Sweet Passions on a Thrifty Dime

Update

2013-03-21T15:36:00.002-07:00

Hey everyone!!

Well its been a crazy few months and with that I wont even go into all the crazy detail but I will say that refinishing furniture has taken off!! I love it!

Therapeutic and fun!

So here are a few of the many items I have worked on for clients.. yes... clients.. I have them now.. officially!
And some other items I have done myself and sold!

I hope you love them all like I do!

Im back!

These are less than 5% of what I have done but you get the idea!! Ready for more!?

If you are on Facebook you can follow me here at Sweet Passions on a Thrifty Dime!!!
Thanks for following!

Sit and take a rest

2012-03-20T11:43:00.000-07:00

Hey all!!
Some of you know that I was looking to add some seating to our little living room. We have a open floor plan that contains the living and dining room and kitchen. Its difficult to find the perfect size furniture and the right layout, but like everything else, its a work in progress.

Back to the seating area.. We (cough cough) were looking for matching chairs..
I love the big comfy chairs but the size of them were a little too big for the room.. So I was looking for something slimmer and taller to make it feel bigger.. hmm

So hunting away I found a pair on Craigslist.. Yay! But eyed them for over a week because they were over an hour away.
After a week, the seller lowered the price! I emailed the seller asking if she would mind meeting and that I would love to purchase the chairs!
Bam.. She was so sweet to meet half way and I got the two chairs I was really hoping to get! FOR A STEAL BTW!

They for sure needed some TLC and reupholstering but I was up for the challenge!

Here is the before of these darling chairs... See? Potential right?

yucky yellow and green with the spackle paint job..

And here is the after of them! Beautiful! I love the fabric with its pattern but in a neutral color so I can add some funky pattern/color pillows to it all year long!

Two coats of pebble color spray paint

and a yard of fabric!!

LOVE!

Do you like the table?? Im debating painting the top the same as the bottom. Wasnt sure and ran out of leftover spray paint.. Hmm..

Final look at the night stand

2012-02-29T12:24:00.000-08:00

So I finally found the perfect knobs for this night stand..

Remind your self with what it looked like before..

and now take a look at it.

I love it and it is for sale!
For sale you ask... well I was lucky enough to run by two more night stands that are very similar to each other and this one (I will post pics of them later)

So I am passing on this beautiful piece to someone else!

Painted in Antique white and sealed with clear gloss. Super durable and super pretty!

Here it is with its beautiful jewelry!

Check out the lamps that were a GW find too!!

FOR SALE ~ $60

Office Update

2012-02-16T13:04:00.000-08:00

HEYYYY!!!

For those of you that have been following my office redo.. Here are a few updates. Its a work in progress (what project isn't)

What do they (husband) say??? Oh... Its never finished, is it??

Nope.. Thats the correct answer..

So here are some updates..

We finished the hutch last time I posted about the office.. Love that hutch and the color is amazing!
Finding little decor pieces for that is difficult.. I want pretty girly things and then I know I need to incorporate some neutral and manly items... Happy medium I guess, right??

Fits perfectly and love the color and storage.. Dont mind the baseboards (its on the To-do list)

Old books that have the same color scheme as the room

of course, fire accessories

I thought this little bird was darling

Put up the new curtains.. And guess what they were DIY!! Painted curtains.. yes sirrreee!! For $14 I couldnt pass that up.. no way!

And they add some drama and pattern into the room!
Here is my little message/computer area.. I am thinking of switching out the desk tho.. Well see. I love this one but hmmm.. I love love love this one I redid last week!!! The pattern would be amazing in this room! What do you think?

Painted the walls. Manhattan Tan by Behr.. Love it! So refreshing yet neutral for any possible patterns I want to bring in.

~To Do List~

Finish painting the base boards and trim
Add a calendar to my memo wall and some pictures
Find a rug
Get a new reading chair
Add a funky pattern pillow
Reading lamp
Chandelier
Wall art pieces

That should hopefully do it.. But the basics are down after I finish these baseboards. Then its accessorizing... yay!! favorite part! But till then I am so in love with our own little office, reading nook, craft room. Its a wonderful place for the hubby to study, me to craft and read while he is studying.. and a place for all our stuff that goes along with it.

Loving it so far!

On a roll..

2012-02-13T09:24:00.000-08:00

This week is a week of craziness.. But a full force motivation to get some projects done and fast!

Here are two pieces that I have finished this week.. As my last post was a check list..

Here is two marked off that list!
Woo hoo!!

Here is the desk/vanity that was refinished. It needed some serious TLC. I had an inlay that needed to be covered or fixed since it wasn't in the best condition. The molding on the bottom needed to be reattached. The watermarks that were on the top were rough, but a little TLC, paint and work it turned out beautifully!

Custom mixed paint and chevron pattern on the top with all the original hardware, this is probably one of my faves so far! If only I had all the room in the world..

Before:

This was all sanded down and cleaned up

After:

Heaven!

This piece was nearly a dumpster deserved piece.. UGLY as put by my neighbor as I was taking before and after photos.. lol

It wasnt pretty to look at before, but some imagination and additives it turned into a beautiful bedside table for our master bedroom. Love it!!

Before:

I know.. Gross... But seriously I liked the drawers and detail they had. Hey 1/2 off! Cant beat it!!

After:


Need to add some glass knobs and maybe some more molding at the bottom. But it looks Na-ice!!!

Thank you Mr. S for putting the legs on! It was a little bit of work!

Few new projects in the works..

2012-02-11T19:51:00.000-08:00

Ok people.. Can anyone give me advice for how to slow time???

Honestly with so much to do and so much playtime I want to achieve, the days just sail on by.

My neighbor said the other day that "the older we get the faster time goes by" ~Steve~ Thanks :)

That has got to be true... When I was younger and was out all afternoon until dark playing or riding bikes, I felt it lasted forever. Now I take a stroll to the park and half the day is gone.. Where is it going?? Does my brain slow down and not comprehend what is going on during the entire day, except for sporadic moments??

Random.. I know.. But it hit me today that time does fly by.. TOOOOOO FAST!!

So my reason for posting tonight.. I have so many things going on and here are a few sneak peaks of what is to come with what little time I do have..

desk refinish. This needs lots of TLC

all the drawers that go along with it.

night stand.. Yep.. Its U-G-L-Y!! But not when Im done.. I got plans!

These lamps were one of the most perfect finds ever. The cords were even wrapped up pretty. Im pretty sure there are brand new that's how nice they were.. Brass to West Elm inspired Lamps. For $20!! Seriously! For the pair I swear!

Pretty Goblet.. Idea!!

Dresser refinish

Chair that goes with the dresser to refinish..

So yes all of this is in my garage.. Well the furniture anyway..

I am working on each "TO-DO" and trying to do it quickly.. I love spending time with my family, so nap times are my creative and get-er-done time! Wish me luck!!

This is seeming like a list.. so I will use it as my check off list for the next few weeks. Get these done before moving on!! YAY!! A GOAL! Love a goal!

Happy working everyone!

Quick Refinishing project

2012-02-03T12:47:00.000-08:00

Here is a quick before and after for a dresser set that a friends sister in law needed refinished for her little ones room. It has been in her family for many years and her mom passed it down to her. It was a honor to be the one to bring these pieces up to date and have them be a new addition to her babies room!

Before:

Potential

lots of build up

After:

So there you have it.. It is completed and looking awesome!

Revamped hutch for a new revamp[ing] office..

2012-01-16T11:44:00.000-08:00

We have finally started the journey to creating our own office!!

I am so excited and have been gathering ideas for it for the past month! Woo hoo for Pinterest! The time sucker of my evenings!

Mr. S has some say into what design we are going to commit to. We both will be using it so a little manly with a little bit of girlie = our future office..
Wasnt that detail enough??!
No?

Oh.. Uhm.. Ill keep posting but at the end of this post Ill put up my pinterest link of some inspiring photos I want to achieve and am using for this office space!!

Work with me.. its a lot of stuff..

First we started with a Hutch. Now I am on a budget, who isn't these days right, so I am hunting everywhere for sweet deals. Anywho, I was determined to find a hutch in that would fit in that little room, mainly for space saving storage. Then once I was looking for inspiration for color, I found one hutch that resembled what I was going for.. Colonial RED peeps!! Yes-sir-ee! That will be the focal point and boy am I happy with how it turned out!!!

Here is how it went!

Before

Uhm.. yea.. little dinged up.. but salvagable

EEWW.. look at those spindles on the shelves..can you say dated?!

After:

uhm.. yes!! (p.s. that paint on the walls will be old news)

It is a lot more toned down than this pic

Loved the scrolly handles.. and then I got 4 new rounds ones to balance the detail.

Steps:
#1: Clean and sand as good as you can. (Uhmm I had to sand the top down a ton because when I saw it on CL (whoot, and amazing deal) she said it was solid wood and had a few scratches and dings.. no biggy right?? Well it was veneer on the top counter..what the??.. (everything else was solid wood.) So a tip for that... sand it till its smooth and dont sand to hard or deep, that will end up showing the "cheap" wood underneath.. and that can be difficult to cover up. Clean off again.

#2: Prime away..(after you have removed the hardware and doors.) I use uh... Zeisser (spelling, im too lazy to go to the garage to see) it works great for anything, and it actually can be used on anything that has a varnish without sanding... it does work on that, but I wanted to make sure this red spray paint wasnt going anywhere! So sand before hand.. please!

#3: Once that is dry you are set to start painting. Spray painting is easy, i choose spray paint this time because I didnt want to deal with trying to match up the paint to a gallon paint for my spray gun.. no thanks.. easy please! plus I was in a hurry to see the end result..

#4 after several layers of light spray painting...here is a good blog with a video how-to. Or just read the spray can!! Duh me..

#5 let it dry for a whole day or longer.. This helps the paint "cure"... (what other word is there for letting it dry completely??)
Anyway.. Let it dry and glaze per your preference.. Wipe on, wait, wipe off.. (this helped tone the bright red down to a calmer more sophisticated red)

#6 Put your doors and hardware back on...and...Admire!
Pretty simple and took 2 1/2 days. The drying time and the fact that I was working on the computer desk for the same room made the day and a half I had planned, worth it.. I got two projects done. Each while the other was drying.. heeeyyy-oo! Like!

Here are some pics, from my pinterest page, for inspiration for this office/craft room redesign..

Linked to:
YATTM

End Table.. finished.. well Refinished!

2012-01-11T19:27:00.000-08:00

Remember that end table I mentioned last week.

The one that I had a bet with my hubby to get done in a week!?! Well read about it here...

Here is the finished product!
I love it!
I had originally planned to sell it, but now I am keeping it for myself.. Fits perfectly in my living room for the time being..

I had to sand the top all the way to the wood and restain it since it had some serious wear and markings on the wood before..

Started with some primer on the bottom half.
After it dried I painted 2 coats of Antique White (my fave) with some light distressing after that had completely dried.

The hardware didnt need to be changed, I thought it actually fit the piece pretty well.

2 coats of dark walnut stain, a coat or two of poly and it was ready to be used!

I am very happy with how it turned out. and the drawers.. so awesome! Its just one big drawer and perfect to hide those magazines, remotes and whatever else you try and hide when guest show up out of the blue.. well I never do that...umm.. yea (ALL THE TIME)

Hope you like it as much as I do!
Here are the before and the after pictures!!

Before. Potential, right!?

Love this stain!!

Knobs seemed to fit right in.

And AFTER!

Old brass light to chic chandelier

2012-01-04T20:20:00.000-08:00

Hey all! Happy New Year! Its 2012, can you believe it?

Wow! I hope the holiday season was amazing for everyone! It sure was here!

Well with a new year comes new projects. I finished up most of the projects I had laying around but one..

And that one will be finished here shortly.. It was a bet with Mr. S that I lost terribly..

While we had a date night we ran into a GW. I love going to them on date nights, since I can quickly eye the entire store and not worry about my little one getting antsy on me..
Well in the furniture location of GW I found a lovely side table.. hmm.. WILL BE!!

Anyway.. the hubs made a bet that if I could refinish it in a week I could get another piece as soon as I was finished.

Yippee.. Piece of cake.. right?!

WRONG!

The same week I started, my little angel came down with an extremely high fever and ear infection..and since this was the first time she has been sick her entire 19 months of living, it was a big deal to me! So.. that lasted an entire week practically.

Then to add to the already sick week with a little one, I ended up with laryngitis which led to the worst sinus infection.. I guess I can say the worst because it was my first ever!!

So nuff said.. I didnt win.
But that will be done this week, Fo- Sho!

Alright.. My quick one day chandelier transformation..

Found at GW! YAY! Love that place!
and for.. guess how much..

guess..
$3!!!
woot woot!
yep I think I jumped up and down.

I even told my husband guard the cart while I rushed my angel to the ladies room..

So a little degreaser, light sanding, and spray paint and some serious jig-a-roo from my hubby to put it up (He seriously worked some magic here with parts from another chandelier) and we had a new light in our closet for $3 plus the bulbs so $6..

Love the frosted soft white bulbs.

Can you say awesome!! I love it!
Now to get to that side table!

Mantel is up!!!

2011-12-10T11:10:00.000-08:00

Hey there!!

I have been waiting to put pics up of our mantel... and it is finally up and decorated for the holidays!

I LOVE IT!!
We don't have a fireplace.. but love mantels and the fun decorating you can do with them during the changing seasons! So here is my take on the fireplace mantel decor!

BTW.. The mantel idea was from Shabby-2-chic's blog.. They used it for an entry way shelf to display pics! Check it out if you want to make one for your home!

Without further delay...
Here it is!

Perfect place for all my family photos!

Love the hooks!! Hobby Lobby peeps, where else?!

wrag garland wrapped around christmas lights.

Love christmas! This is perfect decor for my home!

P.S. Dont mind the areas that look wet. Its because they are. Had to fill the screws and paint..

Table refinished.. and love it!

2011-12-06T11:48:00.000-08:00

I have been looking for an end table for sometime now. Now, I know there are tons out there.. but I am picky with what I want and what I come up with in my mind..
So I hunt till I find it.
I needed something with a large top for drinks, books, games, kids stuff, etc.. well... as time went on...and nothing was appearing.....

...Until a trip to DI and I found this beauty!!

Started priming once again.. The wood was in pretty rough shape. But nothing some good sanding couldn't fix.

Love it! Drop leaf end table.. perfect for when its card game time with the hubs or crafts with the little one.. I can close it up to put next to the couch and still have loads of room for my morning coffee or evening cup of tea..
YES!!
Now to refinish it!! Hate the brown!!!

So here is the after!
Hope you like!

So I didn't even clean the floors before taking the pics I was too excited!

Some more checked off the "To Do" list

2011-12-04T12:27:00.000-08:00

As some of you read I had a long to do list for crafts and holiday decor on my previous post.. Well I happened to conquer some of them with a much needed ladies craft night! (a little help from the hubs with the kids, Thanks honey!)
Check it out.

Ruffle Pillows- Check!

Wrag garland- Check!

Stockings- Check! Those pics will be up shortly! I want to show them hung and not sadly laying down on a table waiting to be hung.. Poor things.. They deserve to be seen!
Well..
ok..
Sneak Peek!

Christmas Tree painted by my little angel! Love it! and love pinterest for the idea!!

And a peek at our Christmas tree!

Please don't look at the paint in the back.. I was waiting for Mr. S to get home so he could move the tree!

We are completely getting in the holiday spirit this year! LOVE every second of it!

Holiday Craft Ideas... Some to make & some checked off the "To Do" list!

2011-11-30T19:38:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone!!

I hope this finds you well.. and you had a wonderful Thanksgiving! We had lots of fun with family and friends! What a great time of year! Sigh...

I love this time of the year!

We finally put up all the fall decor and busted out the Christmas decorations! YAY!

LOVE- LOVE-LOVE Christmas! Who doesn't ? Seriously!

With all the holiday decorations going up, I always tend to donate some of the old hand me downs that we were given..
Well.. it helps decrease my 9 bins of Christmas stuff and it gives me an excuse to make some holiday stuff!

So here are some ideas!!!

TO MAKE:
Stockings
Ruffle Pillows
Coffee Filter wreaths for mirrors
Wrag garland
Tree Skirt
Canvas Pictures
Wood Frames

MADE:
Christmas wreath for front door

$10

Small Chalkboard from frame

$1.10

Cute gift box

Made for less than $3.. Had most of the stuff.. Old box, little balls from $ tree, ribbon and spray paint!

Recipe/Pic Holder

Great gift idea

Mantel for stockings and decor on LR wall (IN LOVE) Idea came from Shanty-2-Chic's blog!! It looks just like it and I will post pics once I paint the wall its going on!!

Chalkboard coffee mugs

Definitely need to get a chalk pen!

These are some of the simple ideas that I finally had a chance to conquer during nap times!
So excited to complete the "To Do" list so I can get my holiday decor in order and completed so we can enjoy this joyous time of year!
What have you made for the holidays? I would to see! Happy Crafting!

What have I been up to the last month!

2011-11-20T13:26:00.000-08:00

So as you can tell its been a little while. WOW!! A month!! It has flown by!
Well here is a project that I have been working on for a little bit. I am glad to say it is done and I can display it for all you to see!! YAY!!
My sister-in-law had found a hutch on craigslist for her front room.. Well to say the least, it wasnt the prettiest thing in the world when she bought it! But a transformation was due to give it new life!
Here you are...


Forgive me for taking this as I started priming... And the darkness..

During naps, and after bedtime has arrived is when I get to work on big projects.. So apologize for the dark pictures.. You will get the idea! U-G-L-Y!! It had cracks, sap build up.. Besides that it had good bones and I knew it could be amazing!!

Yes, I store stuff on top of my projects every now and again..

And are you ready for the after??!!

Black enamel with poly sealant! Awesome!!

It is officially done!! Distressed and everything! Love it!! Cant wait to see how she decorates it for the holidays! Thanks for allowing me to conquer this bad boy!! Enjoy it!

Linked up to:
YATTM

Featured!!!

2011-10-20T19:28:00.000-07:00

Where has this week gone??! Seriously, One minute I said hello Monday and next I am ready to wind down and enjoy me some Grey's & PP.. Love my Thursdays!!
I wanted to share a quick note for you all.

I was...
ready??

Sure??

....I was featured.... on this super cute blog...

Its wreath week over at Sassy Style and she has lots of inspirational photos of wreaths. Some tutorials as well to help you get there! Go check it out you wont be disappointed.

So back to the feature! Sassy Style had a guest blogger from Tatertots & Jello and she featured my burlap wreath in her post featuring her favorite fall wreaths! YIPPEE!!

Another site re-U used it for inspiration to make her holiday wreath! Check hers out here!! Super cute!

This was a great honor to have it displayed for everyone to see!
Thanks for the feature ladies! And I hope everyone will go see their sites! Great btw...

And Im back in action..

2011-10-17T11:12:00.000-07:00

For the past month I have been on hiatus (spelling, lol) from big home improvement projects. The backyard had taken over the mind, life, month, wallet, and sanity.

The backyard is a place I dream to relax when it starts to cool down. The past few years it has been.. well.. lets just put it this way.. NOT a place of relaxation.

So we have been working hard and getting it ready for a transformation.

Digging up the old grass that could never grow with this Arizona clay we have for dirt.
So here you go. Enough said.. here are some pictures of before and after.
The before is when we finally got the curbing in and were getting the sand down for the synthetic grass, but you will get the idea.. Its not hard to visualize ugly dead grass through out the entire area..

After removing all the dead grass. Curbing installed.

Can't stand messes.. UGh.. This drove me NUTS!

Ready for the after!
I am so proud.. So proud of the hubby for keeping my eye on the prize.. As many times as I said "Its not gonna get done". He held strong, and like so.. we finished strong! Thanks honey!


Already grilling!! Yes!

Enjoying her new backyard!! Needed to spotlight my little angel for a second!

Now to start enjoying the fall weather as we Arizonians do! This is the best time of the year.. Better enjoy it while it last!
Now to build that outdoor sectional to relax on while little princess is playing! Hmm..
The job is never done is it??!
Oh well.. this one is! THANKFULLY!

Quick how to for Flower Pillows.

2011-10-08T11:25:00.000-07:00

Hello Blog world.. If you haven't jumped on the wagon of pillow flowers, here is your chance.. I did and love the ride!
So cute these are. And so super simple.

Simple?
The point of my projects.. SIMPLE!!
Awwww.. sigh.

I had some leftover fabric from a chair I redid.. You will see shortly... and picked up a remnant of fall orange material.. Love remnants!

Ill move on.. So I made my simple little pillow, stuffed it with filling from a down pillow that we got along with our couch.. Hate the pillows that match the couch. Ick.. So I used the stuffing.. I have 3 1/2 more pillows to make.. Floor pillows here I come... anyway..

Distractions..

So make the pillow. Cut your flower fabric into strips. Now I used a iron on patch from the craft store as my backing of the flower. It was sturdy enough to hold the flower, stitching, hot glue (yes.. Hot glue) and normal wear and tear of my 16 month old.

Cut the patch a little bigger than you want your flower.

Next sew your first strip to the patch. You can hot glue it too.. I had the machine out, so i might as well use it.

I randomly sewed into a make-shift circle, starting from the center working your way around in a larger circle. Leave room for another strip to go on top of the sewn piece. My main reason to sew the first strip on was so the patch had something other than glue to hold onto in case the glue couldn't hold its own.. lol
Finish the entire strip that way.

Yea. not so pretty now.. But be patient!

Heat that glue gun up while you move on to stitching a light and long stitch across the middle of another strip and then on the edge of another strip. Then scrunch them up to your liking.

Start gluing the strip that you sewed down the middle on the center. Gluing the areas where the stitching are.
Again.. you could just glue all of the fabric and scrunch it as you glue to be way easier.. I make things not so simple sometimes.. I just wanted this pillow to hold up longer than this fall season.

Finished?
Be sure the cover your stitches with fabric, move it around till you get it just right..

After the second strip was glued to the center

Does this make any sense..
Easier DONE than SAID!?!

Ok.. Time to move onto the outer strip. That's why you did the stitch on the outer edge to avoid noticing it once you have glued it down. Start from the outer edge of the flower and glue around being sure to add the scrunch or bunch as you like.

After the outer edge was glued

After that.. Done.. Almost..
Cut any excess patch from the back of the flower. And get that pillow and hot glue that pretty flower onto your pillow. In any location you like. I like off centered.. so thats where mine went!

Be sure to glue down any edges that seem to be easy to pull up..
And throw it in a chair, on the sofa or bed and you are done!

Simple. Hope its as simple for you!
Did I mention this cost less than $5??! Yep.. it did!! Less than $2 if you count that I had the pillow fabric already as a leftover!! Just saying..
Comment if you have any questions or if you liked the tutorial! Good Luck!

Psst... Side note.. Ready for a little reupholstering?? I am!! That chair is in desperate need of a face lift.. Keep checking back to see how that goes.. Eek!!

Linked to:
YATTM

Member that chandelier I purchased over at GW??

2011-10-02T12:34:00.000-07:00

Hey all.
So do you all remember that chandelier I found miraculously hiding in a box at Goodwill.. $15?? Anyone?? Check it out here.
Well. I have been hunting around for a place to get the prisms and beads. I had luck at save-on-crafts.com, and a website my grams had found. Although they were relatively cheap I wanted to go "cheaper". So here is the before and the after of what I came up with.. Tell me what you think.. Cheap to Chic??

Before

After

Here is a little way to update your chandelier on a serious dime.

I have a pretty small budget when it comes to decorating. So i make it go as far as I can.
So for this project I was not about to spend $40 on crystals to make this chandelier work.

Finally.. came up with some ideas..

One... in particular that worked...

Dollar tree.. Again??! yes.. I was inspired to check there first..

I found "Disco ball" bead necklaces in the party area. They were the exact size as the glass beads already on the chandelier. Score!!

So I got to work..
Black gloss spray paint, and a coat hanger.


break them apart to a single strand and take off any extra plastic pieces.

Spray paint.. Be patient here, dont miss any areas. You will notice!

I started measuring and playing around with them after they were done drying.

glue gun ready??

Check!

Scissors close?

Check!
Here we go!
I glued them to areas I thought they needed to go and added some to the bottom and voila! You have a completed chandelier for $2! They came in packs of 2, and I needed 2 packs!
Woo hoo!!

What do you think??
Like it?
Does it look cheap or chic??!

Comment and let me know what you think?

This was placed in my entry way.. I debated painting it a fun color, but thought black would be elegant and timeless. So it stayed black... uh humm.. for the time being anyway!

Linked to:
YATTM
Coastal Charm
The DIYshowoff
Addicted2Decorating
Primp
Miss Mustard Seed
Now to actually work on the entry way.. Here is what it looks like now..

Pretty boring, right?? I have tried a few pics and mirrors, but thats it!! Its time for serious revamp!!

Dollar Tree apothecary holders in 1 hour

2011-10-02T11:58:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone. Its seems like forever, but I have been crazy busy with so many projects and Bis-a-ness, I cant seem to get a second to put it on the blog. But here is a quick little post for those that need holders to put those holiday (yummy smelling) candles. I love candles and what better way to add sparkle to a little area.. And from the dollar tree.. How could it get much better!??!
I love the Dollar tree! Seriously.. Its so neat to walk through and see what fun stuff I can create from something for only a buck!
Here you are..

3 glass candle stick holders. I bought 2 of the large cylinder vases, and a short one. The short one was located in the candle isle. They have TONS to choose from. Choose what you like.

Epoxy glue the bottoms to the top. Put a book on top for pressure and let dry 30 mins.. Ta-duh. Fill with your choice of candle or candy and your done.

I may be giving these to my sister for her apartment decor and make another set with wooden tops.. Well see. Ill post a link to that "if" it turns out well!
Have fun shopping at the Dollar Tree.. plus I got the candles there too.. Yummy smelling for fall actually. Normally I get the unscented but these actually don't have a powerful smell and are decent too!

I have already started using the candles.. So pardon the wax melting already!! Love them and the flames sparkle so pretty at night.

See you next post!

Little something for Fall decor

2011-09-25T20:35:00.000-07:00

So I have made it a goal to complete all my little projects while our backyard is being completed. Meaning no BIG projects around the house.. Sigh.. (sad) Oh well. I will let those ideas run free and gather them up when I am able to conquer the home improvements after Mr. S is done out back.
Here is a little something I made from leftover 2 x 3's. I got some inspiration from my girlfriend, Ashley, who made her mama's some cute pumpkins! ( Ill post that picture as soon as she sends me one... ASH!!)

So here they are..

Mine

My moms

I made a pair for myself, and a pair for my mom. She needs some fall inspiration by her front door. So why not make her some?! Perfect gift for the holidays or a just cause, and perfect for fall decor! I am in love with fall decor, hence the decor tutorials!

Ok.. So you wanna know how to make these?
Super simple..
Seriously took me... hmmm... and hour total.. dry time included!
Ok.. here it is.
I cut scrap 2 x 3s I had leftover from a previous project. I just started cutting. How ever wide or tall, depending on the orientation you want your pumpkin to stand. Measure them out to the size you want and cut. I cut to make four blocks for mine, and I had some smaller pieces for a small pumpkin and made that one with 3. So you can totally customize this project for your measurements.

Cut and Sanded. Wiped down.

Paint is called Pumpkin Orange. Stain is for later

Spray your blocks. 2 coats. Front and back.

I distressed mine a little with an electric sander.

Here is where the stain comes in. I like to use wood stain for actual wood. It grabs on better. So I just wiped a "LITTLE" around the edge of the blocks. Mainly where I sanded and distressed them. Then wiped off the excess, but do it quickly or it will stay.

My BFF, Gorilla wood glue. Glue them together. I waited about 10 mins but they are secure after 30, and fully dry after 24 hrs.

Now its time to decorate. Add your ribbon. I used wire ribbon to hold the bow shape on the top. Cut a strip of burlap to add some texture and tie it on along with the ribbon. Add some glass beady things. These I got at HL and they were 50%, got them for $1. YEA!! hot glue the bow and burlap along with the glass bead garland accessory. (what DO you call that thing??). And you are done!

You will have to wait for another post to see the transformation of this nightstand to an end table bookcase! Love it!

Here is another picture of the ones for my mom.


I spray painted all the blocks with the pumpkin orange, and I wanted a white one, so I sprayed heirloom white over that. The orange came through perfectly after the distressing step! Love it!

I meant to do mine vertically, but spaced it and they ended up horizontal. Oh, well.. It happens, right?! Still looks cute to me!

I just may be making myself a larger white one for outside!?!

Photo display or Message board

2011-09-20T19:07:00.000-07:00

So I think you are getting the point that I am obsessed with burlap. Im not sure what it is.. Maybe that Fall is around the corner and something about it reminds me of the holidays. I dont know, but whatever it is.. I LIKE IT!

My sisters birthday was yesterday and she is getting a gift that I made... Plus a few knick-knacks.. but she has a new apartment. When I visited I noticed she had lots of photos up on the wall. Idea?? Yes!! Photo display of some sort I thought to myself.
So here is what I came up with.

I started out with a large frame from Goodwill. Half off!! Can I getta woot woot! I also picked up 2 photos with frames from Dollar Tree! Great place to get simple frames, btw!!

(Total $5)

Remove the photos from the frames.

Prep them. I lightly sanded the wood one on the left, but the other two were metal and plastic so they were good.

Spray Paint (Rustoleum Heirloom White)

I had to do two coats on the wood one because the grains were showing a little more than I wanted. Probably could have been prevented by using a primer, but hey.. Im impatient!

Let those dry...

Got the burlap?

Ok I used the cardboard that was already on the large frame, but if glass came with yours, thats ok too! Do the same thing.

Ok.. So lay your glass or cardboard over the burlap, cut the burlap an inch bigger on each side.
Here is the fun part.. not.. well kinda..

Apply Spray adhesive to the cardboard or glass. Flip it over onto the burlap making sure its pretty even on all sides. YAY!!

Glue the edges with a glue gun to the back of the glass or cardboard.

This is what it looks like done. Right side up of course!

Check on your frames...
Dry??
Ok.. Time for fun. Sand the edges for distressing, if you like.. I LIKE LIKE!!
Apply a antiquing glaze. I still have yet to pick up RL, but love this one too! Valspar Antiquing glaze. Wipe on and wipe off!

LOVE

Distressed with glaze

Apply the burlap covered cardboard or glass back onto the frame. It may be a smudge tight because of the added width of the burlap, but you can do it! promise! If I can, you can!

Ta-DAh

Done! Now for the actual fun part!
Get that glue gun hot and those painted dollar frames close! Line them up how you like them and where you want them to go. I wanted my main frame vertical so I set them up to suit that look. Hot glue the corners and apply. Let dry! Quick, huh?!


It looked a little dull by itself so I added some keys I got from Michaels for $1 each!! In the $ section up front!

$1.88 for 4 at Walmart in the office area.

You can choose to paint these too! Fun colors like teal or lagoon blue by rustoleum would be awesome or even Red!? Hmm.. Depends on the decor and your taste! My sisters apartment is new to the decorating so I figured I would keep it neutral for her. Plus the metal gave it some texture! Apply with hot glue inside the smaller frames where the pics are going to be held...

And DONE!
Hang with beautiful pictures and you are set! I am totally making an extra large one for my living room. Once I find a frame big enough! But what a great gift.. You could even include the pics in the gift!

Complete!


Could even be a cute message board. Maybe add corkboard to the back and cover with burlap! Hmm.. Idea!!

Anyway. I hope you like! Have fun making yours!

Linked to:
Addicted2Decorating
Crafty, Scrappy, Happy (that's me).
Coastal Charm
Project Queen

Storage Bench from salvation

2011-09-19T12:33:00.000-07:00

This amazing piece got me so excited when I went shopping with my grandma in California. We hit up her local Salvation Army thrift store. I saw this immediately and fell in love! I have been looking for a bench to refinish for a while now and here was my chance. The price... well.. I worked on the price a little and saved $5 by haggling the manager. YAY!
Here is the before

I liked it just like this too, but I wanted to add color.

Before

And the AFTER:

After

I had an oops paint in gray, but it was a little dark so I added some white to the gray.. Perfect color, I think!

Distressed and use of dark walnut stain on the areas of distressing.

The top was in not so good shape and was not level at all. So I asked Mr. S to remove it and replace it. I stained it with dark walnut. I love it! So pretty!

Linked to:
YATTM
Coastal Charm

Just in time for Fall

2011-09-07T10:18:00.000-07:00

So every year, around February, when its still cold (cold for me) I hope for June to come so we can enjoy the summer fun. But by this time of year, when I am OVER the heat I look forward to Fall.. The decor, the colors, the smell and of course, the COOLER weather! Paaa---lease hurry up and cool down a bit! I want to be outside with the family. And.... to decorate the house!

So I still have yet to pull down the tub of fall decor, but every year I try to do something new to add to my ever slightly growing pile. I saw this photo on Pinterest, and had to copy it. But, you know me, as cheap as I could. So Dollar Store here I come. I found the standard plastic pumpkins. $1 a piece. Yay! They were a little more at the craft stores. Steal! Here are the pics of how to create a cute center piece like this one for Fall for less than $12.

Remove the stems (they pop right off)

Trusty and favorite color white (Rustoleum in Satin Heirloom White)

Spray the top first and allow to dry completely, turn over and spray again. Light sprays will do it!

Put the stems back on

I used a produce tier, but I may change to cake stand tiers. Display the "grass" (HL $1.67 with coupon) Pretty positive I saw this at the Dollar Tree also in the craft isle.

Display your pumpkins. I also found some small pumpkins to add some color. $1 for the package of 4-5 I think.


There you go!

Ill post the picture of the cake stand in place of the produce tier.
Hope you like it.. SUPER simple.
I have a few more crafts I'm working on now, so get ready.. I got to spiff up this table piece (which will be getting a new look also) with some more fun decor. See you soon.

I was featured here. Check out this blog, super awesome ideas and fun furniture refinishes.

Old stool turned new

2011-09-06T16:48:00.000-07:00

So I have finally found a minute to post this project. It seems like this week and weekend seriously flew by! Amazing! Well.. here is one of the projects I was working on this weekend along with the wreath. This cute little stool I found in California at a garage sale. Wanna know how much I got it for??!! Yes!?! $1!!! Woo hoo.. score! I needed one for maddy when she washes her hands in the bathroom and for when she starts to consistently use the "big girl potty". And well for those times she needs a little moment to herself.. Does anyone else use time outs on their little ones that don't listen?? Well mine is 15 months, and I have had to do it once (30secs) lol does that even count.. But she got the point. As for now it stays in the bathroom for hand washing and as a foot prop..

Sanded, wood filler where needed. Painted with antique white in Glidden paint + primer (Love for small projects)

stencil (50% off @HL) and acrylic paint.. any color. This is Metallic Rose

be sure to hold the stencil in place. I was lazy (huh, weird) and just held it!

Tu-duh.. Peel off slowly while its still wet and wash the stencil with wet a paper towel

I had these stamps from a sale at michaels but you can find them anywhere! HL has them too... use the 40% off coupon!

Ok. So almost done. Now.. let it dry.. COMPLETELY! Sand it down with a light grit sand paper (I used 220). This give it that aged look I was going for!

Be sure to use some poly over it. I did since it will get some use out of it!

Ready!

Hopefully we wont be using it for TO, but it was a cute saying.. so why not! Here is another little project that can be done on a dime. Love it! Stools seem to be everywhere and if you cant get one at a garage, or thrift sale, HL and Michaels sells them. And usually 50% off too! Yippee!
Have fun!
Now next up..... Ready?? Although my weather is not, Fall crafts!