Boogieboard Cottage

My Top Ten Fav Picks From MM #56

2012-01-26T21:20:00.000-08:00

Hello!

I made a little Valentine's vignette just for you!

And now for the top ten! If you were featured this week, grab a featured button from my sidebar, if you are so inclined :O).

Corbel Table by Salvaged Whimsy

Beachy Candle Decor Holder by The Frugal Tree

Chalk Headboard by Renewing Your Find

Desk Makeover by Shabby Loco

Easy Pendants by Artsy VaVa

Garlic And Butter Prawns by Coral And Coast

Beachy Decor by Ciao Newport Beach

Nautical Decor by Beachcomber

Valentine Candles by Confessions Of A Plate Addict

Red Velvet Cupcakes by The Real Housewives Of Riverton

Welcome To The 56th Masterpiece Monday!

2012-01-22T16:21:00.000-08:00

Here's my kitchen paint reveal.....nice and clean and bright!

Here's a before reminder shot.

I had to peel the vinyl border off....

then wet and scrape off the paper backing.

It was a lot of work, but well worth it!

I also painted the ceiling. I used Behr premium ultra white paint, semi gloss.

A full brand new can, for FREE! I get all of my paint from the recycling center.

I left the entry way just off of the kitchen, tan. But I added some Spring type decor to the top cabinet.

I brought my seashell plates back out now that the holidays are over.

Most of everything you see on this hutch is from
GW.

I added some blue glasses and cups for a nice contrast.

Can you believe this stuff is from GW?

Masterpiece Monday Linky Guidelines

1. PLEASE. LINK. BACK.

2. Feel free to link up any of your masterpiece's whether they're crafts, recipes, decor, thrifty finds, etc. (Please no direct links to etsy).

3. PLEASE. LINK. BACK. PLEASE.

Have Fun !

My Top Ten Fav Picks From MM #55

2012-01-20T18:42:00.000-08:00

Hi Lovelies!

I've been busy putting my kitchen back in order after painting it and I'll be early Spring cleaning this weekend, I've got the cleaning bug. It must be from all of the clean white paint. Anyhoo, here's another progress picture of my paper white bulbs I planted on Christmas eve. I'm looking forward to the blooms!

And now for the top ten! If you were featured this week, help yourself to a featured button from my sidebar. oxoxoxo, Mary :O)

Winter Mantel by Confessions Of A Plate Addict

DIY Cleaner by Lady With The Red Rocker

Music Magnets by The Junk Nest

Watch Necklace by Second Chances By Susan

Black And White Decor by Ciao Newport Beach

Kid's Pallet Table by Shabby Love

Denim Project Bag by Home Frosting

DIY Glitter Keys by Oceanside Day Dreams

Peanut Butter And Jelly Cookies by Country Momma Cooks

Mudroom Makeover by At Home With K

Welcome To The 55th Masterpiece Monday

2012-01-15T19:41:00.000-08:00

I know it's still only January, but I've had Spring on my mind lately. I've been busy with some Summer-turned-Autumn-turned Winter painting projects. I keep this vintage ice cream bucket on top of the fridge. Since I had to move it for now, I decided to make pre-Spring vignette for you.

I'm also waiting to see my new narcissus bulbs bloom. They were were free, from Freecycle.org.

I already had the stones and vases.

I started them on Christmas Eve.

Here they are sprouting on January 4th.

Below is a picture I took today.

The big paint project I'm tackling this weekend is painting the kitchen, finally.

I love this wallpaper border, but it's looking a little dated so off it goes!

It's hard to tell the paint color in my kitchen from these photo's. It's a nice tan color like most of my walls. But it's too dark for my kitchen, because there's a lack of natural light. The color makes my kitchen feel like a cave.

So, I'm painting it bright white! I can't wait! I'm hoping to have the kitchen reveal finished by next Monday.

xoxoxoxo,

Masterpiece Monday Linky Guidelines

1. PLEASE. LINK. BACK.

2. Feel free to link up any of your masterpiece's whether they're crafts, recipes, decor, thrifty finds, etc. (Please no direct links to etsy).

3. PLEASE. LINK. BACK. PLEASE.

My Top Ten Picks From MM #54

2012-01-07T11:38:00.000-08:00

Hello, Happy Thursday to you! Thank you for all of the kind comments and welcome to my new followers!
Here are top ten picks! If you were featured this week, you can grab a featured button from my sidebar.

Giveaway! by Fabby's Living

Rope Button by Sew Passionate

Shadow/Light Box by Artsy VaVa

Yarn Tote Tutorial by Cherished Bliss

Table By The Sea by Beachcomber

Whole wheat Banana Bread by Cottage And Creek

Beach House Brunch Tablescape by Coast And Coral

French-Nordic Winter by Heaven's Walk

Heart Shaped Tortilla Chips by Make The Best Of Everything

Seashell Mirror by Sheer Serendipity

Welcome To The 54th Masterpiece Monday!

2012-01-05T14:20:00.000-08:00

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Wow, for me, it's not very easy to be happy and thankful unless everything is going along the way I like it to.
Just this morning, I was whining to myself about wanting to make enchiladas for dinner and not having any tortilla's. My options were:
Waste gasoline going to the store for one item and while there find lot's of other things to buy, therefore going off the budget I'm trying to stay on.
~or~
Make something else that I don't feel like making.
~or~
I can be thankful in ALL circumstances, because God cares about even our most minor problems. "So, thank you Lord, that I'm out of tortilla's, hallelujah! I will let You solve this one! " I prayed. Right then, I remembered that I have had a recipe for homemade tortilla's sitting in my recipe box for 3 years, that I never even tried!
Wasn't it me who was saying how I want to lead a simpler life? What's more simple than making your own tortilla's? The recipe is so easy and it's even cheaper than buying them at the 99 cent store, though I'm not going to stop buying them from there. But I will learn to make do at times when I can.

Homemade Flour Tortillas

2 cups of flour*

1/2 teaspoon of salt

1/4 Cup of Shortening*

1/2 cup of cold water

Combine flour and salt well. Cut in shortening. Add water and mix well. Divide into 10 balls and roll out flat. Toast them on a medium to hot griddle.

* I used whole wheat flour and margarine which contained no trans fats or hydrogenated oils.

I rolled them between layers of wax paper using a drinking glass.

I know, round they are not. But when you roll them into enchiladas you can't tell. I'm going to keep my eyes peeled for a cheap tortilla press.

Oh yeah.... this is the good stuff! I just roll up my tortillas with Jack cheese inside, topped it with green sauce, topped that with more Jack cheese and sprinkled it with green onion. I baked it 325' for 30 minutes. I served it with some leftover rice, which I mixed with red salsa.

Masterpiece Monday Linky Guidelines

1. PLEASE. LINK. BACK.

2. Feel free to link up any of your masterpiece's whether they're crafts, recipes, decor, thrifty finds, etc. (Please no direct links to etsy).

3. PLEASE. LINK. BACK. PLEASE.

oxoxoxoxo,

My Top Ten Picks From MM #53

2011-12-31T11:54:00.000-08:00

My favorite cookie recipe.

Macaroons

2 egg whites
1 pinch of salt
1/2 cup of white sugar (or Splenda)
2 cups of sweetened flaked coconut
* melted Chocolate optional

1. Preheat oven to 375'. Lightly grease a baking sheet.

2. beat together the egg whites with salt in a small bowl until
it forms soft peaks. Add the sugar 1 tablespoon at a time while
continuing to beat at high speed until stiff peaks form. Continue
to beat until glossy.

3. Fold the coconut into the egg mixture. Drop mixture by the tablespoon-
ful onto the prepared sheet. Spacing about 2" apart. Bake 12 minutes.

*Optional~ I melted 1 cup of chocolate chips in a double boiler and dipped part of the cookies right in. I placed them on wax paper until the chocolate set.

I have linked up to White Wednesday at Faded Charm

And now for the top ten! If you were featured this week, feel free to grab a featured button from my sidebar.

Champagne Cupcakes by I Could So Make That

2nd Annual Parade Of Roses by Bella's Rose Cottage

Money saving Ideas by Ms Redo

Beach Shack Style by Beachcomber

Coastal Makeover by Coral And Coast

Dresser Upcycle by Dumped and Distressed

Magnetic Paper Dolls by Second Chances By Susan

Fix Broken Make-up by Oceanside Daydreams

Winter Mantel by Forever Decorating

Subway Art Bureau by This And That From Tami

Welcome To The 53rd Masterpiece Monday!

2011-12-31T01:07:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone!

Have you made any New Year's resolutions yet? One of mine is to continue to live a simple and uncomplicated lifestyle. That's not always so easy to do in this day and age. I think that a simple lifestyle is more of a personal journey and that everyone's solutions to that journey are unique. What works well for one person or family may or may not work well for another. It's about finding a balance and learning how to be happy with what you have right now, this moment. To stop striving for more and open our eyes to see how much we are already blessed with.

What are some of the ways you like to have fun without spending much or any money at all? I love to walk on the beach with my husband and collect seashells, relax on the sand, take blog pictures of the beach or have an evening bonfire on the beach. We also like to imitate our favorite restaurant food at home and rent a Redbox movie, some times using a free rental code. We like to volunteer at our church soup kitchen every Friday night and sometimes my hubby plays guitar and we both sing worship songs for the people we help feed. We love to fellowship with the people at our church and when you help those in need, I think you receive something more in return. We also love to go to the library every week, you're never to old to learn something new and it's free! One of the main things I find fun, of course, is blogging!!!!! How did I ever get by before blogs were invented?

Have a very blessed 2012!

Masterpiece Monday Linky Guidelines

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2. Feel free to link up any of your masterpiece's whether they're crafts, recipes, decor, thrifty finds, etc. (Please no direct links to etsy).

3. PLEASE. LINK. BACK. PLEASE.

My Top Ten Fav Picks of MM #52

2011-12-28T21:39:00.000-08:00

As you may or may not know, I love the Graphics Fairy!

New Year's Eve is one of the holiday's I don't have a lot of decorations for.

That's what makes me appreciate The Background Fairy and my printer.

I don't have to run out to the store and spend money.

And even if I did, no store would have this kind faux vintage decor!

I probably could have blinged this up some more. Maybe next year?

But for now, I hope you enjoy my "free" vignette.

I "shopped" my house,

and found these teacups with clocks printed on them. They're from GW, of course.

I also wanted to let all of you know..........

how very greatful I am to have you follow my blog and join in on Masterpiece Monday!

Have a blessed New year!

And now for the top ten! If you were featured this week, help yourself to a featured button from my sidebar.

New Years Fun by Ciao Newport Beach

How To Make The Best Omelet by Confessions Of A Plate Addict

Spool Garland by Artsy VaVa

Christmas Crafting by Fishtail Cottage

Starfish In A Bottle by Oceanside Daydreams

Easy Living by Beachcomber

Vintage Christmas Tea Towels by Confessions Of A Plate Addict

Christmas And Quimper by Confessions Of A Plate Addict

Mississippi Mud Pie by Country Momma Cooks

Leftover Ham Recipes by Country Momma Cooks

Welcome To The 52nd Masterpiece Monday!

2011-12-26T12:30:00.000-08:00

Masterpiece Monday Linky Guidelines

1. PLEASE. LINK. BACK.

2. Feel free to link up any of your masterpiece's whether they're crafts, recipes, decor, thrifty finds, etc. (Please no direct links to etsy).

3. PLEASE. LINK. BACK. PLEASE.

Better late than never! How was your Christmas? After church, we spent the day at Disneyland and I was really wiped out! Then this morning I started to put way some Christmas decorations, and realized that I never put up MM! So here goes........

oxoxoxoxo,

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T14:25:00.000-08:00

Luke 2:9-14

An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them,

"Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you:

You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

Have a very Blessed Christmas!

My Top Ten Fav Picks From MM#51 and A Christmas Tablescape

2011-12-17T10:02:00.000-08:00

Mappy Holidays!

Sorry I couldn't resist! But you just knew I'd have

to use that one sooner or later, right?

It has been pretty "mappy" around here since I hit that free
motherload of maps a while back!

And as you may or may not know, I'm a firm believer in making due with what you have.

I like to "shop" my own home and use things I've had for a long time in new ways.

I like to get most of my ideas from you guys, my fellow bloggers.

And from free catalogs, like Pottery Barn. I love PB!

And I'm inspired by things in my past. My home growing up and my Grandma's house.

A little inspiration from here,

A little inspiration from there.

It's like discovering yourself through decorating.

Making your home.....

into a comfortable space.....

which encourages feelings of joy and peace....

not only at Christmas time.....

but all year long too.

I'm linking to Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps On The Porch

And now for the top ten! If you were featured this week, feel free to grab a featured button from my sidebar.

xoxoxoxoxo,

Christmas Mantel by Beachcomber

Hot Chocolate Station by Pondered Primed Perfected

Chalkboard Subway Art by Mary's Meanderings

Dictionary Page Garland by Make It Give It

24 Creative Ideas by Keeping It Simple

Beaded Snowflake Ornament by Remodelaholic

A Whimsical Holiday Cake by A Cozy Cottage In The City

Welcome To The 51st Masterpiece Monday!

2011-12-17T09:57:00.000-08:00

I started nice and early and I did a lot of decorating this Christmas season.

But, I haven't posted much of it.......

And very soon, it'll be time to take it all down again.

So here are some pictures of my kitchen hutch and further down, my living room buffet.

I'm linking to Sunday Blog Love at Cherished Treasures

and White Wednesday at Faded Charm

Masterpiece Monday Linky Guidelines

1. PLEASE. LINK. BACK.

2. Feel free to link up any of your masterpiece's whether they're crafts, recipes, decor, thrifty finds, etc. (Please no direct links to etsy).

3. PLEASE. LINK. BACK. PLEASE.

Have fun!

My Top Ten Fav Picks From MM #50

2011-12-12T14:06:00.000-08:00

A Coastal Tree Topper!

I embellished my tree topper from last year with maps and a seahorse.

It was really easy and quick. I just used a lot of hot glue.

I love this tree topper I bought from the dollar store, it looked great just the way it was.......... But could I leave well enough alone? Nope.

I like it so much better now! And it was free (my favorite price).

And now for the top ten! If you were featured this week, feel free to grab featured button from my sidebar.

\

Salt Dough Ornaments by Make It Give It

White Christmas by Thistlewood Farm

Joy Wood Block by ArtsyVaVa

Vintage Santa Postcard Tree by Confessions Of A Plate Addict

Origami Sailboat Decoration by The Charm Of Home

Starry Night by Beachcomber

DIY Christmas by Cherished Bliss

Cabinet Redo by The Salvage Collection

Vintage Coasters by Word Up, Nerd Up

Radio Redo by Pondered Primed Perfected

Welcome To The 50th Masterpiece Monday!

2011-12-11T18:15:00.000-08:00

Hi! How was your weekend? Mine was busy but fun. This is the first year I've ever decorated my bedroom for Christmas. Today, I'll take you on a little tour of my dresser. I've never realized how fun decorating a dresser can be, (maybe I need to get out more?) it's very much like decorating a mantel.

This was my Grandmother's dresser from her little beach cottage in Newport Beach, CA.

I "shopped" my house to come up with a white wintery look.

Most of everything you see here........

Is from the dollar store or GW.......

or a yard sale or 50% off after Christmas sale.

You don't need to spend a lot of money, especially if you keep an "eye out" all year long.

And many of the things I've used here, I've used for plenty of other holidays.

Neutral is the key to decorating in my book.

This folding mirror as well as the mirror behind it were Grandma's too. She was an antique dealer who inspired me at an early age to love yard sales and going to GW.

I hope that you're having a blessed holiday season!

I'm linking up with Kathleen's White Wednesday over at Faded Charm today.

Masterpiece Monday Linky Guidelines

1. PLEASE. LINK. BACK.

2. Feel free to link up any of your masterpiece's whether they're crafts, recipes, decor, thrifty finds, etc. (Please no direct links to etsy).

3. PLEASE. LINK. BACK. PLEASE.

Have fun!

My Top Ten Picks From MM #49

2011-12-04T18:10:00.001-08:00

Happy Christmas Season, everybody!

Thank you all for your kind comments, I always appreciate each one! There were so many great posts this time like always and I feel really inspired by all of you. So here are some Disneyland Christmas lights to help inspire your holiday spirit!

And now for the top ten! If you were featured this week, feel free to grab a featured button from my sidebar.

oxoxoxoxoxoxo,

Coastal Christmas by Ciao Newport Beach

Coastal Christmas Mantel by Desire Empire

Christmas Ladder by Beachcomber

Christmas Wreath by Confessions Of A Plate Addict

Christmas Decor by Heaven's Walk

Pumpkin Pecan Cheese Cake by Lady With The Red Rocker

Terra Cotta Pot Snowman by Cookie And Claire

Cranberry Salad by South Bay Studio

Plantsphere by Stylebaggage

Road Trip Garland by Cooking At Cafe D

Welcome To The 49th Masterpiece Monday!

2011-12-04T12:33:00.001-08:00

More homemade Christmas ornaments using my maps!

I ran some of the maps through my shredder and
and filled up my glass balls I already had.

I glittered the metal portion at the top.......

hot glued seashells......

and tied on a piece of twine.

Super easy!

Kinda beachy,

and best of all, free!

Masterpiece Monday Linky Guidelines

1. PLEASE. LINK. BACK.

2. Feel free to link up any of your masterpiece's whether they're crafts, recipes, decor, thrifty finds, etc. (Please no direct links to etsy).

3. PLEASE. LINK. BACK. PLEASE.

Have fun!

My Top Ten Fav Picks Of MM #48

2011-11-27T08:05:00.001-08:00

It's Christmas time at The Magic Kingdom!

Come along with me on a tour of Main Street U.S.A. in Disneyland......

All of the buildings are decorated with holiday cheer.

And all of the flower beds and hanging flower baskets match with the season.

And the big tree is finally up!

Which mode of transportation shall we choose today? Horse drawn trolley, doubledecker bus or we could.........

climb aboard the vintage fire dept truck that Walt Disney himself used to drive around the park in every morning before Disneyland opened.

Here we go!

The driver gets to honk at people to move out of our way, "honk-honk-a-eeew-ga!"

Main Street U.S. A. was designed to look just like Walt Disney's hometown in Indiana.

Except, I'm pretty sure the town didn't have a castle at the end of the street.

I wish towns still looked this way, so quaint.

I wish we could still have horse drawn trolley's too!

Here we are at the end of Main Street, we'll be parking in front of the doubledecker bus.

Our tour of Main Street U.S.A. ends at Sleeping Beauty's Castle.....we're just in time for a Mary Poppins song and dance routine. I love Mary Poppins!

Look at the lovely way they decorate the castle! It almost looks like real snow on the roof tops.

Let's walk up to the castle for a closer look.

Just beautiful!

I hope you enjoyed our tour, it was fun having you along, and have a magical Day!

And now for the top ten! If your post was featured this week, feel free to grab a featured button from my sidebar.

Glittered Christmas Bulbs by Snowflakes And Dragonflies

PB Inspired Pillows by Confessions Of A Plate Addict

Christmas Window Inspiration by Ciao Newport Beach

Burlap Christmas Trees by Artsy Va Va

Pretty Wine Bottle Stoppers by A Lapin Life

Christmas Decor by Shabby Love

Rolled Flower Tutorial by Salvaged Whimsy

Christmas Crafting by Cosas Bellas

Sweater Upcycle by Ozarks Liven'

Tea Cup Christmas Tree by Nancy's Daily Dish

Welcome To The 48th Masterpiece Monday!

2011-11-26T17:12:00.001-08:00

Hello!

I hope everyone had a great Turkey day! Ours was wonderful as always.

This post is about my laundry hamper and a tour of my Christmas tree!

Yep, I actually used my laundry hamper for my Christmas tree base, why not?
I really like the pictures I've seen of using large urns, zinc tubs and clay pots. But this was the only container I had that was large enough. But you know what? I'm really liking it!

I weighed down the inside with canned goods, so it's really stable. Here is my seahorse tree skirt I made last year. I like it much better with the wicker basket rather than just hiding the sad little plastic tree stand legs.

And in keeping with my "Joy To The World" theme, I made some paper chains out of maps. Whew-wee, I've got a lot of maps to use up!

Here are this years paper map chains mingled with last years mermaids.

I also clipped pictures out of Coastal Living Magazine and added them to dollar store frames last year.

I decorated "Old Rusty" too, I also made these beachy Christmas Stockings last year. Wow, I was a crafting machine last year!

I used my noel candle holder this year for a nativity scene.

Masterpiece Monday Linky Guidelines

1. PLEASE. LINK. BACK.

2. Feel free to link up any of your masterpiece's whether they're crafts, recipes, decor, thrifty finds, etc. (Please no direct links to etsy).

3. PLEASE. LINK. BACK. PLEASE.

Have fun!

My Top Ten Fav Picks Of MM #47

2011-11-21T08:56:00.001-08:00

Psalm 107:29-32 - He caused the storm to be still, So that the waves of the sea were hushed. Then they were glad because they were quiet; So He guided them to their desired haven. Let them give thanks to the LORD for His lovingkindness, And for His wonders to the sons of men! Let them extol Him also in the congregation of the people, And praise Him at the seat of the elders.

Read more:

http://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/thanksgiving-bible-verses-15-great-scripture-quotes/#ixzz1eYAgNbcT

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving Macaron by All Artful

Chalkboard Place Mats by Hating Martha
Thanksgiving Tablescape by Confessions Of A Plate Addict

Thanksgiving Centerpiece by Elegant Economies

Thanksgiving Tablescape by Adrift On The Lake

Thanksgiving Hand Print Book by Cookie And Claire

Free Thanksgiving Download by Passionately Artistic

White Thanksgiving Table by Kathe With An E

November by Hyacinths For The Soul

Think Of You On Thanksgiving by The French Hutch

Welcome To The 47th Masterpiece Monday

2011-11-20T12:35:00.001-08:00

A Pre-Holiday sneak peak!

Yes.....more Christmas decorations using maps.

And 'tis the season for glitter! Oh, how I love glitter!

Since I'm using maps a lot this year with my Christmas crafts.....

I'm going to use "Joy to the world" and "Peace on Earth" as my theme.

Remembering the day my Savior came

to Earth to save the world.

Jesus is the reason for the season!

Masterpiece Monday Linky Guidelines

1. PLEASE. LINK. BACK.

2. Feel free to link up any of your masterpiece's whether they're crafts, recipes, decor, thrifty finds, etc. (Please no direct links to etsy).

3. PLEASE. LINK. BACK. PLEASE.

Have fun!

My To Ten Fav Picks Of MM #46

2011-11-15T00:09:00.001-08:00

Make this Custard and Pear Tart for the holidays!

I love this dessert and I wanted to share it with you in time for the holidays. It's really easy and inexpensive to make. But it looks and tastes like it's from a gourmet kitchen. Best of all, if you're taking this to a holiday gathering, no one else will probably bring anything like this.

Set this little baby down between the pumpkin and pecan pie.

I'm sneaking in a picture of my Audubon book turkey before Thanksgiving's over! I love the brood of baby turkey's following their mom. Anywhoo..............

I used my 5 minute, super easy, super flaky pie crust recipe here. I doubled the amount of pie crust for this recipe to make the tart sturdy, but it's up to you.

See the creaminess? Yummmmmm...........

Custard Pear Tart
2 pears- peeled, cored and cut in 1/2" slices
1 cup of sugar
1/4 cup of flour
1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
2 eggs

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
1) Arrange pear slices in prepared pie crust.
2) Mix butter and sugar. Beat in eggs one at a time until fluffy. Stir in flour and vanilla. Pour over pears.
3) Bake 1 hour, until pears are soft and custard is set in the center. cool completely before slicing.

Tip* If you're using a tart pan, mix the pie crust dough in a separate bowl before pressing it into the pan. And oil the sides of the tart pan with an oily paper towel.

And now for the top ten! If you were featured this week, feel free to grab a featured button from my sidebar.

oxoxoxoxoxo

Turkey Transferware by Nancy's Daily Dish

Dreamy Kid's Rooms by Ciao Newport Beach

Crystal Rosette Lampshade by Pink Postcard

Cupcake Christmas Ornaments by The Kurtz Corner

Hand Painted Towels by Backwoods Cottage

Mickey Lollipop by Cropacobana

Christmas Inspiration by Confessions Of A Plate Addict

Advent Calendar by Little Pink Pocket

Ghirardelli Cookies by Homemaker On A Dime

Reindeer Christmas Party by The Late Young Family

Welcome To The 46th Masterpiece Monday!

2011-11-13T16:27:00.001-08:00

Frugal Gift Wrapping With A Coastal Flair

Hi Everyone!

I hope you've had a nice weekend. I've been doing a little Christmas crafting with maps. As some of you may remember, I hit the mother load of free maps on Freecycle awhile back. I also scored some five sided pieces from an old geography game, from a yard sale. If you don't have any maps, I've seen them sold used, with the used books for sale at my library. Not that I think you live anywhere near my library, but maybe one near you has 'um. They were only 10 cents each! Can you even get ANY thing for 10 cents anymore?

I made them coastal by using nautical maps for the stars glued to ocean game pieces for the tags. Tying them up with twine and seashells. Finished off with a sprig of cypress picked from our yard.

I used different maps of California to wrap the gifts in.

These would be fun to do using maps from other States or Countries and decorating them in that theme. The possibility's for customizing them are endless!

Masterpiece Monday Linky Guidelines

1. PLEASE. LINK. BACK.

2. Feel free to link up any of your masterpiece's whether they're crafts, recipes, decor, thrifty finds, etc. (Please no direct links to etsy).

3. PLEASE. LINK. BACK. PLEASE.

Have fun!

My Top Ten Fav Picks From MM #45

2011-11-09T09:42:00.000-08:00

Remember last Summer when I talked about all of my Summer painting projects that I was going to get done, etc., etc., blah, blah, blah? Well, I'm still going to do them. They're just going to be called Fall painting projects now.

I've been wanting to repaint my kitchen table. My house used to be decorated in a red and yellow country theme...in. every. single. room. This table set is the last of it. I've been waiting to accumulate enough free spray paint from the recycling center, and my ship finally came in.

I so love this better in white. This table used to be in my Grandmother's beach house in Newport Beach, CA. I remember picking boysenberry's out of her cottagey backyard and eating them in her kitchen at this table when I was little. Such simple pleasures.

I've dressed up the little table for a Thanksgivingish breakfast. Do you like the Turkey napkin holders? I found them at GW. Actually everything on this table is from GW....

except the pine cone!

I Love that this table make over was free! I hope I have time for my other Fall painting projects, or they might just turn into Winter painting projects!

That's not a ceramic turkey platter, it's plastic and it was .25 cents from the swap-meet. I like the brown transfer ware look and the blue turkey.

The grass bouquet was picked for free from my front yard and I like the way it looks with my GW vase and GW stoneware platter.

And now for the top ten! If you were featured this week, feel free to help yourself to a featured button from my sidebar.

Caramel Stuffed Apple Cider Cider Cookies by The Rickett Chronicles

Walnut Coffee Cake by Fabby's Living

Beach Decorating For Fall by Everything Coastal

Home Office Inspiration by Ciao Newport Beach

Collecting Candlewick by Kathe With An E

Early Christmas Presents by Cameras And Chaos

Vintage Thanksgiving by The Cranky Queen

Thanksgiving Centerpiece by Confessions Of Plate Addict

Printing On Paint Chips by Blesid

Thanksgiving Turkeys by Walnut And Vine

Welcome To The 45th Masterpiece Monday!

2011-11-05T23:25:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone! I wanted to say welcome to my new followers and thank you to everyone all for the nice comments you send me, I love them and always read them all.

This is a pumpkin I worked on last year. It used to be painted orange. I just covered it with bits of torn paper and glue. I painted the green stem and leaves black.

This year I wanted to decorate it for Thanksgiving. I had a stash of left over vinyl wall sayings. I clipped them and moved the letters around to create my own saying. I mixed three different sets to get three different fonts to make the message.

Then I just added my Fall stamps in a random pattern. I like the way it turned out and it was so easy and best of all free!

Masterpiece Monday Linky Guidelines

1. PLEASE. LINK. BACK.

2. Feel free to link up any of your masterpiece's whether they're crafts, recipes, decor, thrifty finds, etc. (Please no direct links to etsy).

3. PLEASE. LINK. BACK. PLEASE.

Have fun!