Best $25 I Ever Spent

 

 

Overhead projector $25 on Craigslist

 

Best $25 I've ever spent

 

And the only great deal I've ever gotten on Craigslist

 

Our Craigslist is not as spectacular as others out there I've heard of

 

I got this dresser at an auction, it was in good shape, solid wood and with a nice mirror too

 

 

I painted it a soft gray, using my homemade chalk paint 

 

Then used the overhead projector to trace a filigree on the front

 

Using a paint pen to fill it in made it easy

 

The hardware is original, I just spray painted it

 

I love her curves

 



If you live in Northern Virginia she is for sale at Everyday Elegance

Thanks for checking her out!

I'm partying at:

 Redoux: http://www.redouxinteriors.com/ Common Ground: http://www.commonground-do.com/
Just Us Four: http://www.justusfourblog.com/ Shabby Art Boutique: http://shabbyartboutique.blogspot.com/ Rooted in Thyme: http://rootedinthyme.blogspot.com/ Chic on a Shoestring: http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/ ; Finding Fabulous: http://www.findingfabulousblog.com/ ;Homespun Happenings: http://homespunhappenings-tammy.blogspot.com/ ;Miss Mustard Seed: http://missmustardseed.com/ ;French Country Cottage: http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/ ;Whipperberry: http://whipperberry.com/ House of Thrifty Decor: http://houseofthriftydecor.blogspot.com/  I Heart Naptimes: http://www.iheartnaptime.net/ Funky Junk: http://www.funkyjunkinteriors.net/  Nifty Thirfty Thinngs: http://www.niftythriftythings.com/  ; The Shabby Nest http://www.shabbynest.blogspot.com/ Sassy Little Lady: http://www.sassylittlelady.com/blog/ Lovely Crafty Home: http://lovelycraftyhome.com/  The Gingerbread Blog: http://www.thegingerbreadblog.com/  Classy Clutter: http://classyclutter.blogspot.com/  Elizabeth & Co.: http://elizabethandco.blogspot.com/  Not Just a Housewife http://www.notjustahousewife.net/ The Ironstone Nest: http://www.theironstonenest.com/ Primp: http://micheleravendesigns.blogspot.com/
DIY by Design: http://diybydesign.blogspot.com/ 

A Day at the Beach

My Gramma Dorothy would be mortified.

Mortified if she knew I enlarged a picture of her in her bathing suit

And hung it on my bathroom wall!

But I just couldn't resist

She's so adorable!

 

The year is 1926

 

She's 16 and just married my Gramps.

 

I enlarged a couple more pictures

Modge Podged them onto 8X10 canvases

And hung them on the wall in my bathroom

 

The two on the left are my parents on their honeymoon in 1954

 

 

Bottom right are hubby's parents in 1968

 

 

Easiest art I've ever created....

 

1. Find adorable photos
2. Go to Walgreens and enlarge photos to 8X10
3. Purchase 8X10 canvases (got mine at Michaels)
4. Cover canvas in Modge Podge smooth photo on top of canvas
5. After dry, coat photo in Modge Podge
6. Let dry, coat photo in Modge Podge again
7. Hang on wall

 

Love it!

 

 

Partying at:

 

Redoux: http://www.redouxinteriors.com/ Common Ground: http://www.commonground-do.com/

Just Us Four: http://www.justusfourblog.com/ Shabby Art Boutique: http://shabbyartboutique.blogspot.com/ Rooted in Thyme: http://rootedinthyme.blogspot.com/ Chic on a Shoestring: http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/ ; Finding Fabulous: http://www.findingfabulousblog.com/ ;Homespun Happenings: http://homespunhappenings-tammy.blogspot.com/ Whipperberry: http://whipperberry.com / Under the Table & Dreaming: http://www.bystephanielynn.com/  Petite Hermine: http://petitehermine.blogspot.com/ I Heart Naptimes: http://www.iheartnaptime.net/ Funky Junk: http://www.funkyjunkinteriors.net/ DIY Showoff: http://diyshowoff.com/ ; Nifty Thirfty Thinngs: http://www.niftythriftythings.com/  ; The Shabby Nest http://www.shabbynest.blogspot.com/ Sassy Little Lady: http://www.sassylittlelady.com/blog/ Lovely Crafty Home: http://lovelycraftyhome.com/  The Gingerbread Blog: http://www.thegingerbreadblog.com/ Be Different Act Normal: http://www.bedifferentactnormal.com/ Classy Clutter: http://classyclutter.blogspot.com/

 



 

Monkey See Monkey Do

Pinterest

Love it

Hate it

I happen to love it!

This was one of my very first pins

I have a very large bathtub

I added up all the projects I have pinned

If I did one project EVERY DAY

It would take me more than 3 1/2 years to complete all that I have pinned

3 1/2 years people!

I love Pinterest!

I found the hutch at the Salvation Army, it was ugly brown

I used one of The Graphics Fairy's awesome french graphics

Then used the "Freezer Paper Method" of transferring it to the painted and distressed hutch

Then I filled it up!

Some of my clock collection and books

A jar of face cream and a flea market find picture

a rusty enamelware bowl, a "frenchy" towel and some bath salts

Great Aunt Bernies silver candy dish filled with shells
and some old medicine bottles

 

 

 

Well, at least I can cross this one off my project list!

 

Follow me on Pinterest to see what else I have lined up!

 

I'm partying at:

 

 



Redoux: http://www.redouxinteriors.com/ Common Ground: http://www.commonground-do.com/ 
Just Us Four: http://www.justusfourblog.com/ Shabby Art Boutique: http://shabbyartboutique.blogspot.com/ Rooted in Thyme: http://rootedinthyme.blogspot.com/ Chic on a Shoestring: http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/ ; Finding Fabulous: http://www.findingfabulousblog.com/ ;Homespun Happenings: http://homespunhappenings-tammy.blogspot.com/ ;Miss Mustard Seed: http://missmustardseed.com/ ;French Country Cottage: http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/ ;Whipperberry: http://whipperberry.com/ Sassy Little Lady: http://www.sassylittlelady.com/blog/ Lovely Crafty Home: http://lovelycraftyhome.com/  The Gingerbread Blog: http://www.thegingerbreadblog.com/ Petite Hermine: http://petitehermine.blogspot.com/ I Heart Naptimes: http://www.iheartnaptime.net/ Funky Junk: http://www.funkyjunkinteriors.net/  ; Nifty Thirfty Thinngs: http://www.niftythriftythings.com/  ; The Shabby Nest http://www.shabbynest.blogspot.com/ Craft-O-Maniac http://www.craft-o-maniac.com/  Uncommon http://www.uncommondesignsonline.com/  Homemaker on a Dime http://www.homemakeronadime.com/ Sumos Sweetstuff: http://www.sumossweetstuff.com/  Funky Polkadot Giraffe: http://funkypolkadotgiraffe.blogspot.com// Elizabeth & Co.: http://elizabethandco.blogspot.com/  Not Just a Housewife http://www.notjustahousewife.net/ The Ironstone Nest: http://www.theironstonenest.com/
























 



A Little Love

All You Need is LOVE.

LOVE is All You Need.

Wise, wise words.

 I'm not much of a pink and red Valentines type of girl.

My style is more "industrial"

But I do like to decorate my mantle for each holiday. So...this is how I made a "neutral" LOVE sign

24X24 canvas painted, dry brushed, taped and letters traced

 I used a 24" X 24" canvas (can be found at JoAnn's, Hobby Lobby, Michaels, etc.)
First I painted the entire canvas an off-white. When dry I dry brushed it with a light grey and a charcoal.
Next you need to trace your letters onto the canvas. There are several ways of doing that (large stencils, print off letters from your computer, cut and trace, etc.) I have an overhead projector so I used that. Then tape of a 1" "frame" using frog tape (I say frog tape, because it's way better than the blue stuff, it doesn't rip off the paint underneath)

Notice my lines aren't perfectly straight

Once all your prep work is done use a small tipped paint brush and fill in all the letters. Don't worry about it being perfect.

After sanding away any imperfections

 Once the letters are COMPLETELY dry (I let them dry overnight) sand the entire canvas. This is where you will "erase" any imperfections.

 I used regular flat laytex paint, because that's what I have. The colors used were:
Background: Martha Stewart- Glass of Milk MSL029
Drybrushing: Behr-Anonymous 780F-5 and Valspar- Chimney Smoke 4010-1
Letters:  also Behr- Chimney Smoke 4010-1

I also sprayed the entire canvas with a Clear Matte spray, just to protect it a little.

Love IS all you need......and a LOVE sign!

Come Party with Me At:

Redoux: http://www.redouxinteriors.com/ Common Ground: http://www.commonground-do.com/ Just Us Four: http://www.justusfourblog.com/ Shabby Art Boutique: http://shabbyartboutique.blogspot.com/ Rooted in Thyme: http://rootedinthyme.blogspot.com/ Chic on a Shoestring: http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/ ; Finding Fabulous: http://www.findingfabulousblog.com/ ;Homespun Happenings: http://homespunhappenings-tammy.blogspot.com/ ;French Country Cottage: http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/ Lovely Crafty Home: http://lovelycraftyhome.com/  The Gingerbread Blog: http://www.thegingerbreadblog.com/  Classy Clutter: http://classyclutter.blogspot.com/ Sassy Little Lady: http://www.sassylittlelady.com/blog/  Funky Polkadot Giraffe: http://funkypolkadotgiraffe.blogspot.com// Elizabeth & Co.: http://elizabethandco.blogspot.com/  Not Just a Housewife http://www.notjustahousewife.net/ The Ironstone Nest: http://www.theironstonenest.com/ Primp: http://micheleravendesigns.blogspot.com/ The Well Crafted Home:  http://thewellcraftedhome.blogspot.com/

Une Boite en Bois

I took French for 4 years in highschool.

4 years!

Want to know what I remember?

I can ask you what time it is.

And tell you my name.

Yup, pretty much that's it.

Sad....

But thanks to Google Translator I can tell you what this cool wooden box says

 

 

It's an address for  the House (Maison) of C. Riffard

32 Peletier Street

Paris

That last word (Succursales) means branches....? That's got me stumped

No matter what it means, you have to admit a little bit of french script makes anything look awesome!

Here is how this box started out:

There's no denying, it's a nice old solid wood box.

It has great wear and color to it.

But after a little painting, now it's tres chic!

I knew I wanted to something amazing with the box, but couldn't quite decide, until I saw THIS TRUNK at Ava Blake Creations.

I used the same grapic from THE GRAPHICS FAIRY but with it being on wood instead of the metal trunk, it gives it a totally different look.

How did I do it?

Easy.

There are many ways to transfer an image to almost any surface. Check out this link from the GRAPHICS FAIRY to see several simple ways.

I used an overhead projector to project the image onto the box, then used a paint pen to fill it in.

After the paint dried I sanded it to make it look old and worn, then used some dark wax to age it even more.

I'm kind of torn on whether to sell it or not, but I think I'll put it in the store.

If it doesn't sell quickly, it may become a permanent fixture dans ma maison!


Partying at:

Lovely Crafty Home: http://lovelycraftyhome.com/  The Gingerbread Blog: http://www.thegingerbreadblog.com/ Be Different Act Normal: http://www.bedifferentactnormal.com/  Classy Clutter: http://classyclutter.blogspot.com/ Redoux: http://www.redouxinteriors.com/ Common Ground: http://www.commonground-do.com/
Just Us Four: http://www.justusfourblog.com/ Shabby Art Boutique: http://shabbyartboutique.blogspot.com/ Rooted in Thyme: http://rootedinthyme.blogspot.com/ Chic on a Shoestring: http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/ ; Finding Fabulous: http://www.findingfabulousblog.com/ ;Homespun Happenings: http://homespunhappenings-tammy.blogspot.com/ ;Miss Mustard Seed: http://missmustardseed.com/ ;French Country Cottage: http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/ ; Craft-O-Maniac http://www.craft-o-maniac.com/  Uncommon http://www.uncommondesignsonline.com/  Homemaker on a Dime http://www.homemakeronadime.com/ Sumos Sweetstuff: http://www.sumossweetstuff.com/ Petite Hermine: http://petitehermine.blogspot.com/ I Heart Naptimes: http://www.iheartnaptime.net/ Nifty Thirfty Thinngs: http://www.niftythriftythings.com/  ; Under the Table & Dreaming : http://www.bystephanielynn.com/Funky Polkadot Giraffe: http://funkypolkadotgiraffe.blogspot.com// Elizabeth & Co.: http://elizabethandco.blogspot.com/   The Ironstone Nest: http://www.theironstonenest.com/ Homework: http://carolynshomework.blogspot.com/ Primp: http://micheleravendesigns.blogspot.com/ The Well Crafted Home:  http://thewellcraftedhome.blogspot.com/ Shabby Creek Cottage http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/ Somewhat Simple  http://www.somewhatsimple.com/ House of Hepworths http://www.houseofhepworths.com/  The 36th Avenue http://www.the36thavenue.com/

Add a little Soy Sauce

A little Asian inspiration.

I loved this table from the moment I saw it.

It just adds a little bit of Asian flavor.

Kind of like adding soy sauce to your rice!

The top was pretty beat up, so it had to be painted.

I used my homemade chalk paint:  1 cup any color flat interior latex paint.
                                                    2 Tablespoons unsanded grout.
                                                    1 to 2 Tablespoons water.
I have to admit, I've never used Annie Sloan Chalk Paint, so I can't compare, but I love that I can pick any color and have it stick to anything!

Now this little table can add a little flavor to anyone's living room!

I'm partying at:
Redoux: http://www.redouxinteriors.com/ Common Ground:http://www.commonground-do.com/ Just Us Four: http://www.justusfourblog.com/ Shabby Art Boutique: http://shabbyartboutique.blogspot.com/ Rooted in Thyme: http://rootedinthyme.blogspot.com/ Chic on a Shoestring: http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/ ; Finding Fabulous: http://www.findingfabulousblog.com/ ;Homespun Happenings: http://homespunhappenings-tammy.blogspot.com/ ;Miss Mustard Seed: http://missmustardseed.com/ ;French Country Cottage: http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/ ;Whipperberry: http://whipperberry.com/ Lovely Crafty Home:  http://lovelycraftyhome.com/ The Gingerbread Home: http://www.thegingerbreadblog.com/ Be Different Act Normal: http://www.bedifferentactnormal.com/
Classy Clutter:  http://classyclutter.blogspot.com/  Petite Hermine: http://petitehermine.blogspot.com/  Funky Junk: http://www.funkyjunkinteriors.net/  Nifty Thirfty Thinngs: http://www.niftythriftythings.com/  ; The Shabby Nest  http://www.shabbynest.blogspot.com/ Sweet Stuff: http://www.sumossweetstuff.com
Funky Polkadot Giraffe: http://funkypolkadotgiraffe.blogspot.com// Elizabeth & Co.: http://elizabethandco.blogspot.com/
Primp: http://micheleravendesigns.blogspot.com/ If It's Not Baroque: http://ifitsnotbaroquedesignblog.blogspot.com/ No Minimalist Here: http://nominimalisthere.blogspot.com/ The Better Half: http://www.oneprojectcloser.com/thebetterhalf/ A Little Knick Knack: http://www.alittleknickknack.com/
Shabby Creek Cottage: http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/ Somewhat Simple:  http://www.somewhatsimple.com/ The 36th Avenue: http://www.the36thavenue.com/  Crafty Scrappy Happy: http://www.craftyscrappyhappy.net/ Saved By Love/Thrifty Thursdays:http://savedbylovecreations.com/ My Repurposed Life: http://www.myrepurposedlife.net/  Simply Designing: http://simplydesigning.blogspot.com/

I like my Cheesesteak with a little Bite!

Trying to eat low carb in a house full of boys is NOT easy!

It's all mashed potatoes and pasta!

I was so happy when I saw this on Pinterest....

Click HERE for the recipe

Then I thought....Why didn't I think of that? It's so obvious!

 

Of course, I made REGULAR philly cheesesteaks for the boys.

 

But, honestly, I prefered it in the pepper!

 

I added a little crushed red pepper flakes, 'cause I like my cheesesteak with a little bite!

 

I made myself 2 halves, but was full after one, the other is for lunch!

 

Maybe this low carb this will work out after all!

 

 

Have Lunch With Snoopy

Does everyone love Snoopy?
My husband LOVES Snoopy.
More than a little.
Like a whole lot.
So, because I like him at least as much as he likes Snoopy I got him this lunch box at the auction today.

A lady there said it was worth $400.00.
I'd like to know where she gets her information.
Ebay has them for $75 for one with a thermos (which mine does not have) and excellent condition (also which mine is not).
I paid $22.
Hubby will be happy.

I also got:

another jar for Christmas snow globes, a cash box and a candy tub

This dresser ($2) that  matches 2 others I'm working on

and finally this lovely vanity. I love all the details, can't wait to work on this one!

He said they were funky!

Funky.

That's what my 11 year old son called these chairs.

I'm going to take it as a compliment.

He also said he liked the "dingle-berry's" on the pillows.

I guess that's a compliment.

Oh well, what does he know, he's an 11 year old boy!

 Coral is what I call them.

The pillow fabric is velvety and kinda '70's "funky".

Now that I look at the picture again....they are kinda funky.

In a good way!

Maybe the boy knows more than I thought!

Come party with me at:

Chic on a Shoestring: http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/  Finding Fabulous: http://www.findingfabulousblog.com/  Homespun Happenings: http://homespunhappenings-tammy.blogspot.com/  Miss Mustard Seed: http://missmustardseed.com/  French Country Cottage: http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/ Whipperberry: http://whipperberry.com/ Be Different Act Normal: http://www.bedifferentactnormal.com/ Classy Clutter: http://classyclutter.blogspot.com/
The Gingerbread Blog: http://www.thegingerbreadblog.com/  Rooted in Thyme: http://rootedinthyme.blogspot.com/ Just Us Four: http://www.justusfourblog.com/
Shabby Art Boutique: http://shabbyartboutique.blogspot.com/ Lovely Crafty Home: http://lovelycraftyhome.com/ A Little Knick Knack: http://www.alittleknickknack.com/
The Shabby Nest: http://www.shabbynest.blogspot.com/ Nifty Thrifty Things: http://www.niftythriftythings.com/ Funky Junk: http://www.funkyjunkinteriors.net/
I Heart Naptime: http://www.iheartnaptime.net/ Petite Hermine: http://petitehermine.blogspot.com/
Skip to my Lou: http://www.skiptomylou.org/ Sumo's Sweet Stuff: http://www.sumossweetstuff.com/ Craft-O-Maniac: http://www.craft-o-maniac.com/ Keeping it Simple: http://www.keepingitsimplecrafts.com/ Funky Polkadot Giraffe: http://funkypolkadotgiraffe.blogspot.com// Elizabeth & Co.: http://elizabethandco.blogspot.com/ The Ironstone Nest: http://www.theironstonenest.com/ Homework: http://carolynshomework.blogspot.com/ Primp: http://micheleravendesigns.blogspot.com/  The Well Crafted Home:  http://thewellcraftedhome.blogspot.com/ No Minimalist Here: http://nominimalisthere.blogspot.com/ The Better Half: http://www.oneprojectcloser.com/thebetterhalf/ A Little Knick Knack: http://www.alittleknickknack.com/ Shabby Creek Cottage: http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/ Somewhat Simple:  http://www.somewhatsimple.com/ The 36th Avenue: http://www.the36thavenue.com/ Crafty Scrappy Happy: http://www.craftyscrappyhappy.net/ Saved By Love/Thrifty Thursdays: http://savedbylovecreations.com/  My Repurposed Life: http://www.myrepurposedlife.net/  Simply Designing: http://simplydesigning.blogspot.com/
 

Ham Broccoli and An Extraordinary Man

My niece is getting married in August.
Her fiance John is one of the best men I know.
I don't say that lightly.
He has a lot to live up to.
Kait (my niece) is the only girl grandchild out of 8.
We are very protective of her, to say the least.
It's unfortunate for any men coming into our family, because they are all held up to an unattainable ideal.
My father.
My father was an extraordinary man.
He didn't do anything particularly extraordinary, like invent chocolate or anything.
He did the little everyday extraordinary things.
Like sing me awake in the morning.
Or make up stories with his grandchildren as the main characters.
He loved dogs and cried when they died.
He and John would've really liked each other.

I need to lose weight before the wedding.
The easiest way for me to do that is low carb.
So tonite we had Ham and Broccoli Casserole.
As expected, the kids were not too excited about it.
But since the rule is you have to try everything once, they tried it.....
surprisingly, they liked it!

click photo to take you to the recipe

 

The recipe comes from Kalyn's Kitchen. Be forewarned, once you start browsing her recipes, you'll never want to leave the kitchen again!

 

 

The only changes I made was I didn't blanch the broccoli (and it was fine)

I added green onions, a couple more eggs and dill.

 

It was super yummy!

 

 

Thanks for joining me for the first installment of "What's for Dinner Wednesday"

 

I have many projects in the works, so check back Friday to see which one I actually completed!

 

Ya Win Some Ya Lose Some

Yesterday was Auction Day.

I love Auction Day!

It's so full of possibilities!

Almost like Christmas, but not quite.

I'm spoiled, so on Christmas I always gets everything I want.

At the auction there is almost always someone there with more $$ than me. :(

Ya win some, ya lose some....

This week I did OK

How do you like this old album storage bin-thingy?! I love the cubbies in it, not sure what I will store in it yet, but I'm sure I won't have any trouble finding stuff to put in it!

 

I LOOOOOOVE old suitcases, I have a stack in the library next to the club chair. Not sure if I'll be selling this one or keeping it.....
Also got the jars, the 2 short ones will be snow globes next year!

Then there's this cool "fire man's" chair (at least that's what they called it at the auction) I love the paint/patina on it! I don't think I'll have to do anything to this one! Gotta love that!














Thanks for checking out my treasures from Auction Day! If you're not busy next Monday come with me! ;)

Stop back by tomorrow for "What's for Dinner Wednesday"

Hello my friends! If you are coming here from my "other" blog thank you very much for jumping over here! Please "follow me"! I decided to make a new blog to coincide with my new business of refurbishing furniture. I hope you are inspired by my projects, please let me know what you think! My plan here is to have regular posts 2 to 3 times a week. On Tuesdays I will have a "What I got at the Auction" post and on Wednesday I will have a "What's for Dinner" post. Fridays will be for "New Projects"  So....check back here on Tuesday to see what my next projects will be!