Moving Forward

DIY Lantern Ideas on Hometalk

2013-06-12T08:04:00.000-04:00

Are you on HOMETALK ?

...get ready for another addiction.

Hometalk is the place to share ideas, get inspired and have your questions answered regarding home improvement projects and gardening. Do you have to be a pro to join or post your project on Hometalk? NO!! It is a great place for anyone interested in home improvement.

Hometalk recently asked me to curate a DIY Lantern Ideas board. I am a huge fan of lanterns and Hometalk is full of fabulous DIY ideas. If you are looking for some inspiration and great DIY tutorials then head on over and check out all the DIY Lantern Ideas on my board.


DIY Lantern Ideas

I hope you have been inspired to make something beautiful.

Thanks for joining me,

Margaret

Linking up with:
The Chicken Chick

Sneak Peek: kitchen renovation

2013-04-03T10:55:00.000-04:00

We have had our farm for over a year now and the renovations have been ongoing...

first a new deck, new windows and doors, a wood burning stove and then we gutted the kitchen.

before

We had stairs to the basement right in the middle of the kitchen and that was the first thing to go...

This is the other side of the kitchen with flooring removed and wood stove already in place. The stairs to the basement are now gone and a garden door replaces an old window.

New ceiling and flooring...all installed by my husband when we are up there for the weekend (it all took a long time to install and there were some bumps along the road...I will save that story for another time)

Here is the SNEAK PEEK...

My Farmers Sink

Induction cook-top and pot drawers

Garbage & Recycling

Two pendants over the Island and did I mention I got a double oven...

The kitchen still needs a backsplash and some wood trim, open shelving needs to be installed and the whole house needs to be painted...then I can have a REAL reveal.

I am presently trying to decide if I should paint the bar chairs a pop of colour or leave them white...

There are lots of opinions by my followers back on my FACEBOOK page....
feel free to leave a comment.

Thanks for dropping by,

Margaret

linking up:
Housewife how to-Tuesday
Cedar Hill Ranch:the scoop
French Country Cottage
The Shabby Nest: Frugal Friday

Doily Lanterns

2013-03-25T16:33:00.000-04:00

I made three doily lanterns back in December, just in time for Christmas but I never got around to sharing them with you.

This weekend during Earth Hour they were the first thing I lit.

These were super easy to make...that's ME...needs to be EASY!

All you need are some empty pasta sauce jars (any other jars will do), Mod Podge and some small doilies.

Brush some Mod Podge on the jar,

add the doily, brush more Mod podge over the doily and let dry.

They sit on my window sill and every night I light a tea-light in them. I have added some twine to the top and an extra embellishment at Christmas...

The pine cone and faux pine has been removed but the twine remains. It is pretty easy to add other embellishments depending on the season or mood I am in...

Thanks for coming by,

Margaret

Linking up:

It's Overflowing with Creativity

The dedicated House: Make it pretty monday
Cozy Little House:tweak-it-tuesday
Home Stories A to Z:tutorials-tips-link-party
Pieced Pastimes
A Stroll Thru Life
The Farmhouse Porch; The Scoop link party
Adorned From Above blog hop
I gotta try that
savvy Southern Style:wow-us-Wednesdays
The 36th Avenue
Shabby Art Boutique:shabbilicious-friday-link-party

Signs of Spring @ the Farm

2013-03-21T10:37:00.001-04:00

Spring is finally here but outside it still looks like this...

Don't get me wrong...I love snow and the farm always looks so pretty covered in snow but it has been a long winter and we are all ready for some warm weather.
Reminiscing about last Spring, our first Spring here so we did not know what to expect and it was a wonderful surprise when all the flowers began to bloom.

We had so many poppies...

Can't forget my Chickens...

Have a wonderful day,

Margaret

Doily table runner

2013-03-20T17:22:00.000-04:00

Inspired by a photo I saw on Pinterest,

I took some doilies made by my Mom and Grandma and sewed them together into a runner. I am happy to finally display them...they had been in an old hope chest for many many years.

I simply spread them out on the table and when I was happy with the look I began to stick them together.

I may add more in the future by overlapping them ...

If you have doilies hidden somewhere try bringing them out and making something new with them. I have many more doilies that my Mother, Grandmothers and Great aunts have made for me over the years and I will be back with more projects soon.

Thanks for coming by,

Margaret

Linking up:
From My Front Porch to Yours: Treasure Hunt Thursday
The Dedicated House: Make it pretty Monday
Savvy Southern Style: Wow us Wednesday
Embracing Change:Creative Inspirations Linky Party
The Shabby Nest:Frugal Friday
A stroll thru Life: table-top-inspire-me-tuesday

Painted Glass Bottles & Vases

2013-03-14T15:00:00.002-04:00

I had some free time on my hands and decided to get busy with some glass vases from the Dollar store ...

Unfortunately I did not get a before photo of the shorter vase...I am always rushing through projects and only remember my camera half way through.

The previous owners of our farm left us some Martha Stewart paint and it was the perfect colour for this project.

I simply swirled some of the paint inside the vases and let the excess drip off. I had to clean the edges several times but it was well worth it. I still have more paint and so I have been looking for another dollar store vase in a different shape to accompany these two.

My second project was actually easier to do...

again no before photos, just during and after.

I have had these three glass bottles for years, they were clear glass and I had them on display many years ago on top of my kitchen cabinets. While using some left over Annie Sloan Old White chalk paint to paint some pine cones last Christmas I decided to take a brush to these bottles.

It took three coats of paint to completely cover the bottles. I sanded them lightly with very light sand paper but you can use steel wool.

I am very pleased with the results and both projects cost only a few dollars.

Thanks for visiting,

Margaret

Linking up to:
French Country Cottage; Feathered Nest Friday
Shabby Art Boutique: Shabbilicious Friday Link Party
The Shabby Nest:Frugal Friday
Overflowing with Creativity Party
Dear Lillie: A Spring Thing Link Party
Housewife How To Tuesday Link Party
Simply Vintageous...by Suzan, Wednesday's Adorned From Above Blog Hop
The dedicated House; make it Pretty Monday
Whipperberry: Spring Blog Hop

Burlap Wreath Update/Redesign

2013-03-12T18:28:00.001-04:00

I was very pleased with myself when I made this burlap wreath last year.

It took a long time to cut all the squares and pin it all together... but I have a new tip for you if you are interested in creating your own.

burlap wreath

Unfortunately

a very nice bird decided to try and make a nest on it and when I arrived at the farm house it was on the floor in pieces.

I decided to remake the wreath but this time used a straw form for the base.

The pins were actually much easier to insert and the wreath is stronger. I also decided to use flowers with clips, this way I can easily change them with the change in season.

Dressed up for Fall

Added poinsettias for Christmas

Now I have a strong burlap wreath that I can change depending on my mood...and what I find at the craft store. Check out Burlap wreath for full instructions.

Thanks for coming by,

Margaret

linking up to:
House wife how to's; How To Tuesday Link Party
Home Stories A to Z, tutorials & tips

Coffee Table Makeover

2013-03-07T16:35:00.001-05:00

Hello again, it has been too long!!

Life got busy and I stopped posting but I am back and more

motivated than ever to share my projects with you.

A friend gave me a coffee table that they found on the side of the road, thought I might want it for my farm house. I am afraid I did not get a full before photo but I did get one when my husband was sanding and cleaning it.

It was green and rusty and had a glass top. I decided to give it a coat of Annie Sloan old white chalk paint

...actually it was more like three coats.

I am pretty satisfied with the end result.

I actually decided to use it in my family room instead of the farm.

Hoping to share more projects and renovations soon.

Thanks for coming by!

Margaret

Linking up to:

From My Front Porch to Yours
Flaunt it Friday, Chic on a Shoestring Decorating
French Country Cottage: Feathered Nest Friday
Furniture Feature Friday, Miss Mustard Seed
Pieced Pastimes: Saturday Sparks Link Party
Fox Hollow Cottage
The 36th Avenue
Life on Lakeshore Drive
The Dedicated House: Make it Pretty
How to Tuesday Linky Party
Domestically Speaking: Power of Paint Party
Beyond The Picket Fence
Kammys Korner:trash-2-treasure-tuesday

DIY Floor Candle Holders

2012-10-15T13:35:00.001-04:00

I LOVE candles,

all shapes and sizes and I love lanterns and candle holders.

When my husband showed me some posts that the previous owners had left in the barn I knew I could make something with them...

I asked my husband to cut one of the posts in half...

He did this as well as cut some round circles on the top of each half to hold the candles.

The candle holders ended up looking like this...

Not bad, I did give them a coat of Annie Sloan "old White" chalk paint.

While out shopping one day I found this inexpensive rope that I knew would be perfect...

I got out my friendly glue gun and began to wrap the rope around the "candle holders". In the middle sections not much glue was needed as the rope sat tightly on some of the molding.

The top of the candle holder was more difficult to do. I found that it worked well when I finally turned them upside down...

It took a lot more hot glue to hold the rope to the top.

I added some simple acorn embellishments to the candles (had these from precious candles I had purchased)

I am happy with the result...and the cost was minimal!

I even left an imperfection in the rope.

I think it adds to the rustic feel...

Thanks for coming by,

Margaret

Linking up:

StoneGable: Tutorials Tips and Tidbits
The Charm of Home: Home Sweet Home
The Dedicated House: Make it pretty

My Fall Mantel

2012-09-25T18:38:00.002-04:00

My first Fall Mantel!

I was never one to decorate my mantel seasonally, except for Christmas...

but following so many fabulous blogs and

pages on Facebook has truly inspired me.

So this year I decided to decorate my mantel for Fall.

So here it is...

Started with some hydrangeas and leaves from my garden

Let's not forget the coffee table...

Would love to hear your thoughts...

come back soon,

Margaret

Linking up to:
Centsational Girl: Link party
cowgirl Up! Linky party
A Stroll Thru Life
Not Just a Housewife
At The Picket Fence: Inspiration Friday
Feathered Nest Friday, French Country Cottage
Fox Hollow Cottage:October'fest of Fun
StoneGable: Tutorials tips and tidbits
2805:Potpourri Friday
Stuff and Nonsense: Welcome to Fridays Unfold
The Charm of Home: Home Sweet Home
The Dedicated House: Make it Pretty Monday
DIY Showoff: Fall Festival
Clever Chicks blog Hop

My entry into Make it Pretty Monday's link party is sponsored by Appliances Online.

Fall Wreath

2012-09-22T11:59:00.003-04:00

Happy First Day of Fall!!

My Fall decorating has began...

I was inspired by this beautiful wreath I saw on Pinterest.

source

Used a wire wreath form and some hydrangeas...

I found that the hydrangeas did not fill the wreath as much as I liked so I add some burlap...

I am pretty happy with the result.

The rest of the front porch will have to wait until next week. Meanwhile here is a sneak peak at my Fall decor inside my home.

Hoping to post more photos later in the week...

Thanks for coming by,

Margaret

Linking up to:

Fox Hollow cottage: Power of Pinterest
Overflowing with Creativity
The Cowgirl Up! Link Party
Thrifty Decor Chick October Before and After Party
The Charm of Home: Home Sweet Home
Clever chicks blog Hop

My next obsession: Chalk Board Paint

2012-08-21T08:50:00.008-04:00

You know how crazy I am about Annie Sloan Chalk Paint

well I have also fallen for chalk board paint.

It's quick

Easy

Fun!

First project, the door from the garage that the previous owners had painted in a green chalk board paint.

Two coats of the black chalk board paint and my kids' art ability and ...voila!

The best part is that the messages and pictures will change.

Project no.2...I had a silver plated tray someone gave me for Christmas one year. It was spotted and very thin. The photo actually makes it look better than it is.

After a few coats of the chalk board paint and I can proudly display it in my kitchen.

I can write messages on it, lists...possibilities are endless.

I love it!!!

On to another project...thanks for dropping by,

Margaret

Sharing:
Cozy Little House: Tweak it Tuesday
A Stroll Thru Life: Table Top Tuesday
You are Talking Too Much: Meet Me Monday Linky Party
Tuesday's Treasures: My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
Cedar Hill Ranch: Cowgirl Up Linky party
Savvy Southern Style: Wow us Wednesdays
The Style Sisters:CENTERPIECE WEDNESDAY
Home Stories A2Z: tutorials & tips

Framed Keys

2012-08-13T11:47:00.007-04:00

This summer has been all about painting furniture and DIY Art!

I have seen many DIY projects made with old keys so when I saw these three keys at my local HomeSense I had to pick them up.

I painted the keys with a couple of coats of Annie Sloan "old White" Chalk Paint...you know I am hooked.

I used plastic dollar store frames and some left over burlap. Just used spray adhesive to attach the burlap to the back of the frame.

The frames look so much better after they get a coat of the ASCP. The keys were then glued to the burlap using my good old hot glue gun.

Another project completed...

Linking up to:
Stuff and Nonsense,Fridays Unfolded
Alderberry Hill, Make the scene Monday
My uncommon Slice of Suburbia
Savvy Southern Style: Wow Us Wednesday
The 36th Avenue: Best DIY projects
Fox Hollow cottage: Pinterest Link Party

Thanks for coming by,

Margaret

No More Knotty Pine

2012-07-28T09:26:00.002-04:00

Many of the furniture pieces I have from years ago are knotty pine. They have yellowed through the years and I am just not happy with the look anymore.

This dresser was part of a set in my daughter's room. Instead of sending it off to Goodwill I decided to paint it.

It was as easy as one, two, three...

first make sure to shellac the knots so that they do not bleed through (got this tip from The Melon Patch where I purchase my Annie Sloan Chalk Paint).

Then I gave the piece two coats of "old white" Annie Sloan Chalk Paint.

I distressed the dresser by sanding it lightly, used clear wax on the top and it was DONE!

Now I have a "new" dresser for my daughter's room at our country home. The room still needs painting and I need to bring in other furniture but the Dresser is done and we love it.

Told you it was easy...

Margaret

Linking up:

52 Mantels

The 36th Avenue

Box of Hydrangeas

2012-07-27T10:30:00.003-04:00

Another project completed...great to have a husband that's a carpenter! I have been after him to build me a box that I would use to display my drying hydrangeas. I was inspired by a box I first saw on Pinterest that Thrifty Decor Chick

built for under her T.V. unit.

We started off with some left over wood pieces. You can make it as small of large as you like. Mine is about 30 inches long.

I banged the wood up with a hammer to give it an aged look and then I stained it with some left over deck stain.

I used small glasses of water to hold the hydrangeas. Now I am keeping my fingers crossed that they dry nicely.

If the hydrangeas don't work out I can always fill it with other plants or materials for fall. I am excited about the different possibilities...imagine filled with pine cones in the fall and Christmas ornaments during the Holidays.

Linking up with:
Happy-Go-Lucky Pinterest Challenge.
A Stroll Thru Life: Table Top Tuesday

Thanks for coming by,

Margaret

Chalk Paint...not only for furniture

2012-07-25T09:14:00.003-04:00

I have been busy decorating the Farm house and that means many DIY projects.

It is a large house and art is expensive so I will have to be creative in order to decorate all those walls. I have been inspired by framed flowers I have seen on Pinterest

I started with three gold plastic dollar store frames, some left over burlap and a stem with three faux flowers on it...

I first decided to bring out my trusty spray can but was not happy with the modern feel it gave the frames.

Since my Annie Sloan "old white" chalk paint was close by I decided...why not...

I love how the chalk paint makes the frames look...good-bye gold!!

I used spray adhesive to help hold down the burlap.

All three frames have different detail...

I cut the stem off the flower as close as possible so that it stays flat. Used some hot glue to hold it in place...

I now have three of these to group together for a great display...

This project has been linked to:
Happy-Go--Lucky
Pinterest Challenge
DIY by Design: sizzle into Summer
The Shabby Creek Cottage

Thanks for coming by,

Margaret

Another Lamp gets a facelift

2012-07-24T09:54:00.005-04:00

52 MantelsI've had two of these black lamps for a few years now. I have never liked the lamp shades.

Since my obsession with chalk paint continues, I decided to use it on these lamps.

before


After: two coats of old white Annie Sloan Chalk paint

Light sanding

New lamp shades

Two "new" lamps to use in my country home master bedroom.

Don't throw it out...paint it!

Thanks for coming by,

Margaret

This week I am linking up with

French Country cottage: Feathered Nest Friday

Shabby Art Boutique

Cedar Hill Ranch: Cowgirl Up! Linky party

52 Mantels

Discovering Annie Sloan Chalk paint

2012-07-19T09:44:00.002-04:00

Hello and welcome!

I am so happy to be back to share some of my projects with you.

I have discovered Annie Sloan Chalk paint and have been busy bringing new life to some old furniture pieces. I need a lot of furniture for the country home we purchased last year and the chalk paint has made it easy to pull things together and add some country charm to some of the furniture pieces I have found.

This small dark table got two coats of Annie Sloan "Old White" chalk paint, some clear wax and a rubbing with light sandpaper for some light distressing.

A coffee table and side table got the same treatment.

After a few coats of paint...LOVE IT!

The side table...

Voila...all done!

Looking forward to sharing more projects with you soon.
Linking up to
Sunday's Best, My 1929 Charmer
Savvy Southern Style: Wow Us Wednesday
Miss Mustard Seed

thanks for coming by,

Margaret

2012-04-11T14:50:00.001-04:00

PILLOWS, PILLOWS, AND ...more PILLOWS

I have loved pillows for as long as I can remember.

They are FUN,

easiest thing to sew and can add colour and style

to the most boring bed or sofa.

I make pillows and buy pillows.

Recently I found some great fabric on sale, bought remnants, and sample squares that were perfect size for pillows...

Just some of my finds...

Last month I made 24 pillows in one weekend

(one word of advice, if you are making pillows make sure you have all the inserts.

I am still trying to find inserts for a few of my long pillows)

I love how my bedroom pillows turned out. Now my next project is the headboard.

It is difficult to see in the photo but the these pillows are made with embroidered fabric...I love them!

This has to be one of my favourites...used a linen fabric and these great fasteners that I found some time ago.

It now takes center stage in the Master bedroom at the Farm house.

Found just the right buttons for this pillow...

Learned to make my own buttons...bought a kit...easy!

This pillow (there are two of them) is made of napkins.

No sewing required if you can crochet...

lucky for me it's my Mom's favourite hobby.

The kids are getting some new pillows too.

Fabric is velvet on one side and ultra suede on the other...

$2 for 6 squares (a steal). My MOM made the crochet flowers...priceless!

Made several very colourful pillows to bring spring to our

Family Room...kept the Owl pillow from West Elm.

Love these burlap beauties from Salvaged to Sassy,

they are in the living room at the Farm house.

...I think my daughters must love pillows too.

Thanks for visiting,

Margaret

Linking up:

The Shabby nest : Frugal Friday

The Dedicated House: Make it pretty Monday

Bathroom Remodel

2012-04-02T14:26:00.001-04:00

Our tiny basement bathroom got a facelift...

my husband built this washroom about 13 years ago and it

was in need of an update.

before

Lets start with the before shot...green paint, a small vanity

and what you can't see, a shower on the other corner.

Now...

I am all about reusing
so we kept the same toilet, same shower, same tiled floor and even the same mirror.

My favourite part of the whole bathroom...the white subway tiles topped with a band of glass and marble tiles.

Love the new light fixtures too.

A few accessories from my go to store...

...another completed project.

Thanks for visiting,

Margaret

Burlap Wreath

2012-03-28T12:45:00.009-04:00

Are you hooked on burlap?

I have seen many burlap DYI projects and decided to try

my hand at a WREATH similar to one I saw on Pinterest

Started with some burlap cut into squares, a foam wreath form,

and some BLUE flowers...

With a box of pins by my side I folded the squares and

began to pin them very close together.

Used hot glue for the flowers.

One piece of important advice...do not wear black when working with burlap.

AND...the finished product (ran out of burlap so the one that is at the farm now is even fuller than this one)

I will be hanging it on our front door this weekend...may add some extra decorations for Easter.

This post is linked to:
Happy-Go-Lucky :Pinterest Challenge
The 36th Avenue

Thanks for visiting,

Margaret

Old Lamp ... New Lamp

2012-02-22T09:36:00.001-05:00

Love... turning something old and dusty into something great.

Paid $5 for a pair of lamps at a garage sale,

they were an ugly colour but in good shape...

Some white spray paint

A new lamp shade...

I am very Happy with how they turned out.

Thanks for coming by,

Margaret

Spare Bedroom Turned Into Home Office

2012-02-16T18:33:00.000-05:00

My Home Office use to be in the basement...I hated it.

It was cold and the lighting was awful ...

SO...

I decided that since the spare room upstairs was rarely used I would switch it up and put it in the basement.

Before: Office in basement, mess from a day of scrapbooking

Before: Spare Bedroom

The upstairs room is smaller but just big enough to hold everything I need.

This was my inspiration

After painting the room and changing the light fixture to one that was previously in my bedroom

(you know how I love to reuse and repurpose),

I brought in the same desk and used some furniture

from other rooms in the house.

Old wall unit in the basement was updated with new hardware and wallpaper behind glass doors

An old pine armoire was brought in to hold all my scrapbooking supplies...

Brought in some accessories, a comfy chair, made my own bulletin board and wall art....and NOW

It's

Bright

Organized

and a FUN place to work

Thanks for coming by,

Margaret

linking up:

The Dedicated House: Anything Blue

Happy Valentine's Day!!

2012-02-14T09:44:00.000-05:00

Hoping Everyone Has a Special Day!!

Spend time with the ones you love and...

don't forget the CHOCOLATE & CANDY.

This year my daughter and I finally made our very own

Candy Machine. She painted it with chalkboard paint so that we can erase the heart and use it all year round.

If you would like to make your own here is a link:

http://www.lifesweetlifeblog.com/2011/02/diy-gumball-machine-candy-jar.html

(we used another saucer just under the glass bowl and attached a ceramic knob to the top)

Some other goodies at our House this Valentine's Day

Thanks for coming by,

Margaret

2012 Goals

2012-01-13T14:22:00.000-05:00

Happy 2012!!

Half of January is almost over and I have not been here at all this month. It was a crazy end to 2011...in a good way. My husband and I purchased a country property/ Farm and it happened so fast that my head is still spinning.

It is the perfect second home...his Farm...my Cottage :)

So this year I am starting the year not with the usual New Year's resolutions ( lose weight, organize the house, stop procrastinating and finish projects...)

BUT...just one Goal...to decorate this house.

Here is a sneak peek at what it looks like now...

left side of the kitchen

the living room

the bathrooms

the laundry/mudroom

There is also a dinning room, family room, three bedrooms and a full basement...
so much to decorate on a very tight budget.
(Husband just wants the chicken coop ready)

I will share my progress and projects with you this year.

I will leave you now with a few shots of the outdoors

view from my kitchen window

Thanks for coming by...and Happy January!!

Margaret