Centerpiece

I just wanted to share the Christmas centerpiece I made.  I decided to put it on my kitchen table.  It's casual and rustic.

This is the enhanced version.  I uploaded it to instagram.  I started off with an old wooden box/crate that I bought at the local antique mall a few years ago.  When we bought our tree, we had them trim off the bottom branches and we kept them.  Since the boughs were pretty wide, I took a pair of pliers and snipped off the "arms" (for lack of a better word) from the main branch.  Once I had cut enough, I simply layered them in the sections.  After I decided it was fluffy enough, I tossed in the pine cones. 
Now, let me tell you: it is very hard to find pine cones up here in the Fox Valley of Wisconsin!  The silver ones I've had for about 5 years.  I collected them when my husband and I were living in Georgia.  It makes sense: pine trees abound in the south.  All I had to do was walk out the back door of our townhome and pick them up.  They needed a Christmas-y flair so I spray painted them a metallic silver.  Back then, I was averse to gold lol.  (Since then, it has been growing on me). The red pinecones do have some glitter on them, and those I bought at Robinson Floral two years ago when we bought our tree.  If I want pinecones, I have to BUY them!  How crazy!  But, up here, you just can't get them for free outside.
The centerpiece needed more glimmer, sparkle, and shine so I threw in some smaller glass ball ornaments.  In keeping with the color scheme, I chose silver and red.  And I love that the red has a pink-y, maroon-ish color to it, so the red is not matchy-matchy.
I have added two artificial candy canes to it since I took this picture.  I want to add one of those velvet red bows to the front, but the one I have is too big of a scale, so I eighty-sixed it.
I normally only use that rustic wooden box/crate for fall when it's on the front porch filled with mini pumpkins and gourds.  I also wanted to nestle in some small mason jars (with a tea light in each one) like I had seen on Pinterest, but there just wasn't enough room.  And I still love how this turned out!

This is how I normally do this arrangement, but wanted to do something a little different.  It's normally on the coffee table, but I can't seem to ever keep the coffee table tidy, hahaha.

This picture is from 2010.  I thought I had a more recent picture, but alas, I guess not.  As you can see, I usually use a long shallow wooden oval platter with fake greenery and silver pinecones sprinkled with silver acorns.  Other years, I've nestled faux magnolia leaves underneath the pine sprays.  Here is my inspiration for this piece: Low Glow Centerpiece.  I couldn't find silk magnolia leaves at the Hobby Lobby in south Georgia, so I bought the pine boughs and used those instead.

Hope this sparks your creative neuron and you can create a beautiful Christmas centerpiece!

Christmas Star!

Yesterday, I finished up a Christmas project that I've been keeping in my back pocket.  Hubby and I were at Home Depot on Sunday picking up galvanized tub for our porch tree, and I went ahead and grabbed 5 yardsticks and red spray paint (Colonial Red to be exact.  A little darker, a little bit more country/rustic).  What am I making, you ask?  Well, I'll tell ya!  A yardstick star!  Or, a Christmas Star, as my husband appropriately called it at the register.  And I LOVE the name!  He can be so creative some times!  Here's the star, and below, I'll show you how I made it.

 

Ta da!!!!  I chose red because it's a great color for Christmas, but also for summer.  I could leave it out all summer, or move it the back patio or my Happy Hour Lounge.  I chose white wire string lights, but you could certainly buy the green.  Personally, I like how the white "pops" against the red.  And I chose white lights since it's a star, and stars are white up in the dark, dark sky.

Now, before I show you the steps, I want to show you my very first piece of inspiration for this project.  I was browsing the craft fair side of Oktoberfest back in 2012 when I first saw a lighted star.

Immediately, I was drawn to this, but didn't want to pay the price, which was probably $25, $35.  I told myself I could make one for a hell of a lot less.  So I snapped a pic for reference so I wouldn't forget.  And I can't tell what wood they used for the frame.  I used yardsticks, which are double sided.  Maybe these are yardsticks, too, and are just a bit older with the markings on the back side.  This person chose to do red lights, it looks like; but any color will work.

Now this was my very first piece of inspiration, but I've also seen this star on Pinterest, and on the blog I visited, Little Bit Funky, she used yardsticks!!!!  Seriously???  Genius!!!  So that's what I decided to do.

Step 1: Lay the yardsticks out on a flat surface (a table works a lot better than the floor) and assemble into a star shape.

 

Step 2: Glue all the points together and use a clamp (this was hubby's recommendation.  And boy!, was he right!)  A little dab will do ya.

Step 3: It's a good idea to add glue to the inside joints (and clamp down) since there isn't much to help it keep its shape.  Once again, my husband was using his noggin :)

 

Step 4: Once the glue was dry, it was time to spray paint.  I ended up using three coats.  I was going back and forth about priming first or not, and ended up not doing.  My spray paint had primer in it, so that made my decision.  Maybe I should've primed it first to hide the letters and markings a bit more.  The words and markings are stamped into the yardsticks, so you can still them when you look closely.

3 coats later

 

Step 5: Wrap with lights!  We did staple the wire to the frame in a couple of spots.

And you're all done!  Easy, huh?

 

These are the lights I picked up.  Originally I was looking for 50 counts, and Home Depot did not have the 50 count white wire, so we went to check Fleet Farm.  Hubby convinced me to get the 100 count since he said, "Fifty won't go as far as you think."  And, of course, he was right!  And the 100 count was $2 cheaper!

"I found a gem!" Update

     So we pulled up our bedroom carpet last night only to discover a HUGE patch job!  Ugh!!  How disappointing and dejecting!  Apparently it looks like the room, at one point, was expanded and plywood was used to bring it up to level height.  It takes up about 1/3 of the room; probably 2-3' wide by 11' long.  And it looks like there was a once-present wood burning stove because there fill a cement fill spot.  That would explain our present chimney, but no fireplace.  And....it looks like what wood was there is in pretty darn good shape!  So that makes it all the more dejecting.
      Once we pulled the carpet, we took it outside so we could start pulling pad and staples.  Then we had to bring it back in and lay it back down.  Now, it's not in there professionally; but we did a "nice enough" job.  And hey, since all the furniture was out, we had the opportunity to go ahead and vacuum every square inch :)  We're going to need new carpet in a year or two anyway, and we can wait.
     And this experience has minimized our desire to pull up the upstairs carpet.  Upstairs, it's obviously covered for a reason.... it must be in terrible shape!
     So, the next big project is NEW KITCHEN & MUDROOM FLOORING!!!!  It's laminate right now, which I don't like, and it's not good for a kitchen.  When laminate gets wet, the core body swells and the seams begin to "peak."  I already see that happening on the steps down into the mudroom.  What's my flooring of choice, you ask?  Well I'll tell ya!  It's LVT, or luxury vinyl tile.  I've chosen Alterna, by Armstrong in color D4107 Mesa Stone -- Gray/Brown.  Obviously, it looks different online.  In person, it's not quite as dark, but it's still grey and light brown.  In my kitchen, it almost looks like a blue-ish grey.  But it still looks really nice.  With the Alterna, there are 16 different looks so each tile will not look exactly the same.  This way, you're not repeating the same one as often; and it re-enforces that natural tile or stone look. :)

     I've always preferred a tile look in the kitchen since you already have all that wood from your cabinets and furniture.  This will look nice butted up against the laminate in my living room.  The colors coordinate nicely.

     This will be a little nerve-wracking because I have NO idea what's under the laminate.  But we'll find out when this project starts....

I found a gem!

     I know I haven't blogged in a while, but I had to blog about this.  Last week, my husband told me he wanted to check underneath the carpet in our bedroom to see if there was any original hardwood flooring.  I was pretty skeptical.  I mean, why would they cover it up if it was there??
     Then today while sitting at work, my curiosity got the better of me; I texted my husband and told him we'll pull back the carpet when I get home.  This got me excited, and I couldn't wait for 2:00 to get there.
     And lo, and behold!!!  There ARE hardwoods underneath that carpet!  I couldn't (and could) believe it!!!  Our house was built in 1910, after all.  I can't believe it took us almost 5 years to even THINK they could be there and take a peek.  I don't know why the thought never occurred to me.   
     Well... can't dwell on that fact.  Now we know they're there, and we will be pulling up that carpet and exposing the wood strip flooring.  Of course, I want to do it ASAP!  Like, this weekend lol.  But my husband most likely won't want to since he has to help his brother.  And Sunday is the Packers game, so he'll be busy during prime hours, hahahaha!  But there is no rush; so maybe in the Spring.

      What little of it we can see, it looks to be in good condition.  Naturally, there will be holes from the tack strip and also where the pad is stapled.  I just love that warm, golden color!  I don't see much figure pattern (commonly mistaken as the grain), so I don't think it's oak.  But I can't say for sure since I'm not seeing a whole lot.  I just hope the rest of the floor looks this good!  If we can get away with not having to refinish it, I'll be a happy girl!!
     After finding this gem of a discovery, I was ecstatic!!!  Excitedly, I told my husband that we had to check our upstairs bedrooms!  But I was even more skeptical since I had thought most of the time that original hardwood is found only on the main level.  Apparently, I was wrong.  And in this case, I have no trouble admitting I'm wrong! :)

 

     The hardwoods we found upstairs are a darker stain, and I can't tell what species it is.  Obviously this looks to be in much poorer condition.  After doing some research, I'm telling myself that the black "muck" is old decomposing black rubber carpet pad.  I just hope it cleans up easily.  I will try using denatured alcohol or Resolve carpet cleaner.  I'll just have to be extra careful because I don't want to ruin the wood with too much wet liquid  (because wood and water DON'T mix!  It leads to cupping and bowing).  Fingers crossed, the black mess will be few and far between.  And hopefully we won't have to re-hang our baseboards.....

     This should be a very exhilarating project!  Should this happen sooner-rather-than-later, I'll post pictures.

Countertops

I know granite is the most popular right now.  Personally, I would LOVE new granite countertops in my kitchen!!  But I know some people are tired of seeing them in every. Single. Home.  So for you nay-Sayers out there, I found an article with different options.

 

Marble.  You'll have to be careful with this; it is porous! ::: Source

 

Wood.  You definitely have to seal this and treat it so it doesn't absorb germs and other nasties. :: Source

 

Soapstone.  Coffee & juice will not stain it! :: Source

 

Quartz -- a HUGELY popular alternate to granite. :: Source

 

Concrete.  Many people think this look is too contemporary, utilitarian, & high-rise loft; but it can be stained to any color & totally customizable.  For me, I'm not a huge fan of this look; but, to each his own. :: Source

 

Glass.  You can even light them up from underneath!  Or like in the article, paint them on the underside, and layer with crackled glass. :: Source

 

Stainless Steel.  This just screams restaurant kitchen!  It just doesn't look like it fits into a home.  I think commercial design when I see this.   Source

 

Solid Surface.  I would definitely consider putting this in either my kitchen or my bath.  It's a man-made product, but you can get the look of granite or natural stone for a fraction of the cost!  And it's a heck of a lot nicer looking than laminate.  Although, laminate has come a long way aesthetically speaking. :: Source

Find me on Etsy

I've opened my Etsy shop!  I will be selling a few sets of wine charms.  Possibly some wristlet key fobs, too.

StarSensations

www.etsy.com/shop/starsensations

Wine charms

I've been making wine charms like crazy!  Ever since my dad shipped all my beads and supplies to me after my birthday, I've had the itch to make some.  And they couldn't be simpler.  I had the idea in my head, but still looked to the internet for "guidance" and some tips.  Along the way, I came across this video from Beadaholique.  She uses 4" of 20-gauge wire.  After trying 4", 3", and 3.5", I've discovered that 3 1/2" if the magic number.  So that's what I've been using.  Below are pictures of charms I've made.

 This a set of 6 I made for my sister... She loves elephants! :)

 The elephant charms & big colored beads came from a bracelet that I didn't wear anymore, so I put it to use!  I sent the white and purple elephant charms to my mom, and I kept the blue and pink.  Now we all have 2!

I found this manatee charm in with my beads from a necklace I bought in Florida in my teen years.  I had forgotten about it, and was so excited to see it!  I love manatees!  I chose blue beads to mimic ocean water.

Finally able to post!

For the past few days, I haven't been able to save or publish my post.  :(  It's working now, so I will be posting about floral arrangements.

DIY tiered server

This past weekend, I added another DIY project under my belt.  This time I made a tiered server.  It'll be perfect for holding the s'mores ingredients!  I think I'll pile the marshmallows in the bowl, the chocolate pieces can sit on the small plate, and the graham crackers will sit on the bottom plate.  I think this weekend, we'll throw a fire in the pit and test out my newest piece!

First I started out with 1 melamine dinner plate, 1 melamine salad plate, 1 melamine bowl, and 2 glass taper candlesticks.  You can find so many cute designs on the inexpensive plastic dinnerware.  I picked mine up at my local Shopko!  The candlesticks came from Dollar Tree.  I was trolling through Pinterest when I stumbled upon the tutorial for making this.  The credit goes to Amanda over at Every Creative Endeavor blog.

You'll want to wash all the parts first to remove and factory residue and so the glue will stick at its best.  (Plus it'll be easier than trying handwash it after it's put together)  I worked outside for the most part since the glue has a bit of an odor.

Attach the candle sticks with the E-6000 or other brand of super strength bonding glue.  (Hobby Lobby didn't have E-6000 in the clear, so I bought Hammer Head)  I turned the candlesticks upside down so the tiered server would look a little cleaner.  Also, it looks less like a candlestick since the big base is "hidden" from view. :)  I applied to glue to diameter of the candlestick base, then stuck it to the plate and the bowl.  A little tip: since the bowl is curved, you'll need some extra glue on that candlestick to keep it in place.

It can be tricky to get it (the narrow part of the candlestick to the center of the  plate right-side-up) exactly centered so you'll have to move it around a little.  Wipe up as much glue as you can with a wet paper.  Once it's dried in plate, the glue is easy enough to scratch off with your fingernails.

Once the candlesticks were glued to the bowl and the salad plate, I then glued the salad plate unit and glued it to the dinner plate.  Better to start from the bottom and work your way up.  NOTE: after gluing one item at a time, I let them dry overnight.  The bowl unit gets glued to the salad plate unit.

 

Ta da!!  She's all done!  I just love the bright colors!  It's very summery and very cheerful!

Summer-izing the yard!

Yesterday was such a nice day, I was chillin' in my happy hour lounge and Cole was hanging out in the yard.  With that being said, my happy hour lounge is set up and open for business!

 

I finally hung up my metal signs on the fence.

Then I had some fun with Instagram :)

I scrubbed down and hosed off our plastic Adirondack chairs, two side tables, and the rocking chairs.  The Adirondacks are our fire pit chairs.  I haven't taken a picture of them yet; this picture is from last year.

It's nice to have color in our yard!  I hope our neighbors are jealous.... :)

Beautiful Rooms & Beautiful Views

This dreary and crummy weather has me thinking of summer, and summer has me thinking of water, kayaks, and beaches.  Here are some photos to make you wish you were somewhere else...

 

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There's an App for that!

I came across this article about the "Best Apps for Designers," and I thought I'd share.  I think the Handy Level looks super cool!  I also have this app on my iPhone: Behr ColorSmart App.  I only wish you could take pictures of your own rooms and try out paint colors.  You can save paint colors you like, and save the pre-loaded rooms with your colors.
Behr
I've also used the Sherwin Williams app, but had trouble saving colors when I was using an older Android.  But since I buy the Behr paint, I opted for the Behr app.

Painted Furniture

 

I happen to love painted furniture.  Some people, not so much.  I think they're stuck in a certain mindset, and they won't -- or can't -- get out or away from it.  Now not everything has be painted, just a piece or two.  Painted furniture breaks up all the browns, stained, or natural wood pieces.  They also bring in some fun, energy, and whimsy to a space or room.  So go out and look for some already-painted pieces, or salvage a piece and paint it yourself!

This is a piece I picked up from a furniture/home accents boutique downtown.  It spoke to me because it's red and the overall look of it.  Plus, it adds great storage! :)  It also adds that rustic, shabby chic charm.  But not all painted furniture has to have that shabby chic look.  You can add your own amount of distressing.

For the adventurous, paint a table a solid color and then add a large scale stencil.  I can see this sitting in the kitchen of a house somewhere in the Caribbean... sigh..... 

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To those who are new, start off small.  Add a painted side table or a small accent chair.  Buy some cast-off wooden dining chairs, paint them a fun color or coordinate to your kitchen, and place them at your dining table.  And, if you don't love them or the look, at least you didn't ruin your regular chairs.  You can easily make the switch back.

So, happy painting (or happy hunting)!!

Bedding

I am loving these bedding sets!  I wish I could buy every single one!

 

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Spring has sprung!

Well, it looks like Spring has decided to grace us with her presence.  Once the snow melts, I'll be dying to create some DIY! These are some projects that might be calling my name.....  These images came from one of my Pinterest boards.

 

http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/how-to/intro/0,,20504617,00.html

http://dishfunctionaldesigns.blogspot.com/2012/01/god-save-pallet-reclaimed-pallets.html

We have a spot in our backyard that butts up against the side of our garage.  Because of the two big trees casting shade, grass does not grow there.  I know that'll be the perfect place for a patio!  We'll keep our patio table and beverage tub stand there.  Originally we had thought about doing pavers, but then realized it was probably going to be pretty pricey.  Next, we decided on stamped concrete.  That's still my dream patio, but I think we're going to keep it on the cheap, and use pea gravel.  We have a decent sized area: 16'x24'.  So hopefully we can get this done once all the snow is gone!