Bless My Nest

Club GW trip

2012-03-01T07:00:00.023-05:00

I haven't had alot of success

at my favorite thrift store

over the past couple months-

Now, don't get me wrong-

I never leave empty handed-

I scored alot of Christmas cheer

in November and December

but since then, the furniture has been scarce

until the other day...

Lookie lookie!!

this cute little wooden server was a cool $3.99

couldn't pass it up

it needs some TLC but I'm willing and able

can't wait to get started

and I'll be sure to update you on any progress I make!!
I found a few online
this was on ebay for a sweet $169-

and this was at Dutchcrafters for $664.00

I really got a fab deal-
Annie Sloan-here I come!!

Take care, gotta fly-

Hanging plates

2012-02-29T07:00:00.005-05:00

One of my favorite home decorating looks is

hanging plates on walls.

To me, it gives a cozy, at home feel to a room-

most of these pictures came from Country Home
and Better Homes and Garden

Don't you agree?

Gotta fly-

The Pinterest Obsession

2012-02-28T07:00:00.005-05:00

I don't know who in bloggyville

hasn't heard of Pinterest

and I'm sure most of you have touched it somewhere-

A virtual pinboard

Isn't it fun?!!

What a great way to check out what's new in the world-

from design, arts, home decor, diy crafts,

humor, posters, architecture and so on and on and on-

an example of a virtual pinboard

It's my favorite go to now

love to check it out on my phone

when I'm waiting in line at the post office,

sitting in traffic, doctor's waiting rooms and

you can even check it out in the bathroom!!(lol)

It's my new favorite
and
I encourage you to check it out!

Gotta fly-

Moulding Loves

2012-02-27T07:00:00.002-05:00

I love moulding....

Actually, I am obsessed with it.

I put it in my front hallway last year

but, I really love this kind....

and this...

and this...

this dining room

even this

so.....
I'm taking it on and I'll let you know where and when!

Gotta fly-

Saturday Favorites

2012-02-25T07:00:00.006-05:00

Saturday Favorites

my favorite day of the week

today's creative peeps

are

gonna knock your socks off!!

You all know my love of mouldings, right?
Well, Christina from No. 29 Design
took an old out of date look
and transformed it into this beauty over her mantle-
Love this look-go check out the before
-genius-I tell you!

Lia, over at Ellinee

created this paper rose wreath

My obsessions over paper flowers, rosettes and wreathes

goes way back..

She even has a free template to download for the roses

OMG-I'm doing the happy dance!!

Vivienne over at the V Spot
designed this incredible flowerpot
using a clay pot, some sculpey, glue and paint-
She shows a 6 step tutorial on the fab roses-
This is definitely one that's up my alley

I'm running over to Michael's today!!

Sarah, from Renewed Upon A Dream
created this with a $1 frame, thrift store sheet music,
modge podge and a stencil..
Love the results, don't you?

Brooke over at Start at Home
shows us her first attempt with chalk paint as well as the
planked wall in the background-
I'm overwhelmed by her creativity,aren't you?
Go check her out!!

So, there you have it-
this week's favorites!
Hope you had as much fun as I did!!

Take care, gotta fly-

Craftgawker fun!

2012-02-23T07:00:00.013-05:00

Another bit'o fun from Craftgawker

Have you seen these word clouds?

Amazingly creative

provides hours of fun

with little or no work at all

-my kind of fun!!!-

Tagxedo is the cool site
-word clouds in style
There are so many variations-
far too many to name
but one thing is for sure
they are personalized to a tee
no two are alike
you can make them as personal as you'd like
A collage of unique and personal words
all about you or you or you-
I made one for my nephew-
(Happy 6th Birthday Brendan!!)
he's a geography wiz so I knew he'd enjoy his favorites
all wrapped up in the shape
of the good 'ole USA!!

Take care, gotta fly-

ps:don't want to leave anyone out-lol Happy Bday to my brother Dennis too!

Sweaters as Home Decor

2012-02-22T08:58:00.037-05:00

I know you've seen pillows made from old sweaters-

I've showed you a few in the past

but

have you ever seen an animal head covered in sweater?

How about sweater pillows in flower shapes?

A lampshade made of sweaters?

Sounds abit far fetched, huh?

take a look....

and this

and finally

all of these photos were found on
Apartment Therapy
I love the flower sweater pillows, I'd cover an animal head in sweaters
even a sweater lampshade might find its way into my home-
a sweater rug is just an accident waiting to happen!
At least in a house of klutzy peeps!
Thought you'd get a kick out of these too!!

Take care, gotta fly

It's Not Perfect

2012-02-21T07:00:00.054-05:00

It's not Perfect

but

the Nester thinks it's still beautiful

at least that's what she's partyin' about this week!!

I'm all for that-

nothing in my home is perfect-

at Bless My Nest
the good thing is,

I think it's beautiful even when it's far from perfect..
why?
because it's home......

I could go around taking pictures of many things

but I don't want to bore you-hahaha

Here is the pretty door, with moulding-

with the pretty spring wreath,

covered with burlap rosettes,birds and pearls...

ahhhhhh, the beauty is amazing....

but, when you open this pretty door

the disaster is waiting

-it's not pretty

so, it doesn't have to be perfect, as you can see!

(I did mention organizing!)

Take care, gotta fly-

My 2012 word revisited

2012-02-20T07:00:00.002-05:00

Back in January,

I decided that the word "organize"

would be my focus word this year.

I really like the thought of it

but the actual doing of it is another thing.

Working fulltime puts a cramp in my free time

so I'm hoping that during the February school break,

I will find a pinch of time, here and there,

to organize a small piece of my life.
wish me luck-
I'm gonna need it!

Take care, gotta fly-

Weekly Favorites

2012-02-18T07:23:00.068-05:00

Can you believe it's already Saturday?

I'm a happy camper and I'll show you why-

Look at these amazing creations...

Britt from Interestosity
created these beauties-
using some inexpensive fabric, a stencil and a bit of paint
she created the fabric and designed the pillows
Love that stencil too!
Visit her for the great tutorial
and see her creativity at work!!

Jessica, over at Four Generations One Roof
shows us this beauty...
She wanted a window seat and voila!
Over a weekend, with a little help from her friends,
she's got it!
Go check out this fabulous lady-
what a creative soul!!

Have you met Teresa from Blooming on Bainbridge?
I love reading her blog-
It's always colorful and full of charm
she's adorable to boot!!
Anyone who takes the time to create a banner
full of colorful scrappy hearts
has to be a creative gal-
Go check out her blog!

Erica from Erica M Decor
created this Boston subway art.
using Picnik.com and
look what she did with it-
after printing it out, a quick coat of Modge Podge
a clear sheen and voila'
The perfect decor for her home-
go check out her blog!

I loved what I saw this week and hope you did too!

Go visit these creative ladies-

you'll be glad you did!
Take care, gotta fly-

Basketweave

2012-02-16T07:00:00.014-05:00

So, my newest obsession

(as I said in an earlier post)

is crocheting-

love it..

But, the problem is

when I crochet

I can't post on my blog -

it's a real problem

but I guess my remedy will be

to forego abit of sleep.

Ahhhh, anything for creativity!!!

I found this scarf pattern on craft gawker

and watched a u tube video as well.

I'm a visual learner ..

directions on paper makes my mind mush.

So, I've made 2 so far,

one for my oldest daughter for valentines day

the 1st one is fuschia

and the 2nd is purple

this color is off but the close-up

shows the stitch up close and personal!

this one is for my middle cherub !

My youngest hasn't put in any requests yet!

I love the pattern

especially being a basket ~~hoarder~~ lover lol!!

This basket weave pattern is charming

and I have to admit, not too difficult-

I'd love to tell you it's brain surgery

but we all know better!!

this is Mattie-

just home from the groomer

thought you'd like to see her fresh and clean!!

I haven't made any sweaters for my pups

but never say never!!

Well, take care, gotta fly-

linking up to

Winter loves...

2012-02-15T07:00:00.005-05:00

Things I love

in the winter chill.......

Chunky handknit scarf cowl

cozy throws

Hearty piping hot bowls of chili

toasty slippers

jammies for lounging

mugs of hot chocolate with whipped cream

Don't you love the cozy feeling these give you?

Take care, gotta fly-

Happy LOVE Day!

2012-02-14T07:00:00.017-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day

and Happy Happy Birthday to my sweet baby sister Liz!!

Crayola Hearts

2012-02-13T07:00:00.007-05:00

I Heart Crayons
I found this idea from Heather of Whipperberry blog

and thought I can do that!

Working with 1st graders always involves crayons

lots and lots of broken crayons

which is perfect for this project-

I got a great silicone heart mold at Joann's for $6.50-

(all the valentine's supplies are 50% off-woohoo!!)

I peeled the paper off and chopped up all the crayons

arranged them by colors that coordinate-

I sprinkled some glitter in random hearts

and added the chopped crayons-

Put them in the oven for 15 min. at a 230 temp-

Voila!

Aren't they adorable

and I'm all ready

for Valentine's day

for the kiddos!!

Take care, gotta fly-

This week's favorites

2012-02-11T07:11:00.057-05:00

This week has flown by

and I have some great ideas to share with you-

Have you seen knit pillows made from sweaters?

These might tickle your fancy...

Sarah, from Alderberry Hill Mom and Daughter
created these pillows
using a sweater of mom's and one of her daughter's!
How cute are these especially with the add-ons!!

You know how much I love making flowery rosettes-
so check this out...
Crystal from A Pumpkin and a Princess
shows us how to make these adorable felt flowers
in an easy to follow tutorial-
amazing!!

Nikki, from Kreative Knack
created this peek a boo zebra print
chest of drawers!

You're not going to believe the before shots
and how she created this look - fab!
Go check out her step by step-
can't wait to try this one out!

Lastly, a newbie you won't believe!
Karen, from Somewhat Quirky
set out to create a daybed,
using two headboards from twin beds-
She built it, slipcovered it and

She ended up with a piece de resistance!

She shows us the steps from beginning to end and
it doesn't look easy but when you see this-
it was worth her effort-
Kudos Karen!!

Hope you enjoyed this show-
Go check out these amazing women
and have a great week-
See you next Saturday with more of my favorites!

Take care, gotta fly- Claire

Spray Paint weather

2012-02-09T07:00:00.001-05:00

I don't know about you

but

I am yearning for spray paint weather

Don't get me wrong

we've had a mild winter in the northeast

but

I can't wait to

spread out the tarp

and

get those cans buzzin'!!

My furniture fix hasn't been satisfied this ole' winter

and I need a big boy piece of furniture to redo-

My go to GW outlet

has been pretty dry in the furniture dept.

There are plenty of artificial christmas trees, wicker baskets,books and pants

but the wood- it is a lacking

so I'm spreading out my search-

I just came across an indoor flea market not too far from me and

I'm heading there this weekend-

no stopping me

that itch is here and I gotta scratch it,

if you know what I mean!!

I'll let you know how it goes!

Take care, gotta fly- Claire

Rosettes Galore

2012-02-06T07:00:00.012-05:00

I have a thing for rosettes

I like them on everything,

well, almost everything....

on wreathes-
EmbellishedLiving on Etsy

on lampshades-

on pillows-

on sweaters-

on headbands-

I found them all over bloggyville and in magazines

put now I can pin them too!

Oh my!

Can't wait to add some more
to my decor!

Take care, gotta fly- Claire

Favorites this week

2012-02-04T07:53:00.075-05:00

I love Saturdays

when I can show you some exciting things

happening out in bloggyville!

Ami from AliLilly
designed this adorable Valentine wreath
using inexpensive tissue and a recycled cereal box-
amazing how creative she is!

My Champagne Taste is a blog you have to visit-

this was Rasha's first attempt at using this product

and I give her an A+

This silver leaf dresser is to die for-

I've got to have one!

Adelaide from Megs and Mum

shows us this incredible before and after

in her kitchen-it's an adorable piece with fab handles

and the storage is amazing

(so is the paint job)-

Go visit this creative soul from Australia

Erin, from Salvaged Whimsy

created this beautiful "rosy" wreath-

I'm obsessed with anything made with

these rosettes and

this is the perfect accent for Valentine's Day!

Christa, from Stories of a house

shows us an amazing transformation

with this beauty of a desk-
her lines
her legs
oo la la

perfectly designed

fit for a queen!

Hope you enjoyed the show this week-
stop by and say hi to these amazing women!
Take care, gotta fly-Claire

The never ending scarf

2012-02-03T07:08:00.025-05:00

My daughters love scarves

Never a day goes by that they don't wear one

the favorite style for this year is the never ending scarf-
the eternity, infinity scarf

After buying a few-

I looked them over and realized that they'd be a breeze to make...

My problem-

My sewing machine got really stubborn-

so being Handy Mandy-lol

I took pieces apart to get it working-hahhahaha

I then brought it to a repair shop-

no I'm not handy when it comes to appliances!!

So, a week after I had a great idea

I can now begin

'cuz that Singer baby is purring now!

I bought 2 yards of each pattern-

I tried to find silky with the pattern on both sides-

I was going to give you a step by step tutorial
but why when Lindsay from The Cottage Home
shows you a perfectly simple tute- this is perfect!
thanks Lindsay!!

Here are the finished scarves-for a fraction of the cost

So fun yet so simple!

Take care, gotta fly-Claire

Love Day

2012-02-01T07:28:00.003-05:00

The V day crafts in bloggyville

make my heart go pitter patter-

I really got into the v-day decorating last year

and thought I'd show you some of my favs!

My paper roses were tediously crafted with love!

My burlap felt heart pillow was simply divine-
simple being the operative word!

This 3D heart frame was fun to make and easy peasy!

This felt rosette heart shaped wreath
is one of my favs-

My twiggy tree
had many red feathered friends perched

I was loving my V Day crafts last year-
That's what happens when we had more snow
than we knew what do to with!
Snow Days ROCK when you teach!!

But, can you tell we haven't had any snow this year?
lol-oh well...

Take care, gotta fly-Claire

Tuesday Linky Parties

2012-01-31T06:30:00.002-05:00

I link up to Transformationandtreasures ,Tip Me Tuesday, Todays Creative Blog, Take A Look Tuesday and Nifty Thrifty Tuesday, TopsyTurvyTuesday, t2t Tuesday, I'm a Twice Owned Queen, I heart My Craft Cutter.

Tuesdays Club GW at Charm bracelet diva

Craftgawker

2012-01-30T07:39:00.018-05:00

Oh my-

Have you heard of this website?

Craftgawker- LOVE it!!

Alot like Pinterest
but you don't have to apply to join
or wait to be invited by a member.
You can search all the categories-
You can pin the things you like-
keep your favorites together too.
But, it's all about crafts!

It's fun
It's free
It's fabulous!

Go on-sign in-and you're in-yippee!

I love all the cuteness-

there's where I began my new crochet obsession..

Now, between Pinterest and Craftgawker
I may be in big trouble..
Not only am I obsessed with learning new things-
I'm obsessed with pinning and liking-OMG!!!

Take care, gotta ~~pin~~ oops,gotta fly-Claire

Monday Linky Parties

2012-01-30T06:30:00.002-05:00

I link up to Metamorphosis Monday, It's So Very Creative , Craft o Maniac Monday, Making Friends Blogger Style, Show off your cottage monday, Your So Very Creative, Making Monday Marvelous, Market Yourself Monday,pollywantsacrafter, Made by You Monday, Making Things Monday,Mad Skills Party,Round Tuit,Sew manyways , More the Merrier, Make Something Monday, SavvyHomemadeMonday.

http://diyhshp.blogspot.com/

Weekend Linky Parties

2012-01-28T18:30:00.002-05:00

I link up to Sew Crafty Saturday , SundayShowcaseParty, Saturday is Crafty Day,Saturday Nite Special, Sundae Scoop,A Vision to Remember, Lovely CraftyHome,ShindigSaturday, Weekend Bloggy Reading, Nifty Thrifty Sunday, The Sunday Showcase 8

Favorites of the week!

2012-01-28T07:00:00.027-05:00

I'm back....

and the creative juices

were a-flowin' this week!

First up, check out this
Amanda, from Girl in Pink
created this lovely table
in a beautiful hue of AS chalk paint!
The Paris Grey and white with the dark wax finish
enhances the carved legs-

Go check out the surprise inside the top drawer!

Rosemary, from Villabarnes
transformed this panel,
with a little paint
swag appliques
and crystal knobs-
with a bit of distressing,
it goes from plain Jane
to fancy Nancy!!
Just one of many amazing projects on this
creative blog!

Lori from Mama with a dash of DIY drama
created this LOVE-ly heart wreath-
OO-LA-LA!!
She has a great tutorial on the paper roses-
It's time consuming-
(from personal experience)
but worth every minute!
Go check this out-you'll be glad you did!

This bathroom re-do will knock your socks off
when you see the before and after-
Check out this gorgeous vanity
by Devin and Brooke, from Start at Home
This newbie blog is amazing-
The transformations will keep you
going back for more-
so go explore!

Hope you enjoyed the show this week-
Go check out these creative ladies-
you'll be glad you did!
Take care, gotta fly- Claire

Bless My Nest

Club GW trip

Hanging plates

The Pinterest Obsession

Moulding Loves

Saturday Favorites

Craftgawker fun!

Related articles

Sweaters as Home Decor

It's Not Perfect

My 2012 word revisited

Weekly Favorites

Basketweave

Winter loves...

Happy LOVE Day!

Crayola Hearts

This week's favorites

Spray Paint weather

Rosettes Galore

Favorites this week

The never ending scarf

Love Day

Tuesday Linky Parties

Craftgawker

Monday Linky Parties

Weekend Linky Parties

Favorites of the week!