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Showing posts with label DIY. Show all posts
Showing posts with label DIY. Show all posts

6/18/16

Loving Where You Live

If you are wondering where we've been lately....we are currently in between "homes".

Kai pull down kitchen faucet byPfister

Our last home of more than a decade, the "blank canvas" that we had done so many projects in, is now helping another family create memories.

And our search for the next great canvas of a home has begun.  In a new town, with new hopes and dreams, and new stories to tell.

We live in a darling Townhouse near our work and our son's school.  It's a great neighborhood and has a lot of amenities including gyms, swimming pool, community rooms, not to mention nearby parks and walking paths.  But it's not a home we can make our own in many ways.

The other day we put an offer on what we hoped would be our next great home.  Unfortunately it did not go our way.  So the search continues. And until we find that home we are looking for, we are going to give all our energy to focusing on what is important to us as a family.

Mmmm, those strawberries...




For me that means focusing on what we have, and not so much on what we don't have.  It brings tears of joy to my eyes when I think about the friends and family that have lent a helping hand along the way and lifted us up in more ways than I can even begin to count.  I hope that in my lifetime I am able to come even close to passing forward what has been gifted to me in kindness and generosity by others.

It really has been a long time since I've had the chance to sit down and connect through this blog.  I didn't realize how much I would miss it....I miss it tremendously.  It was such a big part of my life for so long. Creativity makes my heart sing.  So, I need to get back to what makes my heart sing.  I need to get back to loving where I live...and finding ways to make it our home...even during the in between.  So here's to doing more creative projects, big and small.  Here's to little changes that make a big difference.  Here's to being patient and having faith.  (Great advice reminded to me by my mom recently!)


I was asked to review this sleek,modern Kai pull-down kitchen faucet by Pfister.  I have to tell you I was hoping to install this gorgeous faucet in our new home ~ but when that didn't work out my darling of a husband went to work installing it in our Townhouse without complaint, knowing he would have to take it out when we do eventually move.  The installation went very quickly and without difficulty.  I am loving the way the handle is incorporated in the design.  It is very modern, curvy and elegant.

Kai pull down kitchen faucet by Pfister 

It's amazing how something as simple as adding a new fixture such as this Kai pull-down kitchen faucet completely changes the look of our kitchen.  I dare say it may be the focal point of the space.


We had almost forgotten how nice it is to have a sprayer!  How did we ever live without one?



Many thanks to Pfister for sending us this faucet for a review.  We didn't get the house we want yet, but at least we already have the faucet!

If you are interested in viewing this or other faucets by Pfister you can visit their website by clicking HERE
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7/12/13

A Little Christmas Cheer in July

How I made a simple DIY Christmas Cheer Canvas in July!


I am not going to lie...Christmas is usually the last thing on my mind this time of year.  Don't get me wrong, I love Christmas and all of it's joy and cheerfulness.  I love the spirit of giving and the get-togethers with family and friends.  All the treats people share aren't bad either.  Most of all I love the meaning behind Christmas.

But I also love Summertime and this time of year my thoughts are more likely on hanging at the pool on a sunny day, or having a picnic at the beach, or getting into a water fight with the family.  So when Claire from A Little Claireification asked if I wanted to be a part of a 'Christmas in July' series my first reaction was to tell her NO WAY.  I've got summertime going on full swing!  Why would I want to stop doing all of that fun summer stuff to work on something Christmas related?  



Well, here's the reason why....

When Summer ends then it's time for the back-to-school rush...and then it's Halloween...and Thanksgiving.   Before I can even blink it's THE CHRISTMAS SEASON and I'm counting down the days I have left to finish my shopping.  Yikes!  The weekends quickly fill up with parties and there are houses and trees to decorate and out of town visits to make and...well...you get the picture, right?  Christmas sneaks up on me and takes me by surprise every. single. year. How does that happen?  (Tell me I'm not the only one this happens to?)  And there will be that inevitable moment when I'm looking at somebody else's beautiful handmade Christmas decor and thinking to myself...why didn't I take the time to make some Christmas decor for our home when I had the time???

Well, not this year!





STEPS:
1.  Discount canvas (12"x12")
2.  Die-Cut Letters (mine came from a big stack I bought at Joann's)
3.  Glue Letters to canvas
4.  Create the word "Cheer" (or whatever Christmas themed word you prefer)
5.  Paint canvas edges with silver or gold craft paint
6.  Cover entire surface with acrylic glazing liquid
7.  Hang a glitter coated star "ornament" from a string and hot glue over the edge of the canvas 



And now I think I'll help myself to a little "Christmas Cheer" since I'm hanging at the mini bar already!




THANKS Claire!  At least I will have one handmade Christmas decoration that I did in time for Christmas!  ;)

And now for the best part!  Here's your chance to win $100 gift card that could be used for getting a head start on Christmas this year!  Good Luck and Merry Christmas...I mean Happy Christmas in July ;)

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Make sure you don't miss any of the other Christmas in July posts by these ladies who really seem to know how to celebrate Christmas:

Claire @ A Little Clairification 
Cindy @ Little Miss Celebration 
Jamie @ C.R.A.F.T.
Sharon @ Mrs Hines Class 
Karon @ Dogs Don't Eat Pizza 
Kristi @ I Should Be Mopping the Floor 








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6/9/13

Hanging Out on the Summer Porch ~ A Painted Icebox Story


This old icebox was passed on to us years ago and it's played many roles in our home...
*tv cabinet
*end table
*bedside table
*and most recently it hung out on our back deck for the summer.


But I switched the big bench from the front porch to the back deck and so this icebox and folding chairs ended up here on the front porch.  The big bench is heavy and so it's a stay put kinda guy and these lightweight chairs are easily moved wherever the shade is.  I like having the option of moving my chair to a better spot if I want to!    


But this poor old icebox really has seen better days, don't you think?  The weather from last summer really did a number on the finish.  And although this piece is cute ~ it's clearly a "fake" icebox and so it's not going to win any restoration awards for me.  So I figured I'd have some fun with it and paint it a happy color to liven up the front porch area.


Ace Hardware had their big Grand Opening Celebration last weekend and I got this sample quart of paint for free there.


I was going to go with a cheerful yellow (by popular vote on facebook) but the hubby voted 'NO' on yellow and well, his vote made all the difference since he also has to live with it.  Sorry to all of you yellow voters out there!!!  Quite honestly I was surprised that he picked this color out of the three choices I showed him.  

I thought for sure he'd choose the green or yellow first.


I sanded the old finish off with a sanding sponge before giving it a new coat of paint.  I didn't use a separate primer just two coats of Clark + Kensington Paint + Primer In One in 'Stepping Out'.  :)

Very nice paint with great coverage, btw.


We love our little front porch with our Family Established Porch Sign


And the gorgeous hanging basket we purchased from the High School Baseball Fundraiser.  Best idea for a fundraiser EVER in my opinion.  I love my hanging flower baskets!!!


Just a few details to make this space feel really welcoming and CHEERFUL.
  • Icebox Drink Table in a fresh new color
  • Some fun floral pillows
  • A sweet Dahlia in a vase (fake)
  • Some ferns on tree stump end tables (soon to be painted stumps, I think!)
  • A soft apple green rug



It didn't take Sadie long to realize there was a nice soft rug here.


I think she approves of the new porch makeover...


...especially the soft place to lounge.


Sadie says it's perfect for chilling on a lazy summer day.

Oh, what color do you think I should paint those stumps?  White or gold or some combination of both?  I can't promise you Scott won't trump the popular vote but I would still love to hear what you think!

Thanks for stopping by today to see what we've been up to.
Enjoy the Summer sunshine and stop to smell the flowers from time to time  :)

I know I will!
Cheers,

Sherry





Sharing With:
http://www.natashainoz.com/2013/06/say-gday-saturday-linky-party-71-link.html?spref=tw
http://www.justusfourblog.com/2013/06/pinworthy-projects-party-66/#more-2229
http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/
http://alittleclaireification.com/
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6/7/13

DIY Mini Terrarium ~ Beach Inspired with Air Plant (Tillandsia)



I saw an article about Artemisia, a DIY Terrarium Store in Portland, Oregon, and I could barely wait to go check it out for myself.  My sister and I were able to go about a week ago and it was AMAZING!
I will share pictures of the store and all the treasures they have to offer later but I wanted to show you the mini terrarium I was inspired to make after visiting Artemisia.


I picked up this tiny little Air Plant.  It's also known as Tillandsia or Tilly.  They don't require dirt of any kind and only need to be dunked in water about once every two weeks.  If you are in the Portland area you can visit Artemisia for Air Plants and other Terrarium products.  Amy at Artemisia was the sweetest, most helpful she could be!  For more info and care of Air Plants or to order your own online check out Airplantcity.


I love plants and nature but I'm not the most vigilant about watering, soooo, a plant that requires minimal care is definitely a plus around my house.  And one that only needs water every other week?  NICE!


I was preparing to meet one of my wonderful blog friends for the first time, and I knew she loves the beach, so I decided to throw together this mini beach terrarium with the little air plant and a few other things:
  • CLEAN SAND ~ no salty beach sand allowed...the plant would not appreciate the salt
  • VIBRANT BLUE MOSS ~ This piece I picked up at Artemisia 
  • DRIFTWOOD ~ from my beach stash 
  • SHELL ~ also from my beach stash
  • JEWELS ~ I bought a bag of 'itty bitty bling' at Artemisia
  • MINI GLASS TERRARIUM ~ is actually a stemless wine goblet I stole from my personal collection (one can never have too many wine goblets!)



I put a decent amount of sand into the goblet and added the air plant...tucking it's long root into the sand to hold it in place.  Then I just placed the other beachy components randomly wherever I thought they looked good. That's the fun part of making a terrarium...you get to play with the pieces and make it exactly like you want it.  Then if you change your mind you can move things around again...

Sounds like my kind of hobby :)


I couldn't resist adding the 'itty bitty bling' jewels.  Everybody needs a bit of bling, right!?


Then I tucked it into one of my Farmers' Market Baskets with some raffia and another little surprise...


The silver starfish is actually a magnetic brooch ~ you don't have to poke holes in your clothing.  So smart.

I rushed off to meet my friend Meegan of What Meegan Makes for the first time with my little gift in hand.  I was so excited to meet her I locked my darn keys in my car and was forced to pay an exorbitant amount of money to get them sprung free.  She was worth it!  We had the best time together; laughing and sharing stories and talking about everything blogging.  Good Times!  I was so happy to see her delighted with her little beach terrarium.  Is it any surprise that she came carrying a gift for me as well?  Please go say HI to her at WhatMeeganMakes and tell her I sent ya!  I think you'll love her just as much as I do.  :)

Meegan in pink and me in black and white.  Love her!  

What a great day (even if I did get robbed by a greasy locksmith who was bent on taking advantage of my desperate situation.  Jerk!)


Linking with:
http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com/2013/06/anything-blue-friday-week-12.html
http://www.ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com/2013/06/mop-it-up-monday-71.html
http://www.natashainoz.com/2013/06/say-gday-saturday-linky-party-71-link.html?spref=tw
http://www.justusfourblog.com/2013/06/pinworthy-projects-party-66/#more-2229
http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/
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5/13/13

DIY Chair Planter ~ In the Flower Garden


I have had a thing for chairs for awhile.  I don't know exactly what it is.  Maybe it's because there are endless varieties of chairs.  Maybe it's because when you have lots of chairs everyone has a place to sit and make themselves at home.  That's always nice.  I just find chairs so charming.


But lately I'd noticed a couple of chairs that didn't have a place around here anymore.  They were looking tired and worn out and they had cracks going through the seats.  Not so charming.  Not the kind of chairs you want to offer to your guests, for sure!


They were destined for the next donation drop off...

But then all this Creative Planter talk going on got me to thinking....


About what I could add to these chippy "old" chairs to turn them into some fun garden planters.


I removed the cracked and broken seats and screwed the chains of wire hanging baskets right to the seat frames.  These hanging baskets have had a good life too...just like the chairs.  Notice all the cracked and faded charm they have?


I started out trying to cut a circle into the seat, BUT the seat was so badly cracked that it just came apart while I was sawing through it...so this ended up being the best solution.  Work with what you've got, right?

I quickly popped off the seat of the 2nd chair by turning it upside down and hammering it fiercly.  We call this therapy around here.  :)


I lined the wire baskets with some of this green moss. 
(It's grown right here in The Pacific NW ~ how's that for local!).


Many stores also sell the liners for these wire baskets, BUT they were out at the store I went to today.  I was so determined that nothing would thwart my chair planting project that I just grabbed the moss and moved on.


I also grabbed these shade happy geraniums, some quick growing vines and those adorable little "mega-white" Bacopa flowers that are great filler in hanging pots.  Just enough to fill my baskets with a little growing room left over.  I know these plants will need room to grow and mature so I didn't want to over do it.


My first chair planter finished!


Here are both chairs in the garden with a cute little girl playing peek-a-boo behind the tree.  :)


I'm so excited to watch them mature and fill in.  The vines I bought said on their insert that they are good with part shade and are FAST growing.  Just what these planters need.


I'm hoping they will become big bushy mounds of flowers growing over the seat area and vines cascading down the sides just like the big beautiful hanging baskets.

I can already picture it!


I'm loving this sweet little vignette in the corner of our yard.  

We are completely surrounded by fences, sheds and other people's houses, so it's nice to have something pretty to distract from all of that "fenced-in" feeling.  


For more fun Creative Planter Ideas check out this Google Hangout hosted by Kelly Elko of Eclectically Vintage and some other talented bloggers.

Enjoy your Spring Gardens!

Sherry

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5/10/13

Class is now in Session ~ Mrs. Hines' Class

Well Hello Friends!   


Blogging has been such a blessing in my life.  At a time when I was feeling like there was really something missing in my life, I stumbled upon blogging.  It awakened the creative side of me that had been dormant for way too long.  That in itself was a huge boost to me...but that's not the only benefit of blogging.  It has opened up an entire world of amazing people that I otherwise would never have had a chance to meet.  The blog world is full of talented, smart, creative, funny, inspirational, and driven women who choose to share their stories and inspiration through blogging.  I am continuously surprised and amazed by the talent and skill of my fellow bloggers.  And it's not just talent and skill that is found in blogland.  The amount of love, friendship, encouragement and support offered by fellow bloggers is heart-warming!  Some of my favorite people are fellow bloggers that I have never met in person, yet we've developed strong friendships.  





Today I thought I would share with you just one of the Amazing Bloggers I have had the pleasure to "meet" through this awesome blog world:


Sharon of Mrs. Hines' Class!





Sharon says,

"Welcome to Mrs. Hines’ Class, a virtual classroom where I share the creative process behind turning my house into a home. I enjoy sharing recipes. I love sharing home decorating ideas that prove a beautiful home doesn’t have to be expensive. And, it’s so rewarding to acquire a new set of skills after completing a DIY project, and then sharing what I’ve learned with you. But my real motivation for all of this, is my love of family. I hope after spending time in Mrs. Hines Class, that you will be encouraged that above all else, love makes a home. So, please join me for the lessons that await in Mrs. Hines’ Class."


When I first "discovered" Sharon and her blog back in my early days we were running into each other at many of the same link parties.  Link parties are a great place for beginning bloggers to share their work and meet others.  Sharon would come by and leave some sweet comments on my posts and I ALWAYS read her blog name as Mrs. SHINES' Class.  The funny thing is I still picture Sharon like that!  She just seems to radiate light and warmth in all that she does and shares, so "Mrs. Shine" just seems so fitting! 


Here are some samples of the types of lessons you will find at Mrs. Hines' Class


Vinegar as a Household Cleaner

Sharon shares so many great cleaning and organizing tips on her blog.  I'm always up for some good "get your house in tip-top shape" advice.  Yes, she shares tips on making your home shine!



Don't stop on the inside.  We want our outdoor spaces to be attractive and inviting too! Sharon has some terrific tips on Garden Design and Landscaping as well.



As busy as we all are we can really use some simple recipes and meal ideas....you'll find those "lesson plans" in the classroom.

Bed & Breakfast Room
I've noticed that Sharon is really laid back and not afraid to step outside of the box every now and then.  You can see this in the choices she makes in her home decorating.  One of my favorite spots in her home is this little bed & breakfast area.  Yes, I did say bed & breakfast!  She put a day bed in the dining area and I swear it was brilliant! 

What a great spot to chill with a cold beverage and a good book.


DIY Painting Tips
Sharon has been DIYing her home to create a warm, welcoming environment for her family and all who visit.    She shares her tips learned through personal experiences.  It's nice to get advice from someone who has already done a project before...it saves us so much trouble trying to figure out the best way to accomplish our projects.

Memorable Moments
And what I love most about Sharon is how she infuses her blog and posts with her sweet personality and love of life.  She encourages us to look at life with a positive attitude and enjoy the little things more, like good times with family and creating lasting memories.

See You In Class!

Thanks so much for stopping by today and I hope you will head over to discover what other treats Sharon has for you in her virtual classroom.  

Have a great weekend!

Sherry




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