The Rustic Alley

Meet Wally Red, The Elf on the Shelf

2011-12-01T22:43:00.000-07:00

Happy December! I love Christmas time. The lights, music, decorations, overall feeling that Christmas brings has always been so special to me. My birthday is this month as well, so December is my favorite month of all! As we are setting everything up for Christmas in our home we welcomed a new friend this year to our family.

Meet Wally Red, our Elf on the Shelf!

I am so new to the Elf on the Shelf, so of course I turned to Pinterest to see some ideas we can do with Wally. Oh my gosh, sooo cute! Pinterest will never disappoint will it?!? These are some of my favorites that will for sure take place in our home this year.

What are some of your favorite things your Elf on the Shelf does in your home? This is going to be a fun tradition!

Repin Wednesdays...Cardboard

2011-11-29T23:34:00.001-07:00

Lately I have been doing a lot of decorating for a big Christmas party at my church. With a limited budget cardboard has become my new favorite item. So curiously I looked up on Pinterest what people have thought to use cardboard for. I swear, people are so resourceful and crafty aren't they?!? I think I may have to try some of these out!

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11.

Have you done anything unique and creative with cardboard? Would love to hear what and see pictures!

Thanksgiving Repin Wednesday

2011-11-23T00:04:00.001-07:00

I love Seinfeld! If you all have seen it do you remember the episode that Jerry went to get a Marble Rye for his friend George, only to find out that an old women in front of him in line got the last one? Jerry then ends up stealing the Marble Rye from her and runs off with her chasing him in the background yelling, "He stole my Marble Rye! My Marble Rye!!!" Well I thought for sure this was going to happen to me today, but rather than stealing a Marble Rye from someone it would be a big fat 20 pound turkey! I had to go to a couple stores to find one big enough, and yes...I was sweating that our Thanksgiving would consist of everything but a turkey. But I found one, and it was NOT in someone's basket.

So, if you are like me and still are looking at ideas for Thanksgiving here are a few from Pinterest that caught my eye. I seriously could have posted a million of them but today you will have to settle for only 11.

All recipes are found under Thanksgiving on my Pinterest Page

YUMM!!! Anyone else hungry? What are your staples that you always have on Thanksgiving?

The Story of the Claw Foot Couch

2011-11-21T07:40:00.001-07:00

Last week was a crazy one for me. I kept thinking, I need to post on my blog, I need to post on my blog...but as you saw I didn't! My computer was dead, and so was my energy to post. I have been working non stop on an exciting project, and I have just been telling myself, it's more important to finish client work than to post. I think that is solid advice wouldn't you say?

So what have I been working on you say? Let me give you a hint, this is my new best friend!

And it helps me re-upholster this fabulous couch!

My client bought this couch at Goodwill 3 years ago an has had it in her garage ever since. I LOVE it! She is going to transition it into her family room. Her goal, to have a couch with very little pillows so the kids can't throw them off the couch. So smart!

The fabric is an amazing apple green to go along with her modern house with vintage touches. Can I say I WANT her house! The claw feet on the couch are so authentic. I just can't wait to finish it all!

Weekend Projects & Nellie B Necklace Winner

2011-11-11T09:02:00.000-07:00

This weekend is a full one! I am wrapping up refinishing this very cool armoire for a client that we are making into a media storage center.

I love the detail on the doors. Every piece of furniture should have something unique about it, which gives it a focal point.

Also, thank you to all those that entered for the Nellie B. necklace giveaway!

The winner picked by Random Number.com is... Jessica! Congratulations!

Remember Nellie B. for all your fun and unique Christmas gifts this year. They truly are loved by all those that receive them. Plus, the way Brooke packages the jewelry is one of the best parts!

Have a fantastic weekend!

Repin Wednesdays...Numbers

2011-11-09T23:52:00.001-07:00

Everyone has a connection to numbers. When you see a 7, typically you think of luck, right?. When I see an 8, I imagine one of those round 8 balls that tell you your "future". Those were so much fun to play with as a kid! Numbers are all around us and what better place to display them than in your home.

When putting numbers as art in your home use those that have meaning to you and those around you. Use your birthday, lucky number, anniversary, children's birthdays, etc. Here are some of my favorite ideas with numbers from this week on Pinterest.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11.

Have you seen any other great ideas with numbers? I would love to hear about them. Happy Pinning!

Nellie B Necklace Giveaway

2011-11-06T21:51:00.002-07:00

It's the start of a new week, so you know what that means...another GIVEAWAY!

I always get stopped every time I wear a necklace made by my dear friend Brooke from Nellie B. Brooke is the most talented lady I know! Her jewelry is amazing and will not disappoint! She welds, hammers and creates each piece by hand. You truly get a unique, one of a kind piece of jewelry every time! Brooke recently started selling her creations, so her blog is new like mine. Show her some love by entering for this great giveaway. Her jewelry make great gifts for everyone! Her young daughter wears them and looks adorable!

This is your chance to win this Heart of Brass Necklace

To Enter Giveaway

(Comment telling me you did all steps)

1. Be or become a follower of this blog

2. Become a Follower of The Nellie B blog

3. "Like" The Rustic Alley on Facebook

4. Leave a comment on at least one other post on this blog

Earn extra entries (one extra entry per step) by:

1. Sharing this link on facebook, twitter, or blog

2. Getting someone new to follow The Rustic Alley Blog

Giveaway will end on Thursday November 10th at Midnight.

Winner will be announced on Friday.

Good Luck!

Closet Envy

2011-11-03T22:28:00.000-07:00

I have a confession, I have a huge problem with staying organized and keeping my house clean. I would like to say that it's all because I have three young girls (under four) and a husband that likes to drop things on the floor when he comes home from work, but seeing as though my mom reads my blog she will call me out and say keeping things clean and organized has always been a problem for me! Hello, my name is Allison. I am in my 30's and I have a hard time keeping my room clean.

I sometimes wish I had a little O.C.D, that way I would keep everything nice and neat. I seriously try, but I just can't do it. I am too much of a free spirit and try to not make anything that doesn't "really matter" a big deal. Then it gets to the point where I go crazy and become a nutty women who spends hours upon hours trying to clean, and it never seems like it stays that way too long. What is pushing me over the edge lately is laundry! I hate laundry and even more I hate putting it away. I probably hate putting it away because I don't have a fantastic closet that is excited to hold my clothes.

Maybe if I had one of these in my life at least my closet would be beautiful and organized. A girl can dream right?!?

Pictures via Pinterest

What do you all do to stay organized? How often do you find yourself cleaning out closets and rooms? Now that I am becoming more busy with work, I need help!

Repin Wednesdays...Lighting

2011-11-02T08:07:00.000-07:00

Lighting is one of my favorite parts of any room. There are so many options and great ways to bring ambiance to a room. Hanging lights can be works of art providing texture and focal points. These are a few of my favorite I have seen on Pinterest.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Happy Pinning! You can find all these on my pinterest boards for easy repining. The numbers above either take you to the website they originate from or to my "lighting board".

One Lucky Fighter wins CK Condo Giveaway

2011-10-28T08:01:00.002-07:00

I have been having some serious computer issues! My computer doesn't like to work and decides to go on boycott when something really important needs to be done, like post on my blog! So I have hijacked my husbands work computer...thank you husbands work for your laptop I truly appreciate it.

So without further rantings who is the winner? After reading the posts one stuck out to me very much especially because of what month October recognizes. Let me give you a hint,

Although October represents Breast Cancer awareness, one of my readers that posted for the giveaway is fighting cancer! That just brings tears to my eyes when I think of it. Both for how awesome it is to be someone to beat cancer and for how sad I feel for anyone that as to go through something has horrific as cancer, especially when there are children involved. So how could I not give this amazing giveaway to Samantha Carter!

(Her Comment)
I did all the steps for your contest! Me and my husband could really use a vacation about now! We've had a rough two years dealing with my thyroid cancer and numerous surgeries, my husband is in school full time, and working, plus we have three little children so we are on a tight budget as it is! My kids dream about the going to the beach they talk about it all the time :)

I am so proud of you Samantha, and think you definitely deserve a trip full of no stress and carefree days! Join me all in congratulating Samantha for not only getting the CK Condos trip but for fighting cancer and of course going to be the winner of it!

Repin Wednesdays...DIY Projects

2011-10-25T22:23:00.000-07:00

I love Pinterest! How did we ever live without it, right?!? Here are some of my favorite DIY projects. So creative and inventive!

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11.

What are your favorite DIY projects from Pinterest?

Need a Trip? Win the CK Condos Giveaway

2011-10-23T23:41:00.002-07:00

Since The Rustic Alley launched on September 12th I have partnered with some amazing friends to give 4 giveaways, and today is the 5th! Can I just say that following The Rustic Alley blog has its perks!

If you are like me, seeing pictures like this one is just a tease...

But NOT today! My good friends from CK Condos are giving away a 3 day 2 night stay at one of 22 different locations across the country, to a lucky Rustic Alley follower! You can take your pick from a beautiful Southern California condo, or a condo in beautiful Lake Tahoe to name a couple locations. This would make a fantastic mini vacation! I want to win this one, I could always use a couple nights away from reality, what about you?

To Enter the CK Condo Giveaway

(Must be or become a follower of this blog)

1. "Like" The Rustic Alley page on Facebook

2. "Like" CK Condos page on Facebook

3. Email therusticalley@gmail.com with your email so that CK Condos can get in touch with you if you win!

4. Facebook, blog, tweet, etc. about this amazing giveaway. Leave a comment with the link for your post

5. Comment telling me you did all steps and why you want to win

(FYI: comments are great! The more the better)

The contest ends Thursday October 27th at Midnight. The winner will be announced on Friday.

Good Luck!

Repin Wednesday, A Day Late...Wreath's

2011-10-20T15:02:00.000-07:00

Sorry this is a day late. I have been busy tearing out carpet and finding termites! YUCK!!! So on to the good stuff.

I love wreath's. They are the first thing that people see when they come to your home, and let's face it...first impressions are everything! An empty door is an unhappy door. Here are a few of my favorite wreaths I have seen and repinned on Pinterest. There were so many cute ones I wish I could fit about 20 here, but I settled with 11.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11.

All these are on my Pinterest board, Wreath's for easy repinning. What fun wreath's have you seen? I would love to hear your comments!

Drab To Fab Buffet

2011-10-17T23:48:00.002-07:00

When I refinish furniture I usually don't get started on it right away. Rather I let it sit and I will look at it in different lights and at different times of day. I know this sounds very cheesy but I let the furniture speak to me. I keep staring at it until I can see the vision of the finished product. Unfortunately this sometimes is trial and error. (This is how I am with rooms in my house. My husband knows that if I am staring at the walls or looking around the room then that usually is a bad sign, and will eventually cost more money. I try not to do this too often).

So when I got this piece of furniture from a client, I sat, and stared...and stared...and stared some more.

The first thing I saw was that the band of detail around the top of the buffet was barely noticeable. Why have a detail like that if you can't see it? Second, the knobs do not make any statement and were much too small.

And lastly, the orange color was horrible! That had to change.

Here is the finished product. I love the way it turned out. The detail around the top is how it should be! You can tell it's there.

As I was painting it I remembered smiling, thinking that I am so glad that I get to do this job. Old furniture is suppose to look old, don't you think? I like clean lines but there is just something about giving furniture charecter so it doesn't look like something bought at the store. (p.s. I really don't know why I try writting in cursive...I don't think I have since the 5th grade; and it shows! It should say Life is too SHORT to not take chances).

And to finish it off, beautiful vintage inspired glass knobs. The only problem is, I don't get to keep it.

What is your preference, old furniture looking clean and fresh and new? Or trying to give it a unique character? I would love to hear your thoughts, it is a hard one I know...

Kamee June Photography Winner

2011-10-14T08:34:00.000-07:00

Thank you all so much for the comments, new followers, "likers", tweets, blog posts, etc.! This has been an exciting giveaway! There have been 502 page views of this giveaway. That is so crazy for a new blogger like me. Apparently Kamee is LOVED.

So who is the winner? Who gets to have their pictures taken by this amazing and talented lady??? Who is going to be inspired and laugh so much that their cheeks hurt?

There is no way that I could pick someone to win! There were too many great stories to choose from. So I turned to Random.org. I made a list with everyones names listed multiple times(depending on how many entries everyone had). Plugged it in and this is what I got.

True Random Number Generator Result: 89 Powered by RANDOM.ORG

So who is number 89 is the question? DRUM ROLL.....

The Winner is Steph and Scott!

CONGRATULATIONS!!! I can't wait to see how they turn out.

DIY Chalkboard

2011-10-13T09:17:00.001-07:00

A while back on one of my trips to Goodwill I came across this fantastic gold leafed frame.

It was a steal at only $10 so I bought it knowing exactly what I wanted to do with it. Turn it into a framed chalkboard/message center.

I used Masonite board, which is like peg board with no holes in it. I painted it with chalkboard paint and cut it to size with a table saw. I measured the back of the frame as I wanted to glue it to the frame and not fit it inside. If you know the measurements Home Depot or Lowe's can cut it for you.

Masonite Board

You could also use a magnet board and paint that with chalk board paint. This way you have a magnet board and a chalk board. These come in a pre-selected sizes at most hardware stores and can not be cut on site.

Magnet Board

I already had Masonite board that was painted with chalkboard paint in my garage from when I taught Home Economics to children, so this made my decision an easy one. Once you glue the board to the frame let it dry. I used a Gorilla Glue product. Depending on the glue it will vary in time. Give at least a few hours if not longer.

Nail in some picture brackets to the back so that you can hang it to your screws.

And there you go! A beautiful finished product! Now I have a place to put all those amazing quotes I see everyday on Pinterest.

Repin Wednesday...Dresser Obsession

2011-10-12T01:17:00.001-07:00

Who doesn't love Pinterest!?! I am inspired everyday from Pinterest. From furniture, room designs, quotes, books to read, clothes to buy, projects to sew, food to cook, hair styles to try and so many d.i.y projects it makes my head spin!
Every Wednesday will be "Repin Wednesdays" right here at The Rustic Alley! I will post my top 10 favorites. This week is all about dressers. They range in styles, as do I, but I love each of them for so many different reasons. Hope you enjoy and become inspired! Now go get Repinning!

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Pictures via Pinterest

Kamee June Photography Giveaway

2011-10-10T08:50:00.005-07:00

I have been waiting a long time to tell you about this amazing giveaway! Whoever wins this is one lucky person!

Before we moved to Arizona from Orange County, California I had some of the most amazing friendships. One of those dear friends is Kamee, from Kamee June Photography. Kamee and I became friends quickly. She is someone that I want to be more like. Kamee is always smiling and laughing, finding the good in everyone and has such a sweet spirit about her. You know those people you meet and you feel like you have known them since childhood? Kamee is one of those people, and I am sure everyone thinks this of her. She makes everyone feel like they are the most important person and that she has known you for years and years! When Kamee made the transition from teaching high school English full time to Photography I knew instantly that she would do amazing work...and I was right!!! Kamee shot our family a few years ago when I was pregnant with my third daughter. Click here to see more.

She captured the expressions of my girls perfectly!

It was this picture that made me look closer at my daughters eyes. They are beautiful and unique!

Now you all have the chance to work with this extremely talented lady. When I contacted Kamee to see if she would be willing to do a giveaway as I launch my business, there was NO hesitation at all! This is what I love about her. She was so excited for me to start on this adventure and wanted to support anyway she could!

Kamee June Photography is giving away one photo session, a $250 value! Kamee shoots in all states, so no matter where you are located enter for a chance to win!

To Enter the Kamee June Photography Photo Shoot:

(You Must be a follower or become a follower of THIS blog)

Comment for each of the steps on this blog. You could potentially leave 4 comments or more. Each step is one entry.

1. Like The Rustic Alley facebook page.

2. Like Kamee June Photography facebook page.
3. Comment on this blog why you want to win a photo session with Kamee June Photography? Is it for you or for someone else?
4. Facebook, blog or tweet about this post and link it back to The Rustic Alley blog.

The contest ends Thursday October 13th at Midnight. The winner will be announced Friday the 14th. Good Luck!!!

Jury Duty

2011-10-06T23:11:00.001-07:00

Jury Duty calls tomorrow bright and early. Secretly I'm hoping I get selected. The justice system fascinates me, however messed up it is!

Did you know that it costs $47,000 per inmate per year in the state of California? I just saw this on the news today. That is crazy!!! For federal prisons it is upwards of $60,000 per inmate per year. Something is messed up with this situation don't you think? Well enough of my rants, hopefully I can serve my country and do my civic duty, painting will just have to wait.

This is for real...I was featured!

2011-10-06T08:44:00.000-07:00

As you know I am new to the blog world so I am learning as I go. The first thing I have realized is how special the relationships in the blog world are. I have no clue who some of you are, but the support I feel is amazing! I know that if we lived closer we would for sure be friends!

The second realization is that I should do a lot more to help my blog and business grow! I am reading and soaking everything up that I can. How to juggle being mom and wife first, painter/refinish, blogger, sewing teacher to kids and adults, and somewhere in that line up I should take time for me, right?

One thing that I have done for my blog is join "link up parties" a few times...really just 3 times so far, I am a slacker! Anyways, I was just going through my comments on some of my posts and found that Kim from Too Much Time On My Hands featured my Rustic Book Shelf Project. Click here to take a look! WHAT?!? How cool is this! So happy I am smiling from ear to ear, I guess this adventure I am on is for real!

Design Boards for Sarah

2011-10-05T01:19:00.001-07:00

Recently I was asked to help a friend of mine re-decorate her room. This has been so much fun! I love looking at a space and seeing all the potential it has! The only problem is, she has two different styles. Sarah is not sure of which one she prefers more. I know I have a favorite but what do you think she should go for?

(the first image is stuck on my husbands computer so I couldn't reformat it...sorry)

Kidlark Winner

2011-10-03T16:20:00.001-07:00

The winner of the Kidlark Custom card giveaway is...

A. Kuhni
Hey Allison! I need Kidlark to step in and help me with my Christmas card cause the baby will be here a couple weeks before Christmas and it would make my life sooooooo much easier if I happened to have the card already to go before my delivery, without having to worry about much more than addressing the envelopes, stamping them and putting them in the mail! :)

Congratulations!

Since I don't have an email address for you can you please send me yours at therusticalley@gmail.com.

Sneak Peak

2011-09-30T10:13:00.000-07:00

This is SO FAR from being done but, just to get your interest peaked! Hopefully I finish it this weekend. Wish me luck! Also remember about the great Kidlark giveaway, here. Don't miss out on this awesome prize!

A Muse for Shelves

2011-09-29T00:51:00.003-07:00

A muse for someone that refinishes furniture can come from all sorts of places. I love looking at antiques and trying to bring old furniture back to its original glory, but sometimes the pocket book doesn't allow for it! Working with what you have can make the best refinishing projects, and the best muses.

My client Kim that got the Antique Refinish to her dinning room table, has this beautiful Andover Cabinet from Pottery Barn.It has that old rustic look with all the modern conveniences. For example...those drawers, not drawers at all (except for the top row), it's a cabinet. Those tricky Pottery Barn people! This was a great piece of furniture she had in her living room, and it made for a fabulous muse.

Above the table on the wall were these two long shelves.

Everything else in her living room was a beautiful dark mahogany wood, so the orange on the shelves was standing out, and not in a good way. In stepped the muse and away I went.

I first painted them a Navajo White color. When that was dry, but still a little tacky I took my sander and with a 220 sand paper lightly took some of the paint off to give it the rustic look. The reason I choose to not wait for it to be completely dry was because I wanted a Venetian plaster effect. I waxed it, gave it some scrapes and bruises with my putty knife and finished it off with a brown glaze and polyurethane. They turned out great, and look fantastic on her wall.

What things in life become your MUSE?

Surviving Refinishing

2011-09-28T07:44:00.001-07:00

Today's Agenda...