Monday, June 28, 2010

Wedding Decorations

The daughter of my dear friend and co-worker, Lydia got married Saturday.  I offered to provide some of the decorations.  We had a tight budget but somehow that makes the challenge more fun!  

The colors were Icey Blue and Pale Yellow.  To add color, we made blue runners for the tables (broadcloth - cost $9 for 10 tables) and topped the runner with Goldfish bowls filled with water and added pearls in the bottom and live flowers floating on top.



I wanted to create a little drama and decided to try making a tree.  My sons helped gather branches.  We  sprayed them white and used styrofoam and plater of paris to secure them in a terra cotta pot which was later painted with a brushed silver spray paint.
Then I cut pieces of iridescent beads from a roll and used a hot glue gun to attach plastic chandelier "crystals."  I also found these beautiful glittered butterflies and attached them to clear fishing line.  

I also had some beaded garland from my Christmas decorating box that was a nice filler.



I added two puck lights at the base and filled in with large crystals.  Here's the final result.


I wanted to balance the tree with additional pieces on the punch and cake tables.  I carried the theme further by painting long willow branches white and sticking them in metal urns that I painted with the silver paint.  I covered the styrofoam base with tulle and loaded it with iridescent pearls. I illuminated the arrangement on the cake table but let the lighted punch fountain light the other one.  






I couldn't resist showing you the beautiful bride and groom. 
Congratulations Audrey and Spencer!!


Thursday, June 24, 2010

Shabby Chic Table

I saw this table at Goodwill for $7 and knew it was a perfect candidate for a transformation!  I actually used spray paint on this one and then added a glaze finish.  What do you think?






Thanks for stopping by!  Come again!  I've got more projects in the works!
Lori

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A "perfectly good table" goes shabby!

I found this table at Goodwill for $14.  Here's the "before" view.  



For the first time, I had a horrid time painting a piece.  I started with a base coat of gray and then painted Bridal Veil white for the top coat.  It looked like I was going for a crackle finish at times!  What a pain.  Nonetheless... I sanded and kept working and here's what I ended up with.  Not too shabby!  Or should I saw... quite shabby!




Thanks for stopping by!

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

A special find

I made a quick run into Goodwill today and found a treasure!  Take a look!


This beautiful stained glass piece that I assume is meant to be illuminated with a candle.  At least that's what I'm doing.  As I write it is perched atop my mantel glimmering.



Monday, June 14, 2010

The little pine cabinet

I found this little pine cabinet at an antique shop this weekend in a 50% off booth.  It was a little rough to start with.  I was so excited about getting started on it that I didn't make a good before picture!
The pictures below should give you an idea of what it looked like before!

 

 

I used some old wallpaper that looks like vintage newspaper to line the shelves and the new back panel.  The hardware was a hodge podge of various knobs and pulls so I bought some new hardware that I thought would look nice.  



 

After painting the piece I distressed it a bit and rubbed it with a tinted paste wax.  
I also painted the interior doors with chalk board paint.  Why not!?  I had some and it's just one more way to make this piece a little more practical.

I'm not sure I want to get rid of it now that I have it sitting in the living room!  I kinda like it!!

I picked up the little thread cabinet below at Goodwill a few weeks ago for $5.  It had a bad white paint job and the drawers were missing but I plan to put a piece of wood in the bottom and finding a basket just the right size.  Where to put it... now THAT is a good question! 




I hope you'll check back and see my other transformations and other projects.  Be sure to say hello, leave your blog info and add yourself as a follower on my site.

Make it a GREAT day!
Lori

Saturday, June 12, 2010

Treasure Hunting in the heat!!

Here's a list of finds from the weekend.  My stops included Tuesday Morning (50% off Clearance this weekend!) the antique malls in Goodlettesville, TN and of course... Goodwill!  Only one of the antique shops had Air Conditioning.  Ugh!  Thank you  to Tara's Antique Mall!  I'll be back!
  • 4 Black and Cream Napkins $20 regular retail - $3.50 on sale at Tuesday Morning
  • White Ceramic Urn $2.50 at Goodlettesville Antique Mall (50% off)
  • 4 Engraved Wine Glasses Regular Retail $10 each - On Sale $2 each at Tuesday Morning
  • Hand Made Pottery Box with Handle - $6 at Tara's Antique Mall
  • 2 Green Glass Candleholders-$30 Regular Retail - On sale $3 each - Tuesday Morning
  • 2 Tan Cheetah Print Pillows - Regular Retail Price $40 each- Sale Price $3 each
  • 4 Cobalt Blue Glass Salad Plate - $2.40 for all four at Goodwill
  • 420 Count Luxury Sheet Set - Regular Retail $244 - On sale at Tuesday Morning $35
  • Taffetta Brown Plaid Throw Pillow - Regular Retail $17 - On Sale at Tuesday Morning - $3

    

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Sweet Ashley girl!

My friend and talented artist, Debbie Richmond, captured the spirit of our little dog that passed away a little over a year ago.  The painting arrived today and will be hung in a place of honor to remind us of our devoted companion and so many good memories!


Chairs and time with a great son!

I found a pair of chairs at a great price and transformed them with the help of my oldest son Gerald.  He enjoys philosophical discussions so while we painted, we posed questions to each other.

  • If you had to choose a world with no color or a world with no music, which would you choose?
  • Which is of more value - the young or the old?
No right or wrong answers but if you had to pick the "before" chair or the "after" chair....???
 

The fabric is by Waverly.  A fun twist!

Sunday, June 6, 2010

Home Tips - Quick, easy & inexpensive updates that are worth every penny!

There are a number of simple improvements you can make to your home to give it a fresh face for buyers or just to enjoy yourself! While these items may seem easily left as is, trust me... they will make a huge difference. So here are my top picks for quick and easy home improvements.  Let's start with the first impression... your entrance!


A fresh coat of paint on the door in an appealing color. Cost: Less than $10
A new good quality "welcome" mat.  Cost:  $10-15


A pot of fresh, healthy flowers.  
Cost:  $5-10




New outdoor light fixture(s) with high watt bulbs. 
Cost: $15-50
 (Or clean your current fixtures for sparkling glass and no cobwebs! Cost" $0!)



A new doorbell ringer.
$5-10

New brass or iron house numbers.
$3-4 per number




If your walkway or front porch haven't been cleaned recently, pressure washing is a great idea.  If you don't have one, try to find someone who will allow you to borrow theirs for the afternoon.  You can also rent these machines at a reasonable cost.




Don't forget to keep the front lawn trimmed and the landscaping weeded and mulched.  Trim shrubs if needed and remove hoses and other items from sight.  If you have a porch, create a welcoming seating area using a rocker or small bench.

OK... outside entry complete?  Let's move inside!