silver & GOLD

Sorry, you'll be singing that all day!

A week or so ago I gave you this post.  A sneak peek at something I thought was pretty exciting.  It's taken that long to get her finished.  Mostly due to letting her sit outside and let all the spray paint fumes disappear.  I don't need any of that inside!

Let's look at the before:

When I saw this piece at the Goodwill, I fell in love with those monkeys on the side.  But that blue & white just doesn't fit me or our home, so I knew it just needed a little spray paint.  I was thinking white.  Boring, but classic and I could put it anywhere.

I got some primer, because I knew it was going to take a lot to cover it up.  (Primer cheaper than color!)

That is after coat 3!  I was very happy with my decision to prime white first.  Also, gave me a glimpse as to what it would look like white.

My aunt (who could style a Goodwill to make you think you stepped into a Neimans) suggested gold.  I was immediately smitten and couldn't wait to get her painted.  Gold fits in our house as well as the blue & white, but I knew it would work.  Must be the holidays!

There she is waiting for her Christmas morning coffee.  I didn't bother to style with books or anything fancy.  I could barely get far enough away to take the picture before being photo bombed by an almost 1 year old!

Paint is Pure Gold by Rustoleum (Home Depot).  Lowes did not have a decent metallic gold paint?  Wierd but true.  


This gold post has perfect timing!  I'm working on a give away for you guys.  It's shiny!

Linking up with Happy Hour Projects Funky Junk Interiors, The Thrifty Home, Maybe Matilda, Two Twenty One, Coastal Charm, Savvy Southern Style, A2Z, Newly Woodwards, Decor and the Dog,  & House of Hepworths

Sihouette Reveal

On Oct 24th, I gave you this sneak peek of a project I was going to be working on.  I was so excited and really did get started fast.   I knew it was going to be a big project but I had NO idea I wouldn't be blogging about it's finished phase until a month later?!  Keepinitreal.  I gave you a finished sneak peak here.

This post is photo heavy and wordy.  Honestly, I should have broken it up into pieces.  Which is exactly what I had to do to get through it on this end!

Here is where I started.  Three free frames.  I used to be a manager at a department store & the visual manager was going to throw them away.  Say what?  Three huge frames?!  I don't think so.  I knew exactly what I wanted to do with them.  That was in 2008.

They stayed in a closet at our old house and moved to a storage unit and then onto Richmond.  Where they have sat in a closet until a month ago!  Much to my husbands dismay.  He couldn't believe I brought them home, much less moved them!  (But it wasn't the first piece I'd brought home.  He was also confused when I brought home an office credenza, until I refreshed & re-purposed it into this bar for our dining room.  He should know to trust me!)

I started by taking off the paper on the back of all three.

 My pantless (prettysurehehasonshorts) design assistant.

 There was a ton of glue holding the triple layer of matting in on two of the frames and nails on another...ugh..

 

 I pulled the artwork off the mats and got to measuring some poster board.  I originally thought these were going to go in our playroom and was beyond pumped when I found some lime green chevron wrapping paper in the clearance aisle.  I didn't think I would ever find that, so I had actually bought some lime green chevron fabric to use.  But the paper was SO much cheaper, that I returned the fabric.  In the end I just wasn't sure about the space I had planned.  It was too small.  I decided they were going to go in the living room.  I needed something LARGE and these were unexpected.  I hung up paper the size of the frames to get an idea for their size.

These frames are huge.  Which means I then had to find a chevron pattern, so I could paint it the color I wanted to match the living room.  Thank you google, that was easy.  

This was the tedious part.  Over and over tracing and tracing.  Trying to keep it level from one side to the next.  Ugh...

Then I had to decide how big I wanted the center square.  The focal point of these frames.  Originally I was going to use a 12" canvas, but with the double mat, I thought it was too much.  Especially since it was going to be behind glass.  Once I decided on a 10" (after a 12" looked too big with the mat on top) square I erased the lines inside the box, in case it didn't paint so well.  More tedious work ensued...painting the chevron..with a tiny brush, so I could have nice crisp lines.

 Then I painted the square. 10"x10".  I felt it was nice and centered and still showed plenty of the chevron once in the mat & framed.  I spent a ton of time painting those zig zags, I wanted them to be seen!

Once that was done  I took pictures of the kids (I had taken a few months back, so I would be ready!), I printed them out and blew them up so that the image was 8".  For all three.  I cut them out and traced them onto the poster board.  Again, I filled in the lines with a tiny little bitty paint brush.  (I did use a bigger one to fill in!)

I learned that silhouettes are hard.  There just isn't a lot of detail to them.  Like long eyelashes or chubby baby cheeks.  I also couldn't do the spiky hair that Little Miss is still sporting.  And this chin on Q is way off?  I have no idea how that happened!?  But that was easy to fix!  Yeah for DIY.  

These frames were really beat up and very gold.  

I had some gold craft paint and I thought it would be really easy to patch it.  Then I would be done.  D-O-N-E!  It was not.  The gold didn't want to stick to the frames.  So, I thought I could age the bright gold with black.  

 

Too dark.  I didn't like it.  It kind of looked more dirty than aged.  I felt like this project was dragging on and on.  I didn't see an end in sight.  I had to get my posse of assistants to Lowes to check out the spray paint choices.  I chose antique brass.  Which I find odd since I have gotten rid of all the brass in the last two houses I've lived in!  I thought it was perfect with the dark wood furniture, black frames, and brown rug (and future curtains...another project taking longer than expected!).

 I hung the first frame in the tree so I could paint all the sides and see if I liked the color.  Which of course I did, because otherwise I would have had to get back to Lowes.  I was ready to be DONE.  SO ready. 

Here they are in all their antiqued brass glory.  All the blood (yes there was some..did you see those nails?!) sweat, and tears (maybe some of those too..I was ready to be done!).  I LOVE them!

My big boy.  All 5 years of him.

My spunky 3 year old.

My sweet baby girl

The 3 loves of mine

Yes, in 2008 I knew I wanted to use these frames and put a silhouette in each.  I had one baby and I thought they would go up the stairwell.  My how things change.  And I am so thankful they have!

I'm linking up! Head over to Coastal Charm Savvy Southern Style The Thrifty Home We are that Family Raising Homemakers Trendy Treehouse Uncommon Designs House of Hepworths Thrifty 101 Beyond the Picket Fence Happy Hour Projects Finding Fabulous While He was Napping& A2Z for some other great ideas!

Blank Slate

I have a big open space in the kitchen screaming for something.

But as you can tell there are a few things that are in the way.  The alarm panel, a receptacle, and a phone jack (which can be covered, it's not used).  The box at the top of the wall is a recessed receptacle.  It's the only thing up to date about this house!

I thought about some open shelving.  I know I am the only person in the world that is not super crazy about it.  My kitchen is not very big and is super busy.  There is a lot going on in there and I feel that open shelving is just more busy.  And I have a lot of cabinet space to put everything away (& out of sight).  No visual noise.  I thought it would be nice for my cookbooks and a nice bowl or platter and a picture or two.  Just two shelves.  First one would be JUST above the alarm box.

I thought about a bulletin board/message center.  Taking all that off my fridge (birthday party invites, notes to be signed, RSVPs, Wedding invites, random family pics, a dinner coupon etc)  And, again, unlike everyone else, I don't like chalkboards.  They are just too dusty.  My boys would want to play with it all the time and it's supposed to be for a purpose which would then annoy me because, I'd never be able to find a piece of chalk and they would erase what ever memos I had written to myself. 

Then there is always some art.  I could always find something some where to go about the alarm panel.

Hmmm, what would you do if a friend asked you (Anyone else read lots of Cat in the Hat?!).

Thought I'd post for some other "expert" advice!  Linking up with  Coastal Charm, A2Z  Savvy Southern Style,  The Thrifty Home & House of Hepworths

Weekend Wrap Up-Wreath Chronicles

Awhile ago when my BFF was in town we made some  hair bows and wreaths.   I started this wreath making weekend by creating a wreath board on my pinterest page . That way she could choose what we were going to do and I could gather supplies before she got here.  She chose this Halloween one:

Originally from Jamie at Something To Do. This is her picture and the wreath is so pretty and full and perfect.

Before Kelly arrived, I read Jamies tutorial and of course got to work deciding how we would make ours.  Maybe Jamie is like me and knows there are a gazillion tutorials for anything you want to make and she didn't feel like writing another one.  I certainly wouldn't blame her!  I didn't know what size hoop she used or if she used all of that 12 yards of tulle she bought. 

Here is my brief tutorial: I bought 1 10" wooden embroidery hoop (however, if you look closely at Jamies embroidery hoop, I doubt it's 10"...oops, you will see why this mattered...keep reading) for $1.59 (now I had 2 wreath forms!) and 12 yards of black tulle from Hobby Lobby for $3.99.  While I was casually perusing busting butt to get through there with my 3 children, I wasn't thinking and only bought one roll.  Another day was I was in Hancock Fabric and they had shiny black tulle!  How fun!!  10 yards for $3.99.  I spray painted my embroidery hoops black for any see thru.

When Kelly got here we were ready to get down to business..there may have been some wine involved.  

I wrapped a piece of tulle around for measurement and landed on 14" for cutting the pieces. Why 14"? Why not? This stuff was full of glitter...By the end of cutting we looked like 2 teenagers that had been to see New Kids on the Block Big Time Rush.

We got to wrapping.  Alternating 1 piece of black sorta glittery  and 1 really glittery piece of tulle.  When we were done with 24 yards of tulle this is what our wreaths looked like

Oops! That word comes up a lot. Don't fret. We made our way back to Hobby Lobby and Hancock. 2 more sorta glittery and 2 more really glittery. We came back, cut and started wrapping again... We used alllllll the tulle. But we were really pleased with how they turned out! Thanks Jamie for your inspiration!

Our totals were 36 yards of sorta glittery and 30 yards of really glittery (of course you would not need this much depending on how big your hoop was or how big your tutu is). 1 black embroidery hoop. A tiny bit of black spray paint. A few feet of orange satin ribbon. A couple of hours and a bottle of wine....WITH your BFF.  Life doesn't get much better!

I plan on making one similar for our big celebration in December.  Little Miss turns 1!  Stay tuned!

I'm linking up with Coastal Charm, A2Z, & Savvy Southern Style

Where's the Beach?

More beach house art.  I told you I was filling this house with new art.  Well at least seeing what I could do in 1 week.

When searching for artwork and ideas for the beach house I found this image on Pinterest, but originally from here:

I love the blues, love the letters (I'm from the south, we'll put letters or a monogram on anything that stays still long enough), and the worn wood look.  I wasn't really sure how to recreate it without buying anything.  My goal has been big impact low cost.  Isn't everybodys?

I got the letters at Michaels ($1.49ea) They were the cheapest letters they had.  I was using my coupon for the canvases and they don't let you use more than 1.  Boo.

I had a piece of 1/4" luan board and blue paint.  I wanted to make it small so that it could fit almost anywhere in the house.  Even above a door jam or window.

                                                  Here is where I started (what I had):

 I cut the wood (yup, used the jig saw mom!) and sanded down the rough edges.  Gave it a quick coat of Sherwin-Williams Blue Reef (trying not to add too many different shades of "sea")  Same color I used on the calendar canvases.

                                                         Primed & painted the letters:

Then I used some brown Sherwin-Williams paint to age/distress the letters and arrow.

                                                Hot glued the letters on and...

Stapled some twine to the back to hang it from.  Easy peasy $7.50.  You couldn't buy this sign for anywhere near $30 in a gift store at the beach!  I still have 2 sets of art to finish...mom comes today for the pick up!

Linking up with Coastal Charm , A2Z,  Savvy Southern Style, The Thrifty Home, House of Hepworths, & Tatertots & Jello

Weekend Wrap Up-Artwork

I promised you (well at least I promised my gma & mom) on Friday some completed artwork today.

Big wall, over the couch art.  6+sq ft for $12.00.  It is super hard to find over the couch art.  I know this because I am currently looking for some!  I find it all so...so...expected.

So here is some that is hopefully unexpected and won't break the bank.
What you need: 6 12x12 canvas (7 pack from Michaels $19.99-40% off coupon= $12), 1 old calendar, 1 pail sample paint (Sherwin-Williams Blue Reef), spray adhesive, and mod podge.  Of course you will need a paint brush or 2 and if you are lucky like me you'll get help from a super cute 3yo assistant!

The calendar I used was from 2000.  There wasn't much on it.  Except my first & only Bay to Breakers,  my interview in Boston, my brothers wedding, & my last day in San Fran.  It was a good year!  The calendar is a staple gift every year (thanks Nina).  12 months of beautiful artwork and yummy recipes (of which I have only tried a few?!)

 If you can find some conch, here is a recipe for conch burgers!  Mmmmmm (But really, I love the colors on this month)

After trimming off the white edges, we (my assistant & I) painted the edges of 9 canvases (3 will go elsewhere, but 9 would be a great number to use over your couch as well, giving you more artwork for only a few dollars more!)  We painted them with that sample paint I had from another project.

After that dried, I sprayed the backs of the calendar with some spray adhesive (already owned!) and applied them to the canvas.  It takes a few minutes to stick so you have a little time to peel back if you don't like your placement!  I then flipped them over and added some pressure from the under side to make sure it was secure.

I let that dry and my final step was to add some mod podge (already owned but will have to be added to the next project budget since we are now out!) for a little protection!

And that is how you repurpose an old calendar full of beautiful pictures and get 6+ (add spaces between the canvas) sq ft of over the couch art!  Easy!

What do you do with your old calendars?

Linking up with Coastal Charm , A2Z, & Savvy Southern Style

Baby Legs

While I am keeping you on pins and needles waiting to see that roman shade, I will share some pictures from a new project. It should probably go on my family blog, and it might at some point, but will never make it there, due to the cuteness that keeps me away from the computer.

So here is cuteness now. Little Miss enjoying her most recent repurpose which I first shared a sneak peek of here:

She is trying to crawl and I don't want those beautiful yummy delicious little knees getting banged up. Not to mention that most of our floors are hardwood....ouch!

I didn't use a tutorial. I pinned some on pinterest but found it easier to just go with the flow and use what sewing knowledge I have!

                                                          Knee socks from the store:

                                                              Cut off at the ankle:

Then snipped the toes and ankles off the foot part (these make the bottom cuff, not completely necessary, you could just fold and hem!)

                                                Flip the band part inside out and sew

(make sure the pattern, if you have one, will then be in the right direction!)

Then sew the hem on the bottom part of the cuff & iron. Flip right side out and enjoy your new baby leggings, or at least watching your little one enjoy them!  And that is how to repurpose knee socks!

And one last one of Little Miss, because the hair is too much..

That is all natural people. All nat-tur-rel!  Enjoy your weekend and all the cuteness that fills your house!

I'm linking up with Coastal Charm and Beth at A2Ztoday!