painted fresh

bad blogger, bad, bad!

noreply@blogger.com (Donna @ pintedfresh.blogspot.com) — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 18:09:00 +0000

ummm, well, yes I know it's been a while... The little thing called 'life' became a bit more important than my attempts at painting and blogging and decorating and craftiness and such.

will you take me back? oh I hope so! I will try to be better! I am going to start out slow, and just be up front with you - I will not be able to post daily. As much as I want to, I can't. I have a full plate (and I know lots of you do) but I am not the super-do-it-all gal I once was.

I have been painting a bit and doing a few things around the house. I'd like to show you a little arrangement I did recently. I got bored with my wall. I made an attempt to add a little jazz - what do you think?

this 'before shot isn't the best - but it's all I could find...

and here is what it looks like now

thanks for stopping by!

Before & After

noreply@blogger.com (Donna @ pintedfresh.blogspot.com) — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 17:27:00 +0000

So this piece has sat in our garage for too long! It was part of a 'set' that I purchased at a sale and never really had a feel for what I would do with it. On one of our better weather days, (we've had some cold wet weather here in Bama lately) my hubs pulls it out, starts cleaning it and actually sanding it! WHAT??!!
He states that he'd like to try something on it......... Uhhhhh, yeah, go for it!
The little guy and I head out to do our own thing and hours later I come back to... (scroll down)

THIS!!!
I was super impressed and proud that he got to experience what I do - what it's all about!

He admitted that it was fun to see what would come out of his vision. I think it is pretty cool!! And he placed items in it trying to 'stage' them and the piece! :)
Hopefully some one else will also think it is a great piece, because it is on the floor in my 'store' FOR SALE!

(love the striation detail)

Well, it isn't a piece that I did, but I am proud nonetheless! Maybe he'll do some more...

THANKS FOR STOPPING BY! Love your visits!
oh, anyone know the proper name for this piece?

commissioned art pieces

noreply@blogger.com (Donna @ pintedfresh.blogspot.com) — Sat, 12 Mar 2011 14:21:00 +0000

This is not all the pieces, but I thought I would share with you some pieces that an owners of a 'pet spa' asked me to do for the cool business they have. It was fun to work on these pieces! And I actually did a few of these in smaller sizes and magnets and sold them at an art fair later. (they ALL sold! yay!)

green dog

yum

fresh catch

detail of fresh catch

kwazy kat

puppy love

this pieces was the largest measuring at 8 feet by 4 feet

more of the detail of the piece titled camp out

got a bit to finish on the dog on the right, right now he is just a floating head...


the finished piece!!

It has been a while since I've done this much art and seeing these fun pieces makes me miss sitting down in my ~~dungeon~~, ~~basement~~, makeshift studio to see what flows from my paintbrushes. Little guy was smaller and slept more, so there was more time to do pieces like this. Now it is really fun to see what HE paints! And sometimes he even helps with furniture painting...so far so good!
It's cool to have a rock 'n roll, artist, pirate, dragon,dentist, astro boy, batman on my hands - wonder what he'll think of next?!

Thanks for being here and looking at some of my whimsical art! I REALLY APPRECIATE you taking time to stop by and would LOVE to read your comments...

summer dreamin'

noreply@blogger.com (Donna @ pintedfresh.blogspot.com) — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 22:48:00 +0000

It's March and in Bama, it should be warm enough to go out in a light sweater at the most. It is 43 degrees today!! What the??! Light sweater my booty! I got on my snow boots and ski jacket, and I am still cold! At this rate I will never get all my projects done... and that just leaves me to dream. Right now I am soooo dreaming of this...

and especially this, I mean is there aNyThIng better than a {homegrown tomato}?

When I am not elbow deep in paint, I love to garden. Flowers & veggies. Thanks Grandma, for ~~making~~ teaching me to work in your gardens. I ~~finally~~ totally 'got it' in my late 20's and have LOVED everything about it ever since! And I always, always think of you and wish you were still here!

But lately her in Bama all we are getting is something similar to this...

Come on spring!! Don't just tease us with two or three days, STAY for a long while!! We really love you and have missed you!

In the DECOR area, I am also dreaming of a new kitchen. Something effortless, practical but fashionable, hard working, yet quaint - something that's just me...
Something with perhaps some of these elements

(all kitchen pics came from a web image gallery, I didn't see any credits noted... flowers and tomatoes are mine, grown in my back yard, by me)

Well, I am inspired! How about you?

Now, who wants to 'gift' me about $80, 000 to just hire someone to carry out my plans??

Oh, yeah, that's a dream too, like winning the lottery.

Where do you go to get inspired when considering a kitchen update, re-do, partial makeover or complete gut? I'd love to know, well cause... uhhh, I just can't stop dreaming about doing something to or with my sad kitchen...

Thank you for being here! I really love it when you drop in AND leave a comment!

FINALLLY! BEFORE/AFTER items!

noreply@blogger.com (Donna @ pintedfresh.blogspot.com) — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 19:21:00 +0000

Thanks for sticking with me - the weather has not been great here in Bama (rainy & cold) and I had a marketing project with a family member that took me away a while. I am back and despite the weather got a few thing taken care for ME!
Remember the post here, all the pieces that needed some {painted fresh} love? Well take a look now!
This was the hutch:


BEFORE


AFTER!


"time worn/shabby" detail


detail of the top


In my store ready to go home with someone!

So what do you think about the WHITE? I like it and enjoy using white; mainly I use Ralph...but my supply is getting low. And occasionally 'Country White' from Wal-Mart.

WHAT WHITE DO YOU USE on furniture/walls/other projects??

Thanks for visiting! Hope you leave comments and an answer to the WHITE question!

Hello!

noreply@blogger.com (Donna @ pintedfresh.blogspot.com) — Sun, 06 Mar 2011 15:46:00 +0000

OK - I know I have been MIA for a while (sorry) and I have missed you!

(stuff happens) so please don't give up on me!

I have something different to share today, and {typically} I would not be involved, much less share. Just like most of you, I am super busy - I have an almost 4 year old, I have two stores and take custom work, I care for my Mom (she has alzheimers, and no I will not capitalize the 'a' or show any respect to this dreadful disease), I help a brother with his businesses, I am active in Church, not to count the basic domestic duties!! So taking on one more thing isn't something I really have time for. I turned this down initially, then it came across my desk again - my curiosity was peaked. I looked at it, researched as much as I could, (there has not been a public announcement yet) and talked with a person or three who is just as busy as I am (there's lots of us) that ARE doing it. WHY, I asked them. I have nothing to loose and lots to gain. It will not take up what little time I have left in a day! And besides, what girl doesn't love jewelry, especially FREE and gorgeous jewelry...This was pretty much the reply across the board.

This sounds really promising, and the company is established (I'm not contradicting myself, read on). So I finally signed up. I am willing to jump in too since there is no cost/no obligation, it is all done via your personal web site!!

Bamboopink is rocking' the world already and it hasn't been publicly announced yet!!

What is being offered right now is a ground floor opportunity - totally FREE!

That's right - no investment, no obligation, no inventory, no parties to host.

Please do not miss out, this is a fantastic opportunity being handed to you, TAKE IT!

You have a chance to win jewelry, an iPad, cash, just to name a few; and to earn great money.
Contact me TODAY for more info! This free offer does expire on March 15 - then there will be a sign up fee.

This is just a sneak peek, isn't it pretty? JudeFrances, a famous, high-end designer whose current line is sold in upscale department stores (Neiman Marcus), and is worn by Oprah and many other celebrities, is behind this new fashionable, yet affordable ($29 - $200) jewelry line. It is made in the same factory and has the same warranties, similar packaging, etc... The line consists of traditional pieces (necklaces, earrings, bracelets, etc) as well as iPhone/iPad covers, sunglasses and the like. JudeFrances is planning a national press release announcing the launch of bamboo pink in the very near future.

Analysts have predicted that bamboo pink will be the fastest growing women’s internet start-up company in history. The company has a cutting-edge business model, and the jewelry will only be sold through consultants on personal websites. A “virtual” jewelry party if you will.   Again , no hosting parties, no inventory! Now, if you 'want' to host a party, feel free to - just know this is not a requirement. It's ALL internet based. That s why you want to sign up NOW! get your personal site and start learning to be ready to sell!!!

The company has begun a grassroots marketing campaign to virally spread the news of their upcoming launch via the internet. As of right now, it is not about selling the jewelry but about getting as many people signed up and ready to sell when the time comes. And again, it is not required that you sign people up, but why wouldn't you? When you get people to sign up, you can earn free jewelry, cash and other prizes!

Once you sign up you get a free personal website (mine is www.bamboopink.net/dwade) that the company uses to track people that sign up through you.   If you decide to not sell, no problem.   They will simply drop your name from their list and you get to keep any of the free items you earned by getting your friends to join.

You have until March 15th to sign up and sign up as many friends and family members as possible with no consultant fees.   After that, the company will go into its Pre-Launch Marketing phase, followed with a major national marketing campaign making the opportunity available to everyone and for a fee.

Once you sign up - shoot me an email and I will get you more details, all the details that I have, including sample letters to send to build your team.
Thank you for stopping by, thank you for bearing with me, and for considering this wonderful opportunity! I love helping people!
Now go sign up and let's have some fun together!!

This ROCKS! **update!

noreply@blogger.com (Donna @ pintedfresh.blogspot.com) — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 14:39:00 +0000

I am so flattered! This may happen to you guys, but ME? Seriously? Shut the front door!!
It's like "you love me, you really love me"!! (now, become a follower, pretty please) Think Oscars or CMA's here, red carpet, diamonds dripping from lobes, fingers, and toes, you get it, right - only I am in a granny robe with total bed head and some serious morning breath!! Gosh, I really could've brushed my teeth, but that makes my coffee taste a little like Colgate...oh, back to this AWARD/FEATURE stuff...WHOOP WHOOP!! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! This so ROCKS! and I feel so flattered and special and my hubby is telling me to calm down, it's too early and I think I'll dress up today, ya now, just in case someone might recognize me (snickers) and WHOOP WHOOP! ok, ok, but I am excited and very appreciative!! I received two "Versatile Blogger's", a couple of "Feature" posts, a "Stylish Blogger", an "Inspiration" award and a "Spotlight" award - like all within a few days! Just can't stop telling you how stoked I am about this! My head is gonna be in the clouds all day!!

Here are the rockin' cool folks that "love me" at least this time! :)

Megs at This & That Creative

Denise at Extreme Personal Measuresnning

Sam at The Junk House

Jamie at C.R.A.F.T

Barb at Santa's Gift Shop & Ideas

Alaina at Hammer Time

OK, now with some of these awards, I have rules to follow! No lounging, and sipping my ~~champagne~~ coffee to revel in the limelight of my distinguished fame. I just can't stop can I?!

The Rules:

1. Thank and link back to the people who awarded you these awards.

2. Tell everyone 7 random facts about yourself
3. Pass the award to 7 lovely bloggers
4. Contact each blogger and let them know you have passed this award onto them

Total Randomness about me:

1. I have owned and l.o.v.e.d riding my Harley's! (had a sporster & a fat boy) but wouldn't do it now, since I am a Mom. Being a Mom changed some of my perspectives

2. No one ever gets my age correct. I'm ok with that, but I don't get why people (girls mostly) never want to tell their age. It is an honor to have a birthday, that's the best gift - hello! it's from our Heavenly Father! who wants to be 21, 29, 39 forever? Just tell the truth and be proud

3. I use to barefoot water ski, so hard and so ruff, but such a high to have accomplished it and do it for an entire summer. I would do it again, and again...

4. Dr. Phil gave me a hug, and so did that cute son of his! So did Dick Clark, Reba, Kenny, Patrick Swayze, the list is long... (I lived in Nashville for over 10 years and was fortunate to run in great company for most of that time!) Shout out to my Nashvegas pals! xoxo

5. I have drank tons of wine, some costing thousands, and a fav is a $20 bottle of Conundrum. (thanks my pal who is a wine connoisseur/collector, love ya and your wine, but my wine budget is a bit smaller than yours)

6. I typically have an iron stomach - except changing my son's diapers made me gag and once I really threw up... you really wanted to know that, right? ;)

7. I love, l.o.v.e., love music and so wish I could {really} sing and play instruments, but if I sing in the shower the water stops. I do sing loud and wildly in the car - all the time and now little guy does too! I know folks think we are wacked and that's ok - Life Is Good and he & I have a rockin' fun time!

#'s 3 & 4 of the rules will be posted soon... I have to get busy creating, ~~practicing my autograph,~~ building something, ~~picking out the perfect heels~~, painting furniture, oh what? yep I heard right-little guy needs breakfast and he has to go to school, and now he is screaming from the bathroom - wanna guess what he needs? Reality has returned, oh well, I wouldn't trade wiping his booty for nothin' else! (wellll, maybe that I would trade, but nothing else)

**and the awards pass on to these two great blogs:
Lauren Lane Decor

Wide Open Spaces

go check them out...

If there is something else you want to know - just ask - I'm not real shy... never guessed that didya?
Peace & Love,
~Donna

Go take a look at all the other AWESOME award winners on these blogs; the DIY's, ideas - just go browse around these blogs! You'll love 'em! WHOOP WHOOP, ok I have to stop and get on with my day!!


*And thanks to my little rock 'n roller guy for inspiring me to create for him, and of course my handsome strong hubby who always supports my ideas-crazy successful or failed however they may turn out! :)

Come clean!

noreply@blogger.com (Donna @ pintedfresh.blogspot.com) — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 14:27:00 +0000

How do you get old knobs, pulls, handles, hinges (that are goopy, funky, gross, sticky, yucky from years of use, abuse, old paint, whatever could possibly be gunked in all the groves) clean? Or do you just replace them? That could get costly, and mess with the integrity of the piece... Do you paint over them? Leave them alone? What? Share with us!

Years ago, I came across an old gentleman at a Flea who sold hardware (huge amounts!). Almost every piece was gross (all the words mentioned above). His advice was to throw them in a pot of boiling sudsy water! Yes, you read correctly! He guaranteed all the funk, especially paint, would just come right off, and they would be just like new. Hmmmm, well being respectful, yet skeptical, I bought a few pieces, all along thinking yeah right! I never tried it, forgot about it or whatever, until the knobs on a piece I was redoing were perfect for it, but were gross. So for whatever reason, I suddenly after like 8 years, remembered this gentleman/his advice (I know I'm weird, quirky - get used to it).

I remove the knobs, take them upstairs and yesireeee, I BOIL those babies! What did I have to loose? Ok, ok the knobs that were perfect for the piece... but you know, sometimes ya just gotta GO FOR IT! And you know what else? I remembered to take pics to document whether it actually worked or not. Usually I am so bad about that. I was doing this stuff a looong time ago and hardly ever took a pic before or after, and certainly not step by step. I was just getting the job done for a client or for the store. Never thought about blogging, or having a 'portfolio'. (you are saying 'stupid head', I know, I know!) Boy could I do a ton of posts if only I had a record of all those thing!!! (again, 'stupid head)

Take a look at what happened with the "BOILING" of the hardware:

BEFORE see the buildup? it isn't horrible, but not nice either...

almost to a boil..., maybe I didn't put enough dishsoap in...??

after I boiled them for about 1-2 minutes, the funk looked like w wax buildup, oh goodness!

what have I done?

so I grab my handy Bar Keepers Friend - this is what All-Clad recommends for cleaning their pots & pans, so I'm thinking it's gotta be ok for these knobs...

dab a bit on rub it in with my fingers

take my trusty scrub brush and hit 'em a few licks

PROGRESS! see the buildup of gunk coming off on the right side?!

WOW! really nice!

TA DA! they look brand spankin' new!


well, whaddaya know! I am not 'skeered' to boil hardware anymore!

Hope this will help you along the way in your DIY's! Please share your tips and link back tot his post and we will have a handy little "helpful tips" list started...

Near the end of the page, you can find all the places I par-tay! Be sure to take a look at these awesome sites! Thank you for visiting and please come often! It pickles me tink!

Jeep sandbox

noreply@blogger.com (Donna @ pintedfresh.blogspot.com) — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 13:56:00 +0000

As many have you may have read in an older post, I have been dabbling in DIY, paint, art, furniture, most things related for a loooong time. I just never documented much of it. I hate that, because some of my projects or attempts at projects would have made for great comedy!! Sometimes things went great, and I just snapped a quick pic.

As is the case with this AWESOME sandbox I schemed in the middle of the night a few (maybe one day) days before little guy's 2nd birthday party (he's almost 4 now). And it HAD to be built in time for the party!! DUH! Hubs was astounded that I actually thought we could pull this off in the time frame, with everything else going on. I didn't have a real blueprint, but in my mind I knew the look of it, the color, and the little details I wanted it to have. I searched on line, & searched & searched for ideas, plans, instructions. I can't recall what site I found (probably used 2 or 3) but this is a great one if you decide to do a fun project like we did.

With more pages printed out than you can imagine, I held my head high and marched right into Home Depot, a woman on a MISSION! Oh the laughs those guys had at my big plans and my time line. HMMMMPH! I'll show them! and hubs!
Truck loaded down with wood, I made a quick stop at a parts store to get silver tape, 4x4 emblems, a rear view mirror and I was

headed out on the highway!
Get your motor runnin'!
Lookin' for adventure
And whatever comes our way
Yeah Darlin' go make it happen!

And the feelin' that I'm under
Yeah Darlin' go make it happen...

Like a true nature's child
We were born, born to be wild
We can climb so high
I never wanna die
Born to be wild !
Born to be wild!

Did I just break into song?! Blue Oyster Cult at that! Hope you sang along, and didn't spill your coffee while laughing at me. I get these crazy ideas and think I am superwoman and can get a 3 day project done in less than a day or at least a day. And I basically kill myself trying - but it is all fun. If there were a camera crew following me sometimes, boy the out-takes there would be, and a lot of wet pants from laughing so hard. It is all about fun, though, right?

Here a the only pics I have of this awesome project for my little guy...

I wanted it to sort of look like an old jeep...

the frame...

the red barn paint...

tape for the grill, mirrors for headlights, and the antique plate...

4x4 emblem, steering wheel and rear view mirror

looks pretty good, huh?

yes, we got more sand eventually...

'hood' storage for all the toys

the back end

and it stays parked near his clubhouse!

I had some of the wood, the paint, the hinges for the 'hood' storage, the steering wheel, and some of the sand. I don't know exactly what it cost, but I would guess well under $75 (??). I bought about 3 or 4 pieces of the large pieces (that you see on the sides and front) and the mirrors (like $4), 4x4 emblems (like $3), and tape. We used a sheet of plywood for the bottom (which we also had).
But again, go HERE to see a good 'how to' if want to build one. I did most of the work, except the heavy lifting, so I KNOW you can! If you do it, please post pics!!

Have a great day and THANK YOU for being here! I really love you visiting with me!

Check PLACES I PARTY (near the bottom) to see where I link

Sunny Chair & Fabulous Frenchness

noreply@blogger.com (Donna @ pintedfresh.blogspot.com) — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 15:31:00 +0000

A few things were accomplished...and as I promised in my last post here are the AFTER shots!! (I gotta get better at taking 'during' pics)

Here is a BEFORE of the sweet little chair:

Unfortunately these pics make the yellow look a bit washed out... it's actually a bit brighter. Well? what do ya think? does the yellow serve it well?

I'm thinking a little pillow like this one above would help it POP some... I can just see it at a desk or as a side chair in a bedroom or any where really. Oh, it's for sale...so let me know if you are interested.

And remember the french table?

It has a shelf, and it too, is painted fresh (duh! of course)

FRESH! huh? As in {PAINTED FRESH} :) I see this as a bedside table, perhaps between two chairs, lots of possibilities! This too is for sale...

Check out PLACES I PARTY (near the bottom of the page) to see where I am linking up. And, THANK YOU for being here! I appreciate your support! I would love it if you would "follow" this blog...just click over to the right under follow, easy peasy!

fabulous finds!

noreply@blogger.com (Donna @ pintedfresh.blogspot.com) — Sat, 19 Feb 2011 14:43:00 +0000

So, ya know how you find these great pieces at a yard sale, estate sale, on the curb, thrift store where ever you 'happen' to be, and they just beg to go home with you?? You know right?! Well, for me, I just can't walk away sometimes. Sad pieces with so much unrealized potential! Someone has to CARE!
So in my truck, packed like the Beverly Hillbillies, and home we go. Hubby just scratches his head and helps me unload, mumbling under his breath the entire time, "I just wanted a garage, to actually park the cars. I just wanted a clean, neat garage." Sorry hun, the cars are ok with rain, sun, sleet & snow - on the sales lot they aren't covered, so they feel more at home in the drive!! Ya think he buys it? yeah, NO! Bless his heart, to tolerate me & my shenanigans!

Ok, back to the PIECES... so you have 4 or 5 (10 or 12, who's counting, really?) and you have big plans, a time line, the perfect color, where it will go (if you are keeping it) and the price if you are selling it, yadda, yadda. Something happens to throw you completely off getting them transformed into the beauties they are waiting to become. But another yard sale is tomorrow and you still have that piece that the thrift store said they would hold for 4 days. OH GOODNESS! The garage is slam packed full up can't even walk around! YIKES!!! But I have more pieces that need to fit in here - some where! And I'm sure there are sales I am missing today!

I could go on & on, but long story short, here are a few "inventory" pieces that are waiting on me. SOON, very soon (the weather is warming up! YAY!) I will post the AFTER pics. Don't you give up on me, now!! Stay with me!

hutch,

green barrel chairs

naked chair, sunny yellow?

3 drawer chest

french-ness

coffee table with the glass!

white with a bit of shabbyness??

very old with great bones - thinking red with a glaze??

can see in a foyer or used a petite desk...

two great cottage side tables

great little traditional side table

french beauty - well, soon to be

leather topped petite table

see the potential? green? blue? black?

buffet, white with a bit of distressing??

AND I would love your comments! At this point, I could use a boost! What colors, techniques do you see on some of these pieces?

thank you for being here!

I am linking up here:

http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/

http://www.iamalongfortheride.blogspot.com/

http://www.findingfabulousblog.com/2011/02/frugalicious-friday_17.html

http://www.bedifferentactnormal.com

http://www.fingerprintsonthefridge.com/

http://www.mybackyardeden.com/

gurgle pot!

noreply@blogger.com (Donna @ pintedfresh.blogspot.com) — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 17:58:00 +0000

Ever heard of a" Gurgle Pot"? Well, they are just, ummm, nifty! A "Gurgle Pot" literally 'gurgles' when you tilt it to pour!! Cool, eh? I think so. They are also sort of expensive, (I think) unless you just 'looove it' of course, and/or really plan to use it often. I looked at some in an artsy boutique a year or so ago...I am a pisces, so fish things kind of appeal to me in an astrological sort of way...anyhoo, I picked out a green one and then noticed the price, gasp! I don't really want to pay $60 for a fish shaped pitcher. Oh, well...
Recently at an estate sale of a well traveled couple, I spotted one with the lovely price of $3!!! yes THREE DOLLARS! LUCKY ME! More my speed for a quirky little item that gurgles when you pour water from it!! It was also green, but not a happy green. Spray paint to the rescue! I used Valspar (first time with this brand). What do you think? Would you pay $60 for a new one?

Linked to:

http://christinasadventures2010.blogspot.com/

http://www.findingfabulousblog.com/2011/02/frugalicious-friday_17.html

Breakfast -- for dinner!

noreply@blogger.com (Donna @ pintedfresh.blogspot.com) — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 12:57:00 +0000

Last night I made a breakfast pizza for dinner, and my boys loved it! Do you enjoy breakfast for dinner sometimes? Try this, I found it at Christy's awesome blog Southern Plate and oh how I love the way she writes (and cooks)! A true Southern Gal! I think you'll love her too...
So here are a few pics, (it was super easy too)

Bacon Breakfast Pizza

1- 8 count can crescent roll dough
3 cups shredded hash browns (can used cubed)
dozen eggs
1 cup shredded cheddar
6 slices bacon (more or less, depending on what you have on hand)
Salt and Pepper to taste
Optional: Other toppings of your choice. Examples are: Onions, mushrooms, other meats, other vegetables, etc

Cook bacon and set aside. Spray a 9×13 inch pan with cooking spray. Place crescent roll dough in the bottom of the pan, pinching seams together to seal. Spread frozen hash browns over dough. Salt and pepper to taste (I start with 1/2 tsp of each). Beat all eggs in a bowl and pour over hash browns. Sprinkle crumbled bacon over. Place in oven at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes, or until set in center. Sprinkle cheese over top and return to oven just until melted. Serve warm.

Be sure you check out her site, it is awesome!

FRAMES for $1.24 & $1.48

noreply@blogger.com (Donna @ pintedfresh.blogspot.com) — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 19:40:00 +0000

YES! They are white, dirty and there are 3 of them. Two are $1.48 and one is $1.24. They are MINE! And I have plans for them!
Take a look at them BEOFRE:

two 5x7's and a 4x6

a little discoloration & a bit dirty

total for 3 frames less than $5.00

see how dirty they are? who cares? see how cheap they are? SCORE! see how cool they can be?

YES, YES, YES!!

SOOO, what am I doing with them, you ask? Hold on let me paint you the big picture. Little guy needs a an upgrade in his room.

He grew out of the crib at about 2.5 years old and we went to a big boy bed - not your typical big boy bed, a QUEEN size bed. I didn't see the pint in purchasing a twin or full size bed, when we had a gorgeous sleigh bed stored in the basement. And small beds are uncomfortable (to me) so his comfort while sleeping is important. OK, I think I have justified it enough...

I am planning to paint stripes in his room, update the art, use the current rug, and maybe even paint his bed, side table and bachelor chest.

These NEW, CRAZY COOL frames will go in his room!! Don't count on me to post his room make-over any time soon. I am sslllooooooowwwww when it comes to actually pulling the trigger on a room. These frames took me all of 20 minutes and that includes taping them off & drying time. OH, the spray paint I used is AWESOME, a bit expensive, but the colors are fabulous and the dry time is FAST!

I took a 210 grit and lightly sanded all three frames, then taped off for stripes

cute, huh?


this was taken outside so the color looks a little different

OH! the paint I used:

I purchased it at an local art supply house. again, it's a bit pricey, but for specific projects, it's worth it to get the fantabulous colors! And a little goes a long way. You must, MUST really shake it. When you think it has been long enough, shake some more - TRUST ME!

Linking up with:

http://www.findingfabulousblog.com/2011/02/frugalicious-friday_17.html

http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/
http://www.houseofhepworths.com/
http://adventuresofthemichelenafamily.blogspot.com/

http://www.thethriftyhome.com/
http://christinasadventures2010.blogspot.com/
http://primitiveandproper.blogspot.com/
http://www.bubblynaturecreations.com/

go visit these sites! they are full of inspiration and beauty!
and I {love} comments and followers! (please & thank you)

great garage sale desk

noreply@blogger.com (Donna @ pintedfresh.blogspot.com) — Sat, 12 Feb 2011 00:54:00 +0000

http://adventuresofthemichelenafamily.blogspot.com/Don't ya just LOVE a garage sale steal?! I know I do! This desk was being overlooked by everyone at this really big & crowded sale - I put in my (below the sticker) offer and WHOOP WHOOP! this baby came home with me!! I contemplated color, but kept going back to my never fail white, of course with some 'shabbying'...

Would you have done another color?

I'm curious - what color, and why!

BEFORE

AFTER

I switched out the pulls, too

I was pleased with the way it turned out!

I am linking up here:

http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/

http://adventuresofthemichelenafamily.blogspot.com/

http://www.betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/

http://www.thethriftyhome.com/

http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/

http://thehillsarelivin.blogspot.com/

go check out all the other projects on all these awesome blogs - trust me, you'll be glad you did! there's some fantabulous talent out there!! and there's no way you'll come away un-inspired. no way!

Ya know, you could also check out some more of my posts - I mean, well, you are already here! ;) heehee

OH, ummmm, and please leave me a comment! I appreciate it and love that you took the time!

ok, that's all, for now...

pantry LOVE

noreply@blogger.com (Donna @ pintedfresh.blogspot.com) — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 14:16:00 +0000

Today it is beautiful outside, brrrrr, cold, but with lots o sunshine. And I have that yucky stuffy nose, scratchy throat, and the uuggghhhh, "just don't feel well" feeling. Great, just great. Like I have time to not feel well. Really? REALLY?!
So I got nothing from my stash for you today; however, drum roll...........I thought I would share a post that made me swoon...

Some time ago, I happened on this blog post by Emily at Decorchick, and ummm, let's just say I. fell. in. L-O-V-E! Our kitchen doesn't have a true pantry, and I do miss that in a kitchen!
Don't you laugh at me and my pantry love! Take a peek at this and then tell me, you too are in L-O-V-E, aren't ya?! (thanks Emily!)

The Great Pantry Makeover (click to read entire post/see all pics)

by Decorchick!

Tell me, come on, you are in l.o.v.e aren't ya? It's ok, I'll bet there are a lot of us out there in love, right now, with this...

Pop over to Emily's to see the entire post, chock full of details! Tell her I sent you!
If only I had a pantry - I would soo rock it like this!! Emily, you're an inspiration. Thanks for sharing on my blog!
I feel a little better now. Oh who am I kidding, now I just have pantry envy...

Favorite Things

noreply@blogger.com (Donna @ pintedfresh.blogspot.com) — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 23:56:00 +0000

I'll admit when we moved from Nashville to Birmingham, we basically placed some of our furniture/art objects where the previous owners had theirs. Not real creative, not original, but baby boy was just shy of one, hubs had to get back to work immediately and life just didn't slow down long enough for us to do anything except live it! SO, move forward we did!

Coming up on three years - our decor is much the same! blah-blah-lottie-da!

I do have some lovely pieces collected over the years - not all are creatively or prominently arranged, displayed or even given the love & respect deserved, in my opinion. And I still collect - just not like I once did...

Browsing at all the great blogs and magazines, seeing beautiful arrangements of art and furniture, I started missing things I haven't seen, ummmm, since we moved. So I dug through a few boxes - spoke sweetly to some of my favorite items, and promised them that one day soon I would get my mojo back, and they would come to live with me again! They are not so happy in the ~~dungeon~~ basement. Here a a few of my favs that I DO get to see here & there around the house. Hope you enjoy looking at them! And I am curious about some of your favs - share them & the stories with me/us...

artisan made mirror 'Vain Aroma' picked up in a gallery in Knoxville, TN (I can't read the artists name, sorry)

funky tin art purchased in a tiny store off the beaten path somewhere between Huntsville, AL & Franklin, TN

a metal frame that my brother made for me! I saw one in a store with a price tag that didn't speak to me (like over $200). I explained this over the phone and in less than a week he brought it to me!! {LOVE IT} oh the 'art' inside the frame is from a magazine - I just cut it out and placed it there with a tiny dab of tape - I did this out of sheer excitement the moment my brother handed it to me! The mag just happened to be on the chair beside me!

antique dress form, still in pretty good condition, and the watercolor behind it both picked up at fleas

the bottom of the dress form

tiny Etsy art - when Etsy first came to be (sorry I can't remember the artist). It reminded me of art by Lynn Whipple whom I met several years ago at a show in Nashville, TN

this tea pot is by artists that I love, Jennifer & Mark Hatfield. I have a few pieces, this one was picked up at an arts & crafts show - can't remember where...

Scott E. Hill - wow! what an artist!! I have a few of his paintings and can I just say I {LOVE} his work?! This is titled "Reflections" and is two little birds in a boat at dusk...

another arts & crafts show find - great little vase - unknown artist

"be where you are" this is what made me buy it...


frames are a weakness of mine, I spend waaay too much on frames (issues?!) This is by an artist that I love and have had the pleasure of meeting. Jill is so talented, and I am lucky to have many of her pieces of art (jewelry, frames, paperweights - see, issues!) The actual pic is my Mom and one of her (5) sisters				I

I can't help it, I remember such non-important things! You don't 'have' to read all the captions, but it was neat for me to remember people, places, etc... and I am good with sharing. I have fun collecting, ok, I have fun doing just about anything!!

this is driftwood - yes, driftwood! look at the detail the artist had to work with and the detail she put into it! I {love} this piece of sculpture - there is such character to it! Got it in NY on a buying trip (gotta love wholesale!) many years ago...

the artist is Lynn Muir, I think she is in the UK

boobs, she even put on boobs...

she stands alone, and the hair is always blowing :)

the wording - something else I love about art..

my tea set - hand made in Brazil. the handles are wrapped in leather

cuteness! garage sale!

this hangs in my little guys room near his bed. a solid wood, hand carved and painted piece by an artisan with the team of Sticks

my funky little angel that watches over me at the kitchen window!

Droll cake stand and a few fav cookbooks (I love Droll items, and have a few of these fun pieces)

ahhh, Cat & Mouse! my cheese board that I think is so whimsical!

this is awesome art by the very talented Michael Aram

love the details on all the pieces!

cat, mouse, cheese - I laughed then, I laugh now!

pretty & heavy solid wood HEART - flea mkt, I think...

detail of a silver (real, not plated) tray that I picked up in my neighborhood -- at a sale I didn't even know was happening -- until I was driving to the grocery store!!


so heavy and in excellent condition! I almost feel like a thief, it was ~~so cheap,~~ such a good deal!

hand stitched green truck - this is in my little guy's room (from a previous post)

I love art! There is so much! And so many artist! Art is a great fabric, a wonderful line on a pieces of furniture or a wonderful chip in the wood on another piece. Art is soft, metal, quirky, sophisticated, funky, wood, fiber,, you know what I am saying, right? And for me, more than anything else I think, it is a matter of 'feelings'. Whether from a deep heart moving emotion, a piece that makes you laugh, one that takes you 'there', or the little 'high' we get from the find! I am never offended if someone doesn't particularly care for something I have in my collection - it's like elbows and eyelashes - everyone has 'em and they are all different! I am secure enough in my whimsical, elegant, kooky, expensive, bargain taste, thankyouverymuch!

Linking up at

⚜ ↁℯℬℬᴵℰ⚜ at Debbiedoos

http://thehillsarelivin.blogspot.com/

http://www.findingfabulousblog.com/2011/02/frugalicious-friday_17.html

http://www.thethriftyhome.com/

knock-off (pb, ballard, rh) books

noreply@blogger.com (Donna @ pintedfresh.blogspot.com) — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 14:43:00 +0000

I know you've seen them - and perhaps liked them, or not. But you've seen them, right? the bundle of books with the covers removed, pages darker (than new books, anyhoo) and tied with a variety of twine with the price of anywhere from $18-$39 for a bundle of 3 or 4.

Well alllllrightee then! I made my own... FREE!

I really love your comments! Please leave one! ;)

Link up...

noreply@blogger.com (Donna @ pintedfresh.blogspot.com) — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 01:01:00 +0000

I linked up! check out
bargain hunting with laurie, and Junkin Finds Friday

OWLove ya fa-evah...

noreply@blogger.com (Donna @ pintedfresh.blogspot.com) — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 19:11:00 +0000

Ok, so maybe the title isn't as catchy as I would have liked...~~ok smartypants, YOU come with one!~~
But you have to admit, this ~~little~~ big owl has some personality. And don't ya love a good personality?!
I spotted this big guy from my car as I drove up to a garage sale (last year) and took a somewhat 'uninterested, just walking past him, ya know, to get to ummm, other ummmm, interesting things' glance at him then up at the garage sale hostess who was certainly watching my eye (could she tell I sooo wanted him?)! I did get a few things and finally inquired about Mr. Owl. Ceramic, made from a mold, fired & painted by an aunt or cousin in 1976 or 1978 as indicated on the bottom. Made my offer and loaded Mr. Owl and my other items in the car and could hardly wait to get a can of spray paint in my hands!!! Not a chip on this guy, and did I tell you he just has the {bEsT} personality?!

BEFORE

AFTER

Look at how much happier he is with my {PAINTED FRESH} love sprayed all over him!!

Your comments really make me smile! Go ahead, take a moment, leave a comment for me!

LINKED TO:

http://christinasadventures2010.blogspot.com/

the "AFTER" of the table

noreply@blogger.com (Donna @ pintedfresh.blogspot.com) — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 18:34:00 +0000

So you saw the 'before' pics in my last post of the great table -lots of possibilities with this table now that it is {Painted Fresh}!
Stash a few throws, some games, remotes in the drawer, hide a few toys when unexpected (but warmly welcomed) guests arrive, magazines, you name it!
And it is chameleonic (is that a word?) meaning it could go with lots of styles. Right? Love me some paint by Ralph in black!


the BEFORE, and go HERE to see more

AFTER

What do you think? How would you use it, where?

nothing a little 'fresh love' can't fix

noreply@blogger.com (Donna @ pintedfresh.blogspot.com) — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 02:28:00 +0000

Great table - just had a bad leg, needed a little drawer repair and had a few bad spots here and there. Nothing that a little hard work, and "fresh love" couldn't fix!

and those plastic tools work great!

I will soon be posting the AFTER pics ...

I HAVE THIS!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Donna @ pintedfresh.blogspot.com) — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 16:45:00 +0000

I wish I knew where I got this pic!! (I'll give you photo credit it's yours) Anyhoo, back in October, I met up with some dealers who 'pick' and allow me to then 'pick' from their goods. Well, I fell in love with a bunch of industrial whisks, of all things! (I did fall in love with carved wooden wings, and a copper shade on a lovely lamp - so give me a little credit.)
But these whisks! My wheels were turning - get two small ones and make into lamps? or hanging pendants? or wall mounted lamps? Get a big one and make it a ceiling light? Gather a few different sizes and just GO CRAZY?!
OK, OK, I settled on a big one and slowed the wheels in my brain - I will use this in my kitchen - over my table. Yes this is what I will do. Oh my goodness! look at those columns! and those turtle shells! CaLm dOwN I will say the pickers got a kick out of my enthusiasm and loved all the cash I plopped down on many many great items!
I still do not have the light in place over my table - I want to re-do in my kitchen, but I misplaced that pocket change of about $120 thousand that it would cost me to do it exactly the way I ~~need, dream,~~ would like to.

Here is my whisk

And here is a sample of what it looks like in this kitchen...keep in mind, my kitchen doesn't resemble this pic, but I think one day I can pull off 'my' look and use the whisk...and maybe it will only cost $1,200 dollars. Right! the fridge alone (that I dream of) is way more than that! then there is the - ok, I'll stop dreaming in public...

whisk light

thanks for stopping by! and did I mention I love some comment love?!

Woody, Buzz, Jesse - my Toy Story Art

noreply@blogger.com (Donna @ pintedfresh.blogspot.com) — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 15:34:00 +0000

My little guy ~~is obsessed~~ loves all things Toy Story; and I'll admit all three are great movies and the toys are cute. Just sometimes I am over it with the jumble of every toy (Toy Story, Diego, Batman, Backyardigans, Super Why) & color & size and no real scheme to making all of these fit into something, well, uhhh, pleasing to the adult eye??
Don't get me wrong I love an eclectic look. Not a "wow, that looks flea market" or a "does she ever organize the child's play area" look. I am always looking for things to grow with him in his bedroom and currently temporary playroom. And I have a space that needs another piece of art in his bedroom.
We don't have a 'theme' in my little guys bedroom - he has a sleigh bed, a dresser, nightstand and lovely art. It is not an adult looking room, but it doesn't scream toddler either. One of the most expensive pieces of art in his room (in our home) is an original, hand-stitched, painting by Valgardur Gunnarrson; a remarkable artist in Iceland. (I was lucky to have purchased this many years ago when he had a show at a gallery in Nashville, TN.)

And in his 'play' area, practically anything goes for now. Oh no, we have designated the ~~once formal (personally I have never liked a formal living room, must I wear Dior or Valentino just to sit in there? not my style)~~ living room as his 'Play Room'!
Yessssireee, right when you walk in our door BAM! Playroom!
My child and his ability to play, grow, learn wins out over my vanity to have a lovely, tiny bit glamorous, magazine worthy house, much less a room. (I haven't the courage to post pics of the BAM! Playroom! -- yet...)
SOO! what I will do is post this little piece of that I did to go in his bedroom. Thanks Stephanie!

It all started with these

to get to this!

spray the little fellas with this

so they look like this


I used equal parts of the staining antiquing and dark burnt umber and a few drops of the metallic champagne

using an artists paintbrush, heavily coat with the mixture, getting in all the groves, crevices

then with a sponge brush, wipe away excess, leaving enough dark for details to pop

I painted an old frame and used a mat from another old pic

the depth of the frame

left over candy - who wants it?

What do you think? Are you going to do one for your kiddo, a friend? Or do you want me to do it for ya? :)

(Maybe soon, I'll post the 'playroom' - it needs a makeover - maybe you can help by making suggestions!)

I love comments! Leave me some comment love! Thanks for stopping by!

And do stop by Stephanie's blog!!! She is awesome, sweet and soo very talented!

she candidly speaks of wine... ummmm, & things related...

noreply@blogger.com (Donna @ pintedfresh.blogspot.com) — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 23:42:00 +0000

a wine retailer and friend just started a much needed blog - check it out!

vino