.

I am partnered with Laura from The Shed blog. She will also be at SNAP this year.

The direction we were given said we had to go into our craft ~~junk~~ supplies and gather things we wanted to send to our partner. Go to the thrift store and pick out something they could use as a project.

We emailed a few times to get to know each other's likes. Some things she likes are cats, music, vintage ephemera, and mod podge to name a few. It was hard to know what to send. I had fun getting things together though and shopping was great! You will have to check out all the goodies I packed up and sent to her.

These are the goodies I received from Laura....

She sent me beautiful papers, vintage lace binding and a vintage wooden pedestal bowl.

Since my favorite thing to do is paint, I saw a paint project in my future!

I used Annie Sloan Chalk Paint Antibes and gold acrylic to accent.

After painting the colors I sanded and scuffed the paint.

I wanted to give it an old look but add a sophisticated feel . I added clear and dark wax.
Then I used some of that beautiful paper and mod-podged it to the inside of the bowl.

Such a pretty accessory! A fresh new piece.

The best part is I made a new friend and a have this piece to remind me of her! Thanks Laura for the goodies and the challenge. I can't wait to meet you for real in Utah!

Want to hear more SNAP stories? Follow me here!

He is Risen!

2013-03-31T11:23:00.000-05:00

Today is a day we rejoice and sing praises to the Lord! He is Risen..... Hallelujah!

Here is wishing you and your family peace and joy this Easter Day!

Thank you for being part of my blog!