a pumpkin MAKEOVER

I've had my pumpkins sitting on my door stoop for over a month now.  I set them out in time for Halloween.  Now that Thanksgiving is around the corner (literally- it's tomorrow) I thought it was time to glitz them up.  I've seen photos on Pinterest that gave me ideas, so none of this is ground breaking.  If you have 30 minutes to spare, you can add a bit o'gold to your Thanksgiving holiday.









Supplies: Pumpkins, gold acrylic paint and a paintbrush

Step 1: Pour a few drops of paint at the top of the pumpkin

Step 2:  Brush the paint downwards in straight lines.  Feather it out so the most paint is at the top, and more sparse about half way down the sides of the pumpkin.  My goal was to have a slight ombre effect.

Step 3: Place your pumpkins back on your stoop, or even decorate your Thanksgiving table.  You're done!

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving~

front yard DIY

As you know from my last post, I placed two pumpkins on my door stoop last week.  The punch of color is beautiful, but I felt like it still needs something, but wasn't sure what.  I definitely do not have room for a third pumpkin....

Next I began collecting branches to fill the vase of my entry console.  I looked on our lawn, around the building on our side, and then near the parking lot.  I probably looked a bit silly picking up small twig branches, but I was on a mission!  I set them in the vase, only to find they were too short.  My next thought was to crumple some paper inside, and use that as a support to arrange the branches.  Instead, I found a piece of hemp and returned outside for a spontaneous DIY:



front yard DIY



Materials: Twigs, hemp string, and about 5-10 minutes of your time- SERIOUSLY

Gather the branches together so they meet in a central spot.  This is where you will tie them altogether.  Arrange them at different heights for interest and to keep a natural look.

Tie the twigs together with a strand of hemp.  I chose a simple knot.

Then use the second string of hemp to tie your bunch of twigs onto a post, tree, or rain gutter as seen here.

And that's it!  Here's is the full look~

 AFTER: My door stoop with my pumpkins and twigs.  (Click HERE to see the Before)

I have really enjoyed coming home this week.  It's just a little touch of Fall, but it makes me smile~

just for MOM

We're finally getting some beautiful spring weather in Portland, and just in time for Mother's Day- how nice!

I can't treat my mom to brunch from out-of-state, but I hope she'll enjoy the fresh and colorful flowers currently on the way to her  *SURPRISE*

Do you have time for a little DIY for your mom?  I found this cute confetti vase with tulips on Pinterest.  It seems simple enough for anyone to do as long as you have a hole punch handy.

                            minted.com via Pinterest

I also found some other cute DIYs perfect for Mother's Day on the blog Julep from Minted.  This next idea is just so SWEET:

         

                            Julep

Have a lovely weekend with those you love~

dining table FLIP: Part 2

Like I mentioned in "time for TABLES," I found the perfect pedestal table for our dining space.  Only thing is, I already bought one at a thrift store a month ago.  So, I decided to seize the moment and take this as an opportunity to do my first furniture flip.

I thought of several color combos for the table, and asked for your opinions last week in my post "dining table FLIP."  (Thanks family and friends for sharing your opinions on Facebook!)

Here's a behind-the-scenes look:

Before: Here is the dining table.  It has a finish coat on it so it's quite glossy.

 

Before: I'm also going to advertise it as a console table or buffet.  With folding leafs on either side,     it's multifunctional in your home.

Before: Here's another view to see both leaves folded down

These are the supplies I used on this flip.  I went to Lowe's because I knew they would have everything (and it was near Jamba Juice!).

I read through a handful of articles about refinishing wood furniture on Pinterest.  I decided to go with chalk paint because no prep work was required.  However, my husband was so excited to buy a sander, we decided to give it a light sanding.

I didn't think it was necessary to paint every surface of the table, but a border on the underside of the tabletop would be a nice detail .   I taped a border about the width of the masking tape all around the underside.

It was suggested to use a foam roller to apply the chalk paint.  I was surprised to see so many bubbles pop up as I was rolling, but they all disappeared and was not an issue when it dried- phew!  The skies were getting awfully dark grey, so my husband urged that we take the table inside.  That's what happens in Portland rainy season...We finished the first coat in our dining room by dinner time.

The next day my husband applied a second coat of paint.   The day after that he sanded the table top, but paint came off in a few spot and touched it up.  

A few days later we applied the sealer in a satin finish.  The instructions said to paint it on, let it sit for 1-2 minutes, then wipe off with a cloth.  That's what I did, and some paint was wiping off with the sealer....I was so nervous to continue at this point.  By the time we finished, almost an hour later, we had a good system in place.  I apply the thinnest about of sealer, and feather it out till nothing is left.  Then a moment later my husband wiped it off.  Now I know for next time- and there will be a next time!

After: Here is the new grey dining table!!  It's several shades lighter than the paint chip implied, but it still looks like a whole new table.  Much more contemporary , wouldn't you say?  This could easily work with any style home.

After: And I just love it as a console...I kind of want to keep it.  It's perfect for displaying your favorite accessories, or some family photos.  Or use it as a drink station at your next party- I'll have a Cosmo, please.

After:  Here you can see the border of paint on the underside of the tabletop.  I know it's not mind blowing, but I think it's a nice finishing touch.

I'll be posting it on Craigslist today or tomorrow.   If it doesn't sell on its own, I'll flip two dining chairs to go with it.  I hope that someone will appreciate the labor we put into our first Flip!

I can't believe how much better this table looks now.  So how much is it worth?  Everyone tries to haggle the price on Craigslist, so what should we list it for, and settle for?

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SOURCES

Photos: my ME and my HUSBAND

washi tape HANGER

I hope you saw my washi tape DIY project for Valentine's Day- heart day DIY.  You really should!

So, I have a few clear plastic bins holding my crafts supplies.  Then I have a sandwich baggie with my washi tape rolls inside.  Easy to see, but is it really the best way to organize it?

Check out this idea I found on Pinterest:

I think this is a great way to organize your tape and have it be easily accessible.  Plus, it's instant decor!



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SOURCES

Image: Sem Moldura

heart day DIY

Oh wow, it's almost Heart Day... Already?!

I started to think about how to incorporate a little Valentine's Day decor without looking like decorations for a party.  What about a piece of art?  I want it for the holiday, but also okay to have out all year long if I wanted to.  

Here's my idea to re-purpose your regular artwork for Heart Day:

This is a set of artwork I made for my Chicago apartment, but it's not really fitting my new Portland style.  Time for a makeover!

I took out my art supply boxes and rummaged around until I found my washi tape dispenser.  I cleaned off the scraps, and found my color palette: orchid, lilac, yellow, and spring green

Here's what you will need:  A piece of artwork to re-purpose, washi tape, scissors, and templates for your design (I printed these out from a basic document)

First cut out my heart template and traced it onto a piece of white card stock.  Then cut a polygon shape around the heart.

Turn the heart outline downward so you can cut the shape out easily afterwards.  Start sticking down strips of washi tape in random directions.  Rotate through your colors in order so it looks balanced.

Then stick down a lot more pieces until all of the white paper is covered.  Feel free to eyeball it with your template to make sure.

Next, carefully peel up the edges of the tape, and turn the white paper right side up to see the heart outline. It's a bit stiff to cut through, so just go slow.

Wow, it looks so beautiful! LOVE!

I mounted it onto white card stock with washi tape, of course, and set it back into the black frame.  Repeat these same steps with the "X O" templates.

Here is my washi tape Heart Day decor DIY.  I love how it turned out! (I just wish I had a better photograph to share with you....)  The colors are beautiful in person.  I kept it colorful with some neon colors and bright white, nothing too typical of Valentine's day.  This set of artwork probably takes about an hour to craft.

I hope you'll try my 'missmatch' Heart Day diy project.  You probably already have the supplies at home.  And if you made it through elementary school art class, you can definitely make this for your sweethearts!


happy HEART DAY!!




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SOURCES

Photography: by ME
Supplies: previously owned

felt pillow DIY

Did you see the felt flower pillow I used in 'my birthday ROOM' post?  I love the texture so much.  Now, let's learn how to make one!


I got this idea from my Pinterest board 'cr8ive IDEAS."  I pinned this DIY project 7 months ago, and now it makes sense to share it with you here.  The step by step instructions are provided by Vidya at Whats Ur Home Story- blog.

Here's a teaser, but follow the links to see the original post at What's Ur Home Story!

I like the simplicity of this circle design.  It's really just a texture, it doesn't look flowery at all.  This works in a design for a child, or for a modern 20-30 something, and even those sophisticated or funky elders out there!  Whether you keep it monotone, or mix in other colors, this is a new way to use felt in your home.  

'Missmatch' your relationship with felt: Take it off the children's craft table, and cover a pillow for your sofa or chair!

...And let me know how you FELT about it!  (sorry, that's cheese ball, but I couldn't resist)

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SOURCES

All images: Whats Ur Home Story

holiday card DIY

I just wanted to share with you my 2014 holiday card DIY with you.

You can make this sort of card for any occasion (Birthday, Congratulations, holidays) with the right stamp or personal message inserted in the message area of the card.




I chose a neon color palette this year, which is definitely not the norm for holiday cards!

Step 1:  Make your abstract and linear design with Washi tape.  I chose three colors for balance even though the design in asymmetrical.  After I stuck down a piece of tape, I flipped the card over, and used the card edge as my guide to cut the tape off of the roll.

Step 2: I stamped my rubber stamp with white ink to pop on my black card.

Step 3: Next, use neon gel pens to address your recipient and sign your name.  (The gel pens were a little difficult for me to use.  The flow of gel got stopped up if I changed the angle of the pen.)

Step 4: Lastly I used a little stamp on the back side of the envelope.  This one adds a little humor!

These were one of the easiest cards to make in mass.  Family, in case you're wondering, YES, I really did make these, and you will have them in your hands any day now.  I guess sometimes 8 nights of Hanukkah just isn't long enough...

I had a lot of fun with this 'missmatch'-colored neon holiday card.  Try it out next year!



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SOURCES

Scotch Washi tape: Target
Thin Washi tape: Michael's Arts and Crafts
Stationary: Michael's Arts and Crafts
Gel Pens: Michael's Arts and Crafts
Rubber stamps: Amazon.com
Ink pads: Michael's Arts and Crafts (previously owned)

diy bridal SHOWER

I flew out to California last weekend for a Bridal Shower for my new sister-in-law.

Yellow was also a color at my wedding, so I was able to use the extra paper lanterns for this occasion.    My new sister-in-law was also at my wedding, and it was special to share them with her this weekend.

We had appetizers and wine in the backyard as guests arrived

I made these personalized water bottle labels.  I found this geometric, grey and yellow scrapbook paper at Michael's Art and Crafts.  I cut strips that were 3" H x 10.5"L.  Then I printed a personal message on the sticker labels by Gartner on my printer.  I wrote, "Bridal Shower honoring Bridget Moreno Henkin."  For a final touch, my niece added the stick-on rhinestones, just like on the invitation.  Everyone loved them.  It's so easy to do, and it's easy on the purse strings.  Try it at your next event!  

I used other scrapbook paper in complimentary patterns for the rest of the decor.  I found a grey and white stripe, a bold black and white polka dot, a very small yellow and white polka dot, and a black and white design filled with words about wedding (bride, groom, love, family)

I was planning to make garlands with these circles of paper, but in the end (and for the sake of time) I attached them to the plates I hung on the wall.  Yes, that's right!  I hung paper plates on the wall in a grid pattern in the living and dining room to tie the two rooms together.  This was my 'missmatch' idea for wall decor- taking it outside of the box.

The invitation was used as the inspiration for the cake.  It was almost too cute to eat, but we still managed to!  (It was so yum- red velvet cake, the bride's favorite)

Congratulations!!