{Primp}

Primp Your Stuff Wednesday Linky Party #36

2012-02-21T16:33:00.000-07:00

Happy Wednesday! It's time to link up all your fabulously primped projects, including anything you have made, or made to look better, or anything you have found to {primp} your space.

Here are my favorites from last week's party:

A Sort of Fairytale showed off her charming living room, which includes an old chippy window she hung over top the front window.

Lovely, Etc. primped these standard bar stools with some simple varying stripes--I just love them!

Lovely Crafty Home shared this adorable cupcake oven mitt {with a tutorial and free pattern}.

Stripey Cat Production added a fun hand painted design to this cute little secretary desk {check out the link for a fun surprise inside!}

Thanks for all the inspiration!

Now it's time to be inspired again:

Please become a follower if you are not already, and grab my button to post somewhere on your blog so others can join in on the fun!

&lt;div align="center">&lt;a 
href="http://micheleravendesigns.blogspot.com/" title="{Primp}" 
target="_blank">&lt;img 
src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y103/amycarver3/primpbutton2.jpg" 
alt="{Primp}" style="border:none;" 
/>&lt;/a>&lt;/div>

keep primping and link up!

Primp Your Stuff Wednesday Linky Party #35

2012-02-14T17:01:00.000-07:00

Happy Wednesday! It's time to link up all your fabulously primped projects, including anything you have made, or made to look better, or anything you have found to {primp} your space.

Here are my favorites from last week's party:

Home Sweet Nest primped this pretty blue tv stand.

Rustic Living created these very {love}ly pillows.

Twigg Studios shared a tutorial for a diy teacup lamp.

It's Just Me showed off her gorgeous chest of drawers.

and last but not least.

At Home in the Northwest made this cute and simple felt garland.

Thanks for all the inspiration!

Now it's time to be inspired again:

Please become a follower if you are not already, and grab my button to post somewhere on your blog so others can join in on the fun!

&lt;div align="center">&lt;a 
href="http://micheleravendesigns.blogspot.com/" title="{Primp}" 
target="_blank">&lt;img 
src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y103/amycarver3/primpbutton2.jpg" 
alt="{Primp}" style="border:none;" 
/>&lt;/a>&lt;/div>

keep primping and link up!

Happy Valentine's Day {and a winner}

2012-02-14T12:23:00.000-07:00

Happy Heart Day!

Here are a few simple decorations I put up especially for this {love}ly day.

Cupcake liners from Ikea's Christmas clearance section are hung on a string. Folded in, the cupcake liners remind me of the quilter's yo-yo.

These pom poms were also made from cupcake liners. Last year I hung them from my chandelier over my dining table. This year, with less time to spare, I simply spread them across a favorite buffet.

I'm in love with all things doily. I layered a red doily bunting over this heart one.

I hope you all have a wonderful Valentine's Day!

I'm off to make some sugar cookies, and help in my son's valentine class party, but not before I announce one lucky winner.

And the winner of this jewelry giveaway is comment #19,

Danielle, who said:

Wow! Her shop is fantastic. I love the ginko earrings and the filigree cuff. Beautiful!

Congratulations Danielle!

Contact me at maraven{at}sfcn{dot}org so you can start picking out your jewelry!

keep primping and spread the love,

Primp Your Stuff Wednesday Linky Party #34

2012-02-07T20:02:00.000-07:00

Happy Wednesday! It's time to link up all your fabulously primped projects, including anything you have made, or made to look better, or anything you have found to {primp} your space.

Here are my favorites from last week's party:

Knot Too Shabby primped this now fabulous dresser using vintage sheet music and new knobs.

From Gardners 2 Bergers showed how to make a french grain sack bulletin board.

52 Mantels made a very "sweet" valentine banner.

and last but not least,

My Sister's Suitcase made a darling paint chip heart garland.

Thanks for all the inspiration!

Now it's time to be inspired again:

Please become a follower if you are not already, and grab my button to post somewhere on your blog so others can join in on the fun!

&lt;div align="center">&lt;a 
href="http://micheleravendesigns.blogspot.com/" title="{Primp}" 
target="_blank">&lt;img 
src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y103/amycarver3/primpbutton2.jpg" 
alt="{Primp}" style="border:none;" 
/>&lt;/a>&lt;/div>

keep primping and link up!

Vintage Bohemian Chic Jewelry Giveaway {just in time for Valentine's day}

2012-02-07T10:16:00.000-07:00

I've got a fun giveaway for you today from Christine Marie Studio, which offers a colorful mixture of vintage and bohemian chic jewelry. Christine is generously offering one lucky person a $40 credit in her shop, good toward the items of your choice.

Here are some of my favorite designs, perfect for upcoming Valentine's Day!

Her designs are so beautiful and unique, I love everything!

Go here to see all the items in Christine's shop.

Here's how to win a $40 gift card:

{Leave a comment for each one you do}

1. Visit the Christine Marie Studio blog and become a follower through GFC or email.

2. Like Christine Marie Studio on facebook.

3. Visit her shop, come back and tell me what your favorite item is.

The winner will be chosen February 14, 10 AM {MST}

keep primping and good luck,

a really cool sign

2012-02-03T11:12:00.000-07:00

In my last post featuring our piano room, I showed a snippet of this really cool sign. It's my new favorite sign and takes center stage atop the piano. Here is the whole thing:

I won this amazing sign from a giveaway hosted by

My Sweet Savannah. It was designed and made by Tara at Between You & Me. I just love it. It is huge (about 2' x 4'), and totally customizable. Tara and her husband make these signs together and can personalize it to say anything you want. It's even more amazing in person. Thanks Melaine and Tara!

For now, I think it looks great sitting on top of the piano. Hopefully, as my kids do their practicing, these words of wisdom will sink in!

keep primping,

Primp Your Stuff Wednesday Linky Party #33

2012-01-31T18:00:00.003-07:00

Happy Wednesday! It's time to link up all your fabulously primped projects, including anything you have made, or made to look better, or anything you have found to {primp} your space.

Here are my favorites from last week's party:

Craftberry Bush made this amazing paper heart wreath.

5 Days 5 Ways primped this fun and funky dresser, just in time for a birthday party.

Sophia's Decor showed off her daughter's charming french inspired bedroom.

I love this hoop art from Mommy is Coo Coo,

and My Vintage Verve's beautiful blue buffet.

These pillows by Lovely Etc. are both happy and cute.

and last but not least,

The Decorating Diaries shared her charming frenchy nightstand.

Thanks for all the inspiration!

Now it's time to be inspired again:

Please become a follower if you are not already, and grab my button to post somewhere on your blog so others can join in on the fun!

&lt;div align="center">&lt;a 
href="http://micheleravendesigns.blogspot.com/" title="{Primp}" 
target="_blank">&lt;img 
src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y103/amycarver3/primpbutton2.jpg" 
alt="{Primp}" style="border:none;" 
/>&lt;/a>&lt;/div>

keep primping and link up!

a little table that adds big character {to the piano room}

2012-01-30T11:52:00.002-07:00

I recently got a few projects painted that have sitting in my garage. This little coffee table was only $5 at the thrift store--I love it when I find cool stuff for cheap. It is small but has big character. I love all the little carved details.

Right now its home is in the piano room. See that snippet of my new sign on the piano? I'll share more about it soon.

The coffee table rests on a favorite rug that I purchased online--right now I can't think of the name of the shop. The 2 outside pillows are from Restoration Hardware, burlap pillows are from etsy, and the union jack one is my creation.

I used the usual swiss coffee paint color, then added a stain to the grooved areas, and wiped off, to make the details pop.

Here is another corner of the room.

My "all you need is love" signs stay up year round.

It's so great to get some projects done, no matter how small.

keep primping,

Linking to Jennifer Rizzo's Refresh Your Room Linky Party

Meet Maple & Magnolia

2012-01-27T14:26:00.000-07:00

In the odd case you've never heard of Maple and Magnolia, you're in for a real treat. I'm so lucky to have Susan of Maple and Magnolia as one of my sponsors. I may be a bit biased, but I know you'll love her too! Susan is a pro at all things DIY, furniture refinishing, and styling in general.

I am always so inspired by Susan's work, and also just a little bit jealous of all the amazing pieces she seems to find. Here is just a glimpse of her work, and her home:

Those are just some of her amazing projects. Go here to check out her entire blog--you'll be glad you did.

keep primping,

Primp Your Stuff Wednesday Linky Party #32 and a winner!

2012-01-24T17:21:00.000-07:00

Happy Wednesday! It's time to link up all your fabulously primped projects, including anything you have made, or made to look better, or anything you have found to {primp} your space.

Here are my favorites from last week's party:

French Country Cottage updated this pretty and chippy table.

A Place 2 Call Home made her own really cool ABC art.

Lovely Etc. showed off her amazing painted floors.

Emily's Up-cycled Furniture primped this pretty french gray table.

and last but not least,

Little Lucy Lu made this cute heart specimen decoration.

Now it's time to be inspired again:

Please become a follower if you are not already, and grab my button to post somewhere on your blog so others can join in on the fun!

&lt;div align="center">&lt;a 
href="http://micheleravendesigns.blogspot.com/" title="{Primp}" 
target="_blank">&lt;img 
src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y103/amycarver3/primpbutton2.jpg" 
alt="{Primp}" style="border:none;" 
/>&lt;/a>&lt;/div>

One last thing before we start this party:

The winner of this fabulous grain sack giveaway is:

Petite Michelle Louise!
{Please email your info. to maraven{at}sfcn{dot}org}

keep primping and link up!

doily heart garland {a ten minute valentine's project}

2012-01-23T11:29:00.001-07:00

Here's a quick and easy heart garland made from paper doilies.

This idea has been sitting in my head for a few days,

and I finally was able to sit down and just do it. I'm not sure why I waited, because it really only took about 10 minutes to do.

I flip back and forth between loving just whites and neutrals, to loving lots of color. Right now I am more on the white/neutral side, so I wanted a valentine banner that wasn't screaming pink and red.

These white doilies were the perfect median.

I had these paper doilies on hand because I use them to wrap my etsy shipments in, but I know you can buy them at Target, Walmart, and probably just about any craft store. I simply stacked a few together, folded in half and cut a half heart shape. Then I opened and strung them with red and white baker's twine, for just a teeny bit of color.

I love how the light shines through!

Do you notice a little head above here?

That's my little helper, who always seems to find her way into my photos.

Speaking of my little helper, I tried a little hair-do on her, a little heart twist, inspired by this on pinterest. That's about as fancy as we get around here.

Don't forget, today is the last day to enter to win one of these:

Giveaway ends today at 5:00 pm MST

{go here to enter}

keep primping,

Primp Your Stuff Wednesday Linky Party #31

2012-01-17T16:28:00.000-07:00

Happy Wednesday! It's time to link up all your fabulously primped projects, including anything you have made, or made to look better, or anything you have found to {primp} your space.

Here are my favorites from last week's party:

I'm in love with this kitchen redo over at Miss Gracie's House,

and this gorgeous paneling on Peach Street.

There were so many fabulous furniture redo's including this cute blue cabinet by My Fabuless Life,

this beautiful gray buffet by Elizabeth and Co.,

this numbered dresser by Vintage Restyled,

this pretty cream buffet by Renewing Your Find Cafe,

and these numbered chairs by Red Hen Home.

Thanks for all your inspiration!

Now it's time to be inspired again:

Please become a follower if you are not already, and grab my button to post somewhere on your blog so others can join in on the fun!

&lt;div align="center">&lt;a 
href="http://micheleravendesigns.blogspot.com/" title="{Primp}" 
target="_blank">&lt;img 
src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y103/amycarver3/primpbutton2.jpg" 
alt="{Primp}" style="border:none;" 
/>&lt;/a>&lt;/div>

keep primping and link up!

grain sack pillow giveaway!

2012-01-16T12:21:00.000-07:00

If you love grain sacks as much as I do, you are going to love this giveaway!

Michele from maisondemichele has generously offered to give away one of her beautiful vintage grain sack pillows from her shop.

She has so many to choose from:

blue,

red,

with a variety of stripes.

These are just a few of the ones she has available in her shop.

Aren't they gorgeous!

The winner will get to choose any grain sack pillow valued at $65.

Here's the info. you need to get a chance to win the pillow of your choice:

Go to Michele's blog Summersoul and become a follower, then come back here and leave me a comment saying you did.

For those who want extra chances at winning {leave a comment for each one you do}:

Visit maisondemichele, then let me know what your favorite item is in the shop.

Post this giveaway on your blog, facebook, or twitter.

This giveaway will be open until Mon. Jan. 23rd, 5 pm MST.

keep primping and good luck!

P.S. If you have a shop or blog you'd like to promote, or would like to do a giveaway here, email me at maraven{at}sfcn{dot}org.

Primp Your Stuff Wednesday Linky Party #30

2012-01-10T16:52:00.000-07:00

Happy Wednesday! It's time to link up all your fabulously primped projects, including anything you have made, or made to look better, or anything you have found to {primp} your space.

Here are my favorites from last week's party:

Farmhouse Porch added a beautiful chippy shelf in her bathroom to hold all the necessities.

Decorate With A Little Bit showed off her gorgeous master bath redo, which includes an interior stain glass window.

A Place To Call Home shared her perfectly styled living room shelves.

and last but not least,

Summersoul finished these amazing cane back chairs, using paint and vintage grain sacks.

Thanks for all your inspiration every week!

Now it's time to be inspired again:

Please become a follower if you are not already, and grab my button to post somewhere on your blog so others can join in on the fun!

&lt;div align="center">&lt;a 
href="http://micheleravendesigns.blogspot.com/" title="{Primp}" 
target="_blank">&lt;img 
src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y103/amycarver3/primpbutton2.jpg" 
alt="{Primp}" style="border:none;" 
/>&lt;/a>&lt;/div>

keep primping and link up!

a chair mini makeover, new camera, and a favorite find

2012-01-09T12:01:00.000-07:00

Now that the craziness of Christmas is over and the kids are back in school, I was able to finish a little project--a chair mini makeover.

I say mini, because it didn't need much done. Just a coat of white paint, and distressing ( I kept the existing seat cover).

Right now it's sitting in the corner of my dining nook, and paired with a faux grain sack pillow.

I got a new camera for Christmas, so hopefully after I learn to use it properly, my pictures will continue to improve. Funny thing is, I just barely learned some cool tricks on my really old point and shoot camera. Maybe I'll take a photography class so it doesn't take years to learn.

I also got these cute nesting doll measuring cups. I originally saw them at Urban Outfitters, but finally snatched them up one day when i spied them at JC Penny's {coupon in hand}.

I'm off to move some furniture around, and pump myself up for some bigger paint jobs.

keep primping,

french inspired vintage and handmade goods by maisondemichele

2012-01-05T13:42:00.000-07:00

I'd like to welcome my newest sponsor, maisondemichele, owned by Michele Cabot, who's shop is full of beautiful linens, grain sacks, bistro chairs and other french inspired wares that you will definitely love.

{maisondemichele}

Michele's home is also a treat for the eyes.

More of those beautiful grainsacks,

whites, and simple styling.

I love her beautiful harvest table setting,

and simple holiday styling.

Check out her blog Summersoul for more of her space, and shop maisondemichele to get those special vintage and handmade items to primp your own home.

keep primping,

Primp Your Stuff Wednesday Linky Party #29

2012-01-03T17:21:00.001-07:00

Happy Wednesday! It's time to link up all your fabulously primped projects, including anything you have made, or made to look better, or anything you have found to {primp} your space.

Last week's party included any recent or favorite projects from 2011, and boy were they all great!

It all started with Paint showed off her gorgeous entryway.

Shabby Love shared her beautiful mirror wall.

French Country Cottage is a pro at ruffles, and at styling a romantic table setting.

Kate's Place primped a plain barrel into a beauty, using burlap and a stencil.

European Paint Finishes revealed this perfectly weathered vanity.

Picked and Painted updated this charming changing table with paint and new knobs.

and last but not least,

Sweetgirl Expressions made this sweet and shabby, scrappy union jack stool.

Thanks so much for all the inspiration! 2011 was a great year, here's hoping 2012 will bring as much or more!

Please become a follower if you are not already, and grab my button to post somewhere on your blog so others can join in on the fun!

&lt;div align="center">&lt;a 
href="http://micheleravendesigns.blogspot.com/" title="{Primp}" 
target="_blank">&lt;img 
src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y103/amycarver3/primpbutton2.jpg" 
alt="{Primp}" style="border:none;" 
/>&lt;/a>&lt;/div>

keep primping and link up!

thanks for a great year!

2011-12-29T13:56:00.000-07:00

Thanks for making 2011 a wonderful year! I was able to accomplish a lot more than I thought after putting together my end of year post.

Thank you for reading my blog, and leaving such sweet, encouraging comments--they make my day!

Thanks to these top referring blogs:

Common Ground

French Country Cottage

Kate's Place

Funky Junk Interiors

Confessions of a Plate Addict

And a special thanks to my lovely sponsors:

Coffee & Cabernet

Rhett Didn't Give A Damn

Maple & Magnolia

Christine Marie Studio

If you would like to advertise here on Primp beginning in January, I'm offering sponsorship space for $10 a month. Just email me at maraven {at}sfcn{dot}org.

And because no post is complete without some pictures, here are some that are currently inspiring my 2012 project ideas.

{all images via Pinterest}

I'm excited for the new year and have lots of projects and ideas planned. Now I'm off to work on my to-do list.

keep primping,

Primp Your Stuff Wednesday Linky Party #28 {end of year special edition}

2011-12-27T18:24:00.001-07:00

Happy Wednesday, and welcome to a special end of year Primp Your Stuff Linky Party!

It's time to link up all your fabulously primped projects, including anything you have made, or made to look better, or anything you have found to {primp} your space.

Here are my favorites from last week's party:

The Old White House showed off her beautiful Christmas mantel.

Elizabeth & Co. shared a tutorial on making an ornament wreath.

Primitive and Proper primped a beautiful blue sideboard.

Creatively Living made this simple pretty banner.

Thanks for all your inspiration every week!

Now it's time to be inspired again:

Please become a follower if you are not already, and grab my button to post somewhere on your blog so others can join in on the fun!

<div align="center"><a 
href="http://micheleravendesigns.blogspot.com/" title="{Primp}" 
target="_blank"><img 
src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y103/amycarver3/primpbutton2.jpg" 
alt="{Primp}" style="border:none;" 
/></a></div>

Feel free to link up a recent project or up to 3 of your favorites from 2011.

keep primping and link up!

my favorite projects of 2011

2011-12-27T09:20:00.004-07:00

This year included lots of primping--isn't that what this blog is about?

One of my favorites was a simple winter whites vignette, complete with my favorite chalkboard, and deconstructed books stacked in the shape of a tree.

The year also included lots of painting, including this 'All you need is love' sign,

this farmchic buffet,

my new farmhouse table,

a Farmhouse dresser,

this grainsack chair,

another dresser {this time a tall one},

and our chalkboard door pantry.

I did some sewing too:

a Faux grain sack pillow and runner,

and ruffled seat cover.

And lastly, I changed out some light fixtures to add more farmhouse character. A basket light fixture for the kitchen,

and this barn light for the boys' room.

Here's hoping 2012 brings you lots of love, happiness, and projects to primp.

Keep primping, and Happy New Year!

{P.S. Come back tonight for a special end of year Primp Your Stuff Wednesday Linky Party.}

linking to these fun end of year parties:

A-Z, Southern Hospitality, Primitive and Proper, CSI

MeRrY ChRisTmaS!

2011-12-25T10:11:00.001-07:00

From my family to yours,

Merry Christmas!

The table is set,

2011-12-24T15:20:00.000-07:00

with lots of red and turquoise.

I used my faux grain sack runner as the main backdrop,

and added vintage looking placecards from these old index cards found at the thrift store.

The red striped napkins were found at the dollar store.

The buffet behind the table holds faux snow globes we made using items found around the house.

Now that the table is set, were having fun baking and preparing some super easy but yummy food.

This rocky road fudge recipe is for the neighbors.

On Christmas morning, we always have hot chocolate and monkey bread, except I cheat and use frozen roll dough instead of making it from scratch. I put the frozen dough in a bundt pan with all the cinnamon/sugar and cover and place in the oven overnight. In the morning, just bake, invert, and drizzle with the topping.

Then we have super easy and yummy, german pancakes to tide us over until our traditional Christmas dinner of ham, potatoes, rolls, etc.

Hope you all have a very Merry Christmas!

{all food images found via Pinterest}

new pleated burlap stockings

2011-12-22T12:45:00.000-07:00

I added some new burlap stockings above the fireplace, just in time for Christmas.

I wasn't liking my mismatched ones, then spotted these cuties on etsy from

That Little Farmhouse.

I love the cute white pleats.

I like how it makes the mantel look a little more finished, and my kids like that their stockings are all the same, so Santa is sure to be fair!

keep primping,

Primp Your Stuff Wednesday Linky Party #27

2011-12-20T17:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Wednesday! It's time to link up all your fabulously primped projects, including anything you have made, or made to look better, or anything you have found to {primp} your space.

Here are my favorites from last week's party:

Antiquechase showed off her gorgeous french armoire.

The Homeless Finch made a beautiful wreath out of dollar store ornaments.

French Country Cottage made this super cool {and huge} chalkboard to put in her dining room.

vixenMade showed how to make this cute bow pillow out of an old sweater.

Thanks for all your inspiration every week!

Now it's time to be inspired again:

Please become a follower if you are not already, and grab my button to post somewhere on your blog so others can join in on the fun!

&lt;div align="center">&lt;a 
href="http://micheleravendesigns.blogspot.com/" title="{Primp}" 
target="_blank">&lt;img 
src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y103/amycarver3/primpbutton2.jpg" 
alt="{Primp}" style="border:none;" 
/>&lt;/a>&lt;/div>

keep primping and link up!

white christmas mantel, bleaching bottle brush trees, and a quick Christmas home tour

2011-12-17T10:57:00.002-07:00

It's looking a little more like Christmas around here.

I updated my mantel with a favorite framed chalkboard, some mercury glass, and some bleached bottle brush trees.

We traded in our boy elf on the shelf for Chrissy, who watches and reports to Santa each night.

I found a package of 21 green bottle brush trees at Michael's, threw some in the sink with a bleach and water mixture, and had these white ones in just a couple of minutes.

Last year I completely re-did the ornaments for my tree. This year I only made one, using my favorite item of the season--bottle brush trees.

To get a glimpse of our tree, check out last year's post. This year, our tree looks a little pathetic. It's been knocked over 3 times by our 'sweet' kittens who like to climb up the trunk. Several ornaments were broken and my sheet music and bookpage ornaments look a little bent up.

The tree itself, looks like its seen better days. Next year, I think we're buying a real life one, maybe we'll even cut down our own.

In the piano room, I added a real life wreath and more bottle brush trees, some were slightly bleached for just seconds to get a variety of green coloring.

I made this simple bunting with ribbon on hand, and inspired by this.

Our new advent cupboard was updated with some paint and a sharpie, and filled with favorite candy. It's much simple than last year's.

More bottle brush trees, and various sized letters that sing "fa la la".

I added a simple Christmas vignette in the girls' room.

Yep, you guessed it, pink bottle brush trees, and teeny tiny deer.

Another simple Christmas vignette, using an old metal ornament, sits in a cakestand.

Instead of the usual wreath on the front door, I added this wooden tree shape found at the thrift store.

It was already backed with chicken coop wire, perfect for hanging my vintage ornament collection.

Thanks for letting me take you on a tour of Christmas around here. I think we are officially in the mood and ready for it!

keep primping,

linking to these fab parties:

Jennifer Rizzo, Tatertots and Jello, Funky Junk, Inspired Room, Sassy Sites