freckled laundry

tiny dancer

noreply@blogger.com (freckled laundry) — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 22:18:00 +0000

My sweet Edyn started her very first dance lesson last week

so I was, of course, at the ready with my camera.

I'm convinced there is nothing cuter than a pair of tiny ballet slippers.

{Love the baggy ankles!}

Perhaps she'll grow up to be a prima ballerina.

(Oh, the thought of it!)

Anna Pavlova

It's all about her dreams though.

If it turns out tutus and slippers aren't her thing, that's okay with me.

I love my blue jeans too.

Hope you're having a lovely weekend!

Just in case you're wondering,

the photos were edited with Florabella's Ambrosia, Light Haze, and Sweet Sunshine actions in the Luxe II Collection.

{air your laundry Friday} #55

noreply@blogger.com (freckled laundry) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 03:00:00 +0000

I have a bunch of features for you tonight.

I love it when that happens;

When everything is sooooo loveable that I just can't narrow down a good handful!

That ~~said~~ written, I'm going to keep this short.

One little thing I do want to mention:

I love looking at your painted furniture makeovers, recipes, and such

{really, I do}

but remember, this is a laundry-as-in-textile-as-in-fabric party only.

And, one bigger thing:
Thank you so much to Beckie (She's such a superwoman.) at Knock Off Decor
for featuring my Restoration Hardware inspired Faux Zinc Nightstand
(one of my very first projects!)
&
Vicki at

for sharing my Chalk Paint Countertop Q&A and tutorial.
It's always a thrill to show up at someone else's place.

These are in no particular order of loveableness...

My friend, Deborah at Fairfield House NJ

shared one of the prettiest, coastal, vintage chic bath makeovers

that I have ever seen.

Don't you worry. There's plenty of pretty laundry in there too.

Speaking of baths,

I love the gray and faded pink combination

that Christine at Coordinately Yours used on her kids bath update.

Check out the before.

Just goes to show you what a simple coat of paint

and some awesome laundry can do to a room.

I adore Lynn at Shabby Story's slipcovered stool makeover.

I just love this look.

Abby at Morning by Morning Productions created the skirt from vintage tablecloth

and you'll just have to see how she made those adorable faux boot socks.

I fell in love with the boot sock look after seeing Jeanne d'Arc

lookin' all cute in them in the Fall 2010 (I think) issue.

Rebecca at pour ameliorer has been working on some sweet, laundry covered ideas

for her office makeover,

(note: There's now a desk where the bed is)

including a laundry covered, framed calender

and an incognito peg board.

Such a cute way to amp up storage and cover up a million tiny peg board holes.

Loren from Pandora's Craft Box (and her hubby)

worked tirelessly on this awesome chair makeover.

(They just shy of rebuilt the thing and it was fun to follow their DIY adventure!)

Lorraine at Miss Flibbertigibbet shared her gorgeous burlap vases.

I love the idea of the blanket stitched letters

in Jaime at That's My Letter's sign.

Hippity Hoppity Easter's on it's way already?!

Debbie at Inspired Honey Bee shared her sweet carrots and scrap garland.

Thank you so much for linking up your laundry or looking around!

The Deal...

1. Please link up TEXTILE projects and inspiration only.
(As long at is uses a fabric in some way, it's linkable.)
2. Please link to your actual post, not to your blog in general.
3. As a common courtesy, I'd love it if you linked back with a text link or my button (sidebar).
Thank you!

chalk paint counter top and cabinet tutorial

noreply@blogger.com (freckled laundry) — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 22:35:00 +0000

Thank you for your sweet notes on yesterday's counter top and cabinet Q&A post!
(If you missed it, click HERE.)

I know it was a bit wordy (not that this one is isn't!)
but I really wanted to walk you through my learning experiences,
because in the end, they answered a ton of questions that I wanted answers to
and either couldn't find {or didn't anticipate}
when I originally considered painting my counter tops with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint.

After ironing out a few wrinkles, so to speak, I ended up with lovely counter tops and cabinets.

Here are the wrinkle-free tutorials...
I'm sure there are other ways to do it. This is just how I did it!

COUNTER TOP TUTORIAL:

One of the great things about using Chalk Paint is that you don't need to prime or sand.

However, when it came to my counter tops, I did the prep work.

Step 1:
SAND.

I lightly sanded my counter top surfaces with a fine grit sanding sponge
just to give them some tooth and ensure that any grease residue, etc. was completely gone.

I wiped up my sanding residue with a tack cloth.

Step 2:

These are counter tops. I PRIMED.
I used STIX Waterbourne Bonding Primer, tinted gray.
I just asked my Sherwin-William's folks to add a couple of drops of black.

Step 3:
PAINT.

I painted my counter tops with a mix of Graphite and Pure White

to get more of a concrete color.

I prefer to use the smooth, white nylon brushes purchased

from my Annie Sloan Chalk Paint stockist.

They give such a nice, smooth coverage without the brush streaks.

I painted them in long, continuous, smooth strokes from edge to edge.

I let them dry for 24 hours.

Tip:

After the initial coat,

dip just the tip of your brush into a shallow plate of water and THEN into your paint

so that the second coat goes on smoothly and glides over the surface more easily.
I've noticed that Chalk Paint tends to grab subsequent coats.
Adding the tiniest bit of water to your brush helps.

I only needed two coats of paint for complete coverage but painted a third for good measure.

If you happen to see brush stroke marks after your paint has dried and they bother you,

you can just EVER SO LIGHTLY sand them smooth.

(This is where that extra third coat might come in handy.)

If you've never used it before,
Chalk Paint sands very easily so if you apply too much pressure or sand like you normally would,

you just might sand it right down to the original surface.
A couple of light swirls of a sanding sponge ought to be enough.

Where did I get my stencil?

It's a Jeanne d'Arc Living stencil purchased from Ruth at The Beautiful Life.

At one point, I considered painting faux grain sack stripes down the middle
using painter's tape to guide me, distressing them a little with my sanding sponge after they dried.

Stencil tutorial:

After the Graphite coat was good and dry, I adhered my stencil to the counter top.
The JDL stencils have a tacky backing.

Using a rag dipped in Pure White paint,

I blotted the excess off so that the rag was barely covered,

and dabbed the paint into the stencil to give it a variegated, time-worn look.

You can see where I blotted my excess paint off next to "EXTRA".
When I needed a rag refill, I'd just dab my rag onto that little section to pick up more paint.

After the paint dried for about 20 minutes, I carefully peeled off the stencil.

Step 4:
WAX.
After my paint dried, I waxed them using the clear Soft Wax.

Image Source
I like to apply my wax using a lint-free cotton rag,
better known as one of my husband's old t-shirts.
(I love the brush for getting in the nooks and crannies though.)

I think some of the furniture-painting pros like Miss Mustard Seed
and Shaunna at Perfectly Imperfect prefer the brushes.
So, it's really just a matter of what you're personally comfortable with!

Really push that first coat of wax into the paint.
Apply several thin coats, letting each coat dry at least overnight in between.
3 or 4 coats ought be enough but if you're like me, do five.
:)
Then do a good buff to bring out that smooth lustre after your final coat is dry.

Miss Mustard Seed did a wonderful Waxes 101 video that you might find helpful

as well as her Wax Questions post.

In yesterday's Q&A post, I mentioned that the longer the wax cures, the more it hardens.
It takes 28 days for a full cure.

Based on my personal experience,
I recommend letting them cure for at least a week before you resume normal use.

I'll need to periodically (around every few months) apply a fresh coat of wax
because it will wear down over time after repeated washings
and you wash your counter tops a lot more than furniture.

Some things I want to be sure to make clear:

You have to love this look.

Make sure you're willing to take on the maintenance of chalk painted counter tops

before you paint them. Painting them is not as durable as the original laminate surface.

It's a really gorgeous look that needs to be cared for almost like painted furniture.

Personally, I love the look so I was willing to fuss a little more.

If you're rockin' battered and bruised avocado green tops circa the mid-60s,

you'll probably love this look and welcome the extra care that goes with it!

However, if you decide to paint your granite, don't say I didn't warn you.

Sometimes we do things just for the sake of pretty.

My family is no more gentle on these than we were with our original laminate.

I still find Jaden standing on top of them, rummaging through my cupboards.

(And let's just say, he doesn't walk up a set of cloud stairs to get there.)

I'm simply more careful to wipe up water splashes from the faucet right away,

set my hot pans on a trivet, and chop on wooden cutting board, etc.

I apologize for the same photo again.
I swear, I originally had a few more shots and step-by-step tutorial photos for you!
However, I uploaded all of my photos to box.com before I sent my laptop in for repair
in January and my kitchen photo files show as zero bytes.
{sigh}
Only the two tutorial pics above were downloadable.
Fortunately, I was able to grab the final stenciled counter top shot from a sneak peek post!
So much for trusting the upload successful icon.
Lesson learned.
Always double-check the file by clicking on it before deleting the original from your computer.
(This happened to so many of my precious photos, including some of my babes.)

My kitchen is torn apart again in preparation for the zinc
so re-shooting them at this point would likely frighten you!

CABINET TUTORIAL:

Step 1:

I cleaned my cabinets with a good degreaser,
using a $1 bottle of Totally Awesome from Dollar General.

TSP and Simple Green are good ones too.

Step 2 (Optional):

LIGHTLY SAND.

Because I've witnessed my two year-old slam his Lightning McQueen car into my cabinets

one too many times, I chose to take the extra sanding step.

I wanted the extra tooth for adhesion

and I also wanted to make sure that they were completely clean.

I just lightly went over them with a sanding sponge and wiped up the dust with a tack cloth.

That said, Amy at Maison Decor's Old White cabinets look beautiful.

I don't believe she sanded and she painted over stained wood.
(She also painted them in a day. Wish I could say the same!)

Annie Sloan Chalk Paint doesn't require sanding or priming so it's really up to you.
UPDATE: See Amy's note in the comments.
Her cabinets have been painted for quite a while now vs. 2 months like mine so I found it reassuring!

Step 3 (Optional):

PRIME...at least the stains.

Grey drew a circle with a Sharpie on one of my cabinet doors

and despite several coats of chalk paint, it continued to bleed through.

So, I ended up priming just that door and repainting it.

Step 4:

PAINT.

I painted my cabinets with Pure White, no distressing.
It covered my factory Eggshell (cream) finish in two coats but I painted a third coat.

Note:

Get a coat of wax on them as soon as possible.

It takes 24 hours for the paint to thoroughly dry but don't wait too much longer beyond that,

especially if you have little ones.

I ended up having to repaint a few doors (twice) because I let them sit unwaxed for too long

and life happened around them including juice splatters,

black smudges from Lord knows what, a pencil mark, and I think even a butter smear.

Just about anything that touched this paint unwaxed, stayed there.

Scrubbing just took the paint off.

(The wax sets the paint and protects.)
.

If you want the distressed, layered, French look that Annie Sloan is known for,
she has written a couple of books of books,

Creating the French Look and Quick and Easy Paint Transformations.

If you can get yourself to one of her American Tour Workshops, that would be even better.
I certainly hope to!

I also wanted to mention the other sweet bloggers who paint furniture with ASCP professionally
(if you don't already know!).

Just type "chalk paint" in their search boxes and be inspired.
They each paint furniture in a different style.

I reach out to my awesome {North East} Annie Sloan Chalk Paint stockist, Patty

when I have a question.
Your area stockist would be a great resource too.

There.
That ought to ~~{overwhelm}~~ get you headed in the right direction as far as paint techniques!

Step 5:

WAX.

I waxed them just like a piece of furniture, using a brush to get in the grooves.

Then, I let them cure.

I applied another coat of wax a couple of weeks later.

I adore the soft lustre of my cabinets.

They're a little tougher than a piece of painted furniture with the extra wax coats

but I'll still treat them as such.

Despite the pretty look and finish, chalk painted cabinets aren't for everyone

and again, you have to love the look of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint
(I'm curious. Who doesn't?!)

and be comfortable with maintaining the finish every few months with a fresh coat of wax.

I don't plan on waxing my cabinets every few months though...just the counter tops.

I think you could get away with every 6 or 12 months on the cabinets,

except for maybe right under the sink where the cabinets tend to get wet more often.
At least in my house.

Oh, how I would love a farmhouse sink with a deep basin!!!

If you paint your cabinets or counter tops, I'd love to see!

As always, if you have any questions, just ask.
Make sure you read my Q&A post because that answers a bunch.

Have a lovely week!
UPDATE: Be sure to read the comments for some sealer recommendations.

chalk paint counter top q&a and tour

noreply@blogger.com (freckled laundry) — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Happy Saturday to you.

Some of you have emailed me about my

counter tops and cabinets

painted with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint,

urging me to spill the beans and answer some questions.

So, that's what I'm doing!

It's lengthy but I'm laying it all out there for you.

{Look familiar?}

If you read THIS post, you know that I'm pulling the ol' switcheroo

and going with zinc counter tops

so I figure now is as good a time as any
to give you the skinny on the chalk paint.

Do I love my counter tops and cabinets?

Yes. I absolutely do.

Why am I going with zinc counter tops then?

I've always wanted zinc, concrete or rustic barn wood counter tops

and it turns out the zinc was a quite a bit more affordable than I thought it would be.

{Ideally, I'd love zinc on our big stretch of counter

and concrete on my small 'workhorse' section so you might see a little of both.}

Are the counter tops durable?

Yes, but they are certainly not as durable as the original laminate surface.

These are painted counter tops after all.

You have to approach them with care

like setting heavy things down gently, using a gentle cleaner,

wiping up spills, using a cutting board for chopping and a trivet for hot pans, etc.

In all honesty,

it's like working on a well painted table.

Should you paint your counter tops with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint?

Well, it depends on your own fuss tolerance in the kitchen.

Personally, I was willing to sacrifice a little durability for the gorgeousness of them

{and I loathed the color of my existing counter tops}.

I painted them knowing that I only needed them to last me another five years,

until concrete or zinc was in the budget.

They do require an extra bit of maintenance like more frequent waxing

(a fresh coat of wax every few months)

or a touch up of a nick here and there

should your nine year-old decide to knock it with the points of a meat tenderizer.

Just saying.

Also, the Annie Sloan Soft Wax isn't water resistant, it's water repellent

so if you leave a liquid spill on your counter top,

it will leave behind a hazy white spot when you wipe it up,

especially noticeable if you paint your counter tops with a darker hue.

However, the white marks disappear as soon as the surface dries completely

in about an hour.

This didn't bother me because I {love} variegation and imperfections, even if it's only temporary.

So...

If you'd be comfortable with treating your counter tops

like a kitchen table, then go for it!

Annie Sloan has a relatively new matte floor varnish
that is a bit more durable and might be a nice option...
I'd just be careful not to work with your food directly on it
because I doubt it's considered a 'food safe' surface.

What about my cabinets?
They are as durable as a piece of painted furniture too
(a little more with an extra coat or two of wax)
and I {LOVE} the soft lustre finish.

For some reason,
the Clear Soft Wax seemed to warm up the Pure White just a tinge
but I think it's just the way the sunlight hits one section of cabinetry.

I thought trying out a coat of General Finishes Satin PolyAcrylic (on one door) might solve this.

Although it's a beautiful, smooth poly, I did not like the finish over chalk paint.

It changes the look and feel of the Annie Sloan Chalk Paint and

the slight difference in white is apparently only noticeable to me.

Moral of that story:

Stick with the Soft Wax.

Again, the Soft Wax is water repellent so you don't want any spills to sit too long if possible.

Water isn't a problem on the white but somehow I ended up with some red juice splashes on my

newly painted doors and it ended up staining them pink after wiping it up.

(The juice splatters were already dried on before I even noticed them to begin with.)

A little spot retouch and a wax took care of it.

That said, after finally allowing the counter tops to cure for about a week,
I re-coated them entire with one coat of wax after another two weeks

and things are wiping up without staining, including juice and spaghetti sauce.

So, I either didn't apply enough wax the first time or it hadn't cured long enough.

Just want to lay it all out there though.

Note:

I spoke with my stockist, Patty at Classic Wall Finishes

and she said that the longer the Soft Wax cures, the more it hardens.
It takes 28 days for a full cure.
I've definitely noticed that on my end.

I recommend giving your counter tops a solid week to cure before business as usual.

I didn't do this and found myself reapplying wax to the stenciled section
(the section I use constantly) about every other day because I noticed that the white lettering
was beginning to fade away. I got a little nervous and did another Poly-Acrylic test on a small section by the fridge and although the finish is really pretty, it changed the soft feel of the chalk paint and showed fine scratches easily.
Turns out, after reaching out to a few furniture friends with more ASCP experience,
I just needed to give the wax extra time to cure
and I haven't had an issue on that section of counter top since.
I was trying to build coat after coat instead of giving what was already on there
time to really cure.

How much paint and wax did I use?

Here's a BEFORE reminder of the size of my smallish kitchen...

It took one quart of Pure White to paint my cabinets,

a half a quart of Graphite to paint my counter tops,

and 1 can of clear Soft Wax to wax everything.

[I originally inserted the tutorial here but this post was WAY too long

so I've scheduled it for tomorrow.]

The tutorial will concisely explain the steps,

which aren't nearly as intimidating as I might have made them them seem here.

(I sort of walked you all of my learning experiences in this post.)

I wanted to let you know a.s.a.p. about Annie Sloan's
American Workshop Tour in March and April.

Here's a little bit of info. that I pulled from the press release:

"Ms. Sloan will be leading one-day demonstrations and overseeing hands on workshops in eight cities. Annie’s workshops are perfect for those who love DIY projects, such as furniture makeovers, and are keen to learn new techniques – on furniture, accessories, kitchen cabinets, walls, floors – anything that can be painted.

Each event will feature a demonstration by Ms. Sloan, book signings (Creating the French Look and Quick and Easy Paint Transformations are both out in paperback here in the US), and hands-on technique sessions in small groups. Led by local, trained stockists of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint, Soft Wax, group sessions will teach the myriad techniques and effects that are so easy and fun to create. Annie Sloan will spend time with each break-out group to offer advice and recommendations to individuals as they work. Attendees will end the day with a book signing and social hour with Annie Sloan.

A percentage of the workshop tour’s proceeds will be donated to breast cancer research, and to coincide with this initiative, Annie Sloan Chalk Paint is also announcing the introduction of ‘Antoinette’ – a soft pale pink."

Isn't she lovely?
I could have used Antionette on my chair last week.
Hint.

I hope to attend either the Boston, MA workshop with Patty
or Leesburg, VA with Marian (Miss Mustard Seed).

I do talk about Chalk Paint on my blog from time to time
so I'd really like a more expert knowledge base to pull from.
(Clearly, there was a bit of a learning curve with painting my counter tops.)

Will you be going?
If you're hitting either of those locations, let me know so I'll know to look for you.
I love to meet my readers and fellow bloggers...a.k.a. friends!

For all of the tour dates and locations, visit www.anniesloanunfolded.com

Have a wonderful weekend

and I'll see you tomorrow with some tutorials...
and possibly a picture of my baby Edyn in her ballet gear
She starts her very first dance lesson this morning!

UPDATE: Click HERE for the tutorials.

{air your laundry Friday} #54

noreply@blogger.com (freckled laundry) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 03:03:00 +0000

I said enough in today's earlier feature post

so I'm going to keep this short and sweet tonight.

Thank you so much for linking up your lovely laundry

to my little {textile} party every week!

Here are a handful of favorites...

I adore this Wall of Hats rearrangement from Sally Lee by the Sea,

especially the coffee/grain sack draped over the chair.

(At first, I thought the chair was new.)

Bridget at Rustique made a Hand Towel Messenger Bag

that looks beautiful, European, and easy, according to her tutorial.

Nan at You Could Make That knocked off Anthro's
Wedding Anniversary Towel.

You can make six towels for the price of one.

Francine at Sky Blue Pink added

a little burlap to the back of these book case shelves,

add texture and rustic charm.

You should see the before.

Love this little Quiet Book made by Sarah at Adventures of our Fami-ly.

It was such a labor of love and the pages inside are so darn adorable!

Christina at No. 29 Design created some clever, fabric covered,
under-bed storage using an old crib drawer.

Makes me want to hack up a coffee table top that I have sitting in the basement.

Can't wait to see what you've been stitchin' this week!

The Deal...

{air your laundry Friday} #51 FEATURES

noreply@blogger.com (freckled laundry) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 15:47:00 +0000

Happy Thursday, loves.

I'm finishing up one of my ladderback chairs this morning

but I wanted to take a break to share my favorite {air your laundry} projects

that were linked up while I was on vacation.

Hint:

I didn't paint the chair lavender. Well, I did originally, but I repainted it!

I'm crushing on another color palette at the moment,

which I'll share this weekend.

I italicized "at the moment" for a reason.

There's a 50/50 chance I'll chicken out and paint it lavender...again.

{sigh}

I guess it's a good thing that I love to paint.

Anyhow,

today you're going to get a double dose

of {air your laundry} features!

I'll feature last week's favorites along with tonight's party as usual.

Krista at Sew Inspired painted the sweetest Daily Affirmation canvas.

And no, I didn't choose it because it's in one of my favorite hues.

I chose it because it's true.

Liz Marie's Dresser Drawer Dog Beds are pretty awesome too.

Note:

I have sort of an unintentional rhyming thing going on there.

I just adore Lisa Roy's colorful DIY Hoop Art.

Perfect selection of fabrics.

I'm obsessed with hoop art at the moment

so don't be surprised if you see some hoopy lovin'

in every room of my house someday.

Hmmm....maybe I'll throw a Hoop It party.

{And you think I'm kidding.}

This Burlap and Canvas Art by Rita a Harbor Breeze {home}

is actually a clever disguise.

Love me some hearts and laundry...

and this pretty Heart Garland by Woven Home.

Heather at The Sewing Loft has a KISS Series going on

and these friendship bracelets are one of her simple tutorials.

If I had the time,

I'd make one of for each of you.

If you missed the original party,
click HERE to see the rest of the beautiful projects.

I always love much more than I share.

I'll see you tonight for {air your laundry} Friday.

the scoop and ladderback chairs

noreply@blogger.com (freckled laundry) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Hello.

{taps microphone}

Is there anybody out there?

Now that I've dusted the cobwebs off my blog,

here are 153 photos of me and the littles at the beach.

Not really.

I do have a week's worth of thoughts and some finds to share though.

{brace yourself}

Yesterday was my day at The Salvation Army.

I found two vintage ladderback chairs with rush (or paper cord, I think) seats.

$24 for the pair!

Can I get an Amen?

I also picked up a heather gray jersey knit sheet for $1,

a wooden tool caddy for $4.99, and a scoop for $1

(I was smitten with the "1" on the handle).

Pardon the yellowed evening shot.

(Those aren't paint splatters on my floors! Their broken pixels or a little dust in my camera.)

Everything will be getting a little makeover this week.

Just trying to decide on what colors to paint those lovely chairs...

Distressed white with some charcoal peeking through.

Paris Grey (light gray) with a white wash.

White with a Paris Grey Wash.

Distressed Lavender.

Faded Pink.

Heck.

Might as well throw orange in there!

I don't like my chairs all matchy matchy so I'll probably paint them differently.

They'll all be going in the n.e.v.e.r.e.n.d.i.n.g. kitchen makeover.

{sigh}

I've decided to make a few changes.

Although I {love} my Annie Sloan Chalk Paint Graphite counter tops,

I've decided to zinc them using real zinc sheets not my faux painting technique.

I'm a little nervous about the DIY installation so I'll need you to cheer me on

when my materials arrive!

Looks easy enough.

(That's what makes me nervous.)

I still share the tutorial for the Annie Sloan painted process soon.

I finished painting and waxing all of the cabinets

only for my hardware to continue to bug me.

All of the drawers and doors have polished nickel RH Chatham pulls

but the pulls just look strange on my doors.

I want simple knobs.

So, I have many a hole to wood fill and sand...and repaint...and rewax.

All in the name of love.

I tried to live with the pulls but it's time to let them go.

Goodbye, guilt.

I'll list them on ebay.

I'm keeping pulls on the drawers though.

I bought these pretty vintage label pulls for the drawers from Retro Collecto on Etsy.

Image Source: Retro Collecto

I can't wait to stick sweet little labels in them!

{I'll be robbing my bedroom furniture of its' knobs for the cabinets.}

I fell in love with this Mercury Glass Pendant that I came across a few weeks ago.

I'll be hanging it above my kitchen sink.

{And, I'd like about five more for other rooms, please.}

Oh, it's heavenly!

{air your laundry Friday} #53

noreply@blogger.com (freckled laundry) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 13:50:00 +0000

Hi, lovelies.

I'm sure many of you thought that I was too busy enjoying this...

...to put the linky party up last night.

Nope.

In fact, it was a little brisk yesterday so we spent the morning in our suite

waiting for the sun to warm things up and I quickly created the following post.

However, I just noticed my scheduled post was still in draft mode for some reason this morning.

Gulp.

~~Hi, lovelies.~~

We're still enjoying the last bit of sun, surf and sand in Myrtle Beach

before we leave tomorrow night.

It's quite chilly this morning

so I thought I'd take a minute to put up the linky while we're still indoors.

I hope to sneak out for a walk around the Market Commons in just a bit.

They have a Williams-Sonoma and Anthropologie calling my name.

Williams-Sonoma has the best spices and rubs

{among everything else awesome and all-clad}

and I need some more Potlatch Seasoning.

Boy.

I sound exciting.

Ha!

At a glance, there were so many beautiful links last week

so I'll feature my favorites on Monday.

Thanks for linking or looking around.

{air your laundry Friday} #52

noreply@blogger.com (freckled laundry) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 03:01:00 +0000

Okay.

Before we get this party started,

let me just say that my fingers are typing at the speed of Bionic Woman
(By the way, I'm named after her. Nice, Mom.)

so I make no apologies for any misspellings or grammar.
I'm working with 20 minutes to type this post and get it up.

We're leaving for Annapolis (and then Myrtle Beach) in the morning

and I've spent the day making Valentines clay tags, packing, etc.

and then felt the need to squeeze in an emergency trip to Michael's at 8:15.

Now I'm working with 15 minutes.

Shut it, self.

Here are some of my favorites from last week.
{Be sure to check out last week's party. There were so many great links.}

Jamie at DIY Home Sweet Home linking up a Piping Tutorial

and there a TON of links for other helpful tutorials in the post too.

Definitely a must-read if you're still trying to figure out that machine with the thread in it

and the thing you press with your foot.

{LOVE} this nursery by Laurie at Ms. Smartie Pants.

How cute is this corner?

Shaunna at Make It Give It shared the sweetest Drop Cloth Valentines.

How 'bout Jamie's rug made out of table runners?

Brilliant.

I've seen burlap used sixty ways from Sunday but never like this.

That's quite a pretty vision you had there, Pamela Joyce!

Thought this little Sweetheart Banner vignette by Emily at 52 Mantels was...

um...sweet!

And, I seriously need to keep tabs on Andrea at the Cottage Market.

You MUST see her craft storage area.

So pretty and fun!

That my friends, is what you called organized hoarding.

(Currently, I'm guilty of disorganized hoarding of craft supplies.)

Textile Party Rules

Boom.

Done.

1 minute left.

I'm outta here.

Happy weekend!

Thanks for linking and looking around.

schwinn and a win

noreply@blogger.com (freckled laundry) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 04:58:00 +0000

Okay.

I needed a bike-related title

and it sounded a whole lot better than

schwinner and a winner.

Image Source: Katie Rose via Etsy {Isn't it gorgeous?}

Now that you'll be walking around saying, "swhinner and a winner" for the next hour,

{sorry!}

I'll start by announcing the winner of the bliss and tell giveaway.

{Thank you Reni and everyone who entered!}

Congratulations Jenna at Everyday Clever!

Reni will be in touch with you shortly.

Why the bike?

Well, I didn't get much done on the project front today

other than refinishing a tiny shelf for my kitchen this morning,

BUT

it was one of the best days ever.

My little guy learned to ride his bike sans training wheels -

a goal that we've worked toward for two summers.

Today, HE was ready.

As soon as Jaden got home from school,

he dragged the bike out of the garage,

hopped on and started riding it around like any other day.

When he looked back and realized that the training wheels were no longer attached,

the look on his face would have melted a thousand hearts.

I don't think I've ever seen him so happy.

Accomplishment is such a pure feeling at that age.

Lots of hi-fives.

Up high.

Down low.

I would have never thought that my son would suddenly learn to ride his bike

in the middle of winter, at the end of January, in New York?

It was a sunny, warm, 60-degree day here
vs. the usual negative degrees and foot of snow this time of year.

A perfect day picked just for my boy.

how 'bout them giants?! (super bowl party decor)

noreply@blogger.com (freckled laundry) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:24:00 +0000

‘Yeeeeeahhhh. How ’bout them Giants?!”

That’s what I’ve heard my husband say every time he has
answered his cell phone for the last week.

{I may have even witnessed a fist pump or two.}

We're a little excited to see our Giants go the Super Bowl this year.

We'll be watching the game while on vacation in Myrtle Beach

so I made some take-along decor to show our spirit in South Carolina.

This earned me about 50 wife points...

I made a re-purposed denim and burlap "GO GIANTS" banner,

peanut (snack) bags, and #1 paper straw flags.

Mix it all with a clam bake, a lager and the company of friends and family,

and February 5th will be a great day.

I'm sharing more pictures and the tutorials at

Don't forget to enter my Bliss and Tell giveaway
for 100 custom DESIGNED and printed business or calling cards.
It ends at midnight EST tonight!

Happy week,

bliss and tell giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (freckled laundry) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 23:30:00 +0000

Happy Friday.

It's a good day for a little giveaway, don't you think?

Take a look around for a sec.

See my blog header?

That pretty linen background?

My clothesline nav bar?

It was all designed by the talented and sweet Reni of

I sent her a rough (and I mean rough) sketch of what I wanted and she took it from there.

Reni also designed my linen business cards (as in blog & Etsy shop)
and die cut hair pin cards.
(They're in the top row below.)

Love them.

Love her.

She is truly a sweet girl and really knows her stuff when it comes to branding and marketing,
especially if you're trying to start your own 'boutique-like' business.

Reni has her very own blog too...

...where she shares her creative marketing and branding thoughts.

Here's a snippet of a recent post...

If you have a blog or little business of your own,
are considering starting one,
or simply want to be inspired by her pretty posts,
I think you'll find her tips and ideas very helpful.

I do.

And, I'm happy that one of you will get to work with Reni too
because she is giving away

100 Custom Business/Calling Cards

designed (2 looks/2 revisions) and printed!

(a $200 value)

Don't have a blog or business?

That's totally fine.

Calling cards with your name, address, and phone number
are always great to have on hand.

Either way, you can rest assured that your card will be fabulous.

(And I want to see it when it's done.)

TO ENTER:

Simply subscribe to the Bliss and Tell Blog

and leave a comment below letting me know you did!

This giveaway will close on Monday night

and I'll randomly choose and announce the winner on Tuesday, January 31st.

Good luck.

{Thank you, Reni.}

Welcome, new followers! xo

{air your laundry Friday} #51

noreply@blogger.com (freckled laundry) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 03:16:00 +0000

I'm going to keep this short and sweet tonight.

(I have some painting to finish while the littles are sleeping.)

I know.
I probably lost blogger points!

Forgive me.
;)

I have a cool giveaway for you tomorrow...

...and a project {that earned wife points} on Saturday.

Here are a handful of favorites from last week.

(Remember, I always love so many more than I feature!)

Love Jaime at That's My Letter's Valentine's Pincushion Tutorial.

The little vintage loaf pan makes it extra sweet!

Ellen at Creative Passage re-purposed some corrugated cardboard

into little roses for her Cardboard Rose Wreath.

So pretty and great texture.

Jenny at Blue Sky Confections whipped up this

posh and colorful bedding for her daughter.

Gorgeous. I love the crochet edges.

Do you have Tiny Closet Syndrome like I do?

Shary at Turnstyle Vogue shared her linen closet makeover.

The ribbons and tag labels add that extra touch.

And, I honestly could go on but I'll stop there.

Thank you so much for linking up or looking around!

Textile Party Rules

Happy weekend!

cottages & bungalows feature

noreply@blogger.com (freckled laundry) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:16:00 +0000

How many of you just read that title

and thought I was featured in C&B magazine?

Nope.

Not yet.

But, in 2012, I certainly hope mag editors will see

that I'm my own kind of creative lovely.

So are you...

...which is what this post is actually about!

Source: Cottage & Bungalows

Amy at Whisperwood Cottage

was featured in the January 2011 issue of Cottages & Bungalows magazine

and the little sweetie teamed up with Jickie Torres, C&B Editor and creative genius

for a shot at winning our own magazine feature.

At this very moment,

Amy is hosting the link party...

Crafts.

Room makeovers.
Furniture makeovers.

Recipes.

Blog makeovers.

Photography.

Anything that you have made between January 1-31, 2012.

I hope you link up because I'd love to see one of you in Cottages & Bungalows, too!

Right along with the C&B opportunity,
Amy is hosting the

for a chance to win prizes from a bunch of different sponsors.

Just wanted to let you know.

Happy Monday.
I'll see you soon with some new vintage hardware
and a freshly painted...something.

mini linen love wreaths

noreply@blogger.com (freckled laundry) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 23:26:00 +0000

I hope you're having a lovely weekend!

The snow finally fell in my little town

so I spent much of the morning outside with the littles.

Edyn and Grey made their very first snow angels.

Jaden was out for about 10 minutes,

'accidentally' pelting them with {soft} snowballs in the face

(You know. Typical big brother stuff! Sigh.),

until he spotted deer droppings.

He scurried back indoors.

And the twins high fived a deer.

Now that we're sitting here all nice and cozy,

I wanted to share the mini Valentines wreaths that I made for my chandelier

using teeny tiny Styrofoam wreath forms and a laundry haul from the Salvation Army.

I made three wreaths.

(white and oatmeal linen hearts & oatmeal linen "love" and "you")

(I used pink and white baker's twine purchased from The Twinery to hang them.) I think they're sweet. These are hanging from my chandelier
but at a wee 3-1/2 inches, you could also use them for
favors and place settings
vignette accents
hang from a door or cabinet knob
tie to a gift or package
hang from the back of a chair

I received the Styrofoam wreath forms as Resident Blogger for The DIY Club
so I'm sharing the easy tutorial and more photos over there.

Thanks for reading.
Happy Saturday...

I'm also linking these little wreaths withThe DIY Project Parade

{air your laundry friday} #50

noreply@blogger.com (freckled laundry) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 03:00:00 +0000

Before we get this little laundry soirée started,

let me just tell you that I have been moonwalking around the house in my socks all day

after reading all of the sweet & supportive notes on yesterday's do post...thank you!

(Well, not all day. I sat down to make some cute Valentines mini chandelier wreaths!)

Here are a handful of features from last week...
{As always, thank you for linking or just looking around!}

Jen at Scissors and Spatulas shared her embroidery hoop art
and I just love the fabrics and arrangement.
This is a such a simple and inexpensive way to add charm.

I thought this idea was so cool.

We're talking images printed on tissue paper and decoupaged on canvas.

Katie at Raising Oranges made a16x20 canvas print for $2.50!

I'd love to try some in black & whites.

Nothing makes me smile like seeing vintage laundry re-purposed into something beautiful.
Cindy at Cameras and Choas made this happy quilt from vintage sheets.

Love these painted hangers from Annalea at Make It Give It.
I know. I know.
They technically aren't textiles but before you start launching tomatoes at me,
you need them to hang laundry, right?
(Besides, her Pinterest photo inspiration uses lace bows!)

Cute gift idea.

Textile Party Rules

do

noreply@blogger.com (freckled laundry) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 23:40:00 +0000

WARNING:
This is wordy post but I haven't posted in five days and I have a lot to say!
So, grab a cup of coffee or if you're dieting, a glass of water, and get comfy.

I recommend reading this lil' post.

(Not that I don't recommend my others!)

By now, most of you probably know

that Layla is hosting a very cool link party

over at her place...

...and my word of the year is do.

It's such a tiny, simple word that packs a big punch.

I mentioned before that 2011 was a year of little dreams.

This year, it's time to take those dreams and do.

Here is my do list for 2012...

• do remember the very reasons I started this blog: my love for textiles & decorating.

• do realize that, although I love my clay tags, it's okay for me to move on.
I love designing and making clay tags and I {loved} that many of you loved them too. Thank you.
It was such a wonderful feeling to ship these little things that I made off to you and see them in your homes and shops, and the income helped with so many things like pretties for my home, Christmas gifts, and this fancy new blog design. I am grateful beyond words. But, despite all of that, I know that my true passion lies in textiles. I also realize that monotony is my nemisis. Because I do love making clay tags (just not every. moment. of. every. day.), I'll be changing the look, and making them in limited editions and quantities. Making them in occasional batches will free up my time to pursue the other things that I'm passionate about too, which brings me to the next do; The BIG do.

• do start designing my own line of textiles.
I have always wanted to design my own signature line of vintage chic textiles. I'll be taking some basic online textile design courses HERE that will teach me how to get my sketched designs into Photoshop. Last year, I ordered some fabric swatches from Spoonflower and I {love} their voile and two other cottons.

I'll start by getting my designs printed on their fabrics, which can be purchased by the yard, but I also plan to turn my fabrics into a vintage chic collection of textiles for the home, which brings me to the next do.

• do find a seamstress and an intern.
I would love to find a partner/seamstress to help me turn my fabrics into pillows, bags, curtains, table cloths, and a few other ideas that are in the design hopper. A Textile Design student would make a wonderful intern.

• do learn my SLR so that I can handle my own photography for a look book and web site.

• do believe that I have what it takes.
This is His path for me...I think. (Only He knows for sure!) I've known I was meant for something creative since I was a little girl. The only thing holding me back was blurry vision and a lack of confidence and faith. I will have my own line and eventually my very own brick & mortar shop filled with glorious vintage chic laundry, antiques, art, furniture, and other lovelies for your home. Rachel Ashwell and Christina Strutt (Cabbages & Roses) did it and so can I. The same goes for you too.

• do realize that this won't happen tomorrow.
My children come first and right now, I work around them. Things will get a bit easier and more manageable when I send the twins off to preschool eventually but until then, they are mine all mine and I'm not sharing them! But, if I use every quiet & uninterrupted moment to check off my do list, it will happen. It doesn't mean that I'm not passionate or don't want it badly enough; It means that children grow too quickly.

• do continue to be thankful for this blog and every little opportunity that comes my way because of it! Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

I wear my heart on my sleeve, folks. This blog evolved into a business tool but it's also my voice and my creative outlet. We all experience times when we feel intimidated or in need of balance, etc. It's just life (esp. the blog life) and I appreciate you for standing by me while I figured it all out. I didn't mean to get all emo on you and break out the black hair dye and finger nail polish (ha!) but I got my groove back when I reorganized and decided to go back to doing and blogging about what I love most... laundry and decorating.

Speaking of decorating, here's a 'rough draft' of an element I just added to my kitchen using hardware wire from the Farm & Tractor Supply store. It's like chicken wire but with half-inch squares instead of hexagons. I snapped a quick evening shot over the weekend...

It wasn't part of the original plan but I just wasn't feeling traditional wooden shelving and baskets up there. This little kitchen needed some texture. It looks so lovely now. Trust me.

Moving along the do list. After I finish (and I use the term loosely) my home...

• do decorate one of YOUR homes.

I'm not sure how I'm going to work this yet but I have always wanted to decorate one of your rooms or homes. I'll either do it virtually or in person if proximity and finances allow. I may wait until my textile line is finished so that I can use my fabrics in your space. I welcome any feedback here! Also, let me know if you would be willing to surrender a room in your home to me. Keep in mind that I do not have an interior design degree so if you want walls knocked out and floor plans reconfigured, you're on your own. :) I have been known to put a giant hole where it didn't belong! However, paint colors, furniture, accessories, fabric, etc. are all within my scope.

[Here's where I pray that at least one of you will!]

There are a few more, but I think that's enough do's for one post.

(I also suddenly have a toddler laying next to me, sticking his sock foot in my face.)

I'm looking forward to a very cool 2012 and I hope you are too.

Thanks for reading.

Off to nibble on a Grey's foot and work on a Valentines wreath.

{air your laundry Friday} #49

noreply@blogger.com (freckled laundry) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 03:01:00 +0000

In addition to visiting last week's pretty textile links,

I spent today priming and painting the French doors in my kitchen.

It's the one task that I have been seriously procrastinating since starting the makeover.

Between both doors there are 24 ~~window~~ glass panes

and the thought of sanding, priming, and painting them all

quite simply didn't appeal to me when there were other cool changes to be done.

Actually, there are 48 glass panes if you count the other side of the door.

(Just felt the need to mention that.)

I'm breathing a {sigh} of happiness now that I can check them off the list

and what. a. difference. the white doors make in my kitchen.

(Something about high gloss poly on unstained Pine just didn't appeal to me.)

Anyhow, the gray cloud that hovered in December has passed and

Stella got her groove back.

I have so much to share but I'll save it for another post

considering this is entirely unrelated to the link party or textiles.

(You know how I am. Condense & paraphrase are not in my blog repertoire.)

Here are the awesome textile features from last week...

Jamie at Owl Really shared a GREAT tutorial

on how to make this giant fabric bloom bouquet.

(I'm talking size-of-a-dinner-plate-giant.)

I love it...and will be making three using linen.

Do you remember my giant wallflowers?

I wanted to make one or a few for my dining area slash kitchen wall

but I'm lovin' the texture of this style even more.

Thanks for the inspiration and perfect timing, Jamie!

Becky at Sweet Bee Hollow made some adorable re-purposed denim garland...

...and this beautiful indigo and faded denim patchwork throw.

If you've been around for a while, you might remember that I have a thing for worn denim.

Janet at The Empty Nest shared her gorgeous aprons

but I just {love} her attitude in this post.

You'll just have to read it to know what I'm talking about.

Melissa at Shabby Love shared a pretty Drop Cloth Shower Curtain Tutorial.

I just love the idea behind these Bubble Wrap Print Napkins

made by Ashlyn at Pinecone Place.

Cute. Cute. Cute.

And, how sweet are these Hedgehog Critter Mittens

that Cheryl at Sew-Can-Do shared?

(Full tutorial too.)

As always, thank you for linking or looking!

Textile Party Rules

ballerina tutus

noreply@blogger.com (freckled laundry) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 21:45:00 +0000

Hi, lovelies.

I'm working on my kitchen today

(Paneling is up...yeah!)

but thought I'd sit down for a second and share a few

ballerina tutu hair bow holders that I made as Christmas gifts.

Sorry this kitchen makeover is taking f.o.r.e.v.e.r. and a day!

Admittedly, I have spent much of the last week

thinking, refreshing, and planning rather than doing.

But, that's okay.

I needed it.

Soon enough, I'll pull back the imaginary velvet curtain and show you.

Anyhow.

Back to the ballerina tutus.

This idea is not my own, therefore, I won't be sharing a tutorial.

They are totally inspired by one that my sister purchased on Etsy a few years ago.

If you really want to make one, just email me and I'm happy to share how I made it.

I just don't feel right about blasting the tutorial out here on the interweb

because there are quite a few shops trying to earn an income from them on Etsy...

and one of them is the original.

I made this one for my niece using some pretty pink & green damask fabric

that my awesome friend, Stephanie sent me.

It coordinates with a pillow case and doll bedding that I made using the same fabric.

You clip the hair bows onto the satin ribbon that hangs from the bows.

I made this one for my niece, Olivia.

(You can find everything for this one at JoAnn.)

I painted a chipboard "O" with DecoArt's Glamour Dust,

mixing a little "Ice Crystal" & "Celebration Pink" together.

(You can't tell in the photo, but it shimmers.)

Pink and white shimmery tulle and satin ribbon match her bedroom.

And lastly, this one is for my sweet Edyn.

I used white Belgian linen for the bodice.

Oh, how I love Belgian linen.

Cutting it up for a craft of sorts was a little hard to swallow

but it was for my Edyn.

{Enough said.}

I'll see you tomorrow night with {air your laundry friday}.

Thanks for reading!

re-purposed baby clothes blanket

noreply@blogger.com (freckled laundry) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 05:01:00 +0000

Not so long ago,

Stacey from Boy, Oh Boy, Oh Boy!,

invited me and several awesome bloggers to participating in a sew-along

that would feature projects from the recently released book,

Finally, we get a book with some adorable little boy patterns!

Stacey is a mama of three little guys and when it comes to anything
sewing and craft and BOY related, she's on top of it over there...
as her blog name suggests.

{Thank you so much for including me, Stacey!}
This was my first sew-along and I loved it.

I chose to make the Patchwork Blanket for the sew-along,
but instead of using colorful jersey knit squares,

I chose to re-purpose my favorite stash of Grey's baby outfits.

Re-purposing Grey and Edyn's baby clothes into blankets
is something I've wanted to do forever it seems
(I think I even tried to commission my Aunt!)
and this sew-along finally moved things along.

Sure beats sitting in a box in the attic.

I cut this monogram from tweed coveralls

and added a little tooth fairy and mommy love notes pocket.

This little 16 square blanket pattern was so e.a.s.y. to make;
definitely beginner level if you're using colorful jersey knit squares.
Re-purposing baby clothes and applique puts you at a beginner slash intermediate level,
depending on your comfort level with an applique or two.
Still, it maybe took 3 hours from start to finish.

I'm sharing more photos

and tips and suggestions for working with this pattern

at Boy, Oh Boy, Oh Boy! today.

I hope to see you there.
Dont' forget to check out the other cute projects from the book
that were shared last week.

Have a happy week.

{air your laundry Friday} #48 with FEATURES

noreply@blogger.com (freckled laundry) — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 04:45:00 +0000

I'm back in business here.

FedEx delivered my macbook today and it's as good as new.

I have so many features from last week's party.

I was able to visit every. single. textile link. and comment.

(That doesn't happen often lately so I was happy to see what you all were up to

and let you know that I was there!)

Hang on.

Let me adjust my kitten scarf.

(Jack likes to sit on the back of my neck.)

I'll have to take and share another picture of the little fat ball!

(No offense to anyone. I'm not exactly Kate Moss over here.)

He has packed on some serious LB's since we got him

and I'm thinkin' he's going to be one huge dude when he grows up.

Oh, gosh.

Cat lady in training.

Let's talk textiles.

I love the sweet simplicity of this burlap cone made by My at Space 46.

I like the way the rounded edges come together with a little bow.

Never heard of this EASY faux chenille technique

until my friend, Christ at Pickup Some Creativity linked her blanket up.

Cool texture.

Sarah at Adventures of our Fami-Ly shared another easy tutorial for making these
pretty pom-poms.

Sandi at Making it Homey stenciled her seat cushions

and is currently hosting a giveaway for $50 credit to Cutting Edge Stencils (ends Monday).

I've considered this very same Casablanca stencil for my office walls

as I have an itch to create a bit more vintage modern space.

Ordinarily, I wouldn't consider myself much of a pattern person,

but I I die over this stencil every time I see it

and think pale gray on white would be so pretty.

(I know it's technically a Morrocan pattern.)

I used Cutting Edge Stencil's Anna Damask in my hallway makeover

so if you're after that stencil, hurry and enter Sandi's giveaway!

Speaking of the Anna Damask stencil,
Becca at From Gardners 2 Bergers shared her tutorial for stenciled curtains.

Love this little Polka-Dot Pouch Tutorial by Jaime at That's My Letter.

Jamie at Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom

shared her 2011 Top Sewing Projects and Tutorials.

This rainbow dress is a favorite.

Lastly, Eure Julia at Tres Julie shared the breathtaking
dress, cardi, and shoes that she made.
I adore the cuts, texture, and ruffles and ruffles and ruffles.

That ought to hold you over for a while.

Thank you so much for linking and looking.

Textile Party Rules

Have a lovely weekend.

two thousand grow

noreply@blogger.com (freckled laundry) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 04:12:00 +0000

I'm wishing you the happiest 2012 ever.

2011 was such a cool year for me.
I learned so much about myself through blogging.

As I wrote earlier, it was a year of little dreams,

planted by me and cultivated by so many of you.

{thank you for helping me grow.}

For me,

a new year doesn't just mean that I need to run out and buy a new calendar.

It's another chance to grow.

It's a chance to turn those "little dreams" of 2011 into plans for 2012.

Although I wouldn't change a thing about 2011,

I always look for the lessons in the previous year.

2011 taught me...

"Whatever you do, do with all your heart."

Colossians 3:23

My children won't stop growing either.

I am right where I'm supposed to be.

I hope you grow and blossom in 2012!

And even if you only sprout or bud,

just remember that it's all part of His design.

You'll blossom eventually.

Just keep your roots dug in,

your face toward the sunshine,

and remember that you need the rain.

(By "grow", I'm not referring to blog followers and stats.

But, if that's what you want, then I hope you do that too!)

Okay. That might sound a little cheesy, but it's true.

thank you.

for

reading my blog,

believing in me,

encouraging me,

inspiring me,

leaving the sweetest notes,

supporting my Etsy shop and the vintage market,

carrying my handmade wares in your shops,

and blessing me with some very real friendships

in 2011.

Happy 2012!

the scoop & {air your laundry friday} #47

noreply@blogger.com (freckled laundry) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 03:00:00 +0000

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday.

Personally, I refuse to believe that Christmas is o.v.e.r.

so the tree is still up, my Jack Frost peppermint candles are burning, and

"White Christmas" can still be heard around here.

(We have yet to see snow in my part of New York
so I'm just dreaming of a white winter at this point.)

I've missed you all so and won't even begin to tell you everything I've been up to.

Two words come to mind though:

A LOT.

And, sometimes we just need to close the Macbook screen and...do.

As with many of you,

I scurried to finish projects in time for house guests

and made wonderful Christmas memories with my three babies.

A little over a week ago,
we were shaken with some sudden scary stuff with my little Grey.

(Because he is so young and for the sake of his privacy,

I won't say much, but I'd appreciate any healing prayers you send his way.)

Here are some projects that are in the hopper to share soon.

Kitchen cabinet and counter top makeovers with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint...

I did.
And I love them.

Chalkboard Metal Chairs...

Cuddling our newest addition, Jack (Frost)!...

He's a 10-week old Seal-Lynx Point Himalayan ball of fluff.
Although you can't tell in the photo, he has dark, gray black ears.

Ballerina Tutu Bow Holders...

I made three different ballerina bow holders for Edyn and two of my neices,
inspired by one that my sister purchased on Etsy.

I also sewed a simple slip white denim cover for an ottoman, cleaned two closets,
and painted my kitchen walls.

I didn't finish everything on my list, but I'm satisfied with what I did accomplish.
I can just nudge the other things into 2012.

Speaking of 2012,
I'm wishing you the happiest new year!
Thank you for all of the blessings you brought my way in 2011.

2011 was a cool year of little dreams, learning, growth, and introspection,

and I'm looking forward to the change in 2012.

I'll spend the next couple of days in hyper-organization mode,
making schedules and lists for everything under the sun,
(and catching up on laundry and ironing).

Do you hyper-organize before the start of a new year
so that you start with a fresh slate?

Well, that's the scoop around here.

Here's the scoop on a couple of favorites from the last party.

I know it's after Christmas, but these Merry Monsters made by Rinni's Playground
were too darn cute not to share...

I love Amy at Maison Decor's Shabby Chic Fabric Sample Art.
Laundry, clothespins and wire are a girl's best friend.

As always, thank you so much for linking up or looking around!

Textile Party Rules

Happy 2012, laundry lovelies!

{air your laundry friday} #46

noreply@blogger.com (freckled laundry) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 03:01:00 +0000

Happy Thursday.

ALERT: FUR AND CUTENESS AHEAD.

Image Source

That's how I spent my morning...

searching for a Himalayan kitten as a Christmas gift for our family.

(I actually found several but not within my miniscule kitten budget!)

Years ago, I had a Himalayan kitten that was given to me for free

and she was the cuddliest, fluff ball with the sweetest disposition.

Ugh.

I cannot even handle their cuteness!

Perhaps a kitten will be joining us soon.

On a more productive note,

I finished up most of my holiday shopping and finally finished decorating my tree.

I couldn't resist and went with the nostalgic look straight out of 1975 and I LOVE it.

(Doesn't match a single thing in my home, but then again, this isn't the North Pole.)

I'll share a photo this weekend.

Now for the cuteness you actually came to see

(unless you consider kitten fur a textile):

Jen at Scissors and Spatulas shared some pretty ruffled Christmas trees.

The Homeless Finch shared the cutest upcycled sweater wine bags.

Hailey Marie at Coastal Heart, Country Soul.

shared her crafty Gypsy Ruffle Curtains...among other things.

Meg and Mum's shared these awesome chair and desk makeovers

(love the coordinating fabric lining in the drawers)!

Got burlap? Check out this burlap Pinspiration from Stylish Settings.

Tracy at Screaming Sardine shared this cute little Cardboard Tree tutorial.

Have a wonderful and creative weekend.
Thanks for linking or looking!

Textile Party Rules

twins' room {progress} and a winner

noreply@blogger.com (freckled laundry) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 12:00:00 +0000

Not too long ago,

I shared Edyn's painted half of the twins' room,

painted in Dutch Boy's "Rosehips White," a very pale pink.

The left wall was stenciled with Cutting Edge Stencil's "Polka Dot."

Dutch Boy's "Eco Gray" arrived on my doorstep

and I got to work on Grey's half last night and finished today.

It is such a gorgeous gray...nearly identical to the gray in my bedroom.

I love it.

In fact, I have another gallon of it that might find it's way onto our family room walls.

The photos seem a little darker than room actually is,
despite adjusting my shutter speed so I apologize.
{I'm still learning my way through a DSLR.}

Here is a shot of both sides together.

I originally painted above the molding and the ceiling white
but decided to carry over the gray.

Edyn's duvet cover is white (and her soon-to-be-installed canopy)

so I wanted to have some gray on her side too.

And, if you're a rule follower, it now follows the 60:30:10 rule...

in a roundabout way.

Santa's bringing Edyn a white ruched duvet for Christmas

that he ordered from PB Teen when he scored free shipping on Thanksgiving.

I thought about making it myself but the thought of adding one more project

to my list, made me shudder.

After all, I have 7 days to build a dollhouse,

finish painting kitchen cabinets, counter tops and walls,

and paint the family room...

when I'm not attending Christmas festivities, baking, and crafting with the kidletts.

(I want to paint my office too, but that's a little ambitious.)

ADD moment:

Look what I found while I was searching PB Teen for the link to the duvet cover.

I want to DIY three of these for my family room after the holidays.

$159 each is a tad much.

Anyhow,

I'll share more photos of the room as I make progress.

My thoughts behind these colors {and plans}:

• Although they are boy/girl twins, I didn't want to go with unisex colors

(i.e. mint & chocolate, etc.) because they are not unisex.

Edyn is very much a frilly little girl and Grey is all boy.

• I wanted a distinct look between the two sides with a palette that still works together.

• Edyn's half will be very etherial with whispy, dreamy whites, silver, crystal,

and an overall pale palette.

• To make up for the etherial nature of Edyn's side, Grey's side will be quite masculine

with an industrial influence, and a palette of shades of gray, white, and black. Grey's "silver" will come in the form of galvanized steel vs. Edyn's silver leafing. I plan to make a headboard out of either chalk cloth (padded) or chalkboard painted planks that will keep things a little juvenile. I think I'll write the lyrics to one of our favorite songs or draw a little picture on it.

Not sure yet.

What do you think? Chalk cloth or chalkboard planks?

Dutch Boy is a DIY Club sponsor,

so as a resident blogger for the club,

I'm sharing more photos and details over there.

While you're there,
don't forget that the 12 Days of Holiday DIY party is going on.
You can still link up to each of the parties
and enter ANY holiday project in the multi-color.
(Thank you so much to those of you that have entered my silver party!)

And, thank you for entering my Comfort Works giveaway

for a $120 to spend in their workroom.

The winner is Jessie at A Cozy Cottage in the City.

Congratulations, Jessie!

Happy Holidays.
Off to make some gingerbread play-dough with my sister and our children.