Holiday GiVeaWaY! And quick/cheap holiday project!

Sheesh!  I have so much to tell you.  But first, I must apologize for my unexcused absence.  I'm sorry for just bailing like that.  Have you ever just felt like you need to check out for a few days and regroup so you don't end up on the evening news, driving your white mini van on the freesay with a flock of policeman behind you.  That's how I felt last week.  "Nuff said, right?  

I have losts to share.

First, for those of you who care, I just saw that Ikea has their $3 floor mats back in stock...the kind I used to make my flippin' awesome floor poufs.  Just in case you were losing sleep over it.  You're welcome!

Secondly, Thanksgiving is, like, next week and I am freaking out because I haven't even thought about Christmas shopping yet.

Thirdly, to ring in the impending holiday's I decided to have another giveaway, cause that's what the holiday's are all about, right?  Giving!  But also eating.  The holiday's are also about eating.

Anyway, I talked about the clothing brand, Kensie, a few months back when I had my first giveaway.  But in case you didn't catch it, they are a globally recognized brand and their clothing and accessories have been featured in several publications, as well as on one of my favorite guilty pleasure show's...Pretty Little Liars.

Their products are fresh and fun and I sincerely love the brand.  I recently acquired a very chic, animal print sweater/sweatshirt...not quite a sweater, but not quite a sweatshirt either...a happy hybrid of both.  

It is super comfy and stylish and it makes me feel like Sassy Sasserman when I wear it.

So, when I was contacted by Kensie to have another giveaway I jumped at the chance.

The giveaway is for one item {of your choosing} and I've decided to also throw in a little somethin' somethin' extra to help boost your holiday spirit... but you'll have to wait a few days longer to see what it is.  Don't worry you won't be disappointed.

Don't miss out on looking like a million bucks just in time for the holiday's.  Enter my giveaway...you know you wanna!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

And finally, a fast and cheap project to get you and your home in the holiday spirit.

I present...{not your average} deer bust accent pillow.

I love the way these pillows turned out.  Aside from them being uber cheap {$3 total} to make, they are also fun, festive and fashionable.  In fact, they could easily become a permanent part of your home's decor even after the holiday's are over.

I plan on putting mine in my kiddos' bedroom after the New Year.

But until then, they will hang out in the living room where the fam can enjoy their glittery/colorful-ness all through the holidays.

All you need to make the pillows are:

*an assortment of craft paint
*gold glitter glue
*a paint brush or Q-tips
*a premade, $3 pillow cover from Ikea {or you can make your own}
*a deer bust stensil {I made my own, but here's a link to one that is free off the internet}

Simply place your stensil on your pillow cover {or you could also transfer the image to the pillow cover using a water soluable pen or the freezer paper technique} and start "dotting" the paint inside the stensil until no more fabric is visible.  I started with the darker colors first...gray, black, dark blue etc. then filled in with lighter colors...lavendar, red, pink, turquoise etc.  You can follow my technique, or develop your own.  There's no right or wrong way to do it.  Just be sure that you spread all of the colors out evenly so there isn't a concentration of one color in any given spot.  Also, take care when "dotting" along the stensil line that no paint bleeds underneath.

In stead of dotting the antlers with paint, I opted to use gold, glitter glue instead just to glam it up a bit and add some variety.

And of course, I had to try them out on every chair and bed in the house just to be sure they were keepers...

For $3, I think they definitely are!

Just Do It!!!

The most recent issue of HGTV magazine came in the mail yesterday and this was one of the first things I saw...

This spread had a lot of great ideas for sprucing up an entry and got me thinking about my own entryway and how I could make it a little more warm and inviting...and even more, the envy of the neighborhood.

I determined that every entry needs an attention grabbing door and a great simple and inexpensive way to accomplish that is by painting it.  Bright, bold, contrasting colors will not only command attention, it will simultaneously freshen up your entry and add curb appeal to your home.  It's a win-win...win situation, people.  In the words of Nike...Just Do It!!!

 Here are some current color trends you might want to consider if you're in the market for painting a door.

So, just pick one already and go with it.

And here are some picts of fabulous painted doors to help motivate and inspire.  And stay tuned.  Because there may be a color change on my own front door.

Modern Exterior by Cambridge Architects & Designers

Modern Landscape by Philadelphia Landscape Architects & Designers Livable Landscapes Inc

Entry by Austin Interior Designers & Decorators Maureen Stevens

Eclectic Exterior by Raleigh Media & Bloggers Brittany (aka Pretty Handy Girl)

Traditional Exterior

Midcentury Exterior by Dallas Media & Bloggers Sarah Greenman

Plaid "painted" accent wall

I'm a little caught up in the plaid fad, so over the weekend I decided to try a little experiment and painted an accent wall in my toilet room.

I opted for an asymmetrical pattern which I think is a little more interesting than a symmetrical pattern to look at.
It's sort of the whole "decorating in odds" idea.  Even though it's stripes on a wall, the rule still works here.

I dunno.  What do you think?  I have to say, I kinda dig it.  And because the wall is so small, it won't be a big deal to paint over the plaid if I tire of it.

I was a little worried about taking the risk...having never painted a plaid wall before, but sometimes it pays off to throw caution to the wind and just jump right in.  I

Hand Painted {Anthro} Inspired Lamp Shade

I recently introduced you to my wonderful, new friends Lucy and Ethel.  Aren't they cute and vintage-y? 

I decided I should dress them up with a new, fabulous shade...like this one from Anthropologie pictured below {$118-128}.

{source}

I love how bright and colorful it is...a modern take on the chevron stripe.

I'm in the process of redoing my master bedroom and wanted to add some brights pops of color.  I thought this shade would be perfect.  But since I am in no position to run out and drop $250 on two lamp shades, I had to improvise and try my hand at making my own. 

 I already some white lamp shades just waiting for a makeover.

I started by freehanding zig zag stripes all around the curcumference of the shade.

I used a water soluable ink pen to do this.

{You can erase the ink with water, or in a few days the ink will evaporate and disappear.  They are about $3 and can be purchased at any craft store.}

Once I had my lines drawn out, I went to town painting all of the stripes {I used regular old acrylic craft paint and a stiff bristled brush to do this}.

I embellished the stripes further by adding "dots" using a grey and dark pink marker.

I didn't take a picture of this step because it was 2:30 am and I was delusional.  But, you can see what I mean in the picture below.

Finally, I added the small patches by painting little squares all over the lamp shade and embellished them by adding "dots" using the wrong end of a paintbrush and craft paint.

And voila...done.

It's not a perfect or exact replica of the original.  I personalized the colors I used for the stripes.  My only complaint is that I wish I could have captured the "watercolorness" of the Anthro shade.  But it still maintains the vibrance and funk of the original...and it totally shows off Lucy's curvalicious shape, no?  Even better, it only cost me about $15 to complete.  And for that, I like it just fine.

In total, I ended up spending {$3.50 on paint, $5 on new markers cause my kids had dried all of ours out, $4 on new paint brushes and $3 on the water soluable ink pen.  That works out to a grand total of $15.50}.

faux bois...not to be confused with fois gras

First order of bi-ness!  My house blows!!!  First the ceiling falls in...some of you may recall my "accidental skylight".  And today, the basement floods with all manor of stank water...aka. sewer backup.  If I hadn't already invested blood, sweat, tears and our 401K into the place, I'd probably walk away and never look back.  But, since our only other alternative would be to take up residence in a mini van...down by the river, I guess I'll just suck it up, along with all the poo water stanking up the basement.

Second order of business.  I just found out that my {diy flour poufs from $3 rugs project} is being featured over at knock-off decor.  It's a super awesome site totally dedicated to knock-off projects.  Love it!  So, if you love stuff that costs a zillion dollars but only wanna spend a few...head on over to knock-off decor to be inspired.  Thanks Becky!!!

Third order of bizness!

I love faux bois.  Not just love it...but like, loooove it.  It makes me giddy.  Who knew fake wood would complete me, but it does.

I've been looking for ways to incorporate this delicious {unlike the duck liver delicacy with a similar sounding name} pattern into my home decor.  I've considered wall paper...which I might still do

rugs

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throw pillows

{source}

lamp shades {which I sorta already did here}

{source}

but settled on this super simple project for now...diy faux bois frames. 

I found the frames at the thrift store for $5 a piece.  They were thick, chunky and perfect for what I wanted to do. 

All I needed to complete the project was brown and white craft paint {or whatever colors you prefer...just make sure they are contrasting colors} and a stiff, thin bristled paint brush.

I painted the frame and let it dry.  Then with a contrasting color, I painted on my faux bois.  The best part about faux bois is that it is a pretty forgiving design.  It doesn't have to be perfect, to look perfect.  It took me about 15 minutes to paint the design on my frames.  I let them dry, then went over them with watered down brown paint to age them a little and lessen the contrast slightly.

I love how they turned out.  I have just the place for them.  Don't you just love projects that are quick, easy, cheap...but don't look any of the above?  Ya, me too.

Wish me luck in the meantime.  Fingers crossed nothing else goes wrong with this place...at least until the basements put back together. 

 

Let's Play

Howdy peeps!  Long time, no post. 

I have a super fun, super easy project to share with you today, but first let me start from the very beginning.  Oh don't roll your eyes- I'll be brief...ish.

A few weeks ago, I was contacted by DecoArt and asked to try out some of their gloss enamel paint.  I am always game for trying out new products, so I happily consented. 

This particular paint comes in several different finishes:  transparent, opaque, glitter, frost, crystal...  It is ideal for use on porcelain and glass and is now available at your local Michael's craft store.

Initially, I'd planned on upcycling an old porcelain platter or lamp base to test the paint out on, but once I started working, I just wasn't feeling it.  Truth be told, I can't paint worth crap!  I mean, I can paint...if it involves a roller or a spray can.  But my artistic abilities stop beyond that.  Needless to say, I was a little intimidated because of my nonexistant decorative painting skills.  I can honestly say now, having completed my project, that this product is perfect for diy'ers/crafters of varying artistic abilities and backgrounds.

{For glass inspiration, click here, DecoArt Glass Paint., DecoArt/Pinterest }

 

I decided to put the project aside and let things stew for awhile to think about what I wanted to do.  A few days later it donned on me...at 3 o'clock in the morning. {I'm not certain why, but some of my "brightest" ideas [though Studly would beg to differ] come to me during the stills of the night.  Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that it is the only time the house is quiet and I can actually entertain a focused thought.  But whatevs.  Needless to say, I was a little groggy when inspiration struck, but thankful the idea remained when I woke up a few hours later.  And that idea was to create the flippin' coolest "game station" ever. 

Okay, stay with me. 

Awhile back, whilst meandering through Ikea's dented and dinged section, I came across a cute, little glass top table...similar to this one.  I nabbed it not knowing for sure what I would do with it.

I ended up using the two bases as end tables and stashed the glass table top away out in the garage. 

I was relieved to find it still there and that Studly had not tossed out behind my back.  I brought the glass top inside and got to work. 

I prepped the surface by wiping it down with a damp cloth then drying it off with a clean, dry, lint free towel {Rubbing alcohol can also be used to prep the work area}.  After the surface was properly clean and dry, I used a dry erase marker to sketch out my "game plan".

When I was satisfied with the design, I went over it with the DecoArt 3D gloss enamel, glass writer. 

I strategically painted the squares with some transparent, gloss enamel {in turquoise}.

And that was it.  Game over.

After the paint had cured for 48 hours, the fam got to work testing out the new "game table". 

We are a game loving people in these parts, so naturally we are thrilled to have a space designated solely for playing games.  The kids have really taken to it...as you can see.

For the older kids...checkers and chess were a must. 

The pieces are "thrifty chic"...pop bottle caps in contrasting colors.

For the younger ones...tic tac toe. 

Again, with "thrifty chic" game pieces.  I simply painted old canning lids with chalk paint and drew on the circles and exes with chalk.

I decided to also throw in a built in Connect Four


and dots station for good measure. 

Who can resist a rousing game of dots?  I know I can't.

And when everyone is finished playing...the pieces are simply stashed away in the totally recycleable/green game caddy...otherwise know as a cardboard pop bottle carrier painted with chalkboard paint. 

Tres chic.  Or should I say...trash eek?

If no one is in the mood for a rousing game of tic tac toe or chess the space can still be used for {insert board game/card game of your choosing}.

So, if you happen to have an old glass topped end table, kitchen table, coffee table, patio table, old window or random piece of extra panel of glass lying around...don't toss it out.  With little effort and little cost you could have your own fabulous game table.  You might be surprised at the hours of fun {and possibly the occasional fist fight} it will provide.  Game on!