Exquisitely Unremarkable

DIY Salt And Pepper Shaker Kitchen Angels

2026-09-08T12:11:44.439-04:00

Well, hello friends and Happy September!
Today, while the rest of the world is marinating in pumpkins, I'm excited to share another one of my summer crafts.

That's right, summer.

My favorite season and the one that doesn't technically end for another - very precious - two weeks.

Trust me, I understand that much of the country is sick of their 100 degree temps, but here in my neck of the woods, winter is long, dark and extremely cold.

And while fall is very beautiful, it's also the harbinger of what's to come.

So like I said...I'm still summering.

With these pretty, floral, summery, glass salt and pepper shakers.

Aren't they darling?

I found them at an odd lot store for $2.99 and right away, rather a table setting, I saw kitchen angels.

So they hopped in my cart and came home with me.

I'm a huge fan of angel crafts. It started years ago, with my classic macaroni angels and my baby sock angel ornament. SO sweet and so easy.

This transformation was also a simple one, that began with the removal of the tops, to add two heads. Because everyone needs a head and one without holes is ideal. 😉

//SEE SIMILAR SHAKERS HERE//

I happened to have a few painted candle cups, leftover from other upcycles, in my stash.

//SEE THE CANDLE CUPS HERE//

They were the perfect size and shape, so I hot glued them on to the top of the shakers.

Next up, I grabbed some wired ribbon, I also had hiding in my craft stash, and fashioned it into a bow.

I secured it with a piece of green garden twine and hot glued it to the back of each glass shaker.

To hide the knot, I added a small paper flower, also from my stash.

At this point, with all the from my stash commentary, I feel like that line in When Harry Met Sally when he says, On the side is a very big thing for you...

I guess I keep repeating it, making it a big thing, because I want it to be clear that that's the beauty of these junk angels. They're created with what you have on hand. Like my:
Wooden Table Leg Angels
Old Fan Blade Angel
Glass Light Globe Angels
Vintage Handkerchief Angels and
Denim Pocket Angels

Oh sure, sometimes, I grab something inexpensive, like these shakers or a pack of dollar store socks to make seasonal angel dolls, but other than that, it's all free.

And way more fun to create, because the design unfolds based on what you have in your...well, you know.

Ok, back to the DIY.

Along with all the other embellishments, I sometimes give my angels faces, that's what determines their personalities. For that, I use a pencil to sketch on eyes and maybe a mouth. Or not. When I'm happy with the expression, I go over my lines with a Sharpie marker.

Then it was the fun part.

I added some mossy hair to both, a beaded halo and lace collar to one, a fabric trim halo to the other and I was done.

At the moment they live on my kitchen windowsill. Blooming in the sunshine.

However, they looked so sweet in the garden, I just had to capture them out there with all the other flowers.

I mean dressed in their blooming, summer best, that's really where they belong.

But, as I said, now they're back inside.

With their bright, painted daisies.

Making me smile

And decorating my house for summer.

🌻

What season are you decorating for right now?

The Easiest Way To Hang Gallery Wall Art

2026-08-25T13:57:38.566-04:00

Last week, I shared my husband's incredible handiwork on our front stoop and mentioned that I am not a complicated kind of DIY girl myself.

I'm all about the easy projects.

However, that doesn't mean I don't know how to do things. It just means they're not my favorite.

But. When push comes to shove and I really have my heart set on getting my decor looking ship-shape right now, I will pick up a hammer and dive in myself.Read More of This Article

Our Beautiful New Cottage Front Stoop

2026-08-20T13:01:41.745-04:00

They say that opposites attract.

And while we're generally on the exact same page about most things, when it comes to DIY projects, that describes my husband and I to a "T".

You see, I'm a lazy crafter. If something is complicated or looks too involved, I pass.

He, on the other hand, dives right in.

No matter how difficult, he's always up for a challenge. Like the time he completely rebuilt our very old, stone front stoop.

Now that was a project.

It's The Little Things

2026-08-15T11:32:33.090-04:00

August is a big month around here.

After all, it's summer's last hurrah.

It's filled with big events like back to school sales, our annual Fireman's Fair, outdoor summer concerts and events on the beach before the big chill returns.

Of course, there's also a lot of lovely little things in August.

A little morning view of my zinnia garden.

And this week was filled with them.

It began with an itch to go thrifting. Unfortunately, most shops around here aren't open from Sunday to Wednesday. It's a total bummer for this second hand fan, but as luck would have it, while running an out of the way errand, I found a small TJMaxx, so my daughter and I popped in for a tiny trip.

Inside, the clearance section was loaded with little treasures.

First, I found this charming mini floral lamp and fell in love. It didn't have a shade, but that's ok, I have many.

It was originally $16.99, then $13, but I paid 8 bucks for the win.

Knowing what thrifted lamps go for these days, I didn't even flinch at the price. It was adorable, brand new (so no need to rewire it for safety) and honestly, made for my house. Total score.

Next up, I found this little teapot. How cute!

It was $16.00, also clearance.

It's stainless steel, super shiny and just the right size for two cups of my favorite beverage...hot water.

Plus, when it came time to check out, the cashier sang me a song. I got two verses of I'm a Little Teapot, as she popped it in the bag. Did I mention that I love this store?

My last purchase was not found in the clearance aisle, however, it was a bargain. It was a collection of little frames filled with little prints.

They were the perfect colors and style for my family room so into my cart they went.

Now, they weren't what I'd call cheap.

As a DIYer and an avid thrifter, I thought about making my own version, but when I started tallying the time and effort cost involved, I decided that $34.99 wasn't a bad price, at all.

Sometimes it really is cheaper to buy, than DIY.

Oh, and if you're a fan of gallery walls, and little prints, they had lots of them in all different patterns, some were even Halloween themed.

Spooky!

//Petal Lane Prints Here//

Of course, not all of August's littles were as sweet as my shopping finds.

Starting with these cute or creepy babies in my garden. The DIY turned out well, but the debate is still working its way out in the comments. So far I think creepy has a slight lead.

Did you weigh in?

And this little guy - my daughter's 11 month old fur baby - also provided us with one of August's less fun moments, so far.

You see about a week before my daughter left on a cruise, her kitty somehow got into a bag of pistachio nuts. He's very snuggly and has the sweetest personality, but he's a smarty and when he wants something he's relentless.

Apparently, he really liked them, because he ate a lot of them - including the shells!! A fact that was not uncovered until later in the week.

Five days later, to be exact, right before she left, when the definitive evidence that he did indeed eat them began to make itself known. The vet said he was ok, that he didn't need to be seen unless something changed.

And as luck, and Murphy's Law, would have it, things did change the moment she stepped on the ship. We popped by her house to feed him dinner, before the pet sitter arrived for the night, and ended up taking that tiny troublemaker to the ER Vet.

A 5 hour stint that luckily ended with just a few x-rays, to confirm that most of the offending items were gone, a directive to watch him while the rest of those shells made their way out.

And a not so little bill of $511...and 38 cents.

I'm happy to report that the week ended with a friendly little gathering at a neighbor's house for happy hour.

Where the first snacks offered up were...

You guessed it. Pistachios.

You honestly can't make this stuff up.

And now I need a little nap!

😉

What's little in your world?

Happy August, Friends!

Cherubs In The Garden

2026-08-13T12:15:10.711-04:00

If it seems like I've been spending a lot of time in the garden lately, well, you wouldn't be wrong.

While we've always had a pretty yard, in recent years...or should I say decades...we've been so focused on the kids, that when we had a few free hours, we weren't using them to garden.

But now that we literally have time to stop and smell the roses, that's exactly what we've been doing.

We've been more intentional about what we plant and where - like the new zinnia bed under the kitchen window.

We've focused a little more on the area surrounding the pond, creating a colorful haven for our fish.

And we've really enjoyed adding artful treasures to the beds, to create more interest.

Like our most recent additions, including:
a few more galvanized tubs
a yard sale milkcan planter
a darling standing birdcage, that now holds a pot filled with bright pink blooms
and an old stool we turned into a trellis

All of which got me thinking, that if I could put those items in my yard, then virtually anything I have in the house could potentially be a garden ornament.

And that's when I thought about the twins.

You see years ago, my mother in law gifted us this statue after my second was born. It's two babies, giggling and telling secrets.

I displayed it for a few years until we moved, but then they got packed up in box and didn't emerge for years - after all the renovations were finally done.

That's when the girls told me they were creepy (sorry grandma!) and asked me to put them away. So I did.

Then a few weeks ago, we were cleaning out the basement and my daughter asked, "What's the story with the creepy babies?"

Apparently, she didn't remember them and honestly I'd forgotten all about them, as well.

However, once I saw them - and felt them, they were heavy - I couldn't picture them anywhere else but in the garden. I mean, cherubs in a cottage style garden? Come on.

Of course, I wasn't sure about their finish, it was a bit chipped and beaten up.

I tried to find out all I could about them, but nowhere did it say that the finish would stand up to the elements. And while I'm good with a weathered patina, I didn't want them destroyed.

Creepy or not, they were a gift and a sentimental one at that. Plus, I thought they'd look sweet with a concrete finish.

We Used This Spray Paint

That's where this spray paint came into play. I find that spray paint is best when it comes to outdoor makeovers.

To make sure it would stick to their slightly shiny surface, my husband cleaned them with alcohol.

Two quick coats with a stone texture, made for outdoor use, gave them a cement look that I know will age really well.

They look a little more gray in this photo than they are in real life.

They're actually a softer stone hue and the longer those two hang out among the flowers, exposed to the elements, the better their new skin will look.

With the sun shining on them, surrounded by all those golden blooms they already look like they've been there a while.

A little warmer.

And a lot more fitting scheming outside than in.

Although my girls still think they're creepy.

Sorry grandma!

😉

How about you? Do you think they're cute or creepy? And would you put them in your garden?

Happy Gardening, Friends!

Growing Zinnias From Seeds In Summer

2026-08-08T08:06:42.904-04:00

I absolutely adore a colorful garden.

Unfortunately, I don't have the greenest thumb.

Oh sure, I know what I'm supposed to do to fill my yard with really big blooms.

I just don't have the follow through.Read More of This Article

How To Make A Small Electric Fireplace Look Cute

2026-07-30T13:05:32.227-04:00

Lately, the word charming seems to be everywhere.

That cottage style, skirted furniture, mixed patterned, colorful, old world, grandmotherly decor is back in full force.

And I'm here for all of it.

Of course, I've been here for it, for a very long time.

I was decorating that way while the rest of the world was painting their walls greige. Removing pattern, adding white sofas and banishing lace to the back of the closet.Read More of This Article

The Easiest Milk Can Makeover Idea (Spray Paint & Transfers!)

2026-07-25T07:00:00.000-04:00

I've been thrifting and shopping for second hand items for decades.

And I was doing it long before it was trendy to scour the shelves for bargains and sift through yard sales bins.

My husband and I picked up everything from small accessories to large pieces of furniture to decorate our first apartment. Some items were bought and displayed straight away, while others needed...well...a little love.

One such purchase, a $5 milk can we found at a local moving sale decades ago, fell somewhere in between.Read More of This Article

DIY Scrap Panel Curtain Panels

2026-07-23T14:20:34.518-04:00

Several years ago, I wandered into my favorite fabric warehouse, stumbled upon the most gorgeous red checked fabric and decided I needed to have it.

At first, I just made panels for my kitchen.

Then a year or two later, I decided it was so pretty, it was exactly the style and color the living room needed.

Unfortunately, by the time I went back to buy more, that gorgeous pattern was discontinued. So I grabbed the last of what was on the roll...barely enough for the living room curtains, but I made it work.Read More of This Article

Metal Birdcage To Garden Planter Makeover

2026-07-16T14:24:52.071-04:00

Oftentimes, when my husband goes out riding on his ebike, a bike he built himself, by the way, he brings back treasure.

You may remember that on his last trip, he brought back a slew of curbside finds.

Among them was this old metal birdcage.

He thought it would look perfect in our cottage style garden and he wasn't wrong.

Now, I'm a huge fan of rustic decor, unfortunately, this piece was just a little too rustic - or should I say, rusty - for my taste.Read More of This Article

How To Trim A Window And Add A Sill

2026-07-13T13:21:27.830-04:00

Putting in a new window? Follow this step-by-step DIY guide to build a custom window sill and install trim to make your view a beautiful one, inside and out.

The moment I walked through the front door of this old cottage, I fell. And hard. It was dripping with charm in every room, from the gorgeous floor to ceiling stone fireplace in the living room to the sweet built ins in the hallway.

Of course, being so old, the house also needed tons of updates, and honestly, we renovated almost everything right away. But some of the smaller tasks have taken us years to tackle.

Like replacing the worn octagon window in our family room.Read More of This Article

DIY Battery Bulb Teapot Lamp

2026-07-02T11:04:53.752-04:00

I turned a tiny teapot into a lamp in minutes without cutting, gluing or electrical wiring.

Here's my quick and easy tutorial that won't damage your teapot in any way at all.

Well hello friends and Happy July!

My oh my, is it hot outside!

I've been spending tons of time poolside, enjoying my favorite season.

However, I've also been crafting in the AC when the heat gets to be too much.

And today, I have such a fun DIY to share.Read More of This Article

A Hand Painted Upcycle

2026-06-25T12:48:46.896-04:00

This week I used a homemade cardboard box projector to help me create a painted fireplace screen with a design I found online.

It was a quick and easy way to create a hand painted piece of furniture and simple enough for beginners to accomplish with success.

When I was in high school, I took an art class and I've been hooked on painting ever since.

Back then I did a lot of freehand work.

I learned about shading and brush strokes.

I created outlines, brought my designs to life with color and it quickly became one of my favorite pastimes.

Until.Read More of This Article

My Summer Thrift Store Finds And Freebies

2026-06-18T13:44:10.874-04:00

For as long as I can remember, shopping for second hand items has always given me a thrill.

Long before it became a trend to share what I thrifted vs how I styled it, I was thrifting.

And styling.

Like many of you, I'm sure.

Thrifted Botantical Print Makeover with Ribbon Trim

2026-06-10T07:00:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago, my daughter and I made an impromptu stop at the thrift store.

Where I found this lovely botanical print on the wall.

It was $7, a bit more than I wanted to pay for this second hand piece of art, but I just couldn't leave it behind.

Something about those red flowers made me smile the minute I saw them.

The frame was a mess, painted in a haphazard fashion, but I was ok with that. It'd be a simple fix.

DIY Glass Flag Plates

2026-06-04T07:00:00.000-04:00

In my neck of the woods about a week before Memorial Day, American flags start popping up all over the place.

They line the streets and they're hung from homes in all shapes and sizes.

Then, once Memorial Day passes, the flags come down and they don't go back up again until early July in honor of the fourth.

However.

This year seems to be a whole different ball game.Read More of This Article

Not My Mother's Sausage And Peppers

2026-06-02T11:40:12.979-04:00

I've never really been a big cook.

I'm not bad at it, the process of preparing food has never exactly been high on my list.

Oh sure, I like to eat. I just prefer it when the food magically appears at dinnertime, like it did when I was young.

I'd come home from work or school and my mom would have a lovely meal prepared.

There was nothing to buy, plan or prep. The fridge was always packed and a hot meal was served every night.

Of course, now I'm the mom...and most of the meal prep falls on me.Read More of This Article

Simple Floral Table Makeover

2026-05-30T12:27:37.961-04:00

Last weekend, it rained.

A lot.

So rather than celebrating the unofficial start of summer at the beach, I was in my kitchen.

Crafting.

And you know what?

It was glorious.Read More of This Article

DIY Patterned Clay Pots

2026-05-23T07:00:00.000-04:00

Lately, I've been playing with clay.

I don't know why it's got such a hold on me, but boy oh boy, is it fun.

There's something about grabbing a chunk of it, mushing it into a ball and then rolling it out that just feels good. Creative.

So when I was at the store the other day and saw this pack of floral patterned sheets, I grabbed them.

And I knew exactly what I was going to do with them.

You see, I have quite a collection of small clay pots in my craft stash. They're very versatile, so whenever I spot them at the thrift store or at yard sales, I grab them, too.

In the past, I've aged them with paint for a vintage vignette on my Easter mantel.

More recently, I decoupaged one, to make a flower pot pin cushion.

Well, today, I'm sharing a clay pot makeover that will actually be used in my garden. Fancy that!

And like I said, it all started with clay...making it a clay on clay kind of day.

How To Embellish A Clay Pot With Clay Patterns

First, I gathered my supplies:

Air Dry Clay
Patterned Clay Sheets or Clay Rollers
Clay Pots - mine were about 4"
Rolling Pin
Parchment or Wax Paper
Scissors
Paint - I used chalk paint
Sealer - waterproof is best, mine is water resistant

I began by breaking off a piece of clay, large enough to cover the area I wanted to decorate in one piece.

These sheets are super forgiving, so you can keep stamping to cover a really big piece of clay or a piece just large enough for the rim. So you definitely need to know what your design is before you get started.

I shaped the clay into a ball, warming it up a bit in my hands, then I flattened it with the rolling pin.

I wanted it to be very thin, since it was just going to be an accent on the pot. Like a second skin.

If it wasn't large enough to cover the pot in one piece, I laid it down again and rolled some more.

The fun part was choosing a pattern and adding it to the clay by pressing it down, rolling over it and lifting it away to reveal the flowers and vines.

My plan was to cover just the top part of each pot, to add the contrast of pattern and texture to the otherwise flat surface.

So I just laid the clay over the rim of each pot and pressed it into place, making sure the clay only slightly overlapped itself.

I didn't want a hefty, noticeable seam, so I used my scissors to clip away any extra.

Then I used a bit of water on my finger to gently smooth over those seams, and the edges, where the clay met the pot.

If any of the pattern was smudged in the process, I simply pushed the textured sheet back over the clay in that area and it was perfect again.

I positioned the clay straight across on one pot and on an angle on another. I also used two different patterns.

The sheets were reversible, so I had six to choose from.

Once the clay was dry...and I mean really, really dry...like 3 days later...I painted it.

I could've gone with a bold color, like I did with my clay rose vase. However, we all know how that turned out. I had to redo it, so it fit my decor and my style better.

So this time, I stuck with my gut and used a warm Buttercream Chalk Paint for a sweet cottage look right out of the gate.

Lastly, I coated the painted clay with a sealer.

I used my tried and true Dixie Belle Satin Sealer. It's not truly waterproof, meaning you can't drop it in a bucket of water, but it's water resistant enough.

I've used it for outdoor DIYs before and it's held up beautifully.

Besides, it's the clay I'm more concerned about, but honestly these pots will be either in my covered porch or under the patio umbrella.

Of course, only time will tell.

In the meantime, though, wow.

I am in love with these little charmers and Buttercream was the perfect choice for the delicate look I was after.

And it allows the flowers to pop, without competing for attention.

Yet it still manages to highlight the pattern and elevate the look of those plain terracotta planters.

In simple, elegant style.

Thanks to a little bit of clay.

See, I told you it was fun!

😉

When was the last time you played with clay?

🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

Wait! Before you shuffle off...it's time for another installment of the Do It Over Designers Hop and you definitely don't want to miss this one.

It's all about The Garden! So you'll definitely want to stick around and see what my super talented friends have to share this month.

The Apple Street Cottage
Birdz of a Feather
Little Vintage Cottage
Pandora’s Box
Purple Hues & Me
Sum of Their Stories
Unique Creations by Anita
Vintage Style Gal
Exquisitely Unremarkable (that's me!)

Happy Garden Hopping, Friends!

Are You A Homebody?

2026-05-19T16:36:46.817-04:00

Recently, I was having a conversation with a friend, discussing all the #homebody posts I've seen popping up on Instagram.

Have you seen them?

Quotes about the joys of staying home, often coupled with soft music or videos panning quiet gardens and dreamy decor.

My feed is full of them.

Probably because I stop to view them all.

Clearly, I relate.Read More of This Article

Romantic Cottage Style Textured Vase Makeover

2026-05-13T06:00:00.007-04:00

Thrift store makeovers are funny.

99 out of 100 times, I'm super happy with the transformation.

A huge hit. Better than anticipated.

And frankly, I'm rarely disappointed.

However.

There have been times when after a while, the shine wears off and I need to makeover my makeover.

Ever happen to you?Read More of This Article

Charming and Cheap: Creative Ideas For A Dreamy Cottage Garden

2026-05-11T16:59:00.004-04:00

We opened our pool this weekend and, honestly, it was the best Mother's Day present.

Once that awful green cover is removed and that gorgeous blue water comes into view again, it signals the beginning of the unofficial summer season, which is my favorite.

But around here, it's super short.

That's why as soon as the warm weather and sunshine arrive, I try to spend as much time as possible outside.

And while I adore the beach, and try to go almost every day, I'm a true homebody. This little 1929 bungalow is my haven.Read More of This Article

Adding Wooden Trim Under A Farmhouse Sink

2026-05-08T15:53:00.002-04:00

Be careful what you wish for...

That's a saying I heard around my house often, growing up.

My beautiful mother was the eternal optimist, but she also had a very practical side.

And a great sense of humor.

I don't remember asking for that ugly space when I wished for a sink!

So...when she wanted us to really consider the scope of what we were wishing for, that phrase was uttered in a serious tone.

When she thought our wants were a little nuts, she said it with a touch a sarcasm.Read More of This Article

Cake Tin Decoupage Makeover

2026-05-05T11:42:00.008-04:00

The other day I was looking for something in my crafting stash when I came across this old, white, topless tin.

It's the bottom half of a container that held a really yummy cake we received at Christmas from one of my husband's vendors.

Too pretty to toss, I added it to the "someday I'll do something with it" pile and forgot all about it.

Then in February, I stumbled upon it and decided to use the lid to make a very charming DIY clock.

But that bottom was returned to the old pile again since I had no idea what to do with it.

However, this time, as soon as I saw it, I knew.Read More of This Article

My Dreamy, Drop In Farmhouse Sink

2026-05-02T10:17:00.004-04:00

Today’s the day, folks.

The big day when I reveal my small kitchen makeover.

It's an update I’ve waited over 20 years for...and now I'm ready to share it with the world.

If you've been following me for a while then you know that when we first moved into our 1929 beach cottage, the kitchen was basically unusable for a modern family.

So we put an addition on the back of the house and created a new one.

And I got to design the entire room from scratch.Read More of This Article